This video is for informational purposes only. Our opinions are our own, based on our weeklong stay at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya Resort. We are not sponsored and we self- fund all of our trips. The resorts never know that we make videos about our experiences. We do this so that we are able to bring you unbiased information about the resorts we visit so that you can decide for yourself which resorts best fit what want out of your vacation.
We have very mixed feelings about our stay at Hyatt based on the price that we paid.
To be fair, we are comparing Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya to other 5 star resorts we have vacationed at within the same price range.
When we compare this resort to Secrets Resorts, Excellence Properties, and Iberostar Grand for example then Hyatt falls short.
If we compare it to less expensive, more midrange, resorts like Paradisus la Perla, Riu Properties, or Barcelo then Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya will likely come out the winner.
If HZRM is your first all-inclusive, adults only, resort then you will likely enjoy it. There is a lot to like about this resort BUT if you are used to Excellence or Secrets then Hyatt's lack of sophistication and their extra fees will be noticeable. For example: Excellence properties include lobster Hyatt charges extra for it. Iberostar Grand includes Belvedere and Grey Goose Vodkas, Hyatt charges extra for them. Secrets Moxche includes Oysters, Hyatt charges extra etc.
And NONE of the aforementioned 5 star resorts insist their guests purchase a day pass if staying past 3pm. This is a disgraceful policy! IMO
Hyatt is doing some things really well such as; their mixology (excellent cocktails!), plenty of chairs and shade available around the pool (no chair game), a variety of well organized activities, comfortable rooms with bathroom privacy and a beach kept as clean as possible. So if these are at the top of your list you will really enjoy the Hyatt.
Where Hyatt needs improvement is:
Housekeeping is probably the worst we have ever experienced. Our mini bar had someone else’s leftovers in it when we checked in, housekeeping was sporadic at best, toiletries weren’t refilled and turndown service was non-existent.
Room design needs improvement but only because they ask people not to eat outside on the balcony because of the coatis, (which is legit!) but do not provide a place to dine in the room.
The open air design around Social bar is beautiful but even in January the lobby was very humid at times. There are no fans in front of Social bar and I'm not sure how they would put any in because the rooms are up above. I expect that Social bar and that area would be very warm for a good part of the year.
The nickel-and-diming from the resort is irritating. I understand that you can pay for extra things at all resorts to enhance your stay and they are very common but at HZRM it is too "in your face" and in my opinion it takes away from the sophistication of the resort. They are charging extra for things that other resorts (within the same price range) are including.
Lastly, I would make sure the pools are at a consistent temperature all year long. In the last 10 years seaweed and the vast amount of sargassum has become a real problem so if you are uncomfortable in the ocean because of the amount of sargassum (and the things that may be living in it) and you can't use the pool because it is too cold then why would you spend money to go to any resort that doesn't climate control the pool? Pool heat is NOT consistent at Hyatt.
With the exception of Tempest's sushi bar, the food is average. Nothing was bad but nothing was a stand out either. It was good but boring.
The service staff were friendly and knowledgeable and they are really the heart of the resort. The management staff needs some work.
We are working on a separate video detailing the bars, the 4 different restaurants as well as their menus. And a video about the different room options at HZRM. There are some rooms with views of a dumpster that I would steer clear of booking.
We may return to HZRM but only if it was a good deal. I felt I could overlook the things that this resort lacked but only if the price was right.
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