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Waldorf Astoria Or All Inclusive Hilton in Cancun. Which is best? The Waldorf Astoria and Hilton sit next to each other and share the same patch of beach 15 minutes from the main international airport in Cancun. The Waldorf Astoria is not all-inclusive, but the Hilton is, which gives these two hotels very different vibes. We outline which is best below:
1. Best Location: Waldorf Astoria Vs. All-Inclusive Hilton Cancun
The Waldorf Astoria Cancun and the Hilton share the same location. They are next door to each other on the same beach. This location is great for the airport, which is just a 15-minute drive away, but if you want to get into central Cancun, you need to take a 30-minute drive down a bumpy road, so be prepared to spend the majority of your evenings within each respective resort.
There’s a free shuttle to the hotel zone in Cancun if you want to explore the local area.
2. Loyalty
The Waldorf Astoria and Hilton are both part of Hilton Honors, so you can collect and spend Hilton Honors points at both the Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Cancun.
It’s worth mentioning that these loyalty benefits are nowhere near as good as the benefits you get by booking via our luxury travel concierge. If you book Hilton and Waldorf luxury hotels with our concierge, you will also get all your usual Hilton Honors points during your stay, plus free breakfast for two, prioritized room upgrades, hotel credit, and more.
3. Style & Character
The most significant difference between these two hotels is their atmosphere. The Hilton is a huge, high-rise resort with around eight floors. It is modern, stylish, busy, hectic, and noisy. It’s a party-style, all-inclusive resort packed with families who enjoy fun and live entertainment, which is organized both inside and outside.
At the Hilton, you usually queue to get to the food in their restaurants. The bars are happening and full and play intrusive or fun music, depending on your perspective. The pool has lots of fun kid’s floats and a very active kids’ club.
The Waldorf is elegant, peaceful, and more suitable for couples and small families. It concentrates on high-end dining and great service. It exudes a sophisticated charm, with its design reflecting contemporary elegance and local Mayan influences. The hotel is stunning, with marble on every surface and a no-expense-spared feel.
The main lobby is hugely impressive, with high ceilings, sparkling marble floors, blue carpets, and cream seats. The hotel mixes luxurious furnishings and natural elements.
3. Beach & Pools
The Hilton and the Waldorf share the same beach but have different pool vibes. The Hilton pool is hectic with lots of kits, floaties, and toys. All the Hilton’s pools and surrounding bar areas are gorgeous and joyous, with friendly service. All the pool chairs face the water, which provides great views. The Hilton also has a kid’s splash pond, which is great fun.
There is loads to do at the Hilton, which can be accessed by a wristband that works as a room key and ID. Activities include shows and an array of fitness clubs with friendly instructors organizing yoga, beach volleyball, beach soccer, boot camp, and pilates.
At the Waldorf, guests can relax in cabanas by the two pools, find solace in the 21-room spa, or indulge in water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. There is also a fantastic array of loungers, some of which dig their feet into the sand, providing a stand-out setting.
The beach at both hotels is magnificent. It is hugely long for strolling, paddling, or jogging along, and the ocean is pretty calm. Add in that the beach is sandy all the way into the sea with very few rocks, and you have a perfect setup.
Bear in mind that a big convention center links both hotels. If a big convention is running, this may affect your experience at each hotel.
4. Rooms
The Hilton has 715 guest rooms and suites, so it’s a huge hotel, but the rooms are the most luxurious and largest at the Waldorf Astoria. The Hilton rooms are modern and stylish, but the Waldorf rooms are better.
At the Waldorf, guests can choose from 173 luxurious rooms and suites, each featuring private balconies with plunge pools and many offering breathtaking ocean views. The rooms are adorned with shiny marble floors and creamy decor accented with blue hues that reflect the pool and ocean.
We recommend the swim-up pool rooms on the ground floor, which come with their own plunge pool and a spacious private pool perfect for swimming or playing. These rooms offer a high level of privacy with greenery and slatted woodwork fencing off your garden. The deluxe king bedrooms on the top floor are ideal for those who prefer a view. The view is spectacular, and you also get a small plunge pool to enjoy.
Book an oceanfront room at either hotel for an amazing sunrise.
5. Price
The Waldorf Astoria is usually the most expensive of the two hotels. The Hilton will usually be cheaper even though it is all-inclusive, as it is a less luxurious resort.
For a more reasonable Waldorf stay, check out our review of some of the cheapest Waldorf hotels.
6. Conclusion
If you enjoy traveling in luxury, stay at the Waldorf. If you feel you might be missing out on the party fun at the Hilton, the Waldorf is connected to the Hilton through the convention center, and you can buy day or evening passes for a fee to go over to the Hilton and experience their all-inclusive facilities and fun. You can then retreat to the Waldorf for a more sophisticated and peaceful experience.
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