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 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.
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.
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.
The Westin is a large, upscale, family-friendly resort set in a quieter, farther-flung section of Cancun's Hotel Zone. The 376 rooms have views of either the beach or the lagoon and many have balconies, but while some have received modern updates, others still feel dated. The resort features four pools, a beautiful and nearly private beach, a spa and gym, kids’ club, and four restaurants. While there are some meal-plan options, all-inclusive plans aren't available, except for kids. Those looking for an all-inclusive who don't mind a bit more of a party vibe may want to consider the four-pearl Gran Caribe Resort farther up the coast instead.
The Westin is a large, upscale, family-friendly resort set in a quieter, farther-flung section of Cancun's Hotel Zone. The 376 rooms have views of either the beach or the lagoon and many have balconies, but while some have received modern updates, others still feel dated. The resort features four pools, a beautiful and nearly private beach, a spa and gym, kids’ club, and four restaurants. While there are some meal-plan options, all-inclusive plans aren't available, except for kids. Those looking for an all-inclusive who don't mind a bit more of a party vibe may want to consider the four-pearl Gran Caribe Resort farther up the coast instead.
The Grand Park Royal Cancun Caribe is an upper-middle-range all-inclusive beachfront resort in the heart of Cancun's Hotel Zone. Its 311 rooms are reasonably modern and come a balcony or terrace, some with small private pools, and some with outstanding views of the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. There are four restaurants, including a buffet option for all meals, and there are also snack stands and bars throughout the property. One of the two lovely pools is for adults only, and activities happen on the beach and at the pools. There's also a spa and fitness center (for a fee). Unfortunately, time-share pitches can be aggressive. Travelers looking for a more active all-inclusive could check out the nearby Gran Caribe Resort Cancun, which also offers more services for the kids.
The Grand Park Royal Cancun Caribe is an upper-middle-range all-inclusive beachfront resort in the heart of Cancun's Hotel Zone. Its 311 rooms are reasonably modern and come a balcony or terrace, some with small private pools, and some with outstanding views of the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. There are four restaurants, including a buffet option for all meals, and there are also snack stands and bars throughout the property. One of the two lovely pools is for adults only, and activities happen on the beach and at the pools. There's also a spa and fitness center (for a fee). Unfortunately, time-share pitches can be aggressive. Travelers looking for a more active all-inclusive could check out the nearby Gran Caribe Resort Cancun, which also offers more services for the kids.
The 1,012-room Colonial & Tropical is an upper-middle-range all-inclusive resort located right on a white-sand beach just south of Playa del Carmen. It offers several huge pools, eight restaurants, and a long list of activities for all ages. While many types of travelers can appreciate the hotel’s extensive features, the hotel seems to cater mostly to families, with great kid-friendly extras such as a kiddy pool, kids’ and teens clubs, and spacious rooms that can accommodate up to five guests.
The 1,012-room Colonial & Tropical is an upper-middle-range all-inclusive resort located right on a white-sand beach just south of Playa del Carmen. It offers several huge pools, eight restaurants, and a long list of activities for all ages. While many types of travelers can appreciate the hotel’s extensive features, the hotel seems to cater mostly to families, with great kid-friendly extras such as a kiddy pool, kids’ and teens clubs, and spacious rooms that can accommodate up to five guests.
Made up of five interconnected pyramids, the 525-room Paradisus Cancun is an upscale, all-inclusive mega-resort geared toward families, offering a stellar setting along a beautiful stretch of beach in the Hotel Zone. The well-equipped rooms are spacious and have furnished balconies with sea or lagoon views, free minibars, and free Wi-Fi, but decor is a bit outdated. While breakfast can get busy, there's no shortage of restaurants and bars to choose from and the huge freeform pool with a swim-up bar never feels too crowded. The impressive Yhi Spa, large fitness center, and nine-hole golf course are also notable features here, as is a kids’ club with supervised activities. Family Concierge services include extra in-room perks and family-friendly activities. Despite the property's size, its interior tropical gardens also provide a lush, even secluded ambience. Prices are competitive for this level of luxury, but couples may want to splurge for the adults-only Royal Service at Paradisus Cancun, or consider the adults-only, and sometimes slightly pricier, Live Aqua Cancun.
Made up of five interconnected pyramids, the 525-room Paradisus Cancun is an upscale, all-inclusive mega-resort geared toward families, offering a stellar setting along a beautiful stretch of beach in the Hotel Zone. The well-equipped rooms are spacious and have furnished balconies with sea or lagoon views, free minibars, and free Wi-Fi, but decor is a bit outdated. While breakfast can get busy, there's no shortage of restaurants and bars to choose from and the huge freeform pool with a swim-up bar never feels too crowded. The impressive Yhi Spa, large fitness center, and nine-hole golf course are also notable features here, as is a kids’ club with supervised activities. Family Concierge services include extra in-room perks and family-friendly activities. Despite the property's size, its interior tropical gardens also provide a lush, even secluded ambience. Prices are competitive for this level of luxury, but couples may want to splurge for the adults-only Royal Service at Paradisus Cancun, or consider the adults-only, and sometimes slightly pricier, Live Aqua Cancun.