Ocean Riviera Paradise

Guests won’t be wanting for interesting views -- from ocean to garden to trendy interior designs -- during their stay at the Ocean Riviera Paradise. Opened in December 2016, there are four sections to this expansive resort. Daisy is for families with kids, Privilege is for VIP travelers (who pay more), Eden is closer to the beach with direct pool access, and El Beso is the adult-only section. All combine together to create a chic aesthetic. For instance, the lobby is a large circle with a lovely skylight, white and black floors, tile designs around the walls, and hanging ceiling lamps with white bird sculptures. Further in, there’s a lounge that takes on an artsy vibe with wooden head sculptures, a round library wall of books, and lobby bar with interesting woven lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The restaurants vary in design but each features the same pattern of decor: an airy vibe, cool hanging lamps, tile elements, and often lovely ocean views. With 974 rooms, this is a large and busy property and service sometimes fails to be quick and efficient. There's a free in-resort shuttle that runs from one end to the other, but it too, might require some wait time. Other drawbacks include reports of overbooking and bothersome time-share pitches. Guests are a mix of couples, families, and groups of friends attracted to the new digs and beachfront location. 

Ocean Riviera Paradise has a beachfront location just outside of Playa del Carmen. The hotel is surrounded by other resorts so there’s little of interest to walk to in the surrounding area, apart from down the beach. The Grand Coral Golf Riviera Maya is a 12-minute drive away. Xcaret takes 26 minutes to reach by car, while Xplor Park is a 21-minute drive. Rio Secreto is a 28-minute drive away. It takes 45 minutes by car to reach the Cancun International Airport. 

The rooms at Ocean Riviera Paradise have sophisticated and fun contemporary decor that's a cheerful combination of retro and glam. Think: four-poster beds, chic lamps, furnished balconies or terraces, and trendy furniture. Great amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi-, safes, air-conditioning, free minibars, coffeemakers, and bottled water. Some rooms have swanky features like direct pool access, rooftop terraces, or terraces with private hot tubs and ocean views. Bathrooms are clean and trendy with colorful tile designs. They have toiletries, hairdryers, and separate showers and tubs. Note that there have been quite a few complaints about issues with the air-conditioning and mildew smells to the rooms.Guests staying in the Privilege section of the hotel get additional freebies like children’s welcome kits, beach towels, private beach area, access to the Privilege lounge, and 24-hour room service. The Daisy section is for families, and the Besos section is for adults over the age of 18. The Eden block of rooms provides the closest access to the beach and pools.

Ocean Riviera Paradise is an expansive property, so it’s no surprise that there are lots of activities and plenty to do. First, there’s the beachfront location with loungers, thatched umbrellas, and a bar on the beach for guests. Take note that the beach is reportedly rocky and requires water shoes. The hotel offers five outdoor swimming pools, plus a kids’ pool with a waterpark. Some reports of a lack in pool cleanliness have been made. There’s a relaxing spa with a sauna, massages, indoor pool, hot tub, and hair salon. Workouts are pleasant in the hotel’s well-lit gym with cardio and weight equipment, or with outdoor activities like three tennis courts, other sports activities, non-motorized water sports, and a diving center. Other forms of entertainment include nightly shows, dance classes around the pool, a small casino, and a bowling alley. For kids, there’s a kids’ club, teen’s club, and an outdoor playground. With all-inclusive meal plans and 10 restaurants and 11 bars, there are plenty of diverse dining options for visitors from Japanese food to Mexican food. The meal plans include drinks, cocktails, snacks, and meals at buffets and a la carte restaurants. A hot and cold breakfast buffet is included in the meal plans. Room service is available. Though there’s a lot of dining options, guests report poor food quality, slow service in the restaurants, and long wait times for room service. Privilege guests get higher quality food and brand name alcohol, so it may be worth the upgrade for those who are particular about food and beverages.Business travelers can take advantage of 13 fully-equipped meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi throughout, and a business center (for a fee). Parking is free on-site.