If you’re planning a trip to Cancun, you might be wondering where the best places to stay are. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to book your accommodation. But fear not, I’ve done the research for you. I have compiled a list of the best places to stay in Cancun.
In this article, we’ll cover the best areas to stay in Cancun, the best hotels and resorts, the best things to do, the best restaurants, and the best neighborhoods.
Best Areas to Stay in Cancun
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Cancun, it’s important to consider what you want to do during your vacation. Each area has its own unique features and attractions. So it’s important to choose the area that best fits your needs and preferences.
1. Zona Hotelera
One of the most popular areas to stay in Cancun is the Zona Hotelera, also known as the Hotel Zone. This area is located on a long strip of land that runs parallel to the Caribbean Sea. It’s home to many of Cancun’s best hotels, resorts, and beaches.
If you’re looking for a luxury experience, the Zona Hotelera is definitely the place to be. You’ll find a wide range of all-inclusive hotels, infinity pools, outdoor swimming pools, swim-up bars, and full-service spas. The Zona Hotelera is also home to some of the best restaurants, as well as shopping malls and major attractions.
2. Downtown Cancun
If you’re looking for a more local experience, consider staying in downtown Cancun. Also known as El Centro. This area is located away from the beach. But it offers easy access to local markets, food stalls, coffee shops, and small boutiques.
Downtown Cancun is also home to some of the best restaurants in the city. It is also within walking distance to many of the city’s main attractions. Including the Cancun Airport and the bus station. You’ll find plenty of budget-friendly options in this area. As well as spacious rooms and guest rooms with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and room service.
3. Puerto Juarez
For those who want to stay away from the crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere, Puerto Juarez is a great option. This area is located at the north end of the Hotel Zone, and it’s a short drive from downtown Cancun.
Puerto Juarez offers easy access to the ferry terminal, where you can catch a boat to Isla Mujeres. In Puerto Juarez, you’ll find several hotels with private beaches, outdoor swimming pools, fitness centers, and tennis courts.
4. Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a small island located just off the coast of Cancun, accessible by a short ferry ride. It is a beautiful and peaceful place, with white-sand beaches, calm waters, and palm trees swaying in the breeze.
It is an excellent place to stay for those who want to enjoy a more laid-back vacation. The island is home to some of the best boutique hotels. Including the Nizuc Resort & Spa.
5. Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a small fishing village located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It is a great place to stay for those who want to be close to the major attractions but still enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
The town has a beautiful beach, calm waters, and a water park. It is also home to many boutique hotels. Including the Casa de los Sueños, which offers spacious rooms and a full-service spa.
6. Playa Mujeres
Playa Mujeres is a new development located just north of the Cancun Hotel Zone. It is a great place to stay to enjoy the white sandy beaches and calm waters of the Caribbean Sea. It is also home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, including the Excellence Playa Mujeres.
7. Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is a stretch of coastline located south of Cancun, which runs all the way to Tulum. It is an excellent place to stay for those who want to explore the Mayan ruins, go scuba diving, or enjoy water sports.
The area is also home to many luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts, including the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, which offers an outdoor pool, hot tubs, and live music.
Best Hotels in Cancun
Cancun is home to some of the best hotels in the world, offering a wide range of amenities and services to make your stay unforgettable. Here are three of the best hotels in Cancun:
1. Le Blanc Spa Resort
Le Blanc Spa Resort is a luxury all-inclusive hotel located in the heart of the Hotel Zone. This hotel is known for its stunning infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea. As well as its full-service spa offering a wide range of treatments and services.
Le Blanc Spa Resort also features several on-site restaurants serving gourmet cuisine. They also have a fitness center, tennis courts, and water sports facilities. The guest rooms at Le Blanc Spa Resort are with private balconies offering stunning views of the ocean.
2. Nizuc Resort & Spa
Nizuc Resort & Spa is a secluded retreat located on the southern end of the Hotel Zone. This hotel is known for its beautiful architecture, featuring sleek and modern design elements inspired by ancient Mayan culture.
Nizuc Resort & Spa is home to several outdoor swimming pools, including an infinity pool with ocean views. As well as a full-service spa offering a wide range of wellness treatments.
The hotel also features several on-site restaurants serving world-class cuisine. The guest rooms at Nizuc Resort & Spa are spacious and elegantly decorated, offering the perfect place to relax and unwind.
3. Hard Rock Hotel
the Hard Rock Hotel is another top hotel in Cancun, known for its rock and roll-inspired design and lively atmosphere. This all-inclusive hotel is located in the heart of the Hotel Zone. It offers a wide range of amenities and services for guests of all ages.
The Hard Rock Hotel features several outdoor swimming pools. Including one with a swim-up bar and another with an artificial beach.
The hotel also features several on-site restaurants. As well as a full-service spa, a fitness center, and several live music venues. The guest rooms at the Hard Rock Hotel are spacious and stylish, featuring flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and room service.
Best Resorts in Cancun
Cancun is a paradise destination that boasts some of the best resorts in the world. From all-inclusive luxury to family-friendly getaways, there is a resort to meet every traveler’s needs. Here are three of the best resorts in Cancun:
1. Moon Palace Cancun
Moon Palace Cancun, is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort located at the southern end of the Hotel Zone. This resort is known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and wide range of activities for all ages.
The Moon Palace Cancun features multiple outdoor swimming pools, including an infinity pool, a water park, and a swim-up bar.
The resort also offers a kids’ club, a fitness center, a golf course, and a full-service spa. The guest rooms at the Moon Palace Cancun are spacious and comfortable, offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
2. Secrets The Vine Cancun
Secrets The Vine Cancun is an adults-only all-inclusive resort located in the heart of the Hotel Zone. This resort is known for its luxurious amenities and stunning ocean views.
The Secrets The Vine Cancun features multiple outdoor swimming pools with ocean views and a private beach.
The resort also offers a fitness center, a full-service spa, and several on-site restaurants serving gourmet cuisine. The guest rooms are modern and elegant, featuring private balconies and state-of-the-art amenities.
3. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun Resort & Spa
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun Resort & Spa is another top resort in Cancun. This luxury resort is located at the northern end of the Hotel Zone and boasts a beautiful beachfront location.
The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun Resort & Spa features multiple outdoor swimming pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
The resort also offers a full-service spa, a fitness center, and several on-site restaurants. The guest rooms are spacious and elegant, featuring private balconies with ocean views.
Best Cancun Hotels for Families
Cancun is an excellent destination for families looking to relax, have fun, and create unforgettable memories. Here are some of the best Cancun hotels for families:
1. Panama Jack Resorts Cancun
This all-inclusive resort is located in the Hotel Zone and offers a range of amenities for families. It includes a kids club, a children’s pool, and a water park with slides and splash zones.
The resort also has a variety of family-friendly dining options, including a buffet restaurant and a poolside grill.
Additionally, the resort offers activities for families, including beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
2. The Westin Resort & Spa Cancun
This family-friendly hotel is located in the Hotel Zone and offers spacious and comfortable rooms with ocean views.
The hotel also has a kids club with supervised activities, as well as a children’s pool and a playground.
Additionally, the hotel offers a range of family-friendly dining options, including a casual restaurant and a poolside bar and grill.
3. Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa
This all-inclusive resort is located in the Hotel Zone. Offers a range of amenities for families, including a kids club with supervised activities. As well as a children’s pool, and a water park with slides and a lazy river.
The resort also has a variety of family-friendly dining options, including a buffet restaurant and a poolside grill.
Additionally, the resort offers a range of activities for families, including beach volleyball, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Best Things to Do in Cancun
Cancun is not just about relaxing on white-sand beaches and enjoying the warm Caribbean Sea. The city offers a range of exciting activities and attractions that cater to all interests. Here are some of the best things to do in Cancun:
1. Chichen Itza
One of the top attractions in Cancun is the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. Located about two hours from Cancun.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most well-preserved Mayan ruins in Mexico. It features impressive structures such as the Kukulkan Pyramid, the Temple of Warriors, and the Observatory. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site or explore on their own.
2. Water Sports
For those who love water sports, Cancun is a paradise. The city offers a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, and jet skiing.
Visitors can explore the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Swim with whale sharks. There are also several water parks in Cancun. Xel-Ha and Xcaret offer a range of activities for all ages.
3. La Isla Shopping Village
If shopping is more your style, Cancun has plenty of options. One of the most popular shopping destinations is La Isla Shopping Village, located in the Hotel Zone.
This open-air mall features over 150 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, including a movie theater and an aquarium.
Visitors can shop for designer brands or souvenirs. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, or take a stroll along the canals that run through the mall.
4. Botanical Gardens
For a more serene experience, visitors can explore the botanical gardens of Cancun. The Botanical Garden Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin is located in Puerto Morelos, just a short drive from Cancun.
This beautiful garden features over 600 species of plants and animals, including several endangered species.
Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own. Learning about the diverse flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Best Time to Visit Cancun
Cancun is a year-round destination. That offers visitors plenty of sunshine and warm weather, with an average temperature of around 80°F. However, the best time to visit Cancun largely depends on what activities you plan to do and your travel preferences.
High Season: Mid-December to Mid-April
The high season in Cancun is between mid-December and mid-April. It is characterized by warm and sunny weather, making it a popular time for tourists to visit. During this period, the beaches are crowded, and the prices for accommodation, flights, and activities are generally higher. It is also essential to book in advance as they tend to fill up quickly during this period.
Despite the higher prices and crowds, this is the best time to visit Cancun. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, with plenty of activities and events happening around the city. You can take part in various outdoor activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, and jet-skiing.
Shoulder Seasons: May to June and September to November
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and budget-friendly vacation, the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Cancun. From May to June and September to November, the weather is still warm and pleasant, but the crowds have thinned out. Hotel rates and airfares are typically lower. The beaches are quieter during these months.
Another benefit of visiting Cancun during the shoulder seasons is that you can enjoy a more authentic Mexican experience. You can explore the city’s cultural heritage by visiting the ancient Mayan ruins or local markets.
Rainy Season: June to November
The rainy season in Cancun runs from June to November. It is characterized by occasional rain showers and high humidity. However, this does not mean that you should avoid visiting Cancun during this period. The rain showers can be brief and sporadic, and you can still enjoy the city’s outdoor activities.
It is important to note that hurricanes and tropical storms can occur during this period, which may cause disruptions to your travel plans. If you do choose to visit Cancun during the rainy season, it is essential to monitor weather forecasts and pack appropriate rain gear.
Additionally, some water-based activities such as snorkeling and diving may be temporarily suspended due to rough seas. However, you can still enjoy indoor activities such as visiting museums, galleries, and spas.
Best Deals and Discounts in Cancun
Cancun is a popular tourist destination, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find great deals and discounts on accommodations, activities, and dining options. In fact, there are many ways to save money in Cancun without sacrificing quality or comfort.
One way to find great value is to look for all-inclusive resorts. Which often include meals, drinks, and activities at the room rate.
Another option is to book your trip during the shoulder season. This is when prices are generally lower than during the high season. May to June and September to November are considered shoulder seasons in Cancun. You may be able to find better deals on flights, accommodations, and activities during these times.
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In terms of costs, prices for accommodations in Cancun can range from budget-friendly options like hostels and guesthouses to luxury resorts and boutique hotels. On average, you can expect to pay around $100 to $200 per night for a mid-range hotel in Cancun, while all-inclusive resorts can range from $300 to $500 per night.
Activities and dining options can also vary widely in price, with street food stalls and local markets offering budget-friendly options, and fine dining restaurants and upscale shopping malls catering to higher-end budgets.
Choosing the Best Place to Stay in Cancun
Cancun is a great place to visit, with a range of activities and accommodation options that can cater to any budget or interest. By considering the best areas, hotels, resorts, and activities, visitors can make the most of their stay in this beautiful destination.
So, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a business trip, Cancun has something to offer. With its crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, and palm trees swaying in the breeze, Cancun is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and have some fun.
