Hotel Grand Sunset Princess
Adults-only resort in Playa del Carmen.
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(98 discussions)
Grand Sunset Princess earns consistent travelers approval as one of the best-value family resorts in the Riviera Maya, primarily because of what the megaresort access unlocks. Booking at Grand Sunset Princess gives you access to three connected properties including Platinum Yucatan Princess (adults-only), which itself gets excellent reviews independently. This means parents can retreat to the Platinum side for adult pool time while kids enjoy the Grand Sunset's water features and beach. The buffet is specifically called out as incredible across multiple threads, and the swim-up room value is extraordinary - guests regularly report stunning accommodations at prices that feel like a bargain.
The beach is genuinely good - white sand, wide, and well-maintained. Sargassum can affect it seasonally, but the resort does active seaweed cleaning and the base beach quality is strong. 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
- +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
- +Four included a la carte restaurants plus beach grill and snack bars - no rationing of dining access
- +Good balance of activity and relaxation - lively enough during the day without becoming a party resort
- +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
- −Sargassum seaweed is a seasonal issue on this stretch of beach - summer months can bring significant seaweed deposits despite the generally nice beach
- −Described as 'embarrassing' by one guest who subsequently stayed at Riu Vallarta - suggesting it compares poorly to PV-area alternatives
- −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
Common Questions
Google Rating
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...”