Stayed 2 weeks 23 Feb to 9th Mar 2013. Overall we had a good time except for a few hiccups. The resort and in particular gardens were exceptionally maintained. The room was good except for the extortionate additional costs ($5/day) for the safe. This was a 'key' lock (not electronic) safe and meant you had to lug a key around all day. We travelled as a couple for our wedding anniversary and wanted to chill during the day around the pool or beach but found that we had to move on several occasions due to the noise from large groups of loud revellers drinking all day. The beach seemed to be the best place to get peace and quite. The restaurants were very good and the al la cartes were better. I would like to thank Vanessa for pre- arranging our al la carte bookings the week before our holiday. Staff in the restaurants and bars at the Akumal seemed to be less attentive and on occasion we had to wait unreasonable times for tables and for service at the bars. However after the first week we found 'Manuel' in the main restaurant gave who us very attentive service. We did notice service in the Coba (in particular the lobby bar) was much more efficient and staff very helpful. We were annoyed at the letter which we received inviting us to a meeting with guest service to collect or special present (the day before our wedding anniversary) this turned out to be a sales pitch and a complete waste of everyone's time. The resort is massive and there are a number of restaurants which we had to leave as we were told that we should not be there by staff. These were the Tequilla and the Gran Tortuga. We later found out that there was a special place in the restaurant for the Sian Kaan and/or gold or privilege club members. This was not explained to us and caused us some embarrassment and did make us feel second class citizens in a resort which we thought was open to everyone.

Just returned early Monday morning from our two week stay Feb.24 – March 10, at Gran Bahia Principe Akumal in the Royal Golden section. We were in villa 67 on the third floor. We had an ocean side room with a great view. Villa 66 and 67 are beach side in the Royal golden section. Villa 47 I don’t think is in Royal Golden section but I think would be the best one to stay in. It is right on the beach and close to the pools and everything.
As for the Royal Golden upgrade, I didn’t really notice a difference except that we paid a little more. If I wasn’t ocean side, I probably would have been upset that we paid more. We did not get our welcome drink when we arrived, didn’t bother us, room was not ready, had to wait till almost 4pm. Can’t believe we had to pay for the safe in our room and it had a key, glad I didn’t loose it. They need to update to electronic safes. The beds are very hard so we needed 2 mattress toppers.
We pre booked all or a la carte dinners 2 weeks before the trip with Vanessa. All dinner reservations as requested. I added one last minute when we were there and could choose any time slot. Maybe that is a perk when Royal Golden. A la carte meals were good, some slow but very friendly staff.
The buffets at Coba, Akumal and Tulum are good with a good variety of food to choose from. The only complaint I have was that it was the same food every night. It would be nice if they had a couple different items every night to change it up a bit. I found the service to be very good in the buffets. They work very hard in there. Always finding us a table when we walked in and if they could not find one ready, they quickly cleaned one for us. We made sure we tipped after every meal. They appreciate it I’m sure.
The grounds were well kept and workers attending to them everyday and the pools cleaned every morning. The pool chairs and the beach chairs are re positioned and cleaned up every night after a day of everyone moving them all over the place. The beach was cleaned and had workers picking up cups all day. I was a little put off with the way they clean the cups. It didn’t look very sanitary. Watch and you will see what I mean. Try to remember to bring your own.
Our room was cleaned well and towel art left every day although most days our patio door was left unlocked. I made sure it was locked before we left for the day. They need to make sure they are locked after cleaning the room even if you are on the third floor.
The resort is large but the golf carts come very often. Mostly every 10 minutes or so. If you explore a bit, you will find short cuts to get around faster when walking. Even from our villa on the edge of the property to the main lobby of Akumal, it was a short two or so minute walk on the walkways.
Everything shuts down at 11 pm, even the main bars. It would be nice if the bars would be open till 12 or 1 am. There is a disco that is open until 2:30 am. We would rather sit at the lobby bar and have a drink or coffee before bed. I was in bed early most nights anyway after all day at the beach. It takes a lot out of you all the sun and lounging around. LOL.
The beach is nice but very shallow, just to my waist, very good for people with children. Some fish for everyone to see. We went to Akumal Beach in Akumal Bay. Not far from resort. Took our snorkeling equipment and saw Sea Turtles and swam around a reef with lots of fish to see. You can pay for a tour when you are there, $20 for an hour (includes your equipment) but you don’t need to. If you don’t, I recommend you rent a life jacket. They rent everything if you need. Tulum Beach is very nice as well. Just a short ride from the resort. Soft white sand, wish the beach was like that at the resort.
All in all we had a very good vacation at this resort and would recommend it.

We spent 2 weeks at this resort. We were located near the sea and the reception, which was great. We really enjoyed our room - very large, comfortable and clean. we got different towel "animals" everyday! The bathroom was very clean as well. Thank God we had A/C too!!

The buffet was amazing, all sorts of choices and the food tasted good. The "à la carte" restaurants were amazing as well. Our favorite was the Gourmet Arlequín but they were all good. All in all, I would definitely go back ther without hesitation.

This was our second time at this hotel...we were there last February..we brought friends with us this time. We had a wonderful time...the hotel was just as we remembered so easy to find our way around...the shows were good..you have to remember this is not Toronto, New York or Vegas...we ate at the Mikado, Portofino, Gran Tortuga and the Don Pablo...all were excellent. The buffet also had many excellent choices...we swam with the dolphins and that was an incredible experience!!! We also found a beach to the right of the hotel that was just like out of a movie..green water, white sand and only a few people it was beautiful. We visited Tulum ruins and this was just amazing...Go out to the road and catch the collectivo and it will take you right there...they can only go in so far, same as the cabs...you then have to walk about 5 mins to the entrance....you can also get a tour guide at the front gate as well...so much cheaper this way...collectivo was about $3 each for one way and Tulum was about $25 for 4 of us. I don't know how much the tour guide is we didn't book one...just went on our own and stopped if we heard one talking about something of interest to us. As others have said the rooms are a little dated and really could use some sprucing up but hey you are not there too much...that said...the wine needs to be addressed...both red and white wines were not good. In the Don Pablo and one of the other a la carte's it was okay but barely drinkable so if you are wine drinkers (like us) you will need to find something else to drink there. Hopefully someone from the hotel reads this and works on it for the next time we go there....because we will definately be back.