Looking for a Truly All Inclusive Experience? Book a Trip to the Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun

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Disclosure: I was invited to the Hard Rock Hotel resort and expenses were paid, but as always, all opinions are my own and honest. I was not required nor paid to write this review.

A few weeks ago, I visited the beautiful Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun, Mexico. The beaches in Cancun are some of the best around, and it’s only a short flight for most Americans. Travel to Mexico is easy, flights are short, the food is good, and your dollar goes far. The Hard Rock Cancun was completely amazing- and truly all inclusive.

As I walked into the hotel, I was greeted with a most welcome frozen drink- it was quite warm outside, and after a very early flight from a very cold NY, and landing in a tropical paradise, the temperature change was something. Checking in with a cold drink in my hand was definitely a nice touch, and very thoughtful. The room I stayed in had two beds, a jacuzzi, and a double sink to make getting ready with a family easier and faster. The bathroom and shower were also in a separate room, so that one person could be showering while everyone else gets ready for dinner, the beach, or wherever you desire to go.

As soon as I checked in, there were water bottles waiting for me in the room (as we all know not to drink the water in Mexico, our systems can’t handle it) and some fresh fruit was delivered- again, just little thoughtful touches. Also in the room was a small refrigerator that was full of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, juice boxes, and more- all part of the all inclusive price of the room. This is also useful if you have a baby on formula or for storing breast milk. It’s super convenient not to have to run out of the room every time you or your little one is thirsty.

Also- if you are traveling by yourself, with friends, as a couple and left the kids at home (or perhaps left the family pet with a sitter) you know you will be nervous and want to check in from time to time. Your phone may or may not work in Mexico- but one more perk of the Hard Rock Hotel is that phone calls and internet are both included- make as many phone calls as you like, you won’t be charged extra fees. There are many hotels that claim to be all inclusive- this is the first where I truly wasn’t asked to spend money for extras like phone calls, internet, and even cans of soda or a mini bar in the room. Want room service at 2 am? Go ahead- call and order. It’s part of the package.

Super thoughtful extras, like sunblock and even aloe, are available by the pool just in case some traveler forgot to bring theirs. Which from what I saw, many did, and made use of this basket. It was located by the towels, which you get fresh and clean as often as you need to.

The resort is directly on the beach, which any parent will tell you is a huge plus. No need to lug all your gear and toys all up and down, just a few steps to the sand. If you like, there are lounge chairs and umbrellas right on the beach, set up and waiting for you. You can also rent cabanas for the day. If you prefer to lounge by the pool, this one won’t leave you wanting. There are plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas situated all about the pools, as well as two swim up bars that have both alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. There are several buffets with food all day and night long poolside, with tables and chairs to eat at as well if you prefer to just grab a quick poolside bite for lunch rather then go to one of the resort’s restaurants.

When you are at the pool, there is always music playing, but often there is live music playing. Live bands, including former American Idol contestant Casey James, play regularly at the Hard Rock Hotel. There is a real party atmosphere to the place, while not being anywhere near out of control or frenzied. It’s just a laid back, fun, party place to be. The kids pool is located further back, of course. As part of your “Rock and Roll Fantasy”, not only is there live music, and night time entertainment, but of course the signature Hard Rock “Rock Star” memorabilia on the walls and even ceilings of the hotel and lobby (ask to take a tour, or find a map and take one self guided). You will be vacationing like a rock star from the time you are dropped off at the hotel to the time you cut off your bracelet to leave.

This is a full resort, you don’t need to leave it to have a full and relaxing vacation if you don’t want to. There are several restaurant options, pools, shops, lounges, even a spa to spend the day relaxing. If your kids are small, there is the Little Big Club, where they can spend the day doing fun activities with the staff. There is a kids pool, several activity rooms, video game room, bounce house, and more. They can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner there, and are open from 8 am until 9 pm. Parents must sign a waiver in order to drop kids off there. babysitters are also available for hire, this is an additional expense and must be arranged.

Perhaps you and dad need a break from the kids, or they want one from you. Located in it’s own building on the hotel property, this program offers a variety of different programs and activities for kids. Some of these activities include Angelina Ballerina coming in to lead play and dance in her own activity room, dress up, Barney coming in to lead a band that the kids participate it, Spanish lessons, sing-a-longs, painting, playing in the Thomas the Tank train area, and more. There are also live shows several times a week- check the schedule to see when one is playing.

The live show has four singers/dancers who entertain the kids with a rock medley of old and new songs mixed with nursery rhymes. Each of the four Little Big Club characters also takes a turn coming on stage and helping the foursome learn to “be a better band” and “get into the Hall of Fame” with dance moves and melodies. “The Little Big Club Band goes on an adventure to put together the Ultimate Rock Show! It’s a grand finale of singing, dancing and audience participation. Join Barney, Angelina Ballerina, Bob the Builder and Thomas the Tank Engine for this high energy, rockin’ good time!”

They also give the kids in the audience props, balloons, and guitars to play at the end of the show with the Little Big Club Band. It’s very cute, the kids got quite into it.

courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel

The spa services at the Rock Spa were amazing, and were great for relaxing (as they should be!) The spa smelled wonderful, and had a calm atmosphere. You can get massages, facials, manicures- you name it. When you arrive, you sit in a waiting room where it is quiet and warmly lit, and a heated, scented neck pillow is put around you. When you leave for your appointment, you are led to a private room where you melt away in total relaxation. I honestly fell asleep at some point during the massage treatment, it was that relaxing and blissful. How often do we as mothers get a minute to ourselves, true? Take one, it’s worth it.

The hotel has six fantastic- and very different- restaurants, so you are sure to find things you love. The breakfast buffet was also amazing, with a whole room of options and foods to please even the pickiest of eaters. You can even find boxed cereals if your little one is REALLY picky. Some of the other dining options are; The Market – International buffet, Frida – Contemporary Mexican a la carte, Zen – Asian a la carte – Izakaya, teppanyaki & sushi, Ciao – Italian fine dining a la carte, Ipanema – Rodizio – Brazilian Grill, and Pizzeto – brick-oven style pizza. If you are like me, you will do your best to try them all- Frida was my favorite, with Ipanema as a close second.

Should you so desire, there are many tours you can opt to take if you would like to explore Mexico or take an excursion, perhaps try snorkeling or go golfing. This area is rich in culture and history, you might want to find a tour (or more) that tickles your fancy and see what there is to see.

Tulum, historic site. Bring a bathing suit, you can swim in the ocean you see below.

Some of your options include Riviera Cancun Golf Club,Playacar spa & golf club, visits to Chichen Itza, Coba, Tulum, and Cozumel.
Some nearby attractions that can be arranged for you include Eco & Adventure Parks, Xcaret, Xel-ha, Xplor, and Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve.
You can go shopping at la isla shopping villa, Kukulcan Plaza &
Luxury Avenue, Plaza Caracol and Plaza Las Americas as well if you would like, this can also be arranged for you. The hotel aims to please and wants to you fully enjoy your time in Cancun, whatever you enjoy.

Each all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel features luxury accommodations including inroom
double Jacuzzis, fine dining, top-shelf drinks, 24-hour room service, custom
rockstar memorabilia, expansive pools with swim up bars, live entertainment,
concerts, celebrity appearances and signature events including Summer with the
Stars, All Star Country Vacation, Ultimate Rock N’ Roll Experience.

The next time you are looking to get away from it all, but have it all right where you are, book a trip to the Hard Rock Cancun. Follow along for more news, updates, and specials.

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• Hard Rock Cancun Website: http://www.hrhcancun.com/