Vacation Adventures: Sun, Sand, and Standard Rooms at Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres

I’m excited to kick off a new series of blog posts all about my recent stay at the Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres and our unforgettable experience at this beautiful resort. Over the next few posts, I’ll be sharing details from our trip, from the amazing rooms to the activities, dining options, and everything in between. To start, I wanted to focus on our room experience—where we stayed, the views we had, and what made it all so special.

Sandman Hotel Ottawa

When planning a family vacation, the right accommodations can make all the difference. During our stay at Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres, we learned just how important room selection, views, and sunlight can be for enhancing your experience. From making room requests to understanding how the sun impacts your relaxation, we’re excited to share insights that can help you enjoy your stay even more.

Getting There: The Flight and Arrival Experience

Our journey to Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres started smoothly, thanks to Air Transat and their transfer service. Flying out of Ottawa was a pleasant surprise—so much smaller and less hectic than the larger airports (cough—Pearson airport, I'm looking at you!) I’ve dealt with in the past. The check-in process was an absolute breeze, which, after years of traveling since I was 18, is a rarity I can definitely appreciate! Sadly, no Timmie’s bagels at the airport this time, so we had to improvise on the pre-flight meal, but we found breakfast wraps and all was good.

As for the flight, it was smooth and uneventful—something I was grateful for, especially considering all the recent plane incidents making the rounds in the news. We all did our best to put on a brave face, but it was nice to get to Cancun without any hiccups.

Landing in Cancun was the usual chaotic scene, with baggage claim being its typical zoo. The transfer pick-up to head to the resort was a bit slower than usual, and we had to wait a little longer than expected for the shuttle. However, once we were on our way, the drive to Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres was quiet and peaceful. The 40-minute ride through Cancun was actually quite neat as we were driving through a different part of the city—our first time heading north—and the sights were cool to see. I do, however, miss the chaos of the old-school resort bus pickups with the bus beers and the guide giving you a tour and making you laugh. One thing to note: the price of beer at the airport was much more expensive. We opted to forgo it and just wait the added 40 minutes. Another tradition lost this time around... boo, but we survived.

Room Configuration for Family Comfort

For our family trip, we booked two Standard Rooms at the Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres and requested that they be situated next to each other. We would have booked a family suite, but they still only had one bathroom. A severe design flaw, in my opinion. By booking two basic rooms instead of one privileged suite, we got two bathrooms—an absolute necessity given my son’s girlfriend (18) and my daughter (12) both needed space to get ready. We were lucky enough to be assigned rooms 2313 and 2319, which were located about four rooms apart due to the cleaning room in between. An initial nerve-wracking experience, but necessary. Our makeup alone required its own room! I couldn’t imagine all three of us trying to get ready in one bathroom.

Having rooms nearby made it easy to enjoy quality family time without sacrificing privacy. I was a little nervous at check-in because we had booked two separate rooms, and it was the first time the kids wouldn’t be staying in the same suite as me. I’m a bit overprotective, so I didn’t sleep for the first half of the week, but all was well. The resort was super safe, and we got exactly what we asked for, so I was grateful. And to be honest, I didn’t find the front desk staff particularly friendly, which has not happened to me before, so I was happy not to have any issues. I have a feeling we wouldn't have been accommodated otherwise. LOL.

As it was, our rooms were not ready upon arrival so we had to change in the lobby bathroom, hit the buffet, where once again the greeters for some reason seemed unhappy. I’ve always found everyone to be friendly in Mexico, but getting a table at the buffet was daunting. They seemed very unhappy to have to seat 5 people, and they gatekeep the seating so you can't just walk in, which creates lineups. Another flaw, in my opinion, compared to the ease and breeze of other resorts I’ve visited. The Poke bowls were delicious though adn worrth it but I'll go into

One more annoying thing to note: the glass door from the lobby to the buffet was locked, so you have to walk all the way around to the main doors (which, when you're toting luggage, is annoying). This seemed to be in place so they could control the seating, I guess.

Enjoying the Views

Both of our rooms had a view of the activity pool, but Room 2313 had the edge. Its closer proximity to the pool allowed for a better perspective and a nice, distant view of the ocean. While Room 2319 offered a similar glimpse, it felt secondary when we compared the two.

A great view can enhance your stay exponentially. During our time on the balcony of Room 2313, we found ourselves excitedly watching pool games and activities, which added a sense of life to our vacation.

The Quest for Sunshine

Despite being satisfied with our room arrangements, one minor detail hindered our enjoyment: both balconies faced the shaded side of the building, meaning we didn’t get direct sunlight during the day.

One of the joys of vacationing is waking up early, stepping onto a sunlit balcony, and enjoying a cup of coffee while basking in the morning warmth. Unfortunately, with our rooms positioned away from the sun, that experience was lost.

This wasn’t an oversight of the hotel but rather a factor we didn’t consider when booking. If soaking up sun rays in the morning is important to you, be sure to request a room that faces south or has sunny balcony access. Many guests have found that just a slight change in orientation can make a world of difference.

The Amenities that Matter

Our Standard Rooms were impressively spacious, clean, and equipped to meet our family’s needs. Each room featured basic bedding. I could have used another blanket, but it was decent. The closet was gorgeous, with plenty of storage space, including a mini walk-in closet perfect for a fashionista like myself. Plus, the room service was lovely, with updated tech to notify them when we wanted it clean—no more door hangers!

Our family vacation at Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres was unforgettable, highlighted by the thoughtful room arrangements we made. Rooms 2313 and 2319 provided us with comfort and connection, while a few minor adjustments could have made our experience even better.

Every detail can shape your stay. Whether you crave morning sunshine on your balcony or valuable family time in close quarters, ensure you communicate your preferences during booking. With some planning and clarity in your requests, you can guarantee a delightful and memorable visit to this beautiful resort.

So, gather your loved ones, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable stay at Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres! For more info and videos, check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel where I’ll be doing a full review.