Arrival/Check-In: When I arrived in sunny Cancún, I had no trouble finding my pre-arranged shuttle to the JW Marriott. A friendly driver helped me with my bags, and in 20 minutes we were pulling up to the sprawling resort in the heart of Cancún’s Hotel Zone. Checking in at the hotel was just as easy, as welcoming staff registered me and took my bags to my room in a matter of minutes. The lobby was extravagant yet welcoming, with large marble pillars, massive tropical flower arrangements and towering windows that offer guests their first glimpse of the resort’s infinity pool spilling out into the ocean.

Guest Quarters: My premium ocean-view guestroom was cozy and consistent with what I would expect from a Marriott resort. With a plush loveseat, chair and desk, the sitting area was small but sufficient, offering ample light and convenient outlets. The comfortable king-size bed featured high-quality linens and plenty of down pillows, which made for a perfect night’s sleep after a long day under the hot Mexican sun. A short hallway led to the spacious marble bathroom that included a large mirror, two sinks and a separate bathtub and shower.

The hotel prides itself on its beachfront location, as each of its 374 rooms has a private balcony with ocean views. From my room on the 11th floor, I could see the resort’s turquoise pools curling around its bars and restaurants, thatched umbrellas dotting the white-sand beach and colorful parasailers cruising over the ocean. It was this private view of paradise that drew me to my balcony every morning and afternoon, where I sat in silence and indulged in the sights below.

Services/Amenities: During my stay, I ordered room service for breakfast most mornings, which was always delivered on time and with a friendly smile — even when I requested it to be delivered at 5 a.m. The resort’s on-site restaurants brought a similar level of gastronomical satisfaction. From the homemade pastas at Gustino Italian Grill to the mouthwatering steaks at La Capilla Argentina Steakhouse, each meal was delicious and always accompanied by excellent service.

Still, it is the resort’s spa that truly steals the show when it comes to amenities. The spa is equipped with 17 treatment rooms and, of course, spectacular views of the ocean. Many of the spa’s services draw inspiration from Cancún’s Mayan roots, using natural Yucatán products like Nance and Balché, but I opted for a simple 50-minute deep tissue massage, with no regrets. It was the best massage I have ever received — much deserved after a long day of snorkeling.

The Experience: Overall, I was satisfied with my stay at the JW Marriott. While its beachfront location and amenities were similar to what other luxury hotels in the area offer, the JW Marriott stands out with its exceptional service. From the cashier in the gift shop to the concierge, I never doubted the hotel staff would go above and beyond to ensure I enjoyed my stay.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
• Turn-down service

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

Blvd. Kukulkan Km 41.5
Lote 40-A, Zona Hotelera
Cancún, Quitana Roo
77500 Mexico
tel 52 998 8489600
marriott.com