Cancun Hotels

Cancun Hotel Reviews

You might find it bewildering to choose among Cancún's many hotels, not least because brochures and websites make them sound—and look—almost exactly alike. For luxury and amenities, the Zona Hotelera is the place to stay. In the modest El Centro, local color outweighs facilities. The hotels here are more basic and much less expensive than those in the Zona. If you want to be in the heart of the action, northern hotels near Punta Cancún are within walking distance of the nightclubs. Quieter properties are located at the southern end of Boulevard Kukulcán and in the residential streets between El Centro and the Hotel Zone at Laguna Nichupté near the Pok-Ta-Pok Golf Course.

Prices

Many hotels have all-inclusive packages, as well as theme-night parties complete with food, beverages, activities, and games. Mexican, Italian, and Caribbean themes seem to be the most popular. Take note, however, that the larger the all-inclusive resort, the blander the food (and the more watered-down the cocktails). For more memorable dining, you may need to go somewhere else and essentially pay for food you're not eating. Expect high prices for food and drink in most hotels. Many of the more exclusive hotels are starting to enforce a "no outside food or drink" policy, so discretion is advised.

Many of the larger and more popular all-inclusives will no longer guarantee an ocean-view room when you book your reservation. If this is important to you, check that all rooms have ocean views at your chosen hotel, or book only at places that will guarantee one. Be sure to bring your confirmation information with you to prove you paid for an ocean-view room. Also be careful with lost wristband fines and towel charges, since many of the resorts have started charging up to $150 per day for lost wristbands and $25 for unreturned towels. Be sure your towel returns are duly noted by the pool staff. When checking out, make sure the hotel hasn't tacked on excessive phone or minibar expenses, as some tend to do. At check-in, ask if your all inclusive rate includes tips, since some resorts are now automatically adding 15% gratuities.