The Royal Caribbean is popular with retirees as well as families with children of various ages. It is one of the few Royal resorts that has not instituted the policy of requiring all-inclusive packages for non-time-share guests. This means that, while fewer amenities are included in the room price, guests are more free to explore what other nearby properties and restaurants have to offer. As with the other Royal venues, each group is assigned a concierge whose job is to sell time-shares to non-members. Overall, the facilities are clean and beach well-maintained, but service is reportedly less oriented towards non-time-share guests than at other Royal properties.
The Royal Caribbean is popular with retirees as well as families with children of various ages. It is one of the few Royal resorts that has not instituted the policy of requiring all-inclusive packages for non-time-share guests. This means that, while fewer amenities are included in the room price, guests are more free to explore what other nearby properties and restaurants have to offer. As with the other Royal venues, each group is assigned a concierge whose job is to sell time-shares to non-members. Overall, the facilities are clean and beach well-maintained, but service is reportedly less oriented towards non-time-share guests than at other Royal properties.
The upper-middle-range NYX Hotel Cancun is a beach resort in the Hotel Zone with plenty of features for both couples and families. Only parts of the hotel have been renovated, so decor is mixed -- some areas have chic, modern decor, while others combine slightly old-fashioned Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial flair. The 163 rooms are similarly modern or more old-fashioned, but all have flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, plus some have sea views from private balconies. An optional all-inclusive meal plan is available for its restaurants, one of which serves international cuisine and has a deck overlooking the Caribbean. The hotel also has two swimming pools, a lobby bar, spa services, and a tiny fitness center. Travelers might also consider the Fiesta Americana Villas Cancun, which has a more family-oriented atmosphere but higher rates.
The upper-middle-range NYX Hotel Cancun is a beach resort in the Hotel Zone with plenty of features for both couples and families. Only parts of the hotel have been renovated, so decor is mixed -- some areas have chic, modern decor, while others combine slightly old-fashioned Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial flair. The 163 rooms are similarly modern or more old-fashioned, but all have flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, plus some have sea views from private balconies. An optional all-inclusive meal plan is available for its restaurants, one of which serves international cuisine and has a deck overlooking the Caribbean. The hotel also has two swimming pools, a lobby bar, spa services, and a tiny fitness center. Travelers might also consider the Fiesta Americana Villas Cancun, which has a more family-oriented atmosphere but higher rates.
The upscale, all-inclusive Panama Jack Resorts Cancun is a family-friendly beachfront property in the Hotel Zone, and one of the best values in Cancun. The competitive prices draw a fair number of partiers, and there are lots of poolside activities such as tequila volleyball. But the resort draws plenty of families as well, thanks to its two pools (neither very large or with a swim-up bar), kiddy splash park with a pirate ship and slides, and evening entertainment. Multiple restaurants and bars include buffet and Italian options, and food receives mostly positive reviews. Updated in 2017-18, the 458 rooms are stylish and beachy, all with hammock-equipped terraces (some with stunning views) and showers. On the downside, walls are a bit thin and shade is limited around the beach. Those looking for more and larger amenities should consider the luxurious Hyatt Ziva Cancun, though rates are higher.
The upscale, all-inclusive Panama Jack Resorts Cancun is a family-friendly beachfront property in the Hotel Zone, and one of the best values in Cancun. The competitive prices draw a fair number of partiers, and there are lots of poolside activities such as tequila volleyball. But the resort draws plenty of families as well, thanks to its two pools (neither very large or with a swim-up bar), kiddy splash park with a pirate ship and slides, and evening entertainment. Multiple restaurants and bars include buffet and Italian options, and food receives mostly positive reviews. Updated in 2017-18, the 458 rooms are stylish and beachy, all with hammock-equipped terraces (some with stunning views) and showers. On the downside, walls are a bit thin and shade is limited around the beach. Those looking for more and larger amenities should consider the luxurious Hyatt Ziva Cancun, though rates are higher.
The value hotel caters mostly to scuba divers and families, with a location near the ferry to Isla Mujeres, quiet atmosphere, manicured gardens, and on-site dive center. The 90 rooms are spare but comfortable enough to have a good night's sleep. The pool area features relaxing shaded areas with loungers and there is a paddling pool for kids. Guests traveling by boat can use the hotel's own marina for a fee. Playa Langosta and local restaurants are within walking distance, but for a beachfront option in the Hotel Zone consider the slightly pricier Flamingo Cancun Resort.
The value hotel caters mostly to scuba divers and families, with a location near the ferry to Isla Mujeres, quiet atmosphere, manicured gardens, and on-site dive center. The 90 rooms are spare but comfortable enough to have a good night's sleep. The pool area features relaxing shaded areas with loungers and there is a paddling pool for kids. Guests traveling by boat can use the hotel's own marina for a fee. Playa Langosta and local restaurants are within walking distance, but for a beachfront option in the Hotel Zone consider the slightly pricier Flamingo Cancun Resort.
The 288-room Park Royal Cancun is a mid-range all-inclusive option that is a bit smaller than some of the mega-resorts in Cancun. Rooms are simple and dated, with color schemes reflecting the Caribbean Sea, and guests that upgrade to some suites get balconies, some with whirlpool tubs. Dining is limited to two restaurants, one serving buffets for all meals and one serving Mediterranean fare for dinner only. Activities are plentiful on the beautiful beach and at the pool, and both kids and adults have their own pool plus a play area. However, there are fees for Wi-Fi and using the gym, and maintenance issues can be a drag. Travelers who would prefer an adult-only resort should consider the Golden Parnassus, which is cheaper and has marginally nicer rooms.
The 288-room Park Royal Cancun is a mid-range all-inclusive option that is a bit smaller than some of the mega-resorts in Cancun. Rooms are simple and dated, with color schemes reflecting the Caribbean Sea, and guests that upgrade to some suites get balconies, some with whirlpool tubs. Dining is limited to two restaurants, one serving buffets for all meals and one serving Mediterranean fare for dinner only. Activities are plentiful on the beautiful beach and at the pool, and both kids and adults have their own pool plus a play area. However, there are fees for Wi-Fi and using the gym, and maintenance issues can be a drag. Travelers who would prefer an adult-only resort should consider the Golden Parnassus, which is cheaper and has marginally nicer rooms.
Smart Cancun by Oasis is a mid-sized, upper-middle-range hotel located in downtown Cancun. It’s not on the beach and doesn’t look like much from the outside, but renovations are apparent in the lobby, rooms, and grounds: mod pop-art adorns the walls, the pool area is upscale and attractive, and the rooms are sleek and modern. Trendy amenities like an art gallery, nightclub, and pool parties attract a young and chic crowd. The scene is fun for grownups and doesn't get out of control. For those who must have direct beach access, check rates at Hotel Riu Caribe.
Smart Cancun by Oasis is a mid-sized, upper-middle-range hotel located in downtown Cancun. It’s not on the beach and doesn’t look like much from the outside, but renovations are apparent in the lobby, rooms, and grounds: mod pop-art adorns the walls, the pool area is upscale and attractive, and the rooms are sleek and modern. Trendy amenities like an art gallery, nightclub, and pool parties attract a young and chic crowd. The scene is fun for grownups and doesn't get out of control. For those who must have direct beach access, check rates at Hotel Riu Caribe.
A business-class hotel with European style and minimalistic approach, Ambiance Suites is a 47-room, mid-range hotel that manages to pull off what many other downtown Cancun hotels cannot: comfort, style, and value. From the work stations in the suites, to the meeting rooms on the first floor, to the location in the heart of centro Cancun, it’s clearly geared toward business travelers -- though there is a small pool that leisure guests might appreciate. And while the views at the Las Americas Towers across the street might be better, prices are typically lower here.
A business-class hotel with European style and minimalistic approach, Ambiance Suites is a 47-room, mid-range hotel that manages to pull off what many other downtown Cancun hotels cannot: comfort, style, and value. From the work stations in the suites, to the meeting rooms on the first floor, to the location in the heart of centro Cancun, it’s clearly geared toward business travelers -- though there is a small pool that leisure guests might appreciate. And while the views at the Las Americas Towers across the street might be better, prices are typically lower here.
This large, full-service all-inclusive resort in the Cancun hotel district directly overlooks the white-sand beach that’s a hallmark of this popular Mexican vacation destination. The Royal Sands offers a nice variety of freebies ranging from thatched beach umbrellas to tennis courts to a well-equipped fitness center. The property, which was once a time-share, now receives temporary guests, though the purchase of an all-inclusive package is mandatory for the latter. Longstanding tenants have commented that the all-inclusive policy has overtaxed the staff. The Royal Sands appeals to families attracted to the daytime activities and sports offerings, though more recently it has begun to draw a younger clientele.
This large, full-service all-inclusive resort in the Cancun hotel district directly overlooks the white-sand beach that’s a hallmark of this popular Mexican vacation destination. The Royal Sands offers a nice variety of freebies ranging from thatched beach umbrellas to tennis courts to a well-equipped fitness center. The property, which was once a time-share, now receives temporary guests, though the purchase of an all-inclusive package is mandatory for the latter. Longstanding tenants have commented that the all-inclusive policy has overtaxed the staff. The Royal Sands appeals to families attracted to the daytime activities and sports offerings, though more recently it has begun to draw a younger clientele.
This 300-room upscale resort stands out for its truly massive stretch of white-sand beach, one of the largest and least crowded of any resort in Cancun. The location is a bit outside the heart of the Hotel Zone and slightly quieter, but still walking distance to the restaurants in Maya Fair Plaza. The resort is one of the oldest in Cancun but underwent a massive renovation in 2014. Rooms are modern if chain-like, and all have balconies with lagoon or ocean views (or both). Property features include two restaurants, two pools (one for adults, one for families), and meeting space. Those who prefer an all-inclusive option may want to check out the nearby Riu Palace Las Americas or Dream Sands.
This 300-room upscale resort stands out for its truly massive stretch of white-sand beach, one of the largest and least crowded of any resort in Cancun. The location is a bit outside the heart of the Hotel Zone and slightly quieter, but still walking distance to the restaurants in Maya Fair Plaza. The resort is one of the oldest in Cancun but underwent a massive renovation in 2014. Rooms are modern if chain-like, and all have balconies with lagoon or ocean views (or both). Property features include two restaurants, two pools (one for adults, one for families), and meeting space. Those who prefer an all-inclusive option may want to check out the nearby Riu Palace Las Americas or Dream Sands.
This 10-room value hotel is a family-owned operation that relocated to a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of downtown Cancun at the end of 2015. It is a budget boutique destination, with stained-glass windows, plants, and Mexican antiques throughout. In some ways the new outpost is inferior to the old one; there are shared bathrooms for half of the rooms and the location is a 10-minute drive to the heart of downtown, or a 30-minute drive from Hotel Zone beaches. Those looking for more central rooms may consider the Hotel Xbalamque.
This 10-room value hotel is a family-owned operation that relocated to a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of downtown Cancun at the end of 2015. It is a budget boutique destination, with stained-glass windows, plants, and Mexican antiques throughout. In some ways the new outpost is inferior to the old one; there are shared bathrooms for half of the rooms and the location is a 10-minute drive to the heart of downtown, or a 30-minute drive from Hotel Zone beaches. Those looking for more central rooms may consider the Hotel Xbalamque.