RoomExpert - Hotels, Honestly
$$$

Moon Palace Cancun

A sprawling Riviera Maya all-inclusive featuring spacious suites, diverse dining, and frequent golf cart shuttles.

Exceptional · Deep coverage · read from 0 sources · 0 traveler insights
90
RoomExpert Score
Exceptional

The verdict

Who's travelling?

Pick a traveller type to re-weight the scores and re-rank the rooms around what you actually care about.

Read it your way

Moon Palace Cancun is a massive all-inclusive beachfront resort located along the Riviera Maya. The property excels with its attentive housekeeping, extensive dining choices, and spacious accommodations like the Governor Suite. However, reviewers note that the isolated mega-resort can feel overwhelming, with frequent complaints about hit-or-miss room service and murky ocean water. 28211527

Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.

What travelers noticed

  • Guests consistently praise the quality and variety of dining options, from the Bugambilias buffet to sit-down dinners at El Manglar and Asian venues. 271229
  • Accommodations receive high marks for cleanliness and comfort, featuring plush king beds, fully stocked minibars, and large whirlpool tubs. 152028
  • The property is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from the Cancun airport, making arrival and departure transfers quick and easy. 162733
  • An efficient golf cart shuttle system reliably transports guests and luggage across the massive grounds. 2016

The catch

  • Noise levels vary significantly; some guests report quiet areas where only birds chirp, while others endure loud pool music and noisy hallway traffic late at night. 3312
  • Reviewers disagree on the in-room jacuzzi tubs, with some calling them a relaxing highlight and others finding them an unused gimmick. drawn from the full read
  • Room outlooks draw mixed reactions, ranging from pleasant Caribbean vistas to disappointing views of distant areas or unfinished construction. 12

Who it's for

  • Families and groups wanting varied all-inclusive dining
  • Travelers who want quick airport transfers
  • Guests who appreciate large suites with whirlpool tubs

Skip it if

  • Travelers looking for pristine, seaweed-free beach water
  • Light sleepers sensitive to late-night hallway noise
  • Guests who prefer compact, walkable boutique resorts
Ways to book
Direct with the hotelRoomExpert pick
$411est. per night
Direct rate · King Guest Room
No loyalty program tracked at this property.
Check rates →
Expedia
$419est. per night
Public rate · King Guest Room
No loyalty program tracked at this property.
Hotel-program benefits may not apply.
See rates →
RoomExpert read

No loyalty-earning direct rate was found for these dates, so the lowest cash rate is shown first.

Prices shown are an estimated range, not a live quote — the booking site confirms the real rate for your dates.

RoomExpert rate estimate
$411est. per night
Estimated range: $365–$531
Around our estimate

This sits inside our estimated range for this hotel.

Confidence: medium · modelled estimate, not a live quote. Check the supplier for the real rate on your dates.

Score breakdown

How the 90/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.

Bathroom

92
read from 1 source · Deep coverage
  • The room had two desk/table areas, a large dresser with a TV, and a super spacious walk-in bathroom. We're talking double vanities, a separate toilet room, and a walk-in shower-plenty of space for a family of four to get ready without bumping elbows. 5
  • tub in the middle of the room (which is something else that I find to be a weird design decision anytime I see it - who wants to have a bath in the middle of their hotel room?) 29

Location

86
read from 1 source · Deep coverage
  • The proximity to the airport isn't just convenient-it's a game changer, especially when you're traveling with kids like our two energetic boys, Tristan (9) and Charlie (7). 5
  • At Nizuc, there is Arrecides (Brazilian steakhouse) and Caporales (Mexican), as well as El Manglar (the buffet) and several snack bars located close to the beach. Our favorite was Caporales, which also had a strolling mariachi band and very talented singer. 32

Room

89
read from 1 source · Deep coverage
  • But despite its size, check-in was a breeze. We walked right up to the desk (no lines-score!), got our color-coded wristbands (which double as room keys-how cool is that?), and were all set in no time. 5
  • Our stay in the Presidential Suite was excellent. The suite included a bedroom with a king-size bed, a second bedroom with two queen beds, a dining room, a large walk-in closet, and three bathrooms in total. 27

Service

91
read from 1 source · Deep coverage
  • Overall, our experience with the staff at The Grand was outstanding. Everyone was friendly, professional, and genuinely seemed to enjoy making our stay special. 5
  • All of the staff we encountered at the Moon Palace Resort were incredibly hospitable, friendly, and welcoming. Everyone went above and beyond to make us feel at home and comfortable. 16

Bed & Sleep

89
read from 1 source · Deep coverage
  • The rooms- everything was spotless and the bed was super comfy! These items are both very important to us! 20

Value

85
read from 1 source · Deep coverage
  • Having free, fast, reliable Internet across the entire resort is worth more than I care to admit - from being able to do daily blog posts to being able to watch the livestream of a major event back at home - having the Internet, even while on holiday, is more vital than I like to admit! 29
  • And since it's all-inclusive, it's completely stress-free-you just have to focus on relaxing, and the staff at The Grand will take care of the rest. We feel it's well worth the money, and that's why we became Palace Elite members during our stay! 5

Where it is, how to reach it

Carretera Federal 307 Km 340 Cancun-Chetumal
Cancun, Quintana Roo
77500 Mexico

Details checked 2026-08-29

Open in maps →

Stay value

How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.

Right in line

On par with what $$$ usually buys

Scores 2 points below the upscale median of 92, across 380 hotels in the same bracket.

Price bracket
$$$
Upscale
This hotel
90
Bracket median
92
Index median
90

Based on 380 comparable hotels.

Which room to ask for

What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.

Ask for
  • 2 mentions
  • 2 mentions
  • 1 mention
Avoid

No location within the hotel draws repeated complaints yet.

Where travelers agree — and don’t

The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.

Bathroom
75
Noise
72
Value
62
Service
61
Food
60
Room
49
Location
44
View the 200 things travelers said behind this verdict

Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.

Food82 mentions
  • Tapas Y Vino at The Grand - Tapas Y Vino was a great place to eat to tide us over before the buffet opened for dinner as they were opened a couple of hours before the dinner buffet did at The Grand. The Crostinis were delicious and it was attentive service. 26
  • Restaurants - You'll find more restaurants, diverse cuisines, and elevated dining experiences at The Grand. 27
  • Two restaurants had really good food but the service was slow and unresponsive. They were Los Tacos, and Momo (Japanese) located at the sister hotel (Sunrise). 18
  • The buffet in the lobby of The Grand served really delicious food and every day was a different theme. 26
  • When it comes to breakfast, The Grand Buffet quickly became our go-to spot. We ate here every morning, and the selection was top-notch. 5
  • I started with the Spinach Salad, which came with peach, pecans, cranberries, goat cheese, and a balsamic gel-a refreshing mix of flavors. We also ordered the crabcake appetizer, perfectly cooked and served with a delicious sauce that I could've eaten by the spoonful. 5
  • Overall, Circus was a fun, lighthearted dining experience that gave the kids a little extra entertainment while we enjoyed a relaxed meal. Definitely worth a visit if you're traveling with little ones! 5
  • From Mexican cantinas to Italian trattorias, explore the 16 restaurants and 15 bars that make Moon Palace a food lover's paradise. 24
  • Fantastic food & drink options, a great range of services. 33
  • It would be easy to stay there for a week and avoid Sunrise and Nizuc completely. You'll also get larger rooms and better restaurant options with fewer lines. 21
  • The 24-hour room service is another feature we really valued. Every morning, we'd pre-order coffee and a light breakfast to enjoy the sunrise from our balcony. 27
  • The multi-course meal was the worst we had at the resort and we didn't understand where all of the other guests were, as the room never passed 10% of capacity. 21
  • I was very impressed with the range of selection and the quality of the food. 33
  • Don't overlook the Moon Palace app. It's a game-changer for booking restaurants, planning activities, and even ordering room service. 27
  • All of the restaurants are delicious! Some of them require reservations and dress codes, so check your resort information packet to see the details! 16
  • This place was definitely not fine dining when it comes to their food, but it's so fun and worth it for the kids. You order your entrees a la carte but the dessert was a buffet that included candy apples! 26
  • Seafood restaurant serves great breakfast buffet and nice dinners. Less people = better service. Try the fried whole fish. 12
  • Moon Palace Nizuc is located in between The Grand and Sunrise. It is the smallest of the three resorts but that doesn't mean it's small. It has several excellent restaurants, pools, and lots of fun activities. 27
  • The dinner food at both Arrecifes and Los Caporales was generally good, though a few items were hit and miss. 21
  • According to previous travelers, some standout spots include the Grand Buffet, Jade (serving Asian fare) and Cusco (dishing out Peruvian small plates). 30
  • While there are many excellent restaurants at Moon Palace, you should book dinner reservations as soon as you can through the app. 27
  • We indulged in the breakfast buffets at Nizuc, Sunrise and The Grand and found them all to be mostly the same. You'll find a nice mix of pastries, American hot breakfast like omelette bar, and Mexican specialties like chilaquiles. 21
  • Just past the lobby in the main building is Tavola, the signature Italian restaurant-and let me tell you, it was hands-down my favorite meal of the trip. We had dinner here on our second night, and everything from the atmosphere to the food was spot-on. 5
  • After tasty appetizers including incredible guacamole prepared tableside, I opted for a salad and chile relleno stuffed with beef and cheese. The latter was my most memorable dish of the weekend-it was so, so good. 7
  • My favorite restaurants are Habibi (Lebanese) and Tavola (Italian). The servers at these restaurants were amazing and the food was delicious. 18
  • Nicer pool with good outside lunch grill. Try the pork chop. 12
  • Bugambilias is a Mexican cuisine restaurant featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. The food here was delicious, especially the desserts! The Tres Leches cake was amazing! 16
  • to room service to the over 20 restaurant options, we thought it was all great. Our favorite restaurants were Los Caporales and Momo. 20
  • Forget room service, its beyond shit which is the only only only bit that lets it down. However, I called a few times just to order bottles of wine to the room! 1
  • But, this will be our little secret. There are also two additional a la carte restaurants here: The Italian Trattoria and the Mayan Cuisine. Reservations are required (see Public Relations), but going here for dinner will almost feel like you are leaving the resort. Well worth a visit. 33
  • And if anyone has the recipe for "Palace Sauce", I'm still craving it! We also found the 24-hour room service to be handy (and delicious!) for breakfast, mid-day and late night snacks. 29
  • Outstanding selection of restaurants - amazing food! 5
  • The buffet also had decent food and the service was very good. Thank goodness for Rosario at the buffet, our mornings are awesome because she takes such good care of us. 18
  • For the sake of full disclosure, the buffet food at the conference events held on site was just OK. But it was designed to serve 600+ people so, there's that. We also had a just OK buffet experience at a poolside restaurant. 7
  • And let's not forget the coffee. There's just something about fresh Cancun coffee with cream that hits differently-maybe it's the ocean breeze or just vacation magic, but it was the perfect way to start our mornings. 5
  • The food at the restaurants was pretty good. 33
  • I had inquired about pre-booking a couple milestone meals (a 70th birthday, a 15th wedding anniversary) at two of their a la carte restaurants that don't normally take reservations and their staff were able to arrange this as well as providing answers to a couple other quest 29
  • I specifically asked in my planning meetings that the food be warm because all the food on the property especially room service had been served cold. Our food was served cold. 33
  • In terms of daytime snacks, there were lots of options poolside and we fell in love with the Mobile Munchies food trucks which were (surprisingly?) good. 29
  • The breakfast buffet at Bugambilias rivals anything we've seen at comparable all-inclusives. 22
  • I loved how the dessert section had a lot of ice cream to pick from. 26
  • Casa Mia, which requires reservations, is reportedly one of the best restaurants at Moon Palace The Grand so be sure to dine there if you have a chance! We tried out one poolside lunch at The Grand and waited two hours for our food to arrive, despite that pool being very quiet. 21
  • All food - including the buffets - was of very high quality. We tried a variety of a la cartes - Mexican, Brazilian, Japanese, Italian, Steakhouse, Seafood Restaurant at Sunrise/Nizuc and Jade and Habibi during our two day trips to The Grand. All were really good 29
  • We usually are generally happy with food at all-inclusives, but Moon Palace had some elevated scrumptiousness. 32
  • El Caribeno at The Grand - This restaurant served a la carte for lunch and dinner, but for breakfast, it was a buffet. It was the closest restaurant to building #87, where our suite was located so it's very convenient for us to dine here! We didn't have to get on a golf cart to get here like we do to get to the lobby. Best of all, it was delicious! 26
  • Even as I write this, I'm already dreaming of our next visit - the incredible food, endless pools, top-tier service, and the sheer amount of things to do keep pulling us back. 27
  • Overall I'd rate the food quality at Moon Palace Cancun as "good" to "very good" depending on the restaurant. 21
  • I opted for a burrata cheese and tomato appetizer and salmon with scalloped potatoes. Even the bread was tasty. 7
  • While I found great food to eat, I'd love to see the Moon Palace restaurants, with what are clearly amazing facilities and resources, prepare more excellent high end and imaginative 100% plant based offerings. 33
  • My husband also liked his steak and eggs and two eggs breakfast. However, when my husband ordered the pepperoni pizza for dinner, he didn't like it at all. Obviously, he didn't have very good luck with his pizza orders on this trip. 26
  • The French fries were a standout-crispy and just the right amount of salty-and the fresh fruit buffet got a lot of love from us, especially after a morning in the sun. 5
  • Moon Palace's dining program is one of its genuine standouts. Nineteen outlets cover everything from authentic Mexican to Japanese hibachi to fresh seafood - and most don't require advance reservations. 22
  • I also have to give extra thumbs up for the buffet. It wasn't huge, but the food there was much more interesting than the 32
  • Ive stayed in some of the best hotels in the world (not a boast, just for context), and the Moon Palace was incredible. Food was better than perfect, rooms were immaculate, it was amazing. 1
  • Tip them well! That said, the wait times for poolside food were very high - rarely less than an hour, sometimes up to two hours. I wish I was joking. 21
  • The Palace Resorts App puts everything you need to know about the resort in the palm of your hand. It's super handy for making restaurant reservations, ordering room service, and even picking your preferred type of pillow! 27
  • The themed restaurants are not only delicious but also really well-designed, adding a little extra flair to each meal. 5
  • The App made it easy to book meal reservations and navigate the property. 5
  • Close to Spa, meaning you can have a relaxing sit down breakfast with cappuccino (No buffet in this section), nice lunch, and finish off with a great meal at either Italian or Asian restaurant. 12
  • Arrecifes has a nice buffet and servers bring freshly cooked meat to each table. Most of the steaks were reportedly excellent (save for one dud) and the chicken was so good that we flagged our server to bring more! 21
  • Only El Manglar is open at lunch, but we found it to be very good and not too crowded right at its 12:30 opening. 21
  • Im so bloody jealous, argh! We honeymooned. fab. jealous!! great pool and the breakfast is the stuff dream are made of!! 1
  • Overall, the food was okay. I didn't like their shu mai or sushi that much. I felt that the dim sum and sushi places that I've dined at in California executed all of this better! 26
  • To top it all off, we shared the Half Baked Cookie for dessert-gooey, sweet, and absolutely delicious. Let's just say we definitely ate too much, but when the food's that good, you kind of have to! 5
  • avoid open air buffets as they fight to keep the birds off!! crazy insects too.. 1
  • Two of our most memorable meals at Moon Palace were La Trattoria and Momo Teppanyaki, both excellent. 21
  • Our visited started with breakfast at one of the restaurants at The Grand. We then proceeded on a tour of the main building and The Grand Moon Palace Cancun rooms, which are really very nice. 21
  • The food: We were super impressed with the quality of the food! From the buffets 20
  • It was loud and our table for four was just not big enough to fit our plates, especially if we also had salad and bread plates as well. However, the paella from the buffet was excellent! It was probably my most favorite thing to eat during our 5 night stay at Moon Palace. 26
  • The standout desserts? Definitely the Bread Pudding and the Chocolate Lava Cake. Both were rich, gooey, and absolutely worth every bite. 5
  • The tapas were great and the chefs preparing them worked hard every day. 18
  • In this particular buffet (which was catered at a convention event) there was literally nothing for a non-animal parts eater, once they cut out the beans, except may chips, salsa and green salad (non-animal eaters can not subsist purely on these things). 33
  • Similarly, we found wait times for poolside lunches and snacks to be mind-blowing. Even at The Grand, which has more restaurants for fewer people and a higher staffing ratio, we waited two full hours for some tacos and a hamburger. 21
  • The food? Surprisingly decent. Tristan and Charlie both went for the Mac and Cheese-a classic kid favorite-while I had the Refresh Salad, which turned out to be one of my favorite salads at the resort. 5
  • The pita bread was fresh and delicious. I ordered the octopus dish as my main entree and thought it was well executed. 26
  • standard buffet fare at many all-inclusives. They also worked hard to keep the buffet very clean during these crazy times. 32
  • Curved wooden beams on the ceiling, guitar-shaped wall dividers, and warm lighting create a sophisticated yet casual atmosphere. Our table was right by the entrance and the kitchen, so not the best spot, but honestly, the food more than made up for it. 5
  • The variety and quality of the food were consistently impressive. We particularly enjoyed Habibi, the Lebanese restaurant, and Agra, the Indian restaurant. 27
  • We dined at Tavola, an Italian restaurant at Moon Palace The Grand, for a late lunch. The service was lackluster for me. Maybe because it was towards the end of the server's shift and he was exhausted by the time we got sat. 26
  • Food was not bad or great, it was ok. That said my wife was sick after eating just one meal here. 12
  • Room Service from The Grand - We ordered from room service 3 times while we were staying at Moon Palace The Grand. Twice were for breakfast and once was for a late dinner. The breakfasts were very good. 26
  • As you've read in this review already, there are tons of great things to do at Moon Palace The Grand and in particular the dining situation is much less frustrating than it is at Sunrise and Nizuc. 21
Service52 mentions
  • Overall, our experience with the staff at The Grand was outstanding. Everyone was friendly, professional, and genuinely seemed to enjoy making our stay special. 5
  • Moon Palace check-in is at 3 p.m., and check-out at 12 p.m. However, delays can occur, as experienced during our stay, with a significant wait time for our room. I believe we got into our room at about 6 p.m. 27
  • The call center folks who pre-plan the wedding could care less about your day. They can take up to a week to respond and do not care if you are getting a service you are paying for. 33
  • nd being offered drugs by staff was pretty intimidating to think it was advertised as 5 star ,I've been to playa and was 10 times better than the moon palace . 33
  • Anyway, I really enjoyed my seafood fettuccine, which had shrimp, fish, calamari, and clams, but wished I could've had better service. My husband ordered the Tavola pizza and didn't like how the toppings tasted together. 26
  • The king bed was very comfortable and cleaning staff was very attentive. 32
  • The rooms at Moon Palace are all about spacious and luxurious accommodations. You never feel like you are cramped and all of the rooms have furnished outdoor spaces, free minibars, and two-person whirlpool tubs. 15
  • Service did take a little longer than the other restaurants because they made everything really fresh to order. I asked for a glass of champagne and the server automatically refilled my glass without me asking when I finished my first glass, which is a star is my book. 26
  • The service was great here! It was so much more relaxing than sitting in the lobby bar of Moon Palace Sunrise. 26
  • I felt that the dim sum and sushi places that I've dined at in California executed all of this better! However, the service at Momo was excellent, compared to Jade. 26
  • Sadly, while we were there, service was awfully slow and cold. They were so busy! 26
  • We had (almost) uniform amazing service from everyone we interacted with so this is a weird complaint which most people (including the travel agent who recommended the resort) would normally see as a huge positive. 29
  • The cleaning staff did an excellent job each day, coming twice a day to make sure our room was spotless and stocked with fresh towels. 5
  • The bar is right there in the center with helpful staff all around to get you settled in. 32
  • Since the resort is so large, there are always staff driving around of golf carts to take you places if you want a lift. This was very nice when we had to transport our luggage. 16
  • Moon Palace truly stands out for its exceptional service. Every staff member greets you with a hello and is always ready to help or answer any questions. 27
  • My favorite pre-dinner place is Tapas Y Vino. I was there every night before dinner for some yummy tapas and a good glass of wine. The servers were very attentive and nice. 18
  • The staff there is extremely helpful and the pace is more relaxed than at the busier Moon Palace Cancun. 21
  • Staff throughout the entire resort were extremely accommodating - for example, one morning after we first arrived when I woke up extra early, we went to the pool around 8am. 29
  • oon Palace in Cancun, this is not a five-star experience, the service is not good enough to compete with the Four Seasons or any 5 star resort. 18
  • Even as I write this, I'm already dreaming of our next visit - the incredible food, endless pools, top-tier service, and the sheer amount of things to do keep pulling us back. 27
  • Service was also very attentive and I never had to line up at the bar or restaurant to order anything. The server came by where I was lounging at regularly to check on me. It was fantastic! 26
  • The rooms at your hotel have been recently renovated and they are very nice. Simple yet chic. 33
  • Towel huts are conveniently located near every pool, and there were always lots of towels available during our stay. 27
  • Each spa treatment we experienced was outstanding, complemented by excellent service. 27
  • The pool servers are always polite and helpful, making sure you're well taken care of. 27
  • It's the small things that Moon Palace excels at more than any other resort we've been to and check-in was part of this - when we arrived, we were given a cool towel and the two women in our party were given fresh flowers which started off our vacation on the right foot. 29
  • You can purchase a day pass to use the Grand amenities if you want to see what the hype is about! We had friends staying in all three sections and everyone agreed the rooms were very nice throughout the resort. 20
  • But generally, the staff are great at managing lounge areas and will help you find a spot if you ask. 27
  • Very disappointed people who work here great but place is awful in terms of service half ass at best no love 33
  • Seasonal seaweed can affect beach conditions, but the sheer range of amenities and consistently polished service make Moon Palace Cancun one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive resorts in the region. 28
  • Service was very nice and relaxed. 26
  • When restaurants are open you can check wait times in the Palace Resorts app, which is helpful if you want the fastest option. 21
  • consider Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen. It only has around 200 rooms and you won't find water parks, kids clubs or dozens of dining options - it's not the right choice for everyone. But you will find a laid-back atmosphere, attentive service and a price tag that doesn't require a second mortgage. 21
  • All of the staff we encountered at the Moon Palace Resort were incredibly hospitable, friendly, and welcoming. Everyone went above and beyond to make us feel at home and comfortable. 16
  • The service at Arrecifes was also wonderful and warm. 26
  • While we found plenty of passes available during our stay, the shuttle service to these resorts quickly reached capacity. 27
  • foye staff rude and unhelpful and all inclusive food was just like any other hotel at 3 star 33
  • I had such a wonderful vacation and the staff at Moon Palace made everything so easy that shifting back to the close of our vacation seemed so abrupt. 26
  • fferent people including the hotel manager, but only the concierge person at the golf suites was able to fix this. 12
  • At dinners we sometimes faced inflexibility from staff who insisted on seating our family at separate tables, even when we'd reserved one table for our party two full days in advance. 21
  • Tapas Y Vino at The Grand - Tapas Y Vino was a great place to eat to tide us over before the buffet opened for dinner as they were opened a couple of hours before the dinner buffet did at The Grand. The Crostinis were delicious and it was attentive service. 26
  • Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group celebration, Moon Palace delivers an unforgettable experience with impeccable service and stunning Caribbean views. 24
  • Meticulously kept grounds, luxurious rooms, beautiful lobbies, and friendly staff make this one of the best all inclusive resorts in Cancun (in our opinion). 20
  • Unfortunately, the person who checked us in promised to do a follow-up call about whether we could do this but we never got that call - which is probably one reason we didn't upgrade - but which turned out to be okay after all. 29
  • The staff working the pool is very kind and works extremely hard. Tip them well! 21
  • I am sure it seems like we are pretty easy going guests, but one thing I do really count on when on vacation is good service. Moon Palace staff had that going on in spades. From check-in, to the bars, to the restaurants, to the pools, to the housekeeping staff - everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. 32
  • The Grand Moon Palace is so big that they have a shuttle service to take you to all the different places in the resort. Most of the time, the wait for the shuttle is not too long. 18
  • We didn't encounter any negativity or confrontations during our stay, which made the whole experience even more relaxing. We had two minor maintenance issues while we were there, but both were resolved promptly without any hassle. 5
  • Overall we found it all to be high quality and fun. There are plenty of things to do in Cancun once you leave Moon Palace, and we found the vacation planner Carlos Torres (who we met at the Olympic pool at The Grand) to be extremely helpful! 21
  • I immediately found the phone and called the reservation number to book the restaurants. I am greeted by a not-so-polite man that makes it very difficult to make reservations and we are not able to book any of the restaurants. 18
  • Guest rooms and suites are bright, spacious, and modern, each featuring marble floors, furnished balconies, and two-person whirlpool tubs. 28
Location14 mentions
  • Additionally, the resort offers airport transportation, which we found to be a great option. 27
  • Because of the size of Moon Palace overall, being between Sunrise and Nizuc is nice because you can still easily walk to both resorts (we were technically in Nizuc but steps from the inner-edge of Sunrise.) 29
  • Moon Palace is is a very quick trip from the Cancun airport, around 15-20 minutes, tops. 32
  • One thing I noticed at this resort more than any other we've visited was the amount of people there in wheelchairs or other similar devices. I would suspect that people who use wheelchairs do an extra amount of research and/or can tap into networks to share info about the most accessible resorts and that speaks well to the Moon Palace as an accessible location for people with special needs. 29
  • The proximity to the airport isn't just convenient-it's a game changer, especially when you're traveling with kids like our two energetic boys, Tristan (9) and Charlie (7). 5
  • At Nizuc, there is Arrecides (Brazilian steakhouse) and Caporales (Mexican), as well as El Manglar (the buffet) and several snack bars located close to the beach. Our favorite was Caporales, which also had a strolling mariachi band and very talented singer. 32
  • This made the property very private and quiet. However, the resort is located close to a chemical plant, so outside there were days there was a sulfuric, eggy smell in the air. But to us, it wasn't the worst thing. The whole property so was beautiful and the smell came and went. 16
  • Like Moon Palace Cancun, the location is convenient for airport access but not great for accessing other activities in the region. 21
  • While the property has a plethora of amenities and options, its sprawling size means it could take some time to walk to the pool or to dinner, depending on where your room is located. 30
  • The Moon Palace Cancun is conveniently located within a 15-minute drive of the Cancun airport! This made it very nice for airport transfers, and there are no resorts nearby. This made the property very private and quiet. 16
  • You can read my full Mahekal Beach Resort review for tons of information. We visited Mahekal in December 2021 and had a fantastic experience. The location made it easy to explore all of the fun things to do in Playa del Carmen. 21
  • One of the great features of this resort is its close proximity to the Cancun airport. The drive is less than 15 km and is only a 15-20 minute drive. 27
  • Peaceful beachfront location along the Riviera Maya 28
  • Only about 10 minutes from the Cancun Airport, the hotel is fabulous for a quick getaway if you don't want to spend a lot of time on transfers once you arrive. 33
Room24 mentions
  • After the quick check-in process, we were in our Grand Family Deluxe Suite. This is an adjoining king room and two queen room setup. We love having our space from the kids, but still being connected. 14
  • The decor was very pretty, much prettier than Jade at Moon Palace The Grand! 26
  • Our stay in the Presidential Suite was excellent. The suite included a bedroom with a king-size bed, a second bedroom with two queen beds, a dining room, a large walk-in closet, and three bathrooms in total. 27
  • One thing I had requested by email ahead of time was to be placed in an oceanfront building between Sunrise and Nizuc which they didn't accommodate but this building was a nice compromise - a bit further back but still located centrally between the two resorts and still with a beautiful oceanview from the balcony. 29
  • We were in a room with two doubles and it was a bit tight but not unbearable. We also ended up feeling like we didn't have enough room for four suitcases in the closet so ended up leaving a couple on the floor in front of the tub in the middle of the room 29
  • The room we stayed in was the "superior deluxe garden view" room! The room was decorated beautifully and included great amenities. 16
  • Next door to the Sunrise building, which is I'm sure why we were all staying in this section, is the giant Moon Palace Arena with state of the art AV equipment (though we did have occasional trouble with the WiFi in smaller conference rooms) and plenty of conference room space. 7
  • So things like tripping on water that sprayed in their room due to a slow-draining tub or being ripped off by a cabbie (both of which happened to us!) - don't ruin their vacation but instead, might even become a memorable highlight! 29
  • But despite its size, check-in was a breeze. We walked right up to the desk (no lines-score!), got our color-coded wristbands (which double as room keys-how cool is that?), and were all set in no time. 5
  • Still, the convenience totally outweighed that for us. We stayed in a Grand Deluxe Garden View Room with two double beds, and it felt fresh and spotless when we arrived. 5
  • What's included in your room? Our room at the Moon Palace included Wifi (that was actually good!), a fully stocked mini bar, bottle of red wine, snacks, rain shower head, large whirlpool tub, room service, in room safe, robes and slippers to use, hair dryer, coffee maker, and a super comfy bed! 20
  • I was quite pleased with my room in the Sunrise section and wished that I had more time to just chill in the balcony's hammock. 7
  • The square footage of the room is not that big, so families of four may find it a little tight. 33
  • The standard rooms at Moon Palace Cancun are advertised as being just shy of 500 square feet, which is pretty generous. 21
  • The Governor Suite had a large hot tub, balcony, dining room, living room and walk in closet! It also had 1.5 bathrooms and that half bathroom was nice to have for the kids when someone else was using the main bathroom. 26
  • Each guest room has a sophisticated style and comfortable accommodations setting them apart from other resorts. 15
  • Every room at Moon Palace has a terrace or patio. The rooms at Nizuc have a small table and two chairs outside, while Sunrise terraces have hammocks. We loved enjoying the night time sea breezes while the kids settled down for bed! 21
  • This is a silly observation but we found that our room had both lots of lights and also lots of plug-ins, something we don't always find in all-inclusive resorts but which was appreciated. 29
  • Another common criticism going in was that a resort like this should have rooms with two queen beds or one king bed. But instead, they seem to have rooms with two doubles or one king. We were in a room with two doubles and it was a bit tight but not unbearable. 29
  • The rooms- everything was spotless and the bed was super comfy! These items are both very important to us! 20
  • Well, the Governor Suite (full official name is Grand Governor Suite) was amazing! It's bigger than our house! I live in a SLO County, so that is not surprising. It made me so happy when we stepped into our room! 26
  • Below is a photo of a Moon Palace The Grand room that I took during our tour; it comes in a little over 800 square feet, giving families plenty of space to spread out. 21
  • I also tried the Spaghetti Carbonara-because why not?-and it definitely didn't disappoint. I couldn't finish it, though... had to save room for that incredible pizza! 5
  • All of the rooms are smoke-free, which we really appreciated! The room was incredibly comfortable for our stay. 16
Noise10 mentions
  • Very loud during night time as many drunks pass by the hall. 12
  • Grand: Good section. Beautiful pools (3 of them) and a lot quieter. Rooms are larger and newer. 12
  • This is the most "get off my lawn!" old man statement I could make about the resort. But I found that the noise of some of the evening entertainment shows was way louder than it needed to be 29
  • Grand: Good section. Beautiful pools (3 of them) and a lot quieter. 12
  • My room was also pretty quiet without a ton of excess noise though I must confess I was in bed much later than normal and sleep with earplugs. 7
  • This place was a bit overwhelming for my kids. It was loud and our table for four was just not big enough to fit our plates, especially if we also had salad and bread plates as well. 26
  • Only sound I heard was birds chirping... no drunks making noise here. 12
  • There are a couple of downsides but provided you know about these its fine. It is quite far out of Cancun (a plus for us as we wanted peace and quiet). 1
  • After all the hype of the moon I was very disappointed, kids pool closed ,chainsaws running every day around pool area ,music far too loud 33
  • Reply Hi Rosy, I'm really sorry to hear that. We definitely had our share of frustrations with the bureaucracy there, which I think is a function of it being SO big. 21
Value14 mentions
  • Can you please guide on this Hi Ruchi, It'll really depend on the rate you booked. That said, we had major issues with the transfer on the way back. 21
  • Having free, fast, reliable Internet across the entire resort is worth more than I care to admit - from being able to do daily blog posts to being able to watch the livestream of a major event back at home - having the Internet, even while on holiday, is more vital than I like to admit! 29
  • For families on a budget, the standard rooms offer excellent value without the upgrade. 22
  • And since it's all-inclusive, it's completely stress-free-you just have to focus on relaxing, and the staff at The Grand will take care of the rest. We feel it's well worth the money, and that's why we became Palace Elite members during our stay! 5
  • Entry-level rooms run around 580 square feet, significantly larger than most all-inclusive competitors at similar price points. 22
  • However, it's worth noting that the water can be a bit murky due to the seaweed, possibly detracting from its appeal compared to other beach destinations around the world. 27
  • I do think the price, now in the mid-$200s, is great for what guests receive in return. 7
  • The credits kinda covered 1 for our group and we paid for the rest but found it to be reasonable for what we were getting (Isla Mujeres Cataraman, Treetop trekking, ATVs, swimming with dolphins etc.) 31
  • They were so busy! However, some of their dishes were very good! I liked the seafood soup, tempura shrimp and mochi dessert! My husband's waygu beef was definitely worth the extra money! 26
  • consider Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen. It only has around 200 rooms and you won't find water parks, kids clubs or dozens of dining options - it's not the right choice for everyone. But you will find a laid-back atmosphere, attentive service and a price tag that doesn't require a second mortgage. 21
  • Can you please guide on this Reply Hi Ruchi, It'll really depend on the rate you booked. That said, we had major issues with the transfer on the way back. You'll need to reach out to Palace Resorts to find out if your transfer is included. 21
  • Cost - The Grand is more expensive, but offers more value in amenities and dining. 27
  • If you're planning a trip to Cancun during a slightly less busy time of year, Moon Palace Cancun offers great value among highly-rated Cancun all-inclusive resorts - check out the competition here. 21
  • The sales team is very slick and provide multiple "opportunities" to be part of the Palace Elite program or even to get a taste of it at a lower price point. We just sat silently or said "no" at every opportunity and it was fine. We felt that everyone was respectful and there wasn't too much high-pressure or emotional discussion, they really treated it as a numbers discussion. 21
View1 mention
  • Views are not as described for the rooms. Can you see the ocean yes. Is the view worthwhile no. 12
Bed & Sleep1 mention
  • The rooms- everything was spotless and the bed was super comfy! These items are both very important to us! 20
Bathroom2 mentions
  • tub in the middle of the room (which is something else that I find to be a weird design decision anytime I see it - who wants to have a bath in the middle of their hotel room?) 29
  • The room had two desk/table areas, a large dresser with a TV, and a super spacious walk-in bathroom. We're talking double vanities, a separate toilet room, and a walk-in shower-plenty of space for a family of four to get ready without bumping elbows. 5

What we still don't know

What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.

  • No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
  • Nothing reliable said about room types.
  • Nothing reliable said about floor level.
  • Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
  • Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
  • 14 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.

Ask about Moon Palace Cancun

Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.

How much we read

Deep coverage · 20/100

We read 0 sources for this property, covering 0 traveler mentions, boiled down to 0 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-08-29.

0
Editorial
0
Blogs & sites
0
Video reviews
0
Podcast segments
Breadth
0
Depth
0
Freshness
99

Watch this hotel

We keep reading Moon Palace Cancun. Tell us when you're staying and we'll follow it until then — you'll hear from us only when the verdict is rewritten, the score moves, or new reviews land. No daily mail, and the watch closes itself after your stay.

Sources

Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.

6 of 7 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.

View all 33 cited sources

Everything quoted on this page.

  1. 17
  2. 5
    Moon Palace The Grand Cancun, Mexico
    archedmanor.comReview site2025-02-06Ageing29 quotes used
    Overall, our experience with the staff at The Grand was outstanding. Everyone was friendly, professional, and genuinely seemed to enjoy making our stay special.
    Read originalarchedmanor.com
  3. 28
    What to Expect at Moon Palace Cancun
    oyster.comReview site2024-07-04Ageing4 quotes used
    Seasonal seaweed can affect beach conditions, but the sheer range of amenities and consistently polished service make Moon Palace Cancun one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive resorts in the region.
    Read originaloyster.com
  4. 27
    The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun: An Honest Review 2026
    toronto2anywhere.caReview site2024-03-28Ageing23 quotes used
    Moon Palace check-in is at 3 p.m., and check-out at 12 p.m. However, delays can occur, as experienced during our stay, with a significant wait time for our room. I believe we got into our room at about 6 p.m.
    Read originaltoronto2anywhere.ca
  5. 31
    Moon Palace Cancun - Worried We Made a Mistake
    reddit.comForum thread2024-01-05Ageing1 quote used
    The credits kinda covered 1 for our group and we paid for the rest but found it to be reasonable for what we were getting (Isla Mujeres Cataraman, Treetop trekking, ATVs, swimming with dolphins etc.)
    Read originalreddit.com
  6. 21
    Moon Palace Cancun Review: Is Bigger Always Better?
    thefamilyvoyage.comReview site2023-01-30Ageing34 quotes used
    One knock on the rooms is the inclusion of a jacuzzi tub in every one. While I'm sure it's there to give impression of luxury, out of the four rooms our family had I don't think anyone used the tub at all - it wound up b…
    Read originalthefamilyvoyage.com
Showing 6 of 33 cited · 0 read
1/6

More in Cancun

All Cancun hotels →