Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya - Hacienda

My wife and I and another couple we were with, had a great time at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya when we spent a fortnight in May, without children. We tried all the restaurants (except the main Market) during that time, and the food was extremely good at them all. Each was quite different, and although we tried all sorts of different meals, for the less adventurous, we could have had steak each night at most of the restaurants. We breakfasted and lunched at Faro (adult only) each day. This is a bright very clean room, where hygiene is obviously paramount and each food station manned. The service at Faro was quite exceptional, to an extent I've never experienced before. In Scotland we're happy if we get a surly 'morning' from our serving staff and they don't spill the coffee in our lap, but the attention we received, at all the restaurants, but especially Faro was amazing. Most days we were advised of new drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic that we might like to try, and the staff were so friendly and attentive. As example of their attention, one lunchtime I thought I'd have a spot of ice cream but realised I didn't have a spoon. Before going to the ice cream counter I'd only just got up to look for a spoon when someone materialised at the table with one for me - how did they know? There were so many members of staff to choose from, but we have to give a special shout out to Manu, Mac and Walter at Faro, as well as the receptionists, and also to Eri at the restaurant Frida, who was great fun and introduced us to a few unusual after dinner drinks on the two evenings we were there. Also Nico at the Thai restaurant who insisted our table of four tried one of each of the long lost of starters! Okay, so apart from the excellent food, the pools were amazing and if there was ever trouble finding a sunbed, somehow the poolside staff always managed to locate one for us. That said, we didn't stray from the main adult pool where the entertainment attendant, Otto, was brilliant. Always so cheerful, he would let us know what events were on that days, but never exerted any pressure to participate, although we quite often did. He also arranged a special poolside occasion for my wife and I who were celebrating our wedding anniversary. I must also mention the poolside drinks service which was also was extremely good. The room we had, perhaps did not quite live up to our high expectations, (there seemed to be a lot of work being carried out over the complex and I noticed that many of the rooms had been recently or were in the course of being refurbished. I guess they hadn't got to ours yet) but it was perfectly fine, clean and immaculately refreshed each day. Minibar snacks and drinks were constantly replenished. The bathroom was large with two basins, and I must to say something about the shower. It was no nonsense, easy to operate and the water pressure fantastic. As for drinks and cocktails, there were too many to mention and although I'm not a vodka drinker, Grey Goose and Belvedere were an example of the high end beverage available as well as the likes of Makers Mark bourbon, and Johnnie Walker Black Label. As for tipping, we did tip bartenders and waiters and various others, but it seemed to be the exception rather than the rule, as tipping was clearly not widespread, and the recipients grateful. As an aside, we were able to book a trip out while we were there to the Mayan ruins at Tulum (hot!) a visit to a Mayan village and a swim in a cenote, which was really enjoyable and did not involve too much travel. Finally, after all these pros, I must sadly finish with a con or two. In the evening before/after dinner there were very few places to go and have a drink. Aribo bar in the lobby between Wai (Thai restaurant) and Umo (Mexican BBQ) was fine, the bar staff there certainly knew how to mix a cocktail, but small with not mush seating. There were lots of bars along the beach, but every evening these were usually taken up by weddings (there were a lot of these - sometimes three or four each day) or closed early around 5 or 6pm. There was a bar at the Azul lobby called Heaven, which was fine for the younger crowd but the main spaces in the two lobbies were disappointing, with large central floor areas surrounded by not nearly enough seats (which were not very comfortable anyway) and the atmosphere was quite gloomy. We had hoped for a nice outdoor or verandah type location, where we could have a quiet drink and watch the night sky or play cards. Maybe we're showing our age! Also, and while this may sound strange, but there are absolutely no tables that have chairs around them anywhere (other than extremely low tables). I write books for a living (as you may have guessed from the length of this review) but there was nowhere I could sit with my iPad in front of me so that I could type a chapter or two, which is something I enjoy doing when feeling relaxed on holiday. All in all, an excellent venue for families - there was a huge amount to keep children amused - and young party goers, neither of which, on this occasion, we were! Read less