The Arrival

We had a smooth flight from Boston, a short layover in Miami and then it was Hola Mexico!  We were quickly through customs and out of the airport where we found our representative right outside.  We booked through CheapCaribbean.com and they were great!  While other people were getting put into vans and buses, we were taken to our hotel (Excellence Riviera Cancun) in a black Escalade.  That way we didn't have to make multiple stops at other hotels to drop people off along the way.  Our driver was very friendly and gave us some great Mexico tips along the way.  I don't know if it's the same everywhere in Mexico, but right off the bat we were treated like VIPs.  All we heard from everyone was  "Welcome Mr. & Mrs. B., it is our great pleasure to serve you".  Nobody would let us lift a bag or open a door.  Everyone we came in contact with between CheapCaribbean and our resort was tremendously friendly, very professional and eager to help.  And I didn't get the impression that they were just chasing tips...they seemed very genuine.  Plus, our resort was all-inclusive so there's technically no tipping* and the service was still amazing.  We felt very welcome at ERC.  (See my review for all the details).

(*We tip anyway and I'm glad we did because a driver told my friend that most workers at these resorts make about $5.00 a day!)

When we arrived at Excellence Riviera Maya, we stepped out of the Escalade and a resort employee ran up to us with warm, wet towels rolled up on a silver tray and handed us each one using silver tongs.   And when we entered in the lobby, another man hurried over to us with two glasses of champagne!  So luxurious!  The place is s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g! 

The front desk employees were so friendly...reaffirming that it was their pleasure to have us stay with them.  Our room wasn't ready yet so they gave us one of those restaurant style beepers (that buzzes and blinks when they call you) so we were free to wander the resort and we would know exactly when our room was ready.  In the meantime, an employee brought us margaritas and we were barely getting started when the buzzer went off and we were able to go to our room. 

This was the best hotel room I've ever stayed in!  It's a large open-concept room with a king size bed, sitting area, desk, TV armoire, over-sized spa tub, huge shower, double sinks, stocked minibar, and the "x box" which is a little closet that opens into your room but has a door from the outside hallway for room service to put the food in without having to knock on your door or come into your room. ..very cool! Oh, there's also an over-sized spa tub outside on the patio! I loved it! 

We splurged and upgraded to a "swim-up" suite which means that you have the ground floor and the pool passes by your slider (about 25 feet from it).  You also have a hammock and two lounge chairs.  If you like privacy and hanging out by the pool, this is a great option.  There are plants and shrubs between each suite so you don't feel like you're right next to your neighbors.  We were in block or Spa 5 which was a very quiet area.  We liked having the option to go down to the beach for part of the day and then come back to our room and hang out by the pool for quiet relaxation.  The Spa building was right across the way so you can slightly hear the calming music coming from it which was pleasant.