Hotel Smart Cancun: Your Food & Drink Guide

The main buffet at Hotel Smart Cancun offers a rotating selection of Mexican and international dishes. Expect standard all-inclusive fare: a carving station with roast meats, a pasta bar where you can choose your sauce, and a salad bar with pre-chopped ingredients. While variety is present, the quality can be inconsistent.

Some nights the grilled fish is flaky and well-seasoned, other nights it's dry. The breakfast spread is generally more reliable, with fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order, and a decent array of pastries. The à la carte restaurants require reservations and offer a more focused experience.

The Italian option tends to be the safest bet, serving up recognizable pasta dishes and pizzas. The Mexican restaurant can be hit or miss; some find the mole authentic, while others find it lacking depth. For a casual bite, the poolside grill serves burgers and fries, predictable but satisfying after a day in the sun.

Overall, the dining at Hotel Smart Cancun is functional for an all-inclusive, but don't expect gourmet revelations.

The bars at Hotel Smart Cancun serve a mix of standard house brands and a few premium options, though you'll need to specify if you want something beyond the usual. The lobby bar is the most active, often mixing up classic cocktails like margaritas and mojitos. These are generally well-executed, though the sweetness can sometimes overpower the spirit.

The poolside bar offers quick service for beer and simple mixed drinks. If you're particular about your spirits, ask about their premium selection, which might include a better tequila or rum, though this often comes with an upcharge. Wine is available by the glass, usually a generic red and white that pairs adequately with meals.

Stick to the basics if you're unsure; the house vodka and rum are fine for casual sipping, but avoid the house-made 'specialty' shots, which tend to be overly sweet and artificial tasting.

Hotel Smart Cancun's cafe can accommodate basic dietary requests, though options may be limited. Standard offerings like salads and sandwiches can often be modified. For more complex needs such as vegan, gluten-free, or specific allergy requirements, it is advisable to communicate these directly with the cafe staff in advance.

They can usually prepare simple alternatives. Families traveling with children will find standard kid-friendly options available, such as juices and simple snacks. However, for extensive dietary planning or specialized menus, guests may find more comprehensive choices at restaurants outside the hotel.