Our first room (5722 on the second floor) had that damp musky drain smell on day 2. I think it was because we were trying to be energy conscious and turned off our air when we out for the day. Also after our showers the water kinda just stayed on the floor in the shower and never fully drained. Our other room (3403 on the 4th floor) NEVER had a smell. The shower always drained.
Room kinda smelled like someone having sex. Could have been because most of the time we were in the room we were, well, having sex. Do people do something else in the rooms? I mean we do shower and sleep some but why else would you be inside in Cancun?
smell when we were there last nov. we had a room above pattyos. at first a little musty, but fabric sheets closed pinned to the ac works really well.
We were there last February (our first time) and yes we definitely had a musty smell in our room - it was the 2nd floor actually just as you come from the lobby and go 'left' right up the stairs and our room was like RIGHT THERE .... but what can ya do ?! I love the idea about the candles - that is a *DEFINITE* must next time we go this coming February - but I try and not let that stuff bug me too much - I like that idea of the towel in the sink or adding water to the drains or whatever - we'll definitely try that ! But I'm for 'covering up' any kind of smell to enjoy this fantastic place AGAIN !!!
From what I can tell from my travels across mexico and even further south, is that they don't plumb in as much venting like we do by code here in the states. That's just been my observation by looking at the plumbing when its exposed etc. Having been in that line of work myself, it tends to be something I pay attention to and chuckle with the differences in the way things are done in other parts of the world. The lack of venting, improperly designed and installed venting or clogged venting would cause the smells and issues I read about constantly, and have experienced myself when in Mexico. You know what I mean, if you have been there. The random wiffs of sewer gas, gurgling and blurping toilets and drains. I am no Mexican Plumber, so I can't say its 100% true, but I do know that shit runs down hill, don't chew your fingernails, and payday is on Friday (old plumber joke)
I have been to cancun 9 times now and its always the same for the most part. Every resort, every room. Its humid there and its just thew way it is. I have to agree with MrPike here, in some cases you will get a sewer smell from the shower drain, due to plumbing issues. Wet a face cloth and place that over top the drain, should keep out the sewer smells.