46 Best Hotels in Cancún, Mexico

This refreshing retreat from El Centro's bustling streets reflects Maya culture through murals, statues, and reliefs and forms part of a complex that also includes two restaurants and a snack shop open to the general public. Rooms are brightly decorated with rustic Mexican furniture, mosaic-tiled bathrooms, and colorful murals painted by local artists. Equipped with a swimming pool and outdoor theater (shows Thursdays and Saturdays), this is Cancún's only hotel focused on art and culture.

Tucked away on a beach sheltered by mangroves and facing the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, this stylish 29-acre resort has the most secluded location in Cancún. Choose from six swanky restaurants, including Asian-accented Indochine and Ramona, a modern Mexican alternative. Step into the Havana Lounge for a hand-rolled cigar paired with aged sipping rum. If you can pry yourself away from the glorious, uncrowded white-sand beach or two pools, there’s an ESPA spa with a list of pampering treatments. The 13 room categories range from suites with private plunge pools to villas with enclosed courtyards; integrating stone, wood, and slate, these Maya-chic accommodations include thoughtful extras like touch-screen phones and high-quality bath products.

One of the region's few boutique-style all-inclusives, this modern sugar-cube-like structure is stylishly decorated in creams and whites, and offers the perfect balance of luxury and comfort. The spacious suites, which fall into eleven categories, are equipped with large closets, rain showers, whirlpool tubs, stocked minibars, Bulgari bath products, and espresso machines; two-story beachfront casitas have the best views and come with a rooftop terrace and private plunge pool. On-site amenities include three pools; four gourmet restaurants; six stylish bars; a marina; and a 35,000-square-foot spa with a variety of hydrothermal therapies, including a crystal steam hammam, a Roman caldarium, and a Swedish sauna. 

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.  

Luxury is the focus at this high-end, adults-only resort, where all the accommodations have mahogany furniture, whirlpool tubs, ocean views, balconies with hammocks, and "magic boxes" that allow for room-service delivery without having to open the door. Contemporary Mexican architecture with European influences makes it one of the more elegant spots in the Zona Hotelera. Unlike many all-inclusives, the six restaurants here include high-concept options, such as the Chef's Plate (16 guests dine at a communal table with the chef). Better yet, except for spa treatments, your rate covers everything, right down to the beach beds, Pilates classes, butler service, and tennis lessons.

This luxury resort, perched at the very point where Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico meet, caters to families and adults, and manages to do so by keeping them separate. The Turquoize adults-only tower offers such stylish touches as private hot tubs, swim-up suites, and a rooftop pool. An on-site microbrewery gives you options beyond the standard Dos Equis and Corona selections. A stay at the lower-rise family section allows access to the @Moods Lounge and Club and KidZ Club. No matter which part of Ziva you call home, your brightly lit room will have handcrafted furnishings and rainfall showers. 

Renovations at this Kempinski property, formerly the Ritz-Carlton, maintained a classic style and added a layer of modern comfort and luxury, as evidenced by guest rooms done up in neutral colors and featuring Salvatore Ferragamo bath amenities. The Saasil Suite has its own private sundeck and infinity pool; the open-concept Presidential Suite has a walk-in wardrobe and an outdoor plunge pool. The beach and the restaurants are quite possibly the best in Cancún, and the Kayantá Spa offers an array of Maya-inspired treatments.

What is perhaps Cancún's most luxurious adults-only all-inclusive has a chic, modern decor and caters mainly to couples who like to dress their best for evening meals at one of the various on-site eateries, including an impressive French restaurant with a seven-course tasting menu. Every room has an indoor whirlpool tub, a pillow menu, and Bulgari bath products; however, only about 60% of the rooms have full ocean views. The one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio means you're in for some serious pampering. To achieve the highest level of relaxation, pair your complimentary hydrotherapy session with the Kukulcán massage, a four-handed, 80-minute, Maya-inspired treatment.

Ambient music, aromatherapy, water features, soothing hues, and airy guest quarters are among the things that lend a Zen vibe to this resort, which attracts luxury-minded, thirtysomething sun-worshippers. Consider splurging on one of the suites, which feature freestanding circular whirlpool tubs and allow access to the Aqua Lounge, where you can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, cocktails throughout the day, and hors d'oeuvres in the evening. Treatments at Spa Aqua incorporate ingredients such as chocolate, caviar, mint, apple, and coconut.

Expect five-star service at this adults-only Palladium Hotel Group property (a member of The Leading Hotels of the World), where your every need is attended to by your butler and other well-trained, courteous staffers. The resort's ultramodern aesthetic is complimented by elegant minimalist decor and impeccable landscape design. Spacious suites have swim-up access, balconies, or furnished terraces along with stunning ocean views. With an ample number of cabanas, floating chairs, and sun loungers, the expansive pool never feels crowded. Guests of the TRS Coral have unlimited access to all the restaurants and services offered at the adjacent Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, including the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, Zentropia Spa, and 24-hour sports bar.

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.

Branding itself as "your home and office" and catering mostly to business travelers, this modern hotel just two blocks from the Plaza Las Américas shopping center has guest rooms with a plasma TV, minibar, coffeemaker, and Wi-Fi. Although suites also have a sitting area and a microwave, only those overlooking the pool have a pleasant view. There's a cocktail bar on the first floor and a tiny pool that forms an oasis in the property's center. Complimentary continental breakfasts are served poolside, plus there's a small on-site restaurant with an à la carte menu.

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.

Out near the far south end of Boulevard Kukulcán, this chic resort is aimed at adults looking for a tranquil hideaway. Billowing drapery creates a wall-less passage into the open-air lobby, and neon lights in the elevators change every two seconds, triggering sensations of peace and relaxation. The spa, meanwhile, has light chambers, and high-tech machines from Europe used for aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and other treatments. Rooms have a soothing white design scheme offset by red and black accents; 19 suites have private indoor Jacuzzis and ocean views. Meals are served at a sushi bar and two small dining areas. Once the city's most modern hotel, this resort hasn't been updated in nearly a decade, so many areas are in need of renovation or repair.

Shopaholics will love staying at this luxury lifestyle hotel overlooking Laguna Nichupté and with direct access to the trendy shops of La Isla Entertainment Village. Although it's part of a chain, it eschews cookie-cutter decor in favor of local flavor, as evidenced by the lobby where Mexican textiles and folk art complement a modern design. Head to the rooftop pool and bar to enjoy panoramic city views, or head to the open-kitchen restaurant to enjoy artisanal dishes that incorporate local ingredients. Although the hotel isn't on the beach, it provides free transportation to the Mandala Beach Club.

The draw of this deluxe property is that it's five minutes from the airport and offers free round-trip airport shuttle service, making it ideal for those who are vacationing in Playa del Carmen or Tulum and who have an early flight. Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, large desks with ergonomic chairs, laptop safes, and 32-inch plasma TVs; suites have a lounge area, dining room, kitchenette, and private steam room. Given its location, the hotel is surprisingly quiet—even in the garden courtyard, outdoor pool, and palapa lounge. As it's on a relatively undeveloped stretch of highway, however, the 20-minute commute to central Cancún creates a sense of isolation. If you're longing for the beach, use your Courtyard towel as an "entrance pass" at the Omni Hotel, where you can enjoy pools, bars, and a beach area.

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.

Onyx pillars rising from two-tone marble floors, overshadowed only by a massive stained-glass ceiling illuminated from above, are your first indication of luxury at this adults-only resort, where every room has a terrace, hot tub, walk-in closet, and drop box for discreet room-service delivery. The nine eateries include a sushi bar, lobster house, and fine dining French restaurant. Reminiscent of a Greek temple, the spa features private relaxation rooms, heated waterbeds, and a 12-step hydrotherapy circuit. There are seven pools and a winding man-made river on-site; if you want a break from the water, cooking classes, Spanish lessons, dancing, archery, and more are offered. An 18-hole golf course is attached to the grounds.

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.

Accommodations at this adults-only resort have rich wood furnishings and a cream-and-plum palette and feature small sitting areas that open onto balconies overlooking the lagoon or ocean. Views from the latter are better, but there’s an extra charge for an oceanfront room with a whirlpool tub and minibar. The beach is stunning, and the comfortable pool area has deck chairs and palapas. A spa offers massages and facials, plus there's an outdoor temazcal (dome-shape sweat lodge), which the Maya believe purifies the body. If you like to keep busy, you have lots of options—including tennis, themed parties, and water sports—but if you're not interested in daily activities, consider booking into one of the newer hotels that cost about the same.

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 1980s-style hotel caters to tourists seeking an affordable alternative to Cancún's pricey resorts. Rooms have either patios or small balconies overlooking the pool and garden areas that surround it; all are done in subdued shades of cream and salmon, with furnishings that are dated but comfortable. Although not luxurious, it's perfect for families in which Dad wants to golf, Mom wants to shop, and the kids want to hit the beach—a 15-minute walk away. Breakfast, Wi-Fi, and local telephone calls are complimentary. Those planning to spend time in the hub of the Hotel Zone should factor taxi fares into the budget. It's a 10-minute walk from Boulevard Kukulcán's nearest bus stop.

Not only does the circular lobby of this hip, hacienda-style property have a martini bar but it's also decorated with illuminated onyx stone, marble floors, and teak furnishings accented with gray and cream cushions. Many of the rooms, which are done in neutral colors, are pleasantly decorated with Mexican wall prints and wrought-iron beds. All pool-facing rooms have balconies; fourth-floor executive rooms are larger, quieter, and have smart TVs, but they lack the pool view. The hotel's second Margaritas wing has a more casual feel than the main building.

On a hill overlooking the ocean, this all-suites boutique hotel doubles as an impressive gallery showcasing works by famous artists. A far cry from the towering all-inclusives lining the boulevard, it resembles a royal villa with marble floors, bronze statues, a grand piano, ornate chandeliers, and a winding staircase leading to the top-floor rooms. Each has a private terrace with a whirlpool tub; bathrooms are enormous with a vanity area and separate tub and shower. In addition to two on-site restaurants, there's a pool bar, and a meal plan is available on request. A business center and spa round out the offerings. Although children are permitted, the hotel caters mainly to adults.

Here's a hotel that's funky and fun, catering to young adults with its chic lounge bar, ambient music, and hot-pink billiard tables and rugs that match the property's bright exterior. Top-floor rooms have excellent views, but the spiral staircases in the tower buildings are taxing. There are three restaurants and three pools, with one dedicated to children. The food is very good, though you're within walking distance of other restaurants, as well as shops.

The most upscale of Cancún's Riu properties, this colossal eight-story resort at the north end of the Zona Hotelera is visually stunning. Unlike the modern, minimalist resorts that dot the strip, the decoration here is a bit baroque, with towering columns and cupolas in the lobby, and ornate mahogany furniture and patterned bedding in even the most basic suites. All also have a walk-in closet, sitting room, and four-bottle liquor dispenser. The property has six restaurants, four of which require reservations. This is a resort that mainly attracts guests over 40.

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.

Within walking distance of Las Américas Shopping Center and next to a grocery store, this hotel is perfect for mixing business with pleasure at a very reasonable price. Rooms are modern yet cozy, with hardwood floors, plasma TVs, free Wi-Fi, comfy duvets, and either city or lagoon views; rooms on the seventh and eighth floors are best. Despite its location, this chain hotel is surprisingly quiet. Rates are about one-fourth what you'd pay in the Hotel Zone, so expect shortcuts like shampoo dispensers rather than bottles and showers rather than tubs. A buffet breakfast (extra charge) is served from 6:30 to 10; guests with the midnight munchies can take advantage of the 24-hour restaurant.