With very affordable rates for a beachfront property, Cancun Bay Resort attracts travelers on a budget, groups of friends, and families. A large circular pool with a lively swim-up bar, two restaurants, a stylish lobby with free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, and a second Quiet Pool make this budget hotel a competitive choice in the Hotel Zone. However, the rates are low for a reason: The 98 guest rooms are basic and suffer from dated decor and odd layouts. Suites lack privacy and kitchenettes aren't fully equipped. Amenities are also sparse, as guest rooms lack coffeemakers, mini-fridges, irons, or Wi-Fi. The hotel is also located at the northern end of the Hotel Zone, so guests have to drive or take a taxi to most restaurants and attractions.
With very affordable rates for a beachfront property, Cancun Bay Resort attracts travelers on a budget, groups of friends, and families. A large circular pool with a lively swim-up bar, two restaurants, a stylish lobby with free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, and a second Quiet Pool make this budget hotel a competitive choice in the Hotel Zone. However, the rates are low for a reason: The 98 guest rooms are basic and suffer from dated decor and odd layouts. Suites lack privacy and kitchenettes aren't fully equipped. Amenities are also sparse, as guest rooms lack coffeemakers, mini-fridges, irons, or Wi-Fi. The hotel is also located at the northern end of the Hotel Zone, so guests have to drive or take a taxi to most restaurants and attractions.
The 58-room Oh! Oasis in Cancun is an adult-only, upper-middle-range hotel offering modern rooms, a pool, nightclub, restaurant, and a prime location in the heart of the downtown district just 15 minutes on foot from Plaza Las Americas. Guests are 20 to 30 minutes from the beach, although buses and taxis are available from just down the street. There are some unexpected perks for this price range, including shared services with the Smart Cancun by Oasis next door, Smart cars for rent, and an art gallery inside the main lobby, which add to the value. Hotel Ibis and Fiesta Inn Las Americas farther down Tulum Avenue are comparable experiences with better views over the Hotel Zone and lagoon.
The 58-room Oh! Oasis in Cancun is an adult-only, upper-middle-range hotel offering modern rooms, a pool, nightclub, restaurant, and a prime location in the heart of the downtown district just 15 minutes on foot from Plaza Las Americas. Guests are 20 to 30 minutes from the beach, although buses and taxis are available from just down the street. There are some unexpected perks for this price range, including shared services with the Smart Cancun by Oasis next door, Smart cars for rent, and an art gallery inside the main lobby, which add to the value. Hotel Ibis and Fiesta Inn Las Americas farther down Tulum Avenue are comparable experiences with better views over the Hotel Zone and lagoon.
The Mayafair Design Hotel features an odd combination of decor. Housed in what appears to be a former, cheesy, Mayan-themed strip mall -- complete with non-working escalators -- the hotel now has modern touches like cool, new-age furniture in the lobby and rooms inspired by designers or fashion icons. Rooms are spacious and sleek with sexy open bathrooms. Some rooms offer large Jacuzzi tubs but others only have tube TVs and lack mini-fridges. There are few amenities at this hotel -- just one above ground Jacuzzi -- but it is within walking distance of the beach. This hotel is geared toward gay men and offers inexpensive rates, but visitors looking for more amenities can find other hotel options nearby at similar rates.
The Mayafair Design Hotel features an odd combination of decor. Housed in what appears to be a former, cheesy, Mayan-themed strip mall -- complete with non-working escalators -- the hotel now has modern touches like cool, new-age furniture in the lobby and rooms inspired by designers or fashion icons. Rooms are spacious and sleek with sexy open bathrooms. Some rooms offer large Jacuzzi tubs but others only have tube TVs and lack mini-fridges. There are few amenities at this hotel -- just one above ground Jacuzzi -- but it is within walking distance of the beach. This hotel is geared toward gay men and offers inexpensive rates, but visitors looking for more amenities can find other hotel options nearby at similar rates.
The Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas is a mid-range property with optional all-inclusive rates, on the far northern edge of the vibrant Hotel Zone. A bus or taxi ride is required to get anywhere (there are bus stops right next to the hotel) and the on-site amenities may leave something to be desired. Its two pools are small and there's no full spa (just massages available at a beach hut). The beach itself is notoriously full of seaweed, but daily activities keep kids busy. The 209 rooms are simple but bright, and have private balconies overlooking either the pools or ocean, plus suites have well-equipped kitchenettes. Those considering a more central location should consider the Fiesta Americana Villas Cancun, which has similar amenities near all the nightlife.
The Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas is a mid-range property with optional all-inclusive rates, on the far northern edge of the vibrant Hotel Zone. A bus or taxi ride is required to get anywhere (there are bus stops right next to the hotel) and the on-site amenities may leave something to be desired. Its two pools are small and there's no full spa (just massages available at a beach hut). The beach itself is notoriously full of seaweed, but daily activities keep kids busy. The 209 rooms are simple but bright, and have private balconies overlooking either the pools or ocean, plus suites have well-equipped kitchenettes. Those considering a more central location should consider the Fiesta Americana Villas Cancun, which has similar amenities near all the nightlife.
Calling itself Cancun's "wildest party hostel," Hostel Quetzal is a budget property in downtown Cancun with a festive atmosphere, nightly parties, and drinking games. Its seven rooms include both dorm and private rooms, all which include lockers and towels. A hot "recovery" breakfast is included in the room rate, as is a small Mexican-style dinner, which sometimes comes with a free tequila shot and often precedes group outings to clubs. Best suited for party-goers and young backpackers on a budget, the hostel has an above-ground swimming pool, a rooftop lounge, a tiki bar, and free (albeit spotty) Wi-Fi. Wear and tear is evident in most areas of the hostel, plus past guests complain of maintenance issues in bathrooms. For the not-so-party-hearty, the similarly priced Cancun Clipper Club has a quiet yet central location in the Hotel Zone, though equally dated rooms.
Calling itself Cancun's "wildest party hostel," Hostel Quetzal is a budget property in downtown Cancun with a festive atmosphere, nightly parties, and drinking games. Its seven rooms include both dorm and private rooms, all which include lockers and towels. A hot "recovery" breakfast is included in the room rate, as is a small Mexican-style dinner, which sometimes comes with a free tequila shot and often precedes group outings to clubs. Best suited for party-goers and young backpackers on a budget, the hostel has an above-ground swimming pool, a rooftop lounge, a tiki bar, and free (albeit spotty) Wi-Fi. Wear and tear is evident in most areas of the hostel, plus past guests complain of maintenance issues in bathrooms. For the not-so-party-hearty, the similarly priced Cancun Clipper Club has a quiet yet central location in the Hotel Zone, though equally dated rooms.
This upper-middle-range resort has been around the block -- but it's still one of the better kid-friendly all-inclusives for the price in the Hotel Zone. The rooms are on the bare side, but they're clean and almost all have at least partial ocean views from the balconies (a few suites face the lagoon). The features are more impressive: There are four pools (including a kiddy water park), 10 restaurants, two kids' clubs, a constant barrage of activities, and a gym and spa. Just note that there are some minor maintenance issues, and in-room Wi-Fi isn’t free. The Royal Solaris and GR Solaris Caribe are both similar properties with a similar busy, family-oriented vibe, so it may be worth comparing rates.
This upper-middle-range resort has been around the block -- but it's still one of the better kid-friendly all-inclusives for the price in the Hotel Zone. The rooms are on the bare side, but they're clean and almost all have at least partial ocean views from the balconies (a few suites face the lagoon). The features are more impressive: There are four pools (including a kiddy water park), 10 restaurants, two kids' clubs, a constant barrage of activities, and a gym and spa. Just note that there are some minor maintenance issues, and in-room Wi-Fi isn’t free. The Royal Solaris and GR Solaris Caribe are both similar properties with a similar busy, family-oriented vibe, so it may be worth comparing rates.
The 580-room Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa is an upscale property set on a pretty stretch of white-sand beach in the heart of the Hotel Zone. The bright rooms are chic and decorated in sandy, neutral tones; all feature fully equipped kitchens, furnished balconies with ocean views, and washer/dryers. The huge pool complex has a waterslide, swim-up bar, kiddy pool, and an oceanfront infinity-edge section; other on-site entertainment includes a kids' club, tennis, and mini-golf. There are two restaurants and two bars on-site, plus a stocked market and outdoor grills for guests that prefer to self-cater. There are a spa and fitness center, but Wi-Fi is only free for SPG members. This resort is not all-inclusive; for that, consider the Gran Caribe Resort, but lose the kitchens and washer/dryers.
The 580-room Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa is an upscale property set on a pretty stretch of white-sand beach in the heart of the Hotel Zone. The bright rooms are chic and decorated in sandy, neutral tones; all feature fully equipped kitchens, furnished balconies with ocean views, and washer/dryers. The huge pool complex has a waterslide, swim-up bar, kiddy pool, and an oceanfront infinity-edge section; other on-site entertainment includes a kids' club, tennis, and mini-golf. There are two restaurants and two bars on-site, plus a stocked market and outdoor grills for guests that prefer to self-cater. There are a spa and fitness center, but Wi-Fi is only free for SPG members. This resort is not all-inclusive; for that, consider the Gran Caribe Resort, but lose the kitchens and washer/dryers.
The upper-middle-range All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park is a family-friendly, all-inclusive located in Puerta Juarez on the northern edge of Cancun, about a 10-minute drive from the Hotel Zone. It's on a small private stretch of beach, and many of the 115 rooms, which include suites, have ocean views. Facilities include a small water park, several sports courts including soccer and tennis, half a dozen dining options, and a kids' club. Some of the rooms are a bit underwhelming, but all have coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor spaces. As it's far from the famous Cancun nightlife and shopping, the resort is best suited to families and those seeking an all-inclusive resort at affordable rates away from the hubbub. Travelers could also consider the more centrally located and better maintained Crown Paradise Club Cancun.
The upper-middle-range All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park is a family-friendly, all-inclusive located in Puerta Juarez on the northern edge of Cancun, about a 10-minute drive from the Hotel Zone. It's on a small private stretch of beach, and many of the 115 rooms, which include suites, have ocean views. Facilities include a small water park, several sports courts including soccer and tennis, half a dozen dining options, and a kids' club. Some of the rooms are a bit underwhelming, but all have coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor spaces. As it's far from the famous Cancun nightlife and shopping, the resort is best suited to families and those seeking an all-inclusive resort at affordable rates away from the hubbub. Travelers could also consider the more centrally located and better maintained Crown Paradise Club Cancun.
The 27-room Mia Cancun sits on the white-sand beach of the Hotel Zone. The terracotta and wood-beamed rooms are pretty typical -- most feature old tube TVs, furniture is sparse, and the only "flair" is thin floral comforters on the hard beds. But aside from some street noise in street-facing rooms, the hotel is a relaxing alternative to the mega-hotels that line the beach; the beachfront pristine pool with ocean views is not teeming with kids or underage partiers and the restaurants serve up nice affordable meals.
The 27-room Mia Cancun sits on the white-sand beach of the Hotel Zone. The terracotta and wood-beamed rooms are pretty typical -- most feature old tube TVs, furniture is sparse, and the only "flair" is thin floral comforters on the hard beds. But aside from some street noise in street-facing rooms, the hotel is a relaxing alternative to the mega-hotels that line the beach; the beachfront pristine pool with ocean views is not teeming with kids or underage partiers and the restaurants serve up nice affordable meals.
The Plaza Caribe is a 133-room downtown budget hotel situated right across the bus terminal. It is best suited for short stopovers -- people waiting for a flight connection, and explorers departing to other nearby destinations by bus. The hotel features basic business services, including free Wi-Fi, several conference rooms, and public computers. It also has an outdoor garden, a swimming pool area with kiddy pool, and a few dining options. Rooms are basic but clean, and some are more modern than others. Oasis Smart is a much better, more contemporary option for the price, but it's farther from the bus station.
The Plaza Caribe is a 133-room downtown budget hotel situated right across the bus terminal. It is best suited for short stopovers -- people waiting for a flight connection, and explorers departing to other nearby destinations by bus. The hotel features basic business services, including free Wi-Fi, several conference rooms, and public computers. It also has an outdoor garden, a swimming pool area with kiddy pool, and a few dining options. Rooms are basic but clean, and some are more modern than others. Oasis Smart is a much better, more contemporary option for the price, but it's farther from the bus station.