Andaz Mayakoba

Andaz Mayakoba, a Michelin Key Selected property in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, generally receives high praise for its serene ambiance, beautiful design, and excellent service, making it a favored destination for both families and couples.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Andaz Mayakoba garners overwhelmingly positive sentiment, often described as a luxurious and tranquil escape. Reviewers frequently rate it highly, with one comprehensive review giving it an impressive 9.25 out of 10, recommending it for various types of travelers seeking a romantic getaway or family vacation. The resort is seen as an inspiring, vibrant, and modern destination that effectively blends contemporary style with Mayan culture. While some acknowledge a lack of a distinct "wow" factor compared to ultra-luxury resorts, it's consistently seen as a fantastic resort and a great value.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Andaz Mayakoba:

• Idyllic Setting & Design: The resort's setting, with its meandering lagoons and swaying palm trees, is frequently described as idyllic. The design incorporates vibrant decor and colorful local artwork, offering an authentic taste of Mayan culture. The beautifully landscaped outdoor areas and impressive arrival entrance also contribute to its charm.
• Amenities & Activities: The property boasts excellent facilities including multiple pools, a kids' club, cultural classes, bike trails, and boat rides through mangrove channels. The eco-boat tour of the Mayakoba area and lagoon is a particularly unique and cherished experience. Guests also appreciate access to the Mayakoba tennis center and the El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course.
• Tranquil Environment: Located within the exclusive Mayakoba complex, it offers a peaceful and less crowded atmosphere compared to hotels closer to downtown Playa del Carmen.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at Andaz Mayakoba are generally described as spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed. Standard guest rooms are considered roomy and luxurious, with upgraded suites being even more impressive. They feature a contemporary yet accessible design, often including balconies or terraces with views of mangroves, gardens, the lagoon, or the sea. Common amenities include plush beds, ample closet and drawer space, well-stocked minibars (with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks), Nespresso machines, and large TVs. A significant highlight for many guests is the presence of heated plunge pools in many suites. However, recent reviews suggest that some rooms, including their furniture and overall design, are starting to show their age and could benefit from renovation, with one reviewer noting them as "old" and "not luxurious".

4. Dining Experience

The dining options at Andaz Mayakoba are generally very well-regarded:

• Casa Amate: This restaurant is consistently highlighted as a standout, celebrated for its spectacular decor, exceptional service, and high-quality Latin American cuisine. Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity.
• Cocina Milagro: The breakfast buffet at Cocina Milagro is a daily delight for many, offering a wide and impressive selection of Mexican and international dishes, including made-to-order eggs and a pancake station.
• Tinta del Pulpo: Located by the beach pool, this casual restaurant serves popular Mexican dishes such as tacos and ceviche.
• Variety and Flexibility: While the on-site dining is good, guests appreciate the ability to explore and dine at restaurants within the wider Mayakoba complex, including those at the Rosewood, Banyan Tree, and Fairmont resorts.
• Minor Criticisms: Some guests have noted that service at restaurants can occasionally be slow, and one specific mention of "slow-cooked" pork tacos at Cocina Milagro being disappointing.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Andaz Mayakoba are frequently praised for their exceptional hospitality, friendliness, and efficiency. Many guests feel a genuine "guest first" approach, with staff often remembering names and going above and beyond to assist with requests. The hotel's unique policy of allowing staff to express their personal style (e.g., tattoos, beards) is seen as contributing to a more authentic and comfortable service experience. However, some guests have reported inconsistencies, including "staff indifference" during check-in or at certain areas like the beach, where staff were perceived as less jovial than those by the pool. Some also felt the service, while friendly, occasionally lacked "special touches" found at other luxury properties.

6. Location & Accessibility

Andaz Mayakoba is situated within the private, gated Mayakoba complex, approximately 45 minutes to an hour from Cancun International Airport. It's about 8 miles north of the bustling downtown Playa del Carmen, offering a more serene and exclusive environment. The resort itself is expansive, divided into two distinct areas: the Beach side and the Lagoon side, separated by about a mile. Guests can easily navigate the property and access neighboring resorts via complimentary bicycles or golf carts, which are readily available. The ability to visit and dine at other luxury hotels within Mayakoba (Rosewood, Banyan Tree, Fairmont) is a significant advantage.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury property, Andaz Mayakoba is categorized as a Category 6 in the World of Hyatt program. Cash rates typically range from approximately $500 to $800 per night for standard rooms, with suites often exceeding $1000 per night. For Hyatt loyalists, redeeming points (previously 20,000 points/night as a Category 5) or utilizing Hyatt Privé benefits (which often include upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and hotel credits) can provide excellent value. It's noted that a variable resort fee, calculated as 15% of the nightly rate, is applied. Despite the premium pricing, many guests feel it offers good value for the luxury experience and amenities provided.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, recurring criticisms include:

• Outdated Rooms: The most common recent complaint is that the rooms are in need of renovation, with decor and furnishings being described as dated, not new, and lacking a luxurious feel compared to contemporary luxury standards.
• Inconsistent Service: Despite generally high service quality, some guests have experienced occasional staff indifference, particularly at check-in or specific areas like the beach or the lagoon pool, where service for food and drinks was sometimes absent. Slow service at restaurants has also been mentioned.
• Sargassum (Seaweed): Like much of the Mexican Caribbean coast, Andaz Mayakoba can be affected by seasonal sargassum (seaweed) influx, especially from spring through fall. While the resort employs a dedicated team for daily clean-up, the presence of seaweed can impact the beach experience.
• Sprawling Layout: The significant distance between the beach and lagoon areas, although mitigated by bikes and golf carts, can be a minor inconvenience for guests with mobility issues or very young children.

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