Last Updated on November 30, 2023 by Katrina
The Yucatan resort town of Cancún offers a classic Mexican getaway. Think azure Caribbean Sea, white-sand beaches and, of course, fabulous resorts. Most Cancún resort hotels are located along the 14-mile beachfront Zona Hotelera, or Hotel Zone. Many (but not all) are all-inclusive. Staying here makes it easy to do excursions to the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Tulum, the Xcaret ecological park, or just shopping along Avenida Kukulcan. Here are five of the best beach hotels in Cancun.
Grand Hotel Cancún (Rtno. del Rey 36; 52-998-881-0808) Hotel Zone
This former Ritz-Carlton, now run by Kempinski, sits on 1,200 feet of white-sand beach in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, and features nine dining options. “It’s a behemoth in size, but still a cocoon in terms of personalization and comforts,” such as the spa, says Condé Nast Traveler. “Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and ocean views.” While it’s not an all-inclusive, you can create that experience to a certain extent by staying in a club-level room with access to breakfast, light lunch, cocktail hour, and desserts. “Club level is worth the extra cost if you are lounging around the hotel,” says a Google reviewer. “The food is solid and lots of drinks available.”
Hard Rock Hotel Cancún (Blvd. Kukulcan 14.5; 52-998-881-3600) Hotel Zone
Travel+Leisure likes this all-inclusive “action-packed, music-focused hotel,” adding that its unique amenities “set it apart—namely, the Sound Of Your Stay program, which gives guests a menu of 20 electric guitars to choose from to test their skills.” Other rock-star-worthy perks include top-shelf drinks, 24-hour room service, live entertainment and in-room hydro spa tubs—some suites even come with a personal assistant. One Tripadvisor reviewer liked something that had nothing to do with the music theme. “This hotel, among all the hotels, has the most beautiful beach. This is a small resort but it feels bigger than it is, in a good way. The ocean view rooms are amazing.” >> Book this hotel for less
Le Blanc Spa Resort (Blvd. Kukulcan Km 10; 888-702-0913) Hotel Zone
This 260-room all-inclusive, part of the Palace Resorts brand, exudes sleek sophistication by way of Bvlgari bath amenities, an on-site spa, golf, and a butler. “This glam, adults-only all-inclusive is awash in white, with clean lines and subtle earth tones that give it a downright sultry vibe,” says Travel+Leisure. Tripadvisor reviewers rave about the consistent service and dining. “Service is impeccable, spa is relaxing and very clean, rooms are gorgeous,” says one traveler, who also advises that you get up early to score a chair on the beach or by the pool. >> Book this hotel for less
Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún (Blvd. Kukulcan Km 12.5; 52-998-881-7600) Hotel Zone
Travel + Leisure recommends this 371-room adults-only paradise “for travelers who want to visit Cancún at a slower, more serene pace.” The resort has 10 dining options, a spa, fitness center, and a free airport shuttle. Tripadvisor reviewers loved the pool and the food, but many complain about the sales pitch for timeshares. “They will offer a discounted spa and dinner service in exchange for listening to a sales pitch. My saleslady was quite insistent and I had to say no about four times.” A nice feature: It’s across the street from La Isla Shopping Mall and walking distance from plenty of restaurants. >> Book this hotel for less
NIZUC Resort (Blvd. Kukulcan Mz 59; 52-998-891-5700) Nizuc
Set on 29 acres below the main stretch of the Hotel Zone, this independent resort is a crowd-pleaser with a kids club, spa, and six restaurants—plus lots of oceanfront bliss. “The beach—and its views—are the main attraction at this 274-room resort on the Yucatán Peninsula,” says Condé Nast Traveler, but “there’s much more to love: three colossal infinity pools and two beaches, both well stocked with loungers.” One Google reviewer points out that “because it is not an all-inclusive, you will be signing a few checks here and there, however it’s worth it. Food is 9.5-10 out of 10. The beach is a little small but it is a private beach. Things are very calm.” >> Book this hotel for less
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