For many Americans, the long slog of winter means one thing: looking forward to your spring break vacation. This March, I joined the crowds and escaped the chill of a nasty Wisconsin winter, if only for a few days, to enjoy some time in sunny Cancun, Mexico. Here’s a taste of what my short stay at RIU Palace Kukulkan was like, and why I would go back to the hotel for my next visit to Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
The Vibe
Elevated kickback. From the moment I stepped foot into RIU Palace Kukulkan’s swanky lobby I was immediately taken by the space’s dramatic decor, marveling at the tall, black marble columns and dramatic, fringed light fixture in the center of the room. The ceilings were soaring and the space felt simultaneously energetic, yet laid-back as guests buzzed about sipping coffees and cocktails at the beautiful lobby bar and cafe.
How I Felt
Excited. This was my first time visiting Cancun’s famous Hotel Zone, and I could already feel the difference between the area’s general aura in comparison to that of Tulum and the Riviera Maya. The short commute from the airport was refreshing, and I was impressed as we simply pulled into the hotel’s driveway without a fuss as opposed to the long, winding journeys I was accustomed to when arriving at other all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.
The Digs
I stayed in a Junior Suite with a partial sea view and the set up was quite nice with two Queen-sized beds, a sitting area and an in-room bathtub. Although I didn’t partake, I was impressed that the mini bar had full-sized bottles of booze on tap in addition to the usual water, soda and coffee selections. Power in the room was controlled by inserting your room key into a slot next to the front door, and aside from my TV having a mind of its own and turning itself back on a handful of times whenever I turned the lights back on (luckily never overnight), I really enjoyed this feature.
The Agenda
I was in Cancun for a whirlwind 48-hour trip to provide on the ground coverage ahead of spring break travel. As such, I spent a lot of time working on my laptop — both from the comfort of my room’s balcony and poolside near the beach — taking photos for upcoming articles and shooting B-roll for social media content. I spent a decent chunk of my time at the hotel in addition to a short afternoon outing to Playa del Carmen on my second day in the destination.
The Eats
Food was a strong point at RIU Palace Kukulkan, and everything I tried was fresh and delicious. The spread at the hotel’s buffet, Don Julio, impressed with flavorful offerings that spanned the gamut from local classics like tacos, empanadas, ceviche and tostados to American fare — think pizza, pasta and burgers — while fresh fruit and a wide range of itty-bitty desserts satisfied my sweet tooth. The Italian restaurant, Rossini, hit the mark with classic pasta and salad bar offerings, while Sunakku, the Asian restaurant, really nailed it with delicious entrees and fun apps that were large enough for the whole table to share.
Why I Would Go Back
The staff at RIU Palace Kukulkan was extremely kind and welcoming, making their presence a compelling reason to return. I also enjoyed this hotel’s prime location in Cancun’s Hotel Zone and am eager to visit again to further explore a new-to-me area in Quintana Roo. Pair this with the property’s beautiful pools, direct beach access and yummy food, and I wouldn’t hesitate to come back.
About the Author
comments