Dreams Riviera Cancun

Selecting a resort can often be stressful. I use Trip Advisor and other independent reviews to read through what others have to say, but even this can be deceptive once you arrive. The Dreams Riviera resort was not a disappointment. This resort is absolutely beautiful with lush gardens, comfortable and modern rooms, and plenty to eat and drink!

Below is a view from our balcony, a room on the 4th floor of building #1. We faced an old, rundown resort that is in need of a new owner and major TLC. With oceanfront property, I wish I had the investment capital to take on such a large project because the area is beautiful and sits between two expansive, high-end resorts. The soundproofing in the rooms was very good from the outside noise (locals seemed to hang out in the next door property, playing games, partying, and I ticking their dogs to bark furiously all day), but, like any tropical resort hotel, every single noise from the halls was amplified by the tile flooring. I think this is just something people need to deal with, but perhaps parents could do a better job at stopping their kids from running up and down the halls and knocking on all the doors, too.

The rooms were beautiful, with a king sized bed, dual sinks, soaker tub, and lots of space. The only downfall for some people may be the open-concept layout - there was little privacy for someone using the bathroom area (no doors into the area, just a glass shower and toilet door). It was okay for a couple like us, but I can't imagine staying there as a family or even simply with a friend! The balcony was often our friend.

Fitness facilities are often hit and miss at tropical resorts but clearly thought was put into this setup. Dreams brings in a different fitness instructor each week, and Jane took us through some great, tough bootcamp workouts! Of course, I had to run on the beach a couple of times because, to me, nothing beats this running experience! Equipment was diverse and well maintained too.

Each night, guests have at least 5 restaurant choices. The Italian place was wonderful - we enjoyed their mussels and each had a great entree. There is a fun Japanese place that provides a hibachi experience for its guests. The food was wonderful - I loved watching the chef cook up the vegetables and shrimp. It seemed so easy, really. Something I could probably repeat at home.

Probably our favorite restaurant was Oceana, located on the pool deck. Not only do you eat in the open sea air, but the fish is fantastic! Below is the crab cake we shared one night.

Bryan opted for a tuna steak, cooked almost too perfection. Most steaks came out undercooked, so we learned to request medium-well when we really wanted medium. However, this trick didn't work on the tuna, as it came out slightly overcooked.

My sea bass was delightful! The fish was light and fresh, with a minor crust of herbs. I don't think I have had sea bass so tasty before!

Dessert wasn't a big event for either of us, though we saw some yummy sounding options. However, at Oceana, I saw a "coconut dough sable" that intrigued me, simply because I didn't know what it was. It came out and was basically pie dough mixed with coconut baked into the shape of a cookie. No filling. I had to eat it with my hands because the dough was pretty hard, too. It's not something I would try again, but it was a fun experience.

Aside from the pretty awful Wifi at the hotel, Dreams was a superb resort. The staff were so attentive and friendly, and you could just hang out and relax anywhere you wanted. We staked out chairs on the beach for most of the days, where bar staff came by frequently. Later on, we would move into the pool and soak up more sun while enjoying the swim up bar. And each evening was filled with excitement as we tried to figure out which restaurant to try!

 

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