On the northern end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the Sunset Marina Resort & Yacht Club, with all-inclusive options, is a mid-sized property that is small enough to offer personalized service but large enough to have amenities that satisfy many preferences, including four eateries, and multiple bar and activities. Lodgings are spacious, with marble floors and vaguely Mediterranean decor, but the beds are reportedly hard and uncomfortable. The property's main drawback is that it faces the lagoon and does not have a swimmable beach. However, guests can take a free shuttle bus or water taxi to visit the hotel’s sister property, Sunset Royal Beach Resort, which has a gorgeous stretch of sand and a snazzy pool.
On the northern end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the Sunset Marina Resort & Yacht Club, with all-inclusive options, is a mid-sized property that is small enough to offer personalized service but large enough to have amenities that satisfy many preferences, including four eateries, and multiple bar and activities. Lodgings are spacious, with marble floors and vaguely Mediterranean decor, but the beds are reportedly hard and uncomfortable. The property's main drawback is that it faces the lagoon and does not have a swimmable beach. However, guests can take a free shuttle bus or water taxi to visit the hotel’s sister property, Sunset Royal Beach Resort, which has a gorgeous stretch of sand and a snazzy pool.
Villas Marlin is a gated, mid-range condominium community at KM 13 of the Hotel Zone. The villas have a good location across the street from a large mall and in front of a beautiful stretch of beach. All units are privately owned and individually furnished, so the quality of the villas varies greatly. As with most condo properties, the Villas Marlin lacks the amenities of a full resort -- it doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, fitness center, spa, or water sports provider. Guests who desire apartment-style living or who are coming for a longer stay would do well here, and most rental agencies offer reasonable rates for the units. Just note that this is an older property, and it shows in places.
Villas Marlin is a gated, mid-range condominium community at KM 13 of the Hotel Zone. The villas have a good location across the street from a large mall and in front of a beautiful stretch of beach. All units are privately owned and individually furnished, so the quality of the villas varies greatly. As with most condo properties, the Villas Marlin lacks the amenities of a full resort -- it doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, fitness center, spa, or water sports provider. Guests who desire apartment-style living or who are coming for a longer stay would do well here, and most rental agencies offer reasonable rates for the units. Just note that this is an older property, and it shows in places.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Cancun, located in downtown, is a well-priced, mid-range option for families, business travelers, and vacationers looking to save money and who don’t mind not being on the beach. The 137 rooms are modern and spacious with all the expected amenities of a chain hotel: safes, iPod docks, microwaves, and mini-fridges. There are nice extra here, like a free breakfast buffet, fitness center, and shuttle to the beach, but this may not be the property of your tropical vacation dreams. It is a minimum 10-minute drive to the beach and most attractions, and the pool area is small. Krystal Cancun is a three pearl option on the beach, though some rooms are rundown.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Cancun, located in downtown, is a well-priced, mid-range option for families, business travelers, and vacationers looking to save money and who don’t mind not being on the beach. The 137 rooms are modern and spacious with all the expected amenities of a chain hotel: safes, iPod docks, microwaves, and mini-fridges. There are nice extra here, like a free breakfast buffet, fitness center, and shuttle to the beach, but this may not be the property of your tropical vacation dreams. It is a minimum 10-minute drive to the beach and most attractions, and the pool area is small. Krystal Cancun is a three pearl option on the beach, though some rooms are rundown.
The Solymar Beach & Resort is a mid-range hotel on a stunning stretch of beach in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. This all-inclusive-optional property was built in 1989 and is in need of major renovation; it looks tired and dated throughout, from the old rattling elevators to the shabby hallways. The 85 rooms are locked with old-style keys, and many still have tube TVs. There are many instances of broken furniture and signs of mold in the bedrooms and bathrooms, and cleanliness isn’t great either. Nevertheless, the hotel occupies a gorgeous stretch of beach, and there are two inviting pools, so bargain hunters looking for a beachfront Cancun hotel may find the Solymar passable. Other amenities include a buffet restaurant, snack and pool bars, tennis court, and a massage hut on the beach. Budget travelers should also consider the Cancun Bay Resort or the Oasis Palm Hotel.
The Solymar Beach & Resort is a mid-range hotel on a stunning stretch of beach in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. This all-inclusive-optional property was built in 1989 and is in need of major renovation; it looks tired and dated throughout, from the old rattling elevators to the shabby hallways. The 85 rooms are locked with old-style keys, and many still have tube TVs. There are many instances of broken furniture and signs of mold in the bedrooms and bathrooms, and cleanliness isn’t great either. Nevertheless, the hotel occupies a gorgeous stretch of beach, and there are two inviting pools, so bargain hunters looking for a beachfront Cancun hotel may find the Solymar passable. Other amenities include a buffet restaurant, snack and pool bars, tennis court, and a massage hut on the beach. Budget travelers should also consider the Cancun Bay Resort or the Oasis Palm Hotel.
Suites Sina is a 38-room mid-range hotel in the Pok-Ta-Pok residential area on the Nichpute Lagoon. It dates to the mid-80s and is still run by the same family, whose hospitality and attention to detail is often noted by guests. The suites underwent extensive renovations in 2014 and 2015, and are nicer than the rooms at the similarly priced Grand Royal Lagoon nearby. The lagoon-view pool here is also larger and was updated in 2015 with new tile. While there’s a certain charm in this section of Cancun, which offers sunrise views over the lagoon, this is still primarily a self-service vacation option; those looking for direct beach access and all-inclusive amenities won't find them here.
Suites Sina is a 38-room mid-range hotel in the Pok-Ta-Pok residential area on the Nichpute Lagoon. It dates to the mid-80s and is still run by the same family, whose hospitality and attention to detail is often noted by guests. The suites underwent extensive renovations in 2014 and 2015, and are nicer than the rooms at the similarly priced Grand Royal Lagoon nearby. The lagoon-view pool here is also larger and was updated in 2015 with new tile. While there’s a certain charm in this section of Cancun, which offers sunrise views over the lagoon, this is still primarily a self-service vacation option; those looking for direct beach access and all-inclusive amenities won't find them here.
The 156-room Iberostar Cancun Star Prestige is an adults-only all-inclusive property with a stellar beachfront location a 14-minute drive south from the Hotel Zone. Guests here have access to all the facilities and eateries at next-door Iberostar Cancun, plus there are an ocean-view infinity pool with a swim-up bar, large lounger-equipped beach area, and restaurant serving excellent buffets for breakfast and lunch and tasty a la carte dishes for dinner with an emphasis on seafood. Spacious rooms are modern and stylish, with ocean-inspired decor, ocean-view balconies with hot tubs, Bluetooth, and dining tables. On the downside, slippers aren't provided, the Smart TV can be buggy, and hallway noise can be an issue. It's worth noting that the spa and gym are in the kid-friendly section, and nearly all Iberostar Cancun restaurants allow children. For a truly adult-only experience, consider the Sun Palace Hotel.
The 156-room Iberostar Cancun Star Prestige is an adults-only all-inclusive property with a stellar beachfront location a 14-minute drive south from the Hotel Zone. Guests here have access to all the facilities and eateries at next-door Iberostar Cancun, plus there are an ocean-view infinity pool with a swim-up bar, large lounger-equipped beach area, and restaurant serving excellent buffets for breakfast and lunch and tasty a la carte dishes for dinner with an emphasis on seafood. Spacious rooms are modern and stylish, with ocean-inspired decor, ocean-view balconies with hot tubs, Bluetooth, and dining tables. On the downside, slippers aren't provided, the Smart TV can be buggy, and hallway noise can be an issue. It's worth noting that the spa and gym are in the kid-friendly section, and nearly all Iberostar Cancun restaurants allow children. For a truly adult-only experience, consider the Sun Palace Hotel.
The 138-room, upscale Royal Service at Paradisus Cancun is an adults-only all-inclusive property with a beautiful beach setting south of the bustling Hotel Zone. Renovations completed in 2017 brought a fresh, beachy style to the rooms, which all have furnished balconies, swish rainfall showers, espresso machines, and daily restocked minibars. However, some suites and most common areas feel older and in need of an update. A big winding pool with a hot tub, surrounding daybeds, and bar service, plus visitors have free access to a hydrotherapy area at the spa. Note that the spa, gym, and all but two dining spots are located at the kid-friendly Paradisus Cancun next door. Also on the downside, food at most eateries gets average feedback and the included butler service receives mixed reviews. For a truly luxe adults-only experience, consider Hyatt Zilara Cancun.
The 138-room, upscale Royal Service at Paradisus Cancun is an adults-only all-inclusive property with a beautiful beach setting south of the bustling Hotel Zone. Renovations completed in 2017 brought a fresh, beachy style to the rooms, which all have furnished balconies, swish rainfall showers, espresso machines, and daily restocked minibars. However, some suites and most common areas feel older and in need of an update. A big winding pool with a hot tub, surrounding daybeds, and bar service, plus visitors have free access to a hydrotherapy area at the spa. Note that the spa, gym, and all but two dining spots are located at the kid-friendly Paradisus Cancun next door. Also on the downside, food at most eateries gets average feedback and the included butler service receives mixed reviews. For a truly luxe adults-only experience, consider Hyatt Zilara Cancun.
Situated just south of Cancun, Haven Riviera Cancun is an adults-only property offering a quieter alternative to some of the more boisterous all-inclusive resorts farther up the coast. All 333 rooms here have private balconies or terraces with either whirlpool tubs or swim-up pool access, and most have views of the ocean and/or main pool. Those in the Serenity Club category add special perks a such as a dedicated beach area and exclusive lounge access. Dining options include a couple of buffet restaurants plus Mediterranean and pan-Asian options. There are also a few bars along with a nightclub with regular entertainment. It’s a great, contemporary pick for low-key vacationers, but travelers who want to keep busy may prefer the Secrets The Vine Cancun, which has more on-site activities.
Situated just south of Cancun, Haven Riviera Cancun is an adults-only property offering a quieter alternative to some of the more boisterous all-inclusive resorts farther up the coast. All 333 rooms here have private balconies or terraces with either whirlpool tubs or swim-up pool access, and most have views of the ocean and/or main pool. Those in the Serenity Club category add special perks a such as a dedicated beach area and exclusive lounge access. Dining options include a couple of buffet restaurants plus Mediterranean and pan-Asian options. There are also a few bars along with a nightclub with regular entertainment. It’s a great, contemporary pick for low-key vacationers, but travelers who want to keep busy may prefer the Secrets The Vine Cancun, which has more on-site activities.
This no-frills hostel is most notable for its convenient downtown location and rock-bottom prices. The rooms are typical of a budget hostel: plain, shared dorms with bunk beds, plus private quarters available upon request. There is a small outdoor pool that doesn't have any restrictions on visiting hours, but the grimy concrete from the unfinished building next door is unsightly. There is also visible wear and grime throughout the property's interior. Hostel Mezcal is a much better hostel option, though it has more of a party vibe.
This no-frills hostel is most notable for its convenient downtown location and rock-bottom prices. The rooms are typical of a budget hostel: plain, shared dorms with bunk beds, plus private quarters available upon request. There is a small outdoor pool that doesn't have any restrictions on visiting hours, but the grimy concrete from the unfinished building next door is unsightly. There is also visible wear and grime throughout the property's interior. Hostel Mezcal is a much better hostel option, though it has more of a party vibe.
Overlooking a stunning beach by the southern tip of the Hotel Zone, this adults-only property oozes tranquility. Its serene white and red decor -- with billowy curtains everywhere -- and a somewhat secluded spot far from the booming nightlife set this upscale boutique apart from the mega-resorts located just north of it. The Bel Air Collection has 155 chic, minimalist (if low-frills) rooms, trendy common areas, a wonderful spa, and a gorgeous infinity pool with ocean views. It’s a great pick for a relaxed, romantic getaway.
Overlooking a stunning beach by the southern tip of the Hotel Zone, this adults-only property oozes tranquility. Its serene white and red decor -- with billowy curtains everywhere -- and a somewhat secluded spot far from the booming nightlife set this upscale boutique apart from the mega-resorts located just north of it. The Bel Air Collection has 155 chic, minimalist (if low-frills) rooms, trendy common areas, a wonderful spa, and a gorgeous infinity pool with ocean views. It’s a great pick for a relaxed, romantic getaway.