Hotel Review: Now Emerald Cancun

Heading to Cancun? Still deciding where to stay? Check out my Now Emerald Cancun review and see if this all inclusive resort is the right fit for you. I’m sure by now you have looked at the polarizing TripAdvisor reviews which makes your decision that much harder.  In June 2022, I traveled to Cancun with my 7-month old son and for the first four nights we stayed at Now Emerald Cancun.

TRAVELING TO CANCUN WITH A BABY? CHECK OUT MY TRAVEL TIPS HERE!

Location

Starting with the location, this family-friendly all inclusive resort is located in the Cancun Hotel Zone (Kukulcan Boulevard). This is a very desirable location as it is close to shopping and of course the many beaches. Along Kukulcan Boulevard, AKA the “strip,” you will see many beaches named after animals such as Playa Delfines (dolphin beach), Playa Langosta (lobster beach), Playa Tortuga (turtle beach), etc. In this area, you will see many different all inclusive resorts.

Overall, this resort is set in a good location; though many of the negative reviews are about the smaller stretch of beach that this resort is on. In order to get to the beach, you have to climb down stairs past the main pool. This resort didn’t have the most convenient set up – SO MANY STAIRS! I do not recommend this resort for those with limited mobility. Even to get to the buffet, you several steps are required. There is no elevator access, which isn’t ideal with a stroller. If you and your family members are okay with walking up and down stairs, then keep reading.

Accommodations

My Now Emerald Cancun review continues with the accommodations portion. Of course rooms are one of the most important aspects when booking a resort. Especially when you have a family to consider – comfortability (and air-conditioning) is important! Overall, I found the accommodations to be dated but comfortable. The power went out briefly while we were there for a few hours so I was nervous about the nighttime as I had my infant with me who heavily relies on having a/c at night. But they were able to fix it within a few hours so all was well. Great size bathroom and clean. There is a daily stocked mini-fridge in the room filled with bottled water, sodas, and beer.

The rooms are minimally decorated with earth tone colors that are reminiscent of sand and water. Very calming blues and light browns.

Food & Drinks

Okay, we all know how important good food and drinks are at an all inclusive resort. Food is very subjective, so some will like the food here and others won’t. I found plenty to eat here. Let’s do a quick break down of the current restaurants & bars that are available at Now Emerald Cancun:

• Carnival – Buffet serving international food available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Barefoot Grill – Outside grill serving casual quick food for lunch like burgers and wraps
• Coco Café – Coffee and snack bar available early morning to late night if you just need a quick bite to hold you over until your next meal
• Tamarindo – Mexican restaurant available for dinner
• Capers – Italian restaurant available for dinner
• Cin Cin – Mediterranean restaurant available for dinner
• Paramour – French restaurant available for dinner (adults only)
• Spice – Asian restaurant available for dinner (the best ambiance!)

In addition to having good food, there was never a long line for any of the meals. No reservations needed at the restaurants. Super easy! Some of my favorite meals here were ceviche at Tamarindo and tomato caprese salad and pasta at Capers. The buffet featured a salad bar, soup bar, a grill with lots of meat being served, hot dishes, a bread and dessert section, and more. There is also a kids’ area serving familiar foods like french fries, cheese quesadillas, and chicken nuggets.

**Please note: Preferred guests will have exclusive access to the Preferred Lounge, Preferred Pool Bar, and they can enjoy breakfast at the Italian Restaurant Capers.

Now Spa by Pevonia®

For those looking for some R&R there is an onsite spa. I did not personally take advantage, so I can not provide a review of this service. You will find various treatments to enjoy should you wish to take advantage. You’ll find:

• Swirling hydrotherapy, sauna, steam room and bracing showers
• Full-service salon with revitalizing skin and hair treatments, manicures and pedicures
• Treatment options for kids and teens
• All-natural products from the world-renowned Pevonia®

Staff

While some reviews may be skewed negatively, consistently what everyone seems to agree on is that the staff here is incredible! They truly do bend over backwards to ensure you have an amazing time. Sure the rooms are outdated, but the lively and energetic staff make up for it. From the time you promptly check in to the time you check out, you will feel like family.

Daily & Nightly Activities

After checking in, I recommend you take a photo of the QR code. This QR code will take you to a mobile site that provides you with the list of daily activities to enjoy during the day and night. You will also find the hours and menus for room service and restaurants. This mobile-friendly site made our stay here a breeze. Jam-packed activities will give your family plenty to do without having to leave the resort.

From pool parties to tequila tasting to cooking classes, take full advantage! There seemed to be a pool volleyball competition every day. For those with little ones, check out the kids’ area (Explorer’s Club is for kids 3-12). the Explorer’s Club offers video games, crafts and even sandcastle contests. Core Zone Teens Club is for ages 13-17 and features daily activities and a vast array of sports and games for teenagers.

If you do venture off the resort to participate in CANCUN TOURS & EXCURSIONS,  the staff will help facilitate your tour operator’s driver/pick up. You’ll just let concierge know your name and they will take care of the rest.

Overall, it was a great stay and I got my workout in with those steps! For picky eaters or those looking to party hard, I would recommend you stay elsewhere. Nightly entertainment left something to be desired. I was also traveling with a 7-month old infant so I wasn’t exactly looking for a rager! Need help planning your trip to Cancun? Shoot me an email at cassandra@accent-on-travel.net. I don’t charge any fees to work with me as I get paid a commission when you return from your trip. Let me get started with sending you a no obligation quote so you can at least see the numbers.