The 151-room Ocean Spa Hotel is a mid-range all-inclusive resort in Cancun's Hotel Zone that's a good choice for undemanding travelers looking for a good value. The well-maintained grounds are dotted with palm trees and feature a nice pool, kids' pool, and a small stretch of beach, but the property is due for an update, with generic, lackluster interiors and guest rooms that have a clinical feel. All rooms have private balconies and a smattering of standard amenities, but they lack mini-fridges, bathrooms are small, and guests complain of maintenance issues like problems with air-conditioning and plumbing. Food here gets mixed reviews, but guests can choose between a buffet restaurant and three a la carte eateries, plus there are several bars. A nice on-site spa and beauty salon offer various treatments, and though there's no fitness center, there are free classes such as yoga and Pilates, as well as tennis courts. Rooms at the nearby (sometimes slightly pricier) Barcelo Costa Cancun are nicer, and it has a kids' club, but Wi-Fi incurs a fee.
The 151-room Ocean Spa Hotel is a mid-range all-inclusive resort in Cancun's Hotel Zone that's a good choice for undemanding travelers looking for a good value. The well-maintained grounds are dotted with palm trees and feature a nice pool, kids' pool, and a small stretch of beach, but the property is due for an update, with generic, lackluster interiors and guest rooms that have a clinical feel. All rooms have private balconies and a smattering of standard amenities, but they lack mini-fridges, bathrooms are small, and guests complain of maintenance issues like problems with air-conditioning and plumbing. Food here gets mixed reviews, but guests can choose between a buffet restaurant and three a la carte eateries, plus there are several bars. A nice on-site spa and beauty salon offer various treatments, and though there's no fitness center, there are free classes such as yoga and Pilates, as well as tennis courts. Rooms at the nearby (sometimes slightly pricier) Barcelo Costa Cancun are nicer, and it has a kids' club, but Wi-Fi incurs a fee.
The Spanish hotel company Riu offers three classes of all-inclusive (there’s one of each in Nuevo Vallarta), and the 700-room Jalisco is the economy option -- but you wouldn't guess that upon entry. The entry and lobby are grand, and the grounds are immaculate, with two sprawling pools, beautiful garden areas, and a large, pristine beach. The rooms, however, are small, lackluster, and short on amenities. There are plenty of restaurants, which is a bonus on any all-inclusive plan, plus a handful of fun bars (including a swim-up pool bar), and even a nightclub. The property is far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Puerto Vallarta, but it remains an excellent option for a beautiful all-inclusive beach getaway.
The Spanish hotel company Riu offers three classes of all-inclusive (there’s one of each in Nuevo Vallarta), and the 700-room Jalisco is the economy option -- but you wouldn't guess that upon entry. The entry and lobby are grand, and the grounds are immaculate, with two sprawling pools, beautiful garden areas, and a large, pristine beach. The rooms, however, are small, lackluster, and short on amenities. There are plenty of restaurants, which is a bonus on any all-inclusive plan, plus a handful of fun bars (including a swim-up pool bar), and even a nightclub. The property is far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Puerto Vallarta, but it remains an excellent option for a beautiful all-inclusive beach getaway.
The four-pearl Ocean Riviera Paradise is massive with 974 rooms, five pools, a water park, 13 meeting rooms, 10 restaurants, 11 bars, rocky beach access, and a bowling alley. The rooms are spacious and done in a sophisticated design with balconies, free minibars, coffeemakers, and trendy bathrooms. Some have swim-up access or terraces with hot tubs. Guests have noted issues with the air-conditioning in rooms and mildew smells. There are separate areas in the hotel for adults and families, but the massive size isn’t for everyone and occasional drawbacks include crowds, bland food, overbooking issues, and time-share pitches. Rates are all-inclusive, but Privilege guests get higher quality booze and food. For something more intimate and service-focused, consider the Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, a boutique property that has a smooth sandy beach and free breakfast.
The four-pearl Ocean Riviera Paradise is massive with 974 rooms, five pools, a water park, 13 meeting rooms, 10 restaurants, 11 bars, rocky beach access, and a bowling alley. The rooms are spacious and done in a sophisticated design with balconies, free minibars, coffeemakers, and trendy bathrooms. Some have swim-up access or terraces with hot tubs. Guests have noted issues with the air-conditioning in rooms and mildew smells. There are separate areas in the hotel for adults and families, but the massive size isn’t for everyone and occasional drawbacks include crowds, bland food, overbooking issues, and time-share pitches. Rates are all-inclusive, but Privilege guests get higher quality booze and food. For something more intimate and service-focused, consider the Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, a boutique property that has a smooth sandy beach and free breakfast.
The upper-middle-range Grand Oasis Cancun is a beachfront all-inclusive mega-resort that’s part of a two-hotel complex in Cancun’s Hotel Zone with 1,200 rooms that prides itself on entertainment. It’s a family-friendly property with a kids’ club, but 12 bars -- including two adults-only nightclubs with burlesque-style shows -- provide plenty of entertainment geared towards adults. The pool is one of the largest in Cancun and features two swim-up bars, music, and DJ sessions from time to time, while the beach is beautiful and relaxing. Rooms, while clean and comfortable enough, are starting to show their age and have basic amenities. The all-inclusive package is just average: it doesn’t cover all restaurants, plus Wi-Fi, in-room safes, and access to the spa are all extra charges. It’s worth paying a bit more at Hotel Riu Cancun, which is smaller and more modern.
The upper-middle-range Grand Oasis Cancun is a beachfront all-inclusive mega-resort that’s part of a two-hotel complex in Cancun’s Hotel Zone with 1,200 rooms that prides itself on entertainment. It’s a family-friendly property with a kids’ club, but 12 bars -- including two adults-only nightclubs with burlesque-style shows -- provide plenty of entertainment geared towards adults. The pool is one of the largest in Cancun and features two swim-up bars, music, and DJ sessions from time to time, while the beach is beautiful and relaxing. Rooms, while clean and comfortable enough, are starting to show their age and have basic amenities. The all-inclusive package is just average: it doesn’t cover all restaurants, plus Wi-Fi, in-room safes, and access to the spa are all extra charges. It’s worth paying a bit more at Hotel Riu Cancun, which is smaller and more modern.
Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive property with a lovely beachside setting outside of Tangolunda. With eight restaurants serving everything from classic Italian to seafood, plus two infinity pools, a spa, and a spacious fitness center, Secrets is as amenity packed as anything you'll find in the Mayan Riviera (but without the too-crowded vibe found in those towns). The 399 rooms are spacious, if a bit dated, and all feature ocean views, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and minibars. Some include hot tubs or swim-out pool access. This adult-only resort has several bars plus nighttime entertainment. Guests looking for a more family-friendly atmosphere might consider Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa instead. It's a sister hotel to Secrets and offers many of the same amenities for similar rates.
Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa is a three-and-a-half-pearl all-inclusive property with a lovely beachside setting outside of Tangolunda. With eight restaurants serving everything from classic Italian to seafood, plus two infinity pools, a spa, and a spacious fitness center, Secrets is as amenity packed as anything you'll find in the Mayan Riviera (but without the too-crowded vibe found in those towns). The 399 rooms are spacious, if a bit dated, and all feature ocean views, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and minibars. Some include hot tubs or swim-out pool access. This adult-only resort has several bars plus nighttime entertainment. Guests looking for a more family-friendly atmosphere might consider Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa instead. It's a sister hotel to Secrets and offers many of the same amenities for similar rates.
The upscale, 120-room Reef 28 is a hip adults-only hotel with an optional all-inclusive package and setting just a few minutes' walk from the beach and popular 5th Avenue. Style goes for miles at this modern, boho-chic property, and its younger-leaning guests typically favorite the rooftop pool area, chic spa with hydrotherapy circuit (fee), and three restaurants with Mexican, Asian, and buffet fare. Spacious Junior Suites have minibars, rainfall showers, and furnished terraces, while Master Suites add kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs, and living spaces. The all-inclusive plan covers all meals, alcoholic drinks at three bars, all activities and water sports, and gym access. However, expect loud poolside techno music and a shortage of pool loungers, plus having to take a shuttle for beach clubs. Travelers wanting direct beach access should consider the luxury Royal Playa del Carmen.
The upscale, 120-room Reef 28 is a hip adults-only hotel with an optional all-inclusive package and setting just a few minutes' walk from the beach and popular 5th Avenue. Style goes for miles at this modern, boho-chic property, and its younger-leaning guests typically favorite the rooftop pool area, chic spa with hydrotherapy circuit (fee), and three restaurants with Mexican, Asian, and buffet fare. Spacious Junior Suites have minibars, rainfall showers, and furnished terraces, while Master Suites add kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs, and living spaces. The all-inclusive plan covers all meals, alcoholic drinks at three bars, all activities and water sports, and gym access. However, expect loud poolside techno music and a shortage of pool loungers, plus having to take a shuttle for beach clubs. Travelers wanting direct beach access should consider the luxury Royal Playa del Carmen.
With a fabulous beach, several pools, and an inexpensive day spa offering a wide array of treatments, the Krystal has the potential to be a great budget pick. However, mediocre food, dated rooms (except for the contemporary Deluxe Rooms in the Tower building), and inconsistent maintenance make this a less desirable hotel than some of the neighboring properties in the same price range.
With a fabulous beach, several pools, and an inexpensive day spa offering a wide array of treatments, the Krystal has the potential to be a great budget pick. However, mediocre food, dated rooms (except for the contemporary Deluxe Rooms in the Tower building), and inconsistent maintenance make this a less desirable hotel than some of the neighboring properties in the same price range.
A time-share and all-inclusive property, the Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience is located in Cancun's Hotel Zone. While ownership pitches from the concierge can be pesky, this property does have a variety of quality restaurants, considerable spa offerings, and three elegant infinity pools. The hotel overlooks a gorgeous strip of white-sand beach and some rooms have balconies with striking water views. There is 24-hour room service, a chic lobby bar, and well-equipped fitness center, but some guests complain about a lack of nightlife and limited number of pool and beach umbrellas.
A time-share and all-inclusive property, the Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience is located in Cancun's Hotel Zone. While ownership pitches from the concierge can be pesky, this property does have a variety of quality restaurants, considerable spa offerings, and three elegant infinity pools. The hotel overlooks a gorgeous strip of white-sand beach and some rooms have balconies with striking water views. There is 24-hour room service, a chic lobby bar, and well-equipped fitness center, but some guests complain about a lack of nightlife and limited number of pool and beach umbrellas.
Set in the Playacar district of Playa del Carmen, the upscale Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort set on a pristine section of beach. Renovations in 2019 brought a sleek, modern style to common areas and the 460 rooms, while grounds are well-manicured with greenery. Suites have furnished terraces (none with full ocean views), free minibars, and separate tubs and showers, but the open-plan bathrooms lack privacy and may be an issue for families. All-inclusive rates cover dining at buffet and a la carte Italian, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants, in addition to non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, daytime activities, and nighttime entertainment. Outdoor pools – one with a swim-up bar -- a kids’ club, full-service spa, and non-motorized water sports keep guests occupied. This is a good option for the area, but couples may prefer the adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar, which has excellent dining and in-room jetted tubs.
Set in the Playacar district of Playa del Carmen, the upscale Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort set on a pristine section of beach. Renovations in 2019 brought a sleek, modern style to common areas and the 460 rooms, while grounds are well-manicured with greenery. Suites have furnished terraces (none with full ocean views), free minibars, and separate tubs and showers, but the open-plan bathrooms lack privacy and may be an issue for families. All-inclusive rates cover dining at buffet and a la carte Italian, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants, in addition to non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, daytime activities, and nighttime entertainment. Outdoor pools – one with a swim-up bar -- a kids’ club, full-service spa, and non-motorized water sports keep guests occupied. This is a good option for the area, but couples may prefer the adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar, which has excellent dining and in-room jetted tubs.
Sitting on beautiful beachfront grounds, this 326-room upscale resort offers chic and spacious suites and one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas. All units have living rooms and private terraces, plus villas add full kitchens with modern appliances. A beautiful tri-level infinity pool takes centerstage on the scenic grounds, plus there's a kids' pool and an adult-only pool. A peaceful spa offers a myriad of treatments, and there's a well-equipped fitness center. Dining options include an excellent farm-to-table restaurant serving homestyle Mexican fare, plus there's a poolside bar and shop/cafe with Starbucks coffee. A kids' club, lovely chapel, 16-seat movie theater, and a roster of activities round out the features. The main downer? The beach isn't swimmable due to dangerous currents. For something with a swimmable beach, check out the One & Only Palmilla -- but rates are pricier.
Sitting on beautiful beachfront grounds, this 326-room upscale resort offers chic and spacious suites and one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas. All units have living rooms and private terraces, plus villas add full kitchens with modern appliances. A beautiful tri-level infinity pool takes centerstage on the scenic grounds, plus there's a kids' pool and an adult-only pool. A peaceful spa offers a myriad of treatments, and there's a well-equipped fitness center. Dining options include an excellent farm-to-table restaurant serving homestyle Mexican fare, plus there's a poolside bar and shop/cafe with Starbucks coffee. A kids' club, lovely chapel, 16-seat movie theater, and a roster of activities round out the features. The main downer? The beach isn't swimmable due to dangerous currents. For something with a swimmable beach, check out the One & Only Palmilla -- but rates are pricier.