Guests are met with cheers and applause upon arrival at the Planet Hollywood Cancun. Yeah sure, it’s a little awkward. But the whole production sets the stage for the experience in store at the breezy Marriott Autograph Collection all-inclusive resort, which opened for business back in January 2021.
Here – as one would expect – the walls of the sprawling hotel are filled with photos, artifacts, costumes, quotes, and art that reflect some of Hollywood’s most beloved films and the famous faces behind them. But the hotel guests are definitely the celebrated stars of the show at this Planet Hollywood Cancun resort.
Worth the upgrade
This is especially true if they opt for the Star Class upgrade, which comes with their own personal agent (i.e. a butler), a resort rider, exclusive lounge access, an exclusive beach area, and a private pool for Star Class guests – just to name a few splurge-worthy perks.
Planet Hollywood resorts
Having never stayed at a Planet Hollywood resort before, I naturally questioned whether it would quickly venture into the cheesy realm compared to Cancun’s seemingly more refined all-inclusive resorts. But it somehow maintained a degree of sophistication, something that was complemented by its five-star service. That’s not even to mention the fact that the property sits on a truly stunning (and seaweed-free) white-sand beach in the resort enclave of Costa Mujeres – which is reason enough alone to choose the resort in the eyes of some beach-lovers.
While the inevitable Hollywood references are found throughout – making for perpetual talking points when the conversation runs dry on the family vacation with the in-laws – the Planet Hollywood Cancun resort steers refreshingly clear from overdoing it at every single turn. You could say it’s tastefully “Hollywoodized.” In other words, you don’t feel like you’re vacationing in a theme park.
The Rooms inside the Planet Hollywood resort in Cancun
The film references are admittedly strong in the hotel suites, with things like dressing room lighting surrounding mirrors in the bathroom, studio lights, photos of film reels, director’s chairs, and famous film quotes written across the walls. But the rooms are spacious and well-appointed; those who chose to upgrade enjoy things like multiple bedrooms and semi-private swim-out pools.
A lot of the décor throughout the resort – from pool areas and spa to the restaurants – leans more however toward sleek and sophisticated rather than over-the-top Hollywoodized and tacky.
Family-friendly, but with an adult-only scene
While this resort absolutely shines like a star in its family-friendliness (more of that later), those who prefer a child-free vacation experience can opt for the Planet Hollywood Adult Scene – an adults-only section of the resort. Adult Scene guests can enjoy an exclusive swimming pool if the splashing and squealing of kids at the resort’s other four pools doesn’t exactly scream “vacation.” Should they decide to let loose after a poolside margarita or two, however, Adult Scene guests are free to take a float down the long and winding lazy river or test their skills on the FlowRider surf simulator (the latter should probably be done sober, however).
Poolside upgrades
For the total A-lister experience, poolside cabanas are available for guests (you only live once, right?), with three BEPOOL Cabana packages to choose from, ranging in price from $149USD to $189USD. All packages include a poolside concierge service, private pool space, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. While the cabanas offer an ideal place to unwind and take in the ocean air, the pristine PH Spa takes your relaxation cause to the next level. Here, guests can find deep immersive therapies, soothing massages, a steam room, an ice fountain, and hydrotherapy pools.
State-of-the-art wellness facility
Also on the wellness front, the resort’s massive, state-of-the-art fitness centre rivals those found in places like Toronto or New York City (really). Star Class members looking for a more intimate fitness experience also have access to another smaller gym. Compared to other all-inclusive resorts, Planet Hollywood Cancun offers an incredible assortment of both indoor and outdoor fitness classes to choose from; from sunrise yoga and aqua fit, to kickboxing, Titan Functional Training, and beach bootcamps and obstacle courses. The resort also features tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts.
No shortage in the culinary department
With 11 restaurants – and two restaurants exclusive to “Adult Scene” guests – the Planet Hollywood Cancun resort offers no shortage of quality options in the culinary department. This means everything from a sophisticated sushi and teppanyaki bar (where dinnertime is also showtime) or an intimate steakhouse, to a refined yet comforting Italian restaurant and a vibrant Indian spot with a hookah lounge. The dining spot with the most star appeal, however, is celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint (if you know, you know), aptly named Guy’s! Burger Joint.
In addition to checking the Planet Hollywood Cancun resort’s restaurants off the list, Planet Hollywood features an incredible assortment of activities that ensures kids of all ages don’t get bored – even on rainy days. This means everything from movies in an on-site movie theatre, to a mini putt golf course, sports simulator, VR lounge, arcade, and an indoor trampoline park. And if parents need a (well-deserved) break from their offspring, the Star Kids Club (open 10am to 5pm) will not only take care of the babysitting, but encourage kids to explore the right side of their brains through things like acting, dancing, and film creation.
Never a dull moment…
While Planet Hollywood Cancun houses so many activities that the up-for-anything set could never get bored, vacation provider Sunwing also offers memorable off-property day trips. One worth taking is the Isla Mujeres Luxury Sailing trip, where guests enjoy a catamaran experience and time spent at the eclectic and charming Isla Mujeres.
The verdict?
This Planet Hollywood Cancun resort is a reliable option for families and active young adults who don’t take themselves too seriously. The uptight “refined luxury only” type may want to look elsewhere. Despite the star treatment, this resort definitely ventures on the playful side – something that appeals to a certain type of vacationer (especially those with a soft spot for film).
