Mexico has long been our go-to for family vacations—the beaches are beautiful, the hospitality is unmatched, and there’s no shortage of family-friendly resorts with great food and amenities. Over the years, we’ve visited Cancun, Playa Mujeres, and Playa del Carmen. If you’re planning a trip, you can also check out my reviews of Finest Playa Mujeres and Dreams Playa Mujeres for more family resort recommendations. For spring break this year, we had the opportunity to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya and I can confidently say this resort has become one of our favorites for traveling with kids!
We stayed here over spring break and spent six days exploring nearly every corner of the resort. With its mix of fun activities, thoughtful service, and spacious accommodations, Hard Rock Riviera Maya checked a lot of boxes for us. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or a multigenerational group like ours, there’s something for everyone!
This was a hosted stay, but all opinions are my own.
Pre-Arrival Tips
Before our trip, I joined the Hard Rock Riviera Maya fan group on Facebook, which was incredibly helpful. I highly recommend joining if you’re looking for real-time tips or updates from other travelers for any resort vacation.
I also recommend downloading the RCD app before arrival—it provides restaurant hours, show schedules, and the daily activity calendar.
Vacation Planners & VIP Concierge
We flew into Cancun International Airport and booked a private shuttle through Vacation Planners for our group of six ($330 round trip, with car seats an extra $20 each way). The drive took about 1.5 hours on the way in and just about an hour returning.
We also coordinated our daily cabana rentals in advance through Vacation Planners, which made the arrival and overall planning process much easier. They also assist with booking excursions, spa appointments, and special resort experiences. If you’re planning a trip, I recommend reaching out to them ahead of time at relpubrvm1@hrhrivieramaya.com, especially during peak seasons.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by our VIP Concierge, who connected with us through WhatsApp. She stayed in touch throughout our trip, helping with dinner reservations (especially helpful for Zen), beach toys, and general questions. It was a convenient touch that made our stay feel smooth and personalized.
Resort Layout & Getting Around
Hard Rock Riviera Maya is divided into three main sections:
- Hacienda Rojo – lively, family-friendly, and full of energy
- Hacienda Azul – quieter, a bit more upscale but still family-oriented
- Heaven – adults-only, with a more serene and sophisticated feel
Guests have access to all areas regardless of where they stay. We were in the Rojo section, which had a fun, upbeat vibe and was conveniently close to restaurants, the main pool, and activities.
Although the resort is large, it’s walkable. Golf cart shuttles are available in each lobby if you need a lift between areas.
Room: Two-Bedroom Sky Terrace Suite
We stayed in the Two-Bedroom Sky Terrace Suite, which worked incredibly well for our group of six. It’s not always easy to find resorts that comfortably accommodate larger families, and this suite had more than enough space.
The layout includes two connected rooms—one with two full-size beds and the other with a king bed—each with its own jacuzzi tub, shower, and balcony. The real highlight was the private sky terrace: a spacious outdoor area with another jacuzzi, its own bathroom, and plenty of seating. The kids favorite part was the hammock. Although our view wasn’t anything special, the space itself made up for it.
Housekeeping came once a day, and the room felt clean and well-maintained. We didn’t notice any issues with damp smells, which we had seen mentioned in a few reviews before arriving. We were located in Building 5 on the third floor, which was convenient for getting around the resort. While the suite was spacious and comfortable, we could hear some noise from the hallway and outside the balcony if guests were particularly loud, especially in the evenings.
The Beaches
The beach area was one of the biggest highlights of our trip. Unlike many oceanfront resorts with stronger waves, Hard Rock Riviera Maya’s beach is lagoon-style—protected and calm, making it safer for younger swimmers.
The main beach, Rojo, was a daily favorite, especially for fish spotting. We saw colorful schools swimming right along the shore, and the kids loved following them around. Snorkeling gear and boogie boards with view windows are available to borrow from the nearby activities hut, and kayaks are also available for rent.
There are several other beaches spread throughout the property, each with its own feel:
- Mirador Azul has a more private, scenic atmosphere with stone steps leading to the water—a great spot for lounging and enjoying the view.
- Azul Beach, near the Heaven section, is beautifully tranquil and has a natural sea cove that’s visually stunning. It’s technically open to families, and now that we know that, we’d consider booking a cabana here next time.
There’s no shortage of lounge chairs or shade thanks to the cabanas and palm trees scattered along the shoreline.
The Pools
Hacienda Rojo Pool
This main pool area is large, multi-sectioned, and always lively. There are daily activities like water aerobics, foam parties, and games for both kids and adults. Seating is abundant and includes poolside loungers with built-in shade tables, plus plenty of dining options nearby.
We often grabbed wings and burgers from On Air, or pizza and pasta from Pizzeto, while enjoying the pool. One afternoon they offered a seafood bar by the pool, which was delicious! I wish we made it to the pool when they served paella a different day.
Kids Pool + Splash Pad
Connected to the Rojo Pool, this zero-entry area was a hit with our youngest. The depth ranged from about a foot to three feet, and it’s right next to a colorful splash pad my daughter loved.
Hacienda Azul Pool
This pool had a quieter, more relaxed vibe and was beautifully landscaped. It also features hot tubs and a stylish swim-up bar named Dive, which looked more upscale than the one at Rojo. If we’d had more days, we would have spent more time here.
Cabanas
We rented a cabana each day, which worked well for our larger group. Each rental came with a dedicated concierge who brought towels, drinks, and light bites throughout the day. The shaded space made a big difference when traveling with young kids, especially during the midday sun. Cabana pricing is based on bottle service and is available from 9 AM to 5 PM. Balinese Beds & Super Cabanas
Nightly Entertainment
One of the highlights of our stay at Hard Rock Riviera Maya was the nightly entertainment, which added a fun, high-energy way to end the day. The resort offers a full lineup of shows starting around 7:30 or 8:00 p.m., and they rotate nightly, so there’s always something new to catch.
We especially enjoyed the Fire Show by the Hacienda Roja Pool—it was energetic and incredibly impressive. The performers showcased amazing fire maneuvers, choreographed dances, and fearless stunts that kept everyone, especially the kids, fully captivated.
Screenshot
Another standout was the Circus Show, which featured a variety of acts like acrobats, jugglers, and aerial performers. It had a great mix of talent and kept a fun pace that worked for both adults and kids.
We were bummed to miss the Neon Human Show, which didn’t fall on the nights we were there. It’s a guest favorite featuring dancers in neon light suits, and although we’ve seen similar shows at other resorts, we were really hoping to catch Hard Rock’s version. If it’s scheduled during your stay, it’s definitely one to put on your list.
Restaurants
The dining options at Hard Rock Riviera Maya worked well for our family—there was a good mix of convenience, variety, and quality, especially when you’re coordinating meals with kids in tow. Some restaurants stood out more than others, and a few became easy go-tos for us throughout the trip.
La Isla
This buffet offers a wide variety of choices and is located at Hacienda Azul and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We mostly came here for breakfast and lunch. It made mornings easy with everything from fresh fruit and pastries to custom omelets and Mexican breakfast staples. Lunch options rotated slightly from day to day, with dishes like grilled fish, pasta, and a few American-style comfort foods.
Frida
Frida served some of the most memorable dishes of the trip and is located at Hacienda Roja. It has a vibrant setting and serves classic Mexican dishes in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. We ordered the Kurobuta pork belly, grilled shrimp with cauliflower risotto, black sea bass with roasted pineapple, and grilled octopus. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the house-made guacamole served with pork rinds or grasshoppers. We loved dining on the patio in the round booth. We even tried to go back but unfortunately, it closed temporarily due to kitchen maintenance.
Le Petit Cochon
This was the standout meal of the trip for me. Located at Hacienda Azul, their French-inspired menu included ratatouille, foie gras, and lobster bisque to start—my kids actually stole mine. Entrées like mussels in saffron sauce, beef tenderloin, rack of lamb, and pork tenderloin were flavorful and well-prepared. Despite being labeled adults-only on the website, the app showed it as family-friendly, and it was a great experience with the kids.
Zen
The resort’s Asian restaurant, located at Hacienda Roja, offers a popular teppanyaki experience. Seating is first come, first served, and it’s the only restaurant we saw with a pre-opening line. Our VIP concierge helped us secure reservations, which made things much easier. The hibachi-style dinner was fun and lively—perfect for kids.
Ciao
Ciao is located at Hacienda Azula and is another solid dinner option and is a large Italian restaurant with a classic menu. We appreciated the smaller portions, which let us try more dishes, and everything we had—from pasta to dessert—was well-prepared and flavorful.
Cafetto
The on-site café was our most frequented spot. We stopped by multiple times a day for lattes, iced tea, ice cream, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and soup. Their ice cream flavors change daily and included green tea, tiramisu, and tres leches. The cream of carrot and cream of potato soups were my favorite late-night snacks. There’s a Caffetto in each lobby, which makes grabbing something on the go super convenient.
Rockaway Bay Water Park
This water park was a hit with our kids. It features several large water slides, a splash zone, and a shallow pool area. The slides range from high-speed mat slides to kid-sized versions that even younger children can enjoy. Seating fills up in the afternoon, so arriving earlier in the day helps if you want a guaranteed spot.
No food is allowed inside, but there’s a taco and burger truck just outside the entrance if you need a quick bite nearby. The park is open from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Vibe City
Vibe City is Hard Rock’s indoor adventure zone, offering everything from bowling and laser tag to rock climbing and trampolines. It’s located near the Rojo lobby and Rockaway Bay, and it’s a great backup for hot or rainy days. Keep in mind there’s a no-wet-clothing rule, so if you’re planning to stop in, bring dry clothes for the kids. Keep in mind that some activities may have fees.
Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club
The resort offers a supervised kids club for ages 4 to 12, open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Kids under four are welcome when accompanied by an adult. It’s a great space with structured daily activities, craft stations, and themed games. While our kids didn’t end up spending time here (they preferred the beach and pool), we peeked inside and appreciated the thoughtful layout and cheerful atmosphere. There’s also a separate play area with toys, a ball pit, TV, and pretend kitchen for younger ones.
A Few Things to Know
While we had a great overall experience, there were a couple of things that didn’t quite hit the mark for us—and might be helpful to keep in mind if you’re planning a trip.
If you’re hoping for a lively bar scene in the evenings, the options are a bit limited. All of the outdoor bars closed by 6:00 p.m., which made it tricky to grab a drink by the pool or beach once the sun went down. The only bar that stayed open later was the Sun Bar, located in the Hacienda Roja lobby, which had more of a sports bar feel than a relaxed resort vibe.
We also weren’t the biggest fans of The Market, the buffet in Hacienda Roja. We gave it a try for both lunch and dinner, but nothing really stood out in terms of flavor or variety. While it was convenient, we found the à la carte restaurants and La Isa buffet in Hacienda Azul to be a better fit for our group when it came to both quality and experience.
Final Thoughts
Hard Rock Riviera Maya made our spring break both fun and easy. It had the right balance of energy and relaxation, plenty of entertainment for the kids, and enough variety to keep everyone happy—even over six days. The service was consistently thoughtful, and the layout of the resort made it manageable even with young children.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly all-inclusive in Mexico that feels like a true vacation for both kids and adults, this one is worth adding to your list. We would definitely come back and I look forward to visiting other locations!
