Cancun may be known for party-loving spring breakers and a rowdy nightlife scene, but that doesn't mean it isn't a great getaway for families. The beaches are some of the best in the world, it's near the world-famous Mayan ruins, and many resorts are geared toward families with ample kid-friendly amenities. We visited the top hotels in Cancun's Hotel Zone to see which are best suited for travelers with children and teenagers in tow. Take a look at the best kid-friendly hotels in Cancun's Hotel Zone and start packing your bathing suit.
The 426-room Iberostar Cancun is an upscale, all-inclusive, chain hotel set in a pyramid-shaped building along the Nichupte Lagoon's expansive beach, just a 15-minute drive from Cancun Airport. There are a huge range of activities on offer, such as tennis and golf, and lots for kids to do, including a huge pool, plus water park with slides and pirate ship. It's worth noting, however, that the hotel hosts a large number of conventions, meaning big groups sometimes dominate the place. The modern rooms feature contemporary decor and many have stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, while some also offer access to hot tubs or infinity pools.
The upscale, all-inclusive Panama Jack Resorts in the Hotel Zone is 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, the 458 rooms are stylish and beachy, all with hammock-equipped terraces (some with stunning views) and showers.
The Paradisus Cancun is an all-inclusive, upscale mega-resort whose five interconnected pyramids overlook the gorgeous white sands and perfect blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean. Its 668 rooms are all smart and spacious with sea or lagoonviews -- though some are only partial. While breakfast can get busy, there's no shortage of restaurants and bars to choose from and the huge pool never feels crowded. The impressive spa, large fitness center, and nine-hole golf course are also notable features here. Despite the property's size, its interior tropical gardens also provide a lush even secluded ambience.
A child of the '90s, the 617-room, upper-middle-range Crown Paradise Club Cancun is a one-stop shop for budget-friendly all-inclusive vacations. Rooms come with postcard-worthy Caribbean Sea views, marble floors, contemporary (if basic) bathrooms, and private outdoor space (upgrades include in-room jacuzzis and minibars). In addition to multiple pools, a small gym, spa, and 24-hour spots to grab a bite or a drink, the Crown Paradise is unparalleled in keeping kids of all ages entertained from a baby club, to an enviable kids-only water park, to teens club. There's also plenty of adult-only space for singles and couples, although this is primarily a family hotel. Be prepared for a buzzing atmosphere and a little noticeable wear and tear.
While not all-inclusive, to which many guests attribute the resort's quiet atmosphere, the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Resort & Spa has three restaurants; three poolside bars, including a swim-up bar; and a lobby bar. While the restaurants are deemed to be on the pricey side, guests give them high marks for the food -- one specializes in seafood, while the other two feature Mexican cuisine and French Mediterranean fare. A few have complained that the breakfast buffet is not available to children, but the resort does cater to kids' needs in the day with group activities, including sand castle building and seashell hunts.
The 300-room, Mexican-owned Royal Solaris is an upper-middle-range property with a ton of resort features, including a water park in the kids club. However, many guests feel the property, built in the late '80s, is in need of a facelift -- especially the guest rooms, which are a bit basic. Highlights of the hotel include the pool area complete with a swim-up bar, waterfalls, and in-water tile loungers, and small, but sufficient spa area. This resort is best-suited to families on a budget.
The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort is located along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. With a lovely beach, attractive facade, and well-groomed property, this resort offers quality in the heart of Cancun's Hotel Zone. Rooms are either studios or villas, and both are complete with living areas, balconies, kitchens, washer/dryers, great for those traveling with kids. There are on-site restaurants serving international cuisine and the Tierra Market provides ingredients for guests to cook in fully equipped kitchens. Plus, there's a nice staffed kids' club with daily activities, and an all-inclusive dining program for children ages 12 and younger
The Omni chain is known for its great kids’ program, and the Omni Cancun is no different. Upon check-in, kids receive a backpack with games, books and toys, and get milk with cookies on the first night. The hotel is located along an expansive beach along the Nichupte Lagoon, which has calm, clean waters. There’s also a kids’ pool and daily activities for the little ones. Overall, it's a comfortable family-friendly option, and grounds include tropical gardens surrounding three pools, and the mega-Jacuzzi with seating for up to 35 guests, tennis/basketball courts, a fitness center, and spa.
With a gorgeous infinity pool featuring ocean views and two popular swim-up bars, five restaurants serving international cuisine, live entertainment, a great spa, and a wonderful kids’ club, the Hard Rock screams “all-inclusive Cancun megaresort." All rooms feature contemporary decor with rock-n-roll-style twists, open bathrooms with double jetted tubs, balconies with either ocean or lagoon views, and modern amenities -- including flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. 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.
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. Akids' 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.
Compared to neighboring properties, the 179-room Fiesta Americana is a small hotel that offers a great value for families. It's less party-oriented than most of the Hotel Zone properties, and has a wide range of activities and amenities designed for travelers with kids: a kiddy pool, a playground, a kids’ club; plus large, clean, multi-room suites with at least a kitchenette with a mini-fridge and a microwave. The large pool, the nice beach, the spa, the spacious fitness center with sauna, and the central location are perks as well. But it’s an aging property, so expect a few flaking walls, as well as only the most basic resort amenities for adults.