Which are the best luxury hotels in Cancun? The best resorts include Waldorf Astoria Cancun, InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort, JW Marriott Resort, Ritz-Carlton Cancun, Westin Cancun, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, Chablé Maroma, Hyatt Zilara, NIZUC, and Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas.
Cancun, a jewel of the Caribbean Sea, sits on the northeastern coast of Mexico’s sunny Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun is best known for its white beaches. If you can be dragged away from your lounge chair, the surrounding Riviera Maya also offers horseback riding, golfing, shark feeding, dolphin swims, snorkeling, and scuba diving on the second-longest barrier reef in the world.
Step into the past with a tour of the Mayan Ruins, like seaside Tulum, or sail off into the sunset aboard a catamaran. After dark, work up a sweat in Cancún’s lively nightclubs.
The best luxury hotels in Cancun are listed below:
1. Waldorf Astoria Cancun
The Waldorf Astoria Cancun is a luxurious oceanside resort set on the beach, just 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport. Spanning 100 acres, this resort features a pristine shoreline, two swimming pools, a 21-room spa and salon, and world-class dining experiences. This is the ideal hotel to pick if you want to relax in secluded luxury. The only neighboring property is the Hilton, so by staying at this Waldorf hotel, you have near-exclusive access to the coastline.
The decor offers a blend of contemporary elegance and Mayan influences. The hotel’s design features opulent marble throughout, creating a sense of grandeur and refinement. The main lobby is particularly striking, with soaring ceilings, gleaming marble floors, rich blue carpets, and plush cream seating, balancing luxurious decor with natural elements.
Guests can unwind in cabanas by the two pools, retreat to the serene 21-room spa, or enjoy water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The resort also offers an impressive selection of loungers, some right on the sand, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation.
The beach is truly stunning—ideal for long walks, paddling, or jogging along the shore. The calm ocean waters and sandy seabed, with minimal rocks, provide perfect conditions for swimming and enjoying the sea.
The fitness center is equipped with the latest equipment and offers a variety of classes, including yoga and meditation. For a more intense workout, guests can try circuit training, Pilates, barre, or suspension training with the hotel’s expert instructors, either one-on-one or in group classes. There’s even an outdoor spin class where you can take in ocean breezes and breathtaking views while working up a sweat.
The resort also offers cultural activities, from mezcal and tequila tastings to immersive cooking classes, allowing guests to engage in enriching experiences. Families will find plenty of options, too, with activities like painting, storytelling, and cultural crafts. For added fun, guests can access the neighboring Hilton’s kids club (for an additional fee), which offers shows, a fantastic children’s pool, and additional family-friendly entertainment.
Guests can choose from 173 luxurious rooms and suites, each offering private balconies with soaking tubs, many of which showcase stunning ocean views. The rooms feature polished marble floors and a soft cream color palette accented with blue tones that mirror the pool and ocean outside. Designed for ultimate comfort, they come equipped with all the modern amenities you’d expect from a five-star resort—plush bedding, spacious bathrooms with rain showers, and private terraces furnished with large, cozy chairs perfect for unwinding.
For a unique experience, we recommend the swim-up pool rooms on the ground floor. These rooms have their own plunge pool and a larger private pool where you can swim or play. Surrounded by greenery and slatted wood fencing, they offer an intimate, secluded space. If you prefer a view, opt for a deluxe king room on the top floor, where you’ll enjoy spectacular vistas and have your own plunge pool to relax in at this elevated level.
Review: Waldorf Astoria Cancun, Mexico
The Waldorf Astoria Cancun is a shimmering oceanside luxury resort set amongst verdant-green mangroves and located conveniently just 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport. This expansive 100-acre property boasts picturesque beaches, two pools, a 21-room spa and salon, and first-class dining options. Set amidst the pristine Mayan coastline, the Waldorf Astoria Cancun perfectly blends natural beauty and modern luxury. The resort's beachfront location offers breathtaking ocean views, and if you want to explore the area, you can find local restaurants just a short taxi ride away.
2. Chablé Maroma
The brand-new Chablé Maroma, Riviera Maya is 30 minutes from Cancun, yet feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun’s popular beach nightlife. If you want to enjoy the area’s beauty but avoid the resort of Cancun itself, this is a brilliant hotel choice.
Guests can enjoy a convenient retreat to Chablé Maroma, a collection of 70 villas featuring private access to 650 feet of prime beachfront, private pools, and moon showers. The spacious villas offer glass walls that bring nature in and an inviting outdoor living area.
With an emphasis on whole-body well-being, the resort induces relaxation with a beach yoga deck, a full-service spa with eight treatment cabins, water sports, a gym, fitness classes, and cooking classes. Chef Jorge Vallejo of Mexico City’s acclaimed Quintonil and his team created innovative Mexican dishes highlighting local ingredients and seafood. As a member of Leading Hotels of the World, Butler, and Concierge service sweetens the stay for guests in search of impeccable and memorable service.
3. NIZUC Resort & Spa
Less than 20 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, The award-winning NIZUC Resort & Spa is set along the Yucatán Peninsula, where ancient Mayan astronomers studied clear night skies. It also lies on a gorgeous beach facing the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Waldorf Astoria Or All-Inclusive Hilton Cancun - Which Is Better?
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: The Waldorf Astoria Cancun and the Hilton share the same location. They are next door to each other on the same beach.
NIZUC Resort & Spa is located in a new destination called Punta Nizuc at the gateway of the Riviera Maya and just a few minutes from Cancun. The resort offers 274 luxurious suites and private villas dispersed throughout its 29-acre property. Guests can enjoy the resort’s 109 pools, six world-class restaurants, a private jetty, and a 30,000 ft².
NIZUC Resort & Spa’s 274 ultra-luxury Punta Nizuc suites overlook the breathtaking Caribbean Sea views or the verdant mangrove trees and water canal. The suites offer walls of windows and a private terrace or balcony. Select suites include panoramic ocean views, a private garden, a private pool or plunge pool with cascade, and an outdoor shower.
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, a AAA Five Diamond resort, rests on the tip of the exotic Yucatan peninsula. This luxury resort offers an enticing stretch of white sand beach, indulgent amenities such as the full-service Ritz-Carlton Spa and award-winning restaurants, and the intrigue of the ancient Mayan sites nearby. Recreational facilities include a 1200-foot sand beach, two sculpted outdoor pools, an oceanfront whirlpool, two tennis courts, and a Fitness Center.
The resort has 363 guestrooms, including 50 suites with ocean views and private balconies or terraces. Each resort’s guestroom and suite is a sanctuary of comfort featuring sweeping ocean views and a wealth of welcome amenities. For families with infants, specially designed rooms offer all the comforts of a home nursery, including a crib, a changing table, and a menu of baby essentials that can be ordered before arrival.
Guestroom amenities include Egyptian cotton linen and duvet covers, television with international cable, CD Player, individual air conditioning controls, high speed, Wi-Fi Internet access, in-room safe, marble bath with double vanities, a separate tub plus shower, and plush terry bathrobes.
Whether sampling Five Diamond cuisine, dining al fresco under the stars, or attending a tequila tasting session featuring the finest and most exclusive varieties, guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, will experience innovative cuisine with unparalleled service.
The Ritz-Carlton Club Level provides guests with the highest level of personal service with five complimentary food presentations daily. Platinum and elite Marriott Bonvoy members don’t get free lounge access. Everyone who uses this lounge has paid for a club room.
This lounge is super smart, with double-height ceilings and intricately carved wall features, and the whole lounge is designed in browns and olives with lots of wood and thick chunky marble. The meals are excellent and filling. You will not be disappointed and will leave full (with food and alcohol if you want).
The Club Level food includes breakfast, lunch, light snacks, hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and sweets. Beyond the free food, complimentary wines, liqueurs, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages are available, complimentary wireless, in-room internet access, and two garments are pressed daily.
5. JW Marriott Resort & Spa Cancun
JW Marriott Resort & Spa Cancun is a Marriott Bonvoy hotel with upscale amenities including spacious, sand-toned accommodations and on-site dining. Explore the historic Mayan ruins and experience the area’s lively clubs and bars. Relax in the family-friendly freeform pools or adult-only infinity pools, or work out at the fitness center, featuring cardio equipment and free weights. The beach here is white sand with a glorious blue sea. Wonderful! There’s an indoor pool and arcade-style game machines for rainy days for the kids.
Be aware of the extra charges at this hotel. Private cabanas cost $250 USD a day, and you can reserve lounge chairs with prime ocean views for $180 USD a day. Ouch! Reports suggest that you are also meant to tip the staff for the free drinks in the club lounge.
The JW Marriott, like The Ritz-Carlton and other big hotels in Cancun, is in the Hotel Zone, around half an hour by car from Cancun Airport (CUN). The JW Marriott is around a kilometer south of The Ritz-Carlton. The foyer is beautiful, with lots of marble, pillars, and huge flower arrangements.
The Club and Club level rooms have been renovated. Club rooms are modern with tiled floors, pine headboards with Mayan patterning on, and blue and tan hues bringing the beach inside. Bathrooms are large and stylish with nice rough stone tiling on the walls and Aromatherapy amenities.
The look of the lounge is equally appealing, with the same tan and blue hues and wonderful windows looking out towards the ocean. This is a nice and stylish place to hang out.
Inspired by the great pyramid of Kukulcán, the executive club lounge labeled Club 91 is an exclusive haven of luxury. Located on the 14th and 12th floors of the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, Club 91 guests experience exclusive privileges and a lavish array of world-class amenities.
Is this JW Marriott “Club 91” Lounge worth paying the extra for (usually around $20 USD per person per room)? This is a common question as Platinum and elite Marriott Bonvoy members don’t get free lounge access. Like the process at Ritz-Carlton hotels, even elites need to pay for access. They say: “A rate with Club 91 access must be booked to take advantage of Club 91 benefits. It is not included in Reward Member benefits.”
If you have club lounge access, you get free breakfast, free evening snacks, and alcoholic drinks. Throughout the day, you have snacks and soft drinks. If you like a few evening alcoholic drinks, the lounge is worth paying for as you get free breakfast, free evening nibbles, and those valuable free drinks. If you only drink soft drinks, this lounge may not be as valuable to you as the hotel is in an area that feels safe, with plenty of local restaurants nearby that offer good value for money, so you may prefer to do this.
If you decide to book into the lounge, expect five decent food events daily with rotating hot dishes and cold cuts, cheeses, smoked salmon, and veggies. An open bar is available from early in the evening.
6. InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort
InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort is set on a picture-perfect beach. The whole family can laze the day away beside the pool, participate in water sports, or discover Mayan culture.
While the pools here are fairly small, the beach is spectacular, with loads of beach loungers set out on a very soft white sand beach. Palms dot the sand, and the beach is clean of unsightly seaweed.
Cancun comes alive with sophisticated nightspots under swaying palm trees when the sun goes down. You can dine at the hotel at the beachfront El Caribeño restaurant or sip our signature cocktails with the sea breeze in your hair at the Deck Bar.
How does the hotel compare to the Ritz-Carlton? It’s not quite as good, but close enough.
The InterContinental Cancun club lounge is also one of the best club lounges in Cancun and is available exclusively for Club InterContinental guests, a haven to work, relax or recharge. This is an extra-cost lounge. However loyal you are, you won’t get access to this lounge without paying for a Club Room. The lounge includes private check-in, with a complimentary welcome drink, buffet breakfast with eggs cooked your way, afternoon tea, freshly made sweet and savory delights, and evening drinks & canapés.
You can see what we have experienced in terms of food and drink at the club lounge at InterContinental O2 in London and the club lounge at InterContinental Park Lane which will give you an idea of what to expect. This InterContinental club lounge will undoubtedly be one of the best, with a substantial hot and cold buffet, a la carte breakfast, evening canapes, and alcoholic drinks.
Best Hotels With Executive Club Lounges In Cancun
Which are the best luxury hotels in Cancun with executive club lounges? InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort Vs. JW Marriott Resort & Spa Cancun Vs. Kempinski Cancun Vs. Westin Resort & Spa Cancun Vs. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach? Cancun is best known for its white beaches, but if you can be dragged away from your lounge chair, the surrounding Riviera Maya also offers horseback riding, golfing, shark feeding, dolphin swims, snorkeling, and scuba diving on the second-longest barrier reef in the world.
7. Hyatt Ziva, Cancun
Hyatt Ziva Cancun is an All-Inclusive Family Resort (as oppose to the Hyatt Zilara which is adults only). The Caribbean Sea frames this stunning all-inclusive beachfront resort on the most beautiful part of the strip of sand in Cancun. Hyatt Ziva Cancun is a playful family escape on Mexico’s Yucatan Coast.
Hyatt Ziva is positioned brilliantly on a peninsula with the ocean on three sides, which means the views are fabulous, and the peninsula feels exclusive.
Unlike most hotels in Cancun, it has two gorgeous beaches, so you can enjoy swimming with fish and underwater animals, which is unique to this hotel as the waters off most of the hotels in the Hotel Zone in Cancun can be fairly rough and not calm enough to enjoy the marine wildlife. Here, the calm waters are perfect for spotting things underwater.
The beach at Zilara is also gorgeous, but it can get rough, sometimes so much so that you can’t swim, which is a major disadvantage.
Hyatt Ziva is peaceful yet within walking distance of Cancun’s main shops and restaurants. You can apparently use the Ziva restaurants if you are staying at Zilara or Zilara restaurants if you are staying at Ziva. In terms of dining, Habaneros at Ziva is particularly lovely. It is a beach hut restaurant that serves tacos, shrimp, etc. and cocktails.
They say, “Find your bliss on white-sand beaches and play in the clear blue waters. Relax in luxurious suites with balconies and breathtaking ocean views. Indulge your senses at eight unique restaurants and three lounges featuring local and international cuisines. If you prefer your tastings in a more spirited form, there are 6 bars on the property, including a microbrewery! Spend a day rejuvenating body and soul at the oceanfront spa, with optional massages, holistic body treatments, and a hydrotherapy circuit.”
8. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun is a fun beachfront resort in the center of the Hotel Zone. This hotel has a superb selling point; it boasts an ocean view from every room.
602 all oceanview suites have a private terrace facing the magical turquoise waters of the Caribbean. A highlight is the heated cascading pool with three swim-up bars and sun loungers, while the private beach provides shaded palapas. Due to the resort’s north-facing position in the Hotel Zone, the beach is well-protected and one of the calmest in Cancun. Especially compared to most of the other east-facing hotels that can be found in the rest of the hotel zone.
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun resort’s highest two floors are dedicated to the Grand Club, which provides lavish services, a dedicated lounge, and a personal concierge, as well as above-and-beyond amenities available in both the VIP Penthouse lounge and beachside sundeck.
A perfect blend of serenity and activity, this Cancun resort is steps away from the destination’s vibrant nightlife and luxury shopping, as well as the high-speed ferry to colorful and picturesque Isla Mujeres.
9. The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa Cancun
The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun, is a hotel which is similar to JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton above and belongs to the same Marriott Bonvoy brand and loyalty scheme. If all three hotels have availability, I would always choose the Ritz-Carlton or the JW Marriott over either Westin hotel in Cancun. However, if you are paying with cash, both Westins are likely to be cheaper than the Ritz-Carlton and the JW Marriott, in which case they are worth considering.
The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun, is widely considered the best Westin in Cancun, although the Cancun Westin Resort and Spa has a club lounge, this Westin doesn’t.
The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun, is beautifully situated on the sparkling Caribbean Sea and boasts endless amenities designed to make your stay here exceptional. Settle into your homelike villa with a fully-equipped kitchen and a balcony with ocean views or a comfortable studio with a kitchenette.
Go for a swim in the infinity pool, spend the day on the white sand beach, indulge at the spa, or play a round of mini-golf. Satisfy your cravings at the restaurants, or simply relax on the beach or poolside.
10. The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun
The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun, is perched between the Caribbean Sea and a tranquil lagoon. This beachfront vacation ownership resort has a fabulous beach with plenty of lounge chairs, palapas, umbrellas, and some excellent pools.
This Westin hotel is fairly poor compared to the Westin Laguna Mar, which is the better of these two Westins in Cancun. Of course, this may be taken into account with the price, but if they are the same price, go for the Laguna Mar, a better property that does not have an executive club lounge.
At the Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun, you can rent a beach villa with a fully equipped kitchen or select one of the spacious guest rooms or suites. Accommodations include incredible views of the water, signature Westin Heavenly® Beds, and free Wi-Fi, with zero resort or per-person fees.
Unwind in sparkling pools or on white-sand beaches. Schedule a personalized beauty or healing treatment at The Spa or experience one of many adventures without leaving the resort. These activities include the FlowRider® surfing simulator, snorkeling on the coral reef, tennis, and other daily activities. You can snorkel right off the beach. At the end of the day, savor delicious cuisine and libations at restaurants or sports bars.
Reports suggest that the hotel tries to upgrade all Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Platinum guests to their Royal Beach Club rooms, so if you can bear a lagoon view room or a deluxe sea view room, it is worth booking one of these and trying for an upgrade. Platinum members should get access to the Royal Beach Club even if they aren’t able to upgrade their room.
The Royal Beach Club is the executive club lounge at this property and offers breakfast, day-long soft drinks and snacks, and a happy hour. You are given wristbands for club access. The lounge also has a pool with slightly nicer palapas and free happy hour in the early evening. The breakfast is decent, with cereal and plenty of cold cuts, cheeses, and bread. Happy hour includes two hot appetizers, usually a fried chicken on a stick or a skewer-type affair or chicken wings, and some desserts. You also get free alcoholic drinks in the lounge. Both food presentations are decent quality and are filling, enough to fill you up for breakfast, and there are nice canapes in the evening, although perhaps not quite enough for a full meal.
Other tips at this hotel include avoiding the high-pressure timeshare presentation. It is also worth noting that this hotel is close to the airport, so you should be the first stop if you book a shared minibus airport service.
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