Mexico Cancun The Best Cancun Hotels The Ritz-Carlton Cancun takes the cake for our top hotel choice By Jill Schildhouse Jill Schildhouse Writer Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Northern Illinois University Jill Schildhouse is an award-winning freelance writer based in Phoenix, Arizona. Her work has appeared in such publications as Reader's Digest, Oxygen, and more. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 10/19/22 Fact checked by Elizabeth Berry Fact checked by Elizabeth Berry Instagram LinkedIn Connecticut College Elizabeth Berry is a writer and fact-checker with a background in food journalism and two years of experience editing lifestyle content. She has written for various publications including The Knot, Magenta Florence & Vista Magazine, SWAAY, Loverly, and Her Campus. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula facing the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is an ideal vacation spot for anyone who loves shimmering turquoise waters, palm trees swaying on beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. This Mexican city has a distinctive Zona Hotelera, or Hotel Zone—essentially a row of beachfront resorts, one more spectacular than the next. Plus, this area of town is where you’ll find some of the best shopping, restaurants, and clubs. With so many epic resorts lining this strip, the toughest decision of your trip will be choosing which of these best Cancun hotels will be your basecamp for fun in the sun. The 8 Best Cancun Hotels in 2023 Best Overall: The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun Best Business: Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla Best Boutique: Zoetry Villa Rolandi Best Budget: Marriott Cancun Resort Best Luxury: NIZUC Resort & Spa Best Wellness: JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa Best All-Inclusive: Paradisus Cancun The Best Cancun Hotels View All The Best Cancun Hotels Our Top Picks The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla Zoetry Villa Rolandi NIZUC Resort & Spa JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa Paradisus Cancun See More (5) Final Verdict Compare the Best Cancun Hotels Methodology Best Overall : The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun Retorno del Rey #36 Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It It occupies an enviable location in the heart of the Hotel Zone. Notable Amenities Interactive sea turtle conservation program from May to September Pros and Cons Pros Nine dining options Ritz Kids camp Cooking classes Cons Pricey daily resort fee Hotel Overview The Ritz-Carlton Cancun delivers the elegance and top-notch service you’d expect from this elevated brand. The hotel faces the beach and is within walking distance of the restaurants and fishing charters of Marina Barracuda. Modern guest rooms all present ocean views, which can be enjoyed through the floor-to-ceiling windows and from furnished balconies. Comfortable beds feature 400-count Egyptian cotton sheets and goose-down pillows, while bathrooms contain marble-top dual vanities, rainfall showers, and deep soaking tubs. Flat-screen TVs and iPod docks provide digital entertainment, and a Nespresso coffee machine and fully stocked refreshment cabinet will keep you fueled all day long. Around the hotel, there are two free-form pools, an oceanfront whirlpool, and cabanas and villas line the private beach, offering a relaxing spot to enjoy a day on the sand. There is also a tennis center that offers group and individual classes, a fitness center filled with the latest exercise equipment, and a full-service spa. The range of dining options includes the elegant, classical European atmosphere of the award-winning Fantino restaurant, intimate dinners on the beach in private casitas, and the sophisticated piano bar atmosphere of the Club Grill. : The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa TripSavvy's Rating 4.0 Boulevard Kukulcan Km 12.5 Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It With a kid’s pool, waterslide, mini golf and kid’s club featuring a camp-like experience, parents won’t be on the hook for entertaining their children morning, noon, and night. Notable Amenities Heavenly Spa by Westin Pros and Cons Pros 5 on-site restaurants Kid’s Club 5 pools Cons Rooms near the pools can get noisy during high season Hotel Overview At the Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas and Spa, parents can find a family vacation that doesn’t sacrifice their own relaxation to ensure their kids are having a great time. One of the best Cancun hotels for every member of the family, it offers mini-golf, tennis courts, a kid’s pool, and a waterslide. Those ages 4-12 can spend their days and evenings at The Westin Family Kids Club—an activity-packed program that includes arts and crafts, group games, and around-the-resort outings. In the meantime, you can relax at the Heavenly Spa by Westin, indulging in your choice of a massage in a thatch-roof oceanside cabana or in a treatment room. For more downtime, hang out at the quieter zero-entry pool. Grab a juicy burger at the Duna Sports Bar, healthy fare from the Westin Eat Well Menu at Oceano, or Mexican classics at the Viento Bar & Grill, where you’ll find a swim-up bar. Once everyone’s tuckered out, climb into your Westin Heavenly Beds and rest up for the next day’s adventures. Best Business : Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla TripSavvy's Rating 4.0 Boulevard Kukulcan S N Km 12.5 Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It The Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla offers the perfect balance of business and pleasure. Notable Amenities Transfer lounge, complimentary bicycle rental, free daily tastings of local beer and wine Pros and Cons Pros Co-working spaces Rooftop pool Access to La Isla Entertainment Village Cons Not on the beach Hotel Overview If business must be conducted during a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, then the Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla is one of the best options among Cancun hotels. It offers many work-friendly touches, but also plenty of vacation-mode options during your downtime. Arriving before check-in or staying a few hours after check-out on your last day? Make use of the Transfer Lounge, comfortable space for guests without a room to store luggage and freshen up. Once your room is ready, you’ll find artwork created by local muralists featuring jungle scenes and a workspace to set up your laptop and conduct Zoom calls. Even though this property isn’t located on the beach, you certainly won’t miss out on ocean vibes. The rooftop sanctuary is the heart of this hotel and provides the perfect vantage point for Nichupté Bay and the Caribbean. Here, you can swing in a hammock, take a dip in the whirlpool, relax in a chaise lounge with a refreshing cocktail, peruse the rotating art exhibit, visit the fitness center, or dance to the sounds of live musical performances at sunset. The Azulinda Café and Bar serves as the epicenter of the hotel and is the ideal spot to meet with coworkers or clients. Wind down from a long day with daily complimentary evening tastings of local beer and wine. If you can squeeze in a little beach time, take a complimentary shuttle to the Mandala Beach Club just five minutes away. Best Boutique : Zoetry Villa Rolandi TripSavvy's Rating 4.0 Fracc. Laguna Mar SM7, MZ75, L15/16 Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It Just a few miles off the coast on Isla Mujeres, this hotel offers a chance to experience the quieter side of Cancun. Notable Amenities Thalasso Spa, complimentary private yacht services to and from mainland Cancun, Bulgari bath products Pros and Cons Pros Intimate resort focused on rejuvenation Foodie paradise with impeccable service Complimentary sunset yacht rides Cons Limited nightlife and entertainment options Hotel Overview Nestled on a quiet and secluded corner of beach on Isla Mujeres, the white walls and blue-peaked roofs of the Zoëtry Villa Rolandi are reminiscent of a luxurious Greek villa. A little over 14 miles from Cancun, where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea merge, this image is complemented by the intimate and detailed suites, with stained-glass windows, tiled floors, and carved waterspouts trickling into hot tubs on the ocean view balconies. A particular highlight is the Thalasso Spa, which offers eponymous thalassotherapy treatments that use seawater, seaweed, and marine algae to soothe, rejuvenate, and revitalize. Three oceanfront pools are surrounded by wooden ergonomic sunbeds and look over a small private beach area and toward the Cancun skyline. Complimentary kayaks and paddleboards are provided for guest use, and there is excellent snorkeling in the reefs off the beach. The renowned Casa Rolandi restaurant creates flavorsome dishes based on traditional Swiss and Italian fare, while Le Métissage serves French-Mexican fusion cuisine complemented by a fine selection of wine from its on-site cellar. Best Budget : Marriott Cancun Resort Marriott Cancun Resort See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It Guests of the Marriott won’t break the bank on their vacation, yet they still have easy access to everything that makes a visit to Cancun special. Notable Amenities Access to spa treatments, additional restaurants at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa next door Pros and Cons Pros Daily activities led by recreation staff Scuba classes offered daily at the pool Kid’s club Cons Beach is not ideal to swim in Hotel Overview Located within the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the Marriott Cancun Resort caters to young adults who want the luxury of a tropical vacation without paying the price for it. Each day is filled with fun pool and beach activities including volleyball, water aerobics, trivia, and more, led by peppy recreation staff. There’s a large pool and oceanfront jacuzzi for lazy afternoons, while tennis courts and a gym are a great way to expend some energy. Don’t miss snapping a photo at the Insta-worthy Sacbé Beach shack, where you can climb into a macramé hammock, sip on a margarita, and dine on Mexican-style street food (hello, lobster tacos!). Guest rooms bring the beach vibe indoors, and the 124 premium ocean view rooms overlook the Caribbean Sea and come complete with turn-down service, bathrobes, and slippers. When you feel like shaking up things for dinner, head right next door to sister property JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, where you can access some of the 12 restaurants among the two resorts. Best Luxury : NIZUC Resort & Spa TripSavvy's Rating 5.0 Boulevard Kukulcan Mz 59 Lote 1-03 Km 21.26 Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It Serenity and extravagance await at this AAA Five-Diamond hotel located within a 29-acre natural reserve. Notable Amenities Dom Perignon Wine Cellar Experience curated by a sommelier, NIZUC Spa, featuring signature Mayan treatments Pros and Cons Pros Awarded the AAA Five-Diamond rating Less than 15 minutes from the airport Six world-class restaurants Cons Slightly outside the Hotel Zone Hotel Overview Secluded, tranquil, and with an air of understated elegance and class, NIZUC Resort & Spa provides the ultimate indulgent, pampered hotel experiences. The resort’s location on the tip of Punta Nizuc creates an environment like none other in Cancun, with the white sand beaches joined by lush mangrove forests and green wetlands. Ocean Suites are for adults only and treat guests to spectacular sea views from an indoor/outdoor-style balcony. The 274 private suites and villas are adorned with a private pool and tropical gardens, and the Residence suites offer panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Some suites connect for easy access to families and friends. The main pool is home to a sophisticated swim-up bar, and a relaxed adults-only infinity pool looks out over the surrounding tree canopies toward the ocean. A highlight of the resort is the ESPA-branded spa, one of the finest to be found in the area. Its treatment rooms and saunas are constructed out of wooden panels and white limestone bricks. With calm, reflective ponds and warm, soft lighting throughout, guests will relax and unwind from the moment they enter the spa. Signature ESPA therapies are fused with ancient Mayan principles to offer services such as cacao-oil massages and sea salt and agave cleanses. Six world-class restaurants offer authentic delicacies from around the world, including Mediterranean, Peruvian, Asian, and Mexican options. Your pampered pooch will enjoy a special pet menu and dog beds, your kids will find plenty of fun at the Winik’s Kids Club, and your teens may never leave the new Teenage Lounge equipped with billiards, pinball, and foosball. Even your parents will appreciate the adults-only pool and multiple beaches with water activities. Best Wellness : JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa TripSavvy's Rating 5.0 Boulevard Kukulcan Km 14.5 Lote 40-A Rates: $$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It JW Marriott’s wellness program treats guests to a health-focused mind-body experience. Notable Amenities Access to more restaurants at the Marriott Cancun Resort next door , Mayan-inspired spa Pros and Cons Pros New Point of Blue wellness program Recently renovated guest rooms Connection to local Mayan culture Cons Some reviews note mediocre food and drink Hotel Overview When it comes to the best Cancun hotels for a quieter stay, look no further than the JW Marriott, which is part of the brand's wellness-focused New Point of Blue package. The $40 million room renovations in 2019 provide guests with a dynamic wellness experience that starts the moment they arrive and see the bright blue Caribbean Sea from their balconies. The program focuses on total mind-body wellness, which includes everything from healthy snacks and meals to holistic spa experiences inspired by the ancient treatments and remedies of the Mayan culture. Check out the sunrise yoga classes, Shaman blessings, and don’t forget to try one of the hotel's 150 variations of margaritas. The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa takes full advantage of the enormous expanse of beautiful beaches and stunning ocean views at its doorstep. Every room in the hotel comes with sea views, which can be enjoyed from the furnished balconies. The pools and paths in the hotel courtyard flow and curve in graceful arcs to create a mesmerizing effect when viewed from above. The main infinity pool commands excellent views over the beach, where sun lounges, palapas, and cabanas are arrayed. Restaurants include the award-winning Gustino Italian Grill, housed within the marble columns of the lobby, and the classic Mexican fare at Sedona Grill. To enjoy alfresco dining with the sight and sound of the ocean, choose the open-air Sasi Thai, which serves authentic Thai cuisine and signature cocktails under a huge thatched roof pagoda. Best All-Inclusive : Paradisus Cancun TripSavvy's Rating 5.0 Boulevard Kukulcan Km 16.5 Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It The all-inclusive Paradisus Cancun offers nearly every amenity you can think of and is conveniently located in the middle of the Hotel Zone. Notable Amenities Upgrade to The Reserve for exclusive access and services, YHI Spa, nine-hole golf course Pros and Cons Pros 10 onsite restaurants; 7 bars/lounges Free kid’s club 4 pools Cons Multiple buildings and multiple pricing tiers may make it confusing to navigate the property and know which amenities correspond to your tier Hotel Overview Easy to recognize thanks to its five pyramid-shaped buildings inspired by the local Mayan culture, Paradisus Cancun easily stands out from other properties along the busy Hotel Zone—but not just because of its architecture. There’s no shortage of ways to spend your time, including partaking in sushi workshops and tequila tastings, playing nine holes of golf, lounging at one of the four pools (one with a swim-up bar), or making your way through each of the 10 onsite restaurants since this property is all-inclusive. Sal Steak Cave is an adults-only option, serving up premium cuts, while the Bana Restaurant delivers Japanese fusion set in a Zen garden complete with a koi pond. Kick things up a notch by upgrading to The Reserve option for adults-only services including a butler, concierge, preferential dinner reservations, and access to a private beach area. Kids also will appreciate this experience, which treats them to turndown service with milk and cookies, a PlayStation, and a welcome beach kit. Don’t forget to spend some time at the YHI Spa, a full-service indoor facility with body and facial treatments, adorned with bamboo and bonsai trees and staffed with expert Asian massage therapists. Final Verdict With so many exceptional options for the best Cancun hotels, it may be difficult to choose, but rest assured, there’s no wrong answer in this vacationer’s paradise. The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort has every kid-friendly amenity a young family could desire—and then some. Budget-minded travelers will be impressed by how much vacation they can get for their money at the Marriott Cancun Resort. If you’re looking for a quieter stay, away from the bustling beaches in the Hotel Zone, Zoëtry Villa Rolandi’s Isla Mujeres location delivers that relaxing vibe with a side of incredible cuisine. For those with a bigger budget, the NIZUC Resort & Spa is the epitome of luxury and tranquility. Compare the Best Cancun Hotels Hotel Resort Fee Rates Rooms Wi-Fi The Ritz-Carlton Cancun Best Overall $43.10 $$$ 363 Free The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa Best for Families None $$ 580 Free Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla Best Business None $$ 174 Free Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Best Boutique None $$$ 35 Free Marriott Cancun Resort Best Budget $41.65/night $$ 450 Free NIZUC Resort & Spa Best Luxury None $$$ 274 Free JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa Best Wellness $28/night $$ 447 Free Paradisus Cancun Best all-inclusive None $$$ 678 Free Methodology We evaluated dozens of Cancun hotels and narrowed them down to this selection of eight. To determine the best of the best for the chosen categories, we considered factors such as the hotel’s reputation, quality of service, and crowd-pleasing amenities, such as multiple swimming pools, kids clubs, and bicycle rentals. We also considered each property’s dining venues and unique experiences available to guests. In addition to customer reviews, we gave notes to each of the hotel’s sanitation and cleanliness measures. A quintessential example of a fabulous Cancun resort. espiegle / Getty Images Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies