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!
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!
5 Best Hotels In Cancun
1. Le Blanc Spa Resort
Nestled on a private stretch of beach just minutes from downtown Cancun, this adults-only, smoke-free resort 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.
2. Nizuc Resort & Spa
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.
3. Hyatt Zilara Cancun
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.
4. Nickelodeon Hotels Riviera Maya
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.
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.
READ MORE: Cancun Mexico Travel Guide & Tips
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!
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
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