The Sunset Royal Cancun Resort is a three-and-a-half-pearl resort located within easy reach of some of Cancun's most popular bars and restaurants. It features a particularly pleasant stretch of Caribbean beach -- complete with lounge chairs and daybeds -- as well as a decent-enough swimming pool and a selection of dining options (all-inclusive rates are available). Apart from the renovated upper-level rooms, many are showing signs of wear, and poolside noise can be an issue. Overall, while it lives up to expectations for a resort of its price range, it's certainly not the most impressive option in the area. It may be worth comparing rates with the Beach Palace or Gran Caribe Resort.
The Sunset Royal Cancun Resort is a three-and-a-half-pearl resort located within easy reach of some of Cancun's most popular bars and restaurants. It features a particularly pleasant stretch of Caribbean beach -- complete with lounge chairs and daybeds -- as well as a decent-enough swimming pool and a selection of dining options (all-inclusive rates are available). Apart from the renovated upper-level rooms, many are showing signs of wear, and poolside noise can be an issue. Overall, while it lives up to expectations for a resort of its price range, it's certainly not the most impressive option in the area. It may be worth comparing rates with the Beach Palace or Gran Caribe Resort.
With very affordable rates for a beachfront property, Cancun Bay Resort attracts travelers on a budget, groups of friends, and families. A large circular pool with a lively swim-up bar, two restaurants, a stylish lobby with free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, and a second Quiet Pool make this budget hotel a competitive choice in the Hotel Zone. However, the rates are low for a reason: The 98 guest rooms are basic and suffer from dated decor and odd layouts. Suites lack privacy and kitchenettes aren't fully equipped. Amenities are also sparse, as guest rooms lack coffeemakers, mini-fridges, irons, or Wi-Fi. The hotel is also located at the northern end of the Hotel Zone, so guests have to drive or take a taxi to most restaurants and attractions.
With very affordable rates for a beachfront property, Cancun Bay Resort attracts travelers on a budget, groups of friends, and families. A large circular pool with a lively swim-up bar, two restaurants, a stylish lobby with free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, and a second Quiet Pool make this budget hotel a competitive choice in the Hotel Zone. However, the rates are low for a reason: The 98 guest rooms are basic and suffer from dated decor and odd layouts. Suites lack privacy and kitchenettes aren't fully equipped. Amenities are also sparse, as guest rooms lack coffeemakers, mini-fridges, irons, or Wi-Fi. The hotel is also located at the northern end of the Hotel Zone, so guests have to drive or take a taxi to most restaurants and attractions.
The Mayafair Design Hotel features an odd combination of decor. Housed in what appears to be a former, cheesy, Mayan-themed strip mall -- complete with non-working escalators -- the hotel now has modern touches like cool, new-age furniture in the lobby and rooms inspired by designers or fashion icons. Rooms are spacious and sleek with sexy open bathrooms. Some rooms offer large Jacuzzi tubs but others only have tube TVs and lack mini-fridges. There are few amenities at this hotel -- just one above ground Jacuzzi -- but it is within walking distance of the beach. This hotel is geared toward gay men and offers inexpensive rates, but visitors looking for more amenities can find other hotel options nearby at similar rates.
The Mayafair Design Hotel features an odd combination of decor. Housed in what appears to be a former, cheesy, Mayan-themed strip mall -- complete with non-working escalators -- the hotel now has modern touches like cool, new-age furniture in the lobby and rooms inspired by designers or fashion icons. Rooms are spacious and sleek with sexy open bathrooms. Some rooms offer large Jacuzzi tubs but others only have tube TVs and lack mini-fridges. There are few amenities at this hotel -- just one above ground Jacuzzi -- but it is within walking distance of the beach. This hotel is geared toward gay men and offers inexpensive rates, but visitors looking for more amenities can find other hotel options nearby at similar rates.
The Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas is a mid-range property with optional all-inclusive rates, on the far northern edge of the vibrant Hotel Zone. A bus or taxi ride is required to get anywhere (there are bus stops right next to the hotel) and the on-site amenities may leave something to be desired. Its two pools are small and there's no full spa (just massages available at a beach hut). The beach itself is notoriously full of seaweed, but daily activities keep kids busy. The 209 rooms are simple but bright, and have private balconies overlooking either the pools or ocean, plus suites have well-equipped kitchenettes. Those considering a more central location should consider the Fiesta Americana Villas Cancun, which has similar amenities near all the nightlife.
The Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas is a mid-range property with optional all-inclusive rates, on the far northern edge of the vibrant Hotel Zone. A bus or taxi ride is required to get anywhere (there are bus stops right next to the hotel) and the on-site amenities may leave something to be desired. Its two pools are small and there's no full spa (just massages available at a beach hut). The beach itself is notoriously full of seaweed, but daily activities keep kids busy. The 209 rooms are simple but bright, and have private balconies overlooking either the pools or ocean, plus suites have well-equipped kitchenettes. Those considering a more central location should consider the Fiesta Americana Villas Cancun, which has similar amenities near all the nightlife.
This upper-middle-range resort has been around the block -- but it's still one of the better kid-friendly all-inclusives for the price in the Hotel Zone. The rooms are on the bare side, but they're clean and almost all have at least partial ocean views from the balconies (a few suites face the lagoon). The features are more impressive: There are four pools (including a kiddy water park), 10 restaurants, two kids' clubs, a constant barrage of activities, and a gym and spa. Just note that there are some minor maintenance issues, and in-room Wi-Fi isn’t free. The Royal Solaris and GR Solaris Caribe are both similar properties with a similar busy, family-oriented vibe, so it may be worth comparing rates.
This upper-middle-range resort has been around the block -- but it's still one of the better kid-friendly all-inclusives for the price in the Hotel Zone. The rooms are on the bare side, but they're clean and almost all have at least partial ocean views from the balconies (a few suites face the lagoon). The features are more impressive: There are four pools (including a kiddy water park), 10 restaurants, two kids' clubs, a constant barrage of activities, and a gym and spa. Just note that there are some minor maintenance issues, and in-room Wi-Fi isn’t free. The Royal Solaris and GR Solaris Caribe are both similar properties with a similar busy, family-oriented vibe, so it may be worth comparing rates.
The 580-room Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa is an upscale property set on a pretty stretch of white-sand beach in the heart of the Hotel Zone. The bright rooms are chic and decorated in sandy, neutral tones; all feature fully equipped kitchens, furnished balconies with ocean views, and washer/dryers. The huge pool complex has a waterslide, swim-up bar, kiddy pool, and an oceanfront infinity-edge section; other on-site entertainment includes a kids' club, tennis, and mini-golf. There are two restaurants and two bars on-site, plus a stocked market and outdoor grills for guests that prefer to self-cater. There are a spa and fitness center, but Wi-Fi is only free for SPG members. This resort is not all-inclusive; for that, consider the Gran Caribe Resort, but lose the kitchens and washer/dryers.
The 580-room Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa is an upscale property set on a pretty stretch of white-sand beach in the heart of the Hotel Zone. The bright rooms are chic and decorated in sandy, neutral tones; all feature fully equipped kitchens, furnished balconies with ocean views, and washer/dryers. The huge pool complex has a waterslide, swim-up bar, kiddy pool, and an oceanfront infinity-edge section; other on-site entertainment includes a kids' club, tennis, and mini-golf. There are two restaurants and two bars on-site, plus a stocked market and outdoor grills for guests that prefer to self-cater. There are a spa and fitness center, but Wi-Fi is only free for SPG members. This resort is not all-inclusive; for that, consider the Gran Caribe Resort, but lose the kitchens and washer/dryers.
The 27-room Mia Cancun sits on the white-sand beach of the Hotel Zone. The terracotta and wood-beamed rooms are pretty typical -- most feature old tube TVs, furniture is sparse, and the only "flair" is thin floral comforters on the hard beds. But aside from some street noise in street-facing rooms, the hotel is a relaxing alternative to the mega-hotels that line the beach; the beachfront pristine pool with ocean views is not teeming with kids or underage partiers and the restaurants serve up nice affordable meals.
The 27-room Mia Cancun sits on the white-sand beach of the Hotel Zone. The terracotta and wood-beamed rooms are pretty typical -- most feature old tube TVs, furniture is sparse, and the only "flair" is thin floral comforters on the hard beds. But aside from some street noise in street-facing rooms, the hotel is a relaxing alternative to the mega-hotels that line the beach; the beachfront pristine pool with ocean views is not teeming with kids or underage partiers and the restaurants serve up nice affordable meals.
Occidental Costa Cancun hotel is a three-pearl all-inclusive beachfront property with 358 rooms in Cancun's Hotel Zone. Geared toward families, the resort is situated on a small stretch of beach with turquoise-blue water, palm trees, loungers, and soft white sand. Rooms are simple and dated, though some have sea-view balconies, and dining includes a 24-hour snack bar plus buffet and themed a la carte options. There's a large outdoor pool plus a decent fitness center and a spa with a free "sauna" area. True to its family-friendly ethos, the resort has a lively kids' club plus supervised activities. As an alternative, the Hotel Riu Caribe is nearby and has a more exclusive atmosphere plus a greater array of family- and adult-friendly services, though rates are higher.
Occidental Costa Cancun hotel is a three-pearl all-inclusive beachfront property with 358 rooms in Cancun's Hotel Zone. Geared toward families, the resort is situated on a small stretch of beach with turquoise-blue water, palm trees, loungers, and soft white sand. Rooms are simple and dated, though some have sea-view balconies, and dining includes a 24-hour snack bar plus buffet and themed a la carte options. There's a large outdoor pool plus a decent fitness center and a spa with a free "sauna" area. True to its family-friendly ethos, the resort has a lively kids' club plus supervised activities. As an alternative, the Hotel Riu Caribe is nearby and has a more exclusive atmosphere plus a greater array of family- and adult-friendly services, though rates are higher.
Set against the backdrop of the beach from which it takes its name, the Imperial Las Perlas Cancun Condos is a budget destination just inside the Cancun Hotel Zone, in between downtown and the area's tourist heart. The beach isn't one of Cancun's nicer stretches and the sand isn't powdery, but staff works hard to remove the seaweed that washes ashore. The age of the hotel shows in sagging wooden balconies, trim, and water-damaged paint on the exterior, and missing grout, peeling paint, and dated amenities inside. Many of the rooms feature seaside or lagoon views, but not all of them do. Cancun Bay Resort and Casa Maya Cancun are better beachfront picks for not too much more money.
Set against the backdrop of the beach from which it takes its name, the Imperial Las Perlas Cancun Condos is a budget destination just inside the Cancun Hotel Zone, in between downtown and the area's tourist heart. The beach isn't one of Cancun's nicer stretches and the sand isn't powdery, but staff works hard to remove the seaweed that washes ashore. The age of the hotel shows in sagging wooden balconies, trim, and water-damaged paint on the exterior, and missing grout, peeling paint, and dated amenities inside. Many of the rooms feature seaside or lagoon views, but not all of them do. Cancun Bay Resort and Casa Maya Cancun are better beachfront picks for not too much more money.
The five-room, upscale Casa Margarita Hotel Boutique is more like a Mediterranean villa than a hotel -- which makes sense, considering it used to be a private residence. It is well-suited to couples, and offers a quiet atmosphere and personalized service. All rooms feature big bathrooms with separate whirlpool tubs and showers. The chic infinity-edge pool and whirlpool overlook Nichupte Lagoon. The location in the Pok-ta-Pok residential and golf development is quiet, and about a 10-minute drive from the convention center and main beaches. Those who prefer a beachfront location in the heart of the Hotel Zone should consider Casa Turquesa, though its rooms aren't as nice.
The five-room, upscale Casa Margarita Hotel Boutique is more like a Mediterranean villa than a hotel -- which makes sense, considering it used to be a private residence. It is well-suited to couples, and offers a quiet atmosphere and personalized service. All rooms feature big bathrooms with separate whirlpool tubs and showers. The chic infinity-edge pool and whirlpool overlook Nichupte Lagoon. The location in the Pok-ta-Pok residential and golf development is quiet, and about a 10-minute drive from the convention center and main beaches. Those who prefer a beachfront location in the heart of the Hotel Zone should consider Casa Turquesa, though its rooms aren't as nice.