In the northern area of the Hotel Zone, this budget property offers a range of amenities at affordable rates. The hotel caters to families, groups, and locals with a children’s play area, a mini-golf course, pool games, and activities throughout the day. Public space include two pools, a pretty beach, a whirlpool area, and two restaurants. Unfortunately, the 172 guest rooms are showing their age and in some cases need repair, but they are a comfortable size for families. And the beach's calm waters are also a boon for parents with young kids, although this sandy strip is small and the water is shallow. The beaches at Casa Maya Cancun or Krystal Cancun, for example, are much nicer.
In the northern area of the Hotel Zone, this budget property offers a range of amenities at affordable rates. The hotel caters to families, groups, and locals with a children’s play area, a mini-golf course, pool games, and activities throughout the day. Public space include two pools, a pretty beach, a whirlpool area, and two restaurants. Unfortunately, the 172 guest rooms are showing their age and in some cases need repair, but they are a comfortable size for families. And the beach's calm waters are also a boon for parents with young kids, although this sandy strip is small and the water is shallow. The beaches at Casa Maya Cancun or Krystal Cancun, for example, are much nicer.
The 436-room Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa is an upscale all-inclusive that attracts both party-minded couples and groups, and families. It's on the smaller side for Cancun, with just two pools, though the white-sand beach with calm, shallow waters is a highlight when compared to many area resorts where seaweed runs rampant. Rebranded as a Dreams property in 2014, some guests feel it's not up to brand standards, though the no-reservations policy for the 14 restaurants and bars (and lack of wristbands) is a major upside. Rooms have elegant decor and marble bathrooms, but not all have balconies. Daily activities and entertainment is well-regarded but can be heard in rooms. All in all, the Dreams Sands is a good value for a hotel of this caliber, but it's worth considering the Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort, which has more pool space.
The 436-room Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa is an upscale all-inclusive that attracts both party-minded couples and groups, and families. It's on the smaller side for Cancun, with just two pools, though the white-sand beach with calm, shallow waters is a highlight when compared to many area resorts where seaweed runs rampant. Rebranded as a Dreams property in 2014, some guests feel it's not up to brand standards, though the no-reservations policy for the 14 restaurants and bars (and lack of wristbands) is a major upside. Rooms have elegant decor and marble bathrooms, but not all have balconies. Daily activities and entertainment is well-regarded but can be heard in rooms. All in all, the Dreams Sands is a good value for a hotel of this caliber, but it's worth considering the Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort, which has more pool space.
Suited for affordable, extended stays, the lower-middle-range Salvia Cancun is one of the best located beachfront hotels in the nightlife district. It offers 84 rooms with old-fashioned decor housed in an 11-story tower; large Studios and suites are equipped with kitchenettes and dining room areas. Standard Rooms may suffice for people looking for a place to rest after partying, but their bathrooms are tiny. The beach area is a major draw and it is one of the most expansive around. Those seeking a beachfront Hotel Zone option away from the main party area may prefer the slightly pricier Flamingo Cancun Resort.
Suited for affordable, extended stays, the lower-middle-range Salvia Cancun is one of the best located beachfront hotels in the nightlife district. It offers 84 rooms with old-fashioned decor housed in an 11-story tower; large Studios and suites are equipped with kitchenettes and dining room areas. Standard Rooms may suffice for people looking for a place to rest after partying, but their bathrooms are tiny. The beach area is a major draw and it is one of the most expansive around. Those seeking a beachfront Hotel Zone option away from the main party area may prefer the slightly pricier Flamingo Cancun Resort.
Fiesta Americana Villas is one of a slew of resort properties in Cancun’s touristy Hotel Zone, known for its beaches and nightlife. With 179 rooms, the upper-middle-range property is on the smaller side, and it’s less party-oriented than many Hotel Zone resorts, with a kiddy pool, playground, kids’ club, and free laundry, plus rooms with microwaves and mini-fridges or multi-room suites with full kitchens. Unlike other resorts, it’s not all-inclusive—a bonus for those who prefer cheaper rates and don’t mind self-catering. A huge pool with a swim-up bar, direct beach access, a spa, a fitness center, and the central location are all perks. But there are downsides: There’s essentially only one restaurant, some areas of the property feel dated, and the beachfront isn’t quite as beautiful as at other Cancun hotspots. For pristine stretches of white sand, consider Krystal Cancun, which offers optional all-inclusive plans.
Fiesta Americana Villas is one of a slew of resort properties in Cancun’s touristy Hotel Zone, known for its beaches and nightlife. With 179 rooms, the upper-middle-range property is on the smaller side, and it’s less party-oriented than many Hotel Zone resorts, with a kiddy pool, playground, kids’ club, and free laundry, plus rooms with microwaves and mini-fridges or multi-room suites with full kitchens. Unlike other resorts, it’s not all-inclusive—a bonus for those who prefer cheaper rates and don’t mind self-catering. A huge pool with a swim-up bar, direct beach access, a spa, a fitness center, and the central location are all perks. But there are downsides: There’s essentially only one restaurant, some areas of the property feel dated, and the beachfront isn’t quite as beautiful as at other Cancun hotspots. For pristine stretches of white sand, consider Krystal Cancun, which offers optional all-inclusive plans.
Occidental Tucancun is an all-inclusive, upper-middle-range resort in one of Cancun’s best beach areas, conveniently located behind the Kukulkan shopping mall in the Hotel Zone. The 336-room resort has four restaurants, both buffet and a la carte, three swimming pools (one adult-only), a spa, plenty of sports facilities, and daily entertainment. The common areas were renovated in 2015, but many of the standard rooms are dated and some show a bit of wear and tear. Family Suites with kitchenettes and separate living and dining areas are available. Note that Wi-Fi requires a fee and there are no umbrellas offered on the hotel's beachfront. Though not all-inclusive, the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun offers more sleek guest rooms, plus beach chairs and umbrellas.
Occidental Tucancun is an all-inclusive, upper-middle-range resort in one of Cancun’s best beach areas, conveniently located behind the Kukulkan shopping mall in the Hotel Zone. The 336-room resort has four restaurants, both buffet and a la carte, three swimming pools (one adult-only), a spa, plenty of sports facilities, and daily entertainment. The common areas were renovated in 2015, but many of the standard rooms are dated and some show a bit of wear and tear. Family Suites with kitchenettes and separate living and dining areas are available. Note that Wi-Fi requires a fee and there are no umbrellas offered on the hotel's beachfront. Though not all-inclusive, the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun offers more sleek guest rooms, plus beach chairs and umbrellas.
Though this is one of the best-known hotels in downtown Cancun, it's definitely a budget option. Decades of humidity and salt air have not been easy on the building, and wear is visible throughout. The Mayan artwork and decor help distinguish Hotel Xbalamque, and rooms have plenty of character, though they're noisy and can have housekeeping issues or finicky air-conditioning. There are a lot of property features for this category, including a pool, a spa, performance venues, and several dining options. Free Wi-Fi and parking add value. For more modern rooms, consider Grand City Hotel, though note that it lacks a full-service restaurant.
Though this is one of the best-known hotels in downtown Cancun, it's definitely a budget option. Decades of humidity and salt air have not been easy on the building, and wear is visible throughout. The Mayan artwork and decor help distinguish Hotel Xbalamque, and rooms have plenty of character, though they're noisy and can have housekeeping issues or finicky air-conditioning. There are a lot of property features for this category, including a pool, a spa, performance venues, and several dining options. Free Wi-Fi and parking add value. For more modern rooms, consider Grand City Hotel, though note that it lacks a full-service restaurant.
The 152-room Fiesta Inn Las Americas is an upper-middle-range hotel that combines convention-center salons and business rooms, a prime downtown location, and views out over the Hotel Zone of the city. It is located on Bonampak Avenue in the heart of downtown Cancun, above the city’s most famous shopping center; guests are a 25-minute drive from the beaches and ocean viewable from the lobby, pool, gym, terrace, and some of the rooms, making this hotel better suited to business travelers. Rooms are modern and the chic rooftop pool is a highlight. Those who prefer a business hotel closer to the beaches might prefer the Real Inn Cancun or Aloft Cancun.
The 152-room Fiesta Inn Las Americas is an upper-middle-range hotel that combines convention-center salons and business rooms, a prime downtown location, and views out over the Hotel Zone of the city. It is located on Bonampak Avenue in the heart of downtown Cancun, above the city’s most famous shopping center; guests are a 25-minute drive from the beaches and ocean viewable from the lobby, pool, gym, terrace, and some of the rooms, making this hotel better suited to business travelers. Rooms are modern and the chic rooftop pool is a highlight. Those who prefer a business hotel closer to the beaches might prefer the Real Inn Cancun or Aloft Cancun.
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.
The 196-room, mid-range Krystal Urban Cancun draws business travelers with a location by Plaza Las Americas, extensive event space, and modern rooms with work desks. All rooms have balconies, and views are of the city, lagoon, or distant ocean, or some combination of those three. The outdoor pool with swim-up bar is a highlight. The hotel first opened in 2014 and prices are fair for what you get, comparable with those at the Fiesta Inn Cancun Las Americas just inside the plaza. Though the Hotel Zone beaches are 20 to 30 minutes away, the hotel offers a free shuttle to beachfront sister property Kyrstal Cancun (a better choice for leisure travelers).
The 196-room, mid-range Krystal Urban Cancun draws business travelers with a location by Plaza Las Americas, extensive event space, and modern rooms with work desks. All rooms have balconies, and views are of the city, lagoon, or distant ocean, or some combination of those three. The outdoor pool with swim-up bar is a highlight. The hotel first opened in 2014 and prices are fair for what you get, comparable with those at the Fiesta Inn Cancun Las Americas just inside the plaza. Though the Hotel Zone beaches are 20 to 30 minutes away, the hotel offers a free shuttle to beachfront sister property Kyrstal Cancun (a better choice for leisure travelers).
The 1,316-room Grand at Moon Palace is a luxury, family-friendly all-inclusive property set along the coast a 12-minute drive from Cancun's airport. Ample features consist of nine pools with adults' only options, a beautiful beachfront, and tons of kid-friendly amenities ranging from a state-of-the-art kids' club with bumper cars and neon mini-golf to a water park. Dining options are also extensive, including Lebanese, buffet, Mexican, and Italian options, plus a dozen bars for top-shelf liquor. Rooms are elegant, if a bit subdued, done in neutral colors, with two-person whirlpools, furnished terraces, and Chi hair and bath products. Daytime and nightly entertainment, free Wi-Fi, and a large swish spa and gym are also on offer. Overall, this is a fantastic pick, but couples may prefer the more romantic Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa located nearby.
The 1,316-room Grand at Moon Palace is a luxury, family-friendly all-inclusive property set along the coast a 12-minute drive from Cancun's airport. Ample features consist of nine pools with adults' only options, a beautiful beachfront, and tons of kid-friendly amenities ranging from a state-of-the-art kids' club with bumper cars and neon mini-golf to a water park. Dining options are also extensive, including Lebanese, buffet, Mexican, and Italian options, plus a dozen bars for top-shelf liquor. Rooms are elegant, if a bit subdued, done in neutral colors, with two-person whirlpools, furnished terraces, and Chi hair and bath products. Daytime and nightly entertainment, free Wi-Fi, and a large swish spa and gym are also on offer. Overall, this is a fantastic pick, but couples may prefer the more romantic Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa located nearby.