Cancun Hotel Zone, Cancun, Mexico
Family-friendly hotel with a play area, mini-golf course, and lots of activities
Inexpensive rates for a beachfront property in the Hotel Zone
Spacious rooms that can easily accommodate families
Two restaurants, a snack bar, and room service
Two pools and a small but attractive beach
All-inclusive plan includes some non-motorized watersports
Free Wi-Fi
Hotel decor is dated and in need of a refresh
In-room amenities are in need of repair: noisy AC, rusty safes, and leaky showers
Rooms decor is not stylish and some details feel garish
Bathrooms are unappealing with showers and toilets crowded together
In the northern part of the Hotel Zone, a short drive from
attractions
Main pool area can be loud
Beach is small
In the northern area of the Hotel Zone, this budget property offers a range of amenities at affordable rates. The hotel caters to
families, groups, and locals with a children’s play area, a mini-golf course,
pool games, and activities throughout the day. Public
space include two pools, a pretty beach, a whirlpool area, and
two restaurants. Unfortunately, the 172 guest rooms are showing their age and in some cases need repair, but they are a comfortable size for families. And the beach's calm waters are also a boon for parents with young kids, although this sandy strip is small and the water is shallow. The
beaches at Casa Maya Cancun or Krystal Cancun, for example, are much nicer.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Good for families, groups, and travelers looking to save money
Aquamarina Beach Hotel is a lively and casual property with a steady stream
of activities by the main pool including volleyball, soccer, aerobics, trivia
contests, and a ping-pong table. But sometimes it's a bit too boisterous: Guests complain the music is blaring and the MC can be a bit much. (Fortunately for those who prefer a more peaceful
setting can escape to the hotel's Relaxation Pool.) Aquamarina caters to families, and they'll find multiple attractions including a children’s
playground with swings and a slide and a decent-sized mini-golf
course. The beach is calm as well, making swimming easy
for kids. In addition to families, the hotel attracts a number of budget travelers and groups,
especially locals.Lodged in a tall, six-story white buildings that's clearly visible from the street, the hotel is on the older side, and it shows in some areas. White plaster hallways and a congested lobby with salmon-colored armchairs feel more like a drab convention center. Restaurants with plastic tablecloths could also use a facelift. But the grounds are exceptionally safe; there is security on-site and the hotel provides bracelets so staff can identify guests.
Location
At the top of the Hotel Zone, a short drive from restaurants and attractions
Cancun’s Hotel Zone is shaped like a “7,” and Aquamarina Beach Hotel is located
at the very top (or northern part) of the zone. Beaches up here are calmer
and much less wavy compared to properties located down the main strip, a bonus for families with young kids. But guests
interested in watersports or other wave-friendly activities might have to
travel farther down the zone. There is a grocery-convenience store across the
street from the hotel and a souvenir store nearby.Most resorts are located on the narrow stretch of land
between the Nichupte Lagoon and Caribbean Sea (the base of the “7”), making
Aquamarina Beach Hotel a five- to 10-minute drive from central restaurants, shops,
and attractions. Taxis are always available in front of the hotel and
plenty of buses run up and down the Hotel Zone. The resort is a 10-minute drive
from downtown Cancun.- Eight-minute drive to the heart of the Hotel Zone
Rooms
Sizable rooms, but with dated decor, aging bathrooms, and noisy air-conditioning
Compared to the public spaces, the guest rooms have
slightly more updated decor like off-white tile floors, dark wood furniture, and crisp white bedding with deep blue accent pillows. Wall-sconce lighting adds a modern touch, but neon-green accent walls feel garish. Most rooms have large closets and all have a private terrace or balcony with plastic patio furniture. The pink marble bathrooms feel particularly tired. There isn't a lot of
counter space around the sink and showers feel shoehorned right by the toilets. Room sizes do accommodate families as Standard Rooms sleep two to four, and Junior Suites can sleep six. The Junior Suites have a living room and a small kitchenettes, too.When it comes to the amenities, rooms really show their age. The safety
deposit boxes are old, rusted, and operated with a key; the shower stalls leak
when in use; and the air-conditioning is noisy. And certain design choices seem odd. Suite kitchenettes have a small
stove and pantry but no fridge or cooking utensils.
Features
Two pools, two restaurants, and a small beach
Easily the most popular part of the resort, the main pool sits at the heart of the property. Consisting of two looping circles in a figure eight, the pool has a swim-up bar and a shallow children’s area. White metal lounge chairs line the perimeter and there's a shaded area by a patch of grass.
The snackbar, situated by the pool, sells basic food and
drinks. The Relaxation Pool offers a quieter alternative. The cobalt-blue bottom here is echoed in the fabric covering the poolside loungers. There's also a
whirlpool.
The beach is small and extremely calm. Boats anchored on either side give it the look of a marina. Despite its size, the beach is scenic, with palm trees and white powdery sand. There are only a handful of loungers and chairs here, which get snapped up early in the day. A children's playground and a mini-golf course gives families more activities beyond swimming and sunbathing.
Aquamarina has two restaurants
on-site. Restaurant Las Perlas, off the lobby, serves a buffet breakfast and
dinner. Restaurant Las Palapa, located by the
pool, serves a buffet
lunch and a la carte dinner. The hotel also offers room service. Guests report that the quality of the food is
so-so overall.
All-Inclusive / Food
Affordable all-inclusive package
Aquamarina Beach offers an affordable all-inclusive option
that includes meals and domestic beverages. The package also includes some
non-motorized watersports such as kayaks, paddleboats, and snorkeling.
