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Home » North America » Mexico

Where To Stay In Cancun, Mexico (5 Best Hotels)

Published: Jan 25, 2022 · Modified: Mar 29, 2025 by Matthew Karsten · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Cancun Beach View in Mexico

Heading to Cancun? Here are my tips for the best hotels in Cancun, including where to stay depending on your budget and vacation goals!

Mexico's beautiful Yucatan Peninsula home to beautiful sandy beaches and Mayan Ruins. One of the most popular places to base yourself is the city of Cancun, known as a gateway to to the Riviera Maya.

There are a lot of hotels in Cancun to choose from. I’ve visited the city many times over the years and stayed at some hotels that were really cool and unique.

Being the entry point to Mexico - Cancun is a vibrant city that is home to crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, and a thriving night scene.

The perfect base to explore the Mayan Riviera, Cancun is also well connected to Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Chichen Itza, Playa del Carmen and more. 

Your hotel stay in Cancún will introduce you to Mexican delicacies, nightlife, and street food. It’ll also be the perfect chance to go scuba diving, snorkeling, explore nearby Mayan ruins, go shopping, and join some cultural experiences.

If you’re looking for the best hotels in Cancun to enjoy your stay, read this free guide to the best areas in Cancun and find the perfect accommodation for your budget!

Table Of Contents
  1. 5 Best Hotels In Cancun
  2. 1. Le Blanc Spa Resort
  3. 2. Nizuc Resort & Spa
  4. 3. Hyatt Zilara Cancun
  5. 4. Nickelodeon Hotels Riviera Maya
  6. 5. Marriott Cancun Resort
  7. Top Budget Hotels In Cancun
  8. The Westin Resort
  9. Real Inn Cancun
  10. Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel
  11. Cancun Mexico Hotel Map
  12. Best Neighborhoods In Cancun
  13. FAQ: Top Cancun Questions
Matthew Karsten

Hi, I'm Matthew Karsten

I've been traveling the world for 10+ years as a professional photographer & writer. I hope you enjoy my Cancun hotel tips! If you find them useful, using my affiliate links will give me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

About The Author

5 Best Hotels In Cancun

1. Le Blanc Spa Resort

Cancun Hotel Resort Le Blanc

Nestled on a private stretch of beach just minutes from downtown Cancun, Le Blanc Spa Resort is an adults-only, smoke-free property that features a full-service spa. It covers 5-acres and offers spacious guest rooms with 2-person hot tubs.

Yoga and pilates classes are on site along with a state-of-the-art gym. Guests can also use the sauna and steam room or one of the 3 outdoor pools. Ranked one of the top 100 hotels in the world.

Book HERE →

2. Nizuc Resort & Spa

Nizuc Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico

Situated on Boulevard Kukulcan in Zona Hotelera’s Punta Nizuc, the Nizuc Resort is one of the best places to stay in Cancun. Guests at this 29-acre beachfront resort can soak in the most luxurious environment catering to all their needs.

Enjoy access to 6 international restaurants, 2 swimming pools, a top-grade fitness center, spa and wellness treatments, thermal experiences, free parking, free WiFi, and the best amenities.

Book HERE →

3. Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Hyatt Zilara Cancun Hotel

Offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, this all-inclusive resort and spa features tons of activities and entertainment, like outdoor pools, a fitness center, private beach area and various dining options.

Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes in one of the 6 specialty restaurants and enjoy refreshing cocktails at the 5 different bars available. It's a great value too.

Book HERE →

4. Nickelodeon Hotels Riviera Maya

Best Family Hotel in Cancun

Nickelodeon Resort is an amazing 5-star experiential hotel filled with playful surprises for guests of all ages. The best hotel in Cancun for kids and families by far!

Along with multiple dining options and bars, it features a 9-acre Nickelodeon Place and Aqua Nick (water park), kids club, and Plaza Orange Entertainment venue.

Book HERE →

5. Marriott Cancun Resort

Set on the beachfront of the Caribbean sea, the large spacious rooms at the Marriott are perfect for a luxurious stay at not-so-luxurious prices.

Guests have access to 8 international restaurants including Japanese and Thai, free WiFi, fitness center, and the top amenities. They offer day care programs to take care of kids too.

Book HERE →

READ MORE: Cancun Mexico Travel Guide & Tips

Neighborhoods in Cancun

Top Budget Hotels In Cancun

The Westin Resort

The Westin is a luxury resort that offers private white-sand beaches with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon.

Relax on the private beach or take a swim in one of the 4 outdoor pools. Be pampered at the on-site Heavenly Spa or enjoy a variety of leisure activities such as surfing, tennis, golf and more.

Real Inn Cancun

Located on the "lagoon" side of the Hotel Zone, Real Inn is only 1312 feet from Tortuga beach and 1.9 mi from Plaza Caracol shopping center. It's a great budget hotel option in Cancun.

They have an outdoor pool, cable TV, air conditioning, a fitness area, free parking and a restaurant. Be close to all the action, but at an affordable price.

Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel

Previously known as Senor Frog, and right in the heart of Zona Hotelera, the Mayan Monkey Hostel is within walking distance of beaches, restaurants and bars.

You can either choose from dorm rooms, double rooms, or a suite. Free WiFi, free private parking, barbecue facilities, a lounge, bar, and pool make this hostel perfect! 

Cancun Mexico Hotel Map

Best Neighborhoods In Cancun

Zona Hotelera

Zona Hotelera is Cancun's main tourist district where you’ll find the higher-end resorts that cater to tourists. Stay here and you’ll find restaurants, shopping malls, and a happening night-life scene. Extending all the way from Puerto Cancun to Punta Nizuc. It’s also where some of the best beaches in Cancun are located.  

El Centro (Downtown) Cancun

The place to be if you want to feel the heartbeat of the city. Watching busy locals go about their days, eating street food at stalls, or visiting affordable night clubs and restaurants. El Centro offers more affordable budget accommodation options than other parts of Cancun.

Costa Mujeres

At the far North end of the Zona Hotelera sits Playa Mujeres (Costa Mujeres) - a newer developed luxury resort area of Cancun. A bit closer to El Centro and Puerto Juarez, this area is not as crowded as Zona Hotelera. If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet on a holiday with the family, Playa Mujeres is a top choice. 

Puerto Juarez

Situated about 2 km from the center of Cancun, Puerto Juarez is another good place to stay in Cancun if you’re on a budget. It’s quieter than the city center, but not as touristy as Zona Hotelera. It’s also the perfect place to stay if you plan to visit Isla Mujeres, since the Ultramar Ferry to the island leaves from here twice and hour.

READ MORE: Things To Do In Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula

FAQ: Top Cancun Questions

What's The Best Neighborhood In Cancun?

It depends on what you're after. If you want to save money, and see the u0022realu0022 Cancun, the El Centro neighborhood is where you want to stay. If you're visiting Cancun to party, or stay on the beach, Cancun's popular Hotel Zone is where most people stay.

Where To Stay In Cancun For Nightlife?

Cancun's top nightclubs and attractions are located around the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera). Specifically the Punta Cancun area.

Is It Safe To Visit Cancun Right Now?

Mexico has its share of drug cartel problems, but overall Cancun is pretty safe compared to other regions of Mexico. Petty crime like theft can be an issue, so don’t leave stuff in your rental car or unattended on the beach!

Travel Planning Resources For Mexico
Packing Guide
Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip.
Book Your Flight
Ready to fly? Here's how I find the cheapest airline flights.
Rent A Car
Discover Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal.
Cheap Accommodation
Learn how I save money booking hotels & vacation apartments.
Protect Your Trip
Don’t forget travel insurance! Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read why you should always carry travel insurance.

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HI! I'M MATT

Travel blogger, digital nomad, and American expat living abroad in France. Join me & my family as we share useful travel tips from 10 years traveling around the world.

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