Our recent stay at the Hilton Telum Riviera Maya was unfortunately disappointing overall, and I would rate the resort a 2 out of 5 stars.
The Positives
• The wait staff were fantastic—attentive, friendly, and dedicated to providing great service.
• The Hibachi restaurant and the Steakhouse were standouts. While the Steakhouse ran out of filet, the alternatives were good. Poolside fish tacos and fresh fruit at the buffet were also highlights.
• The spa was excellent. My wife booked a treatment during our stay and said it was one of the best spa experiences she has ever had.
Areas for Improvement
• Resort Condition: The property feels run down. Maintenance is happening but isn’t keeping up with demand.
• Pools: All pools were in poor shape, with missing tiles that posed a risk of cuts, and cleanliness was only average.
• Seaweed & Smell: Near Casa 3, the seaweed cleanup left an overwhelming odor when the wind came from the east, making the pool there unusable.
• Food Variety: While there were a few good items, overall the buffet was hit or miss. Finding quality protein was difficult. Omelet station at breakfast was good.
• Layout & Transportation: The resort is very spread out, requiring long walks or reliance on shuttles to reach restaurants, pools, or the lobby.
• Beach: Walking along the beach was limited due to rocks and seaweed.
• Room Experience: Our room flooded twice from sewage backing up through the shower drain. Maintenance responded both times, but no apology was given, and we were never offered another room.
• Front Desk Service: The front desk staff seemed disengaged and often annoyed when approached, more focused on their phones or computers. Most concerning, they never acknowledged or apologized for the repeated sewage problem.
Overall
While we experienced excellent service from the wait staff, enjoyed a few standout meals, and the spa was truly exceptional, these positives couldn’t outweigh the resort’s poor maintenance, disappointing amenities, and lack of accountability from management. At this time, we would recommend travelers consider other properties in the Riviera Maya area for upcoming vacations until Hilton makes meaningful improvements.