I stayed at the Caracol between 18th February and 4th March 2007 and couldn't have wanted a better holiday. I'd return tomorrow. Anyone that complains about this fantastic hotel must be just those type of people that complain about anything. The place is spotlessly clean, and is being cleaned and maintained constantly. The staff are wonderful, friendly and can't do enough to help. They work tirelessly, long long hours and always have a smile and chat with you. Our rep told us that they love the Brits because we are not rude to them like the Canadians and Americans. We witnessed some very obnoxious behaviour from them towards the Mexican staff.

It's a big hotel, with 2 or 3 storey apartment buildings spread out around the complex, but it doesn't seem big because of the layout. We stayed in building 18, and had just a short stroll to the restaurants and bars, and the quiet pool was just behind us. I've read in other reviews people complaining about the walking, but frankly if you're the sort of person that takes the car to the corner shop instead of walking, you won't like it, but if you don't mind a short stroll (which you'll need after all the delicious food) it won't bother you.

The international buffet is the largest restaurant and has a huge selection of food everyday. You could eat something different everyday for 2 weeks and still not have tried everything. The ice cream is highly recommended! There is also an Italian buffet which had fantastic pastas and pizza. We tried the Meditaranian restaurant and the Steak house, both of which were very good (you have to book these at reception.) The food was very good and the staff very attentive.

There are a number of different cocktails to try, we took great delight in working our way though the menu, my favourite was the bananamama. They also had international brands of spirits. The mini bar in the room is restocked every 2 days, we didn't leave a tip everytime, but we were asked if we wanted any extras or if we'd like more of something.

The beach is lovely, with soft white sand, and although there are a few rocks in the sea directly in front of the hotel, there are also plenty of places where there aren't rocks, you just need to look.
There could be a shortage of loungers at the beach and by the pools if you arrive late morning, so most people seemed to put their towels out on the way to breakfast.

The Mexican people are possibly the friendliest and most welcoming people on the planet. We felt very safe there and security are continually patrolling the grounds. Our rep said he had been there 3 years and had dealt with more crime in a week when he worked in Tenerife than in the whole 3 years in Mexico.

Sandos Caracol has something for everyone, if it's watersports on the beach, activities by the main pool, or just relaxing at the quite pool, you will thoroughly enjoy yourself!!

My fiancee and I stayed here since we had to come down for a wedding, and this place was substantially cheaper than the Moon Palace, where the wedding was.

I said I'd never stay at an all-inclusive because I assumed 1) the food would be bad, 2) I'd feel stranded, 3) I'd be around a bunch of Americans (I'm american, and I like to meet non-americans when traveling out of America). Nonetheless, the price and convenience were right, so we booked.

This place confirmed by hesitation. The food was very bad. Think old country buffet. Mass produced and blan. Even the mexican food seemed very Chevys-esq.

Our room was very comfortable and clean.

The pool and beach were also nice, though the adults only pool had kids at it. ugh. The beach is very nice sand, but in the water there are a lot of rocks.

The drinks were free-flowing, though its all very cheap booze.

Cab rides, if you want to go up or down the beach, are very expensive. A one way ten miles north cost us $36. (I'm remembering one time in Mexico DF I got a cab to tour us around the country side for $30- all day. Got to love tourist rates.

Finally, we could not get a reservation at the steak place in our four day stay, so we reserved the mediterranean. Again, very bad food, and they said we had to leave after an hour twenty so that our table could be seated again. Annoying.

We stayed at Sandos right after it opened in 2006, and I hope they have improved since then. There was a hole in the ceiling of our room, and the water in the hottub was brown. That of course is when we were lucky enough to have water, because for at least one day we went without. The bed was very hard and not comfortable. We did not have it as bad as others though, many people were moved because their rooms had flooded. One the 3rd day, I got food poisoning which was a real treat. I was afraid of eating or drinking anything at the resort for the rest of our vacation. I have never had food poisoning before so I am not susceptable to it, but now I understand how horrible it is! The beach was nice and the pool was great however, so that would be the one reason I did not give it the worst rating possible.

The worst part was the night I was sick was the only night we were able to get reservations, and it was our anniversary.

Vacationers Beware! We were offered a "Free" 5-day all-inclusive "Voucher" from these people. We've tried and tried to redeem...each time it's "declined"...what a scam!

They are more than happy to up-sell us for full-price, but are not willing to stand behind their Free voucher.

Stay away...can't imagine how they run their resort if this is how they choose to do business!

:(