Where to stay in Cancún and on the Riviera Maya

In short: for big beachfront hotels, stay in Cancún’s Hotel Zone; for a tight budget and local life, downtown; for a lively, walkable beach town, Playa del Carmen; for nature, ruins and a more intimate feel, Tulum. Many travellers combine two bases.

Understanding Cancún and the Riviera Maya in two minutes

Cancún has two sides: the Hotel Zone, a long strip of sand between the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, and downtown, inland. To the south, the Riviera Maya follows the coast: Playa del Carmen, then Tulum and its ruins above the sea. Inland lie the cenotes and Chichén Itzá. Opposite Cancún, Isla Mujeres is reached by boat.

The right area for your trip

Beach and comfort: the Hotel Zone

The long strip of sand between lagoon and sea, with big hotels, often all-inclusive, and white-sand beaches. Ideal for families or relaxing, close to the airport.

Budget and local life: downtown

Cheaper, with local restaurants and the ADO bus station, a few kilometres from the beaches (frequent buses). Handy if you want to move around.

Walkable buzz: Playa del Carmen

To the south, a lively beach town around Quinta Avenida, with restaurants, shops and ferries to Cozumel. More central for exploring the Riviera Maya. Ideal for couples or friends.

Nature and ruins: Tulum

Further south, Mayan ruins by the sea, cenotes and more intimate stays, from the town to the beach strip. Ideal for couples, relaxation and nature.

Getting to Cancún

Cancún International Airport has many direct flights. ADO buses link the airport to downtown in about 25 to 30 minutes, as well as to Playa del Carmen and Tulum; for the Hotel Zone, a booked transfer is often simplest.

Our booking tips

1. Compare all-inclusive and room only: depending on how much you’ll go out, one or the other is better value.
2. Look at the total price: taxes and environmental fees are sometimes added to the displayed rate.
3. Check on sargassum before travelling in spring or summer.
4. Keep hurricane season in mind, from June to November: choose free cancellation.
5. Read recent reviews about the beach in front of the hotel.

Once you’re there

Swim in the cenotes, visit Chichén Itzá early in the morning, and spend a day on Isla Mujeres. For the rest of your trip (Mexico City, the Yucatán), see our guide Travel in Mexico. To plan your days, see our guide Things to do in Cancún. The areas and useful services are on our Cancún page.