What Makes Hard Rock Cancun the Best All Inclusive Resort

There are so many all inclusive resorts in Mexico that it can be difficult to choose. Whether you’re old or young or looking for excitement or relaxation, Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is one of the best all-inclusive resort in Cancun. They define all-inclusive. The activities program is one unbelievable experience after another, the culinary options are an internationally inspired treat, the suites offer over-the-top indulgence and the amenities are beyond what you’ll find anywhere else. We spent five days at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun and it ruined me for all-inclusive resorts anywhere else. I’d be here for days explaining all of the greatness of Hard Rock Cancun but I’ve compiled a list of the highlights that will show you why Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is the best all-inclusive resort in Cancun.

Number One: Unlimited Phone Calls to the Continental US and Canada

On the day that I arrived at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, I received news that there was a death in my family. If I had of been at any other resort in Mexico, calling would have been difficult and costly. All I needed to do was pick up the phone, dial 9001 and the phone number and it was completely free. Hopefully, you won’t have a similar situation while you’re in Mexico but having unlimited phone calls will give you peace of mind. It allowed me to call my family in a time of need and not worry about how long I was on the phone. I chatted with my parents, grandparents and siblings for hours. It allowed me to “be there” even though I was so far away.

Even as parents, we can see the value of unlimited phone calls. I travel often without Athena. Usually we Skype or Facetime but having options is reassuring and a step above the typical all-inclusive resort.

Number Two: Unlimited Free WiFi In-Room & Resort-Wide

You’d think that all all-inclusive resorts would offer free WiFi but it’s not the case, especially in the Caribbean. Even when it is included, it’s usually weak, not available resort-wide, requires a password and only available for one device. I love being connected. It’s become a huge part of our lives (maybe too much but that’s an entirely different post). Some people choose resorts or destinations based on the internet service. Hard Rock Hotel Cancun makes it hassle-free. No password is required and you can use it anywhere on-site.

Number Three: Top-Shelf In-Room Liquor Dispenser & 24/7 In-Room Service

You expect dining and liquor options at an all-inclusive but I’ve never been to another property that offers a top-shelf in-room liquor dispenser and 24/7 free in-room service. Our refrigerator was stocked with drinks for everyone including juices and sodas and the liquor dispenser had rum, tequila and vodka choices that I would drink at home. I like Diet Coke and I drank the two in the fridge on the first night. When we came back to the room after daily maid-service, there were two more Diet Cokes stocked again. It was like a magical fairy came and replenished our favorites… for free!

We were even more surprised with the in-room service. At 1:30 am, long after Athena had fallen asleep, Darren and I decided to order snacks. We ordered chicken strips, quesadilla and cheesecake. Within 15 minutes, it arrived at the door without an additional charge. We felt like rock stars. When I checked out, I was waiting for an additional bill because I still didn’t believe that it was all included but nothing came.

Number Four: Daily Activities Program

There is never a dull moment at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. In one day, we participated in aquaerobics, Spanish lessons, pool volleyball, a horseshoe tournament, a water balloon fight, Michael Jackson trivia and Karaoke.  One of our other favorites during our stay was the Foam Party. The entire pool was filled with foam making it like a huge bubble bath. There was a DJ, dancers, balloons and games. It was a little more adult-focused but Athena joined us for an afternoon of rock star fun.

Number Five: Kids Club

Not everyone is interested in the Kids Club at all-inclusive resorts, but I can guarantee the ones who are consider it one of the best amenities at a hotel. The year-round kids program includes a daily schedule of dreamy activities like the Character Breakfast with appearances by Angelina Ballerina, Bob the Builder and Barney, crafts, pool time at the children’s pool playground, musical performances at the theater by Barney and dance classes with Angelina Ballerina.

Although the schedule is continuous throughout the day, there is an array of ongoing activities in the Thomas & Friends Activity Station, Barney’s Music Room, Bob the Builder Construction Zone and the Angelina Ballerina Dance Studio.

Athena loved the supervisors, activities and children at the club. It was the first kids club that she wanted to stay for hours and when I arrived to pick her up, she asked if she could stay longer. Every morning she woke up begging to go to the kids club. When I picked her up, she was bouncing with excitement to tell me all of the amazing things she did that day. The supervisors were hands-on with her as well. One day, she had her nails painted, another she had her hair done in braids and another she was passed out, sleeping, in a chair with an Angelina Ballerina costume, a head band with ears and pink-painted toe nails. She never naps during the day anymore but it was just too much excitement for her. She had the ultimate hard rock play time.

Number Six: 9 World-Class Restaurants that Don’t Require Reservations

One of the worst things about staying at an all-inclusive is usually the food. Who wants buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner every day? Who wants to rush around trying to make reservations at a restaurant that’s usually sold out before you even arrive? Who wants to wait around for one restaurant to open when you want a snack? None of it is a worry at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. A few of our favorites include: Zen – an Asian-themed hot spot, Ciao – an Italian-themed fine-dining experience and Ipanema – a Brazilian steakhouse. No reservations are required at any of them and they are all fine-dining, gourmet restaurants with menus and table service. For lunch, we loved Pizzeto. It offers artisanal brick oven-style pizza as well as other Mediterranean influenced dishes. It’s next to the pool and only steps from the beach. It’s a “no shirt, no shoes, no problem” type of place and perfect for kids and adults. For breakfast, Zen is the place to be. They have specialty chefs making fresh crapes, omelets, waffles, pancakes and quesadillas. The other options are unlimited and fresh. You can order any drinks you want, including alcohol without judgement and the servers are willing to bring you anything you want.

Number Seven: Friendly, Non-Judgmental, Personal Service

Sometimes, on vacation, I like to order Diet Coke for breakfast; sometimes I like to order a Pina Colada for breakfast; and sometimes I want a snack at 3 o’clock in the morning. At Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, the staff never judge and they serve you with a smile. One morning, I embarrassingly asked for a Diet Coke for breakfast. I said, “Could I get a Diet Coke, please? I know it’s pathetic at breakfast.” I’m so use to people judging me if I ask for it that I feel like I need to justify myself. He said,” You can get anything you want. I’ll add some tequila if you’d like.”  Then, when we ordered late-night snacks the following night, I called and was embarrassed to ask for a burger at 3 am. The server was receptive and kept asking if he could get me anything else. He also asked if I wanted drinks or any dessert. It all sounded completely normal and expected. They delivered it with a smile and never hesitated for a tip. It was the most amazing service that I received at any resort in the last decade.

Equally impressive was how the staff at the pool remembered us like we were family. On the first day, one guy asked Athena her name. He was blowing up balloons for the Water Balloon Fight. He picked her up and let her play in the balloons while chatting with her. Then, the next day at the Foam Party, he not only remembered her name but brought her up to the stage area to dance and party. Yet again, at the surf competition, he called on her to do a demonstration. We, along with everyone else, felt like one big group. We enjoyed all of the activities together and interacted regularly. It was all because of the staff interactions and communication.

A Rock Star Paradise at Hard Rock Cancun

Obviously I travel a lot, but it’s rare that I’ll return several times to one country. Mexico has a hold on me though. I can’t get enough. I’ve visited tons of properties and many of them have been all-inclusive, but none compare to the experiences and amenities at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. I’ll be back again and again. Sometimes I travel alone; other times I travel with Darren and Athena; and other times I travel with others. Hard Rock Cancun works regardless of who is traveling with me. It’s the perfect all-inclusive vacation.