The Cancun Hotel Zone in Mexico is a popular holiday destination known for its beautiful beaches, wild nightlife, all-inclusive resorts, and delicious food.
Locally this area is called “Zona Hotelara.”
With so many places to stay, it can be overwhelming to decide where to book your stay.
Today on Passport Kings, I will share my knowledge and research on the best areas to stay in Cancun.
Where is the Hotel Zone in Cancun?
Cancun is divided into two main areas: the Hotel Zone and Downtown Cancun.
The Hotel Zone is a long strip of hotels, resorts, and beaches.
Downtown Cancun is a more local area with a mix of shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Additionally, Isla Mujeres and Riviera Maya are two nearby destinations that are also worth considering when looking for a place to stay in Cancun.
All 3 of these areas, and even more, have some of the dopest all-inclusive resorts on earth.
If you heard that Mexico is a dump, you heard wrong.
The tourist areas of Mexico are surprisingly beautiful.
Choosing the right accommodation can make or break your trip, so it’s important to consider your budget, travel style, and preferences.
Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort, a boutique hotel, or a budget-friendly hostel, there are plenty of options to choose from in Cancun.
Let’s see if I can help you decide on a resort that will fit your travel style in Cancun.
Important:
- Understanding the different zones in Cancun is crucial when deciding where to stay.
- There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, depending on your budget and travel style.
- Staying safe in Cancun requires the basic precautions you would use in any city, such as;
- avoiding certain areas at night.
- not carrying too much cash or valuables with you.
Understanding Cancun’s Zones
Cancun in Quintana Roo is divided into two main areas: the mainland and the Cancun Hotel Zone, also known as Zona Hotelera.
The mainland is where most locals live and work, while the Hotel Zone is where most tourists stay.
The Hotel Zone is a narrow strip of land that stretches along the coast and is home to many of the city’s hotels, resorts, restaurants, and nightlife.
Within the Cancun Hotel Zone, there are three main areas:
- The North: This is a quieter and more secluded area, with fewer hotels and more private beaches.
- The Center: is the busiest and most popular area, with many hotels, restaurants, and shops.
- The South: is the newest and most upscale area, with luxury hotels and high-end shopping.
Is it best to stay in Hotel Zone Cancun?
When choosing where to stay in the Cancun Hotel Zone, it is important to consider what type of vacation you are looking for.
If you want a more relaxing and secluded experience, the North may be the best option for you.
If you want to be in the heart of the action, the Center is the place to be.
The center is where I was the last time I was in the Cancun Hotel Zone when I stayed at The Pyramid at Grand Oasis.
And if you want a luxurious and upscale vacation, the South is the perfect choice.
It is also important to consider your budget when choosing where to stay in Cancun.
The Cancun Hotel Zone can be quite expensive, especially during peak season.
However, there are also many affordable options available, especially in the North and Center areas.
Overall, understanding the different zones in Cancun can help you choose the best area to stay in based on your preferences and budget.
Can you walk around the Hotel Zone in Cancun?
Strolling through Cancun’s enchanting Hotel Zone is like stepping into a dreamy coastal wonderland.
The street side is a Boulevard called Kulkulkin while the adjacent boulevard is the actual sandy coast.
With each step, you’ll feel the soft sand underfoot and the gentle breeze from the turquoise waters.
As you walk, you’ll be greeted by a panorama of luxurious resorts, vibrant shops, and lively restaurants.
The pleasure of exploring this vibrant strip lies in the blend of stunning views, friendly locals, and the excitement of discovering hidden gems along the way.
These walks will are not short because of how many acres a hotel block can cover.
Whether it’s a leisurely evening walk or a sunny daytime adventure, the Hotel Zone offers an unforgettable and delightful experience for every traveler.
You will surprisingly find stores that you would only expect to see on 5th Avenue, Manhattan, or the Vegas Strip.
You’ll also pass Mom and Pop Restaurants, stores with touristy clothing and gifts as well as Excursion distributors.
The bus is a really good option while exploring the Cancun Hotel Zone.
The stops are often giving you a chance to get off if you see anything of interest and it costs less than 1 dollar to ride.
Are beaches in Cancun Hotel Zone public?
So, here’s the deal with Cancun’s beaches – that hotel owners probably don’t want you to know:
Technically, they’re all public (federal property), meaning no 1 hotel brand owns the beachfront that they are facing.
But here’s the catch: if you’re thinking of strolling through a hotel to get to the beach, you might hit a roadblock because hotels themselves are private property.
The way around this is literally the way around this.
If you’re staying in a hotel that’s not right on the beach, just head to any of the 10 public-access spots, and you’re good to go.
You can continuously walk from 1 tip of the coast to the other.
What is the best way to get from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone?
It’s always a great idea to have a cab service set up and waiting for you as soon as you get out of the airport.
If you don’t, you will be swarmed by local cab drivers salivating at the mouth trying to take your belonging to their car.
The best way to have this done beforehand is by browsing all of the taxi services at 1 time so you can compare prices
The link above is what is referred to as a services curator and it does just that.
Be sure to call your hotel 1st to inquire if they offer a free shuttle service from, and back to your resort.
Cancun Strip of Bars and Night Clubs.
After finishing up your typical day’s excursions you will be ready to experience the club scene in the Cancun Hotel Zone.
The next morning you will exclaim to your friends “We had a time we had last night!”
Unfortunately, a lot of these bars close pretty early (2 and 3 am.)
Make sure you get out early instead of spending too much time in your hotel’s bar.
The top 5 options are:
Coco Bongo: A small strip of nightclubs that all combine for one loud and crazy night.
Avenue Bar: The same idea as Coco Bongo but a little less raucous.
Dady’O: The newest nightclub players in town who are trying to take Bongo’s spotlight.
Red Lounge: Not as popular as the others on this list but a great alternative when you want a change of scenery.
Best all-inclusive Adults Only hotels in Cancun Hotel Zone.
This resort has received the highest stars for any hotel in this area.
Unparalleled Luxury Awaits!
Discover an oasis of excellence that surpasses all expectations.
Imagine a swim-up suite with an awe-inspiring ocean panorama – your gateway to pure bliss.
Elevating your experience, the remarkable concierge, Evelin, will ensure every moment is exceptional.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the personalized attention and care that sets the Hyatt Zilara apart.
Elevate your fitness journey at the sky gym, where Diana’s invigorating Pilates classes await.
Imagine doing Pilates overlooking the breathtaking beach view of the Cancun Hotel Zone.
Sculpt your core at the pavilion’s ab workout, a must-try with a view that redefines motivation.
And the pièce de résistance?
The sensational glow party, is meticulously orchestrated by the resort’s event experts.
The memories you’ll make will linger until your inevitable return.
Embrace the ultimate escape – where impeccable service, panoramic beauty, and unforgettable moments converge.
The Pyramid at Grand Oasis:
Low price and a great location in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone.
I did an entire review on this resort here.
Right now running at about $130 per night.
Nyx is a beachfront hotel where all rooms are conveniently located just a short walk from both the pool and the beach.
The staff members are friendly and quickly established a personal connection with guests, engaging in conversations throughout the stay.
Any concerns or queries were addressed promptly and with kindness by the service team.
The dining options offered a wide array of delicious food choices, consistently delivering a satisfying experience.
The housekeeping staff maintained impeccable cleanliness throughout the premises.
They showed thoughtfulness by adapting to guest preferences, such as using the optional blanket for bedding.
Despite its smaller size compared to other resorts, Nyx stands out due to its exceptional staff who create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
We highly recommend Nyx to others and we plan to return with family due to the wonderful experience.
You will experience the Ultimate Getaway!
Indulge in 6 days and 5 nights of pure paradise at this luxurious resort.
Upgrade to a swim-up pool and king bedroom and you will experience breathtaking oceanfront views for mesmerizing sunrise moments every morning.
The dedicated staff, including the bartender Jesus and the helpful bellboy Hector, will ensure the drinks are strong and your every need is met.
You’ll enjoy pampering massages from the skilled therapist Mary and the rest of the experienced spa team.
You will delight in delectable dining options at Azul and savor the flavors of Mexico at the many exquisite restaurants.
Take in the beach’s beauty and unwind at the beach and taco bars.
Lastly, relish in the captivating experience of witnessing baby turtles embarking on their ocean adventure.
Your idyllic escape awaits – a blend of relaxation, sumptuous cuisine, and unforgettable memories.
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