When planning a trip to Cancun, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. With its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, Cancun is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on the best place to stay. That’s why it’s essential to do your research and find a location that fits your needs, budget, and preferences.
Overview of Cancun’s Best Places to Stay
Cancun is a large city with many different neighborhoods and areas to stay, each with its own unique character and advantages. From the bustling Hotel Zone to the more laid-back downtown area, there’s a wide range of options to choose from. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best places to stay in Cancun, including the pros and cons of each area, the types of accommodations available, and the activities and attractions you can enjoy.
What to Expect
In this guide, we’ll cover the following topics:
- The Hotel Zone: The heart of Cancun’s tourism industry, with its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife.
- Downtown Cancun: A more laid-back and affordable area, with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of local restaurants and shops.
- Playa Mujeres: A peaceful and secluded area, perfect for those looking for a relaxing getaway.
- Isla Mujeres: A small island located just off the coast of Cancun, with its own unique charm and attractions.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of the best places to stay in Cancun, and be able to make an informed decision about where to book your accommodations.
Cancun Best Places to Stay: A Comprehensive Guide
Cancun, a popular tourist destination in Mexico, offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. From luxurious all-inclusive resorts to budget-friendly hotels and apartments, Cancun has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the best places to stay in Cancun, taking into account factors such as location, amenities, and price.
Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera)
The Hotel Zone, also known as Zona Hotelera, is a 14-mile stretch of beach lined with high-rise hotels, resorts, and restaurants. This area is ideal for those who want to be close to the action and have access to a wide range of amenities.
Some of the best hotels in the Hotel Zone include:
- Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach: A 5-star resort with luxurious rooms, multiple pools, and a private beach.
- The Grand Park Royal Cancun: A 5-star hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center.
- The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa: A 5-star resort with villas, multiple pools, and a spa.
Downtown Cancun (El Centro)
Downtown Cancun, also known as El Centro, is a more laid-back and affordable area compared to the Hotel Zone. This area is ideal for those who want to experience the local culture and be close to the city’s main attractions.
Some of the best hotels in Downtown Cancun include: (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Crete For Families)
- Hotel Casa Maya: A 3-star hotel with comfortable rooms, a pool, and a restaurant.
- Hotel Plaza Kokai: A 3-star hotel with modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center.
- Hostal El Jardin: A budget-friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a garden.
Playa Mujeres
Playa Mujeres is a more laid-back and peaceful area located just north of the Hotel Zone. This area is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Some of the best hotels in Playa Mujeres include:
- Villa del Palmar Cancun: A 5-star resort with luxurious villas, multiple pools, and a private beach.
- Excellence Playa Mujeres: A 5-star resort with luxurious rooms, multiple pools, and a spa.
- Beloved Playa Mujeres: A 5-star resort with luxurious rooms, multiple pools, and a private beach.
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a charming fishing village located just south of Cancun. This area is ideal for those who want to experience a more authentic Mexican atmosphere and be close to the beach.
Some of the best hotels in Puerto Morelos include:
- Hotel Marina El Cid: A 4-star hotel with comfortable rooms, a pool, and a marina.
- Hotel Arrecifes Suites: A 3-star hotel with spacious suites, a pool, and a restaurant.
- Casa de los Abuelos: A budget-friendly guesthouse with private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a garden.
Tulum
Tulum is a popular tourist destination located about an hour and a half south of Cancun. This area is ideal for those who want to experience a more laid-back and eco-friendly atmosphere, with a focus on nature and outdoor activities.
Some of the best hotels in Tulum include:
- Ahau Tulum: A 5-star resort with luxurious rooms, multiple pools, and a private beach.
- The Beach Tulum: A 5-star resort with luxurious rooms, multiple pools, and a private beach.
- Casa de las Olas: A budget-friendly guesthouse with private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a garden.
Islands (Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox)
The islands of Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox are located just off the coast of Cancun and offer a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere. These areas are ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy water sports and outdoor activities. (See Also: Best Places To Stay Around London)
Some of the best hotels on the islands include:
- Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres: A 5-star resort with luxurious rooms, multiple pools, and a private beach.
- Isla Holbox Hotel: A 3-star hotel with comfortable rooms, a pool, and a restaurant.
- Casa Las Tortugas: A budget-friendly guesthouse with private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a garden.
Apartment Rentals
Apartment rentals are a great option for those who want more space and flexibility during their stay in Cancun. Many apartments are located in the Hotel Zone and offer amenities such as kitchens, living rooms, and balconies.
Some popular websites for booking apartment rentals in Cancun include:
- VRBO: A vacation rental website with a wide range of apartments and condos in Cancun.
- Airbnb: A vacation rental website with a wide range of apartments and condos in Cancun.
- Booking.com: A hotel booking website that also offers apartment rentals in Cancun.
Hostels
Hostels are a great option for budget-conscious travelers who want to meet other travelers and have access to shared facilities. Many hostels in Cancun offer dorms and private rooms, as well as communal kitchens and lounges.
Some popular hostels in Cancun include:
- Hostel La Casa de los Abuelos: A budget-friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a garden.
- Hostel Cancun: A budget-friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a lounge.
- Mezcal Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a lounge.
Recap
In conclusion, Cancun offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. From luxurious all-inclusive resorts to budget-friendly hotels and apartments, there is something for everyone in this popular tourist destination. When choosing where to stay in Cancun, consider factors such as location, amenities, and price, and research different areas such as the Hotel Zone, Downtown Cancun, Playa Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and the islands. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, Cancun has something for everyone.
Area | Price Range | Amenities |
---|---|---|
Hotel Zone | $100-$500 per night | Beach access, pools, restaurants, bars, fitness center, spa |
Downtown Cancun | $50-$200 per night | Pools, restaurants, bars, fitness center, local attractions |
Playa Mujeres | $150-$400 per night | Beach access, pools, restaurants, bars, fitness center, spa |
Puerto Morelos | $80-$250 per night | Beach access, pools, restaurants, bars, local attractions |
Tulum | $100-$300 per night | Beach access, pools, restaurants, bars, fitness center, eco-friendly activities |
Islands | $150-$400 per night | Beach access, pools, restaurants, bars, water sports, outdoor activities |
This table provides a summary of the different areas in Cancun, including their price range, amenities, and activities. When choosing where to stay in Cancun, consider your budget, what you want to do, and what amenities are important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cancun Best Places to Stay
What is the best area to stay in Cancun for families?
The best area to stay in Cancun for families is the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), which offers a variety of family-friendly resorts and hotels with kids’ clubs, water parks, and other amenities. The Hotel Zone is also close to many beaches, restaurants, and attractions, making it a convenient and fun destination for families. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Trinidad)
Is it safe to stay in downtown Cancun?
Yes, it is generally safe to stay in downtown Cancun, also known as El Centro. While it’s always a good idea to take common-sense precautions to ensure your safety, downtown Cancun is a bustling area with a strong police presence. Many locals and tourists alike stay in this area, and it’s a great place to experience the authentic Mexican culture and cuisine.
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Cancun for couples?
For couples, the best neighborhoods to stay in Cancun are Puerto Cancun, Playa Mujeres, and the southern part of the Hotel Zone. These areas offer a more romantic and relaxed atmosphere, with many luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and upscale amenities. They’re also close to beautiful beaches, golf courses, and other activities perfect for a couples’ getaway.
Are all-inclusive resorts in Cancun a good option?
Yes, all-inclusive resorts in Cancun can be a great option, especially for those who want a hassle-free vacation. These resorts often offer a wide range of amenities, including meals, drinks, and activities, which can help you budget and plan your trip more easily. Additionally, many all-inclusive resorts in Cancun are located on beautiful beaches and offer high-quality services and facilities.
Can I stay in Tulum instead of Cancun?
Yes, you can definitely stay in Tulum instead of Cancun. Tulum is a nearby town that’s about an hour and a half south of Cancun, and it offers a more laid-back and bohemian atmosphere. Tulum is known for its stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-tourism activities, making it a great option for those who want a more relaxed and nature-focused vacation. However, keep in mind that Tulum is a smaller town, and it may not offer the same level of amenities and activities as Cancun.