Hotel Xcaret Mexico Expansion Review: Complete Guide to the $700 Million New Phase

Introduction

Reviewer: V - Luxury Travel Advisor

• Visited 25+ destinations worldwide
• Specializes in Mexico and Caribbean travel planning
• Channel focus: Destination reviews, travel tips, getaway guides for smart, luxurious travel

The Property:

• Hotel Xcaret Mexico recently completed a $700 million expansion
• Family-friendly, all-inclusive resort
• Located in Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen (heart of the area)
• About 1 hour from Cancun International Airport
• Airport transportation included
• All-inclusive package covers: meals, drinks, activities, and excursions
• Unique property with something for everyone: toddlers, teens, multi-generational groups

Review Status: Mixed reviews - both impressive highlights and notable concerns

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The Casas: Understanding the Resort Layout

Casa Cielo

Location & Function:

• Beginning of the resort
• Check-in and lobby location
• Most dining options located here

Reviewer's Opinion:

• Not personal favorite
• Does not offer much privacy for rooms

Casa Agua

Features:

• Connected to Maluk Spa
• Dedicated spaces for activities:
  • Pilates
  • Yoga
  • Paddle tennis
  • Gym

Casa Vita

Family-Friendly Hub:

• "Extremely family-friendly space"
• Designed to entertain everyone
• Entertainment options
• Cinema restaurant (snacks and movies)
• La Central (food and coffee shop inside)
• Transportation departure point to the parks
• Houses the new exciting waterslides
• Stands as the center of the resort

Casa Sol

Perfect for Families with Older Children:

• Ideal for teenagers and older kids
• Three different pools
• Rooftop designed especially for teens
• [Additional features mentioned but cut off in transcript]

Casa Eclipse

Adults-Only Sanctuary:

• Newest exclusive refuge for adults
• Surrounded by water
• Designed for maximum comfort in harmony with nature
• Houses Arriba Baja (adults-only signature restaurant)
• Reviewer's absolute favorite dining experience

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Dining Options: Where Hotel Xcaret Mexico Shines

Overall Assessment: "Tremendous surprise" - this is where the resort really excels

Casa Cielo Restaurants

1. Azul Nogata

• Centers on Mexican dishes
• Buffet or à la carte service
• Outdoor setting
• Private dining spaces for up to 16 people
• "A little bit more upscale"
• Open: Lunch and dinner

2. Chi

• Pays homage to Yucatan flavors
• Live entertainment at night
• Private space for events
• Slightly formal atmosphere
• Open: Dinner only

3. Manorca ⭐ (One of Reviewer's Favorites)

• Terrace restaurant
• Serves Mexican specialties
• Complemented by live entertainment
• Experience: Serenaded by amazing live mariachi band "that brought me to tears"
• Issue: Difficult to find - not many people there during visit
• Worth the effort to locate

4. La Cia

• Menu features flavors from other regions
• Buffet and à la carte options
• Outdoor seating available
• Open: Dinner only
• Note: Sales presentations held here some mornings (observed during filming)

5. Costero

• Ultimate spot for beachside bites and ocean vibes
• Completely chill but elevated
• Perfect for fresh seafood lovers
• Open [hours not specified]

Casa Vita Restaurants

Cinema

• Large movie screen
• Food truck style cafeteria
• Menu: churros, hot dogs, pizza, hamburgers
• Great option for American picky eaters
• Open until nighttime
• Giant ball pit for children (parents can eat while kids play safely)
• Reviewer's Pick: "Best tacos on the property, hands down"

La Central (Highly Recommended)

• Great meeting point for multiple people or different age groups
• Located centrally in Casa Vita (new side)
• Many options for quick bites before transportation to parks
• Must-Try: "Best quesadillas of my life here"
• Philosophy: "Comfort food with intention"
• Open 24/7
• Great for late-night bites or pre-park snacks

Casa Eclipse Restaurant

Arriba Baja ⭐ (Reviewer's Personal Favorite for Breakfast)

• Adults-only signature restaurant
• Elegant, formal, and very unique
• Coastal Baja energy
• Amazing backdrop
• "Made me want to stay here for hours"
• Breakfast "blew us completely away"
• Philosophy: "Ambiance of the place definitely impacts how you experience the food"

Additional Dining

24/7 Cafe

• Serves cafe specialties
• Light sandwiches
• Other snacks
• Perfect for late-night bites or pre-departure espresso/cafe sandwich

[Restaurant with Multiple Cuisines - Name Not Clearly Stated]

• Movie sushi train
• Mongolian stir-fry
• Korean barbecue grill
• All available in the same meal
• Note: Not fully open during their visit - couldn't experience everything

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Family-Friendly Features: "They Understood the Assignment"

Casa Sol Highlights

Rooftop Pool:

• Quickly became one of favorite additions
• Stunning view
• Signature Xcaret vibe
• Specifically for teenagers

Lobby Bar:

• Absolutely worth a visit
• Special Event: Saturday nights host live salsa night
• Atmosphere: "So fun" - perfect blend of luxury, music, and movement

Indoor Spaces for Kids

Luna Teca (Ages 0-4):

• For littlest travelers
• Parents must stay with children
• Features: slides, soft play areas, cozy corners for story time

Sikit Inn (Ages 5-12):

• "Absolutely adorable"
• Kids play pretend as hotel staff
• Activities: check in guests, fold towels, serve little mocktails
• Super fun and creative

[Teen Space - Details Incomplete]:

• Mentioned as "pretty fun"
• Note: No food served (drinks only)
• Tables present but no food menu
• Unclear if food will be added in future

Casa Agua: Family-Friendly Spa

Major Update:

• "One of the most exciting new updates"
• Yes, you can enjoy spa services with your children
• Brand new hydrotherapy circuits:
  • Saunas
  • Steam rooms
  • Whirlpools
  • Showers
  • Ice room

Important Tip:

• Complimentary hydrotherapy session available
• Must mention it at spa when booking - they don't proactively remind guests

Fitness Options

Fully Equipped Gym (Near Casa Agua):

• Perfect for when you've overindulged on vacation
• Quick workout to reset before next big meal
• Helps beat travel bloat

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Important Concerns & Cons

1. Construction Not Complete (as of September 2025 Visit)

What Wasn't Open:

• Adults-only club at Tamaman
• Famous sushi train
• Several food stations

Bottom Line: Resort may not be at 100% capacity yet, but still enjoyable

2. Safety Hazard: Slippery Floors

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT:

• Floors get super slippery when wet
• Even crocs can be slippery
• Pack non-slip sandals and water shoes
• Especially important for families with little ones
• Critical if moving between pools and restaurants frequently

3. Room Issues & Privacy Concerns

Their Experience:

• Changed rooms twice
• First time: power outage
• Second time: strong odor in room
• Ended up in swim-up garden suite

Swim-Up Garden Reality:

• Did not use it much
• Reason: Didn't feel very private
• Garden suites feel really close to other guests
• Even upgraded swim-out didn't feel secluded at all

Odor Issue:

• Strong smell noticed throughout the resort
• Important consideration for families with kids or guests with scent sensitivities

Phase 2 vs. Phase 1:

• Phase 2 rooms are "a bit underwhelming" compared to Phase 1
• Outside spaces lack privacy
• Phase 1 had "beautiful setup"
• Phase 2 "not going to feel the same as Phase 1"

4. Room Service Quality

Experience:

• Came surprisingly quick
• Kept expectations low
• Food was not favorite

Better Alternative:

• Walk to La Central for quesadillas
• Go to Cinema for tacos instead

5. Confusing Layout & Poor Signage

Navigation Issues:

• Layout really confusing at first
• Not much signage around property
• Easy to get lost even as an adult
• Challenge for families and teenagers to navigate independently

Design Critique:

• Moments where architects "tried to fit as much building as possible into the amount of space"
• Feels cramped in places

6. Long Lines & Crowds

Check-In Chaos:

• Arrived early at 10:00 AM (smooth)
• Returned at lunchtime: extremely long lines
• "I pity those people"

Water Slides:

• Also had long lines

7. Service Gaps & Growing Pains

Common Issues Reported by Guests:

• Missed housekeeping
• Phone calls not answered
• Delays in fridge and water refills during first days of stay

Reviewer's Experience:

• Hard time getting hold of someone on second day

Reason:

• New resort with staffing challenges
• Things aren't fully 100% yet

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Insider Tips from a Travel Advisor

Tip #1: Book Dinner & Activities in Advance

• Send dinner and activity requests ahead of time
• Work with travel agency to get reservations locked in before arrival
• Newer restaurants fill up fast

Tip #2: Request Phase 1, But Be Open to Phase 2

• Phase 1 offers smoother flow and more central access
• Resort is placing guests with shorter stays in Phase 2
• Push for Phase 1 if possible

Tip #3: Have a Map Handy

• Keep picture of resort map on phone or use app
• Moving through buildings can be extremely confusing
• Orient yourself to avoid getting lost

Tip #4: Bring Water Shoes (Non-Negotiable)

• Must-have item
• Crocs can be slippery too
• Many steps and slightly raised paths
• If traveling with strollers: be prepared to carry them or carry the stroller

Tip #5: Safety Considerations for Kids & Teens

Resort Not Safe for Unsupervised Running Around:

• Layout is complex for kids and teens
• Some paths at night are not lit at all

Recommendations:

• Bring cheap flashlights for family to carry
• Consider walkie-talkies
• Keep family together (reviewer's personal plan)
• Wear coordinating outfits so kids are easy to spot in crowds

Tip #6: Avoid Peak Check-In Times

• Between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM: lobby is "straight packed"
• Arrive earlier if possible

Tip #7: Be Patient with Service

• New resort experiencing growing pains
• Staffing and service gaps to be expected
• Things aren't fully 100% yet

Tip #8: Book Through Travel Advisor

Benefits:

• Experience and resort relationships
• Help with room locations
• Potential upgrades
• Additional surprises
• Perks families will truly appreciate
• Makes stay seamless

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Future Content

Upcoming Video: Dedicated food review ranking new restaurants, breaking down menus, service, and what's actually worth trying. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch this video.

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Final Verdict

The Good:

• Exceptional dining experiences (where resort truly shines)
• Family-friendly features well-designed
• Adults-only spaces provide luxury retreat
• All-inclusive convenience with transportation included

The Challenges:

• Phase 2 privacy concerns and room quality issues
• Construction not complete
• Confusing layout with poor signage
• Safety concerns (slippery floors, dark paths)
• Service gaps due to newness
• Long lines at peak times

Bottom Line: Despite mixed reviews, Hotel Xcaret Mexico offers unique experiences for families and couples. Going in prepared with these insider tips will help skip frustration and maximize the magic.

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Booking Information

To book with reviewer's agency for best perks and seamless planning:

• Check pinned comment for link
• Link also in description box
• Agency provides expert guidance on Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 selection and maximizes resort relationships