The Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, is a popular family-friendly destination in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, known for its expansive water park, diverse dining options, and vibrant entertainment. However, guest experiences vary, with reviews highlighting both the resort’s strengths and areas for improvement. This article compiles Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun reviews from trusted platforms.
Overview of Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun
Located just 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun offers 1,005 modern suites, 12 restaurants, 10 bars, and one of the largest on-site water parks in the Caribbean. With amenities like lazy rivers, kids’ clubs, and Diamond Club upgrades, it’s designed for families, couples, and multigenerational travelers seeking an all-inclusive experience. But how does it fare in guest reviews? Let’s dive into the feedback.
What Guests Love About Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun
1. Family-Friendly Amenities and Water Park
The resort’s water park, featuring 14 slides, two lazy rivers, and splash zones, is a major draw for families. A review on Today’s Parent describes it as “one of the best all-inclusives in Cancun” due to its kid-friendly facilities, including a massive kids’ club with air hockey, rock climbing, and a theater for performances. Guests on Tripadvisor (October 18, 2025) praised the “amazing pools” and waterslides, noting that kids “had a blast” despite some larger slides being under repair.
Quote from Today’s Parent: “The Royalton Splash is one of the best all-inclusives in Cancun, by far… endless options for dining, a nearly-new property, and some of the most helpful and caring staff members we’ve ever met.”
2. Clean and Modern Facilities
The resort, which opened in December 2022, is frequently commended for its cleanliness. Booking.com reviews (e.g., Patel, September 20, 2025) highlight the “beautiful property” and “exceptionally clean” rooms, with spacious suites featuring DreamBed™ mattresses, rain showers, and stocked minibars. A Tripadvisor reviewer (690tarynh, October 18, 2025) noted the “awesome water pressure” and consistent room temperatures.
3. Dining Variety and Standout Restaurants
With 12 restaurants offering cuisines from Italian to teppanyaki, dining is a highlight for many. The Zen teppanyaki restaurant receives glowing reviews for its entertaining culinary shows and flavorful food. Tripadvisor users (e.g., Sarah B and Lucyaj95, April 2025) called Zen “absolutely brilliant” and “highly recommended” for families. The Italian restaurant by the water and Agave’s Mexican dishes, like tableside guacamole, also earned praise on Today’s Parent.
4. Exceptional Service
Many guests rave about the staff’s attentiveness. A Tripadvisor review (690tarynh, October 18, 2025) singled out server Leyva for going “the extra mile,” while Booking.com reviews (e.g., Brittany, October 16, 2025) praised waiters for being “very nice and attentive.” The Diamond Club’s butler service is frequently mentioned as a valuable perk for upgraded guests.
5. Entertainment and Activities
The resort offers nightly entertainment, including live music, beach parties, and themed shows like the Michael Jackson performance, which a Tripadvisor reviewer (K5932SZdavido, October 17, 2025) called “the best one I’ve seen anywhere.” Activities like pickleball sessions with staff like Luis and kids’ club programs (e.g., dance lessons, sandcastle building) are also well-received.
Common Complaints and Challenges
While many guests enjoy their stay, Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun reviews also highlight recurring issues that potential visitors should consider.
1. Food Quality and Safety Concerns
Food quality receives mixed feedback. While some, like Porsche on Booking.com (September 16, 2025), found the food “good,” others, like Mckenzie-Thompson (September 17, 2025), were disappointed with the lack of flavor at most restaurants. A Reddit post (r/cancun, blarghy0) reported food poisoning from the buffet, advising guests to stick to à la carte restaurants. Another user (Slivovic) mentioned their children contracting hand, foot, and mouth disease, raising concerns about hygiene.
2. Slow Check-In and Check-Out Processes
Long check-in times are a frequent complaint. Booking.com reviews (e.g., Anonymous, August 14, 2025) reported waiting over an hour, describing the process as “very slow.” Similarly, Van (August 25, 2025) called check-in and check-out a “disaster,” a sentiment echoed on Tripadvisor (K5932SZdavido, October 17, 2025).
3. Diamond Club Disappointments
While the Diamond Club offers perks like butler service and exclusive areas, some guests, like DayTrip32700002187 on Tripadvisor (April 20, 2025), found it underwhelming, citing unfulfilled promises like missing resort coupons and distant room assignments. Others, however, like Today’s Parent, deemed it “worth every penny” for the private pool and attentive service.
4. Pool Chair Availability and “Towel Game”
Securing pool chairs is a common frustration. DayTrip32700002187 described a “seating scam” where staff allegedly reserve chairs for tips, and guests must claim spots as early as 6:30 AM. A Reddit user (r/marriott, Puzzleheaded_Serve15) noted the lounge chair situation is “ridiculous but manageable” if you claim seats by 8 AM.
5. Hidden Costs and Overpriced Extras
Several reviews mention unexpected costs. Slivovic on Reddit (r/cancun) criticized the $250 USD massages and $40 USD Motrin bottles, calling extras “ridiculously priced.” The Mayan Experience was described as a “waste” due to its unappealing menu and lack of refunds.
6. Environmental and Maintenance Issues
Some guests reported a sewer-like smell, particularly near the resort’s mangrove-adjacent areas. CamilleD0907 on Tripadvisor (April 19, 2025) had to change rooms due to the odor, while Today’s Parent noted occasional sulfur smells from the nearby estuary. Maintenance issues, like power outages and unfinished room features, were also mentioned (e.g., K5932SZdavido, October 17, 2025).
7. Safety and Theft Concerns
While most guests felt safe, some reported theft. Slivovic mentioned a stolen hat, and r/marriott users advised against using room safes, recommending locked suitcases for valuables. The beach is generally safe for swimming, but seaweed can be an issue, and cabana organization is reportedly poor.
Tips for a Better Stay at Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun
Based on Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun reviews, here are actionable tips to enhance your experience:
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Book Diamond Club Strategically: If you value priority dining reservations and exclusive areas, Diamond Club may be worth it, but confirm room assignments in advance to avoid distant placements.
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Reserve Pool Chairs Early: Arrive at the pool by 8 AM to secure loungers, and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
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Stick to À La Carte Dining: Reviews suggest Zen, Agave, and the Italian restaurant offer better quality than the buffet. Use the resort app to book dinners early.
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Pack Essentials: Bring insect repellent, SPF, snacks, and extra bottled water to avoid high on-site prices. Hotel towels are sufficient, so no need to pack your own.
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Plan Excursions: Popular off-site activities include Xplor, Tulum Ruins, and Chichén Itzá. Book through the resort’s tour desk, but compare prices with external operators for better deals.
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Cash for Tips: While gratuities are included, small USD tips are appreciated and can improve service. Pesos are useful for off-site purchases.
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Safety Precautions: Store passports and valuables in a locked suitcase rather than the room safe. Stick to bottled drinks to avoid water-related concerns.
Is Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun Worth It
With a Tripadvisor rating of 4.0/5 (4,764 reviews) and a Booking.com score of 7.6/10 (263 reviews), the Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun offers a vibrant, family-friendly experience with notable strengths in its water park, cleanliness, and select dining options. However, challenges like slow check-in, inconsistent food quality, and hidden costs can detract from the luxury experience some expect.
For families prioritizing kid-friendly fun, the resort is a strong contender, as evidenced by positive reviews on Today’s Parent and Reddit (e.g., morrowse, r/marriott). Couples or those seeking a premium all-inclusive may find better value elsewhere, as suggested by negative feedback on Reddit (e.g., richvohra, r/cancun).
Conclusion
The Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun is a mixed bag, offering thrilling water parks and clean facilities but falling short in service consistency and value for some guests. By preparing for potential challenges and leveraging the resort’s strengths, you can maximize your vacation. Always check recent Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun reviews before booking to ensure it aligns with your expectations.
For more details or to book, visit the official Royalton Resorts website or check availability on Booking.com.
Sources
Disclaimer: This content is based on verified guest reviews and publicly available information as of October 21, 2025. Opinions are subjective and may not reflect all experiences. Always verify details with the resort before booking.
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