Grand Palladium Colonial Resort and Spa
All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico

 . . . The Grand Palladium Colonial Resort is a Beach Lovers Paradise . . .
. . . The Grand Palladium Colonial Resort is Active and Fun . . .
. . . The Grand Palladium Colonial Resort offers Diverse Dining Options . . .
. . . The Grand Palladium Colonial Resort has it all! . . .

About the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort

The beautiful Grand Palladium Colonial Resort is superbly integrated with the preserved tropical vegetation.  Foot paths weave through the lush flora and fauna to five freshwater pools and is located directly on over one mile of white sand on Kantenah Beach.  The Kantenah beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in Riviera Maya.

Decorated to reflect the Spanish Colonial period of Mexico and designed by a leading architect, the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort perfectly blends the latest in modern hotel design with the lush tropical flora and fauna of the resort’s natural surroundings. Enjoy spacious and elegant gardens with exuberant tropical vegetation and an extensive network of ecological paths and wooden bridges that invite the clients for walking.  The resort's design reflects a perfect harmony between the most modern and luxurious facilities protecting the natural habitat of the native Mayan land. 

The Grand Palladium complex also features an ultramodern Spa that is 6000m2, which has the most advanced facilities and offers guests a wide variety of treatments and services.  The Grand Palladium Colonial Resort has rapidly become one of the Riviera Maya’s premium resorts.

The Grand Palladium complex in Riviera Maya consists of four (5) quality, value-added, all-inclusive hotels.  Guests vacationing at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort can use the facilities of all of the hotels (excluding the facilities of the “Royal Suites Yucatan” and the Royal Gourmet Restaurant.

Grand Palladium is the "top-of-the-line" brand name for the Fiesta Hotels Chain from Ibiza Spain, and denotes quality, consistency and service.   

From the desks of Judy and Maria

The Grand Palladium Colonial Resort and Spa continues to be one of the top selling resorts at Judy and Maria’s Travel, Inc.  The reason, in our opinion, is that the hotel provides a quality vacation product that is cost-effective for the discerning traveling public – quality for the dollar.  Vacationers return to the Grand Palladium Resort complex year-after-year because the hotel provides travelers with a consistent product.

 

Judy and Maria are pleased to present our Grand Palladium Colonial Resort Review containing notes, opinions and photographs from our personal experiences at the hotels.  Please enjoy the review and when you are ready to vacation at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort call us toll-free at 1-877-380-4142 or email travel@jmtravel.com to book your vacation.

Grand Palladium Colonial Resort Location

The Grand Palladium Colonial Resort is an approximately one- and one-half hour direct ride from the Cancun International Airport.  The resort is located near the town of Akumal and approximately 25 minutes from the hotel is the town of Playa del Carmen.  The Grand Palladium Colonial Resort is perfectly situated in the heart of the Mayan sightseeing district.     

Notes from Judy and Maria    

The ride from the Cancun International Airport to the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort is approximately two and one-half hours when using the motor coach transfers. The highway has become very busy and congested with traffic. The ride is time-consuming because the motor coach stops at hotels along the corridor to drop off vacationers.  We recommend the purchase of the nonstop transfers at the cost of $30.00 USD per person or the private transfers at the cost of $50.00 USD per person.  The transfers will cut at least one hour off of the drive time and are much more relaxing and convenient, especially when vacations have an early morning flight departure. The nonstop and private transfers can be arranged by the travel entrepreneurs at Judy and Maria’s Travel, Inc.

Note:  Transfer pricing can change at any time)

Grand Palladium Colonial Resort All-inclusive Program:

• 24-hour food and beverage service

• All meals, snacks, unlimited domestic drinks

• Nightly entertainment

• Sunset Boulevard Disco

• Four pools

• main lagoon pool

• adults pool

• spa pool

• children's pool

• Tennis courts

• Non-motorized watersports

• Dive shop (fee)

• Spa with sauna steam bath

• Massage treatments (fee)

• Fitness center

• Adult’s activities

• Children's activities

• Eco Center (native habitat and flamenco lagoon)

• Mini Club with children's program

• Satellite color TV in all rooms

Guest Rooms at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort

All of the above feature rooms and suites feature a spacious balcony with two chairs and a table. All rooms at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort features a king-size bed or two-double beds, air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar, TV (satellite link), 2 internal movie channels, telephone, safety deposit box, hair dryer, coffee or tea maker, smoke detector and iron and ironing board.

• Standard rooms feature a king-size or two-double beds.  First floor standard rooms do not have a shower only (no tub).

• All Junior Suites feature a king-size or two-double beds and a hydro massage tub, bathrobe and slippers. 

• The Suites feature the same amenities of the Junior Suites plus a living room.

• The Mayan Suites have the same amenities at the Junior Suites plus a special entrance and a spacious terrace, a luxurious bath with hydro-massage tub and an outside Mayan shower.

The Grand Palladium Colonial Resort and Spa consists of a total of 414 rooms:

• 154 standard rooms with double beds

• 98 standard rooms with king beds

• 74 Junior Suites with double beds

• 58 Junior Suites with king beds

• 24 Mayan Suites with king beds

• 3 Suites with double beds

• 3 suites with king beds

Standard Rooms

Garden view with patio or balcony, two double beds or one king bed and sleeps a maximum of our people. 

Note:  Standard rooms on the 1st floor feature a shower in the bathroom (no tub).

Junior Suites

Garden view with patio or balcony, hydro massage tub, two double beds or one king-bed, queen size pull out sofa bed and sleeps a maximum of five people (two adults and three children under 12-years-of-age).

Suites

Each suite contains a king size bed, air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar, TV ( satellite link), internal movie channel, telephone, safety deposit box, hair dryer, coffee or tea maker, smoke detector, and ironing board with iron. The suites feature a living room.

Mayan Suites

Garden view with patio or balcony, hydro massage tub, exclusive outdoor Mayan shower, two double beds or one king bed.  Sleeps 2 adults.  Minimum age is 18 years of age.

Notes from Judy and Maria 

All of the guest rooms (Standard, Junior Suites, Suites, and Mayan Suites) at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort are luxurious, comfortable and accommodating.  The Junior Suites are spacious and comfortable and feature a whirlpool bath.

The décor of the guestrooms is Mexican. The floors are polished marble tile.  The bed and wall dressings are bright and cheerful.  Walls are sponge-texture painted with bright colors.  The dark wood furniture Colonial and light wood furniture at the Kantenah, is elegant and comfortable. An large armoire is located across from the bed.  Inside the armoire is a remote controlled satellite television on a swivel base with 30 channels.  Underneath the television guests will find a mini-refrigerator that is stocked three-times a week with soft drinks, domestic beer and bottled water.  Each room has a programmable safe and also a coffee-maker, ironing board and iron.  A sliding glass door leads to a private patio or balcony for guests to view the magnificent grounds and pools.   The chair named "Miquelito" is of a Spanish design and is in each room and is eye catching!

 

The large marble bathroom is the best-of-the-best with a double vanity, hair-dryer, more than adequate lighting, huge marble shower, smoked glass door to the water closet.  The bathroom features a well-stocked basket of amenities (shampoo, bath gel, sewing kit, shower cap).   Towels are large and absorbent.  The water pressure in the shower was good and the shower head was high and adjustable - perfect for the very tall person.

 

 

For adult couples, we recommend the Mayan Suites.  The Mayan Suites are housed in three-story  buildings and feature a large sleeping area, marble bath with whirlpool bath and a glass sliding door leading to the open air (private) Mayan Shower.  The Mayan Suites are a wonderful honeymoon option. 

Dining Options at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort

All meals and unlimited domestic drinks are included at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort.  Reservations are required at the á la carte restaurants and dress code applies.  Guests at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort have access to 13 bars within the resort complex, excluding the "Royal Suites Concierge Bar" (14).

Grand Palladium Colonial Resort Restaurants

 Three (3) Buffet Restaurants   

"El GRAN AZUL”

Buffet El Gran Azul is designed with an open plan allowing diners to experience the magnificent surroundings and views of the main pool.  This restaurant serves continental breakfast, lunch from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm, and snacks from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

"TIKAL & LA HACIENDA”

Tikal and La Hacienda are 2 large air-conditioned buffet restaurants with a "Creole Corner" and nightly show cooking.  

Note from Judy and Maria:  The La Hacienda Restaurant, located in the Colonial Section, has glass walls that are ceiling to floor and guests dine while viewing fountains and gardens.  The restaurant is air-conditioned so that food is kept cool or hot without flies and outside elements.  Breakfasts at La Hacienda are extraordinary.  Guests are greeted  with a smile at the entrance and seated. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cappuccino is served. Stations are set up that feature cooked-to-order eggs and omelets, assorted cereal boxes for children or adults, a juice bar, a smoothie bar, a bread station, a Danish and pastry station, a fresh fruit and yogurt station, hot foods including eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, French toast, pancakes, grits and much more!   Make sure you try the bananas foster (hot caramel sauce) very decadent.

Dinner one evening at the International Buffet at the La Hacienda Restaurant: there was more food than one can even fathom.  We can't imagine anyone ever going hungry.  If you do not like something - just get something else. There was an Italian station with fresh cooked pastas, an American station with steaks, a Spanish Station, a salad bar, a bread bar, a soup bar, a fruit bar, a dessert bar and on and on.  Dinner selections are wonderful.   

The Tikal Restaurant, located in the Kantenah Section, is similar the La Hacienda Restaurant.   The only differentiation is that the restaurant is decorated in the Kantenah Section's wood and color theme. The Tikal has glass walls that are ceiling to floor and is air-conditioned so that food is kept cool or hot without flies and outside elements.    Guests are greeted with a smile at the entrance and seated.  Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cappuccino is served. Stations are set up that feature cooked-to-order eggs and omelets, assorted cereal boxes for children or adults, a juice bar, a smoothie bar, a bread station, a Danish and pastry station, a fresh fruit and yogurt station, hot foods including eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, French toast, pancakes, grits and much more! 

 4 “á la carte” restaurants at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort       

Notes:

• Reservations are required to dine in the á la carte restaurants.

• Guests are required to present reservation vouchers in the á la carte restaurants

• Limited á la carte options proportionate to length of stay. 

• Guests are guaranteed the following minimun number of á la carte dinner reservations by duration of nights. 

  • 3-nights 1 á la carte dinner

  • 4 to 6 nights 2 á la carte dinners

  • 7 to 13 nights 3 á la carte dinners

  • 14 nights 5 á la carte dinners

• Dress code is required.  No shorts or shirts without sleeves.  Long trousers are requested for men.

• Dinner is served from 5:30PM to 10:30 PM. 

• Restaurant times may vary from time-to-time. 

IL VATICANO

• Mediterranean selections

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

Notes from Judy and Maria:  The entrance to the Italian and Mexican Restaurants and the entrance to the Japanese and Steakhouse Restaurants have a center podium set up with a host greeting and confirming reservations.  There is a relaxing sitting area and a bar prior to going in to the restaurant - a very nice atmosphere. Sit, relax, unwind, converse and have a drink prior to dinner.

The IL Vaticano Restaurant offered a very nice European Antipasto Salad Bar.  The menu offers three selections from each category - appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. Maria elected to try the appetizer of penne pasta with carbonara sauce and the shrimp and rice entree.Judy elected for the soup and lasagna entree. All were very beautifully presented on fine china and each entree was delicious.  Bottles of wine are offered at an additional cost.  Bread baskets with homemade bread and a variety of desserts were offered.   Great atmosphere, good service.  Remember gentlemen: long pants required.

SUMTUORI

• Japanese selections 

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

Note from Judy and Maria:  Show cooking is fun in the Japanese Restaurant. Tables are set with fine linens and napkins.  The host/hostess opens the restaurant doors for entering guests. Maria dropped her napkin and the waiter immediately ran over and replaced it with a new napkin.  We both noticed many subtle touches throughout the resort. The lighting in the a la carte restaurants was somewhat bright.   Candles have been ordered for the tables to lower lighting in order to make the atmosphere more relaxing.

EL DORADO

• International Steak House

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required 

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

Note from Judy and Maria:  Guests are greeted by the host and escorted to an elegantly set table.   The restaurant is tastefully decorated in a western theme with beamed ceiling and hardwood floors.  We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at the steakhouse. We asked the waiter what he recommended and he suggested the New York strip steak -- New York steak with pepper-corn sauce, mashed potatoes and apple pie and cheese cake.   Salad was also offered.  The steak was large and our meal was very flavorful (pepper sauce spicy and excellent).  Wines are offered at an additional fee. Remember gentlemen: long pants required.  Reservations are required.

LA ADELITA 

• Mexican Restaurant

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

Guests vacationing at the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort have the option to dine around the entire Palladium Resort Complex including the 2 buffet restaurants and the 4 á la carte restaurants located at the Grand Palladium White Sand Resort.  Reservations are required and vouchers required (number of vouchers depends on length of stay - see above).

 Two (2) Buffet Restaurants

"Kabah”
Buffet Kabah is air-conditioned and features show cooking and both an Italian and a Mexican cooking station.

"La Laguna”
Air-conditioned La Laguna features open-air dining overlooking the main pool.  Specialties include an Italian Corner and show cooking.

 4 “á la carte” restaurants

• Reservations are required to dine in the á la carte restaurants.

• Guests are required to present reservation vouchers in the á la carte restaurants

• Limited á la carte options proportionate to length of stay

• Dress code is required.  No shorts or shirts without sleeves.  Long trousers are requested for men.

• Dinner is served from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Portofino

• Trattoria Restaurant

• Italian Cuisine

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

BAMBOO

• Asian specialties and Sushi Bar

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

RODIZIO

Brazilian - hand carved selections on skewers served tableside

• Air conditioned

• Reservations are required

• Dress code applies

• Selected set menus

RIBS and MORE