Catalonia Riviera Maya - All Inclusive

Customer ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

3091 reviews

• 

  Great location

  We booked a 10 day holiday with this resort for a much needed rest and relaxation. Got to the hotel, check in was smooth and staff were absolutely amazing. Got to our room and was pleasantly surprised with the view and the Mexican feel to it. Surprised we didn’t have any face cloths, got them only once the entire trip but the cleanliness every day was great. Pool and beach area pretty awesome, didn’t like that the no reserving pool chairs wasn’t enforced as we would have to hunt for chairs. Surprised not to see any waiters or waitresses for drinks but the amazing staff made up for that when you did get drinks. Biggest complaint we had was the food. Breakfast was good but we ended up going into town for supper every night. The buffet was sub par at best. We were only allowed 3 à la carts and was able to get into 2 which both were fantastic. We also were surprised that there wasn’t much of a lobby bar that was open passed 11. We could get drinks at the sports bar til 10:30 and then would have to go up to the disco. I think if they had the beach bar open til midnight that would have been awesome! I wish we were notified about having to be on the privileged booking to have our fridges stocked with water, beer and pops cause we would have absolutely taken that option! All in all we had a great time, company and staff made the experience for sure. I know reviews are tough to judge but it’s what you make of the vacation and we made it the best one yet!

  Feb 19, 2026
• 

  Go somewhere else

  Terrible beach The seaweed is terrible the rooms are terrible super out dated No coffee maker/kettle or noting stocked mini fridge This is a 2 star resort The pools are decent the resort is super dated The ocean is dark and the sand is horrible

  Feb 19, 2026
• 

  Definitely 3 Star...not even 3.5

  My husband and I came for one week - this is our last day. I came expecting the very worst based on some previous one star reviews that were coming through...it is not THAT bad - if you have booked it do not stress but know this is not even close to a 4 star resort. I am going to as fairly as I can give you some facts...sadly my list of cons far out weighs my pros but like I said - it is not the best place I have ever stayed...and in fact it is actually the worst but it was week of great weather and we worked around the down sides and just made the best of it. BEACH ALERT...big warning - this beach is horrible...definitely the worst ever that I have been too. You must bring beach shoes as there is alot of coral - that part did not bother me but there is no walkable beach at all. You have a small beach which if a storm comes through it brings seaweed...only one small strip could access the water. I will say the poor guys (staff) were working very hard to try to get rid of the seaweed but for 5 days it is still there despite their efforts. If you enjoy walking the beach there is none...I would not stay here again for that reason - as well as several others. Pros: The grounds and our room were very clean (our room is very dated as mentioned - very) Staff is mostly fantastic - some are a little less fantastic...I would not say there is a high energy of employee satisfaction here. The front desk staff when I asked about late check out seem like you are a bother to approach them - both at the Yucatana and the Catalonia though Buffet - there is a station that offers fresh grilled meat of different choices and there was always lots of fruit and vegetables Marina Restaurants -thankfully the Marina is a really short 5 minute walk from the resort and there are many wonderful restaurants with a great atmosphere - yes you are paying for them extra but it was so worth it. The beach loungers are wonderful - they are like brand new and not worn out so that is a bonus - like everywhere you do have to get up early and claim your spot On arrival we had one shower towel, no blowdryer and no blankets just sheets - although that is a con the pro was they were super fast to bring them to us Cons: Check in - we arrived around 8 pm in a private shuttle - we paid for it because arriving late we did not want to deal with stopping at other resorts knowing we are quite far out. There was only one staff member checking people in so it took almost a half hour although he was very nice and moved us from the ground floor to the third floor. We did book a King size bed and received two doubles...I head this from many others as well. Restaurants - what a joke - I could not ask about them until the next morning - so day 1 - no a la cartes except one at 845 pm for mexican and they did give us one for the Italian for our last night at 640 pm...otherwise there were no more. I was told the Steakhouse and the Japanese are not owned by the Yucatan??? Also - there are 2 buffets but you are only allowed to eat at the one by the Yucatan not the Riviera...it is not that full with choices. COFFEE!!! - I am an early riser so I get that at 530 am yu maybe cannot grab a coffee but by 6 there were alot of people awake and you cannot get any until 7 am when the buffet opens...also bring your own coffee mug because they will give you coffee to take to your room at 7 but only in a plastic cup which is so incredibly unsafe...literally a cheap plastic cup that is flimsy like you would give a child for a cold drink. Day before we left they finally started putting a pot of coffee just outside the buffet door with good plastic coffee mugs - guessing there was an incident. Electrical outlets - one beside the nightstand and one already used by tv and fridge - thankfully we brought a multi-outlet from home! That is it for me - if you are coming it seems a little nicer at the Riviera Maya which is the same resort than the Yucatan so if you have an option to at least switch tot hat I would...but honestly I will not be back. If you got a really really smoking deal then stay at Riviera Maya and maybe - but I will not be back for sure. If it is too late - it will be fine just do not have high expectations. You are still in Mexico in the sun and for us it took us away from minus 30 and snow! lol Feel free to ask me any questions :)

  Feb 19, 2026
• 

  Friendly and limited

  We recently stayed at the Catalonia Yucatan Beach from February 7–14, 2026, and wanted to share some balanced feedback from our visit. Overall, we had a good time and truly appreciated the efforts of many of the staff members, while also noting a few areas where clearer information and improvements could enhance the guest experience. Check-in was smooth and welcoming, and we appreciated the bell service escorting us to our room. While the information session was helpful, it did not fully outline all services included in the all-inclusive package. For example, we learned later about the complimentary shuttle that runs three times daily to Playa del Carmen for shopping and excursions, as well as the nearby Dolphin Discovery and local shopping area within walking distance. We understood in advance that the beach is limited for swimming, and found it best suited for snorkeling. Beach and pool loungers were very comfortable, and the beach and pool bars were conveniently located and well stocked. Bathroom facilities near the pools, beach, and restaurants were limited in number but consistently very clean and well maintained. Dining had some positives and challenges. The two included à la carte dinners were difficult to reserve through the desk; however, we found that arriving in person sometimes worked. The buffet offerings were repetitive over the week, and the snack bar hours were quite limited. It would also be helpful to have coffee or tea available later in the evening, as there are no coffee makers in the rooms and access after 10:30 pm was not available. We would like to especially recognize the hardworking and friendly staff throughout the resort. One standout was Vivian, the beach manager, who went above and beyond to help resolve an issue involving missing towels and personal belongings — her professionalism and care were greatly appreciated. Another standout was Javi at the customer service desk. He even kept in contact with us on his day off to make sure all was good. We did find the concierge desk less helpful than expected when we had questions and requests, and a more guest-focused approach there would make a meaningful difference. Guests should also be clearly informed that most activities and à la carte restaurants are located on the Maya side, with more limited access from the Yucatan side, to avoid confusion when booking. The rooms are somewhat dated but comfortable. Additional electrical outlets would be beneficial — we recommend future guests bring a small power bar for charging devices. In summary, the dedication and kindness of the staff made our stay enjoyable, and with a few service and communication improvements, the overall experience could have been even better.

  Feb 16, 2026
• 

  Save your money

  I don’t recommend this hotel. The food is very average and the same everyday at the buffet-by day 4 we were so tired of the selections (and we aren’t picky eaters). While the facility itself is very clean, our room had stains in the bedding, the fridge didn’t work, the plug in the tub was broken and the hot water went cold after a couple of minutes (prepare to have cold showers). Generally the staff were not helpful-most of the times we didn’t have a server ask for drinks (it was easier just going to the bar outside for our water, pop, and coffee). We only got 3 dinner reservations but could only book 2 as they were all full. Pick another hotel.

  Feb 16, 2026