I have stayed at all-inclusive resorts in Cancun three times, ranging from a budget option in the Hotel Zone to a week at Moon Palace that felt genuinely luxurious. The difference between a good all-inclusive and a mediocre one is significant – the quality of food, the variety of restaurants, the drinks selection, and the general service level. Cancun has hundreds of resorts, and choosing the right one for your budget and expectations makes or breaks the trip. Here is what I learned.
Cancun is one of the world’s most popular all-inclusive destinations. Most visitors stay at resorts in the Hotel Zone – a 23km strip of beachfront hotels on a narrow barrier island.
All-inclusive packages typically include accommodation, meals at multiple restaurants, unlimited drinks (including alcohol), and activities like water sports and entertainment.
Getting from the Airport
Private transfer: Door-to-door service, around $50-70 USD one-way to the Hotel Zone. Book in advance.
Taxi: Available outside arrivals. Fixed fares to Hotel Zone are $50-70 USD. Agree on the price before getting in.
Shared shuttle: Budget option at $15-25 USD. Multiple stops mean longer journey times.
ADO bus: $6 USD to the Hotel Zone, but stops at the station not your hotel.
Rental car: Around $25-50 USD/day. Useful if you plan to explore independently.
What All-Inclusive Usually Covers
Standard inclusions:
- Buffet and à la carte restaurants
- Bars and lounges (domestic and some international drinks)
- Non-motorised water sports (kayaking, snorkelling gear)
- Pools, beach access, and sun loungers
- Gym and fitness classes
- Evening entertainment and shows
- Kids’ clubs at family resorts
Usually extra:
- Spa treatments
- Golf
- Premium alcohol brands
- Excursions and day trips
- Fine dining restaurants (at some resorts)
- Motorised water sports
Top All-Inclusive Resorts
4Luxury ($400+ per night)
Finest Playa Mujeres
North of the Hotel Zone in quieter Playa Mujeres. Large suites (800+ sq ft), 14 restaurants, swim-up rooms available. Good for families with a dedicated kids’ area, but also has adults-only sections.
- Starting price: ~$500/night
- 25 minutes from airport
- Best for: Families wanting space and variety
Le Blanc Spa Resort
Adults-only resort known for its spa and service. Elegant suites, butler service in higher categories, multiple pools. One of Cancun’s most upmarket options.
- Starting price: ~$450/night
- Best for: Couples, spa lovers
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
Hotel Zone beachfront with 602 suites. The 40,000 sq ft Gem Spa is a highlight. Dog-friendly policy. Le Basilic restaurant has AAA Five Diamond rating.
- Starting price: ~$275/night
- 20 minutes from airport
- Best for: Luxury seekers, spa enthusiasts
3Upper Mid-Range ($250-400 per night)
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Tip of the Hotel Zone with access to two beaches (Caribbean and calmer bay side). 547 suites, 17 restaurants. Adults-only Turquoize tower available. Dolphin pool for observation.
- Starting price: ~$390/night
- Best for: Families and couples
Live Aqua Beach Resort
Adults-only with wellness focus. 371 rooms, seven pools including infinity pools, hydrotherapy spa. Opposite La Isla shopping village.
- Starting price: ~$320/night
- 20 minutes from airport
- Best for: Adults wanting relaxation
Iberostar Selection Cancún
Hotel Zone location near El Rey ruins. Ten pools, Star Camp kids’ program, Star Prestige villas for upgraded experience.
- Starting price: ~$360/night
- Best for: Families, beach lovers
2Mid-Range ($150-250 per night)
Moon Palace Cancun
Massive resort on Cancun’s south shore. 2,000+ rooms, 17 restaurants, FlowRider wave simulator, Jack Nicklaus golf course. $350 resort credit included. Can use facilities at other Palace Resorts.
- Starting price: ~$130/night
- 15 minutes from airport
- Best for: Families, golf, value
Riu Palace Peninsula
Hotel Zone beachfront with four pools and swim-up bar. Spacious villas, some adults-only. 24-hour all-inclusive means late-night room service included.
- Starting price: ~$200/night
- Best for: Couples, beach access
1Budget (Under $150 per night)
Krystal Urban Cancún
Downtown location (not beachfront) but includes beach club access at sister hotel with free shuttle. Modern rooms, lower price point.
- Starting price: ~$55/night
- 20 minutes from airport
- Best for: Budget travellers, city access
Choosing the Right Resort
For families: Moon Palace, Finest Playa Mujeres, or Hyatt Ziva. Look for kids’ clubs, multiple pools, and family suites.
For couples: Le Blanc, Live Aqua (both adults-only), or the Turquoize tower at Hyatt Ziva.
For value: Moon Palace offers good all-inclusive value with resort credits. Krystal Urban works if you want downtown access.
For beach: Iberostar and Hyatt Ziva have excellent beach locations. Finest Playa Mujeres is quieter but further from town.
For spa: Le Blanc and Grand Fiesta Americana have the most extensive spa facilities.
Tips for All-Inclusive Stays
- Book direct vs agents: Package sites often beat direct booking, especially with flights included
- Check restaurant reservations: Most resorts require advance booking for à la carte restaurants
- Upgrade categories: Club-level rooms often include premium drinks, private lounges, and better service
- Gratuities: Usually not included despite “all-inclusive.” Budget $5-15/day per person for tips
- Day trips: Chichen Itza, Tulum, and cenotes are worth leaving the resort for
Frequently Asked Questions
What does all-inclusive include at Cancun hotels?
All-inclusive packages typically include accommodation, meals at buffet and a la carte restaurants, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, non-motorized water sports, gym access, evening entertainment, and kids’ clubs at family resorts. Usually not included are spa treatments, premium alcohol brands, excursions, golf, motorized water sports, and some fine dining restaurants.
How much do Cancun all-inclusive resorts cost?
Budget all-inclusive resorts start around $130-150 per night. Mid-range options cost $200-400 per night. Luxury resorts like Le Blanc and Finest Playa Mujeres range from $400-600+ per night. Prices vary by season, with peak rates during December-April and lower rates May-November during rainy season.
Which Cancun all-inclusive resort is best for families?
Moon Palace offers excellent family value with 2,000+ rooms, water park, golf course, and resort credits. Finest Playa Mujeres provides large suites and dedicated kids’ areas. Hyatt Ziva has access to two beaches and a dolphin observation pool. All three offer kids’ clubs and family-friendly amenities.
Are adults-only resorts better in Cancun?
Adults-only resorts like Le Blanc and Live Aqua offer quieter atmospheres, spa-focused experiences, and no children at pools or restaurants. They’re ideal for couples seeking relaxation and romance. Family-friendly resorts provide more activities and facilities but can be busier and noisier.
When is the best time to book Cancun all-inclusive hotels?
December through April is peak season with best weather but highest prices. May through November is rainy season with lower rates and occasional afternoon storms. September-October has highest hurricane risk but deepest discounts. Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season, closer for shoulder months.
Do you tip at all-inclusive resorts in Cancun?
Despite being “all-inclusive,” gratuities are usually not included. Budget $5-15 per person per day for tips. Tip housekeeping $2-5 daily, restaurant servers $5-10 per meal, and bartenders $1-2 per drink. Some guests provide larger tips to staff they see regularly for better service throughout their stay.
