We were confused at first about the restaurants. While the brochures listed four, we could only see two: a buffet and a steakhouse (which wasn't even included in our plan). It took a little digging, but here's the story:
Kelly's Beach Bar and Grill is considered two restaurants. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, a buffet is set up indoors.
For lunch, sit outside and ask for a menu, and you'll see an extensive selection including ceviche, nachos, and sandwiches.
At night, the Terrace outside Kelly’s comes to life with tablecloths and silverware. The menu is short but interesting with an Asian bent. I was feeling adventurous and tried the sushi. Despite a beautiful presentation, the sashimi had been frozen and wasn't the texture I was used to. We had better luck with cooked dishes such as duck and tempura shrimp. The restaurant was never crowded during our stay, and provided spectacular sunset views. Everything on the menu was part of the all-inclusive plan, with the exception of an extra $15 charge for the lobster.
The fourth restaurant, Porterhouse Steak and Seafood Grill, is rated five stars and is not included in the meal plan. The restaurant is located in the tower and overlooks the pool.
Kelly's Beach Bar and Grill is considered two restaurants. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, a buffet is set up indoors.
For lunch, sit outside and ask for a menu, and you'll see an extensive selection including ceviche, nachos, and sandwiches.
At night, the Terrace outside Kelly’s comes to life with tablecloths and silverware. The menu is short but interesting with an Asian bent. I was feeling adventurous and tried the sushi. Despite a beautiful presentation, the sashimi had been frozen and wasn't the texture I was used to. We had better luck with cooked dishes such as duck and tempura shrimp. The restaurant was never crowded during our stay, and provided spectacular sunset views. Everything on the menu was part of the all-inclusive plan, with the exception of an extra $15 charge for the lobster.
The fourth restaurant, Porterhouse Steak and Seafood Grill, is rated five stars and is not included in the meal plan. The restaurant is located in the tower and overlooks the pool.
The atmosphere at the Avalon Reef Club was laid-back, and the service reflected it. Waiters at the restaurant were helpful, but we learned to sit in the restaurant long before we were really hungry. If you are in a hurry, hit the buffet.
Our experience with room service was similar. If they estimated twenty minutes, we figured on an hour. Generally something on the order was wrong. However, the presentation was beautiful, and the food very good. Follow-up calls to room service rectified the errors.
We were unsure about the tipping policies at this all-inclusive resort, so we asked. We were told tips (and taxes) are included in the all-inclusive plan, although guests can leave an extra tip for outstanding service if they wish.
Although we had no trouble getting a seat at any of the restaurants, the beach was a different story. The resort is surrounded on three sides with white sand beach, but there seemed to be precious few lounge chairs and umbrellas to go around. Towels claimed beach chairs early, saving spots for guests who were still enjoying their buffet breakfasts and leaving latecomers without a spot.
We had more luck getting pool seats.
The pool is very small and wedged in between Kelly’s Beach Bar and the tower, but has lounge chairs in the water and a swim-up bar.
The rocky shore on the North side of the resort was breathtaking. A line of chairs stretched across one grassy lawn overlooking the crashing waves below. King's Bath, a naturally protected section of the reef, is a haven for tropical fish. Steps lead down to the water and guests can swim and snorkel.
At the pier, guests can rent water bicycles and kayaks (included) and schedule fishing and scuba trips (at an extra charge). A private "fast cat" ferry also stops here and heads to Cancun, about a thirty minute ride.
The full-service spa offers massages, facials and body wraps either indoors or out, for an extra charge. The spa also includes a beaty salon. A small fitness center with weights and exercise equipment is also included.
Avalon caters to kids with its "Wild Things" program. Kids get their own check-in desk and gifts upon arrival, including a disposable camera, t-shirt, cap, flip-clops and temporary tattoos. The kids' club is centered in an adorable building with a thatched roof that looks like it belongs in a jungle storybook.
The rocky shore on the North side of the resort was breathtaking. A line of chairs stretched across one grassy lawn overlooking the crashing waves below. King's Bath, a naturally protected section of the reef, is a haven for tropical fish. Steps lead down to the water and guests can swim and snorkel.
At the pier, guests can rent water bicycles and kayaks (included) and schedule fishing and scuba trips (at an extra charge). A private "fast cat" ferry also stops here and heads to Cancun, about a thirty minute ride.
The full-service spa offers massages, facials and body wraps either indoors or out, for an extra charge. The spa also includes a beaty salon. A small fitness center with weights and exercise equipment is also included.
Avalon caters to kids with its "Wild Things" program. Kids get their own check-in desk and gifts upon arrival, including a disposable camera, t-shirt, cap, flip-clops and temporary tattoos. The kids' club is centered in an adorable building with a thatched roof that looks like it belongs in a jungle storybook.
The program is offered seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is part of the all-inclusive plan. During scheduled activities, kids learn to make piñatas and guacamole, learn Mayan clay sculpting, play at the beach and even learn a little Spanish.
