We stayed at Excellence Playa Mujeres six years ago and had such a magical experience that we decided to return this year for our anniversary. Sadly, this trip was a major letdown.
When we arrived, we let both the front desk and our bellman know it was our anniversary. He even said he would make a note of it—but throughout our stay, there were no acknowledgments or special touches at all. Last time, we were greeted with champagne, towel decorations, and sweet surprises in our room. This time, it felt like just another stay—nothing personalized or celebratory, which was especially disappointing since this trip had sentimental meaning for us.
The beach situation was also a big change. What used to be a spacious, welcoming beachfront with a buffet is now mostly reserved for Excellence Club members. As regular guests, we were left with a very small section, often overcrowded. If you don’t claim a seat by 6–6:30 a.m., you’re likely out of luck until late in the afternoon. That’s not the relaxing vibe we expected.
While the resort is still beautiful, the beach experience has shifted. It feels more exclusive than inclusive now, and unless you pay for the club upgrade, you miss out on many comforts that used to be standard. Unfortunately, this stay didn’t live up to the magic we remembered.