Hotel Grand Sunset Princess
Hotel Grand Sunset Princess is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico with 674 rooms. Amenities include Adults-Only Pool, Beach, Buffet Dining and Waterpark. Travelers rate it 4.5/5 across 10,302 Google reviews.
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Traveler Insights(98 discussions)
Grand Sunset Princess earns consistent travelers approval as one of the best-value family resorts in the Riviera Maya, and the product just got materially better: the resort closed for six months and reopened November 1, 2025 (ahead of schedule) after its first full renovation since opening in 2007 - all 674 rooms across five categories, the lobby, main plaza, buffets, bars, and theatre were redone, and there's a new ice cream shop. The megaresort access remains the headline draw. Booking at Grand Sunset Princess gives you access to three connected properties including Platinum Yucatan Princess (adults-only), and with Grand Riviera Princess reopening renovated around May 1, 2026, the full complex is back online. Parents can retreat to the Platinum side for adult pool time while kids enjoy the Grand Sunset's water features and beach, and the swim-up room value remains extraordinary.
Dining came out of the renovation stronger: four international buffets and six a la carte restaurants, including a new Brazilian rodizio steakhouse, an Asian concept with teppanyaki, wok, and Nikkei cuisines, and a renovated Sunset Buffet with panoramic windows. The beach is the current caveat - the base beach quality is genuinely good (white sand, wide), but the 2026 record sargassum season has been rough on this stretch: a July 2026 guest described the smell as unbearable and sea entry as difficult due to rocks and sea grass, even with staff cleaning continuously. The stair-heavy layout is a legitimate complaint that doesn't get mentioned enough in promotional content - if mobility is any concern, confirm room placement before booking. The 40-minute airport transfer is manageable and shared with many other Playa del Carmen area properties.
This resort works best for families who want a great beach, excellent food value, and the option to access an adults-only side when the kids are occupied. It also works for budget-conscious honeymooners who want a romantic experience (swim-up suite, champagne, private outdoor spaces) without paying Excellence or Secrets pricing. If you're purely adults-only and don't want children anywhere near your vacation, upgrade to Platinum Yucatan Princess directly.
Pros
- +Part of a megaresort complex with access to Grand Riviera Princess and Platinum Yucatan Princess (adults-only) - three resorts' amenities for one price, fully restored now that Grand Riviera Princess reopened renovated around May 1, 2026
- +Fantastic beach consistently praised - white sand, clear water, and wide beachfront that outperforms mid-tier resorts nearby
- +Swim-up rooms praised as excellent value - guests report stunning suites with private outdoor jacuzzi at competitive prices
- +Outstanding buffet quality - described as 'incredible' with variety that exceeds expectations for the price tier, and the flagship Sunset Buffet was just renovated with panoramic windows
- +Expanded post-renovation dining lineup: four international buffets and six a la carte restaurants, including a new Brazilian rodizio steakhouse and an Asian concept spanning teppanyaki, wok, and Nikkei cuisines
- +Fresh from its first full renovation since opening in 2007 - closed for six months and reopened November 1, 2025 with all 674 rooms, the lobby, main plaza, buffets, bars, and theatre redone, plus a new ice cream shop
- +Well-reviewed for honeymoons and romantic trips at a fraction of Secrets or Excellence pricing
- +VIP suite experiences described as exceptional - champagne, strawberries, private balcony, outdoor shower, jacuzzi tub at affordable rates
Cons
- −Entire property is family-friendly - you will be surrounded by children, making it unsuitable for strictly adults-only experiences
- −Multi-level layout requires climbing stairs to navigate - a notable accessibility concern and inconvenient for guests with mobility issues
- −Located 40 minutes from Cancun airport, meaning a longer transfer than Cancun Hotel Zone properties
- −The 2026 record sargassum season has hit hard - a July 2026 guest called the smell at the beach 'unbearable' despite staff cleaning continuously
- −Sea entry can be difficult in places due to rocks and sea grass - water shoes help, and pool days are the safe bet during heavy seaweed periods
- −Platinum Yucatan Princess (adults-only next door) gets stronger reviews - family guests essentially subsidize access to the better property
- −Known to be large and busy - may feel overwhelming to guests who prefer intimate resort experiences
- −Budget-tier branding means expectations need calibration - it's reliably good for the price, not objectively excellent by luxury standards
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Google Reviews
“We will definitely be back! This is such an amazing place to stay. The food and service were excellent, and the staff were absolutely lovely. If there’s anything that could be improved, it would be the high-speed internet and the kids’ club. While t...”
“We absolutely loved this hotel and highly recommend it! The territory is beautiful and very well maintained, like a park perfect for relaxing walks, with many animals around. The beach is stunning, the rooms are modern and luxurious, and the kids’ po...”
“We had an absolutely wonderful experience at the Rodizio restaurant at the Grand Sunset Princess. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our waiter Pablo for his exceptional service. He was incredibly attentive, friendly, and professional...”