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Cancun really is like paradise, there’s no other way to put it.
We spend a lot of our time backpacking and travelling through far less developed parts of the world, so Cancun was literally like a breath of fresh air!
With crystal clear blue waters, golden sandy beaches and gorgeous hotels located right behind, it is so easy to find amazing accommodation in Cancun. In fact, it's home to many of the most luxurious all-inclusive Mexican resorts.
But as such, deciding exactly where to stay in Cancun can be a challenge, with so much wonderful choice.
Well, hopefully this roundup of, what I believe to be the best hotels, resorts and hostels in Cancun, you will find something that suits you and your budget!
First up …
Simply put, Booking.com shouldn’t just be for Cancun, it should be used for everywhere! We used this site throughout our travels around the world and have had nothing but great experiences.
Using this site makes everything simple when looking for the best hotels in Cancun. Whether you are looking for hostels or hotels, this will list everything simply and provide you as much insight as they can into your next stay.
What I also love is the additional perks associated with being a Genius Member. After just 3 bookings you gain access to their loyalty program. This includes many perks, which could include discounts on stays, free breakfast, and more.
That being said, we are growing increasingly fond of Agoda, which have a really modern and easy-to use site, as well as a fantastic array of properties.
Their cashback service, called Agoda Cash, also means that some properties end up being cheaper on there as opposed to Booking.com.
The approach I now advise is to compare prices of properties you like on both Agoda and Booking.com to see which is cheapest.
So for all recommendations below I've gone ahead and included links to both.
Best luxury hotel in Cancun
Best mid-range Cancun hotel
Best budget accommodation in Cancun
More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
The pictures say it all here at the Emporio Cancun. These oceanfront views will be breathtaking no matter how many times you see them. The inside of the hotel is open and welcoming, and you can bring any home comfort to the hotel with suites that include a kitchen. The best thing about this location? It is really for everyone.
If you want to be outside in the water all day, you have the beach right there and a large pool area and bar. If you are the type to explore, you won’t have to go very far. The San Miguelito Archaeological Site as well as the Cancún Maya Museum are right in front of the hotel. This accommodation in Cancun is also in the Hotel Zone area, which is full of a variety of restaurants and more.
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(Best luxury hotel in Cancun)
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The lobby area at the Royal Sands Resort and Spa is so unbelievable that it will blow your mind. In fact, this resort only gets better with each step you take inside, making this for sure one of the best hotels to stay in Cancun. Out of all the 5 star hotels in Cancun, this may take the lead. Your money will be well spent with everything offered, including the relaxing onsite spa.
There are two excellent restaurants at this resort, including one Mexican restaurant. You don’t even need to leave the hotel for an authentic experience. Beyond the sports bar, the snack bar, the outdoor pool, and the beach, you will also be only 10 minutes from nighttime activity in Cancun and 20 minutes from the airport.
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More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
This all-inclusive location has so many perks it will make you want to jump at the opportunity to stay at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun! This hotel for adults has five different bars and six different restaurants on location. If you want to have the experience of a lifetime, there are “swim-up suites” included. You can lounge on the comfortable chairs that are in the pool, then avoid a walk back by just turning around and swimming right up to your suite.
There is no way to get a more relaxing vacation than that. You will never be bored at the Hyatt Zilara. They make sure to provide experiences with every type of personality in mind. From their shows to their scuba-diving classes, it is obvious that they go out of their way to try to be one of the best places to stay in Cancun.
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If the best place to stay in Cancun for you would be the most relaxing one, try the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. This is your go-to place if you are seeking relaxation and distraction from the daily hassles of day-to-day life. Out of all the luxury hotels in Cancun, this is one of the few that gives “Mayan treatments” at their spa.
This means that their spa has influences from the Mayan age to give you the ultimate feeling of relaxation. Included in the spa is an indoor Olympic-size pool to relax in before or after your spa treatment. This is also one of the top hotels in Cancun because of its location in the center of the hotel zone, which is an area full of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
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(Best mid-range Cancun hotel)
More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
Ever go to a place after seeing serene photos just to find that it is crowded and too busy? Not the case for the Westin Resort & Spa. This resort includes four different pools to solve that issue, making it one of the best hotels in Cancun. In some parts of the pools, you can bring your chairs right in to give you the luxury experience.
The rooms are truly unique. If you love contemporary art then this is the place for you. It gives the perfect vacation vibe. Within moments of entering this resort, you will understand why it is one of the top hotels in Cancun. Whether you want to rest all day by the pool or private beach area, or if you want to get active by playing golf, tennis, or even surfing, this is the place for you.
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The Aloft Cancun is the ultimate spot to live up your dream vacation. Being 1000 feet or less from two different beaches (Forum Beach and Marlin Beach), you get to have your pick or what beach to go to. It is also close to many activities, such as the Mandala Beach Club within walking distance as well as the Coco Bongo nightclub. During the day there is shopping nearby as well.
This Cancun accommodation is connected to the convention center, making it super easy when there are events going on. Some would choose this as the best hotel in Cancun solely for the fact that it has a rooftop pool and deck. You can get the most stunning views from there, not just of the beaches but of the whole city.
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If you are in the search for the best accommodation in Cancun while still considering budget hotels, try out the Ocean Dream Cancun to see if it could be the best compromise. With two different infinity pools at this location, you can get the ultimate relaxation while gazing out at the Caribbean Sea.
There are many different options on where to stay, including one room with a kitchenette. There is also an outdoor jacuzzi. If you are trying to decide where to stay in Cancun based on activities, learn more about this hotel. The golf course is only two miles away, the convention center is only five miles away, and the nightlife is less than 500 feet away.
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(Best budget accommodation in Cancun)
If you are looking for a cheap accommodation in Cancun do not sell yourself short! Choose the Selina Cancun Laguna Hotel Zone so you can get a quality hostel for a great price while being close to the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city. When considering a hostel for rooms in Cancun, make sure you pick a spot that is going to provide you the most fun while traveling.
If you want to live it up when there, the best places to stay in Cancun are the ones in the Hotel Zone. This area is full of restaurants and nightlife and will not disappoint. If you prefer a night in though, the Selina Cancun also has a restaurant and bar. The bright colors and festivity will make this the perfect Mexican getaway for a reasonable price.
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If you are looking for Cancun budget hotels, you may accidentally look over the Hotel Blue Star Cancun. It is such a great hotel that you may assume it is out of your price range. However, this hotel is where affordability meets quality. Some may call this the best hotel in Cancun not only for the price, but for the pool also.
There are many spots within the pool that have a ledge to sit on. This would be perfect for the days of just relaxing poolside in full vacation mode. Many of the hotel rooms have balconies overlooking the pool, giving a beautiful view throughout the day and night. Some of these rooms even have an indoor jacuzzi!
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More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
If you want to go to Cancun without spending a lot of money on accommodations, Hostel Boutique & Beach Club Agua y Fuego is the place for you. This adults only hostel has everything you need to be comfortable during your stay. There is a large covered area with table and chairs so you can enjoy eating outside while being in the shade.
If you work as you travel, this hostel also has multiple working desks and lounging areas that all have free WiFi. Once you need to relax, there are saunas for both males and females and an outdoor swimming pool. At night you can hang out at the rooftop bar. Make friends as you hang out playing basketball, volleyball, or badminton. There are also table games, a pool table, a foosball table, and more.
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Last time we went to Cancun, we were at the end of a larger trip, so we were ready to treat this solely as a holiday. We found that there were countless things to do, no matter if you were traveling as a couple or solo.
One of our favourite experiences was visiting Ventura Park where we paid just $10 extra for all-day drinks!
Aside from this, our visit to Coco Bongo was a massive highlight, as well as the time spent simply chilling on the beach.
Have you been to Cancun? Where did you stay? Let us know below!
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