The beach at the Grand Oasis Cancun resort. |
BY MARK CHESNUT
I have to admit that before my recent visit as a guest at the Grand Oasis Cancun resort, I was a bit confused about what was the difference between the various Oasis Hotels & Resorts properties in Cancun. After all, isn’t one all-inclusive Cancun hotel the same as any other?
The answer, of course, is no, and following some lengthy site inspections, I can say that I now understand what makes each Oasis property unique, and the types of traveler that each is best suited for. So before you click “reserve” on that travel site, you might want to check out my series of reviews of the four Oasis hotels in Cancun’s main hotel zone.
Mayan influence: The pyramid-shaped main building at the Grand Oasis Cancun resort. |
THE STYLE: This is the type of architecture that you might picture when you think of Cancun hotels: Mayan-inspired angled structures, centered around a gigantic, pyramid-style main building with a central atrium overflowing with greenery. A large entertainment staff is often lurking in the main reception area, greeting new guests with song (one of my fellow travelers was greeted by a very friendly “vampire”). This lively atmosphere extends to parts of the large swimming pool areas as well; during my visit one section was used mostly by college-age students (enjoying a live DJ and chatty MC with a microphone), while another large pool area was quieter, with families and couples.
Time for bed: My guest room at the Grand Oasis Cancun resort. |
THE AMENITIES: Rooms are conservatively decorated but tidy and bright. The pool complex is beautifully landscaped, and the beachfront is quite attractive (the small gym has an especially good beach view). Included is access to a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and 18 restaurants and bars (the a-la-carte restaurants had the best food during my visit). If you can fit it into your budget, I recommend upgrading to the Oasis Plus level, which includes VIP check-in and access to a VIP lounge that’s comfortable and relaxing, with great WiFi.
The Grand Oasis Cancun is the lively, entertainment-oriented property in the Oasis family. Name-brand performers are often on the stage here (I saw a fun performance by Kool and the Gang during my visit). Not to be missed is the performance by the Birdmen, a Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatic dance show that takes place after dark in the atrium and is truly worth seeing (check out the video here).
BEST FOR: The Grand Oasis Cancun is ideal for vacationers looking for lots of entertainment options. Budget-conscious travelers will find good deals, with lots of restaurant choices and activities included. Young adults (i.e., college kids) will find spirited fun with people their own age.
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