In this second part of a Tale of Two Resorts, Barbi Partlow, Luxury Vacation Advisor in Covington’s Downtown Richmond office, gives us her first-person report of the newly opened, all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva Cancun.

The Hyatt Ziva opened in the former Dreams Cancun space (and many years before, the Camino Real) in mid-November 2015. Location-wise, it’s walkable to the craziness of the many bars and shops in the hotel zone. Hyatt did a great job with refit of the smallish rooms, and everything smells of fresh wood and varnish. At time of this review, the adults-only tower was still in renovations, and some dining venues were still not completed. Where the facilities were lacking, the beautiful Mexican hotel employees made up for it, and the overall experience was a good one at this fledgling establishment.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun Accommodations

Being greeted with a cool towel and colorful punch, check-in was easy. A bellboy walked us to our room and gave us an overview as he delivered our luggage. Rooms feature large flat screen TV and ours had a king bed with small sofa, round table and one chair, and a banquette for additional seating; sliding glass doors opened to an ocean view terrace. Bathrooms are rather compact but still feature double sinks, walk-in rain shower with attractive patterned tile and good sized bath amenities.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun Dining

As an all-inclusive property, the resort offers eight a la carté and international buffet restaurants, as well as 24-hour in-suite dining and unlimited spirits, wine, beer and soft drinks at the lounges and bars. Let’s talk about the food. Hmmm…upon our later afternoon visit to the open El Mercado buffet, it was slim-pickings for any appetizing selections. But, we managed. Breakfast was also served at this buffet, and let’s just say there’s a lot of room for improvement. I think the hotel would benefit from an American chef to re-evaluate the offerings and re-vamp the menu. Although the expected Mexican entrees were evident, they were not really appetizing. Sorry, Hyatt Ziva, but it’s the truth, and I know you will work it out eventually for improvements.

On a more positive spin, I can say that the Asian Teppanyaki outlet, The Moongate, and also the French restaurant, La Bastille, were much improved for fare, and also had lovely décor and service personnel. They aimed to please and they did. Lorenzo’s is the Italian restaurant, and they were ok, but my entrée (beef with rigatoni and arrabbiata sauce) came out with nearly raw beef. I had to send it back. Lo siento, no mas.

Other fun eateries were the Pasteles dessert bar, great for kids and adults; Chevy’s, an oldies-style burger and shake joint with a replica ’57 Chevy; and my favorite, Casa del Café, a nearly empty coffee bar with espresso, cappuccino, etc., and pastries. We hung out there a lot.

Resort Activities

Next up…the beaches & pools. A small strip of sand is on one side of the hotel, with a larger expanse of shared beach on the other side. This property is situated at the convergence of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico bodies of water, so one side is a bit more churned up, but there were still protected areas for ocean swimming.

There are three pools, including an adults’ quiet zone pool and a kids’ water play area. A fitness center overlooking the sea has treadmills, weights and Pilates classes. The spa offers a hydrotherapy circuit and seaside massages under a palapa. Other offerings include an onsite Dolphin Experience, bicycle tours, tennis and nightly entertainment.

Pool/beach waiter Juan Carlos was our “bestie” there for the first day, and his protégé Clara was a sweet newbie employee we fell in love with. Great staffers all around. Oh, I’ll mention Ricardo Martinez, bellboy, because at our departure he had the gusto to present his card with a huge smile, asking for a recommendation. I’ll do it. I liked your chutzpah, Ricardo!

Thanks for your honest reporting, Barbi. To read part one of her Tale of Two Resorts, please visit Grand Velas – Gourmet Luxury in Riviera Maya. To find out more about the Cancun and Riviera Maya and plan your own vacation there, contact Barbi.