Guests that can overlook the bland, outdated rooms here will find a budget hotel with several features for the low rates, including a beachfront area, two pools, and a solid location at the northern end of the Hotel Zone. The pools, while appealing, are often packed to capacity given the size of this 132-room property. Two restaurants, tennis courts, and a gym are also on the grounds. Unfortunately, the beach is narrow with an odd layout that only allows for a small patch of sand. Other loungers and cabanas are set above the beach in paved areas or on grass, but they do have beautiful views.
Guests that can overlook the bland, outdated rooms here will find a budget hotel with several features for the low rates, including a beachfront area, two pools, and a solid location at the northern end of the Hotel Zone. The pools, while appealing, are often packed to capacity given the size of this 132-room property. Two restaurants, tennis courts, and a gym are also on the grounds. Unfortunately, the beach is narrow with an odd layout that only allows for a small patch of sand. Other loungers and cabanas are set above the beach in paved areas or on grass, but they do have beautiful views.
The 177-room Aloft Cancun is an upper-middle-range Starwood hotel that combines urban, hip decor with business-class amenities. It's located at the Cancun International Convention Center (and under the same ownership), in the heart of the Hotel Zone next to a shopping mall and within a five-minute walk of Mandala Beach Club, where guests get access. It's a good value for this category, but those seeking a more typical all-inclusive beach experience might want to consider the (pricier) Hotel Riu.
The 177-room Aloft Cancun is an upper-middle-range Starwood hotel that combines urban, hip decor with business-class amenities. It's located at the Cancun International Convention Center (and under the same ownership), in the heart of the Hotel Zone next to a shopping mall and within a five-minute walk of Mandala Beach Club, where guests get access. It's a good value for this category, but those seeking a more typical all-inclusive beach experience might want to consider the (pricier) Hotel Riu.
Hostal Mayapan is a no-frills budget hostel set in the Hotel Zone in the old, mostly abandoned Maya Fair Plaza, across the street from Playa Caracol and 15 minutes on foot from several other beaches. The grime and wear and tear are often noted by guests. The rooms are set up in old office spaces that have been renovated into dorms and private quarters, with limited air-conditioning that depends on how many guests are staying in a room. The noise from surrounding restaurants and streets can be a bit much for some. Mezcal Hostel is nicer and has a pool, but it's located downtown.
Hostal Mayapan is a no-frills budget hostel set in the Hotel Zone in the old, mostly abandoned Maya Fair Plaza, across the street from Playa Caracol and 15 minutes on foot from several other beaches. The grime and wear and tear are often noted by guests. The rooms are set up in old office spaces that have been renovated into dorms and private quarters, with limited air-conditioning that depends on how many guests are staying in a room. The noise from surrounding restaurants and streets can be a bit much for some. Mezcal Hostel is nicer and has a pool, but it's located downtown.
The three-and-a-half-pearl, all-inclusive Royal Cancun, an All Suites Resort is a kid-friendly beachfront property in the heart of Cancun's touristy Hotel Zone. All 201 contemporary suites have two bedrooms and come with fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas, and furnished balconies. There's a large on-site supermarket for those who want to cook their own meals or travelers can take advantage of available all-inclusive packages for the three on-site restaurants. There are plenty of on-site activities ranging from spa treatments and sailing to beach volleyball and water aerobics, plus children can utilize the supervised kids' club. The target audience here is definitely families, and couples looking for something a bit more romantic may want to consider the Presidente InterContinental Cancun Resort.
The three-and-a-half-pearl, all-inclusive Royal Cancun, an All Suites Resort is a kid-friendly beachfront property in the heart of Cancun's touristy Hotel Zone. All 201 contemporary suites have two bedrooms and come with fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas, and furnished balconies. There's a large on-site supermarket for those who want to cook their own meals or travelers can take advantage of available all-inclusive packages for the three on-site restaurants. There are plenty of on-site activities ranging from spa treatments and sailing to beach volleyball and water aerobics, plus children can utilize the supervised kids' club. The target audience here is definitely families, and couples looking for something a bit more romantic may want to consider the Presidente InterContinental Cancun Resort.
The upper-middle-range Golden Parnassus is a dated adult-only, all-inclusive resort in Cancun's popular Hotel Zone. The laid-back vibe and friendly staff draw many repeat guests, while daily activities and entertainment keep them busy. All 214 rooms come with small furnished balconies, air-conditioning, and marble baths, plus some add two-person hot tubs and robes. Unfortunately, decor is old-fashioned, simple, and in need of an update, and entry-level units lack fridges and coffeemakers. There are multiple restaurants to choose from, including Mexican and Japanese cuisines and a creperie. The ocean-view pool is well-sized, but this one doesn't have a swim-up bar. On that note, this place can get a bit rowdy, so peace-seeking guests should ask for a higher-floor room. Kids aren't welcome here, so families should consider the more contemporary Panama Jack Resorts.
The upper-middle-range Golden Parnassus is a dated adult-only, all-inclusive resort in Cancun's popular Hotel Zone. The laid-back vibe and friendly staff draw many repeat guests, while daily activities and entertainment keep them busy. All 214 rooms come with small furnished balconies, air-conditioning, and marble baths, plus some add two-person hot tubs and robes. Unfortunately, decor is old-fashioned, simple, and in need of an update, and entry-level units lack fridges and coffeemakers. There are multiple restaurants to choose from, including Mexican and Japanese cuisines and a creperie. The ocean-view pool is well-sized, but this one doesn't have a swim-up bar. On that note, this place can get a bit rowdy, so peace-seeking guests should ask for a higher-floor room. Kids aren't welcome here, so families should consider the more contemporary Panama Jack Resorts.
This 346-room all-inclusive, family-friendly upscale hotel is situated along the Nichupte Lagoon's expansive white-sand beach, just a 15-minute drive from Cancun Airport. Rooms and suites are spacious with marble floors, balconies, minibars, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs, while three-story villas hold fully equipped kitchens. Wi-Fi, though, is spotty. Dining options can feel a little more limited than they seem, since not every restaurant is open every night, but there’s still a buffet, sushi bar, the popular, reservations-only DaVinci’s, plus poolside and beachside options. There’s plenty to do with beach access, three big pools, a 35-person mega-whirlpool, daily activities, tennis and basketball courts, a big fitness center, and a spa. While the hotel has undergone a series of recent renovations, some areas can feel dated. Those looking for a dash more luxury might consider the nearby Paradisus Cancun.
This 346-room all-inclusive, family-friendly upscale hotel is situated along the Nichupte Lagoon's expansive white-sand beach, just a 15-minute drive from Cancun Airport. Rooms and suites are spacious with marble floors, balconies, minibars, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs, while three-story villas hold fully equipped kitchens. Wi-Fi, though, is spotty. Dining options can feel a little more limited than they seem, since not every restaurant is open every night, but there’s still a buffet, sushi bar, the popular, reservations-only DaVinci’s, plus poolside and beachside options. There’s plenty to do with beach access, three big pools, a 35-person mega-whirlpool, daily activities, tennis and basketball courts, a big fitness center, and a spa. While the hotel has undergone a series of recent renovations, some areas can feel dated. Those looking for a dash more luxury might consider the nearby Paradisus Cancun.
The upscale, 601-room Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is a large family-friendly, all-inclusive resort along a beautiful beach in the Hotel Zone, with tons of features for all types of travelers. A gorgeous infinity pool with ocean views and two popular swim-up bars, a great spa, and daybeds along the beach provide relaxation opportunities, while daytime activities, live nightly shows, and a kids’ club offer entertainment. Multiple well-regarded restaurants serve Mexican, Asian, Italian, and international buffet fare, while seven bars serve top-shelf liquor. All of the spacious, contemporary rooms have attractive decor, open bathrooms with double jetted tubs, furnished balconies with ocean or lagoon views, and flat-screen TVs. It's a solid choice for couples and groups, but families should note that it can get rowdy at times, especially in the swim-up bar areas. Additionally, past guests have complained of maintenance issues and a lack of loungers by the pool. For a more low-key kid-friendly resort, consider Panama Jack Resort Cancun.
The upscale, 601-room Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is a large family-friendly, all-inclusive resort along a beautiful beach in the Hotel Zone, with tons of features for all types of travelers. A gorgeous infinity pool with ocean views and two popular swim-up bars, a great spa, and daybeds along the beach provide relaxation opportunities, while daytime activities, live nightly shows, and a kids’ club offer entertainment. Multiple well-regarded restaurants serve Mexican, Asian, Italian, and international buffet fare, while seven bars serve top-shelf liquor. All of the spacious, contemporary rooms have attractive decor, open bathrooms with double jetted tubs, furnished balconies with ocean or lagoon views, and flat-screen TVs. It's a solid choice for couples and groups, but families should note that it can get rowdy at times, especially in the swim-up bar areas. Additionally, past guests have complained of maintenance issues and a lack of loungers by the pool. For a more low-key kid-friendly resort, consider Panama Jack Resort Cancun.
Marriott's 4-pearl, 450-room CasaMagna Cancun Resort is located directly on the Hotel Zone's white powder-sand beaches. Rooms have marble bathrooms, classic decor touches, and comfortable beds, but can feature slightly dated technology. A kids' club and children's pool make it family-friendly (as does the hotel mascot, Pancho); while the swim-up infinity pool bar, extra-large hot tub, spa area, and raucous sports bar are ideal for adults. Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby, but some people may snag signal as far as the beach or even in lower-level rooms. Features have reciprocity with the next door JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa -- which also has a less dated vibe. Beware of Vacation Club sales.
Marriott's 4-pearl, 450-room CasaMagna Cancun Resort is located directly on the Hotel Zone's white powder-sand beaches. Rooms have marble bathrooms, classic decor touches, and comfortable beds, but can feature slightly dated technology. A kids' club and children's pool make it family-friendly (as does the hotel mascot, Pancho); while the swim-up infinity pool bar, extra-large hot tub, spa area, and raucous sports bar are ideal for adults. Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby, but some people may snag signal as far as the beach or even in lower-level rooms. Features have reciprocity with the next door JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa -- which also has a less dated vibe. Beware of Vacation Club sales.
The 306-room GR Solaris Cancun is located directly on the beach in Cancun's Hotel Zone. This resort is ideal for families and social couples looking for a budget-friendly all-inclusive vacation reminiscent of a landlocked cruise ship. Jam-packed with a ton of features and activities including a lively main pool with swim-up bar, a kids' club, live entertainment, and many venues for grabbing a bite or a beverage, the vibe is busy, fun and social (without being obnoxious). However, those expecting a luxury property may be disappointed with the hotel's basic appearance, and may fare better at sister property GR Caribe.
The 306-room GR Solaris Cancun is located directly on the beach in Cancun's Hotel Zone. This resort is ideal for families and social couples looking for a budget-friendly all-inclusive vacation reminiscent of a landlocked cruise ship. Jam-packed with a ton of features and activities including a lively main pool with swim-up bar, a kids' club, live entertainment, and many venues for grabbing a bite or a beverage, the vibe is busy, fun and social (without being obnoxious). However, those expecting a luxury property may be disappointed with the hotel's basic appearance, and may fare better at sister property GR Caribe.
The 345-room upper-middle-range Grand Oasis Palm is an all-inclusive resort located in Cancun's tourist-friendly Hotel Zone, built on a calm lagoon with quiet surf. The resort is ultra kid-oriented, so guests seeking a quiet romantic vacation may want to check out the nearby adults-only Grand Oasis Sens. Nonetheless, the Grand Oasis has a wide variety of outdoor activities for land and sea lovers of all ages, with spacious rooms that offer lagoon or pool views. An abundance of restaurant and bar options, both on-site and off property, are available as well. Watch out for extra fees for booze and Wi-Fi, and pushy time-share pitches.
The 345-room upper-middle-range Grand Oasis Palm is an all-inclusive resort located in Cancun's tourist-friendly Hotel Zone, built on a calm lagoon with quiet surf. The resort is ultra kid-oriented, so guests seeking a quiet romantic vacation may want to check out the nearby adults-only Grand Oasis Sens. Nonetheless, the Grand Oasis has a wide variety of outdoor activities for land and sea lovers of all ages, with spacious rooms that offer lagoon or pool views. An abundance of restaurant and bar options, both on-site and off property, are available as well. Watch out for extra fees for booze and Wi-Fi, and pushy time-share pitches.