187 Best Hotels in Mexico

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. 

This beachside all-inclusive adults-only resort has fabulous rooms decorated in beachy tones of turquoise and gold, with private terraces overlooking the ocean or gardens as well as swim-up rooms, part of The Reserve upgrade section. Step inside the white-and-gold lobby and grab a cocktail from the hip Gastro Bar where chill-out music will make you lose track of time. By day, guests can play volleyball or lounge by the pool, and by night, enjoy movies under the stars or listen to live music. The resort offers one of the largest meeting centers in the region, holding up to 1,100 guests.

This all-inclusive offers flash and class in a Vegas-meets-cruise-ship environment with 14 restaurants, 11 bars, and nearly 1,000 rooms housed in two buildings—the adults-only La Perla and the family-friendly La Esmeralda, where extras for the kids include PlayStations, nightly turndown with milk and cookies, and a pool area that looks like a water park. Consider purchasing the Nikté Upgrade package, which includes a water ritual at YHI Spa, an activities menu for kids and teenagers, and private whirlpool tubs. The two resorts are connected by way of the restaurants and bars, however, certain establishments are only open to La Perla guests, who pay higher rates.

This small resort specializes in yoga, which is performed in a handsome pavilion facing the beach, but there are other offerings, including meditation, qigong, horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking. You can also arrange for on-site massage therapies. Sand paths lead to inviting, palapa-roof bungalows around a small pool. The rooms are decked out in antique furnishings and tropical hardwoods, with rustic patio chairs and comfortable pillow-top beds, some with romantic canopies. The restaurant serves fresh, healthful spa cuisine, with many items available in vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free iterations.

One of Acapulco’s most famous hotels (Howard Hughes once hid away in a suite here) continues its long tradition of great service to this day. Near the reception desk, fantastic ponds with waterfalls and a slatted bridge hint at the luxury throughout the property. Large, airy rooms have cane furniture, marble floors, and wireless Internet access. You can dine in six excellent restaurants, then burn off the calories in a match at the tennis center, which sometimes hosts international tournaments. The superb spa, open to guests and nonguests, has aromatherapy, thalassotherapy, and body wraps, plus a fitness center, Swiss showers, a hair salon, and a Jacuzzi. A shuttle runs frequently to the adjacent Pierre Mundo Imperial Hotel, where you can use all the facilities there.

Perched on the sugary shores of Playa Norte, this five-story resort is one of the island's largest and one of the few to offer an all-inclusive plan. Modern guest rooms have light wooden furniture, marble floors, and balconies (some with water views and whirlpool tubs). Palapa umbrellas dot the beach, and guests can relax in one of the poolside casitas where massages are offered. There are three on-site restaurants—Sabor (international), Satay (Asian fusion), and Playa Norte (beach club)—and the pool bar, but proximity to downtown restaurants makes the all-inclusive package somewhat unnecessary. Snorkeling tours, golf-cart rentals, and airport transportation are available upon request.

Atop the main beach and in the center of the action, this property is the focal point of Puerto Aventuras, but its low-key luxury is a cut above the town's other resorts. Small for a full-service facility, it feels spacious and peaceful. Rooms have sitting areas with a plasma TV, plus terraces with hot tubs and views of the ocean, pool, or marina. There are plenty of spots to get your feet wet—including two connecting pools, a swim-up bar, a children’s pool, and the beach dotted with Bali beds. A 9-hole golf course is within walking distance, and the marina is just around the corner. Breakfast and a newspaper arrive at your room daily by way of a cubbyhole, to avoid disturbing your slumber.

In one of Ensenada’s most beautiful settings, this 27-room hotel has charm and tranquillity to spare with spacious rooms that have balconies facing the ocean. A long driveway leads to a modern glass-walled lobby and three buildings housing rooms with flat-screen TV’s, minibars, and Wi-Fi. Those in building No. 2 are slightly larger and have direct views of the pool and ocean. For outstanding seafood, visit the restaurant where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail and watch the sunset. Unlike other hotels in the area, this family-owned property is set far back from the main road for the ultimate peace and privacy.

This low-slung hillside resort, a member of one of Mexico’s best hotel chains, overlooks the sea and sits at the western end of Playa Revolcadero. The 62 suites have balconies, Mexican-made hardwood furniture, and closet door handles shaped like iguanas—the chain's signature motif. Six suites have private hot tubs and small pools on their balconies. If you can snag one of those, they don't cost much more than the standard suites.

Palatial in name, scale, and decor (oversize entrance columns, crystal chandeliers, fountains), this all-inclusive is known for its breathtaking beach and exceptional service. Although rooms are well equipped, they aren't very large, and you should request one overlooking the courtyard, away from the noisy entertainment area. A steak house and Japanese restaurant are the most popular of the many dining options, despite the fact that reservations are required. Guests are permitted to use the amenities (including restaurants for breakfast and lunch) at any of Riu Palace's six sister hotels throughout Playa del Carmen.

This high-volume hotel at the south end of long and lovely Bucerías Beach has manicured grounds and a pool for each of its six buildings. Rooms are plain and not particularly modern, but that's a small price to pay for the excellent beachfront location and astoundingly low all-inclusive prices. Rooms in the older section have the best views, since they were built along the water; rooms on the other side of the road have the benefit of being adults-only and are almost brand new. Besides location, the only real distinction between one room and another is whether the room has a king or two double beds. The median age of the clientele here is around 50 years old.

Royal Solaris was the first all-inclusive in Los Cabos, and it runs smoothly like the established property it is, with plenty of entertainment options and sports activities offered. Although it can feel a bit like an amusement park with all the activities, many appreciate the ease of built-in entertainment options. There are four major dinner shows per week in their theater, Teatro Teotihuacan. There's a Mexican night, a Latin Show, and other theme nights as well. A complete Kids' Mini-Club area includes toboggan waterslides, dancing lessons, and kites. Guests can play tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball. There are four categories of rooms, with half facing the ocean and half facing the street.

High on a hill off the main boulevard, this refined yet relaxed hotel offers personalized service and rooms that blend art deco and Maya styles, are done in soothing shades of cream and mauve, and have either ocean or lagoon views. All-inclusive perks include fully stocked minibars and 24-hour room service. The three infinity swimming pools are stunning, and the stellar on-site spa has 14 treatment rooms. The property also includes tennis courts and a large fitness center.

Sandos Finisterra, whose name means "Land's End" in Latin due to its privileged location at the Baja peninsula's southernmost point, offers guests the best of both worlds: the quintessential all-inclusive experience while being just steps from downtown. One of Cabo's most historic properties, part of Finisterra is built into the cliffside, resulting in gravity-defying rooms jutting out from the mountain and boulders organically decorating the spa's interior. Thanks to its breathtaking views, the resort hosts multiple weddings every week of the year (which has included, most famously, that of Rolling Stone Keith Richards; photos from the iconic ceremony can be seen on display).

The elegant adults-only Aura offers the ultimate in all-inclusive service and a variety of room styles in four low-rise buildings that face a meandering pool with separate areas linked by a lazy river. Swim-up suites have direct patio access to the ground-level pool, while third-story solarium suites have narrow rooftop lap pools. The design throughout the seven room categories is sleekly contemporary, with dark-wood furnishings and contrasting sea-blue textiles. The outdoor, white-tablecloth dining is a special treat.

The first of the all-inclusive chains to reach La Playita, this adults-only resort has swim-up rooms, ocean views, seven restaurants, and a 13,000-square-foot spa by Pevonia. With 500 rooms overlooking the ocean and golf course, the property dwarfs neighboring hotels in the area. There’s practically no reason to leave this slice of heaven, with activities like tennis, archery, cooking classes, beach volleyball, tequila tastings, bike tours, and golf. There is even a batting cage and shooting range. The contemporary Mexican decor throughout the rooms, with rich dark woods and colors in burnt-red and gold, are reminiscent of a hacienda. Palapas dot the beach for shade, and the main pool has mini islands with palm trees. Ground-floor rooms have swim-up patios but lack ocean views. The property is enormous, so if excessive walking is an issue, request a room closer to building No. 1 where the lobby is located.

This adults-only resort offers "unlimited luxury," so even butler service, international calls, 24-hour room service, taxes, and gratuities are included in the rate. The property also stands out from the pack for its no-bracelets, no-reservations dining policy and its “Vine” concept—you can join the hotel's sommelier for wine tastings or enjoy wine-therapy treatments at the spa. The cozy lobby has a fireplace and board games. Rooms are tastefully decorated in neutral tones and have large balconies; due to the long, narrow shape of the hotel, however, only the 17 suites have full ocean views. The Secrets app lets you connect with other guests and stay informed about daily activities.

Secrets is a fancy all-inclusive, adults-only resort set in the heart of the Hotel Zone. The rooms offer wide, ample space and plenty of little details and luxuries (such as a Jacuzzi on the balcony). Some ground-floor suites include access to a swim-up pool. Public areas include two swimming pools and a large Jacuzzi, seven international restaurants, and a series of top-notch bars.

Marking the start of the Hotel Zone, the Sheraton was the first of the big-name resorts built in Puerto Vallarta, and ever since it has maintained its status as a Vallarta household name. Even though the building is a few decades old, rooms are renovated constantly to keep up with the times. Sometimes it can feel very business-like, as its convention center is one of the busiest in town.

For a white-stucco link in a hotel chain—admittedly a small Mexican chain—this resort manages to exude some real personality. The rooms are handsome, the number of activities is dizzying, and the location on La Audiencia is sweet. A poolside snack bar doubles as a midnight disco; before that, hit the predictable floor show or the lounge, where the piano man sings corny-but-cool Mexican and American standards. All rooms have balconies, but not all have views. Take a look before you bring up the luggage.

Nestled in thriving mangrove forests, this adults-only all-inclusive is one of the few in the region that still embraces Mexican tradition. Marking the entrance are brick archways and terra-cotta walkways inlaid with mosaic tile. In hacienda fashion, the grand lobby features more than a dozen wrought-iron chandeliers suspended above marble floors. Wooden paths lead to private palafitos (structures on stilts), where couples can enjoy romantic dinners. Jazz or classical music echoes throughout the resort's 75 unspoiled acres. Standard rooms are richly decorated with teak furnishings and include sitting areas with plasma TVs and terraces with spacious hot tubs. The surf at the beach can be somewhat rough, but there are two huge pools, one with an artificial island.

This impressive hotel is an excellent choice for both families with kids and couples looking for a place to get away from it all. Modern and well-appointed rooms can range from single to multifamily suites, and may have a tub in the balcony overlooking the resort grounds and ocean (if you're above the fourth level) or the mountains behind. The resort caters mostly to all-inclusive vacationers but lodging-only is also available. There's a slow river, a wave pool, several restaurants, slides for kids, gyms, tennis courts, a golf course, and a fantastic beach where weddings take place. The resort has expanded even more in the past few years, and now there's a water park in the making and a permanent Cirque du Soleil, among other secret projects that are being developed.

Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa is a big, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort that has a bit of everything without excessive luxury. Rooms offer ample space and colorful Mexican decor. Among other amenities, Villa del Palmar includes a well-appointed fitness center, a spa with a diversity of services, three swimming pools, a kids' club, four restaurants, one cantina, and a couple of delis. 

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.

Not only is the island's largest property right on the beach, but it has everything you need to be comfortable—an open-air palapa lobby, a temazcal (Maya sweat lodge), a large pool, a buffet-style restaurant, manicured gardens laced with sandy paths leading to freestanding, bungalow-style accommodations. Standard rooms have private entrances and wooden floors; master suites have two floors, a bathtub, whirlpool, and ocean views. Rope handrails, wooden masks, and bright Mexican fabrics enhance the decor. Note that, in addition to all-inclusive rates, the resort offers  half-board and breakfast-only plans.

If you don't mind being near the beach, rather than on it, here's one of the most affordable hotels in Las Hadas Peninsula. Rooms in the Spanish-style villas are spacious and decorated simply with carved wooden furniture, and equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, and toasters. Master suites are outfitted with more complete kitchens, a Jacuzzi, and a large seating area, and make a good option for a housekeeping holiday.

This secluded beachfront resort boasts spacious rooms with modern decor, a pool, six dining locations, and all the fun under the sun you can think of. The beach has fine white sand, and more often than not has a heavy shore break surfers will love. You can even rent surfboards right at the hotel. The rooms vary in size and there are several beachfront suites for families who want to splurge.

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.

Built by prominent Mexican artist Javier Sordo Madaleno, the colorful design and architecture reflecting the famous Arco (arch) make this Westin more memorable than some of the others in the Corridor. The rooms, some set high above the beach, are among the best in their price range and have ocean views and Westin's trademark Heavenly Beds with cushy pillows and comforters. Junior suites have balcony Jacuzzis, marble floors, extra pullout beds, and connecting rooms for families or larger parties. The dramatic setting of the hotel means you'll get plenty of exercise moving from one area to another, which is good for some and less appealing for others. The restaurants receive mixed reviews, with most leaning toward the expensive but mediocre in terms of satisfaction.

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.