Cancun’s Top Resorts By Area: North and South Hotel Zone, Playa Mujeres and Downtown

Last Updated 3 years ago

Cancun is the biggest city in Quintana Roo and has a correspondingly huge number of resorts. It’s split into several different areas, with each one having its own vibe, and offering different types of hotels and resorts. 

For example, Cancun’s famous Hotel Zone is renowned for its mega-resorts with all-inclusive accommodation and a vast number of nightlife and shopping options. On the other hand, downtown Cancun resorts tend to be smaller and more low-key, with less of a focus on All-Inclusive service, but offering great value for money. Playa Mujeres is a newer area a little way north of Cancun and is ideal if you’re looking for all the luxury of the hotel zone but in a quieter setting. 

Here, we’ll cover the best resorts in the following parts of Cancun:

• Cancun Hotel Zone (North Section and South Section)
• Playa Mujeres
• Downtown

Best Resorts in the Hotel Zone’s North Section

The Northern section of Cancun’s Hotel Zone is great for:

• Nightlife – with some of the best clubs found at Punta Cancun
• Shopping
• Calm waters for swimming

Hyatt Zilara Cancun

This adults-only all-inclusive resort is well-situated, boasting one of the widest beaches in Cancun. Offering guests six dining options, including a lovely beachside seafood restaurant, and a showy teppanyaki spot, the Hyatt Zilara also offers a premium drinking experience courtesy of expert sommeliers and mixologists. Suites are luxurious and inviting, with swim-ups, hot tubs, and ocean views available. 

Check out prices at: Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Le Blanc Resort and Spa

This is one classy resort. The Le Blanc Resort and Spa doesn’t compromise on offering guests the best of the best, with fine dining, sleek suites, and a sumptuous spa all included as standard. As it’s an adults-only resort, all rooms are equipped with a premium drinks dispenser and wine, and activities are plentiful and unique – paddleboard yoga, anyone? Beach cabanas and infinity pools complete the all-luxury vibe.

Check out prices at: Le Blanc Resort and Spa

Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun

Live Aqua is all about indulging the senses, from aromatherapy-filled suites to stunning ocean views, and from gourmet dining experiences to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. Accommodations are fresh and modern, many with views over the water. Restaurants are plentiful and varied, offering delicious cuisine, with Italian, sushi, seafood, and Asian options, amongst others. Great shopping options are also on the resort’s doorstep, including the renowned Isla Shopping Mall. 

Check out prices at: Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun

Best Resorts in the Hotel Zone’s South Section

The Southern section of Cancun’s Hotel Zone is perfect for:

• Peaceful, but luxurious resorts
• Less crowded beaches
• A quick transfer from Cancun airport

NIZUC Resort and Spa

This 274-suite resort is located about as far south as you can get in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, in what’s now officially dubbed Punta Nizuc. It sits in its own 29-acre nature reserve and has two exclusive beaches. For guests in search of indulgence and relaxation, this is a great option, as it’s tucked away in a quiet spot, offering a grand (and huge) ESPA spa, six gourmet dining options, as well as villas for those looking for the ultimate in privacy and luxury.

Check out prices at: NIZUC Resort and Spa

Sun Palace All-Inclusive Resort and Spa

This couples-only resort is great for a romantic break far away from the party vibes of the northern hotel zone, while enjoying the amenities and service of a longstanding, but modern, favorite. Rooms are clean and neutral, with plenty of luxury touches, like his-and-hers faucets, ocean views, and in-room whirlpool tubs. When it comes to dining, you can enjoy Thai, Italian and Latin-American options, alongside plenty of bars, cafes, and sweet treats. 

Check out prices at: Sun Palace All-Inclusive Resort and Spa

Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Cancún

Coral Level is the adults-only, extra-luxury section of Iberostar Selection Cancun resort. With private areas, including a dedicated pool, this is ideal for guests who want to enjoy the facilities of the larger resort but also the sense of exclusivity that comes from Coral Level. All the suites are bright, accented with sea-colored hues, and they also offer ocean views and have a private terrace with a whirlpool tub. Coral Level guests can access two dedicated restaurants and additional exclusive bars, as well as the six restaurants and seven bars serving the rest of the resort. 

Check out prices at: Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Cancun 

Best Resorts in Playa Mujeres

Playa Mujeres is a great vacation spot for:

• Peace and quiet
• Pristine beaches
• Some of the best luxury hotels in the area

Finest Playa Mujeres

Finest Playa Mujeres is set on the stunning beaches of Playa Mujeres, which, while still close to Cancun, offers additional privacy and peace. This all-suite resort’s ethos is providing guests with entertainment when needed, but also the chance to disconnect from the stresses of modern living. With 12 restaurants, plus 15 bars and lounges, you’ll be spoiled for choice. There are also twelve pools scattered throughout the resort, and the One Spa provides a dedicated space to relax.

Check out prices at: Finest Playa Mujeres 

Excellence Playa Mujeres

This ‘Best of the Best’ resort is one of the finest resorts Playa Mujeres has to offer. It’s a beautiful nature-chic space with hammocks and cabanas encouraging you to relax from the moment you arrive. The inviting rooms range from 800 sq ft junior suites to 1,600 sq ft rooms with a terrace and private plunge pool. There are a vast number of restaurants, offering gourmet options from seafood to Italian, and innovative region-led Mexican food to Indian-spiced creations. The Miilé Spa offers the chance to relax and be indulged, as do the 7 swimming pools and extensive entertainment program. 

Check out prices at: Excellence Playa Mujeres

Beloved Playa Mujeres

If you’re looking for a boutique-style resort with the amenities of a full resort, Beloved Playa Mujeres is a great choice. Beloved is aimed at couples, and with touches like private rooftop pools, romantic dining options, and extra-special service, it really hits the mark. Suites are classy and neutral, offering attractive features like ocean views, swim-ups, and relaxing living spaces in the larger options. A fantastic selection of restaurants and bars will keep you sated, while live shows and music will fill your evenings with fun, helping create special memories to take home with you. 

Check out prices at: Beloved Playa Mujeres

Best Resorts in Downtown Cancun

Downtown Cancun is your best bet for:

• Cheaper, less glitzy accommodation
• Access to the authentic Mexican way of life
• Great restaurants that won’t break the bank

Oh! Cancun The Urban Oasis

One of downtown Cancun’s best hotels, the Oh! Cancun Urban Oasis is located along the city’s main drag, not that you’d know from the comfortable rooms and junior suites, which are peaceful and inviting. The hotel’s spacious and tropical pool area is as good as many found in the Hotel Zone, and there are ample bars and restaurants onsite to keep you satisfied. The hotel’s location is ideal, providing easy access to one of downtown Cancun’s best shopping malls, Plaza Las Americas, and is also within walking distance of the popular Parque Las Palapas.

Check out prices at: Oh! Cancun The Urban Oasis

Hotel Adhara Cancun

Visitors looking for simple accommodations, tasty food, and easy access to the best of downtown Cancun should consider the Hotel Adhara Cancun, a budget hotel with character. The rooms are a great size, featuring comfortable beds and well-appointed bathrooms, with touches of Mexican embroidery reminding you where you are. The palm tree-surrounded pool area complete with a bar provides the feeling of an oasis in the city.

Check out prices at: Hotel Adhara Cancun

Dreams Cancun Golf & Spa Resort

Dreams offers one of downtown Cancun’s only true resorts, and although it’s a little further from downtown’s restaurants, shopping, and parks, the resort is ideal for day trips to Isla Mujeres, as well as making use of the nearby golf courses. Rooms and suites are simple and appealing, with splashes of color, and all 416 offer ocean views. There are eight restaurant options in total, from classy fine dining to an informal ice cream parlor. There are also 8 bars, including Bar 360 which offers breathtaking views from its rooftop location.  

Check out prices at: Dreams Cancun Golf and Spa Resort

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