Oasis Cancun

The Oasis' architecture has an overt pyramids motif, with a large tower in the center and four lower-rise structures surrounding it. In the main building, volcanic rocks and columns abound, but the effect is more Battlestar Galactica than retro-Mayan, particularly considering the multi-colored, neon-lit passageways with futuristic hangar arches.

Oasis Cancun is party central, with something happening all the time, everywhere for guests who are young, sociable, and loud. (The crowd generally does not respect personal space or quiet hours, and prospective visitors should be aware that the noise is truly round the clock.) There are 10 on-site restaurants and snack bars and 11 bars, including three swim-up venues, illustrating this resort’s focus: the booze is more important than fine food. Reservations are not required at the theme restaurants and most are buffet-style; the dress code is relaxed short of bare feet or wet bathing suits. The resort designates “Official Party Staff” members to keep the shindig going, and vodka is dispensed via soda guns. Hotel staff has a difficult time keeping up with the trail of discarded plastic Solo cups. Hammocks are strung around the grounds where guests can pass out in the sun if a quiet moment can be snatched.

The Oasis is located on the east side of the island in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, just across the road from Nichupte Lagoon. The area is ideally outfitted for tourists, with restaurants, bars, shops, and an array of other hotels surrounding the property and a variety of eco, archaeological, and adventure tours within an hour’s drive away, including the Deep Life Scuba Diving & Training Center. Getting to downtown Cancun requires a 20-minute drive, while the airport is less than 20 minutes southwest by car.

Rooms at the Oasis are small and basic, with rough white stucco walls, knotted pine doors and closets, standard dark wood desks and dressers, and wrought iron headboards. Floors are tile or marble and bedspreads are bright and colorful, but there’s nothing in the decor with a Mayan vibe. Rather, the rooms are generic beach hotel fare, but the balconies (or ground floor terraces) all have garden views or overlook Nichupte Lagoon. Bathrooms are small and dark, with marble floors and double sinks. Guests report that housekeeping tends to be sporadic and slapdash, and maintenance issues are not taken care of in a timely manner.

Amenities in the rooms are limited compared to other area hotels, with old-school tube TVs, no mini-fridges, and free bottled water strictly limited to two bottles per day, even if there are four guests in the room. The in-room safe and Wi-Fi cost extra. Noise from fellow guests is also an issue. The Playa 1 building is party ground zero, with the most noise and commotion. Oceanview rooms are located farthest from the lobby and are the best bet for a quiet night’s sleep.

The Oasis features live entertainment 24/7, provided by a huge staff of musicians, comics, acrobats, and general party wranglers who pop up everywhere in costume or flash mobs. Las Vegas-style shows are presented at night and there's a nightclub that stays open super late. Bar venues include the Coyote Logo, Scirocco, Barlovento, and three swim-up bars. Also on hand are a trattoria that looks like something out of the animated classic Lady and the Tramp and a traditional Mexican restaurant, the Hacienda Sarape. All-inclusive packages mean that food and drinks are unlimited, and reservations aren't required here.

The resort’s 300-meter freeform pool is the longest in Latin America, with plenty of poolside real estate for sun worshiping and socializing. At the 2,000-foot private white sand beach, usage of all non-motorized water sports equipment is free, including kayaks, sailboats, surf and boogie boards, and paddleboats for tooling around the lagoon. The beach is lined with palm palapas and plastic lounge chairs and organized volleyball games are held regularly. Hard surface tennis courts are also available for guest use, though equipment rentals cost extra, as does night-time play under the lights. Oasis guests have green privileges at a neighboring nine-hole Par-3 golf course, with equipment rentals not included.

The fitness center is spacious with beach views and cardio and weight machines, but the flooring needs maintenance. The spa, on the other hand, is lovely, furnished with Mayan sculpture and wood carvings and native pottery accents. A full treatment menu is offered, including poolside massages (which may not be the most relaxing experience here). The Oasis also has nine meeting and conference rooms that can hold up to 2,000 guests. Catering, wedding services, and event planning are available on-site. Expect to pay extra for Wi-Fi.