On my most recent trip to Mexico, I was lucky enough to be invited to stay at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun. There are plenty of all-inclusive hotels to choose from in Cancun, so I highly recommend you read this review before booking.
During my stay, it didn’t take long before I realised that this was a hotel I could warmly recommend to anyone asking, and so I decided to write an in-depth post and review of the resort.
The name “Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun” is a handful, I know. But, you can also just call it the Grand Coral Beach, which is what I will be doing throughout this post.
I have stayed at other resorts in Cancun in the past, but I have to say right away that none could measure up to the Grand Coral Beach. In this post, I’ll tell you why.
// Sponsored stay
Table of Contents
Quick Cancun Travel Guide
Where to stay: The Cancun Hotel Zone is where you will find most all-inclusive (and well-known) hotels in the city. My favourite resort is the Grand Fiesta Coral Beach, and you can check out my full review here. Other recommended hotels in the Hotel Zone are Secrets The Vine (adult-exclusive) and the Riu Palace.
Where to eat: There are several restaurants along the Hotel Zone, and most resorts have several restaurants. Don’t miss La fonda del Zancudo or La Habichuela.
Top activities and tours in Cancun:
- Day trip to Chichen Itza ($69)
- Day trip to Tulum and two cenotes ($39)
- Catamaran sailing trip and visit to Isla Mujeres ($139) – read my review of this here!
- ATV and Zipline adventure ($75)
- Pirate show and dinner ($120)
Read more: The Best Cancun Day Trips & Tours
Packing for Cancun: Cancun is hot-hot-hot, so you obviously want to pack your swimwear, flip flops and light summer dresses year-round. Most resorts have a casual dress code, but require closed shoes and somewhat nicer outfits for dinner. So pack a few nice dinner dresses as well. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and sunglasses, and have a look at my all-inclusive packing list before you go!
Airport transfers: When you arrive at Cancun international airport it can be a little overwhelming, as there are countless transportation companies and taxies trying to get your attention (by literally shouting). I always save myself the trouble by booking a transfer in advance. This is the highest-rated transfer service on Viator.
About the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
Let’s get the facts out of the way first.
The Grand Coral Beach is a large All-Inclusive resort in Cancun. It is a luxury resort, right on the oceanfront, with views of the ocean and horizon.
Amongst the facilities you can expect are several restaurants, several pools, pool bars, night-time entertainment, a gym, spa and even a turn-down service.
The resort is part of the Grand Fiesta Americana brand, a collection of luxury hotels and resorts around Mexico, in destinations such as Cancun, Monterrey, Oaxaca and Cabo San Lucas (where you’ll find some great beaches and beach clubs!).
Location
The Grand Coral Beach all-inclusive resort is located in the Cancun Hotel Zone. This means it right on the beach, and within walking distance of some of the well-known landmarks in the hotel zone, such as the Hard Rock Cafe and the (infamous) Coco Bongo night club.
When I arrived in Cancun, I pre booked my transfer to the hotel through this company. I found it to be much easier than being shouted at by 100 different vendors in Cancun airport.
The location of the hotel is very convenient, as most Cancun tours and activities will pick you up from outside any hotel in the hotel zone. When we went on our day trip to Isla Mujeres, we were picked up from the Grand Coral Beach.
Additionally, their location (facing Isla Mujeres) makes the resort feel more secluded than you’d think whilst being on the busy strip. As a result of the island, the waters and the beach is much more calm than elsewhere.
Grand Fiesta Americana also has destinations in other places in Mexico, such as Cabo San Lucas (where you’ll find some of the best beach clubs)!
The Rooms
When arriving at the Grand Coral Beach, in addition to the large and impressive lobby, your room will be your first impression.
Rooms at the resort are spacious, and all have a view of the glittering ocean, facing Isla Mujeres.
During my visits to the resort (because I was lucky enough to stay there twice), I saw both their lavish two-bedroom suite and their regular Ocean Front Suite.
Please note that “regular” is a stretch here, because the Ocean Front Suite is extremely luxurious.
My suite was large and spacious, with a powder room and separate bathroom. Whilst my favourite detail was (obviously) the balcony, I really loved how the seating area was a little lower than the bedroom area, making it seem like a separate section of the room.
Some amenities included in the room:
- Minibar with snacks (included in the all-inclusive package)
- Nespresso coffee (I was sold)
- Toiletries and vanity amenities, such as a dryer, soaps from L’Occitane, sewing kit, dental kit, etc.
- Smart TV
- Large seating area with both a dining table and a lounge sofa
- Robes and slippers (aka the ultimate luxury after a shower)
My biggest issue with the rooms was mainly that I wanted to spend all my time there relaxing, but I only had a limited time to enjoy the hotel amenities so I obviously also wanted to go out and explore.
Tough life.
Amenities & Activities
Moving on from the rooms, and onto all the amenities and things you can do at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach.
As mentioned above, the resort comes with a lot of services and facilities for guests, and you definitely wont be bored during your stay.
Pool & Beach
The Grand Coral Beach has two large pools that are connected by a waterfall. Along the pools there are tanning beds and seating areas, and their bright pink towels are (of course) included.
Just a few steps down from the pool you’ll find their beach, with even more beds and a restaurant perfect for lunch (but more on that below).
I quickly noticed how incredibly soft the sand was, almost like powdered sugar. Later, I learned that this is the original sand of the beach – whereas the sand along large sections of the hotel zone has been imported.
The reason for this is the 2007 hurricane that hit the area. It ruined most of the beaches, resulting in the importation of sand. However, the beach outside the Grand Coral Beach was protected by the island of Isla Mujeres, and so they still have the original sand.
Beach Activities
As you may have gathered by now, the Grand Coral Beach is an all-inclusive resort. If you’ve stayed at an all-inclusive before, you’ll know this means that food is included with your stay.
But at the Grand Coral Beach, Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs) and kayaks are also included! This is perfect for those who want an active holiday.
In addition to SUP and kayaks being free of charge to guests, it is possible to rent jet skis and look into other beach activities. The beach team has a stand/hut right by the beach entrance, and you can go have a chat with them anytime.
Entertainment
Throughout your stay, you’ll find that there are several sources of entertainment at the resort. When you check in, you will be given a leaflet that includes the program for the week of your stay.
Entertainment at the resort includes circus shows and variety performances, but also live music out by the pool (there was a band playing in the daytime during my visit), and musicians playing in the lobby lounge.
There was a live violinist playing one evening during my stay, and it was so relaxing to enjoy a glass of wine whilst listening to her.
So make sure you check your program when you receive it, and make a note of which shows or musicians you don’t want to miss!
Kids Club
I learned during my stay that around 30% of the guests at Grand Coral Beach are families.
Therefore, they have a really cool kids club available for children between the ages of 6 and 12 – and what a place it is!
We were given a tour of the kids club, and I was almost jealous of the children running around and playing in the different rooms they had. Everything from a game room with computers and consoles, to a dance floor and dressing room with costumes and face painting.
They also had a large outdoor area where kids can play, as well as lots of arts and crafts!
Some of the requirements that were given to the designer of the Kids Club were that they wanted kids to feel like they are in Mexico, they also wanted to give children the opportunity to learn during their stay, and to enable the kids to talk to each other.
Food & Restaurants
I could rave on for a while about the food.
I have stayed at all-inclusive resorts in the past, and usually, I have rather low expectations when it comes to the food.
However, at the Grand Coral Beach I was blown away by the quality (and variety) of the food! I can honestly say I have never been to an all-inclusive resort with food this good.
I quickly learned why.
The resort only recently converted into all inclusive, and their restaurant and dining options used to be additional charges for guests at the resort.
Obviously, the result is high end, high quality food – that you almost feel like you should be paying extra for.
In short, the resort has kept the amazing food and service – but made it all inclusive.
Another thing I want to note about the dining experiences is that the staff are very attentive to allergies. I have some intolerances and allergies that I mentioned before every meal (because I was asked by the staff), and I swear 4 different people came over to confirm my allergies on that first night.
It did made me wonder what would happen if I tried to order something I was allergic to? A swat team, probably.
Table Service
There are a total of 8 restaurants at the Grand Coral Beach (yes, 8!), in addition to the snacks you can get at the pool bars.
During my stays, I was lucky enough to test out La Joya, Tuscany Trattoria, Viña del Mar, Isla Contoy and Nah K’aax. All of these, with the exception of Viña del Mar, are table service (a la carte) restaurants.
I mean, how impressive is it to have this many a la carte dining options at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun?
Usually, staying at an all-inclusive means only eating at dull buffets, but not here.
The restaurants vary in theme and cuisine, with Tuscany Trattoria (and the less formal Tuscany Terrace) serving Italian food (their home-made ravioli was incredibly), La Joya serving authentic Mexican food (with a live mariachi band serenading you), and Nah K’aax serves an international sushi menu in the evenings!
Even though I (unfortunately) have a seafood intolerance, I have to say my favourite restaurants were Nah K’aax and Isla Contoy, both located outside with ocean views.
Isla Contoy has an international menu, consisting of both Mexican dishes (very yummy tacos) and some American-inspired meals (I had an amazing blue cheese burger for lunch one day).
The views of the ocean from Isla Contoy were unparalleled, and made for such a relaxing meal. At the same time, Nah K’aax is located *on* the beach, and there is just nothing like sitting with your feet in the sand listening to the waves crash whilst enjoying a well-prepared meal.
My drink of choice throughout the resort: their signature tamarind margarita. Thank me later.
Quick Service (buffet and snacks)
Viña del Mar is where you’ll find yourself having breakfast, lunch and dinner if you prefer opting for a buffet. The dinner theme changes daily, so make sure to check the program upon arrival to see what type of food you can expect.
Even though it is a buffet, I would still compare it to fine dining, with white table cloths and highly attentive servers.
For breakfast, you can expect an egg station, fresh fruit, pancakes and baked goods, and a mixture of Mexican and international breakfast items. Of course, they are also happy to bring you a mimosa upon request (and you know I requested it).
Additionally, the Coral Cafe is their “grab and go” offer, where you will find barista coffees, ice cream, fresh pastries and sandwiches throughout the day.
It’s the perfect place to drop by if you are craving something small in between meals, or if you just want an ice cream (like I usually did).
Room Service
Is there anything better than enjoying breakfast on your balcony overlooking the Caribbean ocean?
I think not.
One thing that blew me away about the Grand Coral Beach was the fact that the minibar and room service was included in the all-inclusive package.
I have never stayed at an all-inclusive resort where room service wasn’t an extra cost, and so this felt like such an added luxury to the stay!
I ended up ordering room service breakfast on two of the mornings I stayed at the resort, because it was just so relaxing to enjoy it on my balcony.
Bars
In addition to the several swim-up pool bars, the main bar of the hotel is the Lobby Lounge.
The Lobby Lounge gives off a classy, timeless vibe, serving drinks and cocktails all day. It got busy around dinner time, as I am sure a lot of guests wanted a pre-dinner cocktail or a night cap afterwards.
During these peak hours, there was often live music playing.
My favourite was the live violin player, who played violin covers of modern songs (Bridgerton-style). They also had a reggae band, which was really fun!
Of course, it is also possible to grab a glass at Isla Contoy or Nah K’aax in the daytime if you want to enjoy your wine (or cocktail) with an ocean view.
Gem Spa at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
The Gem Spa was built 12 years ago, and today offers one of the most extensive hydrotherapy treatments in the country.
I was absolutely gobsmacked when I heard that their hydrotherapy program consists of 10 steps! 2-3 steps is normal, and I think the most I’ve done is 5 or 6 (at the Thermëa Spa in Winnipeg).
They keep it a little old-fashioned, and the treatment facilities are separated by gender. I personally appreciated this, but it also means that if you are travelling with your significant other (of the opposite gender), you will not be able to go through the program with them (all though you can meet in the final pool).
Those who are a part of the Infinite Club during their stay (I’ll explain what this is below) get spa access (and the hydrotherapy) included.
If you are doing a treatment at the spa (like a massage), you also get access to the 10-step program, and will go through it before your treatment.
I was so relaxed after doing the hydrotherapy, and can only imagine what it would be like to finish it off with a massage!
What Is The Infinite Club & What Does It Include?
I briefly mentioned the Infinite Club above, and thought I would dedicate a section of this post to it.
Some of the rooms at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach have an “Infinite” label to them, which basically means you get a different colour wristband, and access to the Infinite Club.
There are several perks that come with this access, that make your stay even more luxurious.
Firstly, there is a personalised check-in process, where you are taken straight up to the top floor of the hotel, to check in to your room in relaxing surroundings in the Infinite Club private area.
Here, you can relax with a coffee or a drink, whilst one of the Infinite Club staff members process your check in. Additionally, the club has epic views of the Cancun Hotel Zone strip.
The club on the 12th floor is a peaceful getaway from the busy restaurants below, and there is both a bar and a small buffet to be found there.
I ended up having breakfast there one morning, and it was really relaxing.
Additional features of the Infinite Club is that spa access (and the 10-step hydrotherapy program) is included during your stay. Of course, you have to make sure you book a time slot for this.
There is also a private beach club, only available for Infinite Club members. Here, you can enjoy extra luxurious beach beds, top-notch service, and (my favourite), an adults-only section of the beach.
I spent my entire final day in Mexico lounging in the adults-only beach club, sipping tamarind margaritas and reading the A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
Side note: find some of my favourite travel books in this guide!
Finally, I have to point out that being a part of the Infinite Club gives you access to an extra concierge service, that it took me a few days to truly take advantage of.
Basically, there is always a team member on hand at the concierge club, to help you with everything from dining reservations to spa bookings.
When I finally realised that this was an offer given to me as a member of the Infinite Club, it made my stay so much easier.
The staff helped me sort out all of my plans for my stay, and personally made sure to call my room to confirm them. They were so helpful and friendly, and made me love my stay even more.
Summary
To summarise, I absolutely loved staying at the Grand Coral Beach, and couldn’t recommend this all-inclusive resort in Cancun enough.
To learn more about the resort and their offers, head this way. Or, just click here to get straight to booking!
Find Things to do in Cancun
Below you’ll find some activity recommendations for Cancun! As always, I recommend booking certain tours and excursions in advance, to ensure you are guaranteed a spot.
Read next: 14 Unmissable Day Trips from Cancun or the 25 Best Magic Towns in Mexico