Grand Riviera Princess

pauldoba wrote a review September 2025
Church Crookham, Hampshire, England

A warm welcome from start to finish

Let’s get the bad stuff out of the way first there is currently building works going on to half the complex in the name of improving it but

You don’t really notice this to much and to me the hotel is lovely anyway so will be amazing when they finish

You are made so welcome and everything has been arranged so all the restaurants are still available so I still think it’s a five star review

The food is amazing and caters for everyone, the start are so polite and nothing is too much trouble

We will be back 100%

Date of Stay: September 2025

V6094OSchloed wrote a review September 2025
Liphook, Hampshire, England

A spectacular ten days, ready to come back again!

So you would of read - there’s renovations…

What I can tell you, is that this will not effect your holiday

Just returned from 10 days - first ever visit to Mexico and was blown away by the wildlife, weather, hotel, staff and country!

We had a deluxe swim out pool, if you can - I would seriously recommend (such a luxury) we haven’t once had to put towels out, or the worry about the availability of sunbeds

The staff couldn’t do enough for you and feel like we were welcomed by anyone we spoke to

The wildlife at the hotel is a real highlight and not written about enough - deers, coatis (make sure you don’t leave food out- they are cheeky), monkeys, birds, iguanas, geckos and plenty of mosquitos!

Food was great in the buffet, lots of selection and rotation on the menu - out of the “a la carte” we would recommend Le Fleur restaurant for a la carte type service! Hacienda, Mama Mia & Steak all felt like speciality restaurants (service was incredible!) just the food not being so “fancy” as le Fleur

The location seemed perfect for days out (which we would recommend) booked whilst we were at the hotel - poolside desk areas to book as well as desks near reception! Swimming’s with turtles & xcaret (no transfer time longer than 45 minutes)

Cleanliness couldn’t be marked high enough - there are so many staff all dedicated to certain areas of the hotel or the rooms - our room was kept spotless and topped up!

For my last recommendations- bring small notes (pesos/dollars) to tip, pack a cold cup (Stanley/yeti) keeps your drinks cold, reusable straw (these are not readily available)

Date of Stay: September 2025

JudyAnn1622 wrote a review September 2025
Candiac, Quebec

A great week

We were at this resort and excellent sercice everywhere. The tennis pro Alfredo is the best we have seen in many years. Do not hesitate to book him to play or to take lessons.

Date of Stay: September 2025

ashleysK4099SN wrote a review September 2025

Book somewhere else

If I could give the place zero stars I would. I have a unique case where I arrived 1 day before my family did so I booked myself one night, thinking I could just add on to their booking with they arrived. I was terribly wrong. The hotel wanted me to book myself my own room. Which is dumb because why would I stay in a room by myself when I’m here to spend it with my family. Now we have 2 rooms when we only needed one? We have an empty room! So we asked if we could have 2 rooms that connected or if they could upgrade us to a suite. Wrong again! Nope 2 rooms in 2 different buildings. Doesn’t make any sense. This is my first and last time staying here. There are so many other options to book a stay in Rivera maya. Oh and they don't price match so I needed to book a room on Expedia to get the discounted rate. Otherwise they wanted to charge me twice the price in person. Again super inconvenient. Nothing about my stay has been worth the headache of ever coming back. Another thing the place is under construction so if you enjoy seeing boarded up walls and pathways that’s the view you’ll get. Save yourself the hassle and find another place that values your time, and money.

Date of Stay: September 2025

LadyJCas wrote a review September 2025

Anniversary getaway

This was our 4th visit to Princess Riviera, and each trip has been different but always wonderful. Mario made check-in and check-out effortless, and we truly appreciated the upgrade and special attention—thank you, Mario, you are a gem!

The buffet food and drinks were good, and the entertainment was fantastic. We loved the reggae band at the beach, the evening music groups, and Disco Areito. La Vaquería restaurant really stood out—both the food and service were excellent. Fernando went above and beyond to make our anniversary celebration unforgettable.

The pools were great, and even after hours of soaking, I had no chlorine rash, which was a pleasant surprise. Renovations were happening on one side of the resort, but they didn’t affect our stay. We also received the complimentary spa as advertised on Expedia, though we still prefer the Hydro Spa.

As for the sargassum, it was present, but that’s nature, and the resort staff worked diligently to keep the beach as clear as possible. Overall, another memorable stay at Princess Riviera—we’ll be back again!

Date of Stay: June 2025

605baselg wrote a review September 2025

Totally Disappointed

I can never recommend this property under any circumstances for the following reasons:
1) Beach - UNUSABLE - tons of seaweeds per cm
Beach layout is not like 5 stars hotel
If you are a beach person don’t ever turn your face to this place.
2) Buffet - over than 70% of dishes are just to fill up the tables but not a proper meals
At the Buffet entrance you will be asked to provide room number and the enter it in the system - still can’t figure it out, WHY!!
Never seen that in any all inclusive resorts in DR nor even poor Cuba!!!
3) Very poor management, no flexibility at all, they just operate by the book.
4) Shops in the reception ground floor, if you buy anything they don’t give you back you change unless if you by half the bill you are paying. To make it clear, you buy something worth 5 usd and you present 20 usd , they will not give you back 15 usd unless if you buy something that worth 10 usd then they will give you back 10 usd change!!!! Never seen this in life time.
5) All are unfriendly mainly the manager who helped us checking in.
Please think twice before booking this place.
I feel like in a jail counting the seconds for this delima to end and wr go back home and block this vacation out of any of our memories or erase thise terrible days from our lives.

Date of Stay: September 2025

P528RImarkh wrote a review September 2025

Excellent Service and a great resort.

Renovations

Lets get this out the way - yes Renovations are ongoing at sunset side.
Yes, those highly negative reveiws and pictures are people atively taking the WORST shots and peaking through screens.
If you don't pay attention to it, you really don't notice.
Yes some noise if sitting close by with occasionaly power tool but you only notice if focussing upon it and the resort is huge so who can be far away from the works.
Sunset side should be finished by 1st November then switching to Riviera side.

Now, it seems many were not informed of the works prior to booking - hence Trip advisor and the like can be helpful as it helped us.
Our agent was the same - TUI. The renovations work was very much hidden in the small print along with local tax info and only when you had got through to the booking stage. It really should be up front and clear so people can make an informed opinion
and for it not to be a negative surprise.

Everything was open and functional. The only impact for us was nightly entertainment (see below)

Rooms
A little dated now - hence the Renovations but fully functional. We also got a free upgrade on arrival as it was our second year and well we were just being nice at checkin!
Very clean, cleaned daily, minibar stocked daily, fresh towels,linen daily,shower/bath products.
Tip : Point the hand held shower attachement outword - and set the diverter to use it.
Enjoy the Scream as your daughter goes for a shower and tuns it on....
Chukle in amusment to oneself at a job well done.

Wildlife
Deer,Monkeys,Coati,Iguanas the odd grass snake, coulourful birds.

So Coati, last year these were a bit of a meance - just too many of them and there was a poolside Burger/Taco Stand which just created the perfect environment for scavengers. I'm so PLEASED this has gone!! and so has the problem of the Coati going through the bins. Now they are once again cute and not a menace.
Some guests could still be mindul though, some were brining BBQ food back from the beach and leaving half eaten plates about - it just attracts scavaging type behaviours - the Food stuffs should remain in the designated areas imo.

Food/Drink
You are never too far from a bar with a wide selection including Branded spirits.
Tip - Take a Thermos style cup - keeps ya cocktails cold and means fewer trips to the bar and saves on washing up.

Buffets be they Breakfast/lunch/dinner. Wide selection with daily staples and also a daily theme. Service is impecable, your drinks never get to run dry.

Speciality Restaurants.
Some of these have been relocated due to the reonvations but the food is still just excellent and the service I feel has further improved from last year. Easy to book using the hotels own App.

Pools.
A little worn around the edges now - again hence the reonvations. Some pools were closed due to this but with the hotel running at less than half capacity it was no issue.
Team were out daily keeping them clean.

Beach.
Much talk of the Sagassum (sea weed) this year - it has been a longer season for it.
Yes it's unsightly, yes it smells a bit, yes I guess this could put you off if you are a beach lover. The Beach is ver shallow and you can be a good 100m out and only be waist deep.
BBQ for lunch and easy to reach bar.
Tip - Watershoes are recommended.

Entertainment.

There were live bands around the activity pools playing Reggae. Entertainment team providing activities without them hassling you; do as little or as much as you choose.

Unfortunately - the Evening entertainment was hit by the Renovations. The main Theatre is closed - so a small stage has been constructed temporarily. There were very few external shows, with much of the entertainment being performed by the in house staff - Whilst they work hard and were good if you're there for 2 weeks like us it's very repetitive. Clearly increased service around the plaza given the tiny temporary bar now, so many staff taking tableside orders.

What makes this place is the service, everyone is more than helpful and professional and equally you can have a good conversation and have fun.

Many shout outs over the years for their favourite waiters; we had one but also shout out to some others who are may often be overlooked.

Snack (Breafast/lunch) Restaurant - Host/Guest Greeting: Jocelyn.
She was great! So friendly and always smiling! She "Prayed for us" long story!!

Fleur/Miso Bar - Oteneil.
Always prepared our drinks with professionalism and flare.

Fleur - Ricardo.
We only saw him once, but during an incident (another long story!!) he was just Epic!
The most professional and dedication Ive seen for a long time.

Waiter - Raziel. In both the buffets and particularly the Speciality Restaurants.
He was just a great guy. Again very profesional, great to have a conversation/joke with and did everything to make our stay memorable.

Restuarant Floor Manager - I think? didn't catch his name though.

Has a great team, again professional, friendly, enthusiastic - kept putting us with Raziel even when we begged to go else where - What did we do to deserve that! :-)

Hopefully see you again when the reonvations are complete - hopefully things are not too "modern" and doesn't lose it's Character.

Overall Given the reonvations and the efforts made and the very limited impact it had on us - 5*

The food and Service is where it's at though - don't let this slip.

Regards,
M+A

Date of Stay: September 2025

mikeybear1968 wrote a review September 2025
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Amazing resort and such a beautiful place and staff

Still currently here and must say this place is amazing
Brilliant staff
Yea there’s renovations happening but it doesn’t affect anything
The à la carte restaurant are amazing especially le fleur
Would I come here
Most definitely

Date of Stay: September 2025

emilytP4988FL wrote a review September 2025
Burgess Hill, West Sussex, England

Excellent

First time to Mexico and travelled as a family on 28th Aug for 12 nights. I cannot rate this hotel highly enough from check in to check out, it was all very smooth.

The hotel is very impressive to look at and very vast in size. I felt very safe as adequate security throughout the resort.

The rooms were spotless with great king sized beds which were very comfortable. The A/C was very effective plus a ceiling fan as well. There is a massive bathroom with a powerful shower and plenty of hot water. We were advised to keep the balcony doors closed when in the room due to the roaming Coati’s as they will find their way into the rooms so be careful.

We mainly ate in the main buffet restaurant at night where the food was plentiful and to a high standard. The selection was insane and cooked to a high standard. We ate in the restaurant by the pool for lunch simply because it was nearer to the pool we preferred and again, plenty of selection. The waiters were very attentive and area kept cleared throughout our meals. We also ate in the steak, Italian and Asian restaurant with no restrictions as to how many times we could boom for them during our stay.

There were 5 pools open and we preferred the pool nearest the beach as roomy and plenty of sun loungers to choose from with lots of parasols or wooden pergolas for shade. I’m not sure if it was the time of year we travelled but no need to reserve beds and loads free all day plus the hotel wasn’t to capacity so no where felt crowded.

One area of the hotel was being renovated which had another pool but the building work did not disrupt our stay and screened off but work has to be done at some stage but it wasn’t a problem.

The beach was lovely and peaceful again with plenty of loungers and shade. Yes there’s lots of seaweed but that’s not the hotels fault and didn’t spoil how beautiful it is.

The variety of wildlife roaming about the complex simply added to the ambiance of the country you are visiting and we were totally fascinated by the animals. Yes there’s lots Coati’s are very food focused so do come scrounging but the simple rule is, don’t leave food or drinks lying about and they’ll soon go!

We used the ‘bus’ service occasionally which ran all night to get home as it’s a lot of walking but keeps your steps up!

I guess my only slight criticism is the bars in the evenings as there are only two so can imagine it could pretty busy if hotel is full. We reforge Sports bar as it had A/C and a card table but quite nosey in there with music and other guests. The bar by reception is nice but gets really hot despite it not being in-closed.

The weather was amazing but very hot averaging about 40c and we were very lucky as only had approx 3 isolated showers (with thunder & lightening) which didn’t last long but not sure if this is normal bearing in mind, it is there stormy season. However, I’m not going to moan about the high temperatures as it was miles better than UK weather and bearable!

We booked a trip to swim in the cenotes and snorkel with the turtles in Akumal which is a two centered trip and was an amazing day and not too far to travel. We absolutely loved the trip so well worth it.

There are loads of staff at the resort who work tirelessly and all very friendly which allows the hotel to run so smoothly and to a very good standard.

For my first visit, I was definitely not disappointed and would absolutely visit here again

Date of Stay: August 2025

255wandam wrote a review October 2025

Great option for families and couples...

The resort is quite lovely. The rooms are very clean and spacious. The food is fantastic with many options available at the buffets. The a la carte restaurants are very nice also, although the wine is expensive.
The pools are superb. We especially enjoyed the swim up bars! We met a lot of great people while we were there. Some of whom we will never forget. The beaches were nice, although the seaweed was hard to walk through and there were many rocks that you had to navigate past.
The staff was wonderful. I especially want to thank Alex Maldonado (The Royal Club) for all his help. He provided us with a lot of information that helped us navigate our way through the week.
I also wish to thank Sweet Margarita from the Photo Lab. She is such a joy to be around. So friendly and a lovely soul.
If you like the nightlife, there's plenty of entertainment options available throughout the evening. I suggest that if you can upgrade to the Platinum VIP option for your stay, do so.
If shopping is your thing, by all means the shuttle into the town is your best option. 5th Avenue has everything you could possibly want.
We didn't take any excursions, but there's lots of variety available. Some can be a little pricey, but for those who want the full experience, it's well worth the cost.
Over all, the resort is a great option and at the mid range price for a lovely stay, it's well worth the money.

Date of Stay: September 2025

eckos474 wrote a review October 2025
Middletown, Butler County, Ohio

A+ would stay here again

Beautiful place, great food, everyone was super nice except one concierge. He was smug. I just walked away and got different help. Yes they’re renovating but wasn’t bothersome. Beach was beautiful. Pools were amazing! I already want to book again for next year! The new renovation includes a new kids area with a big pirate ship and water park. Our room was clean. Don’t feed animals or they will be on your balcony lol

Date of Stay: October 2025

I4758KKemmab wrote a review October 2025

Just awful- avoid until works complete and even then avoid TUI completely

Im still here now unfortunately. Please avoid if you are yet to book. There is refurbishment ongoing at the hotel and it is disruptive despite what people will try to say. There is noise and the place looks ugly. Restaurants are “technically” (TUI rep Alberto’s favourite word) relocated but in reality multiple restaurants are put into the buffet area so you feel like you are eating in a canteen. If you’re with TUI rep Alberto is rude and not interested in the slightest. He has an answer ready to go for everything- suggesting he might just have had the conversation once or twice. The beach grill restaurant is shut. Food is average. Cocktails are reasonable. There are no snacks available either in the room or out and about. There is also wildlife everywhere, including monkeys which rifle through bags constantly by the pool. One even got into someone’s room in the middle of the night via the patio door- which was shut! Please book elsewhere. I’m absolutely gutted I’ve wasted precious annual leave and hard earned money coming here.

Date of Stay: October 2025

Q5270CHanitar wrote a review October 2025

Disappointed

Very disappointed they under construction and wasn't told the food was not so good the entertainment was good either by the pool area they have no music .it was raining and I fell in front of the store at the resort no mat or sign they did nothing just covering them self we had a deluxe room the rooms have no place to put your clothes in. I wont go again I'll stay some where else

Date of Stay: September 2025

Cairdy wrote a review October 2025
Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland

Lovely hotel, great stay.

We booked this hotel last minute after seeing it at a great value price. We were aware there were renovations taking place before we arrived so expected some disruption.

We were very pleased with the hotel, the grounds are lovely and well kept, lots of pools and seating areas.

We were very happy with our junior suite room, which was very clean and lots of room for myself, my husband and our 15 year old daughter. The only thing I would suggest is more drawers or a bit more space for clothing.

The food in the buffet restaurants was good quality with plenty choices. We also ate in the a la carte restaurants which were very good too. At first when we looked at the app it didn’t look like there was much availability to book them but I checked each day and slots seemed to be added regularly.

There were always sunbeds available both at the pool and the beach. We did the jet skis at the beach which were great fun.

There were the renovations taking place but it was contained to one side of the resort and we did not notice much as it is screened off and certainly did not hear any noise from our room.

We booked Xcaret through Nexus at the hotel which was the cheapest option for us and had a great day there with quick transfers to and fro.

We got the hotel shuttle into Playa Del Carmen but didn’t really enjoy it there as it was busy and you get constantly approached to enter shops.

The entertainment was good and plenty choices of cocktails although they could have had menus available at the bars for them, we had to look up the options on the app.

We felt there could have been more options for snacks throughout the day out with buffet times and were disappointed that the icecream cafe was only available to kids club guests.

The day before we left the newly renovated Sunset buffet restaurant opened and we had a great dinner there. It was decorated nicely.

The coatis were not shy and would come up to your bags and drinks if you did not shoo them away but were fine otherwise. It was nice to see the deer and cats wandering about the gardens too.

We would definitely like to return and see the resort fully open although we might not get as good a deal then!

Date of Stay: October 2025

Lil-Henry wrote a review October 2025
Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador

Not as good as 2 years ago

PROS
Met a trolley driver Johnny (Johnathon ) who MADE our trip. He was a very Happy, cheerful employee and always willing to help by picking us up anytime we needed him.
Property was well taken care off.
Rooms were clean
Lots of food in buffet.

CONS
As a second time guest we never received any upgrades even though we asked unless you can call $20 off per person per night on a $140 per night per person upgrade.
Most of the ala carte restaurants were closed
Had a problem getting reservations for the 4 of us at more than 2 restaurants.
Corona beer was too expensive so Modelo was the prevalent beer. Corona was available at select locations only.
Entertainment was very little and it was outside where there was lots of mosquitoes! Not like 2 years ago, where the entertainment was held inside in an air conditioned bar. 2 years ago the shows were amazing .
The beach was full of seaweed ( no fault of the hotel ) however we could not go to the beach ( our choice ).

Mexico
All excursions and resorts have an Environmental Fee associated with it. Usually $20.00 per person in US$.

Date of Stay: October 2025

adriansX3964BT wrote a review October 2025

Glad we choose this place.

The hotel has excellent food and with the new upgrades trough out the buildings it’s looking better. They also have night shows that really are worth seeing. One of them is Bailes Urbanos and those dancers kept all audience excited. Great performance!

Date of Stay: October 2025