The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun: An Honest Review 2025

Our family’s love for travel recently led us to The Grand at Moon Palace in Cancun, Mexico and after staying there, I can confidently say it lives up to every bit of its luxury reputation.

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Having stayed at all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Cuba, Punta Cana, and Turks and Caicos, we’ve developed an eye for what makes a resort truly stand out, and The Grand at Moon Palace definitely did.

Located within the expansive Moon Palace Cancun complex (which also features Moon Palace Sunrise and Moon Palace Nizuc), this resort offers a remarkable mix of upscale amenities – from an impressive variety of dining options and pools to a massive water park perfect for families.

The Grand at Moon Palace Review

In this honest review, I’ll break down the details that make The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun a top pick for couples, honeymooners, and families in search of an unforgettable, family-friendly all-inclusive getaway in Mexico.

Keep reading to find out if this resort is the luxurious escape you’ve been dreaming about!

☞ If you’re already convinced this might be your next dream escape, check prices now. Book The Grand at Moon Palace for your dates and lock in your room early to secure the best price.

What is the difference between Moon Palace Cancun and The Grand at Moon Palace?

Moon Palace Cancun is actually a large resort complex made up of three sections: Sunrise, Nizuc, and The Grand.

When you book a stay at The Grand at Moon Palace, you get access to all three sections – The Grand, Sunrise, and Nizuc – plus all their restaurants, pools, and amenities.

If you book at Sunrise or Nizuc your access is limited to just those two properties. You’ll need a paid day pass to enter The Grand, and availability isn’t always guaranteed.

Grand Moon Palace vs Moon Palace Cancun (Nizuc and Sunrise) are:
✓ Cost – The Grand is more expensive, but offers more value in amenities and dining.
✓ Restaurants – You’ll find more restaurants, diverse cuisines, and elevated dining experiences at The Grand.
✓ Pool Variety – The Grand has many pool options, including a water park for kids and an adults-only pool
✓ Adults Only Options – The Grand includes an adults-only pool area – perfect for escaping from kids and teens when needed

➤ Pro Tip: When booking your trip you will want to ensure your reservation states that you have booked Moon Palace The Grand Cancun if you want access to all three resorts.
➤ If your reservation only states “Moon Palace Cancun” you will be staying at either Sunrise or Nizuc, and you will not have access to The Grand.

Moon Palace Map

You can see in this Moon Palace Map each of the three resorts and how they are interconnected. It took us a while to understand the whole property, so this map really came in handy!

Each resort has different amenities, restaurants, room options, and its own vibe. It is easy to walk between all three resorts or take the frequent resort transportation. 

The interactive map available through the Palace Resorts App was also very helpful. Every dining option, pool and water park, kids club, and the entertainment schedule can be found in the app. It won’t take you long at all to find your way around once you are there!

Moon Palace The Grand Cancun Overview

The Grand at Moon Palace is the largest of the three resorts, and it includes a large water park and playroom. It has 27 restaurants and bars, 7 pools, a large play room, and over 1300 rooms. 

The Grand lobby is impressive! In addition to several bars and restaurants, it includes shopping, a bowling alley, a karaoke bar, the Awe Spa, a fitness centre, a Wired Lounge with arcade games, a cafe, a speakeasy, and more!

☞ Want the full scoop on everything this resort offers? Check out my complete guide to all the amenities and things to do at Moon Palace Cancun – so you can plan your stay with confidence and make the most of your stay.

Moon Palace Cancun Resorts

Moon Palace Cancun has two sections, Nizuc and Sunrise. In total there are 17 additional dining options, 2 massive resort-wide pools, and a wide variety of activities and things to do. As a guest of The Grand, you also have access to both Sunrise and Nizuc.

Moon Palace Cancun Nizuc Overview

Moon Palace Nizuc is located in between The Grand and Sunrise. It is the smallest of the three resorts but that doesn’t mean it’s small. It has several excellent restaurants, pools, and lots of fun activities.

It has a little more relaxed vibe and also has some of the best waterfront rooms. Of course, staying here also gives you access to everything at Sunrise too!

The amenities for children are a little more limited at this resort – although there is a great waterslide at the Nizuc pool!

Moon Palace Cancun Sunrise Overview

The Moon Palace Sunrise hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a family-friendly hotel with lots of great entertainment, restaurants, bars, and amenities but want a more budget-friendly option over The Grand.

Sunrise has a splash pad for children and has what I think is the best pool in all three properties. 

☞ Trying to decide between Nizuc and Sunrise? Don’t miss my detailed comparison of Moon Palace Cancun’s Nizuc vs. Sunrise sections covering the key differences of these properties to help you choose the best fit for your vacation.

Top 16 Reasons to Book Your Stay at The Grand Moon Palace Cancun Hotel

Our family loved our stay at The Grand and the diversity of activities available at this resort. Keep reading to learn all the reasons why I highly recommend booking your stay at this resort.

Traveling with kids? Check out the best family-friendly amenities and book a stress-free vacation at The Grand!

1. Three All-Inclusive Resorts in One

As I have already mentioned, your reservation at The Grand Moon Palace includes access to all three resorts, The Grand, Sunrise, and Nizuc. 

In total, this gives you access to over 2400 rooms, approximately 40 restaurants and bars, a water park, and 9 pools across all three resorts. And, there are so many things to do at Moon Palace Cancun for all ages that you will not have the time to experience them all in one trip! 

2. Prime Location 

One of the great features of this resort is its close proximity to the Cancun airport. The drive is less than 15 km and is only a 15-20 minute drive.

This is ideal for those looking for a short commute to and from the airport in order to maximise their stay at the resort and reduce their travel time. 

3. Moon Palace Rooms

There are many different room options available at a variety of price points. All of the rooms are well maintained and include amenities such as free WiFi, fridges stocked with soda, juice, water, and beer. Liquor is also provided in the rooms. There is a Nespresso maker and a drawer with snacks too!

If you have specific needs, such as a different pillow or more soft drinks, you can request everything you need through the Moon Palace app. 

Presidential Suite at Moon Palace The Grand

Our stay in the Presidential Suite was excellent. The suite included a bedroom with a king-size bed, a second bedroom with two queen beds, a dining room, a large walk-in closet, and three bathrooms in total.

My favourite part, however, was the huge wrap-around balcony overlooking the pool and beach. 

Other room options at The Grand include family suites, swim-up suites, honeymoon suites, deluxe garden rooms, and more. Each room has a different price-point and features. 

☞ Want to stay in the exact suite we loved? Check availability for The Grand at Moon Palace before it books up – especially if you’re eyeing a swim-up room or family suite.

4. Moon Palace Cancun Beach

We really liked the beach at Moon Palace, with its soft, white sand, plenty of loungers, and stunning sunrise views every morning.

Despite the mixed reviews we’ve seen online, our latest visit to the beach was fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the scenery, lounging in the hammocks, and enjoying beverages on the beach.

One common issue with the beach is the brown seaweed, known as sargassum, which is a seasonal challenge not just for Moon Palace but for Cancun in general. Efforts are being made by both the Mexican government and various hotels to address this problem.

During our stay, we noticed the seaweed levels varied daily, but the resort staff were relentless in keeping the beach clean, using tractors to remove the seaweed and enhance our beach experience.

However, it’s worth noting that the water can be a bit murky due to the seaweed, possibly detracting from its appeal compared to other beach destinations around the world. So, if crystal-clear water is a must-have for your vacation, Moon Palace might not be the ideal choice.

But for those who love the idea of relaxing on the beach with a drink and a book, Moon Palace is the perfect spot to unwind.

5. Moon Palace App

The Palace Resorts App puts everything you need to know about the resort in the palm of your hand. It’s super handy for making restaurant reservations, ordering room service, and even picking your preferred type of pillow!

With this app, you’ll have quick access to details like restaurant hours, menus, and the lineup of activities and entertainment. Whether you’re interested in water aerobics, catching a talent show, or joining a bike tour, it’s all there.

Through the app, guests can fully explore and enjoy all the experiences offered by the resort. It’s designed to help you make the most of your visit, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

6. Excellent Service

Moon Palace truly stands out for its exceptional service. Every staff member greets you with a hello and is always ready to help or answer any questions. The resort offers golf cart rides to help guests get around easily, and the drivers always stop to offer rides even if you’re not at a designated stop.

The pool servers are always polite and helpful, making sure you’re well taken care of. Tipping is appreciated, of course, but you’ll never feel pressured to do so. The staff are very friendly and dedicated to going above and beyond to help make every guest feel warmly welcomed.

7. Restaurants & Food

From fine dining to buffets to snack bars and cafes, there are many great food options at the Moon Palace Cancun restaurants.

Some restaurants require reservations, which you can do through the mobile app. We did not have any challenges booking reservations, and we never waited more than five minutes for any of the walk-up restaurants.

The variety and quality of the food were consistently impressive. We particularly enjoyed Habibi, the Lebanese restaurant, and Agra, the Indian restaurant.

The 24-hour room service is another feature we really valued. Every morning, we’d pre-order coffee and a light breakfast to enjoy the sunrise from our balcony. It was also a hit with the younger adults in our group, who appreciated the convenience of ordering food even late at night!

8. Countless Activities and Things to Do at Moon Palace

The number of activities at Moon Palace Cancun are endless! Both the daily and evening entertainment options at this resort are fantastic.

Whether it’s starting your day with yoga, joining a beach volleyball match, tackling inflatable obstacle courses, or playing a game of tennis or pickleball, there’s truly something for everyone.

Moon Palace is also one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for kids. The resort has activities for all ages, including kids club activities, teen events, and adult-only options. For example, the Noir Nightclub hosts special evenings for teens, and the Karaoke bar welcomes kids until 9 p.m.

The evening entertainment is also diverse. We enjoyed fire-throwing shows, magic shows, and even Mexican wrestling. 

Our visit coincided with the Super Bowl, and the resort outdid itself with a superb viewing party. Big screens were set up across all three resorts, projecting the game and serving special Super Bowl-themed food. The excitement lasted all week, with activities like poolside football throwing contests adding to the fun.

In short, boredom is simply not an option at Moon Palace Cancun!

9. Outstanding Moon Palace Pools

What can I say about the pools except to say that there are LOTS of pool amazing options! In fact, at The Grand there are 7 different pools guests can visit. 

Each of the pools at The Grand offer a unique atmosphere and variety of activities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax, a lively pool with DJs and sports, a family-friendly area, or a pool with bands and entertainment, you’ll find it here.

The Grand at Moon Palace is also the only resort that has an “adults-only” pool. The Adult Day Club is a perfect spot if you want to enjoy a lively atmosphere that caters to adults only.

Finding a spot to relax is easy, as there’s lots of seating around each pool. Although prime locations are quickly claimed each morning, we always managed to find a comfortable spot without too much difficulty.

That said, during special events like concert festivals at Nizuc and Sunrise, pools tend to be busier. Holidays like Christmas and March Break might pose a similar challenge in securing a spot by the pool by mid-morning.

Moon Palace also does not restrict the number of towels you can use. Towel huts are conveniently located near every pool, and there were always lots of towels available during our stay.

10. Moon Palace Cancun Water Park

The water park at The Grand really distinguishes it from other resorts. The impressive water park is packed with features like a large play structure, thrilling water slides, a wave pool, splash pads, and a relaxing lazy river. Plus, there are lifeguards on duty and plenty of seating for everyone to relax.

Another highlight is the FlowRider surf simulator, which adds to the excitement of the water park experience.

Do keep in mind that some of the bigger slides have height restrictions. It’s something to check if you’re visiting with younger kids.

Families and those who like water slides will love the Water Park at Moon Palace. 

11. Moon Palace Cancun Kids Club and Playroom

Each of the three resorts offers playrooms designed for children up to 12 years old. The largest playroom is at The Grand, and is right in the heart of the water park.

This kids club features a large climbing maze, arcade games, bumper cars, laser tag, air hockey, another climbing structure, and more, making it a great spot for the kids to hang out. 

During my visit, it seemed like the playroom at The Grand catered more to older children. The playroom at Sunrise seemed to be a better fit for little ones, offering activities and spaces more suitable for them.

12. The Awe Spa at Moon Palace

Moon Palace has two incredible spas, each offering a unique experience. One is conveniently located in the Grand Lobby, while the other can be found at the Golf Course. It’s worth noting that the spa in the Grand Lobby is exclusive to guests staying at The Grand.

We indulged in several massages during our visit, took full advantage of the plunge pool and hydrotherapy, and even decided to try the seaweed wrap! Each spa treatment we experienced was outstanding, complemented by excellent service.

Keep in mind that the Awe Spa is available for guests aged 16 and up, but there’s also a children’s spa at the golf course for younger guests. Just remember, spa treatments come at an additional cost.

13. Golf, Sports and Fitness Facilities

For those wanting to keep active during their stay, Moon Palace has so many activities and amenities, including a wide range of sports facilities.

One of the most popular activities is the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. While there’s an extra charge to play, it is a very popular activity for those who enjoy golfing. At the golf course, you will also find a spa, restaurant, and pool. 

Additionally, the resort provides tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts at no extra cost. If you’re into cycling, bikes are available to borrow, and you can also enjoy two mini-golf courses.

Each resort features well-equipped fitness centres with a variety of equipment and classes. You can join aqua aerobics, aqua spinning, water yoga, and even lane swimming, ensuring there are plenty of ways to stay active during your stay.

14. Access to Other Palace Elite Resorts

Guest of Moon Palace Cancun including The Grand, Sunrise, and Nizuc, can reserve a day pass to any of Moon Palace’s sister resorts in Mexico. Moon Palace guests can visit Beach Palace, Sun Palace or Playacar Palace for no additional cost.

Beach Palace and Sun Palace are both located in the Cancun Hotel Zone. Playacar Palace is located close to Playa del Carmen Beach and Maritime Terminal. Beach Palace is a family-friendly resort with excellent beach access. Sun Palace is your adults-only option with stunning infinity pools overlooking the ocean.

A limited number of day passes for each resort are available to reserve through the Palace Elite app. Transportation shuttles are also sometimes available to reserve, with conditions. For example, with our reservation a free shuttle was available for the adults-only Sun Place Resort, but we had to book a taxi to visit Beach Palace.

This access opens your vacation up to three more all-inclusive resort options in Mexico.

15. Moon Palace Resort Credits

Sometimes, the hotel includes resort credits with your booking. This means you get a set amount of credits to spend on things like spa treatments, excursions, and other amenities during your stay.

However, a 16% service fee applies to whatever you use the credits for. For example, if you use $200 in credits for a spa treatment, you’ll pay a $32 service fee, which gets charged to your room.

These resort credits offer a way to enjoy certain activities at a discount. But there are some limits on how you can use them. For instance, we had $1500 in credits, but only $500 could go towards the spa.

We opted to use our credits at the spa, deciding to skip excursions and enjoy everything else the resort had to offer.

16. Resort Transportation

Given the size of the resort, the transportation services here are impressive. Golf carts pick up guests continuously throughout the day and night, taking guests wherever they need to go.

Compared to other large resorts I’ve visited, Moon Palace’s transport is far more frequent and accessible. There are also larger lobby-to-lobby buses, perfect for getting to dinner reservations at Sunrise or Nizuc on time.

Additionally, the resort offers airport transportation, which we found to be a great option. It’s a good idea to book these airport transfers when you make your reservation for a smooth arrival and departure.

With a resort of this size, it’s a good thing the resort transportation is so good. Large golf carts drive around the resorts, picking up passengers all day long. Although there are designated stops throughout the resort, the drivers always stopped to ask us if we wanted a ride any time they passed by.

17. Moon Palace Weddings 

Although I haven’t had the experience of attending or planning a wedding at Moon Palace myself, we witnessed several stunning weddings during our stay. From cozy beachside ceremonies to grand celebrations complete with fireworks, it’s obvious that Moon Palace is an ideal wedding destination.

The resort’s wedding planners are available to customize the big day to fit any budget and wedding size. I’m sure anyone who chooses Moon Palace for their wedding will have an awesome experience.

Moon Palace Cancun: Things to Consider

We’ve shared many reasons why The Grand at Moon Palace is a fantastic choice, but it’s important to consider a few aspects before booking.

Size 

The Grand at Moon Palace is huge, especially when you consider you have access to all three resorts through your Grand reservation. This can be a bit overwhelming for some, making the resort feel too large and the journey back to your room a trek if you forget something. 

If you’re after something cozier but still crave the Palace luxury, consider staying at Moon Palace Cancun Sunrise or Nizuc for a more intimate experience.

Moon Palace Cancun Beach Seaweed

Cancun faces a seasonal sargassum issue, affecting its beaches, including the beach at Moon Palace.

The resort works hard to keep the beach clean, but if pristine beaches are a top priority, keep this in mind. We found the beach well-maintained during our stay, though.

Moon Palace Check-in and Check-out

Moon Palace check-in is at 3 p.m., and check-out at 12 p.m. However, delays can occur, as experienced during our stay, with a significant wait time for our room. I believe we got into our room at about 6 p.m.

Online reviews suggest this isn’t uncommon, so brace yourself for the possibility of waiting for your room, even after the advertised check-in time.

Moon Palace Membership Recruitment

As soon as you arrive, you will be asked to schedule a 90-minute membership tour. This is essentially a sales pitch. You can, of course, decline this meeting. An additional incentive will be offered for you to attend, such as additional resort or spa credits. 

If you do not want to attend, be firm and just say no thanks. Be warned; however, they may reach out several times during your stay.

Moon Palace Concerts and Festivals

Moon Palace is a popular spot for music events and festivals, which can significantly change the atmosphere, especially at Sunrise and Nizuc.

While these events are exciting, they can also mean more crowds and noise, potentially affecting your stay if you’re not there for the music.

Limited Adult-Only Options 

While Moon Palace caters wonderfully to families, adult-only options are limited. 

The Moon Palace Cancun adults-only options include an adult-only pool, a handful of bars, and the nightclubs. If you are seeking an exclusively adult experience in Cancun, you may want to consider the adults-only Sun Palace located in Cancun’s hotel zone.

Tipping 

Tipping is common practice at all of the Moon Palace Cancun resorts. While staff are professional and serve everyone, tipping is greatly appreciated. If you’re uncomfortable with tipping culture, this might be a drawback for you.

Price Point

Being a five-star resort, Moon Palace may not fit everyone’s budget, and The Grand is the priciest of the Cancun resorts. Your choice of property, room type, and travel season will influence the cost, but you’re paying for quality and access to extensive amenities.

Tips for Your Stay at The Grand

Arrange Your Airport Transportation

Cancun International Airport is a short 12 km away from Moon Palace Cancun, making taxis or airport shuttles convenient options.

Given recent disputes over rideshare services like Uber, sticking to official taxis or the resort’s transfer services is advisable. On our last trip, a taxi from the resort to the airport cost us about $25 USD.

Use the Moon Palace Mobile App

Don’t overlook the Moon Palace app. It’s a game-changer for booking restaurants, planning activities, and even ordering room service. I regret not becoming more familiar with its features it from the start, as it could have enhanced our experience even more!

Make Dinner Reservations Early

While there are many excellent restaurants at Moon Palace, you should book dinner reservations as soon as you can through the app.

You can reserve three days ahead, but note there’s a $25 USD fee for no-shows or cancellations after 4 p.m. on the day of your reservation. Early evening slots tend to fill up fast, especially for larger groups.

Bring Some Cash for Tipping

Tipping is appreciated, so bring along some US dollars for staff like servers, bellmen, and housekeepers.

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen and Other Essentials

Items like sunscreen, medications, swim diapers, and pool toys are much pricier at the resort, so it’s wise to bring these items from home. If you plan to play golf, you will also want to bring your own golf balls as they are very expensive to purchase at the resort.

Moon Palace Cancun vs Moon Palace Grand

Now that you have read this The Grand at Moon Palace review, you may be wondering how it compares to Moon Palace Cancun Nizuc or Sunrise. Having stayed at both, here are my observations. 

The Grand opened in 2017, and it has newer and bigger rooms than Sunrise or Nizuc. It is also more spread out and has lots of pools in different areas throughout the resort.

Choose The Grand at Moon Palace if: 
• You want an abundance of choice for restaurants, bars, activities, and entertainment
• You want to visit different pools during your stay
• You want larger and newer rooms
• You want regular access to a water park
• You want an “adults-only” pool option
• You want convenient lobby access to the larger Awe Spa 
• You have a bigger budget

Choose Moon Palace Cancun (Sunrise or Nizuc) if:
• You want a waterfront room with direct views of the beach and sunrise
• You want a smaller and more intimate resort and atmosphere
• You want to spend less money overall on your vacation stay
• You don’t want to walk/travel long distances to get to the lobby, pool, and beach
• You won’t take advantage of all the restaurants and amenities available through The Grand 

Moon Palace The Grand FAQs

Can I Visit Other Cancun Palace Resorts from The Grand?

Absolutely! From The Grand, you can explore three other Moon Palace Cancun resorts: Beach Palace, Sun Palace, and Playacar Palace. Many guests venture out to enjoy the pristine beaches these resorts offer.

Do note that daily guest passes are limited. While we found plenty of passes available during our stay, the shuttle service to these resorts quickly reached capacity. You always have the option to take a taxi to these locations, but we were quite content staying and enjoying all that The Grand had to offer.

Do I Need to Reserve Pool Chairs Early at Moon Palace?

You might have seen those videos where guests dash to reserve pool chairs at sunrise. Thankfully, that’s not something I’ve had to do at Moon Palace.

Although some guests do get up early to claim their spot, I’ve never had trouble finding a lounger at any point in the day. If you’re arriving in the afternoon, especially with a large group, it might be a bit harder to find chairs together.

Keep in mind that we haven’t visited during the super busy Christmas season, so it might be a bit more competitive then. But generally, the staff are great at managing lounge areas and will help you find a spot if you ask.

Is There a Casino at Moon Palace Cancun?

No. There is no onsite casino at the Moon Palace Cancun resort.

When Should I Book My Stay at Moon Palace Cancun?

Moon Palace Cancun is busiest during Christmas, March Break, and Spring Break—expect higher prices and more competition for restaurants and pool chairs.

We once visited during a major music festival and were so glad we were staying on The Grand property instead of Nizuc or Sunrise. The other sections were packed, not particularly kid-friendly, and it was tough to find pool chairs or get into restaurants without long waits. The Grand offered a much more relaxed experience, even during peak chaos.

If you’re not into concerts, check the Sunrise event calendar before booking. For a quieter, more family-friendly stay, consider The Grand or plan around those dates.

Final Thoughts: Moon Palace Cancun Hotel Review

We’ve stayed at The Grand at Moon Palace multiple times, and it continues to be one of our top picks for a luxury all-inclusive in Cancun. From the moment you check in to the moment you (reluctantly) leave, it’s clear why so many guests return year after year.

Even as I write this, I’m already dreaming of our next visit – the incredible food, endless pools, top-tier service, and the sheer amount of things to do keep pulling us back.

That said, no resort is perfect. The timeshare sales can be annoying, and some parts of the resort feel overwhelming at first. But for us, the pros far outweigh the cons.

If you’re looking for a high-end, family-friendly resort with all the bells and whistles – including a water park, well-maintained beach, gourmet dining, and a safe, upscale atmosphere – The Grand at Moon Palace delivers. It’s especially ideal if you want a resort where both kids and adults can genuinely enjoy themselves.

☞ Ready to experience it for yourself? Check availability and book your stay at The Grand here. It’s one of the few places we return to time and time again – and we think you’ll feel the same.