Hotel NYX Cancun

The NYX Hotel Cancun (formerly Avalon Grand Cancun) sits on a raised level from the street, with an elegant white-banister stairway leading to the mustard yellow and white entrance. The property consists of five five-story towers (some of which lack elevators) with gorgeous Mediterranean- and Spanish-style architecture, well-maintained grounds, and multiple ocean-view vantage points. Due to 2014 renovations, many of the public spaces and rooms received a modern makeover, though some rooms and areas such as the spa are still a bit old-fashioned. The lobby is the best example of the contemporary makeover; it features striking gold circles above the front desk, chic furniture, bright wall accents, and hot pink throw pillows and rugs. The NYX is best suited to couples, though families with children and friends on Spring Break also frequent the hotel. It generally has a lively vibe during the day and a more tranquil atmosphere at night.

NYX Hotel Cancun is situated on one of the best stretches of beach in the Hotel Zone. Several restaurants, stores, and bars are within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, including the Plaza Flamingo and La Isla shopping malls, The Westin, Starbucks, Outback Steakhouse, and Chili's. A marina for water sports is about a 15-minute walk north, and the main nightlife district is about a 10-minute drive or bus ride. A local bus stop is just in front of the property, plus rental car companies are within five minutes' walking distance. Downtown Cancun is a 25-minute drive away, while Cancun International Airport is about a 20-minute drive. The hotel offers free parking.

The NYX Hotel Cancun has 163 rooms that include Basic Rooms without windows, Standard Rooms -- not all of which have been renovated, and modern Junior and Master Suites with living areas. Aside from the Basic Rooms -- which are located in a quieter area of the hotel -- all have private furnished balconies that have ocean, lagoon, or street views. Standard Rooms have either old-fashioned, colonial-style decor and tile floors or modern furnishings and wood floors. They all have neutral-tone color palettes with earth-tone artwork. Junior Suites have pullout sofa beds and either lagoon views or partial ocean views, while larger Master Suites have full ocean views, are larger, and include separate living rooms with a second TV. These have large sliding glass doors that let in lots of light and open onto private balconies or terraces. Bathrooms vary between more traditional and contemporary, but all have showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and toiletries. All rooms include air-conditioning and ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges, as well as electronic safes and ironing facilities. The free in-room Wi-Fi signal varies from strong to non-existent depending on room location.

The NYX Hotel Cancun has sufficient facilities and dining options for its size. Most notable is the lovely stretch of beach, lined with modern loungers, daybeds (for a fee), and a handful of umbrellas and straw palapas. It shares this with the Beach Palace hotel, though there always ample loungers. Overlooking the sandy beach is the main medium-size pool, which has a separate kids' pool and whirlpool, plus an adjacent bar. A second swimming pool is located in a quieter setting, but often lacks enough loungers. Spa services are available, and there are indoor treatment rooms as well as a massage hut on the beach. There's also a tiny gym overlooking the ocean, but it only has a few machines and free weights, plus a beach volleyball court. Many guests choose to go the all-inclusive route, and there are two on-site restaurants -- one of which is open for breakfast, and the other which is open from lunch until late and has views of the water. Breakfast is buffet-style with additional a la carte options, while lunch and dinner are both a la carte. Food receives positive reviews. In addition to the pool bar, there's a bar in the lobby. Room service is not included in the all-inclusive plan. The lobby has a tour desk, a photo studio desk, a gift shop, two public computers, and a TV room with a billiards table. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but the signal can be spotty depending on the location.