13 best hotels in Cancun for a sun-soaked girls' holiday on the Mexican Riviera
You search for the best hotels in Cancun ends here. If you first discovered Cancun while watching an old-school episode of ‘The Hills’, you'll know that – among other things – it's the party capital of Mexico. But while Cancun is a favourite amongst spring breakers, and best known for its forever-burgeoning nightlife scene, it’s also the beating heart of the Yucatan peninsula, offering ~so~ much more than just parties for discerning travellers and wellness buffs willing to dig a little deeper.
Cancun has an abundance of white sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see (think: Tortugas Beach, Las Perlas, Playa Mujeres, El Mirador, Costa Mujeres, Playa Cahac Mol and Playa Maroma) as well as gorgeous weather and warm; friendly locals who are endlessly willing to welcome you in with open arms.
If you’re a fan of Mexican food and margaritas (who isn't), then you’ll be in some wonderful kind of heaven in Cancun (which is absolutely brimming with incredible restaurants, bars and taquerias). Whether you’re looking for a romantic fine-dining restaurant, a gastronomic degustation experience or a hole in the wall burrito joint, Cancun overdelivers.
Nature lovers will enjoy jungle tours of the Nichupte lagoon, swimming the cenotes of the Riviera Mayathe and scuba diving or snorkelling in some of the most colourful reefs in the world. Case in point: Isla Mujeres, found along the coast of Quintana Roo, which is one of the most popular diving spots on the island. And those who want to get their heart pumping can even swim with whale sharks, who congregate in the waters surrounding Isla Holbox and Cozumel at certain times of year.
The Xel-Há water park is an incredible natural water park that is great for families and big groups (laze in a literal lazy river, while flowing through the waters of the Yucatan Peninsula), while the Palapas Park in downtown Cancun gives you an authentic look into Mexican culture away from the glitz of the hotel zone.
As for where to stay? Scroll our edit of the most stylish hotels in Cancun for girls' holidays, families, solo trips and holidays with your OH: from mega luxury resorts and incredible beachfront resorts to boutique hotels, luxury hotels, all-inclusive hotels, adults-only hotels and family-friendly resorts.
Ahead, our full list of editor-approved hotels in Cancun.
Best hotel in Cancun for honeymooners
This chic five-star all-inclusive hotel is in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone (or Zona Hotelera) which is the hub for many of Cancun’s best hotels and resorts. Small by Cancun standards but with plenty of luxe charms, Le Blanc Spa Resort is a great choice for newlyweds who are looking to get spicy like Cancun’s famous spicy margaritas. Le Blanc Spa Resort is a quick drive away from Punta Cancun, which is the main nightlife district. During the day, this lively area is also home to stylish boutiques, buzzy restaurants and cafés so there’s plenty to do from day to night. This beautiful beachfront property boasts incredible views of the Caribbean Sea with most rooms offering a sea view. Inside, the hotel is the picture of contemporary minimalism, an elegance that is reflected by the superb service of the staff. All the little things really do matter at Le Blanc Spa Resort as staff go above and beyond to make your stay unforgettable. For example, pool drinks are refilled before you even realise that you need a top-up and there is 24 hour room service too. Suite guests can also book butler services which include everything from unpacking your suitcases to preparing your baths. In terms of amenities, Le Blanc Spa Hotel Resort has it all from a golf course, three swimming pools, a fitness centre and one of the best spas in the Riviera Cancun.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Boulevard Kukulcan Km 10 Hotel Zone, Cancun, 77500, Mexico.
Price per night: From £888.
Best mega resort in Cancun
Looking like a group of Mayan pyramids, Paradisus Cancun is a mega resort that certainly gives you that wow factor. The equivalent of resort Leviathan, Paradisus Cancun sits on an incredible 600-metre white sand beach in the Cancun Hotel Zone, just a quick drive away from the sleek shopping centres, nightclubs and restaurants of Punta Cancun. The hotel is spread across five pyramids, which give Egypt a run for its money. There are lush tropical gardens everywhere, four lagoon-style pools, and some of the best restaurants in the whole of Riviera Cancun. Tempo, led by Michelin-starred chef Martin Berasategui is a gastronomic wonder – and you simply must try the nine course tasting menu that celebrates the very best of Mexican cuisine. While the hotel is very family-friendly, with a baby club, kids club and teen club that come complete with their own cinema, it also has an adult only area bookable via Paradisus Cancun’s Royal Service. The Royal Service is the upgrade that keeps on giving and has its own private lobby, pool, cabanas, restaurants, pillow menu and butler service. You will certainly feel like royalty here.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Boulevard Kukulkan Km. 16.5, Cancun 77500, Mexico.
Price per night: From £432
Best family-friendly hotel in Cancun
Located on the very tip of Punta Cancun is Hyatt Ziva, an incredible mega resort that is so vast and filled with plenty of family-friendly activities that your kids/nieces/nephews may never want to leave. While we think the Hyatt Ziva Cancun is a great choice for families, it’s also just a five-minute walk away from the buzzing nightclub area of Punta Cana and the Isla Mujeres ferry. Of course, there is the proverbial white sand beach and infinity pools of Cancun, but Hyatt Ziva offers so much more than sun, sea and sand. The main multi-level pool certainly has plenty of wow factor and is surrounded by cabanas and sun loungers. There is a swanky rooftop pool too, which is exclusive for Hyatt Turquoize members, while the Zen Spa, is complete with steam room/hammam and hydrotherapy area. For the kiddies, the resort has its own mini water park and kids club, so the children can play while the adults can enjoy the incredible (and very many) restaurants and bars on offer at the resort. Adult-only French restaurant Bastille is one of our favourites, as is the pan-Asian Moongate restaurant. Plus – there’s free Wifi throughout so the kids will be entertained no matter what.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Boulevard Kukulcan, Manzana 51, Lote. 7, Quintana Roo, Cancun 77500, Mexico.
Price per night: From £672
Best luxury hotel in Cancun
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Luxury travellers can expect all the JW Marriott bells and whistles at this wonderful beachfront luxury resort in the Cancun Hotel Zone. Colourful Mayan-inspired design touches add welcome pops of colour to the stylish and contemporary lobby which opens up to amazing views of the lagoon-style pool and the Caribbean sea beyond. The pool is lined with hot tubs, Balinese sunbeds and sun loungers. There is also an adults-only pool complete with swim-up bar. Meanwhile, the spa takes inspiration from traditional Mayan wellness treatments to give its guests a truly pampering experience. In terms of activities, we hear that the JW Marriott offers excellent scuba diving sessions and even has its own coral reef pool for scuba diving learners. Every room at the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa has a balcony with breath-taking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon so you know you will never feel short-changed in the view department. If you upgrade to one of the Club 91 suites in the top floor, you can enjoy a wave of benefits including complimentary spa access and lounge access too. While the JW Marriott has plenty of restaurants on offer, it is the four-diamond winning Gustino restaurant that really takes the cake. Here, a menu of tantalising Mediterranean dishes will wow your palettes and certainly make you come back for more. This is truly one of the best luxury hotels in the Riviera Cancun.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Boulevard Kukulkan KM 14.5 Lote 40-A Hotel Zone, 77500 Cancún, Mexico.
Price per night: From £552.
Best hotel in Cancun for a quiet stay
Hidden in the Riviera Maya, away from the mega resorts of the hotel zone and the hustle and bustle of Punta Cana is the Nizuc Resort & Spa. From the moment you check-in to this zen inspired hotel and you will instantly feel a wave of calm wash over you. Every room at the Nizuc Resort & Spa has butler service, and the staff themselves are wonderfully helpful and courteous. There are two white sand beaches surrounding the property and a very Instagrammable water sports hut where you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkels. There is an adults only pool, family pool, kids club, and and incredible ESPA Spa. We especially like the hotel’s regular roster of daily wellness activities, which even includes a Mayan cleansing ceremony.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Boulevard Kukulcan, Punta Nizuc, 77500 Cancun, QROO, Mexico.
Price per night: From £825.
Best hotel in Cancun for couples
A literal sun palace, this all-inclusive resort could not be more properly named. While smaller than the other hotels on our list (by Mexico standards of course), this sleek, white-washed property in the more secluded part of the Zonas Hotelera has two of the most beautiful infinity pools on the coast, perfect for a refreshing dip and catching the rays. There are even sun loungers lining the shallow edge of the main pool, which also hosts plenty of fun activities like water yoga and bingo tag. In the evenings, guests congregate at the lobby bar for some salsa lessons and live entertainment. There is also a quaint but charming spa which offers some lovely couples treatments. Every room at the Sun Palace has a balcony and hot tub, and we can’t think of a more romantic setting to watch the sunset than right in your own balcony.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Boulevard Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancun, Q.R., Mexico.
Price per night: From £526.
Best Hacienda Hotel in Cancun
This elegant all-inclusive adults only hotel in the Cancun Hotel Zone is the second Hyatt Hotel on our list, but is worth mentioning thanks to its elegant rooms, excellent service, and amazing dining offer. The first thing you see at the lobby is the colourful stained glass ceiling, which pays homage to the old haciendas of the Yucatan peninsula. There are two massive pools, complete with swim up bar and even a lap pool. Sun seekers can even rent multi-storey cabanas on the beach to achieve the ultimate tan. It is the only resort in Cancun to offer a Temazcal experience, wherein you sweat out all your stress and anxieties in the way of the old Mesoamericans. All the restaurants at Hyatt Zilara hit the mark, and we especially like Maria Marie which adds an elevated gourmet twist to traditional Mexican fare. La Adelita Cantina is more casual, and great for daytime tacos. Meanwhile, the Pelicanos and Tequilera Beach Bars are two of the best spots on the coast for a margarita – and that’s saying something.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Boulevard Kukulkan Km. 11.5, Cancun 77500 Mexico.
Price per night: From £597.
Most stylish hotel in Cancun
Whoever said that Cancun was for spring breakers has never been to Secrets The Vine. Towering above the Zonas Hotelera, Secrets The Vine offers some pretty incredible views of the Cancun skyline and Caribbean Sea. This hotel is sleek, contemporary and offers everything you need for a stylish stay in Cancun. Set in a gorgeous white-sand beach, the hotel boasts three larger-than-life swimming pools. These are surrounded by sun loungers and manned by amazing staff who will make sure you always have a caipirinha or beer in hand. The Secrets Spa by Pevonia is a haven of tranquillity high above the beach below. Here, you can relax after a long day in the sun with luxurious massages, have a swim in the hydrotherapy pool or banish toxins in the steam room/hammam. Secrets The Vine certainly knows how to wine and dine its guests. The hotel’s restaurants include Sea Salt Grill, pan-Asian restaurant Dragons, Italian trattoria Nebbiolo, the Barefoot Grill pool Bar, the Bluewater Grill and Market Café, which each offer a tantalising menu of gastronomic treats. Wine lovers will particularly enjoy the hotel’s daily wine tasting sessions too.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Blvd. Kukulcán Km. 14.5 Lote 38, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Price per night: From £742.
Best value hotel in Cancun for a beach getaway
Located in a palapas covered white sand beach in the Cancun Hotel Zone, the Marriott Cancun Resort has everything you need for a truly unforgettable beach getaway in the Yucatan Peninsula. The interiors are classic European meets Caribbean flair, which is a welcome departure from the other ultra-modern resorts in the Zonas Hotelera. This Hacienda-inspired resort offers a sense of old world glamour with lush foliage lining the resort’s lagoon-style pool, which is complete with swim up bar and whirlpool. There is also a PADI-certified pool which has been filled with artificial coral reefs, perfect for beginner divers. While the hotel does have a spa, we recommend opting for a beachfront massage instead, so you can banish the stress while listening to the gently lapping waves of the Caribbean Sea.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Boulevard Kukulkan Km. 14.5, Cancun 77500, Mexico.
Price per night: From £342
Most central hotel in Cancun
Just a ten minute drive from Cancun Quintana Roo International Airport, Moon Palace is an excellent choice away from the Cancun Hotel Zone. This family-friendly, all-inclusive paradise has a gorgeous oceanfront location and near all the cultural highlights of Cancun including the Xbalamqué Theatre and Cinemex. Moon Palace is known for its Golf Club and has easy access to the nearby El Tinto Golf Course too. It’s also within quick driving distance to the Xoximilco and West Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun, and Punta Nizuc National Park which all offer plenty to do for the whole family. There are six outdoor pools, including a children’s pool complete with water slide, four swim up bars, and of course plenty of sun loungers to work on your tan. Active travellers can play tennis, basketball, beach yoga, or go windsurfing. There are over 2,000 rooms, which have an incredible wealth of amenities from Free Wifi and 24 hour room service to private hot tubs. Plus, the hotel even has a nightclub shuttle so you can dance the night away with no worries about how to get back.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Carretera Cancun-Chetumal Km. 340, Cancun, QROO, 77500.
Price per night: From £494.
Best five star hotel in Cancun
The Kempinski Hotel Cancun is all about offering ‘timeless elegance by the sea’ and certainly lives up to that mantra. With a glorious beachfront location, beautiful swimming pools and a wealth of amenities, the Kempinski is beachfront elegance at its finest. Fronted by a white sand beach and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the Kempinski Hotel offers the quintessential luxury experience you’d expect from any Kempinski property, but with a Caribbean twist. The experience begins at the stylish lobby, where a stained glassed dome ceiling draws you in. The vine covered courtyard lobby makes you feel like you have entered a jungle in the Yucatan, with Mexican flora serving as an inspiration throughout the hotel. The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools, a gorgeous spa and a private beach, covered by charming cabanas. The bedrooms are coastal chic and dressed in a muted colour palette of beiges and greys, really letting the views do the talking. In the spa, guests can relax with a wide range of massages, facials and treatments. In terms of dining, the Kempinski’s on-site restaurants offer everything from a Sushi Bar to a Mediterranean restaurant. You simply can’t go wrong.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Retorno del Rey, 36, 77500 Cancún, Mexico.
Price per night: £636.
Best adults-only Cancun hotel
This adults-only paradise is a heaven on earth for beach lovers who want to be blessed with glorious Mexican rays. Fronted by a white sand beach and the Caribbean Sea, with the La Isla Shopping Village to its rear and the party central of Punta Cuna just a quick drive away – you couldn’t be better located to discover all of Cancun’s greatest hits. While the Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún is the picture of contemporary elegance, you’ll see Mexican touches with local textiles, Yucatan tiles and wood materials used throughout, particularly in the small, casual restaurants dotted throughout the hotel’s gardens. We especially like Sea Corner, which is a cute beach shack that serves delicious Mexican comfort food. The pool area is made up of a number of interconnected pools, including an Infinity pool by the beach. There is a spa with some pretty high tech gadgets like an inhalation room and different temperature pools. The rooms are light, bright, airy with a stylish contemporary touch and guests can even choose their own room scent from an aromatherapy menu.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Boulevard Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera Km 12.5,Quintana Roo, 77500 Cancún, Mexico.
Price per night: From £624.
Best Cancun Hotel for rockstar treatment
The Hard Rock Hotel is synonymous with Cancun’s party capital reputation, and the resort fully commits to the rock and roll theme. Located in the middle of the Cancun Hotel Zone, the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel is a great base for exploring Punta Cana’s famous nightlife scene. There’s plenty of rock n’ roll design motifs and memorabilia throughout the resort, which also hosts a regular series of live performances for guests. If the rock and roll theme was still not obvious enough, guests can order guitars to their room, form a rock band with their mates at the Music Lab and perform their soon-to-be hit single in front of other hotel guests (regardless of talent). Of course, the Hard Rock Hotel has all the Cancun resort essentials. There’s an infinity pool complete with swim up bar, waterfalls (yes, truly) , sun loungers, a Rock Spa and a Body Rock Gym. There is also a kids club and a choice of six restaurants and seven bars all throughout the hotel. Subtlety is not the name of the game here, and while the Hard Rock Hotel may sometimes border on over-the-top, it does have a sense of fun that sets it apart from the rest. You will certainly feel like a rock-star the moment you check-in.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan 14.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico.
Price per night: From £400.
Best hotel in Punta Cana
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
With a name like that, you’re sure to have a holiday fiesta at this sprawling five-star hotel in the heart pf Punta Cana. Every room at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun offers unbelievable ocean views, with gorgeous marble floors and calming contemporary décor maximising the visual impact azure blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. You’re literally at the centre of where it all happens in Punta Cana, with the Isla Mujeres ferry dock just a five minute walk away. There is a sprawling, fountain-lined lagoon-style pool, complete with swim-up bars and sun loungers. At The Gem Spa, the hotel encourages guests to embark on its super relaxing ten-step hydrotherapy circuit, complete with ice room and a sensory pool. Bigger is better is the motto here, and the kids club (aka kids theme park) has different themed rooms, arcade area, live entertainment and even its own kiddie pool with waterslide. Upgrade to the Grand Club to gain special access to a swanky VIP Penthouse lounge and exclusive Beachside Deck – we think it’s well worth the cash.
Spa: Yes.
Address: Boulevard Kukulkan Km. 9.5, Cancun, 77500, Mexico.
Price per night: From £662.
