Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa

We frequently pick dreams resorts for our holidays as they are usually family friendly and they have a good mix for our older kids. So we did not even think to check all the pool rules before booking this resort for our family vacation which consists of mainly adults and two older kids, Unfortunately when we got there we were informed that the main pool is adults only, there is a kids pool (suitable for little kids) and an activities pool (which is freezing and small) not a great option for multiple adults to hang out at - plus it’s the activities pool so that’s self explanatory of why this was an issue. There are was no actual pool place where our large group (mainly adults and our older kids) could just hang out and swim, which at all the other dreams locations is usually the main pool with the ledges to sit and the swim up bar in the big warm pool. I have never been to a Dreams Resort where the main pool is not kid friendly - they really need to modify this policy at this resort as it Is an absolute deal breaker when booking a vacation. I will be second guessing booking a dreams resort in the future as this was one of the least desirable trips we have ever been on because of this policy.

As someone who relies heavily on reviews, I wanted to take some time to review our recent 6 day stay. We've been to 18 all-inclusives (mostly MX & Punta Cana), some family (with child and also as just a couple), some who offer adult-only areas and some fully adult only properties, ranging from 4-5*, ratings that we've come not to rely on. In consideration of the experience we seek/enjoy I'll mention a few things: We chose a Preferred Tropical Suite, which was a decent size (smaller than most) and had the outdoor and indoor jetted tubs. Clean. Met our needs fine (though toilet required repairs 3 times). Their catch phrase is something like "a resort for couples and a resort for couples with children." To be clear (in comparison to those we've done w/our son) it's not among the best fam resorts we've been too - but I'll let those with little ones review on that end. What I can attest to is that it is NOT a couples resort. There are NO child-free zones that we saw (aside from French restaurant), so if you are looking for an experience not surrounded by children while you eat, swim, walk to the bar, walk to the restroom, this is not the place for you (see my pool notes for further clarification). The pools are beautiful, typical of such a resort. But unlike at other resorts they are side by side, so you share the pool area with EVERYone. This is likely why it seems you're surrounded by children, because their pool and the family pool are all sharing the same small space. You will NOT find a poolside chair if you don't towel one around 7am. Yes, I generally resent those who do this, but you've no choice here. There are NOT enough chairs (and we weren't at capacity). And don't think I've experienced uncomfortable beach chairs - thought they were all "the same," but nope. The poolside view is completely obstructed by gazebos they rent by the day. You see the back of the cabanas - not the pool, not the beach. Horrible set up. The beach is the filthiest we've ever seen - and I don't mean w/seaweed which is expected at times (and yes, was an issue too) but with legit TRASH. Like bottles, plastic, motor oil containers -- just a coastline of trash. We suspect it's their manmade barrier that keeps it in...idk, but it's there and nasty (and sad) when walking the coastline. We're not food snobs. I personally don't like too much temptation - enjoying weight loss and hey, we are all living in swim suits here, and therefore mediocre food was okay for me. But yes, that means it wasn't very good. We had specialty dinners nightly and they were ok. Just ok. I mostly like the apps / soups - we were both disappointed with most entrees. A buffet is usually the safety net in a typical resort when the specialty doesn't live up - they're usually good, but not here. Even my husband who can find a hunk of meat tasty anywhere struggled. Hibachi, always a must-do for us, lived up to expectations - tasty. Oh, shout out to Jessica, who bounced between French and others. Very friendly taking time to explain the schedules and timeframes for the various restaurants. Now, buffet was a small unimpressive space compared to most places we've been, but breakfast was quite good -- have a shout out to our omelet maker (I know I wrote her name somewhere!), who ran four burners at a time daily (tip her!). On the flip, our "Preferred" status included a special breakfast location, so we tried that twice. Awful experience each time. You will wait an hour for your simple breakfast and children will be crying and bouncing about out of boredom. Go to the buffet. IN/out less than 20 min - or stay as long as you like, but yes, this is where EVERYONE dines for breakfast. ChuckECheese meets diner vibe. Bars: we like our drinks, generally mixed or beer. Our Preferred beer was ... wait for it: Heineken. Now I'm fussier with beer than food, so some may not get that I wasn't wowed by that (I was a team drinker when in Amsterdam), but we know this is typical for Mexico (sometimes they offer MGD or Corona - you're not getting any variety and certainly no IPAs here, lol). Both beach bars decent - low key, no fancy drink menus with multiple blenders buzzing and peeps hanging out like some places we've been. More grab and go. Gersom at Preferred beach bar and Wilbur at the indoor Preferred bar always helpful and friendly! As for the area, nice and close to the airport, which I prefer. We did Xcaret Xenotes this time - last to be picked up / first drop off (meaning closest to attraction, which is ideal!). Fun! Earlier this year we did Xcaret Xplor & Xenses. Also fun. Would we come back here? Nope. Though we rarely duplicate. Blame to my husband for not realizing how compact this property was, lol. When I select a property I look pools that are spaced across the property so you can remove yourself from "those" people who can ruin a nice pool day (not always children!). But it was nice to get away from the snow for CHEAP! Kudos to hubby for finding this black Friday steal (if he paid full price he'd be sleeping on the couch, lol).

Oliver is the best! We had the best bike ride tour and he showed us where to get great souvenirs. Thanks for making our vacation!!!

The seaside grill always had amazing service in the morning and especially with the hostest Estela. She was very nice and overall gave us an amazing experience

Wonderful and relaxing time. Very professional and serene spa. Dedicated and caring staff who took personal interest in my relaxation.