Safe Neighborhoods To Stay In Cancun
The best place to stay in Cancun is outside the city center in the hotel zone: Zona Hotelera.
This seaside area, which some qualify as the world capital of mass tourism, brings together more than 150 hotels, including the largest resorts and palaces in Cancun.
If you are looking for the most beautiful and you have the budget, go to Ritz Carlton or all-inclusive on Hyatt Zilara Cancun.
Beach Palace Middle Hotel Zone
Ideal for fun family getaways, this beachfront all-inclusive boasts sunny rooms, thoughtful kids amenities, three pools, three hot tubs, and a waterslide. Rooms and suites all include a two-person jetted tub, private balcony, and dual vanities. Family Deluxe suites are made of two connecting rooms with a kids minibar, plus an Xbox, beach gear, and kid-sized robes. Concierge Level upgrades grant highest floor rooms with the best views, plus two massages, nightly petit fours, and welcome wine. Their kids club is well-loved for its attentive staff, games, activities, and playroom. Like their sister properties, they have an amazing resort credit program that can be used toward excursion, spa treatments, or day passes to the water park at The Grand. Located on a stunning white beach with crystal clear waters and medium-sized surf.Hotel phone: +52 800 262 9008
Tips For Traveling To Cancun And Getting Around
You can find flights to Cancun International Airport from just about any point on the globe its truly one of the worlds most popular travel destinations! Once youve arrived, you can easily take a taxi or one of the airport buses to your hotel, although some properties offer shuttles and prepaid taxis as part of their travel packages. Taxis can be pre-booked online as well, which is a fantastic idea, particularly if youre planning to visit during the high season.
Its true that you can rent a car in Cancun, but theres really no need to. Parking isnt easy to come by since almost everyone uses taxis or takes public transportation, and the local traffic patterns can be pretty challenging for those who arent familiar with them. The best option for traveling around is to take the bus.
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Best Hotel In Downtown El Centro: Ambiance Suites Hotel Cancun
Bright, airy and centrally located, Ambiance Suites Hotel is a great base for your time in the city. It has a gym, a golf course, swimming pool, and a sun-soaked rooftop terrace.
This four-star hotel is surrounded by dining options, bars and pubs, and is within close proximity of Cancuns top tourist attractions.
Where To Stay In Riviera Maya

If you truly want an escape from reality, consider staying in the Riviera Maya. This area, which is just outside of Cancun proper, is a beautiful stretch of coastline on Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula.
Getting to the Riviera Maya from Cancun is simple and takes anywhere from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the hotel that you choose.
The Riviera Maya boasts fabulous hotels, many of which are adults-only, giving you a complete escape from reality while visiting this area.
Do not worry about being bored here though. There are so many things to do in the Riviera Maya that you are sure to stay entertained during your vacation.
The Riviera Maya is where to stay in Cancun if you truly want to get away from it all!
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Best Hotels In Puerto Morelos
Luxury: Valentin Imperial:
Your all-inclusive stay at Valentin Imperial comes with 1.5 miles of private golden sand, a full-service spa, on-site dining, and nightly entertainment. The adults-only experience has a sprawling outdoor pool and lazy river to go along with many inclusive activities like kayaking.
Mid-Range: Casa Boutique Hokhmah:
Casa Boutique Hokhmah is a boutique hotel with airport transfers, a wellness center, and an on-site restaurant. Each room comes with a private garden patio and some feature a kitchenette. All guests will enjoy a choice of morning American or continental breakfast.
VRBO: Hacienda-style Home:
Families or large friend groups will love this VRBO. The home can sleep up to eight guests and is just two blocks from the sea. The spacious home comes with a backyard pool and lounge chairs great for hanging out away from it all. Guests will have a full kitchen, BBQs, and access to bikes for free.
Best things to do in Puerto Morelos
Xcaret Park Easily One Of The Most Fun Places To Check Out In Cancun
- One of the largest theme parks in Mexico
- Easily enough activities to spend a day here possibly even more!
- One of the best places in Cancun to visit as a family
Why its awesome: Xcaret Park started off as a theme park, but now has 6 different locations under its ownership. This was the first one, and quite possibly the best. Not just any old theme park, Xcaret Park blends Mayan culture and history with live shows, delicious food, and cool natural attractions. Over 1 million visitors descend on the park annually, and although its a day trip from Cancun on the Riviera Maya, its super easy to get here from the Zona Hotelera!
What to do there: There are more than 40 attractions set across this 250 acre park, so youre sure to find something cool and interesting for you and your family. For those interested in wildlife, you can get up close and personal in the parks nature reserve. Here, youll find jaguars, macaws, and other animals indigenous to Central America. If youd prefer to learn about Mayan culture, watch one of the fantastic live shows that take place in the park. And of course, dont miss out trying a tasty taco or enchilada. The park is home to some of the best places to eat in Cancun!
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Best Areas In Cancn For Food: El Centro
If youre looking for a great place to eat while on vacation in Cancun, be sure to check out the restaurants in El Centro. This busy downtown core is home to some of the best food in Cancun, with options ranging from Yucatecan fare to Mexican classics, and even fine French dining at a fraction of the cost in Hotel Zone.
La Isla Shopping Village A Great Place In Cancun If You Love To Shop
Photo: 72eViL1A
- The largest retail area in the Zona Hotelera
- A great place for some retail therapy and to pick up some souvenirs for family and friends
- Houses some of the best places to eat in Cancun too
Why its awesome: For the shoppers among you, Cancun has something that might just make your trip. La Isla Shopping Village does exactly what it says on the tin its an entirely artificial island completely dedicated to shopping! Not only is it a great place to pick up some souvenirs and bargains, but its the perfect escape from Cancuns relentless sun. Canopies shade the alleyways that connect the stores, while there are a number of squares set around fountains. Its one of the best places in Cancun to relax and shop!
What to do there: Whatever you want to buy, youll find it here. La Isla is a mixture of Mexican chain stores, souvenir shops, and some well-known global retailers. Thats not all though if youre shopping youre likely to get hungry, right? Well, youll be pleased to know that there are several restaurants here. If youre not sure about Mexican food, try some of the more familiar restaurants in Cancun. Global chains like McDonalds and Starbucks, rounded off with a Haagen Dazs ice cream will be the perfect reminder of what youre missing from home!
Travelling to Cancun? Then plan yo trip the smart way!
- Learn everything you could possibly want to know about Mayan culture
- Built over San Miguelito ruins, which form part of the museum
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Highlights Of The Best Things To Do In Downtown Cancun
Experience the folklore and everyday life of the locals by visiting Market 28 and Market 23. The first one is the most popular and has a more touristic element, complete with restaurants, souvenirs, and crafts. Market 23 is less touristy, and the items here are relatively cheaper.
Try out some typical Mexican food as you watch some local public events in the evenings at Parque Las Palapas- the main park.
Take a relaxing walk on Nader Avenue. One of Cancuns historic neighborhoods, this is a quiet strip with an eclectic combination of candle and lantern-lit gorgeous restaurants, hipster bars, and vibrant street art.
See what Malecon Americas Shopping Center has to offer. This is Cancun Downtowns largest mall and has a modern open-air atmosphere complete with restaurants, department stores, and ice cream shops.
Go for a street art tour. Downtown streets are covered in murals, allowing you to explore and dig into this gem from an artistic perspective. Whether you choose to stroll solo or engage a local artist , dont leave your camera behind. Trust us- youll need it.
Before getting into other Cancun neighborhoods, lets talk about the different types of accommodation that you can consider.
Bonus : Best Hotels In Puerto Morelos
Even though youll find Puerto Morelos mentioned in many other posts about Cancun accommodation as a neighborhood inside Cancun, it is actually 38 km away from the city and 40 minutes by car and its actually a separate town. Puerto Morelos is also 25-minutes by car from Cancun Airport, so its not that far!
But this doesnt mean its not a great destination and a very good place to stay for a beach vacation! Puerto Morelos has super beautiful beaches and its the best place to go if you want to enjoy a beach paradise while also avoid the hustle and bustle of the touristic Hotel Zone in Cancun.
Its also a great place for culture, as youll have interesting Mayan Ruins close-by, as well as Botanical Gardens and cenotes , perfect for some swimming and fun. By the way, this fishing village also has an off-shore reef called Puerto Morelos National Reef Park!
If you think the calm and charming Puerto Morelos is for you, here are the best hotels you can choose from:
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Best Luxury: Nizuc Resort & Spa
NIZUC Resort & Spa
Serenity and extravagance await at this AAA Five-Diamond hotel located within a 29-acre natural reserve.
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Awarded the AAA Five-Diamond rating
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Less than 15 minutes from the airport
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Six world-class restaurants
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Slightly outside the Hotel Zone
Secluded, tranquil, and with an air of understated elegance and class, NIZUC Resort & Spa provides the ultimate indulgent, pampered hotel experiences. The resorts location on the tip of Punta Nizuc creates an environment like none other in Cancun, with the white sand beaches joined by lush mangrove forests and green wetlands. Ocean Suites are for adults only and treat guests to spectacular sea views from an indoor/outdoor-style balcony. The 29 private villas are adorned with a private pool and tropical gardens, and the Residence suites offer panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Some suites connect for easy access to families and friends. The main pool is home to a sophisticated swim-up bar, and a relaxed adults-only infinity pool looks out over the surrounding tree canopies toward the ocean.
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Lacks the festive vibe found at other properties
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4 pools
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Multiple buildings and multiple pricing tiers may make it confusing to navigate the property and know which amenities correspond to your tier
Best Airbnb In Cancun: Loft Footsteps From The Beach

Totally renovated and right off the sand of Cancun is this stunning Loft one of the best Airbnbs in Cancun. When youve been at the beach all day cool off in this home.- Thats right good ol A/C, the home has 2 air conditioners to keep you from having a heat stroke! For those who are working abroad, the house that High-Speed internet- can we say hallelujah?! If you are looking to explore the island, right outside the apartment, theres public transportation, so you can easily see whatever you want to see.
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Where To Stay In Puerto Morales
Located just south of Cancun is the charming village of Puerto Morales. This is one of the best places to stay in Cancun for those of you looking to truly escape the crowds and visit a true gem in Mexico.
Despite the fact that Puerto Morales is a little slower-paced, you will still find plenty of things to do here.
This area is packed with local eateries serving up delicious fresh seafood. Your adventurous side will enjoy finding all of the cenotes in the area or visiting all of the animals at the Croco Can Zoo.
Best Place To Stay Near Cancun
Isla Mujeres is a tiny island located 13 kilometers off the coast of Cancun. I recommend that you take an excursion or choose your hotel. Indeed, it is the ideal place to enjoy an idyllic setting with turquoise and crystalline waters and superb white sand beaches.
In addition, it is the ideal spot to go observe whale sharks, especially in July and August.
I know a somewhat confidential place that you might like for its calm, its aesthetics, its low price and its dream location:
La Casa Alkimia Oceanfront is a beachfront guesthouse with swimming pool, private beach and magnificent terrace.
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Staying In The Hotel Zone North
The North of the Hotel Zone has the softest sand and the most pristine beaches. This is due to its geography unlike the rest of the Hotel Zone, the northernmost portion is partially protected from hurricanes by Isla Mujeres to the northeast and the horn of Punta Cancun in to the east. Because it is shielded in this way, it still has its original sand, worn smooth and powdery over the years, contrasting with the rest of the Hotel Zone, which lost its sand to a hurricane a few years ago and had to have the sand replaced. Its prized location also shields it from the seaweed that tends to collect in the Middle and End Zones. This is the closest portion to Downtowns amazing restaurants and cultural attractions like Market 28 and lucha libre at the Cancun Arena. Its also just a short distance from the Uptown Cancun nightlife on the south end of Punta Cancun. With such proximity to dining, bars, and attractions, the Beginning of the Hotel Zone is ideal for guests who opt not to stay in an all-inclusive.
Bed And Breakfast Eclipse
Highlight: Best Budget Hotel in Cancun
Ideal for budget travelers who arent keen on hostels, Bed and Breakfast Eclipse is perfect for you. Andrea and Sandra are very welcoming and super helpful with any recommendations you may need to perfect your itinerary. Right next to a shopping mall and supermarket, youll also have easy access to Playa Gaviota Azul, Parque Urbano Kabah, and many other local attractions. The garden and terrace are beautiful places to relax and unwind after an action-packed day. For a warm and personalized stay at a great value, Bed and Breakfast Eclipse is your answer for where to stay in Cancun.
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Zona Hotelera Where To Stay In Cancun For First
Zona Hotelera is one of the most convenient and popular places to stay in Cancun. A short drive from El Centro, this area of the city caters to tourists.
Its where youll find massive resorts, golden sand beaches, delicious restaurants, and incredible views. Thats why its our recommendation for where to stay for your first time in Cancun.
Its also suitable for culture vultures and history buffs as the amazing El Rey Mayan Ruins are just a short drive outside of the zone. If you want to combine history and culture with a beautiful beach vacation, youve come to the right place!
Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun
Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun is on a stretch of white sand beach in Puerto Morelos within a 20-minute drive from Cancun Internation Airport. Most rooms come with king beds and private balconies.
An upgrade to Preferred Club will give you more perks such as personalized check-in, a-la-carte breakfast, and a welcome bottle of wine or hard liquor. There is free covid testing for hotel guests staying longer than 3 days. If you test positive for Covid-19 on-site, they will provide your 14-day quarantine for free.
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Budget Hotels In The Hotel Zone
- Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel Previously known as Senor Frog, and right in the heart of Zona Hotelera, the Mayan Monkey Hostel is within walking distance of beaches, restaurants and bars. You can either choose from dorm rooms, double rooms, or a suite. Free WiFi, free private parking, barbecue facilities, a lounge, bar, and pool make this hostel perfect!
Downtown Cancun Vs Hotel Zone

The part of Cancun that doesnt fall under the Hotel Zone is known as Downtown Cancun or El Centro.
Seasoned tourists and budget travelers opt for hotels in Downtown Cancun.
Both the Cancun Hotel Zone and Downtown Cancun have their own advantages.
While the Hotel Zone has beautiful beaches close by, massive nightclubs, fine dining restaurants, etc., the Downtown area provides a holiday thats closer to Cancun and Mexicans.
The only disadvantage of Downtown Cancun is the distance you must travel to reach the numerous attractions, beaches, nightclubs, etc.
However, this distance isnt much for a bus can take you to the Hotel Zone in 20 minutes.
If you are looking for the finest hotel in Downtown Cancun look no further than Krystal Urban Cancun Centro.
Other popular hotels are Xbalamque, Hotel Ibis Cancun Centro, City Express Cancun, La Quinta Inn & Suites Cancun, and City Express Junior Cancun.
Most popular tours in Cancun |
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