Catalonia Riviera Maya - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2978 reviews

• 

  This was my 7th time in Mexico, and, the small size made this a very enjoyable experience. I would recommend this resort

  The resort was nice and compact. Maybe 5 minutes from lobby to beach. The bed was amazingly soft and comfortable, never an issue with hot water unless after 7. The noise literally died at 10PM sharp. The entertainment was exceptional in the theatre. The beach, if you need lots of sand and walk into the water without water shoes, this is not the spot. However, with the barrier blocking the waves, there were lots of fish. I snorkeled 4 days, multiple times each day. Lots of fish to see and water never more than 6 feet deep, and mostly calm waters. Food at the buffet was excellent with lots to choose from. Our favorite servers were Mayoli and Arthuro, both closer to the back of the restaurant. A little tip goes a long ways. Ask for them. The A-la-carte restaurants required a reservation using an app. Absolutely ridiculous. try to get a reservation at a reasonable time. Don't even think about a group larger than 4. We succeeded one night for part of the group at the Grill, spoke with the manager who provided a table for the entire group. We were celebrating 2 birthdays, they brought out desserts with candles for the young ones celebrating. Our greeter, Yexemeria, our server Ivan and the manager Saul, certainly made our visit very enjoyable. The food was exceptional. I did see on the menu, "for exclusive members only", possible reason why we couldn't get a reservation. Two other people who need to be mentioned are Betty and Olivia, both were very helpful on several occasions. I did talk to their manager, whom I found polite, but somewhat cold and business like. The bartenders in the lobby bar need some work on customer service. Rather curt and unhelpful. Once, at the bar an individual asked for change of a 100 peso bill, they declined. When customer left, I understood, bank in an unfriendly tone. I never tipped them after that. Overall, the week at this resort was enjoyable and would give consideration to returning.

  Jan 27, 2025
• 

  Great resort!

  The Catalonia Riviera Maya is a great resort and one we would definitely stay at again! Disclaimer: We arrived in late January so perhaps not as busy as it would be in February or March. Crowds were definitely not an issue while on resort. This is a small resort. You can go from the lobby, and most rooms, to the pool and beach in less than 2 minutes. Rooms, pools, common areas are well maintained and in great condition. Staff: The staff here were very friendly and helpful and always had a smile! We have to admit that we are definitely fans of Mexico and its people. Love it here! Food: The quality of the food at the Las Brisas buffet is always good. Lots of premade items and also items (eggs, omelettes, chicken, fish, pork chops) that they will cook fresh for you. Entertainment: Around the pool area you will find the normal things you would expect at an all inclusive resort. This team was excellent and did a great job getting people involved. Shows: The show team did an excellent job on their productions. The Greatest Showman was perhaps the best production we have ever seen at a resort. The choreography was exceptional, aerial acrobatics and a number of singers were very high quality. The second show we really enjoyed was Broadway musicals, again excellent job by the people. Beach: The beach is protected by concrete barriers so large waves are not an issue. If you are someone who likes to snorkel the lagoon is a great spot to see different fish. Our Grand-daughters actually saw a baby shark. However, this beach is not for everyone. You have to walk over rock and coral to get into the water which then leads to a sandy area. Water shoes are a must! If you like to walk along the shore at the edge of the water this is not a good spot for you as it is not possible. Palapas: Good amount of palapas. The palapas are raised above the water and you have to walk on a boardwalk to get to the beach areas which is only a couple of hundred feet long. Cons – the only con for the resort is the system you have to use to make reservations for the A la Carte restaurants. This was a painful experience and very frustrating. If you are traveling with other people (like we were) you cannot make reservations for more than the number of people in your room. We were trying to celebrate two birthdays and had to finally go to the Grill and ask for help. The manager was very accommodating and quickly looked after us and we were able to celebrate. I will note that this complaint was a topic of conversation with a lot of guests and was recognized by a lot of the staff as well. Definitely something that needs to be reviewed and updated to something more user friendly. Overall we would definitely return to the resort and have actually talked about finding another week in February when we might be able to return.

  Jan 27, 2025
• 

  Extremely Disappointed

  Very disappointed with the Resort; unprofessional and Rude Staff. Not money worth, smelly room; not good views—-uneasy reservations for Restaurants—-not quality food—not variety of foods—Restaurants open only for Dinner—buffet bad

  Jan 26, 2025
• 

  Enjoyable Catalonia experience

  We loved our stay at Catalonia Riviera Maya. The pools and beach were both amazing, loved the swim up bars and it helps to have water shoes for the rocky parts but there are lots of non rocky parts to enjoy and sandy beach! Restaurants had delicious food, but the reservation system is a bit stressful as you have to go online at 8am and they book so fast. I personally loved the entertainment at night, so much professional shows and great dancers. We were entertained every day with the staff providing activities and getting to know the people there and involve them! Very impressed at how fun they made it. We had a couple hiccups like the safe or fridge not working, but after calling front desk we had someone come right up to fix it within 10 mins! The rooms were nice and balconies great for hanging out, one in every room. The drive from the airport was a bit over an hour but it's in a safe gated community and you can rent golf carts to explore the marina and shops. We were offered a visit to the spa in exchange for letting them show us the priveledged section and explain how it works. Took a bit longer than expected with a bit of pressure-selling but the info was helpful and the couples massage and hydra therapy were so worth it, we loved it!! We would love to go back one day.

  Jan 23, 2025
• 

  Riviera Maya Grand Resort and Spa, thanks to my Concierge Maria&Alfred

  I would like to give thanks to my 2 favourite Concierge people,Maria&Alfred, they helped out so much during our stay at the Riviera Maya Grand Resort&Spa. Thank you Maria and Alfred for my Birthday strawberries they were delicious Ty Ty to the both of my Concierge people.I recommend this resort because it is so big and they have a lazy river thats about a7 minute awesome ride, the Concierges are very helpful ,people are very respectful their. That was my husband and I first time being at that resort not to mention I celebrated my Birthday their it was awesome and warm.we have been to many different resorts in Mexico but I would go back to this resort again it Riviera Maya Grand Resort and Spa .Thanks Maria &Alfred for making our best trip ever xox…..

  Jan 16, 2025