Cancun Accommodations

Cancun accommodations

Cancun accommodations welcome you to a destination that was once a deserted island, separated from the mainland by two narrow canals.

Cancun known for: spring break, playas (beaches – white sand), clear turquoise waters, clubs,  parks, marinas, nearby Mayan ruins, shopping malls, watersports, dolphins

Cancun is located on the Yucatán Peninsula’s northeastern coast, about 70 miles north of Cozumel island, and about 190 miles east of the Mexican state of Yucatán’s capital city, Merida.

Cancun main attractions: Mercado 28 (flea market, food stalls, shops), Plaza Las Americas (shopping mall), La Isla Cancún (shopping mall), Playa Delfines (white-sand beach, umbrellas, restaurants, dolphin sightings), Playa Langosta (public beach, white sand, playground, restaurants, public restrooms), Marina Puerto Cancún (shopping mall), Las Plazas Outlet Cancun (shopping mall), Gran Plaza Cancún (shopping mall), Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Cancún (restaurant), Ferris Wheel Cancun (tourist attraction), Interactive Aquarium Cancún (aquarium), Museo Maya de Cancún (Mayan museum), Playa Marlín (public beach, white sand, bathrooms, showers, nearby restaurants), Captain Hook Cancun (tourist attraction), Parque Ecológico Kabah (ecological park, vegetation, wildlife, running paths, playground), El Rey Archaeological Zone (250 AD Mayan ruins), Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancún (tourist attraction tower, rotating observation deck), Santuario Maria Desatadora de Nudos (Catholic church), Zona Arqueológica de El Meco (archaeological site)

4.3 miles long and about a half-mile wide, Isla Mujeres (island) is reachable via a short ferry ride courtesy of Ultramar.

Isla Mujeres points of interest: Playa Norte (public beach, palm tree-lined, beach chairs, restaurants, bars), Punta Sur (ecological park, beaches, lighthouse, large sculptures, path overlooking the ocean), Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres (theme park – swim with dolphins), Parador Fotográfico (beachside observation deck – ocean views, photo spot), Garrafon Natural Reef Park (theme park), Café Mogagua (coffee shop), Mango Cafe (breakfast restaurant), Playa Centro, Playa Lancheros “La casa del Tikinxic” (restaurant), Zama Beach and Lounge, Oscars Grill (restaurant), North Garden (restaurant), MUSA (underwater art museum), Soggy Peso (bar & grill), Parque de Los Sueños (water park, ocean slides, pools, zip-lines, restaurant, swim-up bar), Green Verde (Mexican restaurant), Rancho Capricho (bar & grill), Mirador Punta Sur (observation deck), La Palapa del Capitan (restaurant), Isla Brewing Company (brewery), Mayakita Restaurant (breakfast restaurant), Playa El Cocal, Hermosa Caleta (beach), Piscina del Rey (natural ocean pool)

The most popular ways to explore Isla Mujeres are by golf cart, scooter or bicycle, with Good Mexican (golf carts/moped rentals) and BiCi Express (bicycles) being top rental choices.

About a 2-hour drive from Cancun, Chichén Itzá and Tulum are home to some of the world’s most well-preserved Mayan ruins.

Cancun main airport: Cancun International Airport (southside)

Rideshare service: Uber

Bus routes: R1 and R2 (most-utilized by visitors – hotel zone/downtown)

Cancun top events: Cancun Jazz Festival, Riviera Maya Jazz Festival (Playa del Carmen – 40 miles from Cancun), Crash My Playa, Out of the Blue Festival, Dead Ahead Festival, Inceptionfest (spring break music festival), Paradise Blue Festival, The Sands Rocks, Island Time Music Festival, Cancun Jumpoff, Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza

More fun things: Mayan Temple Day Tour

Cancun’s professional football club is Cancún F.C., which plays at Estadio Olímpico Andrés Quintana Roo (capacity 20,000) not far from the hotel zone. Of course, Cancun is a college spring break epicenter. When in Cancun, tap water is best avoided for drinking, and even when brushing teeth when possible. Apart from restaurants/bars, be wary of ice in beverages. Cancun’s beaches are known to have strong undertows. Generally, Cancun’s hotel zone, along with Isla Mujeres, are safe places. Nevertheless, and as with any destination, one should remain vigilant, while traveling / going out in a group when possible. Avoiding the city’s inland outskirts is advised. Keep in mind that nightclub drinks can be expensive, so some form of “pre-gaming” might be best. Of course, rideshare service should be utilized when partying if there is no designated driver. Cancun’s currency is the Mexican peso, cars travel on the right-hand side and the drinking age is 18 years old. Cancun accommodations are some of Mexico’s best. Before we get to Cancun accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.

Prior to European arrival, the Cancun-area’s Mayan inhabitants referred to the area as Nizuc, meaning ‘promontory’ or ‘point of grass’. The name Cancun derives from the Mayan name kàan kun, which translates to ‘nest of snakes’ or ‘place of the golden snake’ (even though snakes are essentially non-existent in Cancun). Following the Spanish conquest of Yucatán circa the early-16th century, the Mayan population was largely decimated due to warfare, disease and famine. Smaller Mayan settlements survived only on the islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Apart from the Mayans and Spanish conquistadors, Cancun’s history is largely void until the 20th century. A planned city, Cancun developed to foster tourism at the onset of the 1970s. At that time, Isla Cancan had only three residents, who were Don José de Jesús Lima Gutiérrez’s coconut plantation caretakers. These caretakers lived on Isla Mujeres. The nearby fishing village and military base of Puerto Juárez had a population of around 120. Tourism investors were reluctant to gamble on the unknown and uninhabited area. As such, Cancun’s first nine hotels were financed by the Bank of Mexico. Playa Blanca, which became a Blue Bay Hotel and eventually Temptation Resort, was the first hotel built. Throughout its recent history, Cancun has transformed rapidly from a fishing village into a world-renowned tourist destination.

Founded on April 20, 1970, Cancun today is home to around 630,000 ‘Cancunenses’. The Mexican state of Quintana Roo’s most populous city, Cancun is also the seat of the municipality of Benito Juárez. Cancun is one of Mexico’s easternmost points and is just north of the Riviera Maya resort area. The city’s highest elevation is 30 feet. In 2023, 21 million tourists visited Cancun. Historically, Cancun has accounted for about 15% of total international spring break travel. Home to a tropical climate, Cancun remains hot throughout the year, and benefits from sea breezes that generally keep the temperature below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainy season occurs between August and December, with dry season commencing from December through April. Hurricane season lasts from June through November. Sea temperatures are always warm thanks to the Yucatan current from the south. Additional points of interest include Coco Bongo (night club), The City Nightclub, Puerto Juárez (Isla Mujeres access point), Playa Tortugas,  Luxury Avenue (boutique mall), San Miguelito Ruins, Kukulcan Boulevard (resorts, shopping malls, restaurants), Fuente del Ceviche (fountain), Punta Cancun LightHouse and Estadio de Béisbol Beto Ávila. Local foods include fajitas, tacos, burritos, carnitas, empanadas, guacamole and various seafoods. Popular drinks are margaritas, mojitos, daiquiris, piña coladas and the banana monkey (chilled drink, made with coffee liquor, banana, chocolate and coconut). With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Cancun accommodations that are sure to help make for an exciting trip.

 

 

 

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

307 Chetumal-Cancún, Km 306.5, Playa del Carmen

Maroma Beach

Hotel amenities: private beach, beach club, multiple restaurants & bars, beach bar, poolside bar, swim-up bar, nightclub, 2 outdoor pools, terrace, outdoor furniture, garden, firepit, barbecue grills, tennis court, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, hot tub, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference center, free parking

Nearby: Woodend by Curtis Stone (restaurant), Restaurante Grill (steakhouse), Mamma Mia (Italian restaurant), Bloved (Mexican restaurant), Bu’ul at Chablé Maroma (restaurant), El Patio (Mexican restaurant)

Within feet:

• • • Maroma Beach

Within 2.9 miles:

• • • Playa Paraiso Golf Course

Within 3.1 miles:

• • • Cirque du Soleil Boutique at Vidanta Riviera Maya

Within 3.3 miles:

• • • Paradise Beach

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun – Adults Only – All inclusive is 38 minutes from Cancun International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Presidential Suite): $5,214

 

 

 

Atelier Playa Mujeres

Prolongación Bonampak S/N MZ 1

Playa Mujeres

Resort amenities: restaurant, buffet breakfast, private beach, outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, 24-hour front desk, car rental service

Nearby restaurants: Toscana (Italian restaurant), Duke’s Lobster (American restaurant), El Suspiro (restaurant), Las Olas (restaurant), Chez Isabelle (restaurant), Sports Bar (restaurant), Tinto & Tapas (restaurant)

Nearby misc.: Playa Mujeres Golf Club, Samaki Fishing Charters (fishing charter), Cancún Fun Times (entertainment agency), Puerto Amada (landmark)

Within feet:

• • • Playa Mujeres

Within 4.8 miles:

• • • Gran Puerto Cancún

Within 6.7 miles:

• • • Cancun Underwater Museum

Atelier Playa Mujeres is 15 miles from Cancun International Airport

Approximate cost per night (Junior Suite – King): $2,055

Cost per person (three people): $685

 

 

 

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Puerto Juarez Km 298, Playa del Carmen

El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course

Hotel amenities: private beach, golf course, restaurant, multiple bars, beach bar, poolside bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), 2 outdoor pools, children’s pool, terrace, garden, tennis courts, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference space, free bike rentals, car rentals, free parking

Nearby: Cello (Italian restaurant)

Within feet:

• • • El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course

Within 6.2 miles:

• • • Quinta Avenida

Within 12.5 miles:

• • • Xcaret Eco Theme Park

Banyan Tree Mayakoba is 48 minutes from Cancun International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Harmony Three-Bedroom): $4,466

Cost per person (seven people): $638

 

 

 

 

 

Beloved Playa Mujeres

Playa Mujeres, Punta Sam

Mujeres Beach

Hotel amenities: marina, multiple restaurants & bars, poolside bar, swim-up bar, 3 outdoor pools, terrace, garden, library, spa, sauna, gym, hot tub, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, free parking, airport transfer

Also in the area: Atelier Playa Mujeres

Within feet:

• • • Mujeres Beach

Within 1 mile:

• • • Punta Sam Beach

Within 5.7 miles:

• • • North Beach

Beloved Playa Mujeres – Couples Only All Inclusive is 51 minutes from Cancun International Airport.

Approximate cost per night: $1,196

 

 

 

Rosewood Mayakoba

Playa del Carmen KM 298, Playa del Carmen

El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba

Hotel amenities: golf course, multiple restaurants & bars, 2 beach bars, buffet breakfast (surcharge), multiple outdoor pools, children’s pool, rooftop terrace, outdoor furniture, firepit, 2 tennis courts, spa, sauna, steam room, gym, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, bellhop, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, conference space, free parking, airport transfer

Nearby: Brisas Restaurant, Punta Bonita (Mexican restaurant), Aquí Me Quedo (restaurant), Gaia at Maykana (restaurant), Ki Beach Bar & Korean BBQ

Within feet:

• • • El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba

Within 1.3 miles:

• • • El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course

Within 7.2 miles:

• • • Playa del Carmen Main Beach

Rosewood Mayakoba is 38 minutes from Cancun International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Villa – Coral): $5,910

Cost per person (seven people): $844

 

 

 

 

La Villa du Golf

Km 7.5 Zona Hotelera, Calle Quetzal

Playa Ancha

Hotel amenities: homemade breakfast, outdoor pool, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, free parking, airport shuttle service

Also in the area: Sina Suites

Within feet:

• • • Playa Ancha
    • Playa Chac Mool
    • Playa Gaviota Azul

Within 4.9 miles:

• • • Parque las Palapas

Within 7 miles:

• • • Cancun Underwater Museum

La Villa du Golf à Cancun Hotel Boutique is 10 miles from Cancun International Airport

Approximate cost per night: $214

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casa Tortugas Boutique Hotel

Zona Hotelera, Cenzontle #4 Edificio Naranja

Playa Tortugas

Hotel amenities: outdoor infinity swimming pool, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, fully-equipped kitchens, luggage storage

Nearby: Marina Aquatours, Ultramar (transportation service), Cancun Alive (sightseeing tour agency), Adventures Cancun (sightseeing tour agency), Fishing Boats in Cancun (fishing charter)

Within feet:

• • • Playa Tortuga
    • Monumento

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • Coco Bongo

Within 1.7 miles:

• • • Playa Linda

Within 7 miles:

• • • Mayan Ruins

Casa Tortugas Boutique Hotel is 12 miles from Cancun International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Superior Suite): $358

Cost per person (five people): $71

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casa Kin33

Luis Donaldo Colosio mz 3 lote 5

JM Car Cancun

Guesthouse amenities: swimming pool, garden, garden views, free Wi-Fi, free private parking

Nearby: Selva Natura Interactiva (petting zoo)

Within feet:

• • • JM Car Cancun (car rental agency)

Within 2.1 miles:

• • • Cancun Underwater Museum

Within 6 miles:

• • • Cancun Bus Station

Within 59 miles:

• • • Cozumel International Airport

Casa Kin33 is 3.6 miles from Cancun International Airport.

Approximate cost per night (Family Room): $398

Cost per person (four people): $99

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isla Mujeres House

Av. Perimetral Ote., Isla Mujeres

Punta Sur

House amenities: 2 bedrooms, private pool, balcony, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, kitchen, washer, dryer, parking

Nearby: Rancho Capricho (bar & grill), The Joint Reggae Bar ‘n Grill

Within feet:

• • • Punta Sur (ecological park – beaches, oceanside paths, lighthouse, sculptures)
    • Parque de los Suenos

Isla Mujeres House is 11 minutes from Isla Mujeres Ferry Terminal.

Approximate cost per night: $503

Cost per person (four people): $125

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isla Mujeres Villa

Carr. Sac Bajo, 23 de Noviembre, Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres Bay

Villa amenities: private pool, patio, barbecue grill, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, kitchen, parking

Nearby: Velavento Mangle (restaurant), Isla Sea Tours | Whale Shark Tours Isla Mujeres

Within feet:

• • • Isla Mujeres Bay
    • Garrafon Natural Reef Park
    • Joysxee Floating Bottle Island
    • Dolphin Discovery

Isla Mujeres Villa is 15 minutes from Isla Mujeres Ferry Terminal.

Approximate cost per night: $407

 

 

 

 

So there they are, Cancun accommodations that will help make for an exciting trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in Mexico!