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For a Stress-Free, Luxurious Cancún Vacation, Stay at One of These Exceptionally Rated Hotels

Mexico Epic Stays
by Matador Creators Jul 25, 2023

Visitors flock to this Yucatán Peninsula hotspot for its beautiful beaches, the pulsating energy of Cancún’s nightlife, and the region’s rich history. But the allure of Cancún does not end there — it extends to its remarkable accommodations. From beachfront resorts with incredible sea views to award-winning boutique properties, Cancún hotels are more than just a place to crash after a night out. So, whether you’re dreaming of waking up to the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore, dining in world-class hotel restaurants, or unwinding in state-of-the-art spas, here’s the cream of the crop in Cancún.

We hope you love the Cancun hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun

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Set on the serene and exclusive island of Isla Mujeres, Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun is a luxurious oceanfront sanctuary of 35 suites. This all-inclusive resort is renowned for its first-class gastronomy and Thalasso Spa.

The resort is superbly located in the southern zone of Isla Mujeres, providing stunning ocean views from every room. Each suite features a private terrace, a whirlpool, and some of the best detail-driven finishes in Cancún. On-site amenities include two heated saltwater pools, a private white sand beach, and three gourmet restaurants.

What sets Zoëtry Villa Rolandi apart from the huge amount of accommodations is not just its tranquil location or its luxury offerings, but its commitment to delivering a holistic wellness experience. The Thalasso Spa offers a range of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate. If you’re in need of a five-star health retreat with proximity to Garrafon Natural Reef Park and Norte Beach, you won’t find anything better.

Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun : Fracc. Laguna Mar SM. 7 Mza. 75, Lotes 15 y 16, Carretera Sac-Bajo, Isla Mujeres, QROO, 77400

Price per night: $656

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Paradisus Cancun

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Paradisus Cancun is a luxurious all-inclusive resort influenced by Mayan culture offering an abundance of amenities, including a nine-hole, par three golf course, and four lagoon-style pools.

The beachfront resort offers bright, modern rooms with private terraces overlooking either the Caribbean Sea or Nichupté Lagoon. Situated in Cancún’s vibrant Hotel Zone, Paradisus Cancun is also conveniently close to local attractions, such as El Rey Ruins and Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen.

The resort was renovated in 2017, particularly the adults-only Royal Service Ocean View Suites and Royal Service Lounge. The resort has 525 elegantly styled rooms, each offering a breathtaking view whether facing the beach or lagoon side. For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, The Reserve Deluxe Swim-Up Suite features a whirlpool tub on the terrace and a private pool. Paradisus Cancun is particularly popular with couples and as it’s a mere 21-minute drive from Cancun International Airport. If you want a quick romantic getaway, this is perfect.

Paradisus Cancun : Boulevard Kukulkan Km 16.5, Cancun, QROO, 77500

Price per night: $477

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Hyatt Zilara

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Another spot-on resort for a couple who’d rather not vacation with a pool full of splashing kids, Hyatt Zilara is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The luxurious retreat is perched on the widest stretch of beach in the area, offering guests breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

Hyatt Zilara stands out for its transparent pricing policy. Unlike many other resorts, Hyatt Zilara does not charge a resort fee.

It features two interconnected pools with a stunning ocean view and Bali beds and a main pool with a swim-up bar. Or you can also choose to unwind in one of the luxe oceanfront beach cabanas which are split over two levels. The wait staff get a gold star, they are attentive and nothing is too much. Rooms are just as luxurious will pillow menus, an ocean-facing whirlpool tub, a chilled balcony with hammock, and a personalized turndown service.

Hyatt Zilara : Blvd Kukulcan Km 11.5 HZ, Cancun, QROO, 77500

Price per night: $472

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Hard Rock Hotel Cancun

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The Hard Rock Hotel Cancun comes in hard. It’s not for everyone. But you know what you get from the brand. You’re guaranteed a lot of fun with live concerts on the beach, and a lot of glitz and glamour. Hard Rock also is well-known for its spacious and luxurious rooms. Whether you’re staying in a standard room, deluxe room, suite, or opting for a Rock Star suite, you can expect well-appointed rooms with luxurious bedding and iconic music memorabilia. Amenities are lush. There’s an infinity pool with swim-up bars, games, and waterfalls. The iconic Body Rock gym is fully kitted out and two tennis courts are bookable. Service is on-point, but expect a wait at pool-side bars.

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun : Blvd Kukulcan KM 14.5, Hotel Zone, Cancun, QROO, 77500

Price per night: $414

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NIZUC Resort & Spa

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If the nightlife of Cancún is not for you, NIZUC Resort & Spa offers calm. It overlooks two white sand beaches and a mangrove-lined canal, a short 15-minute transfer from Cancun International Airport. Between the alluring waters of the Caribbean Sea and a peaceful nature preserve, this 29-acre property provides an escape in the enclave of Punta NIZUC.

The resort has 274 stylish suites and private villas. Many rooms offer breathtaking ocean views, private balconies, and plush hydro spa tubs. The eight penthouse suites are particularly noteworthy. They feature outdoor showers and expansive terraces for soaking up the sun. The Master Suite — with separate living area and infinity pool — is ideal for a honeymoon blowout.

NIZUC Resort & Spa : Blvd. Kukulcan, Km 14.5, Lote 40-A, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO, 77500

Price per night: $366

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Kempinski Hotel Cancun

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The Kempinski brings a little sophistication to the Hotel Zone and is among the best in Cancún. Its location is unbeatable. Minutes from high-end dining and shopping and less than half an hour away from the airport, and to top it off, it sits on one of the best stretches of sand.

The Kempinski brand took over the property from the Ritz-Carlton in 2022 and it has a very loyal following. This is mainly due to the service. There’s a huge team of friendly and attentive staff in every department. Which is great because there are a lot of amenities to cover here. The beach is peppered with loungers and thatched shelters, and on-site there’s two pools, an excellent spa, a shopping arcade, and a decent gym. There are 363 rooms which are generous — as are the marble-wrapped bathrooms. Food and drink are not cheap here (standard in most high-end hotels in the area), but you can stroll down the street for more affordable options. Overall, this is a great all-rounder, often promoting competitive nightly rates and longer stay deals.

Kempinski Hotel Cancun : Retorno del Rey No. 36, Cancun, QROO, 77500

Price per night: $302

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JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

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JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa : Blvd. Kukulcan, Km 14.5, Lote 40-A, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, QROO, 77500

It might come as a surprise, but the JW Marriott Cancun Resort is home to some of the best restaurants in Cancún. The Italian eatery has a killer cellar and serves fantastic pizzas, salads, and steaks with a backdrop of the ocean by candlelight. Breakfast is also exceptional and once a week there’s a Mexican buffet dinner which is worth adding to your itinerary.

The resort scores 10 out of 10 for value for money. Rooms are huge, amenities are next-level (there’s a lagoon-style infinity pool, hot tubs, Bali beds, an artificial coral reef, a serene spa, and an ocean-view gym), making this another affordable but baller resort.

Price per night: $253

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Where is best to stay near Cancún?

The Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a range of hotels, restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene right on your doorstep. For a more authentic cultural experience, downtown offers local markets and eateries. If you prefer a quieter coastal area, Puerto Juarez might be the perfect fit. A little further afield, Tulum and Playa del Carmen provide a relaxing and laid-back vibe. Each of these areas has its own unique charm, ensuring a memorable stay near Cancún.

Is it best to stay in the Hotel Zone in Cancún?

Staying in the Hotel Zone in Cancún can be a great choice, especially for first-time visitors. This area offers a wide range of amenities for a fantastic vacation, including plenty of hotels to suit mid-range and luxury budgets, numerous restaurants, and fun bars. The Hotel Zone is also very walkable, making it easy to explore the area and its beautiful beaches. If you’re interested in partying or spending most of your time on the beach, the Hotel Zone, particularly the northern section, is an excellent choice.

How many days is best to stay in Cancún?

If you’re interested in a quick getaway and are content with enjoying the area’s beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, a three to four-day trip might be sufficient.

However, if you’re looking to explore the region more extensively, including taking tours outside of Cancún, visiting historical sites such as Chichen Itza, exploring Isla Mujeres, swimming in the cenotes, or shopping and dining downtown, a longer stay of around seven days would be ideal.

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