The Mexican city of Cancún is relatively new to the tourism scene, with its popularity stretching back only a few decades. But after a concerted effort to build up the country’s tourism sector during the 1970s, it rapidly became a favourite destination for both native Mexicans and visitors from further afield alike.
Today the city is best known for Zona Hotelera, its long, beachfront strip of high-rise hotels and nightclubs, though it also has a fascinating downtown area that is well worth a visit. But for those seeking an all-inclusive accommodation option, they’ll find the majority of choices nestled on the strip. We’ve done some research and selected five that meet our approval.
Gran Caribe Resort & Spa
From €299/ night
Providing jaw-dropping ocean views along with a wide array of activities to suit every taste, this child-friendly resort has received excellent reviews for its personalised service and top class amenities. There’s an on-site water park, children and teen clubs, mini golf, a choice of five dining options, on-site boutiques, three swimming pools and daily and nightly entertainment. Guest rooms come equipped with a large flat-screen TV, bathrooms with marble fixtures, and a fully-stocked mini bar, while most also feature a private balcony. Activities available to guests include scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling, and the resort also offers bicycle hire and guided tours, all available at an additional cost
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
From $763/ night
Idea for those seeking a luxury option in Cancun, this exceptional 5-star beachfront resort is awash with beautiful views and world class amenities. There’s a 40,000-square-foot full-service spa, a gym with ocean views, a choice of six fine-dining restaurants and bars, and a large outdoor pool. Families are catered for by a dedicated children’s club offering daily activities. Suites at the resort also delivr ocean vistas from their private balconies, while they also feature comfortable seating areas and convenient amenities such as in-room safes. Local attractions include the El Meco Mayan Ruins and the Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres, where visitors can swim with dolphins, both of which are just a short drive away.
Occidental Costa Cancún
From $159/ night
On-site boutiques, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a gift shop, a large outdoor pool and a children’s club are just some of the amenities available at this popular up-scale resort. There are also numerous dining options, including a buffet restaurant featuring authentic Mexican cuisine. For visitors keen to explore Cancun, attractions including the ancient city of Chichen Itza and the Mayan ruins are easily accessible, with the resort offering an on-site car rental service and travel agency for your convenience.
Royal Solaris
From $273/ night
Located on Cancun’s beachfront, a couple of minutes’ walk from the sand, Royal Solaris features an outdoor pool, a separate water park for children, massage services and nightly entertainment. Activities including aerobics, windsurfing and kayaking are also offered on-site. There’s a choice of 5 restaurants and 2 bars, with a wide selection of international cuisine on offer across all of them. Guest rooms have satellite TV, a CD player, minibar and coffee maker, plus a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer. Cancun International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
Oasis Palm
From $208/ night
Situated adjacent to El Embarcadero pier in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, this 4-star resort’s centrepiece attraction is its 200 yards of pristine private beach. Elsewhere within the resort, guests can also make use of outdoor pools, a spa, shops and numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines ranging from Japanese to Mexican. A total of 8 separate bars, including a swim-up bar and a beach bar, ensure you’ll never be short of somewhere to grab a drink. Meanwhile families are well catered for by a kids’ restaurant and a comprehensive daily activity programme. There are a number of popular sites and attractions nearby including bars, restaurants and shopping centres, as well as activities such as Mexican cuisine courses and Tequila and Mezcal tastings. Trips to Mujeres Island, a popular excursion for visitors to Cancun, departs from the port next to the hotel.