We spent 10 days there (April 26-May 5) and LOVED every moment! We wanted an all-inclusive resort but we didn't want huge crowds; and we wanted to snorkel right off the beach. I searched online and chose Akumal because of the reviews...and I'm happy to add our names to all the others who can't wait to return to this little piece of paradise!

Lovely location on a wonderful beach and bay. Very nice staff and laid back relaxing atmosphere. Go for the location, relaxation and the turtles - no glitz here. Snorkeling off the beach but having to rent equipment by the day a nuisance. The quality was more 3 than 3.5 but the price was more a 4. No water activities come with the AI and this should be clearly stated in the travel brochure, along with the need to bring own snorkel gear or rent daily. Hard beds, no coffee pot in room, inadequate A/C.

You can pay less money for much better hotel and come see turtles for couple of times by taxi or "collectivo"

We were transported from the airport to the hotel in a big bus and the trip took 2.5 hours. We hadn't expected such a long trip as the resort is only 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen.
When we arrived at the hotel at 11pm there was so-one to help with the bags or direct us to reception. When we got to reception the receptionist was unhappy to find that we wanted someone to show us to our room and help with the bags. We were informed that there was no-one available and that we should leave our bags sitting in the lobby and follow her directions to our room which was two buildings away. We took our own bags to our room as we didn't feel comfortable leaving them. There were flights of stairs to go into and out of each building and then up to the second floor to our room (4 flights in all).
When we arrived at our room we found the room hot and humid although the air conditioning appeared to be running. I called reception and told them that the air conditioning seemed to be broken. It turned out that the air conditioning had not been turned on until just before our arrival (to save money). The maids also turned off the air conditioning every time they did the room so we arranged to return to the room to turn it back on. Even so the air conditioning did not cool the room much. It just took the humidity out of the air which was find as we don't like it too cold.
The room was sparsely furnished without the usual table and chairs. There was no alarm clock and no bathtub; just a shower. There was no deadbolt or chain on the door and there were signs that the door had been jimmied many times. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. In the morning we discovered that the patio door lock was broken. When we complained about the patio door lock, it was fixed within the hour.
We found the main buffet short of choices and boring. There were 8 steam trays of side dishes, 1 or 2 entrées, some fast food dishes, a few salads, some fruit and a few desserts. It was adequate and non-one got sick from the food; just tired of it.
On the second day we discovered the snack bar at the pool bar which had probably the best hamburgers in the world, hotdogs, pizza, some salads and ice cream. After that we at lunch at the snack bar partly to avoid the buffet and partly to enjoy the hamburgers.
The beach was stunning, incredibly long and white with plenty of beach chairs and palapas. The snorkeling was excellent as you could just walk into the water at the North end of the beach and be at the start of the reef in less than 5 minutes. We have our own snorkeling gear but we were astonished to find that at an all-inclusive they charged a rental fee for their snorkel gear.
The computer access was free if you used their computers but they have taken advantage of the fact that many people travel with their own computer or handheld device and they charge a fairly high fee for using the wifi.
Other than the first greeting at reception we found the staff polite and friendly especially the bell captain, and the bartenders. There weren't a lot of activities but the animation staff were friendly. They put on one music/dancing show which was well done.

It was exactly what we wanted. Quiet, clean and on the beach. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and we will return again.

great beach front hotel. Clean, friendly staff, food was very good for a 3* rated hotel. Well laid out with a great beach so plenty of room for all the guests. Close to Akumal village, close to main highway so transportation is easy with Collectivos. A la carte restaurant was very good and it made a nice change from their buffet service which was actually great.

As expected for 3 1/2 star rating. Small resort with limitations. Helpful & friendly staff.

Snorkelers haven!

This was our second time to ABR. We don't usually stay at the same resort twice and we have been going to Mexico every year for the last 7 years. The staff are terrific the rooms are clean and the resort in general is smaller but so personable. The bartenders remember your name, the breakfast cook knows how you like your eggs!!!! A great place to visit if you love to snorkle and swim.

The check-in staff at ABR was great, we were checked-in in minutes and escorted to our room in building 6.We arrived very late due to a emergency visit when we landed and the restarants were closed. our freinds had let them know our stituation,and they had delivered fresh fruit and sandwiches as soon as we arrived which was very nice.Our room was close to eveything and clean.Yes the beds are hard, but our backs seemed to agree with that. The bartenders were great they went out of their way to make you laugh and make you happy! Expesaly Timmy.. What can I say about the beach? Its Amazing.. Always lot of loungers and shade. They could however have some plastic chairs avalible around to use so you don't have to lougne the whole time.The food is good you will always find something satifing. The Girl at the grill is great and speaks better engish than some of us,lol..One complaint I do have is the chairs in the main lounge area, very heavy straight as a board chairs, not very comfy,I have stayed at numerous 4-5 star resorts in the area and would go back to ABR in a heartbeat. If your really picky and like to be in aresort with thousands of others then go somewhere else! This resort is for the really laid back type. I will be going back next winter.Loved It!!

Great snorkelling, great beach, room was fine. Didn't lose any weight. Overall we missed the resort feel - this hotel has limited options for dining and other activities. Shoreline between Halfmoon and Akumal Bays is heartbreaking. The sheer amount of plastic litter took away from the nature experience of the snorkelling. Enjoy the wildlife while you can. We would consider a day pass in the future but would probably stay somewhere else.

You don't go here for the luxurious rooms because you won't find any - you go here to find the best beach front real estate on the Yucatan. Absolutely spectacular off beach snorkeling and wonderful staff bring us back year after year.

Très beau séjour au Mexique. Superbe plage et endroit parfait pour apnée, tortues, raies et quantité de poissons tropicaux. Bouffe très bonne, animation en soirée moyenne.
Il faut prendre cet hôtel pour ce qu'il est, soit un 3*. Mais la plage et l'apnée compensent tout le reste.

Great resort, would definitely go again. Great service, good food, and an amazing beach! Rooms are older but still comfortable.

Room; Adequate, clean, some small bugs on counter (we're in the jungle) All rooms in building 5, 6, 7 face ocean. No elevator, 3 floor max.
Beach; Fabulous! nice and long, lots of room, powdery sand, lots of shade spots, a bit rocky in spots. Great snorkeling off the beach. Turtles!
Food; good/average for an AI. Snack bar great, pour your own beer, pizza, burgers, fries, gauc and chips, ice cream, all afternoon. Felt more like a serve your self resort, which I liked.
Staff; good, no issues, kept out of your way while getting things done and servicing you drinks at the bar.
Layout; great, 2 min walk to anything, 5 min walk down the beach to a little town for supplies.
Location; between Playa del Carmen and Tulum which was great if you want to do lots of exporing while on vacation, all close to cenotes (many), beauty public beaches, ruins, and Playa Del Carmen if you want to take the ferry and check out Cozumel.
Overall; great relaxing resort, especially if you love hanging at the beach and snorkeling.

Had a great time... beach is fantastic.. quiet. not for party goers.
Activity group does a great job..especially Shy. the head of the activity group

Very nice resort situated in front of coral reefs make it ideal for snorkelers and people looking for some rest and relaxation.

The staff were very efficient and helpful. Rooms were all facing the sea and beach. Food in buffet and snack bars was excellent, lots of choice with an emphasis on Mexican cuisine.

Beach never felt crowded unlike the neighbouring giant mega resorts like the Bahai Principe. Resort had an intimate feel with lots of vegetation. Snorkelling was excellent, sea turtles and many many species of fish and corals.

This might be a three star in Mexico but would have easily been a four star in Cuba.

Neighbouring attractions like the Tulum ruins and cenotes were easily available from the hotel by taking the Collectivos for only 30 pesos from in front of the hotel on the highway.

Would recommend to anybody.

Good hotel for the price. Evening entertainment limited. Food, rooms, pool, all good. Beach was very good and good snorkeling on hand. Mattresses quite hard so bring a foam topper.

Perfect smaller resort! Excellent for families. Great to be so close to the beach. Awesome snorkeling. We will return to this resort in the future.

See weak points. We won't be back! They have most of the activities listed but you have to look at the board the night before to see what's available the next day. If you have already made plans then you may never get to do some of the activities you wanted to.
You have to run down the "entertainment staff" to get tennis rackets, etc. before their office closes. Sometimes people keep the rackets from the day before, so good luck getting out to play tennis when it's still cool like in the mornings or evenings. These guys should have much longer hours...
Lots of local people too from northern Mexico enjoying the whole resort at a fraction of what we are paying. I hate getting ripped off. Food selection was poor, especially the seafood. The air con in the rooms really didn't do much at all to make them any cooler.
I travel extensively and this spot would have been fine for half the money, but not for $1000/pp/wk.

This resort is the worst we have ever stayed at. The rooms are terrible - more like cheap flea bag motel rooms rather tahn resort rooms. The resort is extremely run down - no amount of renovating rooms can save it. The best thing for this resort is a bulldozer. Nice beach but that doesn't outweight the numerous negatives. Don't fall for all the happy reviews - these reviewers must be happy at a boy scout camp. Avoid this place. Spend the extra $200 and go the the Bahia or Barcelo. We stayed one night and bailed to the Barcelo.
The tour operators should be embarrassed offering this dump. Value for your dollar is terrible.
Don't think we're snobs - last year we stayed at the 3 star Wyndham Azteca - also a 3 star resort. Compared to the Azteca the ABR is a 1 star at best. If you want to save money go the the Azteca and enjoy your vacation.

L'hôtel dans son ensemble est assez ordinaire. Nous avions une chambre supérieure mais le mot supérieure n'est pas au sens propre. La chambre est grande, vieillotte et la douche manque de commodité (pas de porte savon ou tablette pour mettre ses produits d'hygiène. Mais bon c'est un détail qui perd de son importance lorsqu'on découvre combien il est facile d'accès de pouvoir faire de la plongée en apnée à proximité de l'hôtel. Si vous recherchez un endroit où pouvoir explorer la faune marine à tous les jours et bien cela compensera bien pour le manque de luxe de l'hôtel. Les repas sont bons mais il y a peu de variété. Le restaurant à la carte est en alternance : un soir italien, un soir mexicain. Deux choix de menu principal. Le personnel de l'hôtel est courtois et souriant. ça aussi ça compense car il n'est pas nécessaire de toujours tipper pour avoir un bon service.

Beach was absolutely beautiful. 5 star.
Hotel needs some work (upkeep, repairs, paint). 3 star.
Meals were fine.
Room was fine.
Front desk was fine.
Kids Club was fine.
Bar and restaurant staff were friendly and responsive. 4 star.
Snorkel equipment was "not" included in this all inclusive package which was a surprise. The staff requested $20USD for the day (per person) - $60 USD per day for a family of 3. Lifejackets $5 USD for the day. Kayaks were included no charge.

Good clean, basic rooms. Wonderful staff, wonderful family resort.

The staff went out of their way to make it as enjoyable and memorable as possible. It is a shame that there really wasn't many guests there.

We have been to Playa Del Carmen ,Cancun,Cozumel ect.. at least 15 times and I think this is now my favorite place.I loved the beach, the hotel and the people that work there.This is a place you want to go to snorkle and relaxit is not a party hotel but you still have fun.I snorkled everyday and saw turtles everyday as well as stinrays,eaglerays and barracuda.The water is not deep so good for kids.I will be going back next year only this time it will be for longer.

I was surprised, but the Akumal Beach Resort was wonderful!! Food excellent, the beach was beautiful, the staff was perfect (I was alone, and the staff didn't bother me, but were there when needed). For a 3star I was a little worried, but I would stay there in a heart beat!! Fabulous trip!!!!

This is one of the best resorts I have been (exept for the rooms) The Beach was amazing. The staff was beyond helpfull & nice. Would return in a heart beat!!!

Sommes arrivés le dimanche, avec 5 autres avions, près de 2000 passagers en même temps, 2 heures pour quitter l'aéroport. Akumal à 1h30 de l'aéroport.
Rendu sur le site, extra...que du positif...Apporter des souliers de mer...Et vos <snorkel>...Bonne bouffe. Drinks avec mesure de boisson...Un peu loin de l aeroport....Les prix touristes tres tres chers. On n est pas oblig/ d acheter...

Place recommandee.

Not much going on if you have teenagers. The front desk gentleman was rude. If you are looking for a great beach but not much more this is the place.