Sun-filled beach vacations are not reserved for just the rich and famous, and your beach vacation doesn’t have to be a break-the-bank expense. There’s an affordable destination in paradise with everything needed for a relaxing escape, whether it’s for a whole family, couples or friends. Cancún, Mexico welcomes more than five million visitors annually, and they come with varying budgets. This Caribbean oasis has beach resorts that put you right on white sand in front of glassy turquoise water for a modest price. And savings on your beach hotel means more spending for Mexico’s hottest attractions like Chichén Itzá, Gran Cenote and Isla Mujeres.
Best Value Beach Resorts in Cancún
1
Occidental Tucancún
Courtesy of Barceló Hotel Group
Set on a sprawling beach in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, Occidental TuCancún is an updated all-inclusive resort conveniently located near upscale shopping and attractions. Enjoy the resort’s four restaurants, including both a la carte and buffet options, as well as three swimming pools overlooking the ocean, one dedicated to adults only. For the kids, there’s a kids’ club with outdoor play areas and an activities room.
Check into one of the 336 rooms and suites, some offering split floorplans and kitchenettes for families. It should be noted that there is an extra fee for Wi-Fi.
2
The Royal Caribbean All Suites Resort
Cancún, Mexico
Courtesy of Royal Caribbean All Suites Resort
Popular as a timeshare resort, The Royal Caribbean is located on a well-maintained beach in Cancún’s famous Hotel Zone. Guests include families and older persons, and fewer amenities means that hotel patrons are free to go off property and explore what’s in the area. All the rooms feature spectacular views of the Caribbean and they come in three different categories: double room, one-bedroom suite and master suite. The double room has two double beds, a kitchenette, one bathroom and a Juliet balcony. One-bedroom suites have a living room and dining room, full kitchen, one bathroom, a balcony and can accommodate up to four adults. The 1,500-square-foot master suites accommodate up to six adults and have a full-size, fully equipped kitchen, living and dining room, two bathrooms and a private terrace with table and chairs.
The Royal Caribbean has various on-site venues where guests can satisfy their hunger and slake their thirst. Four different restaurants give patrons a choice of seafood, Italian, international, Mediterranean and pizza and the on-site snack bar, café, and three bars—including a pool bar and karaoke bar—offer plenty of choices for a snack or drink. Other amenities at the resort include a spa, fitness center, swimming pools, babysitting services, supervised kids’ activities, a business center and dive center.
3
The Westin Resort & Spa Cancún
Cancún, Mexico
Courtesy of the Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun
The Westin Resort & Spa Cancún serves as a tranquil beachside oasis, perfect for some much-needed relaxation. Grab a lounge chair at one of the property’s four pools or on the private beach for a calm, rejuvenating day soaking in the sunshine and enjoying your favorite drinks. For an extra dose of fun, catch a ride on the resort’s surfing simulator, the FlowRider. Or, enjoy a relaxing yoga class at the spa while the kids partake in crafts and games at the Westin Family Kids Club.
After relaxing up an appetite, visit the Sea & Stones Restaurant for surf and turf, steaks, and pizza or hit up the Arena Sports Bar for a casual dining experience. The Palmar Market is an excellent option for guests who want to cook a regionally-inspired dish in their room. For breakfast, the Sabor Casual Kitchen serves up local and international specialties with its buffet and à la carte options.
The Cancún resort’s accommodations are available with ocean and lagoon views, many of which offer a private balcony. While the spacious studios are fitted with a king-size bed and a pull-out sofa bed, the deluxe rooms feature two double beds. For even greater space, opt for a one or two-bedroom villa with separate living areas and kitchenettes. The junior, master, ambassador and presidential suites all provide access to the Royal Club Lounge.
4
Occidental Costa Cancún
Cancún, Mexico
Courtesy of Barceló Hotel Group
Geared for a family vibe, Occidental Costa Cancún offers the requisite pool complex and beach access but also houses game rooms and 24-hour snack bars. The huge pool features water jets, spots for loungers inside of the pool and a giant chess board nearby. A stylish spa with a full complement of amenities is part of the deal, as is an expansive fitness club with state-of-the-art equipment. The property hosts four restaurants—Mexican, seafood, Italian, and international—with a mix of dinner and buffet menus.
This resort has 358 beautiful and comfortable rooms, equipped with a minibar, LCD TV and electronic safe, all with 24-hour room service. The Junior Suite has a large private terrace and its own hot tub and hammock. Exploring the shore brings guests to the doorsteps of some of the most popular beaches in the area. As for the resort’s own beach, the water is shallow, clear and tranquil, inviting bathers to unwind in the warm embrace of Caribbean turquoise.
5
Royal Solaris Cancún – All Inclusive
Cancún, Mexico
Courtesy of Solaris Resorts
For a resort that already sits on the ocean, there sure is an extra emphasis on water here! The multi-tiered pool complex offers swim-up bars and spouts its own waterfall. The kids’ water park is a Noah’s Ark-themed playground of waterslides and colorful animal statues where the young ones can swim alongside beautifully sculpted elephants, giraffes and rhinos. A private marina offers kayaks and windsurfing as part of the resort’s all-inclusive plan. There’s also an option to rent motorized ocean vehicles. While the spa may be on the smaller side, it still offers all the customary amenities one should expect. Live musical shows have performers reprising everything from Mexican favorites to Broadway classics for partying guests.
There are a variety of room options ranging from basic to deluxe at Royal Solaris Cancun, each one featuring a water-front view of either their lagoon or beach and some with outdoor hot tubs. If you’re opting for a more intimate getaway, the perfect choice is a deluxe romance package that includes decor in the room, complimentary champagne and a candlelight dinner for two. Six restaurants on the property have a great variety of fare including a sushi bar, a pizza kitchen and fine dining choices. Yoga, fitness and cooking classes are also part of the all-inclusive deal.
