BookIt.com Verified Traveler Debi Nocerino from Centennial, CO

"My boyfriend and I stayed at this establishment to share in the joy of our friends' wedding. The resort was beautiful and our experience was magical. The service was impeccable, the resort was extremely clean with fun activities going on too. We are already looking for another date in the future to come back. I highly recommend this location."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Johanna from NY

"I always find reading reviews helpful before booking a trip, so I hope my review helps someone out there in search of more information.

We just returned from a 5-night stay at Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa and I'd like to walk you through our trip with details. We booked the trip online and got a great value as September and October is considered off-season for the area.

Note on airlines: AeroMexico is not helpful at all in explaining delays, does not communicate with passengers on vessel, the planes are older, warm, and tight. Not a good experience overall. AeroMexico: 2 / 5

We arranged for Round Trip Transfers, again, we did not have a choice of the company as it was all picked through our travel website. We got Best Day Travel. Overall, they were fine, did what they had to. Trip was straightforward, but be mindful, before you get to your transportation, there will be a variety of characters who will approach you to "help.../they all look official but are simply looking to pitch you on a timeshare, or to sell you something, or to grab your bags and help you to the curb in exchange for a tip. The transfer companies watch along and smile, they know what's going on %u2013 just be mindful and be aware. Best Day Travel: 4 / 5

Onto the resort. This was our first vacation in six years so we were more than ready for it and beyond excited. We picked the resort as it was newer, had a lot of food choices, and was in a great, safe area. We were surprised, however, to find the location in not such a touristy area. After traveling down a bumpy, dirt road for about a half-mile, you reach the gates of the resort. And you know immediately at once, you'll not leave it to explore the town since there's not much of one, other than for an excursion or two. Best Day Travel driver will tell you that the next time you come to town, to travel to Playa del Carmen %u2013 more to do, they say.

Upon arrival, we are whisked from the front entrance...and I mean, whisked/you are not even given a moment to absorb the view. There is champagne sitting on a console across from check-in, but you are cattled to the Preferred Club Lounge immediately for check-in and do not have a chance to look around, grab a drink, or even use the restroom. We originally booked a room with a plunge pool. Our travel agency automatically upgraded us to Preferred Club and a Jacuzzi room instead. Without us asking. When we were checking in, we were told all the plunge pool rooms were taken, but we could upgrade to the Honeymoon Suite for about $140 USD / night. So disappointed we were. But there was nothing we could do. As we were finishing the check-in, we are approached, one of the many who will approach you throughout your trip to tell you that you have to earn your $200 in resort upgrades. You see, when we booked online, they also gave us $200 in upgrades. Thing is, you have to sit through a 90-minute sales pitch on the AMResorts to get the dollars. And they ask you to do so during breakfast. Needless to say, we didn't want to give up a breakfast or 90-minutes, so we never did get our upgrades. Another tip: you will be approached many times for this sales pitch, just mention the first person who approached you and they'll leave you alone.

The room is pretty. But worn. And our first room was filled with ants all around the sinks, in the shower, on the floor, by the mini-bar, and all on our balcony and in the accompanying Jacuzzi. We requested a room change after a whole can of Raid did not take care of the problem and were moved two rooms down.

Our first meal %u2013 lunch %u2013 was at Seaside Grill. And it was good and adequate. I was disappointed prior to leaving on our trip not to see menus anywhere online, not sure if we would enjoy the food, so if anyone has questions, please ask. Anyway, you are given some tortilla chips, guacamole, and salsa as you wait. We ordered a salad to share, then my boyfriend had the grilled chicken sandwich, and I had the broiled fish of the day (grouper). All was good and the restaurant is right in the center of things. Now, to explain location, the Seaside Grill is attached to Oceana. They share a kitchen and the same lunch menu. Most of the restaurants are set up this way. For instance, the French and Mexican and Italian are all next to one another as well, and most probably share a kitchen. All restaurants are in the same area by the hotel lobby, aside from Seaside Grill and Oceana. (Aside: There are a few days during our trip that Oceana is closed for dinner due to private parties.) Note: there are never any meals served on the beach, with tiki torches, as they show in their promotional shots. You can book a "romantic lobster dinner for two... in a cabana. This is set up each and every day but remained unsold during our trip. Just empty, dressed tables inside cabanas. More could be done on the beach in terms of food and entertainment.

We quickly went into the pool, where we spent much of our time on this trip %u2013 it is TROPICAL here, folks. The bartenders are quick to remember you if you remember to tip them in the beginning of the stay. The drinks are delicious and tropical and fun %u2013 but not strong. Tip: ask for a double shot, and try both the Sea & Sand (insanely yummy and a pretty drink to boot) and the Riviera Maya (layered drink of midori, orange juice, and strawberry daiquiri). There's also a drink of the day that is fun to try each and every day.

Quick overview of the pool: despite management asking you not to put towels on chairs to save them, people do this beginning around 7am. I would recommend doing the same as early as possible. Also, grab a blue float from the Entertainment Center and pull out of the pool and keep by your chair if you plan on using it throughout the day. Otherwise, people will grab your float. Not good? Kids. All in the adult pool. Unsupervised. There is a great area to recline actually in the pool. Yet, while you're doing this, kids will be running along the ledge splashing you and screaming. Mind you, it's the bar pool and there are two other, separate activity pools. I don't think kids should be allowed unsupervised in this pool when lots of people leave their half-finished drinks on the ledge and you'll find kids picking up the glasses and throwing them into the pool, or worse yet, trying the alcohol. Not smart.

If you're debating the Preferred Club and there's not an automatic upgrade, I'm not sure it's entirely worth it. You do get the lounge area with its own bar, but so what? The hotel lobby serves similar food items, plus you are always so full from the regular meals that you'll find yourself not utilizing it that much. For me, I enjoyed the computers and the free in-room WiFi, but most people don't still work on vacation, so only you can answer that. I do know that we were to get upgraded mini-bar (not true), pillow menu (didn't happen), so...again, not sure if it's worth it.

Food. There's a lot of it and it's all mostly good. There are some nights that a restaurant is dark, or closed. When picking this resort based on the number of eateries, keep this in mind. And they do have and enforce dress codes. So, long pants are a must for the men at most of them, and no tank tops on men for breakfast, despite the heat. El Patio is traditional Mexican eatery, and it's just ok. The entertainment there is the only entertainment at an eatery and it's fun. It's also the best looking restaurant. And again, the mariachi band is a fun touch. And the fundido presentation is fun as well %u2013 remember to ask for it. Everyone wrote on here about the steak at the Mexican place. Maybe we went on an "off... night but it was more steamed than grilled. Almost as if it were cooked earlier in the day and then kept in a chafing dish and warmed before eating. Not the greatest. The Italian eatery, Portofino, is fun. But not terribly Italian for this Italian. Japanese is fun as well. After reading many, many reviews, we were advised we HAD to make reservations, HAD to try the hibachi, and while it was good, I think all the "it's so hard to get a reservation... kept many away. We had two other people at our hibachi table for eight. And the other one was empty. Only two other tables were taken. It was dead. I would recommend World Café for the breakfast buffet. The Mexican section is delicious with some fun things to try. Oh, and another fun, everyday touch. Fresh chocolate chip cookies across from the check-in area are delicious. The Mulatta-Chocolate from CocoCafe is like a mudslide without the alcohol. If you want the strongest drink, the lobby bar %u2013 Rendezvous %u2013 is the best and the real deal. The coconut martini is to die for.

Which brings me to %u2013 Entertainment. There's not much of it, truth be told. Throughout the day there are a few offerings: archery, water volleyball, ping pong, but there's no...strong entertainment team...to get people involved. No one announces when anything is starting, and since you might not be wearing a watch, you quickly realize you've missed the 11a bingo game or the 1p food demo. And at night, there's not much either. On one night, we were told it would be Mexican night. We had seen workers working ALL NIGHT LONG, even in a thunderstorm, constructing a stage in one of the pools, so we could not wait to see what Mexican night would be. Fast forward to the next day, and we find the stage is for a wedding set-up, and the Mexican night consists of a few cheap flea market vendors selling wares %u2013 no one frequented this area. Surprising. The two best entertainment nights were the drums & fire show (cool, don't miss) and the "romantic music in lobby.../the singer was simply AMAZING. Note: the lobby bar is not air conditioned and sweltering on the hot, tropical, mosquito ridden nights. Be mindful of this.

The beach is okay. And just okay. Mind you, I live five minutes from a beach so maybe I'm biased. Each day there is a warning of jellyfish, so I chose not to go swimming in the Gulf and quick conversation with those sitting on the beach tells us that they are covered in red marks from sitting on the beach (Bug bites? We don't know, so we don't stay long). There's a lot of seaweed, but they clean it twice a day just in front of the resort. If you walk to the right, you will find an almost military-nuclear-looking area, not a wonderful view, if you walk to the left, you are next to Excellence, and then Ocean Coral & Turquesa. You will also find vendors on the beach quick to sell you a pareo or sunglasses (you can barter), along with AquaWorld.

Not to miss: the daily Paella. They start making this around 1p or so %u2013 it's delicious. The burgers at the outdoor grill. Also, really, really good.

Another Tip: Always ask for bottled water. Although they say they filter their water, people we met during our trip had mild stomach issues. We did not/AT ALL/but always drank bottled water, even while brushing teeth.

Being a Preferred Club guest allows a 1p check-out. Note: they will tell you it's 12p, but it's 1p %u2013 your card will stop at that time. So if you need to use it, it's done. Also, make sure you arrange for your return trip to the airport almost as soon as you get there. We went back each and every day, but could not find the Best Day rep in their office. We finally got them the day we were leaving, told our pick-up time, only to arrive at that time and be told it was an hour later. Ugh.

All in all, a great resort for families, not really for active singles or couples.

Location: 1 / 5
Resort: 3 / 5
Food & Drinks: 4 / 5
Entertainment: 1 / 5"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Ginp from Albany, New York

"My significant other and I went to Mexico for the first time this June 2012, 7 nights and 8 days.

A huge concern for me was the weather--prior to leaving, the weather forecast displayed rain for almost the entire trip--upon arrival to Cancun International--sun and warm weather, mid 80's to low 90's (a bit humid). There was one period of rain and overcast skies which lasted only 20min and then sunny again, but I will add--the day that we left to return home, rain was moving in. Our shuttle driver said that the forecast is so variable and not to rely on it.

Shuttle service to hotel--I booked with Cancun Airport online, through them I ended up getting Cancun Shuttle, who must contract out with them. I payed for private transport, $75 roundtrip for 2, and it was well worth it. We got upgraded to a private Lincoln SUV because we had to wait 20min--mind you, I didn't even complain, they just upgraded us. A friend I met at the resort stated that they had shuttle transport with 'Apple' and when they arrived at the airport there was a mixup and they ended up paying $75 for one way transport. I will add that prior to leaving for our trip, Cancun Shuttle had called my cell to confirm transportaion which was very professional and nice.

Dreams Riviera Resort--property was immaculate (except for numerous little geckos wandering around :)--but they are harmless and mostly stay in the gardened areas). We did pay a bit extra for preferred status; I felt it was worth it because we had private check-in, private bar, upgraded snacks in room, etc. Not a big deal though if you don't go that route. Every single employee there was always smiling and always saying 'my pleasure' at any request; we were treated like royalty. There are 6 restaraunts and a buffet; only one restaraunt closes each night so you're still left with 6 choices for dinner--they leave a daily newspaper in your room each night which states what location will close, so you're able to plan accordingly. We ate at each restaraunt and thought they were pretty good--portions are small but it doesn't really matter because you're eating all day long and because it's all-inclusive, you can order whatever--seconds on appetizers, etc. Also, we ate around 7pm-8pm each night and never once had to wait to be seated. Tons of drink options, liquors are topshelf. Lots of weddings when we were there, sometimes if it was a beach wedding, they were right outside our window--we had a beach-front honeymoon suite (soooo worth the xtra $)-- so the weddings could be viewed as annoying but . . .for us, we didn't mind at all, the parties are kept seperate and don't take up a lot of space--plus, you get to hear good music and they only last a couple hours. It isn't an adults only resort so there are families, but the kids had there own activites to do and areas/ pools to use.

We ate at the outdoors restaraunt for lunch and we had to hurry because we had an excursion booked; the service was taking a bit longer than usual; we had waited 15min without any service and then I saw them sit another couple and take their order prior to ours and we were there first--mind you, this would never be an issue for us except that we had to make a tour bus at a certain time, so we got up and left and I told the hostess that it was taking too long--5 min later a man comes running up to us on the walkway to the front of the resort, and he knew our names and asked if there had been a problem, etc. at the other restaraunt. I bring this up because it's a perfect display of the overall attitude of the resort in regards to customer satisfaction--he walked us to the buffet (we still wanted to eat :) and got us seated and waited until we had been introduced to our waiter. Wow.

**Tips are appreciated by the staff but they never make you feel like you have to give them money. I tipped a lot because I felt that they deserved it with the services provided. Now off the resort, it's another story. Being that it was our first time in Mexico we did all of the tourist activities like ChichenItza, etc. We booked through Amstar and they had a rep right in the lobby of the resort--they were very good and attentive; duirng the tours you definately feel safe and well provided for as far as itinerary, snacks and drinks, etc.

We will definately go back and definately stay within the Dreams/ Secrets family of resorts again. I highly recommend Dreams Riviera Cancun. Keep in mind, this resort is about 20miles from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen--it's like right in the between them. Cabfare can be around $40-$45 usd. For us it worked out because we wanted to relax and the resort puts on live shows each night. Have fun and be safe!"

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Lynn from New Hamburg, Ontario

"My friend and I went to celebrate our friends' wedding and it was incredible! We enjoyed the drinks, the food and the resort in general! We found it to be very populated by small children though - we weren't expecting that at all. They do a great job at their jobs and made our time there very lovely."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Debbie from Waxahachie, Tx

"We went over spring break 2012 and had a wonderful time. The resort is absolutely beautiful and very well taken care of and we were very pleased with our room, from the modern fixtures, beautiful design and comfortable bedding. The entire staff were exceptionally nice and helpful and the food was very good. We loved it and want to take all of our family back next year."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Paul from Overland Park, Ks

"The resort was great. Overall it was wonderful. The one big problem with this being a family resort and mind you we left our kids at home, is the late night loud music from the wedding parties. If I had my kids there, I probably would have moved hotels. The wedding music at the pool went on till 11:00pm several nights. My children would have gone to bed at 8:30 and there is no way they could have fallen asleep as loud as the music was being played. That being said I heard nothing but great things about the kids club. And by the way if you do't like kids don't go here. They are all over the place. The food was great and the drinks are good too. The service is a little slow at the bars and by the servers at the pool. Each restaurant closes at least twice each week, so be sure to check when, so you don't plan on one and find out it is closed when you want to go to it. If you like coffee then bring a big travel mug to fill when you go on morning walks, they only have small paper cups. I had to get four each morning before I went to watch the sun rise. Great resort but the wedding parties go to late to be a family resort."

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BookIt.com Verified Traveler Ashley Presti from Milwaukee, WI

"My husband and I travel a lot and have stayed in Rivera Maya numerous times, this was the first time we were more disappointed and we are easy to please. The resort was beautiful, however the rooms were so noisy, for a vacation we barely got sleep from paper thin walls, it was more frustrating every morning because we could never sleep in due to the noise. The food was decent but many got sick from the Japanese restaurant, the buffet mostly turned out to be the best for food since you received larger portions and better food. Just wasn't worth the cost and the 'resort credit' you can receive is only able to be used if you pay, so you don't ever really get anything as 'credit'. However, customer service was amazing everyone was so nice. I wouldn't return, it wasn't worth the lack of sleep, and good food but the resort in general is beautiful to look at."

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"Amazing"

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"If you have ever gone on a cruise, this resort is NOT for you. Five star in Mexiso is definitely not five stars in the U.S. Food quality is mediocre at best, service is slow and irregular. In the World Cafe you could die of thirst before a waiter would serve you. Many times we got up and helped ourselves. I would highly recommend, however, dining in the Italian, French and Asian restaurants. The lunch and dinner buffets were dull and the food not cooked very well.

We had a member of our party with a gluten allergy and the staff no idea what we were talking about the majority of the time...in spite of being told by the travel agent that they could accomodate our travel companion. If you have a severe food allergy, definitely avoid this resort. Many, many of the servers had a limited command of the English language and this complicated our communication regarding the gluten allergy.

The resort activities were limited, and the nightly entertainment was amateur at best. The ONLY good entertainment was the fire dancers. Pool activities are fun, but not much else to do during the day. If you want to bake in the sun all day you will be fine. There are good activities for younger kids, but we were travelling with 10 adults and teenagers.

The hotel, however, was clean and well appointed. The grounds are beautiful and they are always cleaning. We were there during hurricaine Ernesto and ther resort was completely clean the next day dispite heavy rains and wind. Our room was lovely and clean, although one drawback is the lack of bathroom privacy. If you are travelling with teenagers you might want to consider a separate room. The glass on the toilet and shower door is totally see through.

If you use the gym, they will not allow you in the steam or sauna. Very disappointing to my husband who liked to work out daily. Inclusive isn't inclusive of everything apparently!

We paid for the Preferred Club and that was well worth it. The internet service in the room was horrible, but the Preferred Club room had free internet service, as well as food daily and other liquor accomodations.

All in all, we had a great time with our friends, but I would not go back to this resort. I'm not a big drinker so the all inclusive wasn't really my thing. Give me a cruise any old day!"

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"THIS RESORT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE GREAT IF THEY WOULD TWEAK A FEW THINGS. THE FOOD WAS OK, BUT EVERY MEAL WE ATE THERE , THE FOOD WAS COLD. IT WAS EXTREMELY WINDY THE WEEK WE WERE THERE, A FEW WIND BREAK SHEERS ON THE OPEN AIR RESTAURANTS WOULD HAVE HELPED A LOT. THE BEACH CHAIRS WERE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER."

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"Beautiful resort"

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"Dreams Riviera is above and beyond other resorts in cancun. It is amazing, beautiful surroundings, the best food. There is something for everyone at dreams. From all of the many activities to the different restaurants and the different bars. It is relaxing, yet so much fun. They have daily entertainment and nightly entertainment for all ages and the vendors came one night so we shopped. The staff at the resort you will see like no other resort in Mexico or even in the states! So nice, friendly and polite. This was our second time at this resort and first time without the kids. Our kids were begging to take them with us because they love dreams so much! The pictures on the web are just like you see it. The food, so well done, something for everyone even kids will not have a problem. I travel a lot with my family, this is the place to stay. Very safe. Very kid friendly, yet even though I was without kids, I did not feel disturbed by any. Plenty of space in the resort. Plenty of pools, beach, plenty of pool chairs, plenty of shade!, Plenty of Sun and yes plenty of DRINKS!! ENJOY!"

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"The Hotel was amazing! The Spa was fabulous but very costly.

The restaurants were very good. The hotel was spotless and the staff were all very friendly. I would definitely return to Dreams again."

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"The resort was a very upscale resort and made you feel like a queen and king. It was all you can ask for in a resort. I am already planning my next vacation at a Dreams. We really enjoyed our vacation."

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"Exceed my expectations! everything was perfect since we arrived until we left. I really really dont have any complaints, everybody (stuff) were very nice and friendly, the food was excellent, the pool, the room everything, had a great experience and i will definately be back again to this hotel. I also recommended to everybody!"

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"Overall we were very disappointed with the service and friendliness of the entire staff. From managers to servers they were very snobbish.

The food was not as expected, not so good.

The pools were not very clean, one of them even had algae.

This was not I expected especially for my 7 year old. The other annoying thing was that the restaurants were not always open for dinner. We had to eat buffet for dinner on our last night and it gives you the impression that it was all leftovers. "

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"What a fantastic place. The food was amazing and the staff great. Alot of the hotels on the beach were quite empty but this one was busy for a reason. Any drink you wanted was made, the service was excellent, and the food was the best we have ever eaten. We felt very pampered and special. We would like to return to one on their adults only resorts since our kids are grown up. No complaints here."

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"We had an awesome time at Dreams Rivera Cancun. The staff was attentive, some friendlier than others. The food was good and the liquor is good quality. All photos are accurate, what you see is what you get, no surprises. The area near the southwest rooms is unpleasant because of the smell from the sewage treatment, although we didn't smell the odor in the room. The plunge pools look nice, but if you not going to be in your room there kind of a waste. If you walk up the beach just past the resort you can get a massage on the beach for a fraction of the price of the hotel. So/.. Would we go there again? YES. If I could choose my room next time it would be the bottom beach front near the Barracuda Bar, for obvious reasons. Oh, we saw at least one wedding a day. Have fun hope this was helpful."

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