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, flea markets, shopping malls, playas (beaches – white sand), parks, marinas, clubs, watersports, dolphins, Mayan ruins
Located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula (northeastern coast), Cancun is about 70 miles north of Cozumel Island. 4.3 miles long and roughly 0.5 miles wide, Isla Mujeres (island) is reachable from Cancun via a short ferry ride (20-30 mins.) aboard Ultramar. The area’s largest Mayan ruin site, Chichen Itza is about 122 miles westward (approx. 2.5-hour drive via “Autopista 180D” aka Cancún–Kantunil toll highway). About 68 miles beyond Chichen Itza is Merida (state of Yucatán’s capital city). Cancun’s surrounding waters remain warm with help from the southerly “Yucatan current”.
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)
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)
Popular ways to explore Isla Mujeres are via golf cart, scooter or bicycle.
Isla Mujeres transport rentals: Good Mexican (golf carts / mopeds), BiCi Express (bicycles)
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 professional football club: Cancún F.C. (Estadio Olímpico Andrés Quintana Roo – capacity 20,000 – near hotel zone)
Cancun currency: Mexican Peso
Legal drinking age: 18 years old
When traveling to Cancun there are some things to keep in mind. Tap water is best avoided for drinking purposes (even teeth brushing when possible). Outside of restaurants and bars (ex. beach vendors) try to avoid ice in beverages. Nightclub drinks can be expensive. Cancun tourist areas generally are considered safe, though inland outskirts should be avoided. 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.
The Cancun area’s pre-20th century history (apart from Mayans / Spanish conquistadors) is largely unremarkable. Mayans referred to the Cancun area as Nizuc (“promontory” / “point of grass”). “Cancun” derives from the Mayan words kàan kun (“nest of snakes” / “place of the golden snake” – notably & curiously snakes essentially non-existent in Cancun). Spain’s early-16th century “conquest of Yucatán” diminished Mayan numbers locally (warfare, disease, famine), with smaller Mayan settlements surviving only on Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Fast-forwarding to the early-1970s, a planned city (Cancun) would develop to foster tourism. Cancun was founded on April 20, 1970. Around that time Isla Mujeres had only 3 inhabitants (coconut plantation caretakers – Don José de Jesús Lima Gutiérrez’s plantation), while Puerto Juárez (nearby fishing village & military base) was home to about 120 people. Real estate investors naturally were hesitant given the area’s largely barren history and low population (1970s). Thus, Cancun’s first 9 hotels were financed by the Bank of Mexico, with “Hotel Playa Blanca” (eventual Temptation Resort) first to open its doors circa 1974. Remarkable in Cancun’s relatively brief modern history was its tourism gamble. In just a few decades (and with help from those clear turquoise waters) a remote area consisting of a coconut plantation, a fishing village and a military “base” would develop into a world-renowned tourist destination.
Home to around 630,000 “Cancunenses”, Cancun is Quintana Roo’s (Mexican state) most populous city, as well as Benito Juárez’s (municipality) “seat”. One of Mexico’s easternmost cities, Cancun is elevated 30 feet above sea level. Due-south of Cancun spreads the “Riviera Maya” resort area. About 21 million people visit Cancun annually, with about 15% of total international spring breakers choosing the city. Characterized by a tropical climate, Cancun enjoys hot weather tempered by sea breezes (generally help keep temp. below 100 °F) throughout the year. Seasons are as follows: rainy (August-December), dry (December-April) and hurricane (June-November).
Additional points of interest: 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, Estadio de Béisbol Beto Ávila (baseball stadium)
Cancun local foods: seafoods (various), fajitas, tacos, burritos, carnitas, empanadas, guacamole
Popular drinks: frozen drinks (margaritas, mojitos, daiquiris, piña coladas, etc.), “dirty monkey” (rum, pineapple juice, Kahlúa, banana liqueur, cream of coconut, chocolate syrup, ripe banana)
With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Cancun accommodations that will help make for an exciting experience.
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:
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- Maroma Beach
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Within 2.9 miles:
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- Playa Paraiso Golf Course
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Within 3.1 miles:
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- Cirque du Soleil Boutique at Vidanta Riviera Maya
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Within 3.3 miles:
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- Paradise Beach
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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:
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- Playa Mujeres
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Within 4.8 miles:
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- Gran Puerto Cancún
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Within 6.7 miles:
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- Cancun Underwater Museum
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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:
Within 6.2 miles:
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- Quinta Avenida
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Within 12.5 miles:
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- Xcaret Eco Theme Park
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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:
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- Mujeres Beach
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Within 1 mile:
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- Punta Sam Beach
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Within 5.7 miles:
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- North Beach
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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:
Within 1.3 miles:
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- El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course
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Within 7.2 miles:
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- Playa del Carmen Main Beach
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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:
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- Playa Ancha
- Playa Chac Mool
- Playa Gaviota Azul
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Within 4.9 miles:
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- Parque las Palapas
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Within 7 miles:
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- Cancun Underwater Museum
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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:
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- Playa Tortuga
- Monumento
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- Coco Bongo
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Within 1.7 miles:
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- Playa Linda
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Within 7 miles:
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- Mayan Ruins
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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:
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- JM Car Cancun (car rental agency)
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Within 2.1 miles:
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- Cancun Underwater Museum
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Within 6 miles:
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- Cancun Bus Station
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Within 59 miles:
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- Cozumel International Airport
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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:
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- Punta Sur (ecological park – beaches, oceanside paths, lighthouse, sculptures)
- Parque de los Suenos
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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:
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- Isla Mujeres Bay
- Garrafon Natural Reef Park
- Joysxee Floating Bottle Island
- Dolphin Discovery
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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 a memorable trip. We hope you have found this information valuable and most importantly, that you enjoy your time in Mexico!