I’m often asked about recommended places to stay.  So, I’ve started this series titled “Nikki’s Nest” which will offer lodging recommendations for the cities I’ve visited throughout the U.S. and abroad.  If you have a question on where to stay, let me know.

My first resort recommendation is the Cancun Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico.  It’s about 25 minutes from the Cancun airport and close to the main hotel zone (where all the attractions, restaurants & action is).

This is an all-inclusive resort so you don’t have to leave it if you don’t want to (and I didn’t).  I spent a lovely week at this resort the last week of November 2010.

Promotions

Cancun Palace usually runs some sort of promotion deal (typically $1500 resort credit for a stay of 5-8 nights).  This credit can be used towards spa/beauty salon services, room upgrades, tours, etc.  It’s a great deal if you want to take advantage of the spa and see some of the Cancun sites (swimming with the dolphins, adventure ziplining, visiting Chichin Itza, etc).

Rooms & Suites

Each room or suite has a jacuzzi, flat screen tv as well as a mini refrigerator and bar (stocked with premium liquor).  There are 5 types of rooms:  Deluxe (resort view only), Superior Deluxe (Ocean or Lagoon view), Family Deluxe (which is 2 connecting Superior Deluxe rooms), Concierge Level and the Presidential Suite.

We stayed in a Superior Deluxe Room

and the Presidential Suite

         

The rooms are so comfortable.  You really don’t want to leave!  The beds lull you to sleep with the soft featherbed under fresh, crisp linens.  The shower is huge…seriously.  I could spend all day in there.  The Presidential Suite is like a home away from home.  It has a dining area, living room, separate bedroom, bathroom and jacuzzi as well as a huge patio overlooking the beautiful blue ocean.

The Fitness Center

I worked out at the fitness center 4 times during my week-long visit.  It’s moderate size and can get a little crowded during the morning.  However, the equipment is fairly new and you have enough space to use the weights.  They also offer classes…I took the spinning class twice and it was a great workout.  I even ran into an old college friend during the class.  If you want a resort where you can stay in shape during your vacation, you won’t be disappointed.

The Spa

I used part of my resort credit for a mani/pedi, Swedish massage and a chocolate wrap.  This place is wonderful!  The spa is very tranquil with low mood lighting, soft music and zen water fountains.  You will need to be sure to make your appointments the first day you arrive as they do book up rather quickly.  I highly recommend the chocolate wrap!  It is divine.

Dining

The resort has 5 different restaurants (Italian, Mexican, Japanese and US-inspired).  We ate at all 5 restaurants and the food was generally pretty good.  I loved the Japanese (Miyako), Italian (Leonardo) and US-inspired (The Steak) restaurants.  But, the Mexican restaurant was okay…which is odd since we were in Mexico.  The food was a little bland.  I’d recommend it for lunch but try the other restaurants for dinner.

Activities

The resort has plenty of daily and nightly activities.  From pool games to a Michael Jackson show, you are bound to find something that amuses you.

    

Overall, I loved the Cancun Palace Resort.  The main goal of my vacation was to relax.  I stayed the entire week at the resort and spent my time working out, eating, going to the spa and hanging out by the pool.  If you want to chill out at a fabulous hotel without worrying about how much every drink will cost (again, it’s all-inclusive so everything has already been paid for), check it out!

Nikki’s Rating: Fabulous 4

Rating Scale 1-5 (1 = GET OUT NOW; 2 = Seriously?; 3 = Eh, it’ll do; 4 = Fabulous; 5 = Absolutely Wonderful)