The Best Places to Stay at in Cancun, Mexico — Hotels and More
There are many different types of places to consider when choosing where to stay in Cancún. After all, the region attracts every type of traveler from families seeking all-inclusive easy getaways to raucous folks looking to let loose, and couples seeking tropical romance.
Fortunately, there’s something for all of these people, and more. So before you click on that great deal that landed in your inbox, or book the dreamy resort you saw on Instagram, consider what exactly you’re looking for and ask yourself these three questions:
Do you want to stay somewhere family-friendly, or adults-only?
Do you want to experience local dining and nightlife, or would you rather keep things all-inclusive?
Are you traveling on a budget, or are you looking for a luxury experience?
The answers will help determine which hotel you should book and which part of Cancún you should stay in. I visit the region regularly and personally love to mix and match a couple of different vibes on every trip to give myself a well-rounded experience.
For example, after a weeklong, multigenerational reunion, my partner and I have scooted to a couples’ resort for a couple of nights to decompress. I’ve also clocked time in hostels and cheap Airbnbs before splashing out for a five-star resort, to help offset the cost.
Here’s a breakdown of recommendations on where to stay, based on location:
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Zona Hotelera, AKA the ‘Hotel Zone’
If you’re planning a trip to Cancún, it’s likely that this is where you’ve been told to look. The choices will seem endless, as more than 70 hotels call the Zona home.
However, you may have a very different experience depending on which part of the Hotel Zone you stay in. The quality and accessibility of the sand and sea differ, as do the options for shopping, dining, and nightlife beyond the resorts.
The Hotel Zone is often broken down into North and South, but it’s not actually that simple. We’ve gone a step further and sectioned the 7 (a nickname for the Hotel Zone, as it’s shaped like the number 7) into five separate areas, and selected the best place to stay in each.
North Hotel Zone (between KM 02-06)
This is the part of the Hotel Zone closest to downtown Cancún. The beach here isn’t the best — expect darker sand and murkier water here than everywhere else — but because of that, the prices sometimes are cheaper. This can be a good option for someone on a budget, or someone focused on all the non-beach activities that Cancún has to offer.
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Aquamarina Beach Hotel Cancún
Aquamarina Beach Hotel Cancún has both all-inclusive and European Plan pricing, with nightly rates for the latter sometimes falling below $100. Some of the rooms are privately owned and listed on Airbnb, too, for an even lower price.
Airbnb guests are able to use the outdoor facilities, which include three pools, including one with a waterpark for children and another with a swim-up bar, but are on their own for basic indoor amenities like housekeeping and towel service.
If you go this route, bring your own towels (and several of them). Using the same flimsy ones you were provided becomes less than desirable in Cancún’s humidity after a couple of days.
Punta Cancún, North Hotel Zone
Punta Cancún, located at the corner of the strip’s “7” shape, boasts calm, swimmable waters and nightlife galore. It’s the best option for families with children who want to prioritize beach time and adults of any age who want to indulge in the destination’s spring-break level of partying.
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Grand Fiesta Americana Spa Resort
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún All Inclusive Spa Resort is within walking distance from all the famous nightclubs while offering a top-notch, family-friendly luxury experience at the same time. The expansiveness of the pool area and beachfront, which is more private than most others in the Hotel Zone given the curve of the property, will get you away from the crowds, especially if your reservation includes access to the “Infinite Club” VIP section.
Dedicating a couple of hours to complete the 10-step hydrotherapy ritual at Gem Spa is a must; it includes an aromatherapy steam room, clay steam room, and swimming pool filled with jet massagers, among other therapies. I keep coming back — I’ve been solo, with my partner, and most recently with my parents and brother, and loved it every time.
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Aloft Cancún
Across the street in Punta Cancún is Aloft Cancún, the best option for budget travelers who like to party. The rooms are as basic as they come, but clean and with comfortable beds and blackout shades.
There is no beach access, but there’s a cute rooftop pool with ample lounge space and a swim-up cash bar. Guests have open-bar access in the lobby bar, WXYZ, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., which is a great deal for an average nightly rate of $110, especially when that’s split between friends. Don’t waste your money on the breakfast package, though; there are better, cheaper options right around the corner.
Upper South Hotel Zone
When most people think of Cancún, this is the area that comes to mind. The beaches are absolutely picturesque, and there’s a large concentration of well-known, upscale hotels. This part of the Hotel Zone also offers some of the best shopping and dining, should you want to take a walk or short taxi ride off-site.
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Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancún
Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancún is one of the strip’s most luxurious properties, with an almost concerningly attentive butler service (do they sleep?) available to every guest and dining that far surpasses what is expected of an all-inclusive.
This adults-only resort is known for its spa. Treatments include a variety of massages, facials, and wraps, and guests have unlimited access to the hydrotherapy journey during their stay. I love splurging on a spa day; the one I spent at the Le Blanc was the best I’ve ever had.
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JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa is a beautiful hotel, whose tastefully decorated blue-and-beige accents make you feel like you’re staying in an elegant sandcastle. It’s a great option for foodies, with ample on-site dining options and within walking distance of some of the best restaurants in town. Plus, for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, it’s a great way to earn and redeem points.
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Marriott Cancún Resort
Guests at the JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa also have access to its connecting sister property, Marriott Cancún Resort, making this a nice option for groups with different budgets, as the latter comes in at a slightly lower price point.
The lobby bar’s drink menu can’t be missed. It features 150 different margaritas, which are dangerous, delicious, and set the perfect tropical mood.
Lower South Hotel Zone
The waves can be rougher here — unswimmable, at times — but still beyond gorgeous to admire. It’s the least crowded part of the popular South Hotel Zone, and a quick 10-minute ride from the airport, meaning more fun in the sun instead of precious time wasted in traffic.
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Sun Palace Cancún
Sun Palace Cancún caters not just to adults, but to couples, in particular. It’s a dreamy option for honeymooners and lovebirds looking to relax in the sun and ocean breeze, as well as to spend quality time in their rooms.
Every suite has a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea, best viewed on the balcony or in the double whirlpool tub, seductively built into the center of the room. The resort is small, adding to the intimate feel, and it’squick and easy to get from point A to point B.
Club Med Cancún Yucatán is another good option, located at the very bottom of the Hotel Zone’s 7 shape. It’s the only resort in Cancún with three private beachfronts. What really stands out, though, are the offerings for children and families. Club Med has kids’ clubs and programming for infants through 17-year-olds, and one-of-a-kind activities (flying trapeze school, anyone?) included in the all-inclusive pricing. The nightly entertainment is wonderful, too, with shows by skilled performers from around the world.
Punta Nizuc
Though technically part of the Hotel Zone, Punta Nizuc feels a world away. It’s home to a stunning coral reef that offers the best diving and snorkeling in all of Cancún. Very close to the airport, this is also one of the only spots in the area where Uber is available.
Nizuc Resort
NIZUC Resort & Spa
Regularly voted as one of the best and most beautiful resorts in Cancún, NIZUC Resort & Spa is a sight for delighted eyes. Unlike the rest of the Zona, staying here places you far away from other hotels, making the grounds feel private and exclusive. The resort attracts both families and couples. Staying in a private villa and splashing at the mega-calm Nizuc Beach are great for the former, while the latter can enjoy private plunge pools overlooking the mangroves and an adults-only pool, beach, and restaurant.
El Centro
To experience Cancún beyond the beach, or to stretch dollars, look for accommodations downtown. There is so much to see and explore in El Centro, and nice, comfortable Airbnbs can be easily found for around $30 a night. Rent a car and drive from your hotel or rental to a different public beach every day. Most public beaches are of the same caliber as those in front of resorts, so this enables you to have a similar experience for a fraction of the cost.
Puerto Morelos
Technically outside of Cancún (it is immediately to the south, on the way to Playa del Carmen), this fishing village is a nice escape for a quieter, peaceful retreat with the same great beaches and resort amenities. It’s also a hub for travelers keen to focus on natural water activities, like visiting cenotes and deep-sea fishing.
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Grand Residences Riviera Cancún
Grand Residences Riviera Cancún is the top pick for Puerto Morelos. It’s located on a picture-perfect beach, a short and pleasant bike ride from town (you can borrow one for free from the resort). Choose from all-inclusive and European Plan dining plans, the latter of which may be preferred once you see the fully decked-out kitchens that come in every master suite.
All the rooms are suites in fact, with the majority connecting or offering multiple bedrooms. This setup makes it ideal for multigenerational travel.
