144 Best Hotels in Mexico

The family-friendly sister hotel to The Royal (which is across the street) has downtown Playa's best accommodations for the schoolyard set. Two pools, a Jacuzzi, a giant chess set, minigolf, afternoon bingo and blackjack, and a kids' activity room (with babysitting!) will keep young ones busy while Mom and Dad get massages on the beach or mimosas at the breakfast buffet. Although adults may find cast-concrete Grecian columns, New Orleans-style wrought iron breezeways, and walk-in Moorish showers a bit grandiose, they'll make an impression on the juniors. Oceanfront rooms have access to The Royal, and all categories have access to Gran Caribe Real in Cancún. Beach-facing rooms are significantly nicer than those in back, with corresponding prices.

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.

The dramatic lobby of this all-inclusive resort is eight stories above the beach, and every room looks out onto the Sea of Cortez. Cream-color walls, rich marble floors, ocean views, and abundant art make for an elegant atmosphere in the 420-square-foot rooms. The Imperial Suite has its own swimming pool and separate entrance. A complimentary minibar is stocked daily, meaning you can enjoy a drink on the tiny terrace while admiring the view. The Fiesta offers discounts to the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Ocean Golf Course, in addition to the luxurious spa. Though the beach is rocky, this is one of the few hotels on a stretch of water that is safe for snorkeling. This is not the place for people looking for Cabo's famous party scene.

Impressive in every respect, this aptly named resort commands well over a mile (2 km) of Pacific Ocean coastline north of Cabo San Lucas, with an 18-hole golf course from Greg Norman, excellent on-site dining options, a beachfront spa, sleek swimming pools, and a small salt-water lagoon you can kayak and paddleboard in. The scenery surrounding the resort is quite the sight, and depending on your taste in cinema, may register as familiar: the same powerful waves and sprawling dunes were the backdrop for the Hollywood epic, Troy. Solmar has grand expansion plans, intending to triple the size of the property over the next several years, adding more rooms, restaurants, amenities, and beyond. An all-inclusive meal plan is available as an add-on.

In scale and majesty, the public areas of this property outshine all other Nuevo Vallarta all-inclusive resorts. Ceilings soar overhead, and the structure and furnishings are simultaneously minimalist and modern yet earthy, incorporating stucco, rock, polished teak, and gleaming ecru marble. The spa is excellent, and the views—with the garden-shrouded pool in the foreground and the beach beyond—are striking. Rooms are sleek with elegant furnishings and appointments. The high price entitles you to top-of-the-line spirits in minibars and restaurants.

This all-inclusive resort offers Mexican luxury at its best with top-notch gastronomy, stylish rooms, a certified Blue Flag beach, an outstanding spa, and lots of activities for all ages. There are three different types of suites (Zen, Ambassador, Grand Class), but they're all large and have luxury amenities like an ample terrace and a plunge pool or whirlpool tub. The resort might be a bit pricey but it's definitely worth it. 

If you're looking for a real getaway far from the madding crowd, book yourself into a real hacienda—once a stop along the Camino Real, the main road for transporting gold, silver, and supplies from the mining towns to Spanish coffers—under an hour's drive north of San Miguel. Here you can turn back the clock and relax in vast rooms whose walls are 3 feet thick, lounge in the shade of colonnaded porticos, or roam the countryside on a pony or mountain bike, all included in the room rate.

Each room is unique and elegant at this pricey boutique hotel in the hills five blocks above the malecón. Public spaces also exude luxury with antiques placed throughout, and water pours from fonts into Talavera-tile-lined basins. The Celestial Room has a wondrous view of Bahía de Banderas and the cathedral's tower from its open-air, thatch-roof living room. You can enjoy live music with complimentary cocktails in the early evening, and there are fabulous views of the bay from the restaurant.

Live out your rock-star fantasies at this 85-acre all-inclusive—either in the adults-only Heaven section, a pampering resort within the resort, or the family-friendly Hacienda wing, which has a teens' club, disco, kids' pool, 100-foot climbing tower, snorkeling cove, and obstacle fitness trail. This is a great place to bring little tykes, too—the Ultimate Playtime package includes everything from babysitting and diapers to strollers and Gerber baby food. All rooms have balconies, hydro-spa tubs, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. The free Music Lab program lets you play instruments, mix beats, and shoot a music video. Plenty of good restaurants and an enormous spa are also on-site.

The Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta is a luxury, all-inclusive resort 20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta with a gorgeous beachfront setting and everything you would expect from this well-known brand. 

It's likely no surprise that music is creatively incorporated throughout the Hard Rock's resort experience; there's a pool with an underwater playlist, Fender guitars can be delivered to your room, and the spa even uses sound vibrations in its treatments. Many of the activities and entertainment are fun for the whole family, but ample opportunities for independence also await: grown-ups will find sophisticated tranquillity at the adults-only Rhythm Pool while youngsters can enjoy an action-packed weekly itinerary at the Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club. Night owls can party at the Moonlight Lounge until the wee hours and there's a decked-out game room for teens to hide out in while their parents are being "cringe" at the karaoke mike.

At this sophisticated, adults-only sanctuary—in a secluded complex just 15 minutes south of Cancún's airport—a modern Mexican design and a natural color palette with touches of turquoise blue complement the outstanding ocean views. Not a party resort, this intimate all-inclusive property has a calm lagoon-like pool plus an oversized, two-level pool where guests quietly socialize around a swim-up bar. Even the twice-weekly evening DJ's playlist is subdued. The all king-size bedded suites, with either a private swim-out or balcony with a hot tub, include luxuries like twice-daily maid service.  Elevate your stay by booking a Serenity Club oceanfront suite with multiple VIP amenities. On-site restaurants include a Mexican steak house, Asian Fusion with Teppanyaki stations, and the upscale Olios, with a Mediterranean flair. The mixology program is backed by award-winning Yucatán bartenders who are happy to handcraft drinks to your taste. Head to Moons for cabaret five nights a week or join hosted events like casino night. The expansive spa offers cutting-edge treatments, with a hydrotherapy regimen and alternative healing techniques, including Reiki, shamanism, and energy work.

If you are looking for the royal treatment, this massive, colonial-style resort has everything from laundry service and a 24-hour on-site doctor to in-room whirlpool tubs and fully stocked minibars. Ordinary-size rooms are tasteful and equipped with king beds and minibars stocked with snacks (and refilled twice a day); swim-up rooms have clever pool entries from the sliding doors. Wi-Fi is complimentary.

This intimate property above La Ropa beach has some terrific bay views from its infinity-edge pool. An all-white motif is brightened by colorful throw pillows and terra-cotta accents, as well as a few whimsical touches. All rooms have terraces with ocean views and heated plunge pools. The Grand Suite has an open-air living room with even more expansive views of the water and the countryside.

In addition to its own marina and artificial beach, this all-suites resort has indoor-outdoor pools, a spa, tennis courts, a water-sports center, and a sports bar overlooking the bay. The horseshoe-shape layout means that every room has a marina view, but corner suites on either end are by far superior. All guest quarters have refrigerators, coffeemakers, lounge areas, balconies, flat-screens, and either a king-size bed or two full beds. Even the most basic rooms are surprisingly large. Rates drop substantially midweek and between October and March. For those traveling to and from San Diego, the hotel has a shuttle service for $550 for a 10-passenger van. For a sampling of the hotel without the full bill, just $30 will grant you day access to the pools, sauna, and grounds.

Grupo Habita, best known for its hip hotels in Mexico City, brings its edgy flair to this boutique hideaway that draws a jet-set crowd. In the desert on a stretch of undisturbed beach 30 minutes west of Puerto Escondido, the hotel's 16 thatched-roof cabanas are decked out with luxe comforts such as private plunge pools, handcrafted natural furnishings, portable Bose Bluetooth speakers, and minibars. The beach club's saltwater ribbon pool offers 360-degree views of sky, sea, and sand while an open-air restaurant showcases tropical fruits, fresh-caught seafood, and Oaxacan ingredients. The drink of choice is house mezcal served with chili salt and orange slices. When walking the beach, watch for Casa Wabi, an art gallery–studio designed by celebrated Japanese architect Tadao Ando for Mexican artist Bosco Sodhi.

The location of Todos Santos' most popular hotel is quite extraordinary as you'll immediately be mesmerized by the sights and sounds of crashing waves; you can audibly hear them from your room. (Note: light sleepers may benefit from earplugs; otherwise, enjoy the soothing sound as it lulls you to sleep.) Every inch of the property is thoughtfully designed with a mix of colorful '70's motifs and classic beachy neutrals. The dining is among the best in Todos Santos; Sunday brunch at the farm–to–table restaurant, Cosecha, is the talk of the town. 

Hotelito Mio is a quaint boutique hotel that is both luxurious and rustic, located on Playa Caballo next to Las Ánimas. Thatched roofs and wooden walls hide upscale amenities, luxury bedding, scented candles, and tubs and Jacuzzis with ocean views. San Miguel Restaurant on the premises offers a customized menu according to your tastes and nutritional requirements, and the beach spa will pamper you with facials, massages, yoga, Pilates, and Reiki.

Despite its size, this all-inclusive resort—consisting of the adults-only Tucan and the family friendly Quetzal sections—has managed to preserve natural surroundings that are home to flamingos, turtles, toucans, peacocks, and monkeys. Landscaped pool areas surround the open-air restaurant and reception area. Spacious rooms have cheerful color schemes and patios overlooking dense vegetation. Activities include bike tours, yoga sessions, salsa dancing, and Zumba programs. The roaming animals, kids' club, teen disco, and designated pool for children make this hotel a family favorite.

In keeping with its genteel neighborhood, this high-rise hotel has personalized service and cozy public areas; nothing overwhelms here. Rooms feature marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and down comforters. The hotel has a well-equipped 24-hour business center and an ATM, plus a health club that offers a gym, sauna, steam room, outdoor heated pool, and assorted beauty treatments.

A perfect spot for a romantic getaway, this lavish adults-only hotel is in the heart of Tulum's world-famous hotel zone. Although the Diksha Spa is considered its main asset, the two excellent on-site restaurants don't stray far behind. Rooms offer wide ample space and make smart use of wood furniture and floors, including the spectacular bathtubs carved out from a single piece of fine local wood. 

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Vena Cava winery, this luxury inn is reminiscent of a Tuscan villa. Bright, romantic bedrooms are individually decorated with terra-cotta tile flooring and Mexican accents in the colorful rugs and pillows. Stone and tiled bathrooms were designed by owners Phil and Eileen, who have integrated green practices into their property, right down to their own line of organic bath products. Three of the rooms have full balconies separated by partitions, with chaise lounges and Mexican chimeneas. Stone stairs lead to a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Spa treatments are available in a designated room next to the lounge. Room rates include wine tasting, teatime, afternoon appetizers, and a full organic breakfast. If you're still hungry, swing by their on-site food truck for fresh Baja cuisine.

This jungle-chic, environmentally conscious hotel on a pristine beach is all about the details—say, colorful, traditional cotton robes made on a loom and handblown glasses from Jalisco. All rooms have king-size beds draped in 200-thread-count cotton sheets and duvets; spacious cabanas come with private plunge pools that can be heated or cooled. The pleasant restaurant serves traditional Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients, but reserve a seat at the Chef's Table—a small, intimate space featuring a special eight-course tasting menu—for something truly memorable. On Sunday nights, locals gather for free salsa lessons and late-night dancing. And on Saturday, locals gather for a beach party and barbecue.

The balconies of this pyramid-shaped resort are reason enough to stay here—sunbathe or sip cocktails from a deck chair during the day and stargaze from your hammock at night (junior-suite balconies also have hot tubs). Las Brisas is at the secluded southern end of Ixtapa away from the main strip, so there's nothing but blue water to gaze at. The resort is built into a hill and has a slightly awkward layout (it's a bit of a hike from the main building to the pool complex), but who needs gardens to stroll through when you're on the best stretch of beach in Ixtapa? Standard rooms are a little narrow, but they have heavenly pillow-top beds and small sitting nooks with comfy window-seat-like couches.

An American expat opened this hacienda-style hotel in the 1950s, and it remains one of the most exclusive lodgings in Cuernavaca, even though its somewhat stodgy personality doesn't appeal to every taste, especially younger travelers. The ample rooms are outfitted with traditional fireplaces, hand-carved bedsteads, hand-painted tiles in the bathrooms, and gilded crafts. The restaurant, with its spectacular open-air terraces and garden inhabited by flamingos, peacocks, parrots, and African cranes, is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon enjoying a leisurely meal. Again, though, the very traditional food is less a reason to dine here than the chance to soak up the splendid scenery.

With three blocks of beach and grounds that include both sandy shore and cool jungle garden, this resort offers a taste of everything the Riviera landscape has to offer. The expansive all-inclusive property features comfortable lounge spaces in a large palapa reception, a quiet spa, a little library, four pools, a fitness center, a dive center, four bars (including one swim-up bar), and three restaurants. Rooms are spacious and filled with lovely details, like colorful sinks and pillows, murals painted lightly on concrete floors, and decorative preserved wood hanging from the walls. 

Marival Armony Resort facing Banderas Bay boasts modern tropical decor, seven international restaurants, a spa, a kids' club, and five pools. Views from the rooms are nothing short of spectacular, and the hotel can organize tours and activities to keep you busy.

Stunning architecture, a property-wide art collection of unique pieces, noticeable attention to detail, and loads of luxurious touches make the Marquis a standout. The adults-only resort is ideal for couples and honeymooners. Rooms overlook the ocean, boast L'Occitane amenities, reversible mattresses (hard or soft), high-speed Internet, and original art. At 1,670 square feet each, the 25 casitas are ideal for extended vacations. They are located right on the beach. Three infinity-edge swimming pools, the length of the hotel, curve along the edge of the sand. The five on-site restaurants offer plenty of all-inclusive choices at mealtimes, and the coffee shop with fresh pastries and boxed lunches is a nice touch. Be sure to reserve a table at the Sakke, an Asian-inspired restaurant complimented with teppanyaki tables.

Located in Marina Vallarta, Mayan Palace provides the luxury and comfort expected from a Vidanta resort but is closer to the action that only Puerto Vallarta has to offer in the region. Rooms are large and most of them feature ample balconies and gorgeous ocean views. Dining options are limited, but guests have access to the gourmet restaurants of other nearby Vidanta resorts. 

On the quieter side of Tulum's beachfront, this small, hip hotel is a 25-minute walk from the ruins along a powdery stretch of white sand. Stylish rooms have vaulted ceilings, dark-wood furnishings, and adobe floors inlaid with stones. Splashes of red brighten the cream-colored rooms, four of which have spacious lofts and ocean views. The two suites have balconies facing the Caribbean. Only three rooms on the property lack an ocean view. Minibars, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning are included in all rooms.