TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

We had a great week of vacation at the Iberostar Selection Cancun in early January 2026.. The resort has beautiful ocean views and lovely grounds and pool areas. Our room was in one of the ocean side villas. The view from the deck was gorgeous. The room was a little worn but overall very clean and comfortable. The beach, pool and villa deck facilities were great. Plenty of lounge chairs and palapas. The service provided by check in staff, cleaning staff, and restaurant staff was very good. However, there were a few things that were disappointing: some of the restaurants, the alcohol selection, and the entertainment (except for the great mariachi band). We enjoyed the Japanese and the Italian restaurants, the Burger bar, and the buffet. The steakhouse, American Bistro and the Mediterranean restaurant were average to below average. The choices of wine, beer and mixed drinks were too limited and simply not very good. We were also disappointed with the restaurant reservation system. We were unaware that prestige members had priority in the restaurants causing some frustration getting into restaurants. Despite the things that did not meet our expectations, I would recommend this all inclusive resort for the beauty and service. We had a wonderful time!

I would like to share my experience starting from the day we arrived on New Year’s Eve. Our flight was delayed, and we reached the hotel in the selection side around 10:00 pm. We were a group of six adults, extremely exhausted and starving after a long day of travel and delays. While checking in, we informed the front desk agent, Shalisa, about our situation and how hungry we were. She mentioned that once the check-in process was completed, she would check with guest services to see if we could still access the buffet, as it was supposedly the only dining option open at that time. The check-in process took quite a long time, so I personally went to the guest desk to inquire. I was told that the buffet was already closed and that our only options were room service or the snack bar, which only offered bakery items and small sandwiches. Considering it was New Year’s Eve, this was very disappointing, as we expected a special buffet or at least better dining availability. When I returned to Shalisa and informed her, she suggested ordering room service but failed to mention that the last order was at 11:00 pm. By the time all three rooms were checked in, it was exactly 11:00 pm, and room service was already closed. We called the front desk, but they told us there was nothing they could do and that our only option was the 24-hour bakery. We even tried ordering food from outside, but everything was closed due to New Year’s Eve. Rooms: We had booked three partial sea view rooms. One room was upgraded to a full sea view as it was the only available option at the time, which we appreciated. However, the other two rooms were on the first floor—one had a partial sea view, while the second had no view at all and faced a rooftop, possibly of a restaurant. Additionally, there was an electrical issue in one of the rooms, and a technician had to be sent to fix it. When we requested a room change, we were told no other rooms were available and that we could check again later. Unfortunately, the front desk agent’s attitude was very tough and harsh, which made the situation more stressful. Beach: The beach is absolutely stunning—one of the most beautiful we have seen in Cancun. The water was clean and clear, and we were very lucky with the weather. However, you must wake up by 7:00 am at the latest to reserve a spot, as by 9:00 am there isn’t a single beach chair available. A special mention goes to Luis at the beach bar, who makes amazing drinks and always serves them with a smile. Pool: The pool area was very clean, and the drinks were excellent. Santiago deserves special recognition for always creating unique drinks and providing great service. Food: Unfortunately, we had very limited access to the à la carte restaurants. We only managed to try the Italian restaurant after repeatedly visiting the customer care desk and practically begging for a reservation. We tried every possible option—waiting in line from 5:30 pm and returning again around 8:00 pm—but nothing worked. The hibachi restaurant was fully booked throughout our entire stay, even though we tried to reserve from the first day and were flexible with the number of guests. That said, the food quality overall was very good. Daniel, the chef, was always present and actively checking if guests needed anything, which was much appreciated. The snack bar offered very tasty burgers, and the staff there was friendly. We also tried the tacos, but they were nothing special and quite small. Entertainment: The animation team was fantastic and kept us entertained throughout the day with various activities. They truly made our stay more enjoyable While there were many positive aspects to our stay—especially the beach, pool, food quality, entertainment team, and overall atmosphere—the front desk experience was extremely disappointing from check-in to check-out. That said, it is important to recognize that almost all other staff members were very friendly and welcoming. No one ever pressured us for tips; instead, their positive attitude, genuine smiles, and good service naturally made us happy to tip and show our appreciation. Despite these positives, due to the way we were treated by the front desk, we would not repeat this experience again, even though we might have considered returning if that aspect had been handled better.

We had the pleasure of staying 7 glorious days at the Iberostar Selection Cancun in early January 2026. We got upgraded to a Villa on the beach and couldn’t have been happier. It was clean, comfortable and the view was breathtaking! The property was incredible, the staff were great, and the food was generally good. Being seasoned international travelers, we can overlook things that seem to bother a lot of reviewers; such as thin towels, a shower door that doesn’t close, ants on the countertop, corny entertainment, and others. BTW the Mariachi Band was great! However, what did bother us was being unable to eat at certain restaurants because the Premium Members were given priority. This is a rash departure from the term "All Inclusive". Also at check-in, the sales team will try and entice you to purchase the Premium Membership; reminded me of the "Time-Share" routine. And the drinks….generally terrible. Dos Equis beer is the worst and the wines are also cheap. Some of the specialty drinks were undrinkable and weak. This is NOT like the Iberostar of the past, and for these 3 reasons I give them a 4-Star rather than a 5. My restaurant ratings: 1. Italian. 2. Japanese. 3. Buffet. 4. Burger Bar (near the beach). 5. Steak House. 6. American Bistro. 7. Mediteranean. The American Bistro and Mediterranean were terrible and should be avoided. The Burger Bar (yeah, yeah, I know it’s just a burger), but IMO, beat the Steak House for better flavor. Only go to the Steak House if you can’t get in the Italian or Japanese. We can enthusiastically recommend this property and believe you will love your stay as much as we did.

Our experience for 14 nights here were not good. Although the place itself is paradise to look at and sit and relax the restaurants is where we had major issues. So they have 4 restaurants and a buffet hall. The restaurants you can't book prior so you just have to go at 5pm line up..... (because people get there early to try guarantee a table) if they are full they turn you away even though you can see tables unused through the window .... so I questioned it and they said they are for people on the waiting list??? And we got turned away each time without the offer of being on a waiting list. So we had to spend 10 of our 14 nights outside the hotel for dinner as there is only so much buffet food you can eat before you get sick of it!! Beer pumps only one works at the pool everywhere else they just give you beer in a can?! Not ideal really. The lift situation is awful only 3 working lifts for 8 floors so always a long wait with only one staircase that wasn't highlighted for public use! When we confronted the guest service desk. They didn't do anything to try correct the situation or offer us any sort of compensation after paying for all inclusive and eating out for 10 nights. Overall I wouldn't ever stay here again!! A very unorganised hotel.

Large group trip — big disappointment We stayed here with 5 couples and 10 adult children (22 people total). The beach and sun were excellent, but the overall experience was frustrating and poorly managed. Dining: There are five restaurants, but the reservation system is a mess. You can’t reserve in advance except at one restaurant, and even then you must physically wait in line at 4:30 pm to get a time slot. When we returned at our assigned time, the table wasn’t ready for another hour. Completely disorganized. Excursion planning: We booked an off-site excursion through the resort for 18 people. When the van arrived, it only had 15 people on list. No backup plan, no solution. The entire trip was canceled. Completely unacceptable for a resort that regularly hosts groups. On-site store: Outrageously expensive. Water was $12, and there’s a minimum purchase requirement that forces you to buy more than you want. Felt like price gouging. Entertainment: Mostly low-effort. The rock show was good. The magic show was so bad it was almost funny. App: The resort app barely worked most of the time and was unreliable when you actually needed it. Staff & bartenders: Some staff seemed openly hostile toward guests. One bartender refused to serve us until we tipped him, tapping the tip jar while we ordered. Not acceptable at an all-inclusive resort. Laundry service: We used the laundry service and had clothes returned still dirty, with staff claiming we filled out the form incorrectly. No accountability and no solution. Cleanliness / illness: About 40% of our group got sick during or soon after the stay. The resort did not feel clean, which is a serious concern. Food: Overall bland and forgettable, though the fish dishes were decent. The resort is tired. The positive: The sun and beach were excellent. Overall: Nice weather can’t compensate for poor organization, unfriendly service, failed logistics, and questionable cleanliness. With many better options in Cancun, this resort isn’t worth the hassle. Rating: 1/5