SLS Hotel beach

The SLS is a decent property overall, but the hotel experience fell short of my expectations for the SLS brand. I would not recommend this hotel as it did not provide a satisfactory vacation experience. While the service was excellent, the overall property did not offer a pleasant stay. It was not relaxing or restful, and I did not enjoy my time here. Pluses: The service was outstanding. The hotel car service was excellent, and the front desk staff was ready to assist us with an early check-in as soon as we arrived. The hotel managers and wait staff were also very polite and friendly. The rooms were very nice, and the oceanfront suite was modern and spacious. The bathrooms were well-appointed with robes and slippers, and turn-down service was provided. The ocean-side balconies were large and enjoyable. The property itself had beautiful decor and was well-maintained, including the hotel pool, lobby, and beach club. The food at the main restaurant was very good. However, it was the only option for dinner, and the menu was limited, so we had to find other dining options outside the hotel. The beach club also had a nice lunch menu. Minuses: Being on the 2nd floor, we experienced some noise at night from people outside on the beach. Even with the balcony fully closed, we could still hear the chatter. Additionally, there was a lot of noise from the hallway in the morning. We could hear every footstep, voice, and door slamming throughout our stay. The rooms were not soundproof, and I did not get a good night's sleep. On the second night, there was loud music playing outside. There was no moment of peace and quiet at this hotel. We also had to endure the sound of barking dogs from other units. The pool for hotel guests was nice but quite small compared to the resident pool. The beach club area was also nice but a bit crowded. It was difficult to relax with so many conversations, cigar smoke, dogs, and pet parrots. More spacing would greatly improve the experience. The presence of locals with day passes on weekends also contributed to the crowded atmosphere. It was much less chaotic during the week. The hotel had more of a family environment, with many kids and dogs due to the residences. This was not what I expected from the SLS brand. There were more local families than hotel guests, and there were lots of small children. At times, it felt a bit out of place. There was constant noise from kids playing with rubber ducks, throwing footballs, and jumping in the pool. Unsupervised kids would yell to their parents on the beach, disturbing everyone's peace. We couldn't fully enjoy our stay. Meanwhile, the giant resident-only pool remained empty throughout our stay. It would be better to have separate pools for families and adults, like other resorts. Another issue we encountered was the prevalence of smoking everywhere, including the beach, pool, and balconies. We couldn't open our balcony doors because the adjacent room was filled with cigarette smoke, which ruined our chance to enjoy the oversized balcony. Even with the doors closed, there were still lingering odors of cigarette smoke in our room, making it difficult to relax. It was disappointing and disgusting that the property was not smoke-free. For the comfort of other guests, it should be. The smell of cigarette smoke was even present in the hallway all the way down to the elevator. I asked the front desk to address the issue with the adjacent room, but either they didn't take action or they disregarded my request, as the person continued smoking on the balcony after dinner. Another disappointment was the car service to the nearby mall at the Marina. The driver mentioned that it was only a courtesy due to the rain, which felt strange. I'm not sure if he was expecting a tip, which I would have given anyway, but the hotel should not advertise a service and then make us feel guilty for using it. The hotel staff and service were the saving grace of our stay. Without them, it would have been a completely negative experience.

The hotel experience was not up to par. It definitely falls short of being a five-star establishment, especially when compared to other top-notch resorts in Cancun. If given the choice, I would prefer to stay elsewhere for a similar price. Overall, our stay was disappointing and we even decided to check out early. I wouldn't have given such a negative review if they had acknowledged our reasons for leaving and refunded us for the last two nights. A well-managed hotel would have listened to our feedback and made efforts to ensure our comfort, but unfortunately, they failed to do so.

This hotel is definitely not deserving of a 5-star rating. It could be considered a 3-star hotel at best. One major issue with this hotel's service is the presence of numerous hidden 15% service fees that are not mentioned on their website when you make a reservation. When settling your bill during check-out, it is important to carefully review it, as they will add an additional service fee. The hotel shuttle cannot be trusted, as they often find excuses to refuse providing shuttle services, such as the hotel manager using the vehicle. It is worth noting that the hotel's location is extremely inconvenient without access to a car. In terms of dining options, there are two restaurants within the hotel. However, they are excessively overpriced and offer low-quality food. Specifically, the seafood restaurant near the beach serves mostly inauthentic seafood dishes. Lastly, if you are seeking a cozy hotel with delicious food and convenience in Cancun, I strongly advise against choosing this hotel. It is not worth wasting your money on.

SLS Cancun is located in the Marina, which is likely the most expensive and luxurious area in all of Cancun. There are numerous restaurants and a large shopping mall just a short 7-10 minute walk from the hotel. The Marina is incredible, with plenty of high-end and reasonably priced dining options. I stayed in one of the suites, which happened to have 2 bathrooms and a stunning ocean view. The best thing about this hotel and the Marina area is how exclusive, secure (although Cancun is safe), and prosperous it is. I often refer to the area as a mini Miami. If you're looking for a loud and noisy atmosphere, this is not the place for you. However, if you desire a touch of sophistication and the ability to easily drive to the bustling areas and then retreat to tranquility, SLS is the perfect choice. Guests pay to access the beach, so it remains private, but it's free for hotel guests, ensuring you won't encounter rowdy crowds. I rented a car through the hotel during my stay without even needing to pay a deposit to the car company, and valet parking is always available. The staff is attentive and always willing to assist.

The brunch was average. I was expecting it to be more luxurious considering the price of $80. I requested to see a room for a potential longer stay with my family, but they openly laughed at me. Unfortunately, this experience has led me to reconsider doing business with them. I would rate the brunch 4 stars, but the hotel gets a 0.