One of Cancun’s premier resort has closed to begin a dramatic transformation process, Caribbean Journal has learned. The popular Marriott Cancun recently shuttered to undertake what the company calls a “major renovation.”
When it reopens at the height of the upcoming winter tourist season, the Marriott Cancun will become an all-inclusive resort, according to Marriott International.
The resort, a longtime European Plan hotel, will be the first Marriott All-Inclusive in the Caribbean and in the world, part of the company’s broader foray into all-inclusive.
The new-look Marriott Cancun will feature a new design in all guest rooms and public spaces, from the ballroom and the fitness center to a fresh new kids club.
The resort will also have nine different restaurants and bars, a new pool area (one that will also have dedicated family pool), a water park and a lazy river.
The full name will be Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort.
It will actually be the second Cancun resort in Marriott’s all-inclusive portfolio: thanks to its alliance with Blue Diamond’s Royalton brand, the new Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun is part of the All-Inclusive by Marriott collection.
It should also bolster Marriott’s Mexican Caribbean portfolio, which is adding a new EDITION hotel later this year and just debuted the new St Regis Resort at the Kanai development. Last year, Marriott’s only Ritz-Carlton in the area became a Kempinski.
Marriott’s all-inclusive push, which largely began in 2019 with its purchase of Barbados’ Elegant Hotels portfolio, has come in fits and starts; despite the company’s size, it has faced a steep learning curve in the region, and increasing competition from large brands like Hilton and Hyatt, both of which have undertaken broad, and arguably more successful, entries to the all-inclusive market.
But Marriott is pushing forward with its all-inclusive plan, and the next few years should see its larger ambitions come to fruition, as all-inclusive resorts with brands like W and even Ritz-Carlton begin to emerge in the Caribbean.
And with the company’s size and massive loyalty membership, it shouldn’t be ignored.
For more, visit the Marriott Cancun.