Why We Recommend It:
The Royal Sands is a consistently highly rated, upper mid-range all-inclusive in the middle of Cancun, Mexico’s Hotel Zone.
It is part timeshare, part all-inclusive, and sees a nice mixture of guests of all ages, with families being possibly in the majority.
Facilities include two large swimming pools, a kid’s pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, a full-service spa and complimentary bicycles.
There is a lot of entertainment for kids, and for adults, but mainly during the day. Things tend to wind down relatively early here compared to other Cancun all-inclusives.
Nightlife is therefore not a major focus at this resort, but there are three fine bars and restaurants on-site, and guests also benefit from discounts at certain restaurants in neighboring partner resorts and at some local restaurants in the city.
Rooms & Suites:
There are 340 spacious, soundproofed suites to sleep up to six across two bedrooms. Aesthetically they may not have much Wow Factor but are certainly comfortable and clean, spacious and well equipped..
Even the more basic level suites have comfortable king-size beds with premium bedding, study desks, seating, balconies with ocean views, 24-hour room service, and kitchenettes or full kitchens–something you really don’t see in many all-inclusives.
Satellite TVs are in every suite as are coffee makers and WiFi. Bathrooms are huge, have both baths and showers and are supplied with quality toiletries.
Take a look at your room options now – with prices, reviews, and photos – at Expedia here or at Booking.com here.
Food, Facilities & Things to Do:
You have three very good restaurants & bars to choose from, with both buffet and a la carte food, and drink, available every day. All of it is part of your all-inclusive package.
Hacienda Sisal is an upscale hacienda-style restaurant with traditional decor and some highly rated Mexican cuisine including local fresh seafood.
It’s a la carte and a semi-formal venue but can be lively and fun, with live mariachi performances in the evenings for example.
Then there is La Veranda, the main buffet restaurant which has a whole range of beautifully cooked and presented international food to be sampled.
Sand Dollar, overlooking the ocean, has some of the best ceviche around and also serves other seafood including seafood cocktails, as well as traditional tostadas and a range of sushi dishes.
Then there is the Char Hut Snack Bar and the Sands Express, both serving fast food (but with healthy options too) and desserts, and you can order room service from Sands Express 24 hours.
The cozy Royal Roast Coffee Shop serves up Starbucks Coffee alongside fruit smoothies, herbal teas, sandwiches, pastries etc.
The Royal Sands winds down pretty early–the above venues will generally be closed by 11 pm (though you can order room service food and drink, including alcohol, 24 hours a day)
The Sidelines Sports & Karaoke Bar opens later and is the liveliest drinking spot in the resort, with also a food menu for light bites and bar food.
It’s a sports bar, as you may have guessed, and has 13 TVs showing pretty much nothing but sports. You can have a fun time at the karaoke here too, or play pool, and the bar does a wide range of drinks including premium cocktails.
The spa is equipped with a sauna, a spa tub, and a steam room, with treatments requiring an extra fee. The resort has a large and very well-equipped fitness center. too with classes (extra fee) available around the resort including fitness classes, dance classes, pilates, yoga and more.
You can try a whole bunch of water sports at The Sands, with equipment mainly being complimentary except for motorized sports, plus on land, you can play tennis, go cycling, or just laze around the beach or pools.
Their Kids Club looks after 4 to 12-year-olds with a variety of games, sports, movies, educational classes and more. You can also arrange babysitting for younger ones.
Resort Location:
The Royal Sands is right in the middle of Cancun’s famous Hotel Zone, next to Kukulcan Plaza Shopping Center and less than thirty minutes from Cancun International Airport. The resort has a shuttle services for guests.
Some Guest Reviews:
“Where do I start? The hotel was BEAUTIFUL! Every single staff member was very friendly and made us feel at home! When I come back to Mexico, I’ll be back at The Royal Sands!…..”
“Our stay at the Royal Sand was incredible! The room was beautiful and clean when we arrived and the housekeeping staff kept it that way for our whole stay. All of the staff at the hotel are so welcoming and friendly and always happy to help. There was a large variety of food and restaurants. The location was perfect! Close to the airport and many other things. Whether you want to just explore the Hotel Zone, or go further for different excursions, the Royal Sands is in the best spot. We loved our stay so much and definitely plan on coming back again!!! :)….”