KEMPINSKI CANCUN (RESORT OR RETIREMENT HOME?) 🇲🇽 Full Resort Tour & Review

[@Scott-pe6te]

I stayed at this property in the year 2000 when it was a Ritz Carlton and it was at the time the best luxury in the Cancun hotel zone. Now it looks sad and tired for the price. I had considered returning to this hotel later this year. After your helpful video, I will choose somewhere else. Thanks for the review.

[@tfft]

Good choice lol

[@rwpoly8760]

We have stayed here 3-4 times per year each year since 2002 and we come here for the incredible service, with many of the same employees still here from our first visit. They’ve watched our kids grow up. Such a special place!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@DrAndrewKramer]

King of the one-liner! A disgruntled Kevin makes for awesome content!

[@wicked_smaaht]

You bet. 😂 …. Some of his best videos.

[@tfft]

Well I'm glad I don't 'suffer' for nothing haha

[@williamthompson6500]

I stay here often. Sadly they lost the Ritz/ Marriott Brand and converted over to Kempenski. They have spend a lot of money over the past few years doing renovations. I have been told they will be doing a remodel outside for the pool etc later this year. The best thing about this hotel is the service and the food. I have stayed at many hotels in cancun and this one is always top notch for food and service. The owner is old and has left his daughter in charge to run things. I would not be surprised to see this hotel be sold off in the near future.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@tommykay7427]

Thanks Kevin. Always great vids. The COLLAPSED daybed is nuts. That's not a five star resort. That's a wishfull thinking 2 star hotel. Keep 'em coming we love all of your work.

[@tfft]

Agreed!

[@Thefinestselection2024]

Welcome back Kevin…. Get well soon

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@НиколайОлегович-л1н]

Thank you so much for this video. There are a couple of short questions, I would appreciate it if you would answer them. 1) What exactly is included in their all-inclusive system? 2) which restaurants are included in the ala-card system (i.e. for which you do not have to pay extra)? 3) I'm afraid to even ask how much does a regular beach lounger with an umbrella cost?

[@tfft]

I didn't have all inclusive, you'd need to inquire with the hotel.

[@shakesnbake]

Hope you're feeling better Kevin

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@gebe8978]

Looking at the lobby, I would not be surprised to find a huge CRT TV in the room with a keyboard for "internet" and a LAN cable at the desk... I continue watching later.

[@tfft]

Haha

[@sirpa89]

Hey Flip Flop, I am big fan of your work. if you ever decide to visit in Sri Lanka I highly recommend a hotel called "Ahu Bay". its a Ceylon Tea family owned hotel, they only run 2 or 3 hotels total. I don't get anything from recommending this, I am like you I just love to travel and share great experiences!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@zwatwashdc]

Stayed at the Kempinski Bangkok. It was amazing. We loved it.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@ahmedabualkhaiir]

We looking forward for a tour from Saint-Tropez 🇫🇷

[@tfft]

Oh, you're going to be looking for quite a while lol

[@giz1847]

Stunning photography of the morning sunrise ❤

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@jimmyjames6492]

I'll be sure to place this on the DO NOT VISIT list. Thanks for the info + video!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Ralphie224]

i see the soap in bathroom had their sticker on it........or....did they place the sticker over the former hotel logo.....😄😁....great job....and review......safe travels

[@tfft]

Well at least I know the bottles are the correct shape for Ferragamo lol.

[@hrizonsdebbie]

"Beautiful Retirement Home" is your indie band name. Feel better!

[@tfft]

And here I thought it was "Tropical Assisted Living"...!

[@matthewmurphy586]

New sub here. Love your videos - would love to see you review TRS Coral in Costa Mujeres, and some of the other resorts up there.

[@tfft]

I do love Isla Mujeres, used to do day trips up there every year. Wasn't sure of the demand (on KZbin) for resorts up there, so didn't do any yet- but surely in the future.

[@jbennison5672]

You need to pay extra to use the beach furniture? Outrageous. Is this standard practice in Cancun?

[@tfft]

Standard practice in much of the western hemisphere- specifically for cabana style chairs.

[@williamthompson6500]

I do not believe they charge for the blue loungers on the beach. The cabana does have a daily fee for rental.

[@firstlast1047]

My understanding: It is MX federal law that menu prices reflect IVA included. I had a similar instance at an upscale taco restaurant in Campeche. I brought it to the attention of the wait staff. The IVA was removed from my check.

[@tfft]

I've seen both, usually included but sometimes fully separate.

[@firstlast1047]

@@tfft Yes. It can be confusing. Sometimes, especially super markets, the final receipt reflects the shelf price of items, but the IVA is broken out as a non charged item.

[@hectorpalermo875]

Glad Kevin you are back and that your hotels review are back. Not having visited Cancun before, I have to say that your series left me with no desire to do so. Compared to Asia and Dubai, none of the hotels were impressive. Also, it is too American - resort fees, big all you can eats or extortionate prices for a la carte and paying for sundbeds, no thank you

[@tfft]

I chuckle each time I read "you're back"... I just missed one posting date, but I didn't have a day off 😂

[@MusicAvi8Tr]

Got a great rate for a junior suite here a few years ago when it was the Ritz. Food was MEH I got food poisoning & the executive chef himself came to my suite to apologize. Room was huge with wrap around balcony. Dated but enjoyed the stay.

[@tfft]

Everything has the correct price- surely this one is no different and I'd be happy to return for the prices they should be charging. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@markfellows74]

Perhaps I’m just used to spending most of my beach resort holidays in South East Asia, but these Cancun hotels just seem like an overpriced version with lesser quality food. Appreciate your Cancun videos convincing me to stick to what I know and love though!

[@tfft]

I do think there’s a difference though and a place for both kinds of resorts/destinations. Cancun is 1-5 hours away from all of the population centers in North America. Part of what you’re paying for is that proximity. Same how I don’t think Ibiza and the Canaries are the best resorts on earth, but again, they’re a quick one and done flight for all of Western Europe. Even Hawaii is the same. Hawaii is more beautiful for sure, but their insane prices are simply bc they’re a narrow body flight away from the west coast.

[@ivanvargas6590]

How o can take a Uber in the airport?

[@tfft]

Book it on the app? lol

[@ivanvargas6590]

@@tfft yeah i know, whats i mean can the Uber pick me ok the airport, or i need to get out the airport??

[@tfft]

Ah, I took "in" as "to"... you cannot get an Uber from the airport, you can only get one to the airport. Maybe you can walk a long distance to get one, but considering the tension between taxis and ubers in Mexico, this would not be advisable.

[@tidusfantasy]

bummer, why u didnt stay in JW or Marriott in this series? There are more bonvoy members than any hotel loyalty program, so these 2 properties are highly searched and researched... :(

[@tfft]

Highly searched, researched and highly reviewed lol. The Marriott was closed for reno while I was there and the JW's prices were sky high due to the vacuum of not having the Marriot (and the RC, perhaps). The new AI Marriott, I'd visit.

[@camand2769]

You were too hard on this hotel. It is indeed an older properly but that is apart of its charm. Breakfast buffet is AMAZING and honestly one of my favorite parts. I’ve been to the Kempinski Cancun three times and at 31, I’m sure I’m on the younger side of their clientele. On my most recent trip, I thought about trying the Waldorf Astoria but was put off by its modern design and sterile decor/aesthetic. I’m sure that will be the popular choice for the influencer/ social media crowd and I intentionally wanted to avoid that. Kempinski 4.5/5 stars.

[@tfft]

There are bright spots at the Kempinski but I wholeheartedly disagree with the breakfast buffet. It was a pathetic offering for $50++ at a Kempinski. Other Kempinskis on my channel have buffets that would make this one cry lol.

[@camand2769]

@@tfft Maybe that is slightly overpriced but isn’t that to be expected buying food at ANY hotel? You should also highlight the buffet is complimentary for 2 guests when you book the hotel through AMEX FHR.

[@NurseViv]

Thanks so much for this review..it keeps coming up on my IG and FB feeds although I’d never heard of this brand before…resort and cabana fees?…Nah, I’ll stick to the Hyatt Inclusive brands…😊

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Resort fees? 😢 Cripes - you Americans have a lot to answer for! What makes for a good beach in places like this? I like a lot of palm tree/jungle-edge action and a smattering of decent beach-bars to break up the monotony of one hotel after another - like the one at the top end of Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. Cancun kinda failed that test for me. Good review, with great choices of music, neat sound-editing and nicely-shot moody skies.

[@tfft]

In my mind, they are two different things. For some trips, I like the action of a place like Cancun (and therefore my "beautiful beach' criteria is all about the water and sand...)... for other types of trips, yes I agree with you.

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You ✈️

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Thongger]

30-50USD to rent a beach deck chair?! WHAT!? That's the first time I've heard of such a thing

[@tfft]

Oh, well then best you avoid most of the western hemisphere lol I remember paying for chairs/cabanas in Hawaii 30 years ago.

[@jranario]

if they do all inclusive, i might consider.

[@tfft]

All Inclusive for less than what I paid, ok lol

[@ThatcrazyAK]

Will you review the Etihad residence? I watched the review on Etihad’s first class apartment and thought you should review the residence, especially when Etihad has its a380 operating from Abu Dhabi to JFK, just a suggestion.

[@tfft]

No plans on it, not much more I can add about it now that it's simply a 'bigger' First Class seat as opposed to the full original Residence white glove experience.

[@ThatcrazyAK]

@@tfft You got a point

[@ThatcrazyAK]

@@marcd6897 still tho, it would be nice if the flip flop traveler reviewed it.

[@mathieubrosseau1153]

Well 😮 I so badly wanted to go there. Taught it was the best in Cancún. Thanks Kevin. I will save myself a LOT of money and go somehwere else I guess . AND i might have a better ‘vaicai’ !

[@tfft]

Farrrrrr from the best lol.

[@major_lag2643]

@@tfftwhat hotels are better for a Cancun vacation?

[@ToddHawk]

@@tfft Are you planning on doing a "Cancun overview" or "What I learned" video? Loving your channel!

[@williamthompson6500]

I have stayed at this hotel 2-3 times a year for 10 plus years now. It is a great place to stay. I enjoy it because it is not all inclusive and the staff treat me great. I usually have my breakfast included. It is in a great location as well. The beach and service is some of the best around IMO.

[@mdjay1000]

Wow this looks welll uhmmmmmmmmmm interesting.

[@tfft]

I reckon there might be a bit of sarcasm laced in there lol

[@gebe8978]

OK, I finished watching your trip back in time, thanks for making me feel 20 years younger. The property seems a rip off, nothing new when it comes to old hotels trying to keep up with their old grandeur. I am not surprised about the service, most likely staff there since 20+ years with their minds on retirement, knowing what to do and doing it well to repeater guests, but uninterested to majority of the others. As for what Kempinski has done here and their properties in Asia, let's not forget they are a management company, depending on owners. The owner of Apurva Kempinski spent a lot of money, same as the Sindhorn Kempinski in Bangkok, to note two of the new ones. Or the doubtful (by many people as I heard) origin of the money spent in Siam Kempinski. I do agree they could have selected better as access to the market, however I also believe the one in Havana is the true showcase for them for America.

[@tfft]

I'll take your word for it. Hard to introduce a brand to North America by making it so that Americans can't experience it 😂

[@gebe8978]

@@tfft Perhaps they are not so interested in the US market in America. In any case, let's not forget plenty of their properties in China are also old and not in a pristine condition. The one in South Spain, same story. Perhaps you, like me, have been spoilt by being introduced to the brand at their top properties, in my case Siam and Apurva.

[@petek5523]

What a shame, great potential for this property totally wasted. And those food prices are insane 😅. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@tfft]

Agreed!

[@zamrunikhalid]

I was wondering why you sounded snappy until you said that you had some kind of flu 😅

[@tfft]

And here I though sounding snappy was a good thing lol

[@mikas2934]

Is this what AI Kevin sounds like? 🤔😂 Get well soon my man!

[@tfft]

Don't tell anyone but I actually have an AI clone of my voice already which I've never used bc it's way way way too accurate and creeps me out lol

[@robm3074]

This seems to be a problem at many locations throughout the world. With travel demand sky rocketing, so has the greed. To do any type of decent traveling anymore really takes a total financial investment and a huge budget.

[@tfft]

Sure, but a change of management is the perfect time to change things too.

[@notactuallymyrealname]

Wow, big colonizer energy in that decor. Hope you're feeling better soon!

[@tfft]

"Big colonizer energy" will be used in a future review 😂

[@cusodha1]

Why i feel the ur voice is diffrent ?

[@tfft]

Some people get colds lol

[@panagiotismatziounis4778]

This hotel gives me Indian vibes. Get well soon.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@waterguy3107]

Kempinski in Singapore is much better than this! You have to try it when you are in SG. 😊

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@jamesaddy8699]

I refuse to stay in properties that charge a resort fee.

[@kevboynet]

Without consistency, a luxury brand is sure to be thought less of. I know I think a lot less of Kempinsky now. The sheer nerve of setting out a kline like that...

[@tfft]

Very curious what a kline is lol

[@kevboynet]

@@tfft It's more of a leitmotif than a physical manifestation.

[@anthonyprice-zm5iu]

Disappointing for a Kempinski Kev 😮

[@tfft]

For sure!

[@roybackhouse117]

I was searching retirement homes. This popped up! Looks better than many…..

[@tfft]

Haha good to know search still works!

[@rosecolouredglasses]

The building and the beach are very nice. Breakfast is lame but if it were free, that could be looked over, and if the dinner prices were lower and if the broke ass loungers were free...surely they don't charge for the broken ones do they?!

[@tfft]

The broken ones were specifically the ones that were charged for lol

[@rosecolouredglasses]

@@tfft there must be some consumer protection law against selling defective things/services

[@dennisrettke]

"Resort fees", "destination fees", whatever they want to call them, are an absolute scam!

[@tfft]

That they are.

[@CLAR-oo1lg]

A very bog standard U.S. room style set up, functional and uninspiring. This overpriced Hotel looks dull in places, lacking atmosphere. I certainly wouldn't choose to stay at this property. The sad Breakfast Buffet offering didn't match the Mexican Sunrise especially after seeing what the Al Bustan Palace served up in Oman. Surprisingly; very disappointing, not what I would expect from Kempinski Brand. There are surely solid 4****, perhaps even 3, that I would enjoy a better holiday stay.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@TheMaartian]

Even a complete remodel wouldn't justify the usurious food and beach facilities prices. Hard pass.

[@tfft]

Fair enough!

[@iwasmidnightrain.]

First!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@DeniseSommerRoque]

What a dud…lacking any character and so uninspiring! A real shame knowing how capable they are of pulling off a showstopper infused with local influence. Hope you feel better soon and thank you for the review 🙏🏼

[@tfft]

Yupp, been a long time since I've seen such an imbalance of a deal. Almost makes me think something was used against Kempinski to accept the deal lol. The local owner got away with a coup!

[@tonyreid833]

I’ve stayed in better Motel rooms globally than this The furniture looks dirty and very used Its basic 3 star at best

[@tfft]

To be fair, you've been to some very very fancy motels lol

[@deirdretaylor3105]

This place is a dump.

[@tfft]

Well, I'd say that's a bit of a stretch lol

[@Shello58]

I wouldn't go back to Mexico under any circumstance. Nope. Not even for free. Never.

[@tfft]

Well, it sounds like you had a wonderful time lol