Review of the Intercontinental Presidente Cancun Resort in Mexico

You might think of Cancun mainly in relationships to cruise ships docking there, but the Intercontinental Presidente CancunResort, in Cancun is , well, fabulous. The Discovery Channel calls it the best beach in Cancun and one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. And, you can't experience that beach from a cruise ship.

Its location is great, just five minutes from shopping, and the nightlife area and within walking distance to the Cancun GolfCourse, formerly called the "Pok Ta Pok Golf Course." It's less than 15 miles from the Cancun International Airport and the normal taxi ride costs about $40 USD and it's a 35 minute ride.

With almost 300 rooms, it's decorated in a contemporary Mexican style with a spacious lobby and deluxe furnishings. The lobby was recently redone featuring a grand staircase, a new motor lobby and a deck bar. It has a AAA Four Diamond rating.

Recreational activities located on the property include two swimming pools, five Jacuzzis, tennis courts, ping-pong and volleyball. Their non-motorized water sports are free. The beach area offers palapas and one very unique palapa which has beachside massages available. There are three excellent restaurants at the resort and two lounges. There is also a gym, florist, gift shop, beauty salon and a convenience store/newsstand on the premises. There are baby sitting services available the children's activities are coordinated daily by the Entertainment Manager.

There is also a full business center at the hotel and an executive level of guest rooms and suites. At this level, you will enjoy a free continental buffet breakfast, dinner snacks, and drinks. There is also valet service and turn down service. There is also cable/satellite tv, pay for view movies, and a mini bar along with a coffee maker and the usual in-room amenities. Their suites offer a daily newspaper and a few more services. There is a charge for high-speed internet service

While Hurricane Wilma damaged much of Cancun's beaches, due to it's premier location, this particular beach, added 15 additional frontage feet to its already spectacular private beach. You can even enjoy a beachside massage while relaxing on this beautiful beach.

The resort has excellent facilities for destination weddings or business conferences. From a small room seating 20 up to the Tulum Ballroom which can handle over 450 guests, their staff of five event specialists will work with you on planning the details of your event(s). All of the meeting areas have A/V hook ups, modems and the like. Their catering department will be happy to work out menus and pricing with you.

Dining is sensational at this resort. Enjoy fresh caught seafood and international dishes at El Caribeño in the hotel but on the beach. It serves lunch and dinner daily in a casual Caribbean atmosphere. The eatery and lounge is located under a huge palapa by the pool. The Frutas Y Flores restaurant is open daily for a buffet breakfast. It's located next to the main swimming pool area. The Caña Brava serves lunch from 10am to 6pm. It's right on the beach, near the pool area and serves fresh seafood and snacks.

Next, is Alfredo di Roma Pasta, Pizza and Sports Bar. It's right next to the hotel and is part of the reknown Alfred di RomaRestaurants. Their original eatery in Rome, is where, in 1975, my family ate dinner there, and my grandmother was given the fork the chef used in preparing his signature dish, Fettuccine Alfredo. I remember the evening very well - the food was wonderful and I recall vividly the chef presenting the fork to Grandma. A few years later, the restaurant expanded to the US, later adding a location in this hotel in Cancun.

Although the activities at the hotel will keep you busy, you'll want to do and see other attractions while you're in Cancun. There are many watersports here - fishing charters, renting jet skis, water skiing, or you might book a dinner cruise on a pirate ship. The "Sunrise Marina Jungle" tour is great fun - you'll drive your own two-person speedboat through the second largest coral reef in the world. Or, the Shotover Jet Ride, which some consider the world's most exciting jet boat ride. Here, you'll enjoy a speedboat tour through the Nichupte Lagoon's mangrove and the lush tropical paradise with its wildlife and exotic birds. (Visit docancun.com for more details)

The National Institute of Anthropology and History is a small museum located on the ground floor of the Cancun Convention Center. It traces the Mayan culture with a collection of 1,000 to 1,500 year-old artifacts collected throughout QuintanaRoo Blvd. The entry fee is about $3 USD but it's free on Sundays. Open Tues-Sun. 9am to 7pm.

You'll want to check out El Centro (downtown Cancun) with its terrific eateries, and great shops. You'll usually find both the dining costs and shopping prices a little lower than those in the hotel zone. There is a craft market also. Nader has tiny restaurants and sidewalk cafes and Yaxchilan is known for its restaurants, hotels and nightlife. Ole! - you can also experience the thrilling bullfights here at the Plaza del Toros. (Again wwwdocancun.com will give you additional information.)

Tulum is a great day trip and only a short drive from Cancun. You can join a tour, or rent a car and drive there yourself. It's the ruins of an old Mayan civilization built by the sea. There is also a beautiful spot to swim so you might take your bathing suit with you. (NOTE: Some times of the year, the main beach is closed and therefore the entire beach area is more crowded.) You'll also find many iguanas in the area. Bargain for your purchases - you don't want to pay full price for anything bought here. It can be very hot, so early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to visit; you'll also avoid most of the crowds this way.

There is a lot more to see and do in Cancun but this will give you some ideas to get started. Have a great trip.

Adios!