20 Best Hotels in Cancún, Mexico

Top-notch luxury, extraordinary gastronomy, and a state-of-the-art spa are some of the attributes of this sprawling property in Cancún's up-and-coming Punta Sam area. Suites are huge and stylish, combining neutral colors with green and yellow accents; some include a private terrace or balcony with a hammock and plunge pool, while others come with a fully-equipped kitchenette and washer-and-dryer combo. This is the odd all-inclusive resort where you can actually feel at home.  

This hip Marriott property near the convention center has a fresh, modern concept that generates quite a social scene. The funky lobby features bright mismatched furniture, cement floors, exposed ductwork, modern art, and a lounge bar. Smallish rooms have leather benches, ergonomic desk chairs, white duvets, and all the basic amenities (minibars, Wi-Fi, TVs, and safes). Although there's only one restaurant, the 24-hour snack bar lets you grab and go. Aloft isn't on the beach, but guests receive access to the neighboring beach club. The 360-degree view from the rooftop pool is unparalleled.

Sandwiched amid several looming resorts, this low-rise condo-hotel complex is a wonderful place for families thanks to its nicely planted grounds, tranquil beach, and relaxed atmosphere. Rooms are comfortable, clean, and simply decorated with light-wood furniture and vibrant artwork that brightens up the white walls. Suites have spacious dining–living rooms, large terraces, and well-equipped kitchens.

Thanks to the use of solar energy, a water-recycling system, and composting toilets, this tranquil hotel has little impact on the environment—and its luxuriant garden blocks the heat and noise of downtown. Hammocks hang poolside, and wrought-iron tables and chairs dot the grounds. There's artwork throughout, much of it painted by the owner herself. Standard rooms are small and dated (think lace curtains and floral bedding) but all are clean and have kitchenettes; newer executive rooms are larger and have hardwood floors. Rooms on the second or third floor overlook the pool, while those on the first floor are dedicated to families. Another perk is the small spa, where you can get honey massages for a third of what you'd pay in the Zona Hotelera.

Part of a reliable Mexican chain and more laid-back than its sister property, the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, this hotel is easily recognized by the 118-foot-tall palapa that covers its lobby. But don't let the rustic roof fool you—the rest of the architecture here is extravagant, featuring things like marble pillars and inner plant-filled courtyards. There's also a massive pool, a good-size gym, a movie theater, and a spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms (alas, there's also a MX$290 fee to use the spa facilities). Activities include pool volleyball, art classes, and yoga. Rooms are a decent size, but not all have balconies, and ocean views cost extra.

Those who love the trappings of traditional luxury—stained-glass skylights, mahogany furniture, stunning floral arrangements—will feel at home at this all-suites hotel, which also has the award-winning Le Basilic restaurant and the enormous Gem Spa. The hotel's W shape means all rooms have ocean views in addition to marble floors, sunken living rooms, and infinity balconies; upgrading to the Grand Club Level gets you private check-in, an open bar, beach service, breakfast, and appetizers throughout the day. The beach here is quiet and calm, as the neighboring lighthouse and jetty cut the current. Families will be impressed with the numerous activities offered at the multi-zoned Kids Club. Note that the hotel's sheer size may seem daunting, but you'll be well attended to by multilingual concierges.

You'll find a wide variety of accommodations at the Grand Park Royal, including villas with a private beach area and personal concierge. Most rooms have ocean views, and there are some stunning vistas of the Zona Hotelera's glittering lights from certain areas. Despite the lower price point, this property has an upscale feel. Even standard rooms have balconies, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi; deluxe rooms and suites—some of which have terraces with plunge pools—are in the Premier Beach Front Tower and the Royal Tower. The pool in the premier area has couches under a slatted roof, a swim-up bar, and poolside beds. The main pool area, on the other side of the grounds, is ringed with cobblestone that looks pretty but is difficult to walk on.

In keeping with Hard Rock tradition and fitting right into Cancún's energetic atmosphere, this property showcases musical memorabilia, offers a variety of entertainment experiences, and hosts an ongoing slate of celebrity-driven soirees. Unlike other lively local hotels, though, the Hard Rock caters more to families and music lovers than partiers. All rooms have a marble-framed Jacuzzi, 24-hour room service, and balcony, but only 60% offer ocean views. The chic lobby bar comes alive at night from 10 pm to 1 am with music, dancing, and twirling disco lights. The Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club and Cavern Club have a number of activities that keep kids and teens occupied. The Sound of Your Stay Program is free of charge and includes guitar rentals, record players with a selection of vinyls, and use of DJ turntables.

This all-inclusive resort's lush 150-acre grounds are complete with palapa huts, hammocks, and a series of lavish, interconnected swimming pools that wind through palm-dotted lawns to Playa Delfines. Airy, vibrant accommodations are done up in white with a splash of turquoise to match the sea. Coral Level rooms are adult-only with premium services and access to a private pool. Guests enjoy discounted rates at the championship 18-hole golf course. For the ultimate in pampering, visit the on-site Sensation Spa. Children ages 4 to 12 are kept busy with the Star Camp children's program. There are tennis courts and a FIFA Regulation soccer field, too.

On the tip of Punta Cancún, this contemporary, 14-story hotel offers some of the Zona Hotelera's best views—west-facing rooms enjoy sunsets over the lagoon and bay, while east-facing rooms take in sunrises over Isla Mujeres and the Caribbean. Setting the stage is a dramatic, cylindrical lobby bar with a stained-glass dome. Draperies and throw pillows in burgundy, orange, or goldenrod lend a bit of personality to the otherwise neutral guest rooms, each of which has a stone floor, sitting area, flat-screen TV, and spacious balcony. Room 1122 has stunning views of the ocean and a bilevel pool divided by a waterfall. You can relax in the garden area or in one of the daybeds near the Beach House Spa.

At this tranquil resort, 12 white-stucco buildings house spacious suites equipped with kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms that have 42-inch flat-screen TVs and pullout couches. Centering the grounds are a sundeck, large pool, and swim-up bar. Use of facilities at the spa, located at the Ocean Spa Hotel sister property, costs extra. Note, too, that only six rooms have lagoon views, and the closest beach is a 20-minute walk away.

Situated just steps from the ferries to Isla Mujeres, this family-friendly property has lots of pool-side activities, as well as a roomy kids' clubhouse with a small outdoor play area. If you crave peace, escape to the spa, where the cold-water plunge, steam room, sauna, and whirlpool tub are free of charge. All rooms have white marble floors and orange stucco walls; the suites, which come with private whirlpool tubs, are a luxurious splurge.

Shoppers appreciate this lively resort's proximity to a couple of malls, but there’s plenty here to keep non-shoppers occupied, too—including volleyball games and water-polo matches in the activities pool. Although sound from busier areas sometimes carries, you can find a bit more peace at two other pools, one of which has built-in chaise lounges for ultimate relaxation. The salmon-color hotel is offset by bright blue accents throughout. To secure an oceanfront room, you'll have to pay extra. And don't lose your towel card, because it will cost you MX$340.

Resembling a Maya temple, this enormous, modern beachfront property features atriums topped by pyramid-shaped skylights and spacious rooms that are decorated with hints of orange and have marble floors, balconies, and lagoon or ocean views. For more privacy, upgrade to The Reserve, the hotel's impeccable VIP area. Golfers will enjoy the 9-hole, par-3 executive course, and foodies will appreciate the diverse selection of cuisine—Mexican, Asian, Latin, French, and Mediterranean—at the ten restaurants. 

Oasis Smart caters to business travelers with a location 20 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from the Zona Hotelera. Rooms are average in size, and all except the ones on the sixth floor have small balconies. Rooms in the connecting sister hotel Oh! Cancún The Oasis are worth checking into if you like hip, contemporary decor and you're over age 21. You're allowed access to the beach, restaurant, and gym at the Oasis Palm Resort in the Zona Hotelera.

This five-star resort, which blends Maya and modern architecture, makes you feel right at home in apartment-like rooms with full kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, and spacious balconies draped with hammocks. Suites add washers and dryers, two full bathrooms, and private whirlpool tubs. Since the hotel is U-shaped, 90% of the accommodations enjoy ocean views. The center of the property has manicured gardens, three pools (one adults-only), and flower-shaped hot tubs centered with firepits. A bridge crosses over the pool area and tunnels through massive towers that are illuminated at night. On-site activities include kayaking, art classes, and salsa lessons. Although the beach is narrow, plenty of sun chairs line the soft sand, and decent snorkeling awaits just offshore.

Every unit here—four-person studio or eight-person villa—is oceanfront and equipped with a washer and dryer, full kitchen, whirlpool tub, and delightful design touches like recessed lighting and built-in shelves displaying Mexican pottery. Rooms are housed in 14 towers, but those in Building 9, Phase 4, have the best views. All of the pools are heated, and the one designated for children has a waterslide. Families can also enjoy miniature golf, tennis courts, and a playground. Connected to the property are the historic Yamil Lu'um ruins and a stunning beach. Keep in mind that this is not an all-inclusive, and the three on-site restaurants are somewhat pricey.

Pampering touches—like the white-tea mist that periodically sprays in the lobby and the beds so heavenly that some guests buy them for their own homes—are what make this hotel extraordinary. Rooms juxtapose modern and traditional, with sleek dark-wood furniture offset by bright rugs and the occasional blue or yellow wall. There are two beaches—an expansive one on the Caribbean side and a smaller one facing Laguna Nichupté—so you always have a place to sunbathe. Due to its quiet, isolated nature, this Westin outpost mainly attracts families with small children and adults in their thirties and forties.

The most basic lodging option at this resort is a spacious junior suite with a sofa bed, sitting area, flat-screen TV, stocked minibar, and balcony; family suites have bunk beds and direct access to the Kids' Club via sliding glass doors. Due to the resort's size, the pools here may feel a bit crowded, but if you're lucky (and quick) you can snag a chaise in the outdoor areas. The aqua park with a pirate ship and waterslide—one for kids and one for adults—is the perfect way to cool off.

Rooms at this hotel, which caters mostly to families, have plenty of light and ample space, although some feel a bit dated—for a better experience, book an ocean-view villa. With six restaurants and three bars, the dining offer is a good deal, even if the offerings are nothing spectacular.