Easy Guide to Hotels in Cancun & the Riviera Maya

After 20 years of living in the Mexican Caribbean, I’ve seen every kind of stay — oceanfront luxury villas in Akumal, family-friendly resorts in Cancun, hidden jungle lodges, and boutique hotels tucked between palm trees. Choosing where to stay in Cancun or the Riviera Maya isn’t about right or wrong; it’s about what kind of vacation you want.

From the energy of the Hotel Zone to the laid-back beach towns farther south like Puerto Morelos and Tulum, this guide helps you decide what fits your travel style and how to make getting there easy.

• ✈️ Pro tip: Once you’ve picked your hotel, plan your ride early. Book your Cancun Airport transfer with Happy Shuttle Cancun to skip the taxi chaos and start your trip stress-free.

The Cancun Hotel Zone — Classic Beachfront Vacation

Cancun’s Hotel Zone is 25 kilometers of white sand, turquoise water, and non-stop energy. Here you’ll find the big brand resort names — Hyatt, Fiesta Americana, Secrets, Dreams — plus smaller boutique hotels and adults-only escapes for your Cancun honeymoon.

Everything is close: world-class restaurants, malls, nightlife, and the ferry to Isla Mujeres. It’s great for first-timers and families who want everything in one place. Cancun is a great base for adventures in the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan.

Vibe: convenient, social, lively

Best for: first-time visitors, families, short stays, nightlife seekers

Local insider tip: My fave place to spend a weekend in the hotel zone is Beachscape KinHa Villas. Absolutely the best beach in Cancun. Clean, quiet and totally my travel vibe.

• If you’re staying here, knowing how to get around is key. Here’s how to get from Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone without stress.

Downtown Cancun Vacations — Local Flavor & Budget-Friendly

Cancun Downtown (El Centro) offers a totally different experience — more tacos, fewer tourists. You’ll find smaller hotels, Airbnbs and condo rentals, and hostels and places where locals actually live and eat and shop.

Downtown Cancun is perfect for long stays or travelers who want to save money while still being close to beaches via bus or shuttle.

Vibe: authentic, urban, affordable

Best for: digital nomads, food lovers, budget travelers

Local insider tip: Check out the condo developments conveniently located at Malecon las Americas Cancun. Luxury, furnished units with spectacular views of the Nichupte Lagoon and rooftop pools.

Riviera Maya Resorts and Rentals — Beyond Cancun

Head south from Cancun and the Riviera Maya stretches for 100 km of beaches, cenotes, and world-famous resorts. Each stop — Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum — has its own rhythm and personality.

Where to Stay in Puerto Morelos

Quiet, charming, and perfectly between Cancun and Playa. Close to the airport but away from the crowds. You’ll find beachfront all-inclusives like Dreams Sapphire and long-stay rentals ranging from simple homes in Villa Morelos to luxury jungle condos.

Best for: families, couples, divers.

Playa del Carmen: Accommodations for Every Traveler

Trendy, walkable, and full of cafés and beach clubs — locals lovingly just call her Playa. Ferry to Cozumel, stroll 5th Avenue, or choose your vibe: boutique hotels downtown, all-inclusives like Grand Velas on the edge of town, or villas in Playacar.

Best for: couples, groups, short getaways.

• First timers to Playa del Carmen? Here’s how to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen — easy, direct, and stress-free.

Akumal: Villas, Glamping & Turtle Bay Resorts

Calm beaches, clear water, and the famous turtle sanctuary make Akumal a favorite destination for nature lovers. Secrets Akumal is a luxury all-inclusive resort, while Akumal Natura offers funky glamping deep in the jungle. Half Moon Bay has classic beachfront rentals for a low-key stay.

Best for: nature lovers, families, honeymooners.

Tulum: Beach, Town & Jungle Style

Boho paradise with boutique hotels, yoga retreats, and design-driven restaurants. From hostels in town to exclusive beachfront hotels like Casa Malca, Tulum’s vibe is creative, tropical, and free-spirited, lush jungle vibes.

Best for: couples, creatives, style-seekers.

Types of Hotels You’ll Find in Cancun and the Riviera Maya

• All-Inclusive Resorts: Everything included. EVERYTHING. Unlimited food, drinks, and activities. Perfect for easy vacations where you don’t want to think. Spend your vacation days swinging in a hammock under a palm tree, your piña colada icy cold and your nights enjoying shows and international cuisine.

• Boutique Hotels: Smaller, stylish, and personal. Great for couples or anyone who prefers unique over massive. Exclusive and private, the boutique hotels in the Riviera Maya are mostly European Plan giving you a chance to get out and try some of the world-class restaurants in the region.

• Family-Friendly Resorts: Pools, kids’ clubs, and flexible dining. See our Cancun Airport transportation for families for smooth arrivals.

• Adults-Only: Peaceful pools, fine dining, and spa days. Think honeymoon mode.

• Eco & Jungle Lodges: Found in Tulum and Akumal, often solar-powered or near cenotes

Wherever you stay in the Mexican Caribbean look for recent reviews, check out local forums for feedback and be sure to cruise videos and virtual walkthroughs of the property.

Getting to Your Riviera Maya Resort Made Easy

Cancun Airport is the main hub for the Riviera Maya, even if you’re heading south to Tulum or Akumal, you’ll generally fly in here first. Public buses exist, but private transfers are faster, safer, and way more comfortable (especially after a long flight).

Our drivers track your flight, greet you at the terminal, and get you to your Happy place with no surprises.

• Learn more about Cancun private transportation and start your vacation right. Flying into the new Tulum Airport? Happy Shuttle Tulum is our sister in the south, we’ve got you covered for all destinations

Local Advice Before You Book

• December to April = peak season, so book early for the best rates and availability.

• Summer brings warm seas and lower prices, but also humidity. I may be weird, but it is my favorite time of year in Cancun.

• Always confirm if airport transportation is included — “included” sometimes means “shared bus that stops 12 times.”

• Location affects vibe and cost more than hotel brand does. Do your research and compare, big name resorts sit beside more affordable options that are sharing the same stunning beach.

• Consider your budget, your vacation goals, the amenities you NEED and the things you want to avoid.

And one last tip: if your dream trip involves beach naps, tacos, and no stress, the best plan is one that starts with Happy Shuttle Cancun.

Ready to start your trip? Book your Cancun Airport transfer now and let your vacation begin the moment you land.

FAQ: Hotels in Cancun & the Riviera Maya

What is the best area to stay in Cancun?

The Hotel Zone is ideal for first-timers and families who want everything close — beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.

Where is the Riviera Maya?

In southeast Mexico, on the Yucatan Peninsula, the Riviera Maya stretches from Cancun to Tulum, with coastal towns like Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Akumal along the way.

Is it safe to stay in downtown Cancun?

Yes — it’s more local and affordable, but still tourist-friendly. Use normal travel precautions and pre-book airport transfers.

How far is Tulum from Cancun Airport?

About 120 km (75 miles), roughly a 90-minute drive depending on traffic.