Reflect Cancun Resort & Spa

Krystal Grand Punta opened its doors in early 2014, shortly after its Mexican owners acquired the (approximately) 30-year-old property from Hyatt (this was formerly the Hyatt Regency Cancun). The Krystal Grand is the more refined sister of next-door Krystal Cancun, offering upscale decor in rooms, high-end amenities, and an extra level of prestige found through the ALTITUD Club. With several planned upgrades to the property, ongoing construction will be a major factor until 2016 or so -- which can disturb the otherwise peaceful setting. While it may not be as sleek as some younger and more established properties, this medium-size resort with an all-inclusive option manages to feel like a boutique among the plethora of large resorts in the area. Its more intimate size means less walking, less navigating confusing design layouts, and easier access to the resort's existing and soon-to-be added features. One of Krystal Grand's distinguishing features is it's cylindrical design. Sprouting up around the sunken Lobby Bar, the hotel's constant curve creates a unique sense of place, all the way up to the decorative glass ceiling. The Krystal Grand feels a bit more grown-up and upscale than next-door Krystal Cancun. The overall vibe here is more relaxed and subdued, although if anyone wants to get a bit louder they are welcome to visit Krystal Cancun, which has a more social atmosphere around the pool bar. Guests here tend to be more more stationary, lounging out by the pool or in Bali beds, leisurely grabbing cocktails from the Beach Bar, or grabbing a bite. For the most part, the hotel is full of couples or older families and no one is actively looking to socialize, but people are sometimes up for a chat in the bar areas.

Located just off of the main strip of Boulevard Kukulkan at KM 8.5, Krystal Cancun is tucked away in the small section of Punta Cancun. This allows the hotel to be just a few minutes' walk from all the action of central Cancun without having to absorb the loud music or late partying that can last long into the night. Walkable points of interest include CocoBongos, multiple bars and restaurants, various shopping plazas (including the flea market), and a bus stop that travels around the Hotel Zone loop. Just out of walking distance from the hotel are the Cancun Convention Center and the port to the Isla Mujeres. Tourist attractions Xcaret and Xel-Ha are about a 20-minute drive, while the ruins in Tulum and Coba are about an hour and 45 minutes and 2.5 hours, respectively. Cancun Airport is about 20 minutes by car. 

The 295 contemporary rooms at Krystal Grand Punta Cancun are outfitted in dark woods, beige marble floors, and a color palette of creams, white, celery, and tawny -- with an oddly placed dash of hot pink by the minibar. The three room types are basically cut from the same cloth, with only minor changes in cosmetic and amenity details. For example, regular coffeemakers can be found in Standard and Deluxe rooms and are upgraded to Nespresso machines in the Altitud Suites. All rooms have bathrobes and slippers, but Club Level rooms also come with shoe shining kits, flashlights, and umbrellas. There are also minibars (which need keys), free water bottles, and a nice selection of bathroom toiletries ranging from cotton swabs to shower puffs. All rooms come with balconies (but only some have ocean views), flat-screen TVs with cable, workspaces, iPod dock, and chaise lounges. Suites are essentially two connecting rooms with one side set up as a living room. 

With additions in the works and on the schedule, the Krystal Grand will be continually transforming until 2016 or so. Some of the first additions to be made (slated to be finished in 2015) include both upscale Asian and Italian restaurants and an infinity pool. Right off, the hotel added a few family-friendly features such as a kids' club and activity center, outdoor playground, and kids' pool. Otherwise, the hotel has kept many of the former Hyatt's features in tact, only altering them slightly to fit the new Krystal brand. These include a small, but chic spa area with beauty salon; large fitness rooms; a selection of event and meeting spaces; and three restaurants, including a quick deli-style cafe, casual grill (also offering poolside service), and larger buffet-style lobby spot. The Lounge and Terrace Bar opens for happy hour and is a somewhat swanky spot to grab a cocktail or nibble on some sushi either inside or out on a large wooden deck, while the Lobby Bar -- located in the circular heart of the hotel at the ground level -- has classic airport lounge bar kind of vibe.  For those seeking extra special treatment, the ALTITUD Club access can be purchased via room category and grants guests entry into a VIP lounge on the 14th floor where a special breakfast, sushi happy hour, and other treats are for the taking. The hotel also has non-reciprocal access to the Krystal Cancun next door, giving guests a few more (delicious) dining options, bars, and larger pool area.