Iberostar Waves Tucán

“A beautiful all-inclusive resort”

We just returned from this all-inclusive resort where we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with the whole family (5 adults and six kids). This was our first time at an all-inclusive resort, and we could not have been more pleased. It was a wonderful place that had so much to offer. If you w... more

We just returned from this all-inclusive resort where we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with the whole family (5 adults and six kids). This was our first time at an all-inclusive resort, and we could not have been more pleased. It was a wonderful place that had so much to offer. If you want to read further, I will give my totally subjective review and some recommendations we learned while staying there. Iberostar El Tucan (and Quetzal) are owned by IHG and are actually one large resort connected by restaurants. If you are a guest in one, all the amenities of the other are available as well. I mention IHG because if you have an IHG credit card you can get a bunch of points good for free nights within the IHG system. So here are some general comments: Check-in: It takes a little longer than normal because every guest is given a wrist band with a card that will unlock the room and doubles as your guest ID for your stay. So, your whole party needs to hang around the check-in area in order to get the wrist bands. Property: It was absolutely immaculate in every way: from the lobby, grounds, eating places, rooms, beach-- there was not a single piece of litter anywhere. We arrived three days after hurricane Beryl passed through the area, but you could not tell. The grounds crew was cleaning up some broken limbs, but other than that, it was super clean. Jungle atmosphere: One thing our six grandkids loved about the place was its jungle setting and the animals that roam freely throughout the property. From howler monkeys in the trees, to Coatis, Agoutis, pink flamingos and peacocks, the place was alive with the sights and sounds of a jungle setting (BTW, peacocks are really loud!). Eco-friendly: One thing that this resort takes pride in is its commitment to being environmentally sustainable. They use no throwaway plastic and very little paper. Everything is recyclable or reusable. Accommodations: We stayed in "Junior Suite" rooms with a king bed and two single beds. The room was large and very clean. Each room as a mini-fridge that is filled each day with sodas and beer. Note: There are filtered water stations in each housing complex as well as on the grounds. Do NOT drink the water out of the tap in the rooms. Note: the rooms have few electrical outlets, and no outlets beside the king bed. If you have to use a medical device at night while sleeping (as does my wife), you need to bring a household extension cord of at least 10 feet in order to reach the plugs in the room. There are wall lamps on each side of the bed that have switches that could be adapted to include an outlet, but alas, no. Our rooms also had a small balcony that faced the jungle and gave us great views of the fauna and animals. Food: We were blown away by the quality of the food! The breakfast buffet is amazing! There so many choices and types of food, fruit, juices, and bread. My wife commented at the first breakfast: "This would be perfect if they had mimosas." Our son replied, "Mom, the mimosa stand is right over there." In addition to the buffet place, there are five restaurants that are open in the evening--all but the Japanese restaurant are first-come, first serve. Tip: We made our reservation for the Japanese restaurant when we arrived for later in the week, and it worked fine. Another tip: We went to the restaurants right when they opened (6:00 pm) and never had to wait. In each restaurant, the portions were big, with several entrees to choose from including appetizers and desserts. Our grandkids were also happy as most of the restaurants also offer a kid's menu. Our personal favorites were the Italian and Mediterranean. But all were excellent with great service and atmosphere. At lunch time, there is a beach grill that offers hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, and salads and fruits. In addition, each day, they would offer a special lunch near the beach such as tacos and paella. Once it's gone, it's gone. Pools: There are several available. The huge pool in the center of the complex is clean and surrounded by chairs and shaded areas. There is one depth to the pool (5 feet) except for the walk in wading area at the end nearest the beach. There is also a little kids pool with a slide and playground area that our littlest grandkids enjoyed. There is an adult-only pool with a swim up bar and a small rectangle pool that appears to be for for exercise, but we used it as a family with no problem. Beach: A lot of grass roofed places to lounge on the beach. Tip: Get there early if you want to get a place in the shade--same for the pool area. The beach is fine white sand, and the staff keeps it clean daily. Kid's Activities: There are a variety of things for kids throughout the day, and the staff seemed very professional and safety conscious. Our granddaughter went to a face painting activity dropped off by her mother, and when her aunt went back to pick her up, the staff would only release her to the mother who dropped her off. Shows/Events: Each night there is something going on--whether a fire show on the beach, or a singing show in the theater, or a trivia game in the lobby--they offer something for everyone. Resort App: There is an Iberostar App that you can use once you have checked-in that provides daily calendar activities, restaurant menus, etc. The map on the app is a drone photo of the complex which was not useful in helping us find a particular restaurant because all you see in the "map" are the roofs of the buildings. This could be improved. Excursions: There are a variety to choose from and there is a desk in the lobby that can assist you with those. The water excursions are in a place near the beach. We did the snorkeling, and we were left underwhelmed by the experience (no reefs, few fish). When we mentioned our disappointment, they offered us two catamaran rides for free the next day (which were great). If you want to go into Cancun, the resort will call transportation. Our family did not choose to go to Cozumel. The ferry ride alone would have cost us close to $200. But if you want to, you can pick up the ferry in Cancun. Check-out: Super easy and fast. No issues. Conclusion: If you are looking for a beautiful, top-notch, all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, I think you can't find a better place than this.

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“Great, but not 5 star”

We’ve had a great time here but I wouldn’t say this is a 5 star hotel. The food is great and the staff fantastic. The pool is clean and right next to the beach. However, the rooms are more 3 star than 5 and are in desperate need of updating. Given this holiday has cost around £7500 in total, I e... more

We’ve had a great time here but I wouldn’t say this is a 5 star hotel. The food is great and the staff fantastic. The pool is clean and right next to the beach. However, the rooms are more 3 star than 5 and are in desperate need of updating. Given this holiday has cost around £7500 in total, I expected more.

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“just relaxing”

We were on holiday as a couple. Not bad, but not especially good either, we expected more. The food is good, for every taste. Everything is good, but the rooms are outdated, I would like more comfort We probably won't come back, although the staff is friendly

“3 start resort 5 star price”

I expected a lot more from this hotel especially since we had “premium” accommodations, which actually do not mean anything. Overall it’s a nice hotel but a lot left to desire. The a la cart restaurant need a lot of work. The staff is very nice, polite and helpful. I will not be back. Cons: no p... more

I expected a lot more from this hotel especially since we had “premium” accommodations, which actually do not mean anything. Overall it’s a nice hotel but a lot left to desire. The a la cart restaurant need a lot of work. The staff is very nice, polite and helpful. I will not be back. Cons: no premium drinks, drinks need improvement, more chairs are needed both on the beach and pool. Two hotels share the pools and beach, which make it very crowded. It was hard to find seats on the beach. there is a section with white beach chairs but those may only be use by prestige members, which also includes top shelf drinks, and I will add they were empty the three nights we were there. We went to one a la cart restaurant, Mediterranean, food needs improvement and I would suggest that proper attire be used at the restaurants. There was a gentleman walking barefoot and no one from staff told him to put his shoes back on. Also the first come first serve option needs to be replaced by reservations. The restaurant’s are small. The room was a good size but they look old and outdated. Pros. Awesome beach!! The buffet is actually very tasty. One of the best we had. Very family friendly. Eco friendly. They give you two glass bottles to refill in your rooms.

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