GRAND FIESTA AMERICANA CORAL BEACH Cancun, Mexico 🇲🇽 My Favorite Cancun AI!

[@densnow4816]

Great video. My family and I were there Feb 2024 during school holiday, place was packed but service still outstanding. Very accurate review, but a few comments: We did NOT have a club room, but finding chairs on beach was never a problem. Finding chairs around pool after 8 am was a problem. Also, best to book all dining as soon as you check in. Breakfast buffet was superb. Small complaint is that noise in halls (chatter, screaming kids, maids) is very audible in rooms. A underrated feature is that a large grocery, bars and restaurants are right across street, good way to save on sunblock, hats, etc. My kids and picky wife were all very pleased. Room service (including drinks) also included; mini-bar included and restocked daily. Love your reviews and so happy to see first-hand how spot-on you are!

[@tfft]

Great to know. Thanks for that!

[@hanksmith1582]

oh man, really glad I discovered this channel....just straight-forward discussion without jazzy graphics, excessive chatter, or video of the narrator him'herself speaking!!.....the other popular travel channels are also good in many ways, but this one is just so easy to watch......watching the evolution and tweaks from video #1 to today is fun, too!!....thanks, Kevin!

[@tfft]

I would like to think that my graphics are at least 12% Jazzy... but ok 😂 Thanks for the other kind words haha.

[@HotelSnob]

The graphics are super jazzy!! Sheesh 🙄 and refined 👏🏽

[@mikas2934]

The old school decor and interiors of this place reminded me of the Shangri La KL where I stayed recently. Perfect service, old-school grandeur, spotless, and extremely well-maintained for its age. What I think really helps some of these older resorts is that they used a lot of really durable and "solid" materials in its construction. Some of the shots that you showed had solid looking granite/marble sinks and tabletops which even after a decade later will still look quite nice and not worn out. Same thing I noticed at the Shangri La KL, despite its age, the initial investment and non-cost cutting materials really held up the test of time.

[@tfft]

Yeah, the only difference being that this hotel is still middle of the pack when it comes to decor in the Hotel Zone, where as the SL in KL will soon be falling behind rapidly with many new property due to open. Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@mikas2934]

​@@tfft Shangri La KL is cheap though 🙃

[@DeniseSommerRoque]

Lovely review to end the series. What good management, professionalism and competency can mean and do for a hotel like this! Thank you and great to see your growth in subscribers accelerate after reaching the 100.000 mark, have you received your silver award yet? 🎉

[@tfft]

It is in the US waiting for me haha. Was surprised how quick they were with it. I originally thought it would be one of those ‘12-16 weeks for delivery’ deals 😂

[@dennisrettke]

Thank you Kevin! I really enjoyed this video. What a gorgeous resort - I think I would love it. It's got that charm and warm atmosphere, great food, and as you mentioned it's well looked after. I hope they keep that charm once they renovate and if I ever found myself in Cancun, this hotel would be at the top of my list.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@tomsoden1738]

It looks really good. One of the best in your Cancun series. Old school charm, proper table clothes etc.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@jranario]

been to this hotel last July 2023. was never disappointed and made my level of expectation so high for an all inclusive hotel coz of GFACB. it was our first time coming there and was amazing all throughout. i will share ur video to the fb group of GFACB if u dont mind.

[@tfft]

Sure, go right ahead. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@3Angela]

Great overview. I have been going there since the 90s. Always wonderful. I like what you call the "older" ambiance. The food is always spectacular.

[@johnmorelli7878]

My wife and I were there in May of 2022. We're definitely going back to this resort. We booked through Costco Travel and had an amazing experience and the service was great! Well be back in September of 2024. Short walking distance to the night life that was a plus.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@alenb1]

highlight of my week, so honest and comprehensive unlike some others who announce their arrivals to airlines and hotels then complain about the state of vegan food on KLM😉.. Keep it up

[@tfft]

I laughed hard enough to wake up both of my dogs 😂

[@timjacobs6610]

Nice video my friend. and thank you for being one of the only KZbinrs that actually disclose the price that you paid. I don't know why more reviewers of these all-inclusive resorts don't do the same. Keep up the Great work. 👍

[@tfft]

*whispers* ... because they didn't pay 😉

[@timjacobs6610]

@@tfft Ahhhhh🤔😉

[@timjacobs6610]

@@tfft Can I also asked you how did you book your trip? Do you just go on Google or do you use an agency? Thanks again.

[@johnmorais3833]

Was just there three weeks ago. Highly recommend. The staff is amazing. The gym renovation is complete and it’s excellent.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@davidconley6267]

Rincon de Guayabitos to me has been the best beach city experience in Mexico. I have been to 4 other areas that are very popular tourist destinations.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@HotelSnob]

Pretty sure you’d like the Conrad Tulum (not actually in Tulum and either airport will do flying in bc the cab ride will be either 1 hour or 1 hour 20. Food is great, beach is on a bay, rooms have plunge pools on the balconies and ocean views from the shower. It’s a perfect place for adults and couples. Pools are almost empty! Lots of secret paths leading to restaurants, or hidden pop-up bars in the jungle. Very cool vibe. Perfect 3 day place ❤

[@tfft]

After Waldorf Cancun prices, I'm not sure I could afford to think about the Conrad, let alone eat there lol

[@HotelSnob]

@@tfft it wasn’t expensive….continental included for diamond. Food quality was impressive. Service too. And the picturesque beach puts that green Puerto morales to shame

[@hectorpalermo875]

In relation to the comparison with Asia or Dubai and distance to big cities, I did not think that the places were overpriced, on the contrary. Have you seen the prices in Bali or Phuket lately for good resorts and that is always B&B basis. However, I think that the whole Cancun combo is non hugely appealing to non-Americans. Crowded, AYCE which is quantity vs quality like in cruises, resort fees or pay for a beach chair, constant pressure to tip, lack of reasonably priced transport and loud guests. That shouts of a place catered to Americans in my book. Yes costal Places in Europe in summer can be expensive but it is a relatively short season so everybody is trying to milk it. Great content as always and really appreciate the series to get to know the options in Cancun. Now back to Asia hehehe

[@tfft]

If you are comparing apples to apples Cancun to Bali (for example) the prices aren't even in the same realm. Are there super expensive properties in Bali? Sure, but what you're getting for that money literally cannot be found in Cancun and it's surrounds. A nice 4 star hotel in Cancun for $450 would likely be 5-stars and under $150 in Bali. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@SunnyReviews_24]

Your travel content is always so well put together.!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@michaelj3282]

Stayed there in 1998, doesn't seem to have changed a lot, swim up bar looks the same and the mexican restaurant is fab. Great vid.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@petek5523]

Nice property, looks like great value for the money especially for the food options. Drag about the Club section of the beach. The prices on the menus, are they for non guests? Great video as always 🎉😊

[@tfft]

Ah yes, they were for non-guests only. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@gingerwood1969]

Was there in 1993. Stayed in room 761. Wasn’t All Inclusive back then. A 10 day stay cost $2,200. And the beach was much bigger. Also you could walk waist deep to get to the lighthouse. Just got back from Grand Fiesta and although much has changed,the resort is stunning and the employees are amazing! Great resort!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@HotelSnob]

Have always wondered about this one! Thanks for the review 🎉 Please go to Hawaii and skewer the Grand Wailea. It’s time! ❤🤞🏽🌈

[@tfft]

I never enter with a skewer in hand lol

[@HotelSnob]

@@tfft mmmm, you do channel a little Tom Wolfe, and we love you for it 🙌🏽

[@dexterityviking]

Great review, thank you! My family and I our headed here in July. My question is, How was the seaweed? We like to spend time in the ocean but not with a ton of seaweed. Thank you.

[@tfft]

Not bad at all. You can see a bit in the video, but nothing taking over.

[@matthewmurphy586]

Would love to see you review TRS Coral and the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres

[@tfft]

Next time perhaps!

[@gebe8978]

Looking at the room, it could also be a Hilton in Phuket, a Westin in Bali, or a Marriott in Bangkok, all from the same era.

[@tfft]

For the most part, yah.

[@_I_am_Gkaro]

Hey @tfft when are going to drop a 'how I make my videos' video? Your editing is on point and your camera work is some of the best on YT.

[@tfft]

In the Summer of 2068 😂 Appreciate the kind words but no one wants to watch someone stare at a computer for 13 hours a day...

[@calkanman]

GFACB is the jewel of Cancun! Great review!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@HotelSnob]

“Brushing your teeth, or having a cerveza 🍺?” 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tfft]

😉

[@Charles-nk3ep]

are the lunch and dinner buffets also good ? big selection at all buffets ?

[@tfft]

All food I’d seen at the resort had been at least, above average. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@HotelSnob]

Sushi 🍣 in Mexico can be shockingly delish

[@tfft]

In a very California way, perhaps lol

[@tablefor4346]

Do they have nightly entertainment/ shows? Also what activities do they have for kids around 6 and 8 yr old?

[@tfft]

As I mentioned in the video, this is not the typical American resort experience. Activities and the like are much more low key here.

[@dabig25]

Do they offer pool side service as well with the All-inclusive (Drinks & Food) ?? Thanks

[@tfft]

Sure, but not at the same scale as resorts geared towards Americans.

[@anabellalisibarone4446]

Se necesita reservar para comer en los restaurantes? Cual es el horario del desayuno? Es facil conseguir albercas afuera?. Tienen bebidas premium incluidas?. Gracias

[@tfft]

All drinks are included- besides premium wines- and yes reservations are necessary. The other two questions depend on the time of year.

[@jimhearsonwriter]

"One large bottle of water makes much more sense than six small ones" *Proceeds to show six small bottles of water* The dryness of the delivery gave it a delicious level of irony.

[@tfft]

I try haha

[@rromo1221]

So all food and restaurants are included now? Since it switched to all inclusive

[@tfft]

Yes it did.

[@risener1]

Do you think this would be enjoyable for a young couple? Or is it mainly for 35+?

[@Charles-nk3ep]

they don't have a lunch or dinner buffet except on the weekends ???

[@tfft]

Likely depends on the time of year- I was there during shoulder season.

[@mierypesado6740]

Great vid Kevin :)

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@nunoalmeidacosta2417]

Interesting... I never thought...😂

[@tfft]

All it takes is great food, beautiful water and a bit of charm lol

[@nunoalmeidacosta2417]

​@@tfftyeah but sometimes an old vibe photo just doesn't make it appealing... by the way I would really love to see your "eye" in the newer top luxury resorts South of Cancun at Kanai and the newer ones emerging at Isla Mujeres... Nowadays I get the feeling that they can be over the top amazing but also a huge fail... as you keep teaching us 😂

[@_I_am_Gkaro]

​@@tfft when are you going to show us how your videos are made?

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You ✈️

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@rainmaker1169]

Hi quick question regarding this resort, how's the tipping like..carry alot of $1 bills etc

[@tfft]

As mentioned it is much more a European style resort. Tips would be appreciated but are not at all pushed for.

[@daniellopesdasilva4223]

Was it truly all inclusive or you have to pay for the a la carte on the restaurants you have shown?

[@tfft]

...All inclusive lol

[@daniellopesdasilva4223]

@@tfftthanks a lot…the prices on the menus then were for outsiders of the hotel?

[@ARmYofSixxTH]

u haven't been to p[aradisus?

[@tfft]

Nope

[@anabellalisibarone4446]

Me preocupa el sargazo. Hace dos semanaw vi esa playa cubierta de sargazo :/

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@Shello58]

I like your Mexico video's to support your channel. I'm never going back to 🇲🇽.

[@tfft]

Appreciate that!

[@susua462]

It’s the worst experience Very bad service and found hair in the food

[@tfft]

Can't win 'em all!

[@justahomosapiens1861]

There are a couple of things I'd like to mention. The first one is that there are some resorts that have taken the All Inclusive concept to a whole new level, take for instance the Secrets Akumal or Secrets Maroma Beach, both 5 AAA Diamond which is a testament to the quality of their operation which is fully supported by what surely is an investment of a few hundred million dollars (they've got a new sister property in Costa Mujeres worth checking out). Secondly, I think Mexico in general offers unmatched value to its visitors to the point I honestly think it's a steal. Resorts should seriously consider increasing rates by a solid 50 per cent. One only needs to make a side by side comparison vs other destinations and cruises and the outcome will shock more than a few (I've done it and my comment is based on this and firsthand experience).

[@dennisrettke]

Why, as a customer, would you advocate for a steep increase in rates? And I honestly don't think you have been outside North America based on the fact you think this is a "steal". Are you a hotel owner in Mexico or something?

[@justahomosapiens1861]

@@dennisrettke For a very simple reason. I'd like Mexico to continue being on the top of my list when it comes to short haul travel. The only way to do this is for hotels to make enough money to continuously invest in capex and improve their service offerings. Note this video was referring to a high quality resort, forget about 2 or 3 star hotels, they may be your thing, most certainly not mine. Try and do the side by side comparison exercise when it comes to what you get with the hotel rate and for pricing use Expedia as Kevin did to book this resort. We can then continue this conversation.

[@tfft]

You lost me at the raising rates by 50% part. Pricing this resort starting at $600 or a Hyatt Ziva starting at $750 would be ludacris for this market. This is Mexico, not Monaco... that in and of itself should represnt value in and of itself.

[@tfft]

I'd also add that my comments are always relative to the market I'm talking about. Within the realm of Cancun hotel zone resorts, I love this one. But if you pick this resort up and put it in Phuket or Bali or Samui, it would fail miserably there for not being nearly competitive. My guess is you are looking at the state of hotels in Cancun and presuming they haven't been renovated and invested in more becuase they're not charging enough. I'd suggest exactly the opposite. ALL Hotel Zone resort owners know one thing very well, the hotel zone cannot be expanded, they have an absolute lock on the market. They will milk those dated interiors until there's not an ounce of life left in them simply becuase they already are making a fortune and cannot justify closing down completly and losing that much revenue when it's streaming in as it is.

[@justahomosapiens1861]

@@tfft Herein what I think is a flaw in the logic. Location does not equal quality level hence retail price. Focus on the experience (hardware and software) and simply compare it vs a similar one in other leisure destinations. Conclusion's obvious: Mexico is underpriced, big time and there's clear room for hefty rate increases.