Jam with me and Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Hard Rock Riviera Maya is located about an hour and fifteen minutes south of the Cancun hotel zone. It is a great resort for families, especially those with music lovers and couples. It boast of two areas within the resort. One, Hacienda is focused on families while the other, Heaven, caters to adults only. I found myself visiting this resort and loving almost every second of it!

Prior to arrival

COVID-19 has prevented us from traveling to many destinations but Mexico has remained open for the most part and they are enjoying much success with their tourism industry in the wake of the pandemic. I felt safe traveling by air to Mexico. As normal and expected now, there are multiple hand santizing station throughout the airport in Cancun and masks are required. Security is effecient, moreso now with the Multiple Immigration Form available online. This is a form required for entry into the country. As of March 2022, the health questionnaire previously require is no longer.

Getting to your hotel

I always arrange transfers from airport to hotel for clients. From firsthand experience, I can attest that the process for finding your transfer at the Cancun airport can be difficult. In order to locate a pre-arranged transfer, after gathering your luggage, proceed outside the airport. Just before exit, there are multiple vendors trying to sell you transfers and other stuff. They can be quite aggressive, so avoid eye contact, do what you gotta do to exit the airport. Once outside, it can feel like a bit of a madhouse. There are a ton of transfer companies all waiting passengers outside. Many will hold signs and be dressed in company uniforms. I like to find out what the uniform of the company is to help identify the correct people. The vendors outside are much more helpful and will point you in the direction oft eh appropriate company if you ask. DO NOT ask inside the airport as these guys will snatch you up and charge you for the transfer. If you have prepaid, there is no need to pay again.

Once in your transfer, let the vacation begin! These guys and gals who drive for you are so helpful. Many provide water and drinks complimentary. We have even experienced cool towels to cool you and freshen up after your travels. Be sure to know which side of Hard Rock Riviera Maya you are staying one, Hacienda or Heaven so the driver can deliver you to the appropriate place for check in.

Arrival and check in process

Arrival at the resort is stunning. The gated entry made me feel safer and the guards were meticulous to verify your need to be there. It is beautifully landscaped and there are monkeys and iguanas on property. They are cool to watch.

The check in process was quick. We were greeted with a drink, a friendly attendant and speedy service. They do ask for a credit card for incidental purchases but many in our group easily declined. At check in you will receive a bracelet that identifies you as a guest and acts as your room key. I found this to be so easy and not a bother at all. I hate the plastic bands some resorts have but this was a soft fabric band and worked great throughout my stay. We were then whisked away on a golf cart with luggage in tow to our room. The resort is large and takes a bit of time to acclimate to. But everyone we encountered were helpful to the best of their abilities. Some, who were workers at the property, did not speak English, but still would try to assist. Having a basic command of Spanish is helpful.

After check in, it is important to remember to schedule your COVID test so you can return to the US. The resort provides complimentary testing on site. I found it best to go the morning after check in to make your appointment. If you go later in the day, the line to make appointments can get long. Be sure to check current guidelines in regards to when the test needs to be performed.

Accommodations

The room was well appointed featuring a king bed; a closet with safe, ironing board and iron; a table and chairs; a spacious bathroom with all the amenties you could need (shampoo, conditioner, razor, shaving cream, sewing repair kit, lotion, toothbrush and paste, face and body soap bars, shower gel) and a large shower and separate toilet area. There was also a big jetted tub in the room. The balcony featured a table and 2 chairs as well as a hammock. The hammock is always my favorite spot on resort trips. You can see the room in my video here.

The Pool

With multiple pools, you are sure to find the perfect setting to cool off and enjoy the water. There is a zero entry kids' pool, a family friendly pool with lots going on as well as quiet spaces, a pool on the beach on the Heaven side of the resort and more. If you are looking to relax with a book or chat, head to the far side of the main pool to chill. If music is your scene stay near the bar in the main pool for music and fun.

The Beach

You will find mixed reviews on the beach here. It is in a natural cove, protected from large waves, surf and seaweed! Some people prefer the open ocean. I think it is perfect for families as it is safer and calmer for kids to play in. The cabanas available for an additional fee are perfect for spending all day at the beach. There are plenty of beach chairs free for use.

The Food

This is the only section of this review you will find negative. We enjoyed many restaurants and there were delicious food options. Even the buffet was nice with smoothies, fresh juices, hot foods and fresh fruit. The coffee shop was a morning favorite for me. I prefer a lighter breakfast so the option of coffee and some fruit drew me there often. They also have a few pastry and some packaged options for lunch.

Frida's, a Mexican cuisine option, was amazing. The disconnect happened in Ciao, the Italian restaurant. The food was just ok. It was edible but both the short ribs on polenta and the lamb came out at room temperature, which was not appetizing. The lasagna was ok, to temperature but not all that flavorful. I will say the wine, both a sauvignon blanc and a red were very good there. The bruschetta was too toasty and hard to bite into. Dessert was good though.

Overall

This resort is a solid 4-stars in my book. The music lover will adore this place! There is always music to be heard and memorabilia to be taken in. I am told there are even guitars that are available for use in your room with headphones!

Families will love the kids' club, Roxity, and all their activities, as well as the calm beach and multiple pools

Singles, couples, wedding parties and honeymooners can surely appreciate the adults only side of the resort where there are even topless optional areas, complete with a pool, beach and bar.

I was there in March and there were a ton of college spring break kids there.