Cancun can be gorgeous or a total letdown if you don’t stay in the right place.
After spending a month staying at 10 different resorts ranging from Costa Mujeres to Playa del Carmen, I’m going to give you all the tips you need to know to book a great resort in an area that actually fits your vacation style.
I recommend investing 5 minutes reading this guide so you don’t end up booking a “pretty” resort in a location that is the exact opposite of what you need.
If you have any questions left, I’ll help you out in the comments at the end of the article. The most important thing is that you nail your vacation.
Quick Summary
- If you are traveling as a couple or in “chill mode”: Costa Mujeres or South Hotel Zone.
- If you are traveling with family: Costa Mujeres (or Playa del Carmen).
- If you are traveling solo or with friends: North Hotel Zone or Downtown Cancun.
- Other areas near Cancun: Playa del Carmen, more affordable prices and perfect for couples or families.
1. Costa Mujeres: The Best Area if You’re Bringing Kids or Want "Chill Mode"
Best for: Families and couples looking for peace and quiet, beach time, and all-inclusive resorts.
Worth checking out: Our list of the best all-inclusive adults only resorts in Cancun.
Costa Mujeres is far removed from the party zone, so the main vibe at the resorts here is families with kids, couples looking for privacy and relaxation, and friends who want a quieter vacation.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Costa Mujeres
✅ It’s a brand-new area, so the buildings are in a great condition.
✅ It is a very quiet zone.
✅ Less crowded than the Hotel Zone.
✅ Wider beaches.
❌ If you want to go shopping or clubbing, you have to take a taxi (about 25 minutes).
❌ During sargassum (seaweed) season, this area tends to accumulate more algae.
❌ Higher prices, since it is a new and “premium” area.
The Best Resorts in Costa Mujeres
In Costa Mujeres, I’ve stayed at two different resorts: Planet Hollywood (high-end) and All Ritmo Cancun (budget-friendly). I liked them both and I do recommend them. However, I’ve added other options throughout the article in case you prefer something else.
👑 Luxury Option: Planet Hollywood Costa Mujeres (Approx. Price: 5,550 MXN or $280 USD/night)
- Best for: Families or couples looking for a newly built resort with adults-only areas, water slide zones for kids, and a movie theme with dozens of activities and games for both adults and kids.
- My Take: This is one of the resorts I liked the most because of its cinema (Hollywood) theme, the good food at the à la carte restaurants (included in the price), the pools, and the nightclub with a great vibe at night.
- Honest note: I visited during sargassum season, and I didn't like the beach (like pretty much any beach covered in sargassum…).
💰 Budget Option: All-Ritmo Cancun (Approx. Price: 2,500 MXN or $125 USD/night)
- Best for: Families looking for an affordable all-inclusive resort with water slides.
- My Take: This is a resort I’d give a 7/10. It has quiet areas to enjoy as a couple, livelier areas with music and live entertainment, and a small water park (which could use a fresh coat of paint, haha).
- In general, it's good. However, it’s much better if you are coming with small children. If not, keep reading, and I’ll recommend others.
2. North Hotel Zone: The Best Spot for Nightlife and Party Vibes
The northern part of the Hotel Zone is the heart of the party in Cancun. This is where all the action is concentrated: nightclubs packed from Monday to Sunday, bars everywhere, and resorts designed so you can get the party started right there or combine it with the clubs just a 5-minute taxi ride away.
Among the most well-known are the Temptation, famous for its adults-only atmosphere and themed parties every night, and the Riu Caribe, which combines a good location, a wide beach, and a party touch with its famous “RIU Pool Party” without being too extreme.
This area is also home to Coco Bongo, probably the most famous nightclub in all of Mexico. It features impressive shows, lights, acrobatics, and giant screens.
- My Honest Take: Personally, I only stayed for an hour because I’m not really a party person, but I have to admit that the show and the atmosphere are worth it if partying is your thing.
In general, this part of Cancun has a young, fun vibe with lots of movement. If you like going out, meeting new people, and having all the entertainment just a few steps away, I recommend staying in this zone.
If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is NOT your place…
Pros and Cons of Staying in the North Hotel Zone
✅ It is the epicenter of the party scene and bars with an international vibe.
✅ You have tons of resorts right on the beach.
✅ Wider beaches than in the south.
✅ Shopping malls are just a 10-minute taxi ride away.
❌ Very noisy.
❌ Too much partying and alcohol for my taste (because I hardly ever go out partying, haha).
❌ Prices are higher than in the South Hotel Zone or Playa del Carmen.
The Best Resorts in the North Hotel Zone
In the North Hotel Zone, I also stayed at two party resorts. Both were spectacular.
👑 Party Option for the 40+ crowd: Temptation Cancun Resort (Approx. Price: 8,000 MXN or $400 USD/night)
- Best for: Friends or couples looking for spicy parties, daring shows, and a wild party atmosphere in Cancun.
- My Take: It’s a resort with a liberal atmosphere. If you want wild parties but also want to enjoy the rooftop with an infinity pool, jacuzzi areas, and good food, it’s a very good option.
⭐ Party and Chill Option: Hotel RIU Caribe (Approx. Price: 6,000 MXN or $300 USD/night)
- Best for: Couples or friends looking for a resort with partying but also quiet areas to spend the day. Good food, lots of restaurants, and beachfront.
- My Take: One of the all-inclusive resorts in Cancun that I liked the most. Spectacular in every way. And their pool party is the best in Cancun.
Budget Options: If you are looking for other more affordable options, (LINK!!) here are some of the most recommended resorts based on my experience and online reviews.
3. South Hotel Zone: Exclusive Atmosphere and Relaxation
The southern part of the Hotel Zone is the complete opposite of the hustle and bustle up north. Here, the vibe is much more quiet and elegant, with wider beaches, intense turquoise water (check out my photo above), and resorts with high-quality all-inclusive options.
It’s the perfect area if you are traveling as a couple or with family and want to enjoy the Caribbean without the constant noise of partying, but knowing that a 15-minute taxi ride lands you right at a good nightclub.
Here you have tons of famous resorts like Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Iberostar, or Secrets. Just a heads-up: prices are just as high as in the North Zone.
The beaches are much prettier than in the north, although with a bit more wave action, which makes them less ideal for small kids (though not exactly dangerous). However, they are perfect for walking, relaxing, or enjoying the view right from your resort.
Nightlife here is almost nonexistent. The most you’re going to get are the shows or live music at the resort where you are staying.
In short, the South Hotel Zone is the most elegant and quiet part of Cancun, ideal for those seeking exclusivity.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the South Hotel Zone
✅ Exclusive atmosphere.
✅ Very quiet.
✅ Many luxury chains are located in this area.
✅ The sea is more beautiful.
❌ Little to no nightlife.
❌ More waves (without being dangerous).
The Best Resorts in the South Hotel Zone
If budget isn’t an issue, this is the best area in Cancun for me if you’re looking for peace, exclusivity, and postcard-perfect beaches.
If your budget isn't that high, I recommend checking out our list of [all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya] and looking at the Playa del Carmen area (the value for money there is very, very, very good).
- Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. Around 8,000 MXN or $400 USD/night.
Personally, I really liked staying at this resort. Although the breakfast was nothing to write home about, the à la carte restaurants are spectacular and the beach is beautiful.
- Kempinski Hotel Cancun. Around 9,000 MXN or $450 USD/night.
A resort of pure luxury and elegance. If money is no object, this is one of the most luxurious and sophisticated spots in all of Cancun.
- Royalton Splash Riviera. Located about 9 miles from the South Hotel Zone.
For me, this is the best [resort with a water park in Cancun] and Riviera Maya. I loved both the facilities and the food. Absolutely insaaaaaaaane!
[More resorts in the South Hotel Zone]
4. Downtown: More Affordable Prices
Downtown, also known as El Centro, is the most authentic and local part of Cancun. Here, you won’t find huge resorts or turquoise beaches, but rather the real life of the city: local restaurants, taco spots (taquerías), markets, town squares, and the daily grind of Cancun locals.
It is an ideal area if you are looking for much lower prices and a quieter vibe (at least at night). You aren’t right by the sea, but you have hotels with pools, and pretty much everything is close by: transportation, shops, local food, and easy connections to the Hotel Zone if you want a night of partying, or to the ferry to visit or stay in Isla Mujeres.
While the North Hotel Zone is full of Americans and Canadians, Downtown is a much more local area with a more Mexican atmosphere.
You also have cheaper family hotels here, but personally, I recommend Riviera Maya for families. Why? Because you can also find resorts with good prices there, but they are genuinely quiet zones designed for relaxation and child safety.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Downtown Cancun
✅ More affordable prices.
✅ Local vibe.
✅ Huge variety of accommodations (3-star hotels, apartments/vacation rentals, etc.).
✅ Good transport connections.
❌ No beach.
❌ It is a less pretty area.
The Best Accommodations in Downtown
I haven't actually stayed in this area. I was only passing through while catching buses to get back from Chichén Itzá. However, I’ve done the research for you, and here are some good accommodation options based on your budget.
- Adhara Hacienda Cancun. Very good value for money and focused on families.
- Casa Jimana. A clean, nice, and well-equipped apartment with a very good price in both high and low season.
- Fiesta Inn Cancun Las Americas. An elegant, four-star hotel at a price that isn't too high.
5. Isla Mujeres: Romantic and Authentic Area
Just a 25-minute ferry ride from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is, for me, the most quiet, authentic, and charming area in the Mexican Caribbean. It is so small that you can explore the whole thing in a golf cart.
Its most famous spot is Playa Norte, with turquoise waters, white sand, and a totally calm sea. It is perfect if you like swimming or snorkeling.
Most accommodations here are boutique hotels, charming inns, and some small all-inclusives, because the main point of this area isn't partying, but peace, tranquility, and nature.
I recommend Isla Mujeres for couples looking for a romantic getaway, families who prefer calm, or simply if you want to see a more authentic and local side of the Mexican Caribbean.
Pros and Cons of Isla Mujeres
✅ Beautiful beaches.
✅ Very quiet atmosphere.
✅ Lots of nature activities.
❌ Accessible only by ferry.
❌ Entertainment is quite limited.
Some of the best options for staying in Isla Mujeres.
Good value for money and good location.
- Icaco Island Village – Adults Only. A very good option if you are coming as a couple and want privacy, a beautiful hotel, and good prices.
- Suite Los Arcos. Nothing fancy, but with competitive prices and right in front of Playa Norte.
6. Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is an excellent alternative to Cancun if you are looking for a quieter vibe and more affordable prices, without giving up good beaches or a wide range of resorts and restaurants. In fact, there is also a wide range of luxury resorts here that I personally liked better than, for example, the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun.
It is a very versatile area: you can find everything from beachfront luxury resorts to small boutique hotels or family apartments with great value for money. That is why it is ideal for both couples looking for peace and good service, and families with kids who want to get around without depending on taxis or long rides.
Plus, its location is perfect for exploring the surroundings: Cozumel is just a 30-minute ferry ride away. From Playa del Carmen, we actually took a bus to Valladolid to stay there so we could visit Chichén Itzá the next day.
In short, Playa del Carmen combines tranquility with more accessible prices.
Pros and Cons of Playa del Carmen
✅ Cheaper prices than Cancun and outstanding quality.
✅ Ideal for families or couples in “relax mode.”
✅ More unspoiled/natural atmosphere.
❌ Further from the airport (1 hour).
❌ There are no other cons… this area is just awesome.
Recommended Resorts in Playa del Carmen
In the Playa del Carmen area, I stayed at two resorts. One (Ocean Riviera Paradise) I highly recommend because its value for money was some of the best of my trip to the Mexican Caribbean. The other (Princess Family Club) I do not recommend because it really disappointed me.
- Ocean Riviera Paradise. One of the top-rated all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya with the best value for money. Ideal for families or couples, since it is so huge it has adults-only zones, a water park, gourmet restaurants included, etc.
- Petit Lafitte Beach Front. Also located on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen, it is a very quiet, pretty, beachfront hotel. The price is around 2,000 MXN or $100 USD per night with breakfast.
7. Puerto Morelos: Quiet and Great Value
I stayed at the Dreams Riviera Cancun, and I found the area very quiet and relaxing, perfect for those looking to completely unplug from the noise of Cancun but who don't want to go to Playa del Carmen. It is a small coastal town with a local vibe, ideal for older couples or travelers who just want to rest by the ocean, enjoy good food, and take quiet walks.
The beaches are wide, the sea is usually calm, and there is a coral reef very close to the shore, perfect for snorkeling without having to travel far. There are no huge malls or nightlife, but that is exactly its charm: silence, peace, and the Caribbean Sea.
For me, Dreams Riviera is the best all-inclusive resort in terms of value for money. It cost me around 3,000 MXN or $150 USD/night. And although it isn't my #1 top recommendation in Cancun or Riviera Maya, I do give it a solid score.
8. Quick Comparison
| Zone | Ideal Traveler Type | General Vibe | Beach | Avg Price | The Best Part | The Worst Part |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Mujeres | Families & quiet couples | Exclusive & modern | Wide; more sargassum than other areas (from oct-may) | 💰💰💰 | New resorts, safe area | Far from downtown |
| North Hotel Zone | Youth, friends, partygoers | Lively & full of life | Pretty & accessible | 💰💰 | Bars, walking distance fun | Noisy & expensive |
| South Hotel Zone | Couples & families | Quiet & elegant | Turquoise; choppy waves | 💰💰💰 | Luxury resorts, views | Little life outside resort |
| Downtown (Centro) | Backpackers & budget | Local & authentic | No direct access | 💰 | Affordable & connected | No beach; less attractive |
| Isla Mujeres | Quiet couples & families | Bohemian & romantic | Spectacular (Playa Norte) | 💰💰 | Natural beauty & calm | Ferry access only |
| Playa del Carmen | Families & chill travelers | Relaxed & walkable | Nice but variable | 💰💰 | Walkable, good prices | Noise downtown |
| Puerto Morelos | Older couples / unplugging | Very quiet & natural | Wide & serene; snorkeling | 💰💰 | Total peace; near reef | Almost no nightlife |
9. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area for families with kids? Costa Mujeres and Playa del Carmen are the best options. They have family resorts, safe beaches, and lots of activities for all ages.
Which area has the most beautiful beaches? Isla Mujeres (especially Playa Norte) and the southern stretch of the Hotel Zone are the ones that offer the most turquoise water and the whitest, widest sands.
What is the most affordable option? Downtown Cancun (El Centro) is the cheapest alternative. Prices for accommodation, food, and transportation are much lower than in the Hotel Zone, although there is no direct beach access.
Which area is best for couples looking to relax? The South Hotel Zone and Puerto Morelos are perfect for couples who want to unplug from the noise, featuring quieter resorts, great food, and uncrowded beaches.
Where should I stay if I want to move around and go on tours? Playa del Carmen is the most practical location: from there, you have good transport connections to visit Tulum, Akumal, Cozumel, Valladolid, Chichén Itzá, cenotes, or the Xcaret parks.