Planet Hollywood Cancun Review: Luxury, Love, or Letdown?
Planet Hollywood Cancun promises a celebrity-worthy getaway, but does it actually deliver? I stayed in the Adult Scene section at the end of February for four nights, and if you’re picturing a sleek, adults-only escape with top-tier service in Mexico, you might want to adjust your expectations. This resort offers a solid, mid-tier all-inclusive experience with plenty of entertainment, but it leans more budget-friendly than upscale. Even in the Adult Scene, the family-friendly atmosphere is hard to ignore, and the overall experience lacks the polished service and elevated touches that honeymooners or couples planning a destination wedding might expect.
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This review is for anyone considering Planet Hollywood Cancun for a honeymoon, destination wedding, or romantic getaway. I’ll break down what’s great, what’s lacking, and who this resort actually works for. If you’re after a high-end, romantic experience, there are better options. But if you’re looking for a casual, easygoing resort with decent value, it might be worth considering.
Planet Hollywood Cancun Review: A Solid “C” Resort
Check-in was slow and outdated. The resort still relies on paper and logbooks, which makes the process feel unnecessarily long. The wristband system also felt a bit behind the times, especially when so many resorts have moved to digital key access. The adults-only lounge was small and cramped, making it uncomfortable when a larger group arrived at the same time. On the plus side, Star Class members had access to a club lounge at check-in, which was a nice perk, but overall, the first impression lacked efficiency and polish.
Once inside the resort, it was clear that Planet Hollywood Cancun is in need of some updates. While some areas might have seen recent refurbishments, the overall feel was dated. The bathrooms were basic, and the presence of mildew and mold was noticeable as soon as we walked into our room. We stayed in a swim-up suite, which was spacious but clearly in need of some attention.
The Planet Hollywood sign on the wall was covered in dust, the closet doors wouldn’t close properly, and the AC made a loud, distracting noise throughout our stay. This wasn’t just an issue in the rooms—throughout the resort, the signs of wear and tear were hard to ignore. Restaurant chairs had visible rips and stains, lounge chairs by the pool were warped or broken, and the pools and hot tubs were consistently dirty. It’s not that the resort was falling apart, but the lack of upkeep made it feel more budget-friendly than luxury.
Atmosphere?
As for the atmosphere, it’s clear that Planet Hollywood Cancun is designed with families in mind. The entertainment was heavily geared toward kids, with very little adult-focused nightlife. The only real option for late-night fun was a small sports bar open until 2 a.m., which felt more like an afterthought than a true nightlife experience. If you’re looking for a resort with a lively, upscale adults-only vibe, this isn’t it.
The lazy river was super fun. The best part was that it had a bar built in! There was no need to let go of the inner tube. It was definitely a highlight. The one “negative” was that there is a water slide that enters the pool where families tend to congregate to collect their kids, haha. So sometimes there was a traffic jam. But otherwise, the water park, pools and lazy river is a plus.
Is Planet Hollywood Cancun Really a “Luxury” Resort?
Simply put, no. The rooms were functional but far from luxurious. While they provided the basics, they lacked the refined details and upscale finishes that define a true five-star resort. The swim-up suite we stayed in was large, but between the dust, the broken closet doors, and the noisy AC, it felt more like a mid-range hotel than a high-end escape.
The pools and amenities followed the same pattern—fine, but nothing special. The pool chair situation was intense, with guests claiming spots early in the morning, making it difficult to find a good place to relax. The resort’s amenities were designed with families in mind, which is great if you’re traveling with kids but frustrating if you’re looking for a more adult-focused experience. There was an adults-only section, but it still didn’t feel truly separate from the family-friendly vibe of the rest of the resort.
The Beach
The beach, however, had potential. It was large, clean, and actually quite pretty. It could have been a standout feature, but the resort barely utilized it. The biggest issue? A serious lack of beach chairs. Without a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the ocean, the beach felt more like an afterthought than a selling point. It had all the makings of a great beachfront experience, but the missing details made it feel incomplete.
The Food: A Major Letdown at Planet Hollywood Cancun
The food at Planet Hollywood Cancun was exactly what you’d expect from a standard all-inclusive—just okay. Nothing stood out as particularly bad, but most of it was forgettable. The one bright spot was Braza, the Brazilian steakhouse, which was hands down the best restaurant on the property. Everything else ranged from passable to disappointing.
Some dishes missed the mark completely. The potatoes au gratin, which was really just mashed potatoes with a potato chip on top, felt more like an afterthought than fine dining. Guy’s Burger Joint had a consistent 40-minute wait, only to serve a burger that was just okay. The Italian restaurant had promise but ultimately left us wanting more.
The most popular location was Fuel. It was the coffee/ice cream shop. I liked it, but since it is on the family-friendly side there was always a line.
Overall, the dining experience was very much geared toward families rather than those expecting a high-end culinary experience. Their tacos were fabulous! If your expectations are set at “decent all-inclusive food,” you’ll be fine, but if food is a priority for you, this resort won’t impress.
Who Should Actually Stay Here?
Planet Hollywood Cancun works best for certain travelers. I booked a bachelor party group here, and it was perfect for them. It’s also a decent choice for a quick weekend getaway with friends or a partner, which is exactly what we did. For families, the resort shines. The water park, family-friendly pools, indoor trampoline park, and entertainment make it a great choice for parents traveling with kids.
However, it’s not ideal for honeymooners looking for romance and exclusivity or couples wanting a high-end destination wedding experience. If you expect top-tier service, gourmet dining, or a truly adults-only atmosphere, this resort won’t deliver.
Destination Wedding at Planet Hollywood Cancun? Only If You’re on a Tight Budget
Yes, Planet Hollywood Cancun has wedding packages, but it’s not designed for a luxury experience. The biggest issue is privacy. I toured a few wedding areas, and the beach setup was right in the middle of the action. While this is common at all-inclusives, some resorts do a better job of creating a more intimate setting. The indoor venues were small, but they could work for a smaller wedding reception.
Food and service are also important factors. If you want a stress-free, high-end wedding experience, there are better options in Cancun.
Honeymoon at Planet Hollywood Cancun? Hard Pass.
Even in the Adult Scene section, the family-friendly atmosphere dominates. The resort doesn’t offer the level of romance or exclusivity that honeymooners typically look for. There aren’t any standout honeymoon perks, and they push their timeshare/club program pretty aggressively, which isn’t exactly the vibe you want on a romantic getaway.
The Spa: A Relaxing Escape Amidst the Chaos
For honeymooners who do choose to stay at Planet Hollywood Cancun, the spa is one of the best ways to unwind. While it’s on the smaller side and could use some updates, the service was stellar, and the variety of amenities made it a peaceful escape from the busier parts of the resort. I took advantage of the hydrotherapy service, which included access to the sauna and steam room, and it was a great way to decompress. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing experience as a couple, this is one of the resort’s highlights and well worth carving out time for during your stay.
Final Verdict: Who Should Actually Book This Resort?
Planet Hollywood Cancun is a mid-tier, fun-but-flawed resort that works best for party groups and short stays. Would I recommend it? Not for honeymooners or wedding groups, but maybe for a casual, no-frills Cancun trip. If you’re looking for romance, luxury, or elevated service, I have way better options for you.
Planet Hollywood Cancun has its place, but it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want an easy, lively getaway with entertainment and family-friendly activities, it could be a good fit. But if you’re planning a honeymoon or destination wedding and expect luxury, privacy, and top-tier service, there are better options. If you’re not sure which resort is right for you, let’s chat—I can help you find the perfect destination for your special trip.