Wyndham Alltra Cancun evaluate: Nice for households and budget-minded {couples}

What is Wyndham Alltra Cancun?

The Wyndham Alltra brand is one of the new kids on the all-inclusive resort block. It launched three Mexico resorts, starting with Wyndham Alltra Playa Del Carmen, Adults Only, in late 2021. Both Wyndham Alltra Cancun and Wyndham Alltra Riviera Nayarit (in Nuevo Vallarta) opened in 2022. Additionally, the brand’s Wyndham Alltra Samana – All-Inclusive Resort in the Dominican Republic began welcoming guests in December 2023.

The “upper midscale all-inclusive brand,” as Wyndham describes it, offers a reasonably priced all-inclusive vacation for singles, couples and families.

Prior to its April 2022 opening, Wyndham Alltra Cancun was Panama Jack Cancun Resort. The rebranding included changes like room updates and a refresh of some public areas. I was told that all Panama Jack staff remained. No wonder the consistently great customer service reviews of the previous resort that I’d read continue to be born out with the current resort, and every staff encounter I had was positive and welcoming. Each greeting from the resort employees included placing a hand on their hearts with an endearing smile and nod.

Wyndham Alltra Cancun is billed as a family-friendly all-inclusive and certainly delivers with a pirate-themed splash park, designated family pool and a robust kids club. However, the focus on kids did not detract from my “couples” stay, and even solo travelers will likely find something they enjoy.

Booking details

Getting there

Checking in

We arrived in the morning, and the lobby was uncrowded and welcoming, though it could get busy at other times of the day. Our room was not yet ready, but we received our all-inclusive wristbands and were given access to everything included in our stay, such as dining in the restaurants or ordering drinks at the bars.

We received black wristbands when we checked in, and one of the concierge staff members later told us it was a “VIP” band (though I had not upgraded or booked anything extra). He told us we got a free excursion or cabana rental but wasn’t clear on how we earned this VIP status when I inquired. We had already booked a cabana (more details on that below) and weren’t staying long enough to do an excursion, so we declined. You’ll find more details on our cabana rental and excursion offerings below.

A second concierge approached us later that afternoon with the same offer. Thankfully, she explained the process. Apparently, a number of guests receive VIP bands randomly at check-in (for free). You can score a “free” excursion or resort credit if you attend an information session about the VIP package (bookable for your next stay).

Time didn’t allow us to attend, but the front desk staff explained that VIP status comes with a premium suite booking or higher (sixth floor) without attending the information session. A VIP booking will get you varied perks like in-room fruit baskets, chocolates and other extra amenities, as well as access to the Alltra VIP Lounge on the sixth floor. You can also add VIP status to any room for $40 per person per night for guests ages 18 and up.

It turns out our booking of a premium junior suite would have earned us VIP status with access to the Alltra VIP Lounge. I’m not sure why that wasn’t communicated to us more clearly at check-in. We also didn’t receive any fruit baskets or chocolates during our stay.

Rooms are spacious but could use a refresh

The 458-key property offers standard rooms and a bevy of suite options. Standard rooms at Wyndham Alltra Cancun feature a separate open-concept sitting area with a table and chairs, as well as a furnished semi-private terrace or balcony. They also include a minifridge, a flat-screen TV, a bathrobe, a hair dryer and other traditional in-room amenities.

Suite options are extensive. You can choose among junior suites, premium junior suites, master suites, family suites, and spacious 1,366-square-foot presidential suites. Suites include oceanfront, ocean-view, lagoon-view or beachfront walkout options. Amenities in the suites category may include private balconies with hammocks, in-room hot tubs and a personal beach cabana.

As previously mentioned, suites come with exclusive access to the Alltra VIP Lounge.

The family suites include rooms that sleep up to three kids with parents. Those rooms include a bunk bed with a pull-out trundle bed and a furnished private balcony with a hammock. It also provides easy access to Camp Alltra, the resort’s kids club, which offers supervised activities for kids ages 4-12. In addition to enjoying the splash park and family pool (more on that below), younger guests can participate in movie nights, magic shows and other events.

Our premium junior suite was airy, with marble tile floors, grayish-beige furnishings and pops of sea blue. Steps flanked by white wrought iron railing led to a good-sized sitting area with a love seat, coffee table and small dining table. It gave an early 1980s Palm Beach resort vibe; I personally liked it, but it might not be for everyone. I just wish I had packed my favorite caftan.

The closet held robes and slippers. There was also a coffee maker, an iron and ironing board, a safe, and a minifridge stocked with complimentary sodas, juice, beer and water.

I liked how the vanity space was separate from the bathroom and shower area. However, the vanity section was open to the rest of the room, which allows light to spill in if you’re getting ready while others are sleeping. The double vanity area was spacious, with plenty of room for our personal toiletries, my flat iron and brush. The provided toiletries included your standard soap, lotion, sewing kit and shower cap; it also came with extras like a shaving kit with a razor and shaving cream, a toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste and a shoe polishing kit.

The toilet and shower room did not have a second sink but featured a lighted mirror and a narrow marble ledge that could be used to stash makeup or additional toiletries. There was no bathtub, but the glass-walled shower was spacious and included a shower seat. A metal rack inside the shower held extra towels.

We also had a small balcony overlooking the kids’ play area, and it provided a glimpse of the ocean to the right. With two chairs and a small table, it was a nice spot to relax with morning coffee or an evening cocktail.

Accommodations received some updates with the changeover to Wyndham, but some elements could use further improvement. For example, the dark wood of the closets and reddish marble vanity countertops didn’t match the lightness of the rest of the room. Also, the closet doors didn’t always want to stay shut.

The fitted sheet on the bed was so thin that you could read the mattress label. That said, the duvet and pillows were plush and comfortable, and I slept well both nights. Also, none of the USBs in the wall worked, so we used our personal chargers.

Thankfully, the Wi-Fi in our room and the public spaces was fast. When we did a speed test in both our room and lobby, we got a download speed of 263 Mbps (room) and 125 Mbps (lobby) and an upload speed of 57 Mbps (room) and 200 Mbps (lobby).

Restaurants and bars

Of course, one of the big appeals of all-inclusive resorts is that all (or at least most) drinks and meals come with your stay. This way, you get unfettered access to beverages and food without pulling out your wallet. However, the quality of food and drink offerings can sometimes be hit or miss.

While I wasn’t blown away by a dining experience that I’ll dream about for months to come, the meals were consistently good, and I appreciated the variety of included food offerings available. We chose not to pay extra for special add-ons like a tomahawk steak (1,490 Mexican pesos or about $88) or lobster tail (990 pesos or about $58) that perhaps could have leveled up our dining experience.

Main dining venues included Viaggio (rustic Italian fare), Azul (buffet and Asian dishes), Casa de Rosa (Mexican) and Ventanas (breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet). There was also a good selection of spots for a more casual experience. Among them were Cafe Mexico (coffee, pastries and small sandwiches), Agave Bar (poolside), At Sunset (Mediterranean), Cravings (sweet treats) and Brasas Grill (barbecue specialties served poolside).

Guests could chill out at a handful of on-site bars like Kaa Bar and Lounge (lobby bar), Bar Agave (by the main pool) and beachside Olas Bar, complete with swings. If you spring for a suite (or add VIP status to your standard room), you’ll also have access to the Alltra VIP Lounge on the sixth floor. We couldn’t hit them all within a two-night stay, but here’s my take on the ones we did.

Viaggio

I loved the vibe of Viaggio, which had black-and-white tiled floors, vintage-style photos on the walls and a bright red Alpha Romeo parked by the host stand.

You don’t need reservations for included dining venues, but were told to get there when they opened at 5 p.m. to avoid a wait. We rolled up at around 6:30 p.m. on a Friday and were seated right away.

We ordered a Caesar salad, beef carpaccio, mahi mahi and chicken Parmesan. Everything was hearty and tasty. The house wine on offer was Don Silvestre (Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc), which tends to go for about $10 a bottle. I’m particular about my wine, and I thought both were solid, enjoying more than one glass at dinner. (However, I won’t be running out to Trader Joe’s to pick up a bottle of it to have at home.)

Azul

This buffet outlet had the typical breakfast options (omelet station, waffles, Mexican breakfast dishes) as well as some a la carte options. Hotels don’t always get something simple like scrambled eggs right, but mine were fluffy and perfectly executed. The breakfast pizza I ordered was simple but delicious. Lunch items included salad fixings, hot seafood dishes, a stir-fry station, desserts and other items. We didn’t eat dinner here, but I was told that Asian dishes were the highlight.

Casa de Rosa

The resort’s Mexican restaurant did not disappoint. I started off with shrimp aguachile, a type of ceviche made with shrimp or other seafood that’s marinated in a mixture of lime juice and chili peppers. It was fresh and flavorful with a nice kick to it. I ordered the sea bass and paired it with a passionfruit margarita. My husband ordered the mixed grill fajitas (with beef and chicken) and was pleased with both the taste and the generous portion.

Dessert was churros served with tequila-infused hot chocolate sauce. I will need to retract my earlier statement about memorable meals in this instance. The churros were superior, and I think about them often.

Ventanas

Food options here mirrored those available at Azul. Inside, there were mostly wood-top tables with metal and cloth banquet-type chairs. I traded a wonky chair out for a steady one more than once. The tables and chairs outside were nice, though, so we ate alfresco there when the sun wasn’t aggressive. We dined here for lunch twice, and both times, I stacked my plate with salad, homemade guacamole and chips, fresh fruit and rolls. I sampled the flan for dessert, and it was delicious.

Kaa Bar and Lounge

We hit Kaa Bar and Lounge in the lobby while waiting for our room. I ordered a margarita (frozen) and wasn’t a fan. The flavor had an almost plastic taste to it. I tried a margarita on the rocks later, hoping for a different outcome (thinking the premade frozen mix might have been the issue). It wasn’t a very tasty tipple, either. I stuck with vodka and cranberry juice after that.

We did enjoy the bar’s atmosphere, and it was a hub of activity during our stay, with prime people-watching opportunities. There were TVs above the bar and a large TV screen on one wall that showed soccer games and sports shows. However, the space didn’t have a strong sports bar vibe when we were there. Perhaps that would change if there was a championship game many guests were interested in. While we were here, it was a popular place for couples and groups of friends to converge for a drink.

Alltra VIP Lounge

If you have access to the Alltra VIP Lounge, make sure to come here for cocktails. It’s the only place you can get premium spirits such as Patron tequila and Absolut vodka as part of your package. It was a nice, quiet place to get a little work done while enjoying a drink. A small buffet of light bites — small sandwiches and charcuterie items, fruits and veggies, pastries and mini desserts — were available throughout the day.

Great pool and beach areas

There were two pools at the resort. The main pool was just off the main lobby (keep walking straight ahead from the resort entrance). You’ll find the second pool, which is popular with families, by walking through the lobby bar (as it’s on the other side).

The main pool overlooks the beach, providing easy access for a quick ocean dip as an alternative to swimming in the chlorinated water. The pool deck was expansive, with plenty of lounge and cabana seating.

There always seemed to be empty loungers available, and I only saw a handful of chairs “saved” with beach towels both mornings. The Agave Bar was just steps away if you wanted to grab your own drink, but the beverage service at the pool was attentive when we were there.

As mentioned above, Wyndham Alltra Cancun bills itself as a family-friendly all-inclusive, and a fantastic family pool area separate from the main pool was proof.

Walk through the lobby bar to find the family pool, and just beyond it is where you’ll find the splash area, waterslide and Camp Alltra kids club.

The Wyndham Alltra Cancun is on the northern portion of the Hotel Zone, and the beach here is a bit narrower than the beaches in the southern area. However, there was a good stretch of beautiful white sand to lounge on. It was well-groomed and meticulously kept. For example, at sunrise the morning after a big storm, staff were picking up stray palm leaves, hosing off stray sand from the deck and sweeping the beach back to near perfection.

During our visit, the waves were pretty strong, and I didn’t see anyone swimming. Lots of guests enjoyed jumping the waves close to shore, though. Lifeguards were present and very attentive, making sure people didn’t venture over to the areas marked with red flags.

Rows of lounge chairs with thatch umbrellas were just in front of the resort’s beach bar, Olas Bar. There were also rentable cabanas to the left of the loungers.

To the right were two rows of cabanas in front of the walk-out beach rooms. There were two lounge chairs at the foot of each cabana and a side table by the cabana for your drinks.

If you want to splurge a bit, consider renting one of the above-mentioned beach cabanas. I wasn’t sure how quickly they booked up on the weekends, so I pre-booked one before we checked in. There were plenty to choose from, and there were several still available throughout the day on Saturday (when we rented ours). The cost for our full-day rental was 1,500 pesos (about $88) and came with premium cocktails and a bottle of sparkling wine.

Guests can secure their cabana at the hut on the beach’s edge near the resort. It was the perfect way to spend a lazy day on the beach and provided enough shade to avoid getting a sunburn. Cabana waiters were proactive and friendly. We rarely had to ask for anything, as they anticipated our needs remarkably well.

Within 10 minutes of settling into our cabana, spa staff greeted us and offered a free mini-massage, which included a rundown of available treatments. The massage was nice, and the attendant wasn’t pushy when I declined her offer to book a full treatment.

Over the next few hours of our cabana time, we received offers to purchase hats, sunglasses, scarves and jewelry from passing vendors. They were all very polite, and a simple “no, thanks” kept them moving, but it did detract a bit from the relaxation of the experience.

Lots of ways to stay busy or relax

The fitness center was spacious and well-equipped with free weights, cardio machines and weight machines. Only a handful of people were there both times we visited.

Nonmotorized water sports like snorkeling or paddleboarding are typically part of the all-inclusive offering. However, the water was rough during our stay, so guests stuck to wading near the shore, playing beach volleyball or participating in pool activities led by the resort activity team.

The activities kiosk was a few steps away from the main pool. A rack of brochures provided basic information on the types of excursions but lacked any pricing details. The attendant seemed reluctant to offer me specific prices unless I was ready to book something, which was frustrating. However, several minutes of questions yielded me a range of $50 per person for an Xcaret snorkeling tour (excluding taxes and a park fee of $20 per person) to “hundreds of dollars” for a full-day sailing excursion in Cancun with an open bar, snorkeling, a beach club and buffet.

Wyndham Alltra Cancun also stages live performances, music or themed parties each night by the pool, in one of the ballrooms or other locations. During our stay, we enjoyed an excellent Michael Jackson Tribute performance, complete with backup dancers. It took place on a stage by the main pool and drew many guests.

I didn’t get to experience the full scope of Aura Spa, but if my cabana-side mini-massage was any indication of what’s in store, I will book a session upon my return. Treatments range from 25 to 80 minutes and cost anywhere from 1,361 pesos (about $80) for a 25-minute Swedish massage to 3,298 pesos (about $195) for an 80-minute deep-cleansing facial.

The spa was tucked away off a walkway across from the fitness center. If you aren’t paying attention, it will be easy to miss.

Reasons Wyndham Alltra Cancun might not be for you

Wyndham Alltra Cancun is a solid choice for travelers who don’t want to spend a ton on an all-inclusive stay but still enjoy a variety of dining, drinks and entertainment. No resort is perfect for everyone or every type of stay, though. Here are times Wyndham Alltra Cancun might not be the best choice:

• The food was good, but if you seek upscale cuisine and craft cocktails with top-shelf liquor, choose somewhere else.
• We enjoyed our time here as a couple, and the families with kids didn’t detract from our experience at all. However, if you prefer a completely child-free ambience, choose a different resort.
• The property was consistently clean and well-maintained, but some elements — like wonky closet doors and worn banquet dining chairs — could use some love. If you’re looking for contemporary, new and sleek environs, book another resort.

Accessibility

There was an extensive network of ramps throughout the property that provided wheelchair access to restaurants, bars and the pool area. Additionally, the lobby and other public spaces were extremely open, offering plenty of room to maneuver. The resort also has wheelchairs available for guests.

The resort offers two ground-floor suites fully equipped for guests with physical limitations. The rooms feature an access ramp leading to the terrace. Their bathrooms include a support railing; the showers feature sliding curtains for access and a railing and support chair. Additionally, the telephones in the room and bathroom have a direct line to an operator in case of an emergency.

There isn’t a chair lift in either pool, but guests can enter the main pool via a shallow portion by the edge. While there’s a boardwalk to the beach, it may be difficult to go beyond that.

Alternatives to Wyndham Alltra Cancun

Cancun’s Hotel Zone is chock-full of all-inclusive resorts to appeal to diverse traveling needs.

Checking out

My kids are adults now (sobbing quietly as I write this), and I’m slowly leaning into empty-nester travel (and I do love it). There was a lot to like about Wyndham Alltra Cancun.

While it touts itself as a family resort, there was a good mix of families and couples. The designated family pool, a separate splash area and an active kids club left the main pool for the grownups, which I appreciated.

Additionally, the housekeeping and maintenance staff seemed ever-present (but not intrusive). The resort grounds and beach area were consistently clean and well-maintained.

I enjoyed my stay and would book another stay here (whether alone, with my husband, or with my girlfriends) if given the chance.