The 300-room, Mexican-owned Royal Solaris is an upper-middle-range property with a ton of resort features, including a water park in the kids club. However, many guests feel the property, built in the late '80s, is in need of a facelift -- especially the guest rooms, which are a bit basic. Highlights of the hotel include the pool area complete with a swim-up bar, waterfalls, and in-water tile loungers, and small, but sufficient spa area. This resort is best-suited to families on a budget, while next-door the more upscale GR Caribe (remodeled in 2010) is better suited to couples.
The 300-room, Mexican-owned Royal Solaris is an upper-middle-range property with a ton of resort features, including a water park in the kids club. However, many guests feel the property, built in the late '80s, is in need of a facelift -- especially the guest rooms, which are a bit basic. Highlights of the hotel include the pool area complete with a swim-up bar, waterfalls, and in-water tile loungers, and small, but sufficient spa area. This resort is best-suited to families on a budget, while next-door the more upscale GR Caribe (remodeled in 2010) is better suited to couples.
Tucked on the less frenetic, southern end of the Hotel Zone and featuring an expansive, white-sand beach, the upscale, Sun Palace Couples-Only, All-Inclusive Resort is a top choice for those on a romantic getaway. Its 252 spacious rooms feature decadent details like private balconies, whirlpool tubs, 24-hour room service, and lots of free drinks. Guests can dine and drink at several restaurants or bars— all included, no reservations required — including an Italian restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, and a swim-up bar in one of the hotel’s three infinity pools. There’s also a spacious gym, somewhat dated spa (though the service is great), outdoor activities like beach volleyball, and nightly shows. For some couples, the laid-back, quieter vibe is ideal, but those looking for something livelier (and more risqué) with consider the tops-optional, adults-only Temptation Cancun Resort.
Tucked on the less frenetic, southern end of the Hotel Zone and featuring an expansive, white-sand beach, the upscale, Sun Palace Couples-Only, All-Inclusive Resort is a top choice for those on a romantic getaway. Its 252 spacious rooms feature decadent details like private balconies, whirlpool tubs, 24-hour room service, and lots of free drinks. Guests can dine and drink at several restaurants or bars— all included, no reservations required — including an Italian restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, and a swim-up bar in one of the hotel’s three infinity pools. There’s also a spacious gym, somewhat dated spa (though the service is great), outdoor activities like beach volleyball, and nightly shows. For some couples, the laid-back, quieter vibe is ideal, but those looking for something livelier (and more risqué) with consider the tops-optional, adults-only Temptation Cancun Resort.
Krystal Cancun's 435 rooms rise high above Punta Cancun, one of central Cancun's most picturesque viewpoints, with outlooks of both the lagoon and sparkling blue ocean. This Mexican-owned hotel is a contemporary, upper-middle-range resort with an all-inclusive option that's popular with Mexican and international guests alike. While there can be great discrepancy between the newer and older rooms (renovations are ongoing), guests can expect some great food, a social atmosphere, and a nice stretch of practically perfect beachfront. If you are looking to step it up a notch, next-door sister property Krystal Grand has non-reciprocal access to the Krystal Cancun and is a tad more upscale.
Krystal Cancun's 435 rooms rise high above Punta Cancun, one of central Cancun's most picturesque viewpoints, with outlooks of both the lagoon and sparkling blue ocean. This Mexican-owned hotel is a contemporary, upper-middle-range resort with an all-inclusive option that's popular with Mexican and international guests alike. While there can be great discrepancy between the newer and older rooms (renovations are ongoing), guests can expect some great food, a social atmosphere, and a nice stretch of practically perfect beachfront. If you are looking to step it up a notch, next-door sister property Krystal Grand has non-reciprocal access to the Krystal Cancun and is a tad more upscale.
Built to resemble a Mayan pyramid, the all-inclusive Riu Caribe is located on the north end of Cancun Island. The bright lobby is filled with natural light, jungle-like trees, and hanging vines. The 506 rooms have a beachy white-and-blue color scheme, with balconies, flat-screen TVs, and liquor dispensers. The resort features a number of pleasant bars and restaurants, three swimming pools, a nightclub, and an outdoor theater, although the height of the building casts the pools in shade in the early afternoon. While the beach is beautiful, it's on the small side, especially for the size of this property. Sun-seekers might prefer the wide stretch of white-sand beach at Grand Oasis Cancun, but they'll need to brace themselves for longer restaurant lines, especially during high season.
Built to resemble a Mayan pyramid, the all-inclusive Riu Caribe is located on the north end of Cancun Island. The bright lobby is filled with natural light, jungle-like trees, and hanging vines. The 506 rooms have a beachy white-and-blue color scheme, with balconies, flat-screen TVs, and liquor dispensers. The resort features a number of pleasant bars and restaurants, three swimming pools, a nightclub, and an outdoor theater, although the height of the building casts the pools in shade in the early afternoon. While the beach is beautiful, it's on the small side, especially for the size of this property. Sun-seekers might prefer the wide stretch of white-sand beach at Grand Oasis Cancun, but they'll need to brace themselves for longer restaurant lines, especially during high season.
The all-inclusive Riu Palace Las Americas sits on the beach 15 minutes from downtown Cancun. Colorful resort gardens are accessorized by tall fountains and palm trees, and the gigantic lobby is full of glimmering chandeliers. The decor in the common areas and in the 372 spacious suites is regal red and gold, though some guests may find the look dates. Rooms have amenities such as turndown service, minibars, lounges area with sofa, and flat-screen TVs. One great perk here is the fact that most suites have balconies with incredible ocean views. The resort has many on-site activities, including volleyball, snorkeling, and nightly live shows. This is a much quieter, calmer hotel than the typical party-hearty all-inclusive; those in want of a rowdy Cancun experience could check out the Hard Rock.
The all-inclusive Riu Palace Las Americas sits on the beach 15 minutes from downtown Cancun. Colorful resort gardens are accessorized by tall fountains and palm trees, and the gigantic lobby is full of glimmering chandeliers. The decor in the common areas and in the 372 spacious suites is regal red and gold, though some guests may find the look dates. Rooms have amenities such as turndown service, minibars, lounges area with sofa, and flat-screen TVs. One great perk here is the fact that most suites have balconies with incredible ocean views. The resort has many on-site activities, including volleyball, snorkeling, and nightly live shows. This is a much quieter, calmer hotel than the typical party-hearty all-inclusive; those in want of a rowdy Cancun experience could check out the Hard Rock.
The 285-room Beach Palace is a four-pearl all-inclusive resort that's one of Cancun's classier and more popular options, even if it doesn't quite live up to its own luxury claims. Set in the Hotel Zone, there’s plenty of white, sandy beach, epic coastal views, and plenty to do on-site. The atmosphere and decor are polished,and rooms include marble bathrooms with double whirlpool tubs plus balconies with lagoon or sea views. The large main pool has a stage for entertainment and movie nights, and kids get their own pool plus kids' and teen clubs. Other features include four restaurants, five bars, a fitness center, and a spa. Keep in mind that this is a family-friendly, and those looking for something more adult-oriented might consider the Le Blanc Spa Resort.
The 285-room Beach Palace is a four-pearl all-inclusive resort that's one of Cancun's classier and more popular options, even if it doesn't quite live up to its own luxury claims. Set in the Hotel Zone, there’s plenty of white, sandy beach, epic coastal views, and plenty to do on-site. The atmosphere and decor are polished,and rooms include marble bathrooms with double whirlpool tubs plus balconies with lagoon or sea views. The large main pool has a stage for entertainment and movie nights, and kids get their own pool plus kids' and teen clubs. Other features include four restaurants, five bars, a fitness center, and a spa. Keep in mind that this is a family-friendly, and those looking for something more adult-oriented might consider the Le Blanc Spa Resort.
The 679-room, upper-middle-range Melody Maker Cancun (formerly ME Cancun) is a grand, all-inclusive resort set on a beautiful stretch of beach in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Rooms range from contemporary to sleek, and feature upmarket amenities, huge windows (some have balconies) with stunning lagoon or sea views, and free minibars that are refilled daily. Along with the beach, the pool is the highlight here -- it features a big central whirlpool, a bar, music, and tons of loungers. Weekend DJ sessions make the Day Club a local party hotspot -- but even guests have to pay to access it, and the party ends at sunset. The spa is great, and the gym is equipped with dozens of machines, but those expecting a full entertainment program will be disappointed. Families may prefer the more kid-friendly Marriott Cancun Resort, though it’s not all-inclusive.
The 679-room, upper-middle-range Melody Maker Cancun (formerly ME Cancun) is a grand, all-inclusive resort set on a beautiful stretch of beach in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Rooms range from contemporary to sleek, and feature upmarket amenities, huge windows (some have balconies) with stunning lagoon or sea views, and free minibars that are refilled daily. Along with the beach, the pool is the highlight here -- it features a big central whirlpool, a bar, music, and tons of loungers. Weekend DJ sessions make the Day Club a local party hotspot -- but even guests have to pay to access it, and the party ends at sunset. The spa is great, and the gym is equipped with dozens of machines, but those expecting a full entertainment program will be disappointed. Families may prefer the more kid-friendly Marriott Cancun Resort, though it’s not all-inclusive.
The 426-room Iberostar Cancun is an upscale, all-inclusive, chain hotel set in a pyramid-shaped building along the Nichupte Lagoon's expansive beach, just a 15-minute drive from Cancun Airport. There are a huge range of activities on offer, such as tennis and golf, and lots for kids to do, too. It's worth noting, however, that the hotel hosts a large number of conventions, meaning big groups sometimes dominate the place. The modern rooms feature contemporary decor and many have stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, while some also offer access to hot tubs or infinity pools. The grounds include a huge pool, though accompanying poolside music can get annoying. Dining options are varied, but food gets mixed reviews. Travelers might want to compare rates with similar properties, such as the Royal Caribbean and Crown Paradise Club Cancun.
The 426-room Iberostar Cancun is an upscale, all-inclusive, chain hotel set in a pyramid-shaped building along the Nichupte Lagoon's expansive beach, just a 15-minute drive from Cancun Airport. There are a huge range of activities on offer, such as tennis and golf, and lots for kids to do, too. It's worth noting, however, that the hotel hosts a large number of conventions, meaning big groups sometimes dominate the place. The modern rooms feature contemporary decor and many have stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, while some also offer access to hot tubs or infinity pools. The grounds include a huge pool, though accompanying poolside music can get annoying. Dining options are varied, but food gets mixed reviews. Travelers might want to compare rates with similar properties, such as the Royal Caribbean and Crown Paradise Club Cancun.
Opened in 2012, the Spanish-owned, 562-room Riu Palace Peninsula (not to be confused with the Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas) is the youngest of the Riu's Cancun properties. With a distinctive beachfront position, guests at the Peninsula are privy to both soft powder sands and wild rocky shores lining crystal clear Caribbean waters. Decor is contemporary with a slightly sexy, upscale European vibe -- especially when lit at night. Even the lower category rooms are large and feel like suites, and have nice ocean views, walk-in showers, and separate spa tubs. The hotel has a social and fun (but not crazy party) vibe and can get noisy at night.
Opened in 2012, the Spanish-owned, 562-room Riu Palace Peninsula (not to be confused with the Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas) is the youngest of the Riu's Cancun properties. With a distinctive beachfront position, guests at the Peninsula are privy to both soft powder sands and wild rocky shores lining crystal clear Caribbean waters. Decor is contemporary with a slightly sexy, upscale European vibe -- especially when lit at night. Even the lower category rooms are large and feel like suites, and have nice ocean views, walk-in showers, and separate spa tubs. The hotel has a social and fun (but not crazy party) vibe and can get noisy at night.
The 507-room Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All Inclusive resort is an upscale, family-friendly option with an excellent beachfront location in Cancun's Hotel Zone. Rooms feature simple contemporary decor, rainfall showers, coffeemakers, smart TVs, and minibars that are replenished daily free of charge. Many have wonderful ocean views, but getting a furnished balcony is the luck of the draw. Besides nine restaurants ranging from traditional Mexican to a steakhouse, the resort features a huge bi-level pool with a swim-up bar and a small water park for children, a kids’ club, and a spa. Daily activities are offered around the pool, while live music keeps things bustling until late at night. Families seeking something cheaper may want to compare rates at the Marriott Cancun Resort.
The 507-room Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All Inclusive resort is an upscale, family-friendly option with an excellent beachfront location in Cancun's Hotel Zone. Rooms feature simple contemporary decor, rainfall showers, coffeemakers, smart TVs, and minibars that are replenished daily free of charge. Many have wonderful ocean views, but getting a furnished balcony is the luck of the draw. Besides nine restaurants ranging from traditional Mexican to a steakhouse, the resort features a huge bi-level pool with a swim-up bar and a small water park for children, a kids’ club, and a spa. Daily activities are offered around the pool, while live music keeps things bustling until late at night. Families seeking something cheaper may want to compare rates at the Marriott Cancun Resort.