Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Cabo
Updated: December 27, 2025

My Favorite Hotels in Cabo
• Cabo San Lucas: Hacienda • Casa Dorada
• San Jose del Cabo: Viceroy • Cabo Surf
• Corridor: Esperanza
• For families: Casa Dorada • Cabo Surf
• For couples: Esperanza

One of the pools at the Viceroy in San Jose del Cabo.

Staying in Los Cabos: Tips & Info

• Stretching for 20 miles between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, the Los Cabos Corridor is a dramatic coastline where the desert meets the sea. Most of this area is occupied by high-end luxury resorts and golf courses. Be aware that while the views are spectacular, many Corridor beaches have dangerous undertows and are not swimmable. For safe swimming, I recommend heading to Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Bay.
• At the east end of the Corridor, San José del Cabo is the quieter, more authentic counterpart to Cabo San Lucas. It features a charming historic center, a sophisticated Art District, and a thriving farm-to-table dining scene. The beaches in the Zona Hotelera are beautiful for walking, but the water here is too rough for swimming. If you are visiting between November and June, the Art Walk on Thursday evenings is the best local event to attend.

My wife and I in San Jose del Cabo.

• If heading north, take the quieter coastal road (Route 1). It’s roughly 60 miles from San José del Cabo to Cabo Pulmo, a rustic village and gateway to the National Marine Park. This is a protected UNESCO site and offers the best scuba diving and snorkeling in Baja. Be aware that the final stretch of road to the village is unpaved washboard; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended but not strictly required if you drive slowly.
• Northwest of Cabo Pulmo, the coastal road rejoins the Carretera Transpeninsular (Highway 1) and passes through Los Barriles, roughly 65 miles south of La Paz. This is the premier spot in Baja Sur for windsurfing and kitesurfing, particularly during the winter months when the “El Norte” winds blow.
• Driving in Baja is generally straightforward, but you must watch for topes and left turns. Topes (pronounced TOH-pays) are speed bumps that can appear anywhere, often without warning or paint. Some are high enough to damage a sedan if hit at speed. On the main highways, you cannot make a standard left turn. You must use a retorno. To use one, drive past your destination, exit to the right into the dedicated U-turn lane (often an overpass or underpass), and then merge into traffic heading the opposite direction to make a right-hand turn into your destination. Never stop in the fast lane of the highway to attempt a left turn.
• Best Hotel for Families: Casa Dorada (Cabo San Lucas)
• Best Hotel for Couples: Esperanza Resort (Los Cabos Corridor)

Best Places to Stay in Los Cabos

Wonderful Medano beach in front of the Hacienda Beach Club & Residences and Casa Dorada Resort & Spa.

• Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas
  Hacienda Beach Club & Residences • Casa Dorada Resort & Spa • Bahia Hotel & Beach House • Montecristo Villas • Pueblo Bonito Pacifica
• Best Hotels in San Jose del Cabo
  Viceroy • Hotel El Ganzo • Cabo Surf Hotel • One&Only Palmilla
• Best Hotels in Cabo Corridor
  Esperanza • The Cape • Marquis

Our room at Cabo Surf Hotel.

Our room at Hotel El Ganzo.

Our suite at the Viceroy.

Our villa at Esperanza.

Our suite at Casa Dorada Resort & Spa.

Baja Sur: Where to Stay & The Layout

Baja California Sur is a dramatic desert-meets-sea landscape that has evolved far beyond its reputation as just a spring break destination. While Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo (collectively Los Cabos) anchor the southern tip, the region offers a diverse mix of colonial history, world-class marine life, and bohemian retreats. The trend has shifted toward “slow travel” in towns like Todos Santos and eco-adventure in La Paz, which was recently ranked as one of the top destinations in Mexico by major travel authorities.

If you are driving south via the Carretera Transpeninsular (Highway 1), you will pass through La Paz, the state capital. It is far more authentic than Cabo, featuring a world-class waterfront malecón, excellent seafood, and easy access to the whale sharks of La Paz Bay and the turquoise waters of Isla Espíritu Santo. It serves as the perfect base for those who want a mix of city amenities and raw nature.

A short detour east of La Paz brings you to La Ventana and El Sargento. These adjacent villages are the global hubs for kitesurfing and windsurfing from November to March. Outside of the wind season, they offer a quiet, off-the-grid vibe with good views of the Sea of Cortez.

On the Pacific side, Todos Santos is the region’s most picturesque town. A designated “Pueblo Mágico,” it’s famous for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and the historic Misión de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It’s a favorite for surfers (stay near Cerritos Beach) and those looking for high-end boutique hotels rather than massive all-inclusive resorts.

The view from the rooftop pool and swim-up bar at the Hotel El Ganzo near San Jose del Cabo.

Finally, at the very tip of the peninsula, you reach the contrast of the two Cabos. Cabo San Lucas remains the center for nightlife, deep-sea fishing, and the iconic Land’s End arch. San José del Cabo offers a more sophisticated, art-focused atmosphere. Connecting them is the 20-mile Corridor, home to the most exclusive luxury resorts in Mexico. If you have extra time, I recommend heading four hours north of La Paz to Loreto, a quiet, historic town that offers a glimpse of what Baja was like before the tourism boom.

See Also

• Cabo – Best Hotels
• Cabo – Best Family Hotels
• Best Beaches in Baja

The Best of Los Cabos & Baja

My wife and I in the pool at the Viceroy.

Best Places to Stay for First Timers: Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the Los Cabos Corridor
For a first-time trip, I recommend sticking to one of these three main areas. If you want to be in the center of the action with easy access to nightlife, the Marina, and the only consistently swimmable beach (Medano), choose Cabo San Lucas. If you prefer a more refined “Old Mexico” atmosphere with art galleries and a superior dining scene, stay in San José del Cabo. The Los Cabos Corridor is the best choice for those seeking high-end luxury resorts and world-class golf, though you will be isolated from the towns. While Todos Santos is a beautiful “Pueblo Mágico,” it’s roughly an hour’s drive from the main Cabo attractions and is better suited as a day trip or a secondary base for those who have visited the region before.

Best Place for Nightlife: Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is the undisputed party capital of Baja Sur. The nightlife here ranges from rowdy, multi-story dance clubs to sophisticated rooftop lounges. The primary “party block” is centered downtown along Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas near the Marina. Here, you’ll find legendary institutions like El Squid Roe (a three-story maze of dancing and shots), Cabo Wabo Cantina (Sammy Hagar’s rock ‘n’ roll staple), and The Giggling Marlin. For a more modern club experience with world-class DJs, head to Mandala or La Vaquita.

In recent years, the scene has shifted toward high-end beach clubs and rooftops. During the day, Mango Deck on Medano Beach remains the home of spring break-style contests and loud music, while Bagatelle and Taboo (at ME Cabo) offer a more upscale Mediterranean “party brunch” vibe. At sunset, the best move is to head to a rooftop bar like Rooftop 360 (the highest in Cabo) or The Rooftop at The Cape for nice views of El Arco. Note: Spring Break peaks in March, when the crowds are at their largest and rowdiest.

The friendly and affordable Casa Bella Hotel in the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas.

Best Places for Families: Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos Corridor
If you are traveling with kids, Cabo San Lucas is the most convenient base because it hosts Medano Beach, the only consistently swimmable beach in the area with easy access to water sports. Many resorts here, like Casa Dorada, have excellent kids’ clubs and shallow pools. The Los Cabos Corridor is also a great choice for families who prefer a self-contained resort experience. Properties like Grand Velas and Hilton Los Cabos offer extensive children’s programming and “splash zones.” However, remember that most Corridor beaches have heavy surf and are not safe for children to swim in the ocean; always check the flags before letting kids near the water.

Best Places for Food and Restaurants: Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and Todos Santos
The culinary scene in Baja has exploded, recently earning recognition from the Michelin Guide. San José del Cabo remains the farm-to-table capital with world-famous spots like Flora’s Field Kitchen, Acre, and Los Tamarindos. For high-end dining with a view, Cabo San Lucas offers El Farallón (carved into a cliffside) and Sunset Monalisa. For authentic local flavors, don’t miss El Huerto just outside of downtown Cabo or the elevated street food at La Lupita Taco & Mezcal in San José. In Todos Santos, Jazamango (by Chef Javier Plascencia) and Oystera are the top picks for foodies. If you are a fan of fresh seafood, The Green Room north of Todos Santos offers the best toes-in-the-sand dining experience in the area.

Best Places for Sightseeing: Todos Santos, San José del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, and La Paz
While Baja Sur is known for its beaches, there is significant cultural and natural sightseeing to be found. For history and architecture, San José del Cabo, Todos Santos, and La Paz are the highlights. You will find centuries-old Jesuit missions, cobblestone streets, and traditional adobe buildings that feel worlds away from the resorts. San José del Cabo is renowned for its vibrant Gallery District, while Todos Santos is a designated “Pueblo Mágico” with a thriving arts scene. Cabo San Lucas lacks the colonial history of its neighbors but features the region’s most iconic natural landmark: El Arco (The Arch). Note that despite what some maps suggest, the Arch is not walkable from town; you must take a water taxi or a glass-bottom boat from the Marina or Medano Beach to see it up close. Sunset is the best time for a boat tour to catch the light hitting the rocks.

The Cape Hotel on the Los Cabos Corridor.

Best Places for Couples & Honeymoons: Los Cabos Corridor, Todos Santos, and Cabo Pulmo
The “best” spot for a romantic getaway depends entirely on your pace. For a classic high-end honeymoon with world-class spas and infinity pools, the Los Cabos Corridor is the top choice.

If you prefer colonial charm and intimate boutique hotels over massive resorts, head to Todos Santos. This “Pueblo Mágico” offers a sophisticated, low-key romance with cobblestone streets and great dining at spots like Jazamango or the Michelin-recognized TENOCH at Paradero. Just be aware that it’s rustic – don’t expect luxury spas or fine dining here, but do expect private beaches and some of the best stargazing in Mexico.

Best Places for a Local Vibe: San José del Cabo and Todos Santos
While Cabo San Lucas is more popular than ever – with record-breaking tourism and cruise numbers expected for 2026 – you can still find an authentic “Old Mexico” atmosphere in the nearby towns of San José del Cabo and Todos Santos. Both have managed to preserve their heritage despite the region’s massive growth.

San José del Cabo feels like a proper Mexican town, centered around the historic Plaza Mijares and its twin-spired mission church. For the best local energy, visit on a Thursday evening for the Art Walk (November–June) when galleries stay open late, or hit the San José Organic Market on Saturday mornings to mingle with local farmers and artisans. The town is currently vying for “Barrio Mágico” status, which highlights its commitment to maintaining its 19th-century architecture and cobblestone charm.

Todos Santos, an hour north on the Pacific coast, is a designated “Pueblo Mágico” known for its bohemian, artistic spirit. It offers a much slower pace, with dirt roads leading to rugged beaches and hidden palm oases. To see the town’s traditional side, head to Punta Lobos in the afternoon to watch the local fishermen launch their panga boats directly into the surf, or participate in a local sea turtle release at sunset. Even as it becomes more upscale, Todos Santos remains a grounded alternative to the flashy resort scene of the Corridor.

Best Places for Water Sports: Cabo Pulmo, La Ventana, Los Barriles, and Todos Santos
Baja Sur is a premier destination for wind and water sports, but timing is everything. For scuba diving, Cabo Pulmo is the crown jewel, home to the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez. For the clearest water and best visibility (often over 100 feet), plan your visit between August and November. If you are into windsurfing or kitesurfing, the “El Norte” winds make La Ventana and Los Barriles world-class hubs from November through March. For surfing, beginners should head to Los Cerritos (near Todos Santos), which features a safe sandy bottom and consistent waves year-round. More advanced surfers will prefer the faster breaks at San Pedrito or Zippers in San José del Cabo, the latter of which is best during the summer south swells.

In Cabo San Lucas, Medano Beach is the center for casual water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding. It’s also the main hub for deep-sea fishing charters; Cabo remains the “Marlin Capital of the World,” with peak season typically running from summer through late fall.

The Cabo Surf Hotel just outside of San José del Cabo.

Best Places for Wildlife Watching: La Paz, Magdalena Bay, and Cabo San Lucas
Baja California Sur offers some of the best marine life encounters on the planet. The primary seasons are as follows:

• Whale Watching: The peak season runs from January to March. While you can see Humpbacks breaching right in the bay at Cabo San Lucas, the most “magical” experience is at Magdalena Bay or San Ignacio Lagoon (a 4-5 hour drive north), where Gray Whales famously approach boats to interact with humans. If you want to see Blue Whales, you’ll need to head to Loreto between February and March.
• Whale Sharks: From October to April, these gentle giants congregate in the shallow waters of La Paz Bay. Tours are strictly regulated, so I recommend booking a “Combo Tour” that includes snorkeling with the playful sea lion colony at Los Islotes and a stop at the stunning Balandra Beach.
• Turtle Releases: If you are visiting Todos Santos or Cabo San Lucas between August and December, you can often participate in sunset sea turtle releases. This is a fantastic, low-impact activity for families.

Safest Areas: Baja California Sur remains one of the safest states in Mexico for travelers. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) advisory for the region – the same rating given to the UK, France, and Spain. Tourist hubs like Todos Santos, San José del Cabo, La Paz, and the Los Cabos Corridor are safe for walking during the day. Security in the Cabo San Lucas Marina and Medano Beach areas is high, with a constant presence of tourist police and military patrols to ensure a secure environment for visitors.

Unsafe Areas & Advice: While there are no “no-go” zones for tourists, you should avoid wandering into remote residential neighborhoods in San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas after dark. A security alert was issued in late 2025 urging increased vigilance after sunset, even in popular areas, due to occasional flare-ups in criminal activity.

• Driving at Night: This is the biggest safety risk in Baja. It’s not about crime; it’s about black cows and livestock wandering onto the unfenced Highway 1. Combined with narrow lanes and a lack of streetlights, driving after dark is dangerous.
• The Airport “Gauntlet”: After you clear customs but before you exit the building, you will pass through a room full of people offering “free” tequila or transportation. These are aggressive timeshare salespeople. Do not stop. Walk directly outside to find your pre-booked transportation or official taxi stand.
• Water Taxi Scams: When taking a panga to El Arco or Medano Beach, never pay for a round trip upfront. Pay half on the way there and the other half when they return to pick you up. Some tourists find their “prepaid” driver never shows for the return leg.
• Safety on the Water: Only swim at beaches with green flags. The Pacific side of Cabo is notorious for “rogue waves” and undertows that can pull a person off the sand. If the flag is red or black, stay out of the water entirely.

The Best Places in Baja California for Tourists

Staying in Cabo San Lucas

The Casa Dorada Resort & Spa is great for families, couples, and beach lovers.

Cabo San Lucas is the high-energy heart of Los Cabos. What was once a quiet tuna-canning village is now a world-class tourism hub, defined by its massive luxury resorts, a busy cruise ship port, and a legendary nightlife scene. It feels more Americanized than other parts of Baja, making it a comfortable first stop for many travelers. The primary draw is Medano Beach, the only consistently swimmable beach in the area, which is lined with beach clubs and water sports operators. Beyond the party atmosphere, Cabo is the gateway to Land’s End and the iconic stone arch (El Arco). It also serves as the main launch point for deep-sea fishing charters and scuba diving excursions to the nearby sand falls. If you want to be within walking distance of the Marina, shopping, and the most active beach scene, this is the place to stay.

Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas

• Hacienda Beach Club & Residences • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 3100
• Casa Dorada Resort & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 5700
• Bahia Hotel & Beach House • Hotel phone: +52 624 143 1890
• Villa La Estancia • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6900
• Sandos Finisterra • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6700
• Montecristo Villas • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9999
• Pueblo Bonito Pacifica • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9696
• Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 9999
• Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 4300

Staying in Los Cabos Corridor

The Esperanza on the Los Cabos Corridor – but just a 10-minute drive to Cabo San Lucas nightlife and restaurants.

The 20-mile stretch of highway connecting Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is home to the region’s most exclusive luxury resorts and championship golf courses. This area is ideal if you want a self-contained, high-end resort experience away from the noise of the towns. While development is dense, the Corridor still contains some of the most beautiful bays in Baja. Be aware that most beaches along this stretch have dangerous shorebreaks and are not swimmable. For getting in the water, head to Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Bay; both are protected coves with excellent snorkeling and blue-flag safety ratings. Palmilla Beach is another top choice for swimming and is much calmer than the open coast. If you are here to surf, Costa Azul is the primary break at the northern end of the Corridor near San José. Note: You will almost certainly need a rental car or a high budget for private car services if you stay here, as taxis between the resorts and the towns are expensive.

Best Hotels in Los Cabos Corridor

• Esperanza • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6400
• Marquis • Hotel phone: +52 624 144 2000
• The Cape • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 0000
• Hilton Beach & Golf Resort • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6500
• Grand Fiesta Americana • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 6200
• Hacienda del Mar • Hotel phone: +52 624 145 8000
• Grand Velas Los Cabos Luxury All Inclusive • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8917

Staying in San José del Cabo

The Viceroy has a prime beachfront location and is a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk from downtown San Jose del Cabo.

San José del Cabo is the sophisticated, more authentic twin to Cabo San Lucas. Centered around the historic Plaza Mijares and its 18th-century Jesuit mission, the town recently earned the official “Barrio Mágico” (Magic Neighborhood) designation, highlighting its commitment to preserving its colonial charm and 19th-century architecture. While Cabo San Lucas is for partying, San José is for culture, art, and high-end dining.

The heart of the town is the Gallery District. From November through June, the weekly Art Walk takes place every Thursday evening (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM), when galleries stay open late, artists mingle with visitors, and the cobblestone streets are filled with live music and local wine.

The dining scene here is the best in Baja, ranging from the elevated street food at La Lupita Taco & Mezcal to the farm-to-table trio of Flora’s Field Kitchen, Acre, and Los Tamarindos located in the nearby Animas Bajas valley.

The Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) is a long stretch of beach where most resorts are located, connected to the town center by the palm-lined Bulevar Mijares. Be aware that the ocean here is generally too rough for swimming; if you want to get in the water, take a short 5-minute drive to Palmilla Beach, which is a protected cove and one of the best swimmable spots in the region.

Best Hotels in San José del Cabo

• Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 7730
• Viceroy • Hotel phone: +52 624 104 9999
• Hotel El Ganzo • Hotel phone: +52 624 104 9000
• Cabo Surf Hotel • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 2666
• One&Only Palmilla • Hotel phone: +52 624 146 7000
• Casa Natalia • Hotel phone: +52 624 142 5100
• JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 624 163 7600
• Cabo Azul Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 624 163 5100)
• Secrets Puerto Golf & Spa • (Hotel phone: +52 624 163 3000)
• Zadun (Ritz Carlton) • (Hotel phone: +52 624 172 9000)

Staying in Todos Santos

Halfway between La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is the region’s most picturesque “Pueblo Mágico.” It’s a beautiful colonial town with sensitively restored 19th-century architecture and a sophisticated, bohemian spirit. It has solidified its position as a global destination for travelers seeking “slow travel” and high-end boutique design over massive all-inclusive resorts. The population is a lively mix of traditional Mexican families and an international arts community, reflected in the town’s dozens of independent art galleries and offbeat boutiques.

The central Plaza Todos Santos and the historic Nuestra Señora del Pilar mission church form the town’s heart. However, some of the best experiences are just outside the center. I recommend heading to Punta Lobos in the late afternoon to watch local fishermen launch their panga boats directly into the surf – a tradition that has survived for generations. For swimming and beginner-friendly surfing, you must drive 15 minutes south to Los Cerritos, which is the only consistently swimmable beach in the area. Most beaches directly in front of town, such as Playa La Cachora, are stunning for sunset walks but have dangerous shorebreaks and are not for swimming.

The dining scene here is world-class. Don’t miss Jazamango for a true farm-to-table experience in a garden setting, or The Green Room for great beachfront seafood. The town also features several standout hotels, including the ultra-modern Paradero and the elegantly restored Todos Santos Boutique Hotel.

Best Hotels in Todos Santos

• Todos Santos Boutique Hotel • Hotel phone: +52 612 234 8515
• Hotel San Cristóbal • Hotel phone: +52 612 175 1530
• The Hotelito • Hotel phone: +52 612 145 0099
• Paradero Todos Santos • Hotel phone: +52 557 005 5094
• Guaycura Boutique Hotel, Beach Club & Spa • Hotel phone: +52 612 175 0800
• Hacienda Todos Los Santos • Hotel phone: +52 612 145 0547
• Hotel Quinta Santa Rosa • Hotel phone: +52 612 145 0394
• Cerritos Surf Town • Hotel phone: +52 624 160 0881

Staying in Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo is the gateway to the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez and remains one of Baja’s most pristine eco-destinations. Located on the East Cape, this rustic, solar-powered village is a 2-hour drive from San José del Cabo, with the final stretch consisting of unpaved, washboard roads. It is an off-the-grid escape where the primary focus is the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The scuba diving and snorkeling here are world-class, with the chance to see massive schools of jack fish, bull sharks, and humpback whales in season. For snorkeling from shore, Playa Los Arbolites is the most popular spot nearby. However, I recommend driving 20 minutes south to Bahía Los Frailes, a protected cove with calmer water and incredible marine life. Be aware that services in the village are limited: there are no banks, no gas stations, and cell service is spotty at best. Stock up on supplies in San José del Cabo before heading north.

Best Hotel in Cabo Pulmo

• Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 624 141 0726)

Staying in Los Barriles

The Four Seasons Resort looking out on the Sea of Cortez, about 15 km south of Los Barriles.

Los Barriles is the largest town on the East Cape and serves as the premier hub for wind-driven water sports. Between November and March, the “El Norte” winds draw kitesurfers and windsurfers from around the world. While the conditions are challenging, the area has several schools that cater to beginners during the morning lulls. Beyond the wind, Los Barriles is a world-class sport-fishing destination, particularly for dorado, tuna, and marlin, with a much more laid-back, “Old Baja” feel than the marina in Cabo San Lucas.

The town itself is low-key and walkable, with a growing food scene that includes everything from traditional taco stands to upscale dining like Campestre Triny. It’s also a popular spot for ATV and off-road enthusiasts who use the town as a base to explore the desert arroyos and hidden beaches of the East Cape. It remains a favorite for retirees and “snowbirds” who prefer a quiet beach community over the high-rise resort zones. If you are staying here, be sure to visit Punta Pescadero to the north for some of the best snorkeling in the area.

Best Hotels near Los Barriles

• Four Seasons Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 624 689 0292)
• Punta Pescadero Paradise Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 624 147 4705)
• Buena Vista Resort • (Hotel phone: 1 800 752 3555)

Staying in La Ventana

A short 45-minute detour from La Paz, La Ventana is the bohemian capital of Baja Sur and a world-class hub for wind sports. This “blink-and-you-miss-it” village, along with its sister town El Sargento, has a distinctively low-key, athletic vibe. There are no high-rises here; instead, you’ll find cactus-studded hills, dusty roads, and unobstructed sunrises over Isla Cerralvo (Jacques Cousteau Island).

Between November and March, the thermal “El Norte” winds draw kite surfers and wing foilers from around the globe. During these months, the afternoon sky is filled with hundreds of colorful kites. If you aren’t here for the wind, visit in the “off-season” (April to October) for glassy morning waters perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and some of the best fishing in the Sea of Cortez.

La Ventana has recently gained fame for its Ocean Safaris. Boat trips out to Isla Cerralvo offer the chance to swim with thousands of mobula rays, sea lions, and even orcas. On land, the mountain biking and hiking trails around Rancho Cacachilas are world-class. For a unique local experience, head to Hot Springs Beach at low tide, where you can dig your own natural thermal tub in the sand.

The dining scene is small but excellent. Nomada is a favorite for healthy, organic meals, Casa Xolo offers a sophisticated tasting menu, and La Tuna is the spot for sunset drinks with your feet in the sand. Be aware that many businesses are seasonal and may close or have reduced hours during the summer heat.

Best Hotels in La Ventana

• Ventana Bay Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 612 114 0222)
• Palapas Ventana • (Hotel phone: +52 612 111 9188)

Staying in La Paz

As the capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz offers a authentic Mexican experience that contrasts sharply with the resort-heavy vibe of Los Cabos. The town is centered around a world-class Malecón (waterfront promenade) that stretches for miles and is the heart of local life, especially at sunset. While it’s a busy working city, the atmosphere is relaxed, safe, and increasingly sophisticated, with a colonial center that houses excellent museums and some of the best seafood restaurants in Baja.

The primary draw is the incredible marine life. La Paz is the jumping-off point for swimming with whale sharks (October to April) and boat trips to Isla Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO-protected island where you can snorkel with a massive colony of playful sea lions at Los Islotes.

For beach lovers, the star attraction is Playa Balandra. Known for its crystal-clear, knee-deep turquoise water and iconic “Mushroom Rock,” it is widely considered the most picturesque beach in Mexico. Note for 2026: Entry to Balandra is strictly regulated with two daily time slots and a capacity limit. I recommend arriving at least an hour before the morning slot (8:00 AM) or booking a boat tour to ensure access. Other nearby beaches like Playa Tecolote offer a more traditional vibe with beachfront palapa restaurants and no entry restrictions.

The dining scene in La Paz has reached new heights. For traditional seafood, Bismark-cito on the Malecón is a staple, while Hambrusia and Nim offer modern, elevated Baja cuisine. For the best fish tacos in town, look for the local favorite, Mc-Fisher.

Best Hotels in La Paz

• Posada De Las Flores • (Hotel phone: +52 612 122 7463)
• Hotel Catedral La Paz • (Hotel phone: +52 612 690 1000)
• Indigo • (Hotel phone: +52 612 123 6000)
• Seven Crown Malecón • (Hotel phone: +52 612 128 7787)

Read More

• Cabo – Best Hotels
• Cabo – Best Family Hotels
• Best Beaches in Cabo

Mexico › Tulum › Best Places to Stay
Updated: December 26, 2025

My Favorite Tulum Hotels

• 5-star: Jashita • Mezzanine
• 4-star: La Valise • La Zebra
• 3-star: Cabañas La Luna
• For families: La Zebra
• For couples: Jashita
• New Hotel: Bespoke

Sunbeds with an ocean view at Mezzanine, our favorite hotel in Tulum’s North Beach Zone.

Best Areas to Stay in Tulum

See Also

• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Best Family Hotels in Tulum
• Tulum Maps

Tulum has evolved from a quiet fishing outpost into a world-class destination known for its stunning white-sand beaches, high-end nightlife, and distinctive bohemian aesthetic. It serves as the ideal hub for regional exploration: the iconic Tulum Ruins overlook the Caribbean, the serene Muyil Ruins sit just south in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and the inland Cobá Ruins are a 45-minute drive away. Tulum’s cenotes—crystal-clear freshwater swimming holes—provide a refreshing alternative to the beach. To choose the right hotel, you must understand the primary geographic divide: the Beach Zone versus the Pueblo (Town).

My kids and I at a hotel pool in Tulum.

Tulum’s Unique Geography and Logistics

• The Beach: Tulum’s coastline is a single, continuous stretch of powdery white sand. There are no standard street addresses; instead, everything is located along the beach road based on kilometer (km) markers. The road begins near the Tulum Ruins (km 0) and concludes at Arco Maya, the gateway to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere (km 10.5).

• The Grid Problem: Tulum’s municipal electrical grid does not extend to the Beach Zone. Most beachfront hotels operate independently using solar power and generators. While top-tier luxury resorts now offer 24-hour air conditioning, many eco-boutique hotels only provide A/C during set overnight hours or rely entirely on ceiling fans. If constant A/C is a priority, confirm the hotel’s power policy before booking or stay in the Pueblo where the grid is reliable.

Tulum’s Three Primary Zones

The atmosphere and offerings change dramatically as you move along the beach road:

The North Beach Zone (km 0 to ~km 4)
• Vibe: Low-key, romantic, and quiet. This entire area is part of the new Parque del Jaguar, a nature preserve that includes the ancient Mayan ruins at its northernmost tip.
• Features: Home to a few exclusive hotels, a limited number of restaurants (mostly inside hotels), and beach clubs. It’s ideal for those prioritizing direct proximity to the famous Tulum Ruins.

The Middle Beach Zone (The Heart of the Action)
• Vibe: The most intense section of the beachfront. This is the commercial and social heart of the beach zone.
• Features: Here you find Tulum’s most celebrated restaurants (many set deep in the jungle), high-end beach clubs, boutique hotels, and nightlife.

The South Beach Zone (km 8 to km 10.5)
• Vibe: Quieter, less developed, and closer to nature. It is located near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Features: Several wonderful hotels and restaurants, but you will find no late-night parties or extravagant development. This area is perfect for couples and families interested in tranquility and nature walks.

My boys and I having some coffee in the Tulum Pueblo.

Tulum Pueblo and Modern Neighborhoods

Staying in the Pueblo (downtown/Centro) provides a different, often more authentic, experience:

• Pueblo/Centro: Located about 3 km from the beaches, this area is vibrant and fully connected to the electrical grid, meaning all hotels here offer 24-hour air conditioning. You will find lively nightlife, excellent and more affordable restaurants (where locals eat), supermarkets, and banks.
• Aldea Zama and La Veleta: These two neighborhoods are newer developments just south of the Pueblo. Aldea Zama offers private, luxury condominiums and rentals, while La Veleta is popular with expats and has a lively, emerging feel.
• Transportation Cost: While town lodging and food are cheaper, getting to the beach is expensive. Expect to pay up to 600-800 pesos ($35-$45 USD) one way by taxi. Renting a bike or scooter is recommended as a cheap and fun alternative.

Best Places to Stay in Tulum

Dreamy Hotel Shibari is built around a natural cenote in the Middle Beach Zone of Tulum.

• Best Luxury Hotels in Tulum
  Jashita • Mezzanine • La Valise • Shibari • Casa Malca
• Best Hotels for Families in Tulum
  La Zebra (luxury) • Nômade (luxury) • Cabañas La Luna (midrange) • Sueños (midrange)
• Best Hotels for Couples in Tulum
  Jashita • Mezzanine • La Valise • Shibari • Our Habitas
• Best Midrange Hotels in Tulum
  Sueños • Cabañas La Luna • Coco Tulum
• Best Budget Hotels in Tulum
  Casa Don Diego • Punta Piedra Beach Posada
• Best Hotels in Tulum Pueblo
  Una Vida • Kimpton Aluna • Milam

Jashita Hotel on Soliman Bay Beach is our choice for couples celebrating their honeymoon or on a romantic getaway.

La Zebra in the South Beach Zone is our favorite pick for a family vacation in Tulum.

Some of the most luxurious accommodations on the beach belong to Secrets Resort in the Middle Beach Zone. The resort has even more rooms, suites, and facilities in the Aldea Zama neighborhood.

Glamping at Our Habitas in the Beach Town is the furthest thing from “roughing it.” All luxury tents feature 24-hour air conditioning and refined furnishings, many with private plunge pools and ocean views.

Rooms at La Valise in the South Beach Zone offer rustic yet refined vibes.

A swanky suite with an indoor plunge pool an jungle view at Hotel Milam in the La Veleta neighborhood.

Hotels on Map: 1. Jashita 2. Conrad 3. Hilton 4. O’ Tulum 5. Mereva 6. Alea 7. Nerea 8. Bespoke 9. Bardo 10. Una Vida 11. Casa Don Diego 12. Coco Hacienda 13. Milam 14. Holistika 15. Hotel Tiki Tiki 16. Naay 17. Secrets Resort 18. Kimpton Aluna 19. Villa Pescadores 20. Mezzanine 21. Diamante K 22. Mi Amor 23. Our Habitas 24. Azulik 25. Punta Piedra Beach Posada Hotel 26. Zamas 27. El Pez 28. Hotel Esencia 29. Coco Tulum 30. Cabañas La Luna 31. The Beach Hotel 32. Shibari 33. Ahau 34. Kanan 35. Lula 36. La Zebra 37. Casa Violeta 38. Sueños 39. Encantada 39. Xela 40. La Valise 41. Nest 42. Be Tulum 42. Nômade 43. Casa Malca

Best Areas in Tulum for…

The famous “Ven a la Luz” sculpture is in Ahau Hotel in the Middle Beach Zone, but you don’t have to stay at the hotel to visit the sculpture.

• Best Place in Tulum to Stay for First-Timers: Middle Beach Zone
  The Middle Beach Zone offers a great mix of small hotels, high-quality restaurants, famous nightlife, boutique shopping, and boho vibes – all within an easy walk or short bike ride. This area is the Tulum most people imagine: hut-like buildings made with woven sticks and thatched roofs, beachfront yoga and shamanic ceremonies, late-night dancing in the jungle, and sunny days spent on a white sand beach admiring all the shades of blue water. Other parts of the beach have these elements, but it’s most convenient to reach them all when making this area your home base.
• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Families: South, Middle, and South Riviera Maya
  Families will enjoy the wonderful beach, great food, cenotes, and kid-friendly hotels in the Middle and South Beach Zones. The Middle Beach Zone has a selfie-centric art park, where visitors will find the oversized “Ven a la Luz” sculpture, while the South Beach Zone sits at the entrance to Sian Ka’an Biosphere for nature adventures. South Riviera Maya has several adventure parks, water parks, cenotes, and all-inclusive hotels with kid-friendly restaurants for picky eaters.

The Pueblo is our favorite area for nightlife in Tulum, chock full of incredible restaurants and vibrant bars and clubs.

• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Nightlife and Parties: Pueblo, Beach Town, Middle, and La Veleta
  The Pueblo is the center for nightlife in Tulum, anchored by perennial favorite Batey, known for its mojitos made with freshly squeezed sugar cane and nightly live music. Just steps away, La Guarida offers an eclectic music lineup most nights with multiple stages spread over two floors and outdoor terraces, a simple yet well-executed food and drink menu, and no cover charge. Nearby, Mistico offers handcrafted cocktails in a gorgeous setting, plus a host of “Black in Tulum” events Wednesdays through Sundays, catering to Black and Brown travelers. La Veleta, has a little nightlife, too, on and around 7th Street South. On the beach road, you’ll find the biggest all-night beach parties at Papaya Playa Project in the Beach Town area. The Middle Beach Zone hosts Casa Jaguar and Gitano, both known for their dance parties in the jungle on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Couples/Honeymoons: North, Middle, South, Soliman and Tankah Bays
  There’s no wrong spot to choose for a honeymoon in Tulum, but some areas stand out above others. The North and South Beach Zones have some of the best adults-only boutique hotels in a quieter setting than other parts of the beach, yet just a short bike ride away from the action. Soliman and Tankah Bays, a few kilometers north of Tulum, offer more privacy and tranquility for romantic getaways. The Middle Zone, though less private, offers a celebratory atmosphere and plenty of restaurants for special occasion dinners.

The Tulum Ruins are in Parque del Jaguar, which combines the archaeological zone with a new nature preserve in the North Beach Zone of Tulum.

• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for Sightseeing: North, South, Pueblo
  Tulum has a wealth of natural and archaeological attractions awaiting curious travelers. The iconic Tulum ruins perched on a cliff above the ocean are located in the North Beach Zone, while a less visited Maya site, the Muyil ruins, are nestled in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere near the South Beach Zone. Staying in the Pueblo puts guests near the main road to easily drive to the Cobá ruins, dozens of cenotes and lagoons, and a few adventure parks.
• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for the Beach: Middle, South, North, and South Riviera Maya
  In Tulum proper, the Middle and South Beach Zones have the widest swathes of sand, the fewest rocks, great beach clubs, and hotel beach spaces. The farther south you move, the sparser the crowds get. Stay in the Middle for a more lively atmosphere; stay in the South for more tranquility. The North Beach Zone has some rocks at its southern end, but lots of soft sand and beach clubs at the northern end. People visiting for the day must pay to access the North Beach Zone, but it’s free to enter for guests staying at the hotels here. During seaweed season (May through November), moving further north into South Riviera Maya is the best choice. This stretch of beach sits behind Cozumel Island, blocking much (but not all) of the seaweed from reaching the shore.

No matter where you stay in Tulum, you will always be a short drive or bike ride away from a cenote. This is the heart-shaped cenote, Corazón del Paraíso.

• Best Places in Tulum to Stay for a Local Vibe: Pueblo, La Veleta, Aldea Zama
  Tulum is an incredible town for travelers, but there are practically no locals living near the beach and not very many in town. The town never had a large population, and in recent years, there has been an influx of international (mostly American) expats. The Pueblo is where you’ll find the most local markets and restaurants serving authentic, traditional food unique to the region. Many businesses here strongly engage with the local community, like La Guarida, which keeps their evening events free and offers daytime workshops aimed at the local population. La Veleta and Aldea Zama are residential neighborhoods on the south side of the Pueblo. These neighborhoods are popular with expats and digital nomads in Tulum for long-term stays. Though plenty of people live full-time in these neighborhoods, the atmosphere feels more distinctly American than the rest of the Pueblo.
• Best Place in Tulum to Stay During Seaweed Season: South Riviera Maya (Akumal)
  Sargassum (seaweed) is a consistent seasonal challenge for Tulum’s beaches. While the coast is typically clear and turquoise from December through February, the seaweed usually begins arriving in March and peaks from April through August. During these months, the volume can often overwhelm even the most diligent daily cleaning crews. For a 2026 summer visit, the best strategy is to stay 20 to 30 minutes north of Tulum in the South Riviera Maya, specifically around Akumal. Because these beaches sit directly west of Cozumel Island, the island acts as a massive natural barrier that intercepts the majority of the seaweed before it reaches the shore. If you stay in Tulum proper during the summer, plan to spend your swimming time at local cenotes like Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera, or Zacil-Ha. These natural jungle pools remain crystal clear and seaweed-free year-round.

To avoid the worst of the seaweed, visit Tulum in the cooler months and stay a little ways up the coast in the south end of the Riviera Maya. Seen here is Akumal Beach, about halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

This photo of Playa Paraiso in the North Beach Zone was taken just a few days before the above photo of Akumal and shows heavier seaweed on Tulum’s beaches versus those in the Riviera Maya. You can see that part of the beach in the foreground has been cleaned. The water is still overall clear and swimmable.

Staying in the North Beach Zone

The North Beach Zone is the strip of beach running along the road from the Maya ruins at the northern tip down four km to the intersection with Avenida Cobá (the road to the Pueblo). The area is dominated by the brand new Parque del Jaguar, which combines the archaeological site with a new nature preserve. This eco-conscious neighborhood features bike trails, walking paths, birdwatching towers, and newly rehabbed beaches. The park connects directly to Tren Maya, the new train line connecting Tulum to the airport, Cancún, Chichen Itzá, and more (the whole train line covers 1500 kilometers across several states). Though it may seem like a lot is happening here (and it is), its main focus as a nature preserve makes it the quietest neighborhood in Tulum, with just a few boutique hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, and limited access to cars. Most hotels sit on white sandy beaches, though there are a few areas of rocky coastline. For visitors not staying in the hotels, it costs 160 pesos to enter; the fee is waived for hotel guests.

The Best Hotels in the North Beach Zone

• Mezzanine
• Mi Amor
• Villa Pescadores
• Diamante K

Staying in Beach Town

Beach Town is a cluster of hotels, restaurants, and shops immediately south of the North Beach Zone, from km 4 (at Avenida Cobá) to about km 5.5. The beach is sandy and swimmable in the north end but has some rocky patches for the southern 500 meters. In general, dining, drinking, and shopping are more affordable here than in the other beach areas. Most of the restaurants and shops are on the jungle side of the road, including Mateos, a fun three-story restaurant with hammocks, and Potheads, a fantastic breakfast spot. Beachside dining is best at Zamas and Mina. On the north end of Beach Town, you’ll find Kin Toh (a treetop restaurant/lounge), Zak Ik (fashion boutique), and Sfer Ik (an avant-garde museum space), all at the stylish Azulik Resort. North of Azulik is Papaya Playa Project, which hosts the wildest late-night beach parties and full-moon parties.

The Best Hotels in Beach Town

• Our Habitas
• El Pez
• Zamas
• Azulik

Staying in the Middle Beach Zone

The Middle Beach Zone is the heart of Tulum’s beach area, with upscale dining, high-end boutiques, and stylish open-air nightclubs, especially the chic Casa Jaguar and Gitano. Outside of the party scene, there is a plethora of ambitious restaurants serving fine-dining and creative menus. Among the best restaurants here are Hartwood and Arca. A few high-end beach clubs also dot the strip. The Middle Beach Zone sits roughly between kilometers 5.5 and 8 on the beach road, from the narrow, rocky Pocna Beach at the north end to just past Arca restaurant at the south end. The beach is long, wide, and mostly sandy though there are some rocky patches between km 5.5 and 6. There are no street lights, sidewalks, or bike paths. Still most people get around this area by walking or cycling, and it’s fairly easy to flag down a taxi here.

The Best Hotels in the Middle Beach Zone

• Shibari
• La Zebra
• Kanan
• Ahau
• Lula
• Secrets (some rooms here, some in Aldea Zama)
• The Beach Hotel
• Cabañas La Luna

Staying in the South Beach Zone

The South Beach Zone is great for kids with a long, wide stretch of sandy beach with no rocky parts. Located near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage site), hotels in the south end tend to be more eco-conscious than elsewhere in Tulum, which is reflected in the bohemian vibe here. The South Beach Zone is fairly quiet, away from the central party zone but still within walking/cycling distance to fantastic restaurants and a little nightlife. This is a great place to stay for active families and couples who want to explore more of Tulum’s natural wonders, from beaches to jungles to cenotes.

The Best Hotels in the South Beach Zone

• La Valise
• Casa Malca
• Nômade
• Encantada
• Sueños
• Be Tulum
• Nest
• Casa Violeta
• Xela

Staying in the Pueblo

The Pueblo is the lively downtown area of Tulum, brimming with wonderful restaurants, bars, and clubs. Hotels tend to be in the budget or moderate range, though there are a few new luxury hotels at a fraction of the cost of the beach resorts. The Pueblo is easily walkable and bikeable with a grid layout, sidewalks, and street lamps in most parts. Food in the Pueblo is more authentic and affordable than what you’ll find at the beach; among the best are Negro Huitlacoxe, Antojitos la Chiapaneca, and La Gloria de Don Pepe, though there are many amazing spots to try. The nightlife is anchored by Batey Mojito Bar, with several great bars and clubs nearby, including La Guarida and Mistico. Though the Pueblo is a vibrant, urban area, it is completely surrounded by jungle, with lots of nature to explore just a short bike ride away. Several amazing cenotes are within a 5 to 25-minute bike ride north along Avenida Coba, including Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote, Cenote Santa Cruz, and Cenote Zacil-Ha (with a zip line).

The Best Hotels in the Pueblo

• Una Vida
• Bardo

Staying in Aldea Zama

Aldea Zama is a new luxury development in between Centro and the Beach Zone. Here travelers will find high-end condos and luxury apartments, along with some amazing restaurants, yoga studios, and a playground, all connected by walking and cycling paths. There is even a tiny, free cenote hidden here, popular with locals but never crowded. Boutique hotels in Aldea Zama offer upscale amenities like rooftop lounges and chic suites with private jacuzzis/plunge pools. The new Secrets Resort is the biggest development in the neighborhood (at 300 rooms, it’s also the largest hotel in all of Tulum), but since it’s an all-inclusive, it doesn’t add to the crowds at the nearby restaurants. For now, Aldea Zama has a bit of a sterile feel, while awaiting more year-round residents and businesses to move into its beautifully designed spaces. However, the location is perfect, offering easy access to the Pueblo and beach, while remaining calm and quiet at night.

The Best Hotels in Aldea Zama

• Secrets (some rooms here, some in Middle Beach Zone)
• Kimpton Aluna
• Naay

Staying in La Veleta

La Veleta is another new residential neighborhood in the Pueblo. More affordable than Aldea Zama immediately east, La Veleta has developed a more vibrant, organic feel despite its relative newness. Popular with expats and digital nomads staying for weeks or months at a time, this area has several great restaurants, a couple of bars, fun boutique shops and markets, coworking spaces, and galleries. Calle 7 Sur (7th Street South) and the surrounding area especially come alive at night, with music and dancing at many restaurants and bars, though it’s not the wild party scene you’ll find in Centro or Beach Town. Another advantage is the “new” road, Avenida Kukulkan, which connects La Veleta directly to the beach (at km 5.5, right where Beach Town meets the Middle Beach Zone), avoiding all the traffic of downtown.

The Best Hotels in La Veleta

• Milam
• Coco Hacienda
• Hotel Tiki Tiki
• Holistika

Staying in Tankah and Soliman Bays

About 10 km north of the pueblo, travelers will find two protected bays, first Tankah and then Soliman a little farther up the coast. While Tulum town has been developing at breakneck speed, these two beachfront neighborhoods remain almost unchanged. Both sit right behind the coral reef, and their beaches have a mix of sand and pulverized coral, so they’re not as silky as the southern beaches. Wear water shoes if you plan on wading in. However, having the reef so close to the shore makes both areas superb for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving, with green sea turtles and schools of colorful fish darting through stony corals and seagrass meadows. Tankah Bay is also home to Casa Cenote, an open-air cenote popular for scuba lessons, as well as a handful of laid-back, boutique hotels. Soliman Bay is a little quieter, just the occasional couple strolling along the water’s edge. In both neighborhoods, the only restaurants are inside hotels, except Oscar & Lalo on the highway before the entrance to Soliman Bay. Both neighborhoods are semi-private (Soliman is gated), only accessible to guests of the hotels, patrons of the restaurants, and visitors to the cenote.

The Best Hotels in Tankah and Soliman Bays

• Jashita
• Bespoke
• Nerea
• Alea
• Mereva
• O’ Tulum

Staying in South Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is a long stretch of coastline running from Puerto Morelos south through Playa del Carman and ending in Tulum’s Sian Ka’an Biosphere. South Riviera Maya is the closest part to Tulum (for info on North Riviera Maya, check out our article on Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen). Most hotels in this area are large all-inclusive resorts, so you don’t get the typical Tulum vibe. But the beaches here are incredible. Cozumel Island sits just off the coast and acts as a barrier, making the waves gentler and reducing the amount of seaweed that reaches the shore. For travel during the peak of summer/seaweed season, this is the best area to stay in near Tulum. All year long, this is a hotspot known for its adventure parks, especially Xel-Ha and Xcaret, with snorkeling, lazy rivers, ziplining, animal encounters, cultural activities, and more. The best thing to do in this area, though, is to explore the cenotes, natural swimming holes in the jungle fed by underground rivers with dazzling, gem-blue waters. Some are open to the sun, while others are partially or fully inside cave systems. Dos Ojos is the most famous (and most expensive) cenote to visit, made up of five cenotes linked together by the world’s second-largest cave system. Two wonderful, open-air cenotes here are Jardin del Eden and Cenote Azul.

The Best Hotels in South Riviera Maya

• Conrad
• Hilton
• Hotel Esencia

Read More

• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Tulum Family Hotels
• Best Time to Visit Tulum

The ocean-view infinity pool at Xela Hotel in the South Beach Zone.

Mexico › Best Areas to Stay in Cancún
Updated: December 26, 2025

My Favorite Cancún Hotels
• 5-star: Atelier
• 4-star: Hyatt Ziva
• 3-star: Crown Paradise
• For families: Grand Residences
• For couples: Nizuc
• Best all-ages all-inclusive: Grand Fiesta Americana

The pool, beach, and golf course at Atelier in Playa Mujeres.

Hotels on Map: 1. Atelier • 2. Grand Residences • 3. Grand Fiesta Americana • 4. Hyatt Ziva • 5. Crown Paradise • 6. Nizuc

Best Areas to Stay in Cancún

See Also

• Best Hotels in Cancún
• Best Family Hotels in Cancún

Cancún is a year-round hotspot with warm, sunny days; endless swathes of wide, white, powdery sand; sunrise sea views over the Caribbean, and a stunning location on the Mesoamerican Reef for snorkeling and diving. Even off the beach, entertainment abounds. Travelers will find thrilling adventure parks, lively nightclubs, and beautifully designed golf courses. Cancún also offers convenient access to ancient Maya ruins, beautiful colonial villages, and lush tropical islands.

With over 20 million international arrivals in 2024, this feel-good oceanfront city is the world’s most popular beach destination, offering options for every budget. Most beachfront resorts are luxury or midrange all-inclusive properties, although many luxury resorts operate on a European plan (room-only). Most of our favorite hotels in Cancún and our favorite family hotels in Cancún are located in the aptly named Hotel Zone, though Playa Mujeres and Riviera Cancún now offer the newest and most modern properties. Hostels, budget hotels, and moderate hotels are primarily in El Centro (AKA Downtown) or the inland parts of Puerto Juárez.

Grand Residences Riviera Cancún is our favorite luxury resort for families in Cancún.

The Hotel Zone or Zona Hotelera is the primary place to stay. This is where visitors will find most of Cancún’s resorts and hotels. Set on Boulevard Kukulcan, the 22-km-long Hotel Zone is a strip of high-rise hotels, resorts, nightclubs, shops, and restaurants shaped like a number 7. The North Hotel Zone (the top, horizontal part of the 7) has the softest sand and gentlest surf and is near great dining and nightlife. The Middle Hotel Zone (the upper half of the vertical part of the 7) offers great beaches, family-friendly attractions, and the main “Party Center” for nightlife. The South Hotel Zone (the bottom half of the 7) is the most peaceful area with the quietest beaches and only a handful of restaurants.

From the North Hotel Zone, follow Boulevard Kukulcan westward to get to El Centro (AKA Downtown Cancún), the best place for a local vibe, fantastic dining, and budget-friendly lodging. North along the coast is Puerto Juárez, home to the main ferry terminal to Isla Mujeres, a golf course, and a few luxury and moderately priced hotels. Farther north, Playa Mujeres is a private, gated development known for its pristine beaches and calm water shielded by Isla Mujeres. Heading south from the Hotel Zone leads to Riviera Cancún, a long stretch of coastline where Cancún’s most prominent resorts are found, boasting white sand beaches, eco-adventure parks, cenotes, and a station for the Tren Maya in Puerto Morelos.

Best Places to Stay in Cancún

One of two oceanfront pools at Kempinski Hotel Cancún, one of our favorite luxury resorts, excellent for couples or families.

• Best Luxury Hotels in Cancún
  Atelier • Nizuc Resort & Spa • Kempinski Cancún
• Best Resorts for Families in Cancún
  Grand Residences • Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach • JW Marriott • Garza Blanca
• Best Cheap Hotels in Cancún
  Sina Suites • Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites
• Best Hotel Pools in Cancún
  JW Marriott • Riu Palace Peninsula • Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
• Best Hotels for Couples (Adults-only) in Cancún
  Nizuc Resort & Spa • Le Blanc • Atelier
• Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancún
  Atelier • Grand Fiesta Americana • Hyatt Ziva • Riu Palace Peninsula
• Best European-Plan Resorts in Cancún
  Nizuc Resort & Spa • Kempinski Cancún • Grand Residences Riviera (can be booked European-plan or all-inclusive)

The JW Marriott has one of the best and largest beachfront pools in Cancún.

Best Areas in Cancún for…

• Best Area in Cancún for First Timers: Hotel Zone (North, Middle, and South)
  Anywhere in the Hotel Zone is a smart home base for a first trip. This 22-km sandbar offers the best infrastructure, easiest transport, and the widest range of dining and shopping. Most resorts here are massive, self-contained “mini-cities” with enough pools, restaurants, and entertainment that many guests never leave the property. Within the zone, the Middle Hotel Zone is the most central and busiest, home to the main “Party Center” (Punta Cancún), upscale malls like La Isla, and the best beach stretches. The North Hotel Zone has the calmest, most swimmable water and is closest to the local food scene in El Centro and the Isla Mujeres ferries. The South Hotel Zone is much quieter and less developed, located closest to the airport and the El Rey archaeological site.
• Best Area in Cancún for Partying and Nightlife: Middle Hotel Zone & El Centro
  Cancún’s main nightlife hub is located at the “bend” where the North and Middle Hotel Zones meet, a district known as Punta Cancún or the Party Center. This compact area is packed with world-famous clubs like Coco Bongo, Mandala, The City (the largest in Latin America), and La Vaquita. These venues are massive, multi-level spaces featuring acrobats, live shows, and high-energy DJs. During Spring Break this area becomes incredibly crowded and energetic. For a more authentic or local experience away from the main tourist strip, head to El Centro. Downtown spots like 11:11 Club and the bars along Avenida Yaxchilán and Avenida Tulum offer a mix of Latin music, electronic beats, and better-value cocktails in a less commercialized environment.
• Best Area in Cancún for Sightseeing: Middle Hotel Zone, El Centro
  The Middle Hotel Zone is the best spot for local sightseeing, including the aquarium, the Maya Museum, the San Miguelito and El Rey ruins, and snorkel/scuba tours. Everything in the Middle Hotel Zone is easily accessible by a quick bus ride or a short walk. For visiting local markets, seeing lucha libre (Mexican wrestling), or for self-guided tours of farther-flung destinations, like the Chichén Itzá ruins, colonial Valladolid, contemporary Playa del Carmen, or bohemian Tulum, staying in El Centro is best for easy access to bus routes connecting downtown Cancún to the region’s most visited destinations. However, if visiting Chichén Itzá or Valladolid on a guided tour, most tour operators offer free or cheap pickup from anywhere in Hotel Zone.
• Best Area in Cancún for Food and Restaurants: El Centro, Middle Hotel Zone
  The best restaurants in Cancún are mostly found in El Centro. Cancún’s busy downtown core is filled with outstanding dining options, from local Yucatecan fare to authentic Mexican favorites to fine French dining – all at a fraction of what you’ll pay in the Hotel Zone. And though the Hotel Zone is packed with overpriced, Americanized versions of Mexican foods, there are several high-quality restaurants outside of the resorts, mostly in the Middle and South Hotel Zones. Try El Galeón del Caribe, La Tia Juana, and La Bamba.

The amazing collection of pools at the luxurious Riu Palace Peninsula Hotel.

• Best Area in Cancún for Families: North and Middle Hotel Zone, Riviera Cancún
  Cancún is a very family-friendly destination with entertainment for children of all ages; most resorts here have kids’ clubs and excellent pools, many with water slides or small water parks on site. Families with younger children just learning to swim should consider the North Hotel Zone; due to its geographic location, the beach here is partially protected from the winds, making for gentler waves and easier swimming. The Middle Hotel Zone is great for families with older kids and teens with its easy access to local attractions, water sports centers, snorkeling tours, and shopping malls. Riviera Cancún is great for active families; here you’ll find the largest resorts with the most kid-friendly amenities plus adventure parks, Croco Cun Zoo, and cenotes at the southern end.
• Most Romantic Area in Cancún: South Hotel Zone, Riviera Cancún, Playa Mujeres
  Cancún is a top destination for honeymoons, weddings, and romantic getaways. Its long, white sand beaches are ideal for sunset strolls and toes-in-the-sand dining. Several luxury hotels are entirely adults-only and many others have adults-only wings and pools, or suites with private pools. The top romantic destinations are the South Hotel Zone, a quiet stretch of beach with easy access to Cancúns biggest attractions; Playa Mujeres, the newest development a little ways north of the Hotel Zone with the most contemporary hotels, pristine beaches, and gentle surf; and Riviera Cancún, the most natural area of Cancún with protected mangrove jungles, a botanical garden, and the relaxing beaches.
• Best Area in Cancún for a Local Vibe: El Centro, Puerto Juárez, and Riviera Cancún
  There are no residential areas inside the Hotel Zone. Most locals live in El Centro or Puerto Juárez, where you’ll find the most authentic restaurants, nightlife, outdoor markets, and affordable shopping. The south end of Riviera Cancún is another great spot for a local feel, especially near the small village of Puerto Morelos. Though tourism has changed this village, there are still plenty of great, cheap restaurants and local bars, especially in the inland pueblo away from the beachfront resorts.
• Safest Areas of Cancún
  On the whole, Cancún is a fairly safe city, and the safest parts are the beaches where the vast majority of resorts are located. Almost all resorts have gated entries staffed with guards around the clock; each hotel also employs guards to patrol their beaches. When outside the resorts, standard precautions apply as they do in all major tourist destinations: watch your bags, purses, and wallets; if clubbing, keep an eye on your drink; and stick to the main, well-lit roads when walking at night, preferably with a friend or group.
• Unsafe Areas of Cancún
  Cancún is among Mexico’s safest cities. But crime does happen, especially in El Centro north of Avenida Chichén Itzá. If you are heading downtown for dinner, we recommend taking a taxi to and from the restaurant to avoid walking long distances in the dark and the small risk of petty crime.

Staying in the North Hotel Zone

The North Hotel Zone makes up the top of the 7 east of El Centro and Puerto Juárez and north of the Middle Hotel Zone. Unlike the rest of the Hotel Zone, the beach here is partially shielded from hurricane winds by Isla Mujeres and the horn of Punta Cancún. Its unique geography gives it three perks: the gentlest waves in central Cancún, the least amount of seaweed in the Hotel Zone, and the softest sand (this is the original Cancún sand; the other beaches lost their sand in a hurricane and replaced it with slightly coarser sand). The North Hotel Zone is a great spot for relaxation, exploration, and nightlife with its sunny beach, proximity to El Centro, and easy access to the nightlife in Punta Cancún (AKA Uptown, the bend in the 7). There are also two small ferry ports with routes to Isla Mujeres. If opting for a European-plan hotel, this area offers a good selection of dining and bars within a short walk or bus ride.

• Best Hotels: Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach • Hyatt Ziva • Riu Palace Peninsula • Presidente InterContinental • Breathless Cancun Soul • Dreams Sands

Staying in the Middle Hotel Zone

The Middle is the busiest stretch of the Hotel Zone. Uptown is at its northernmost tip, jam-packed with nightclubs, bars, upscale restaurants, and casual cantinas. Heading southward leads past a string of beaches, beach clubs, restaurants, malls, and water sports centers. At its southern end, there are two sets of Maya ruins: San Miguelito (at the Maya Museum) and El Rey (where the South Hotel Zone begins). The sand is slightly coarser and the waves are bigger at this beach than in the North, but it is still very swimmable. Despite its lively atmosphere, sea turtles have made this strip of beach their nesting site, returning every year to lay eggs nightly from May through October. The babies hatch from July through December and make their way to the ocean under the moonlight. Most resorts here have cordoned off sections of their beaches for the eggs, and keep exterior lights low or off when the hatchlings head for the waves.

• Best Hotels: Kempinski Cancún • Le Blanc Spa Resort • JW Marriott • Secrets the Vine • Live Aqua Beach Resort • Hyatt Zilara

Staying in the South Hotel Zone

The South Zone begins around KM 17 near the El Rey Archaeological Zone and runs to Punta Nizuc. This area is the best spot in the Hotel Zone for a quiet getaway with easy access to local attractions and a handful of excellent restaurants. Guests here are also not too far from the airport, making this a great spot for a quick, fuss-free trip. Tren Maya, the new railway connecting Cancún to farther-flung destinations like Chichén Itzá and Tulum, is also nearby. The beach is similar to that of the Middle (white sand, sea turtles, and moderate surf). The South is the best part of the Hotel Zone for snorkeling, especially at the far end near Punta Nizuc, where the reef is being revived by one of the three galleries of MUSA, the underwater sculpture museum designed to encourage coral growth.

• Best Hotels: Nizuc Resort & Spa • Sun Palace • Iberostar Selection • Crown Paradise Club

Staying in Playa Mujeres/Costa Mujeres

The newest resort development, Playa Mujeres (AKA Costa Mujeres) sits north of the Hotel Zone, immediately west of the island Isla Mujeres. A contemporary, leisure retreat, this area is almost entirely made up of large, all-inclusive resorts and golf courses. On the main beach, there is a dolphinarium, while scuba and sailing excursions leave from the marina. The Punta Sam ferry to Isla Mujeres is here, offering several trips throughout the day. Since the area is so new and designed around the all-inclusives, there are few dining options outside the resorts. The beaches here have soft sand and gentle waves as Isla Mujeres shields Playa Mujeres from the strongest winds.

• Best Hotels: Atelier • Garza Blanca • Majestic Elegance • Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort • Hotel Del Sol

Staying in Riviera Cancún

Part of the larger Riviera Maya, Riviera Cancún extends from Punta Nizuc (the end of the South Hotel Zone) south to the seaport village of Puerto Morelos. This area is home to some of Cancún’s largest all-inclusive resorts, several adventure parks, freshwater cenotes, the Croco Cun Zoo, and botanical gardens. Beaches here are a mix of mostly white sand with rocky patches. Waves are softened by the Mesoamerican Reef, which runs the entire length of the Riviera and continues down to Guatemala. The sandy beach areas offer great swimming and body surfing, while the rocky and coral-heavy areas offer spectacular snorkeling and diving with a huge variety of colorful fish. There is a Tren Maya station in Puerto Morelos, connecting the village with Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and more fantastic destinations for day trips.

• Best Hotels: Grand Residences • Moon Palace The Grand • Dreams Jade • Azul Beach Resort Riviera

Staying in Puerto Juárez

Strategically located between El Centro and the North Hotel Zone, Puerto Juárez is a wonderful spot for independent travelers who want a mix of beachcombing and exploring the more authentic side of Cancún. Downtown is just a quick drive away, while laid-back Isla Mujeres is accessible via a short ferry ride. The luxury mall, Marina Puerto Cancún, is home to a swathe of shops, dining, and entertainment with both land and water access to its venues and shops. A golf course and a handful of marinas are here, and accommodations tend toward the expensive, luxury side. However, move inland away from the beaches, and you’ll find a range of affordable dining and lodging. The coastline here tends to be a little rockier and the water is a less vibrant blue than the Hotel Zone beaches.

• Best Hotels: SLS Cancun • Dreams Vista

Staying in El Centro

El Centro is the best spot in Cancún for living like a local, with outstanding restaurants, hole-in-the-wall taco shops, energetic nightclubs, trendy cocktail bars, shopping malls, and outdoor markets – all at a fraction of the cost you’ll pay anywhere else in the city. There are a couple of luxury resorts on the beach near Puerto Juárez, but most of El Centro’s lodging are midrange, boutique, and budget hotels and hostels. This is an excellent home base for adventurous travelers exploring the Yucatan beyond the beaches and clubs. The ADO bus station here offers routes to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chichén Itzá, and more.

• Best Hotels: Mex Hoteles • Krystal Urban Centro • Eco-Hotel El Rey del Caribe

Read More

• Best Hotels in Cancún
• Best Family Hotels in Cancún
• Best Budget Hotels in Cancún
• Best Time to Visit Cancún
• Best Things to Do in Cancún
• Best Restaurants in Cancún

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Mexico City
Updated: December 26, 2025

My Favorite Mexico City Hotels
• 5-star: Las Alcobas
• 4-star: H21
• 3-star: NaNa Vida
• For families: H21
• For couples: Casa Polanco
• B&B: El Patio 77

The ornate eastern façade of the Metropolitan Cathedral right next to the Zócalo in Centro Histórico.

Hotels on Map: 1. Las Alcobas • 2. Casa Polanco • 3. El Patio 77 • 4. NaNa Vida • 5. H21 • 6. Histórico Central • 7. Gran Hotel Ciudad de México

Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City

The largest city in North America, Mexico City proper has almost a million more inhabitants than New York City, while the Greater Mexico City area is home to over 21 million. This vast metropolis occupies a bowl-shaped valley between the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. But even at its lowest point, Mexico City takes our breath away – it sits at an altitude of 2,250 meters, one of the world’s highest capital cities. Mexico City (often shortened to CDMX) can be a little bewildering, made up of dozens of distinctive colonias (neighborhoods), from the residential enclaves of the well-heeled to shiny business districts and from emerging arty enclaves to traditional neighborhoods where time seems to stand still.

We love Mexico City. There is no place quite like it, and we could spend our lifetimes exploring it. Fortunately, our favorite colonias and important historical and cultural sites can be visited over a few days. The city is easy enough to navigate with an excellent metro system plus inexpensive, ubiquitous taxis. Ubers are also plentiful, affordable, and convenient – especially great for returning to our room after a night on the town.

The heart of CDMX is the Centro Histórico, a walkable grid of streets surrounding the Zócalo (the main square), overlooked by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio Nacional with its government offices. Besides the handsome colonial architecture, great street food, excellent traditional Mexican restaurants, and two good markets on its western fringes – the Mercado de San Juan (for food) and the Mercado Artesanías La Ciudadela (for crafts), this neighborhood is rich in cultural attractions. Two not to be missed, particularly for those into art, include the Museo Mural Diego Rivera and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Accommodations in the center tend to fall into the budget and midrange categories.

The historic Gran Hotel Ciudad de México in Centro Histórico.

Adjoining the Centro Histórico to the west is compact, wedge-shaped Juárez, largely residential with a good mix of a growing hipster scene, the city’s primary LGBTQ+ district (Zona Rosa), and traditional cantinas. Its northern part is the famous, gay-friendly Zona Rosa – one of the city’s biggest nightlife districts, dotted with bars and clubs. Hotels are mostly mid-range, with some boutique options.

Just north of the Zona Rosa, across the busy road Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, is Colonia Cuauhtémoc, a triangle-shaped, skyscraper-studded neighborhood whose lifeblood is commerce and business. An outdoor art gallery and a historic mansion-museum aside, there are few sights to speak of, but the international dining scene here is excellent, and the bars here are popular with office workers. Here we found a good concentration of international hotel chains, largely aimed at business travelers.

Adjoining Colonia Cuauhtémoc to the north are two residential, arty colonias with a very local feel: San Rafael and Santa Maria La Ribera, separated from San Rafael by the street Avenida Ribera de San Cosme. Both are very walkable and dotted with an interesting mix of late 19th-century mansions and modernist apartment buildings. Between them, the two neighborhoods have the lion’s share of contemporary art galleries. San Rafael is dotted with vintage theaters. Street food is terrific here, and accommodations consist largely of small boutique and midrange hotels.

The sunny Oaxaca Suite at the eco-chic B&B, El Patio 77, in the untouristy San Rafael neighborhood.

South of Juárez, across the main Avenida Chapultepec, is Roma, a large colonia divided into Roma Norte (north) and Roma Sur (south). Rapidly gentrifying, it’s a curious mix of traditional Mexican life and youth culture, reflected both in its architecture and mix of low-key and gourmet dining and contemporary art galleries. Adjoining Roma to the west is La Condesa, one of Mexico City’s more upscale residential neighborhoods. It’s compact, quiet, walkable, has a good international dining scene, and is close to the Bosque de Chapultepec. Boutique hotels dominate their accommodations.

Bordering La Condesa to the west is San Miguel Chapultepec, a small, triangle-shaped residential neighborhood with a contemporary art gallery, very low-key dining scene, and just a handful of budget accommodations. Its main draw is its proximity to the Bosque de Chapultepec, the huge urban forest it adjoins – not just CDMX’s most popular green space, but also home to the country’s best anthropology museum and a handful of other, family-friendly attractions.

Just north of the Bosque de Chapultepec is Polanco, Mexico City’s most exclusive neighborhood, complete with the best fine dining (including several Michelin-starred restaurants), designer boutiques, and the city’s biggest concentration of 5-star hotels. Immediately north is rapidly developing Nuevo Polanco, home of the amazing Museo Soumaya.

Coyoacán, far to the south of the city, is a very traditional residential neighborhood, complete with colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and attractive twin plazas. It’s far from the city’s other attractions but great for experiencing a slice of local life. There are low-key accommodations in the form of family-run guesthouses and small boutique hotels, and equally low-key dining, as well as one massive attraction – the Frida Kahlo Museum, and one smaller one – the Leon Trotsky House.

Other colonias worth mentioning include the edgy, working-class enclave of Xochimilco, also to the south of the city, with its centuries-old canals that go back to Aztec rule. Foodies may wish to check out the taco stands of Colonia Narvarte, to the south of Roma Sur, and the Mercado de La Merced in Merced, adjoining the Centro Histórico to the east. Finally, Colonia Doctores, just south of the Centro Histórico, is a bit of a sketchy area, but it’s also home to lucha libre (Mexican freestyle wrestling). Visit for a bout, a beer, and some tacos, but stay elsewhere overnight.

Best Places to Stay in Mexico City

The whimsical Sabiduría Suite at H21 Hospedaje Boutique in the Coyoacán neighborhood.

• Our Favorite Luxury Hotels in Mexico City
  Las Alcobas • St. Regis • Four Seasons • Gran Hotel Ciudad de México • Hyatt Regency Mexico City
• Our Favorite Boutique Hotels in Mexico City
  H21 Hospedaje Boutique • Casa Polanco • La Valise • Histórico Central
• Our Favorite Midrange Hotels in Mexico City
  Histórico Central • El Patio 77 • Zócalo Central • Hotel Catedral • NaNa Vida
• Our Favorite Hotels in Mexico City for Couples
  Las Alcobas (ages 13+ only) • Octavia Casa (ages 12+ only) • Casa Polanco • La Valise • Four Seasons
• Our Favorite Hotels in Mexico City for Families
  • H21 Hospedaje Boutique • St. Regis • Hyatt Regency • InterContinental Presidente • Hilton Reforma

Best Areas in Mexico City for…

Best Area in Mexico City for First-Timers: Centro Histórico or Roma Norte
If you want to be at the center of the action with easy access to the Zócalo, the Cathedral, and major historic landmarks, stay in the Centro Histórico. It is intense, historic, and very walkable. For a more relaxed, “neighborhood” feel with tree-lined streets, incredible cafes, and the city’s best boutique dining, choose Roma Norte. Polanco is the best choice if you prefer high-end luxury, designer shopping, and Michelin-starred dining, though it feels more international than traditionally Mexican.

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City for Sightseeing: Centro Histórico, San Miguel Chapultepec, Coyoacán, San Rafael, Santa Maria La Ribera

The Centro Histórico is studded with historical sights, as well as some of the city’s most important art museums. Staying in San Miguel Chapultepec or Polanco will put you within walking distance of the best archaeological museum in the whole country. Coyoacán is the place to head to if you’re a fan of Frida Kahlo and her art. If it’s contemporary art that you’re after, then a visit to CDMX isn’t really complete without checking out the galleries in San Rafael and Santa Maria La Ribera. If you’re interested in pre-Columbian history, then a visit to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan is an absolute must; ditto: a visit to Xochimilco and its Aztec-era canals. But it’s better to visit these spots for the day rather than overnight.

The Aztec sun stone is a must-visit, on display at the incredible National Museum of Anthropology, one of many museums in the sprawling Bosque de Chapultepec city park.

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City for nightlife: Juárez, Polanco, Centro Histórico, Roma, La Condesa
There is something in Mexico City to sate every taste, and it’s no different when it comes to nightlife. The Zona Rosa in Juárez is famous for its LGBT-friendly nightclubs and bars. Polanco has a more exclusive clubbing scene and upscale wine and cocktail bars. Roma is the epicenter of hipster culture, with some of the most cutting-edge bars and clubs in town. La Condesa’s scene is more mellow and popular with young professionals, and ranges from craft beer pubs and whiskey bars to rooftop cocktail patios and traditional cantinas. Centro Histórico has some wonderful bars with a view as well as dedicated mezcalerias (mezcal bars) for serious connoisseurs of mezcal.

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City for Food and Restaurants: Centro Histórico, Polanco, Roma, La Condesa, Chapultepec, Juárez, San Rafael, Santa Maria La Ribera, Colonia Narvarte
The Centro Histórico is known for its decades-old restaurants specializing in traditional Mexican food, as well as its street food. San Rafael and Santa Maria La Ribera also boast excellent street food, while Colonia Narvarte is particularly renowned for its taco stalls. Chapultepec and Juárez are both good bets for international dining, and so are Roma, La Condesa, and Polanco, the former two dotted with trendy cafes and the latter well-known for its high-end dining and proliferation of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City for Families: Polanco, Juárez, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, La Condesa

If you’re traveling with kids and looking to minimize culture shock, then Polanco is a good neighborhood to base yourself. Its advantages include its plethora of family-friendly, high-end hotels, an international dining scene, and its proximity to the Bosque de Chapultepec with its kid-centric attractions, such as the zoo, Children’s Museum, and Natural History Museum. Juárez and Colonia Cuauhtémoc also have the advantage of numerous international dining options, high-end and mid-range hotels with ample facilities, and proximity to Bosque de Chapultepec. Also near the Bosque, La Condesa leans more towards boutique lodgings with fewer family-friendly facilities, but it does have an attractive park of its own, popular with local families.

The Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán is the home where Kahlo was born, where she lived, and where she died. The museum houses a few of Frida and Diego’s paintings, but mostly offers a glimpse into her private life with her wheelchair, corsets, dresses, and even the artist’s ashes.

Most Romantic Neighborhoods in Mexico City: Centro Histórico, Polanco, Coyoacán
We find it hard to beat the historic center, with its beautiful colonial architecture, intimate boutique hotels, and white-linen traditional dining for a romantic vacation. If you’re looking for something more upscale, the five-star hotels with Michelin-star dining in Polanco may be just the ticket. Or perhaps you prefer the idea of wandering the subtly-lit cobbled streets and checking out the art of Frida Kahlo in historic Coyoacán before returning to a snug boutique guesthouse.

Best Neighborhood in Mexico City for a Local Vibe: San Rafael, Santa Maria La Ribera, Roma, Coyoacán
We recommend the refreshingly untouristy San Rafael and Santa Maria La Ribera colonias with their terrific street food, unpretentious mom-and-pop restaurants, and an interesting mix of architecture – great for living like a local. If you’re looking for something with more of a hipster edge, then Roma is a great place to stay, with its unique vibe, plenty going on, and a mix of traditional and contemporary Mexican culture. Coyoacán is less convenient in terms of proximity to the city center, but it’s a unique neighborhood with striking colonial buildings, cobbled streets, and a very local dining scene.

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City for Shopping: Centro Histórico, Polanco, San Rafael, Roma, Coyoacán
If you’re looking for quality handicrafts from all over Mexico, the Mercado Artesanias La Ciudadela on the western fringes of the Centro Histórico is an excellent place to start. The nearby Mercado San Jose sells an excellent range of Mexican cooking ingredients, including those hard to find back home, while Fábrica Social works with several women’s collectives across the country and sells textiles of excellent quality. For fashion by international and Mexican designers and concept shopping, look no further than the boutiques along Avenida President Masaryk in Polanco. Contemporary art for sale can be found in the small art galleries of San Rafael. In Roma, Chic by Accident is a good source of 20th-century Mexican design items, while Casa de Luna in Coyoacán is a fair trade store specializing in jewelry, ceramics and textiles.

Safest Areas of Mexico City

While CDMX may have a bit of a sketchy reputation, the neighborhoods frequented by visitors are generally safe, though it pays to be aware of your surroundings and be cautious after dark. The safest colonias include Polanco, La Condesa, Roma, Juárez, Zona Rosa, Coyoacán, San Rafael, and Centro Histórico. That said, opportunistic pickpocketing does happen, particularly in the downtown area around the Zócalo and the markets. Standard precautions apply: don’t flash lots of cash, expensive jewelry, or electronic gear, and avoid deserted, poorly-lit streets at night. Use Uber or DiDi rather than hailing taxis on the street, especially at night. It provides a digital trail and a set price.

Unsafe Areas of Mexico City
As a rule of thumb, steer clear of neighborhoods to the very north or very south of Mexico City, particularly after dark. Avoid dicey Tepito, Mexico City’s black market area just north of Centro, Iztapalpa, a huge southern neighborhood with high assault rates, and Ciudad Neza, a large urban sprawl to the east of the airport with high levels of poverty and violent crime. Then there are neighborhoods that are okay during the day, as long as you take standard precautions. Explore Mercado La Sonora in the Merced colonia adjoining Centro, but watch out for pickpockets, both there and around the Centro Histórico. If you go to Colonia Doctores’ Arena México to watch a lucha libre (costumed fight), don’t hang around afterward, and do take a taxi back. Avoid Tlalpan, Xochimilco, and Tlatelolco after dark.

The ancient, pre-Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacan sit just outside of Mexico City. Visiting by hot air balloon is incredibly popular and allows a birds-eye view of the monumental architecture. Visiting on foot is, of course, a more economical option.

Staying in Centro Histórico

Our favorite colonia for first-timers to Mexico City. Built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, the oldest part of present-day Mexico City is the expansive Centro Histórico – the closest CDMX comes to having a downtown. It’s centered on the large, historic Zócalo square, busy with souvenir sellers and street performers. The surrounding grid of streets is lined with handsome colonial architecture dating from the 16th century onwards, many must-see landmarks, such as the Museo Nacional de Arte, Casa de los Azulejos, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Templo Mayor, as well as some excellent restaurants, specializing in traditional Mexican cuisine. Good public transport connections via the Zócalo and Allende metro stations.

Best Hotels in Centro Histórico

• Histórico Central
• Gran Hotel Ciudad de México
• Hilton Reforma
• Umbral
• Zócalo Central
• Hotel Catedral

Staying in Polanco

Along with Centro Histórico, Polanco is a top choice for first-time visitors. Mexico City’s most affluent neighborhood, upscale Polanco is where you’ll find the bulk of the city’s luxury hotels, plus Presidente Masaryk, the city’s answer to Rodeo Drive, lined with designer boutiques. The smart, well-kept streets are also home to some our our favorite fine dining hotspots; this is where you’ll find Michelin-starred Pujol – one of the world’s top restaurants, among other stellar options. The heavyweight museums of the Bosque de Chapultepec are an easy walk south of Polanco. Just north of Polanco, separated by Avenida Ejército Nacional, is Nuevo Polanco. Formerly an industrial area, this colonia is the most rapidly developing zone in the city. This is where you’ll find the sleek, futuristic-looking Museo Soumaya (pictured above), plus an abundance of new condos, theaters, restaurants, and more. Polanco and Nuevo Polanco have only one metro stop serving both colonias; unsurprisingly, the station shares the same name, Polanco.

Best Hotels in Polanco

• Casa Polanco
• Las Alcobas
• Hyatt Regency Mexico City
• JW Marriott
• InterContinental Presidente
• W Mexico City

Staying in La Condesa

In the southwest of the city, this compact neighborhood used to be a quiet, residential, middle-class enclave. While it’s still largely residential, it’s rather upscale with appealing Art Deco and modern buildings. La Condesa has one of the best dining scenes in the city, with global cuisines and Mexican fine dining well represented. One of the most popular neighborhoods for tourists, as it minimizes the culture shock, it’s adjoined by the vast Bosque de Chapultepec Park and has a beautiful park of its own, Parque Mexico, complete with street food vendors and promenading families. While it’s light on attractions, La Condesa makes a good base for exploring the city. Chapultepec and Juanacatlán are the closest metro stops.

Best Hotels in La Condesa

• Octavia Casa
• Casa Mali
• Casa 9 Condesa
• Mondrian
• Andaz

Staying in Roma

We adore Roma. This expansive neighborhood, divided into Roma Norte and Roma Sur, has also been largely residential for most of its existence. Still gritty around the edges, a bit down-at-heel compared to neighboring La Condesa, and with a reputation as a bohemian enclave, Roma has been undergoing gentrification in recent years. It’s one of the most interesting parts of the city, with a mix of old-time residents and youth culture, reflected in its melange of 19th-century mansions, quirky art galleries, busy markets, hip cocktail bars, and specialty coffee shops. It’s a walkable neighborhood and a popular base for tourists due to its relative proximity to attractions in nearby parts of the city, plus good transport connections. Chapultepec, Sevilla, and Colonia Cuauhtémoc are Roma Norte’s metro stops, while Roma Sur is served by Chilpacingo and Centro Médico.

Best Hotels in Roma

• La Valise
• Brick Hotel
• NaNa Vida

Staying in Juárez and Zona Rosa

This compact, triangle-shaped neighborhood was one of Mexico City’s most exclusive before WWII. Afterward, many of the beautiful buildings were left in a state of genteel decay until a young, bohemian population injected some new life into the place after being forced out by rising rents in Roma and La Condesa. The result is a neat collection of quiet, tree-lined streets dotted with late-19th-century mansions, with a small-town feel and multiple generations of traditional families mixing with young hipsters at vintage luncheonettes, buzzy cafes, and speakeasies serving cocktails. The northern fringe of Juárez is where you’ll find a decent concentration of bars and nightclubs, collectively known as the Zona Rosa, as well as a few boutique hotels. Juárez is well-located for the exploration of Roma, Centro Histórico, Chapultepec, La Condesa, and Colonia Cuauhtémoc on foot, and connected to the rest of the city via the Sevilla and Cuauhtémoc metro stops.

Best Hotels in Juarez / Zona Rosa

• Four Seasons
• Hotel MX Reforma
• Hotel Geneve

Staying in San Miguel Chapultepec

Another arty neighborhood in the making, triangle-shaped San Miguel Chapultepec sits next to the Bosque de Chapultepec, a vast urban forest with running and cycling paths. Bosque de Chapultepec is home to Mexico’s City most important museums, including the show-stopping Museo National de Antropología, devoted to the wealth of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures, plus a zoo, a Children’s Museum, and a Museum of Natural History, also popular with families. The neighborhood is pretty low-key, with a contemporary art gallery, a handful of unpretentious eateries, and several inexpensive accommodations. Constituyentes, Tacubaya, and Juanacatlán are the metro stops here.

Best Hotels in San Miguel Chapultepec

• Hotel Park Villa
• Green Park Hotel

Staying in Colonia Cuauhtémoc

Not to be confused with Cuauhtémoc, the municipality that includes most of Mexico City’s central neighborhoods (including Centro Histórico, Las Condesa, Roma, and more), Colonia Cuauhtémoc is a trangle-shaped neighborhood directly north of Juárez, south of San Rafael, and east of Bosque de Chapultepec. There’s some spillover from Zona Rosa to the south, with a few bars found in this neighborhood, across the main Avenida Paseo de la Reforma. Largely an office and commerce district, Colonia Cuauhtémoc benefits from a lively international dining scene, its restaurants spanning the globe and located mostly along Calle Rio Lerma and the parallel Calle Panuco.

Best Hotels in Colonia Cuauhtémoc

• The St Regis
• The Ritz-Carlton
• MX Grand Suites
• Sofitel Reforma
• Sheraton Maria Isabel
• Ryo Kan

Staying in Coyoacán

Before Mexico City expanded and incorporated outlying settlements into one big whole, Coyoacán was a colonial-era town and remains a rather quiet and traditional part of the city far to the south. It’s centered on the twin squares of Jardín Centenario and Plaza Hidalgo, popular with local families on weekends, while its cobbled streets and vintage architecture are a pleasure to explore, as is the Mercado de Coyoacán with its food stalls. The neighborhood is best known as the birthplace of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, and her childhood-home-turned-museum attracts massive crowds of visitors. Nearby is another offbeat attraction: the Leon Trotsky House, where the Soviet revolutionary leader lived in exile and was killed by one of Stalin’s assassins. Dining is a mix of traditional Mexican restaurants and stalls, along with a few international options. Accommodations mostly consist of family-run guesthouses and a few boutique hotels. Coyoacán is the nearest metro stop.

Best Hotels in Coyoacán

• H21 Hospedaje Boutique
• Mansion Papilio
• Maria del Alma House
• Villa Alfonsina
• Ágata Hotel Boutique & Spa

Staying in San Rafael

If you’re looking for a largely untouristy experience while being within walking distance of attractions, the artsy residential neighborhood of San Rafael has much to recommend it. The university campus gives San Rafael a youthful vibe, and the streets are dotted with vintage theaters, late-19th-century houses, and small mom-and-pop restaurants. You won’t find gourmet cuisine or much nightlife here, but you will find lots of excellent street food, particularly around Mercado de San Cosme. There are a couple of art galleries worth your time, including the contemporary art museum, Museo Experimental el Eco. Gentrification is slowly creeping in in the form of specialty coffee shops, but overall San Rafael feels like a refreshingly ‘local’ part of the city. San Cosme is the main metro stop.

Best Hotels in San Rafael

• El Patio 77
• City Express Junior CDMX Sullivan

Staying in Santa Maria la Ribera

This compact, mostly residential neighborhood bordering San Rafael is centered on a tree-lined plaza, the Alameda, surrounded by food stalls with a loyal local following. The architecture is an interesting mix of down-at-heel, fin de siècle mansions, and modernist and Art Deco apartment blocks. It’s an arty, up-and-coming place with a unique vibe. Low-key attractions include a geology/dinosaur museum and the National University’s El Chopo Museum, which showcases edgy installations by local artists. Other sights include small contemporary art galleries and the Kiosko Morisco – a Moorish-style gazebo that hosts everything from rock gigs and poetry slams to ballroom dancing. Buenavista and San Cosme metro stops connect Santa Maria la Ribera to the rest of the city, and Centro’s attractions are within walking distance.

Best Hotels in Santa Maria la Ribera

• Holiday Inn Buenavista

Staying in Greater Mexico City

Several outlying neighborhoods in Mexico City are worth a daytime visit but can be sketchy at night or just not worth staying overnight in. To the northeast of Mexico City (though not technically part of the city) is the vast archaeological complex of Teotihuacan, one of the county’s top Pre-Hispanic sights, complete with intact pyramids; it’s well worth setting a day aside to go and see. At the very south of the city, head for Xochimilco (pictured above), a gritty working-class neighborhood with a village feel and tiny alleyways, to take a flat-bottomed boat tour of the centuries-old canals, once used by the Aztecs for transportation. South of Roma Sur, the residential Colonia Narvarte is known for its superb street food – particularly its taco stands. Adjacent to the southern border of the Centro Histórico, Colonia Doctores has a bit of a bad rep, but its Arena México is well worth a visit if you want to attend a lucha libre – Mexican freestyle wrestling – a unique and very local pastime. Mercado La Merced, just to the east of the Centro Histórico, is Mexico City’s largest produce market for traditional food; it’s also a red-light district in the evenings.

Lucha libre wrestling at Arena Mexico in Colonia Doctores. The neighborhood can get a little dicey at night, but several companies offer small-group guided tours to see the fights, often with a stop beforehand for tacos and mezcal. This is a super fun and safe way to see authentic lucha libre.

Read More

• Tulum – Where to Stay
• Cancun – Where to Stay
• Oaxaca – Where to Stay
• Cabo – Where to Stay
• Puerto Vallarta – Where to Stay

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca
Updated: October 17, 2024

My Favorite Hotels
• Centro/Zócalo: Casa Antonieta
• Santo Domingo: El Callejón
• Jalatlaco: Los Pilares
• 5-Star: Quinta Real
• 4-Star: Casa de Sierra Azul
• Budget: Santa Cecilia
• For families: El Callejón
• For couples: Casa Antonieta

The landmark Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán is a masterpiece of Mexican Baroque architecture. The church is also home to the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca and the Ethnobotanical Garden.

Best Areas to Stay in Oaxaca

We love Oaxaca. Its historical center is among the most beautiful in Mexico, its fiestas are exuberant, and its art and dining scenes are second to none. Most of its attractions are concentrated in central, very walkable neighborhoods. Outlying sights, like the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán, can be reached by cheap and ubiquitous taxis.

Centro, Oaxaca’s historical heart, is where you’ll find the majority of Oaxaca’s best hotels in all budget ranges. The upscale ones mostly fall into the boutique category (only one or two hotels can be described as “luxury”), and are found inside former colonial mansions that dot the streets around the Zócalo (the main square, AKA Plaza de la Constitición) and the Santo Domingo cathedral, several blocks further north. Good midrange and budget options can also be found in the outlying barrios (neighborhoods) of Xochimilco, Jalatlaco, and La Noria, fanning out from Oaxaca’s center.

You’re likely to spend most of your time in Oaxaca’s historical center – a logical and easy-to-navigate grid of streets, lined with centuries-old architecture. Centro can roughly be divided into two halves. The blocks of streets around the Zócalo are centered on Oaxaca’s main plaza and its imposing Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (more commonly called Oaxaca Cathedral). This is where you’ll find craft stalls, churches, numerous restaurants, markets, and a couple of museums. The other half of Centro, Santo Domingo, north of Calle Independencia and Zócalo, is centered on the imposing Santo Domingo church. The cobbled streets around the church are rich in attractions, from museums and art galleries to some of Oaxaca’s best dining and nightlife.

The Teatro Macedonio Alcalá in Centro hosts tons of events, including concerts by the Oaxaca Symphony Orchestra, traditional dance, and live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera from New York City.

North of Santo Domingo and across Hwy 190 is the compact neighborhood of Barrio de Xochimilco, Oaxaca’s oldest. There’s a sedate, village-like feel to it with its textile workshops, traditional eateries, and a handful of accommodations. Bordering Xochimilco to the east across the dry river bed is Reforma, a large, affluent neighborhood where you’ll find international dining and boutiques, though little in the way of sights.

South of Reforma and separated from Santo Domingo by Calzada de la Republica street, Barrio de Jalatlaco is a small, hip, and arty neighborhood with plenty of street murals, good coffee shops, some offbeat restaurants, and a good mix of budget and midrange digs. Quieter and more laidback than Santo Domingo, it’s a short walk from the Santo Domingo Church.

The compact grid of streets that makes up Barrio de la Noria borders Centro to the southeast. It’s the quietest neighborhood in central Oaxaca, mostly residential with colorful, single-story houses, a few family-run restaurants, and inexpensive places to stay. It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the Zócalo.

The Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (AKA Oaxaca Cathedral) as seen from the Zócalo in the Centro neighborhood.

• Best Luxury Hotels in Oaxaca
  Quinta Real • Hotel La Casona de Tita
• Best Boutique Hotels in Oaxaca
  El Callejón • Casa Antonieta • Pug Seal • Hacienda Los Laureles • NaNa Vida

A night market at Labastida Park in the Santo Domingo neighborhood of Oaxaca. PAN:AM Bed & Breakfast is in the pink building across the street.

• Best B&B in Oaxaca
  Grana B&B • Boulenc Bed and Bread • PAN:AM Bed & Breakfast • Casa de las Bugambilias B&B
• Best Midrange Hotels in Oaxaca
  AYOOK • Parador de Alcalá

Best Places in Oaxaca for…

Monte Albán, a complex of ancient Zapotec ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important archaeological zone near Oaxaca.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Sightseeing: Centro, Santo Domingo
Oaxaca’s entire historic core – Centro – has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1987. Whether you base yourself near the Zócalo or in Santo Domingo, you’re ideally placed to check out several excellent museums, contemporary art galleries, street art, and historic churches. The heavyweight attractions are the Zócalo square itself, as well as the Santo Domingo church and the adjoining Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca – one of Mexico’s finest archaeological museums. There’s one other major attraction outside the city limits, the Pre-Columbian archaeological site of Monte Albán. To get there, join a tour group or take a taxi (most convenient) or shuttle (budget-friendly) there and back.

Best Neighborhood in Oaxaca for Nightlife: Santo Domingo

There are a handful of bars in Reforma and around the Zócalo, but you can’t beat Santo Domingo for the sheer variety and quality of its watering holes. There’s something for everyone, from dedicated mezcalerías (mezcal bars) for serious connoisseurs to high-end cocktail bars specializing in original drinks to craft beer breweries – and even a sports bar or two. Some stay open until the early hours of the morning.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Food and Restaurants: Santo Domingo, Centro, Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de Jalatlaco
Oaxaca’s dining scene is phenomenal; you won’t go hungry in any neighborhood. For the most creative fusion and Mexican fine dining, head for Santo Domingo; unmissable restaurants include Casa Oaxaca, Pitiona, and Los Danzantes. The streets surrounding the Zócalo feature a mix of international offerings, hip cafes serving single-origin coffees and hearty brunch, and locally renowned taco joints. You can also get super-cheap tacos and other street food at stalls on the fringes of Mercado 20 de Noviembre. If you’re brave, buy a bag of dried grasshoppers with chili and lime juice as a snack. Xochimilco is good for unpretentious local food and family-run eateries, while in Jalatlaco you’ll also find some excellent typical Oaxacan food, as well as good Italian restaurants, and coffee shops.

Stunning little San Matías Church in the colorful Jalatlaco neighborhood.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Families: Centro, Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de la Noria

While none of Oaxaca’s neighborhoods specialize in family-friendly attractions, Centro is a good bet if you’re looking to explore the city’s main attractions, and don’t want to tire out little feet by having to walk too far. Older kids may appreciate the art galleries and colorful street art around Centro, as well as the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca in Santo Domingo. Zócalo is quieter at night than Santo Domingo, and Barrio de la Noria is even better in that respect, and not too far from Centro’s attractions. Barrio de Xochimilco is another good bet, being laidback and pretty quiet, though it’s farther away from Centro, and you’ll need to take taxis to and from.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca to Stay for First Timers: Centro, Santo Domingo
No doubt about it: you’ll want to base yourself either in the Zócalo or the Santo Domingo part of Centro. Both are within easy walking distance from Oaxaca’s many cultural attractions – museums, art galleries, markets, etc – so you just have to decide whether you want to be closer to the nightlife and upscale restaurants of Santo Domingo, or the more casual dining and quieter streets around Zócalo.

Most Romantic Neighborhood in Oaxaca: Santo Domingo
It’s hard to beat the subtly-lit cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, luxurious boutique hotels, and fine dining of Santo Domingo if you’re on a romantic vacation with your other half. Place yourselves on Calle Macedonio Alcalá just south of Santo Domingo Church on a weekend afternoon, and you’re almost guaranteed to be swept up into a calenda, a boisterous, traditional, wedding parade with a live band and folk dancing.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for a Local Vibe: Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de Jalatlaco
The oldest part of Oaxaca, the former Pre-Columbian settlement of Xochimilco predates the present-day city by several millennia. Barrio de Xochimilco is a unique and attractive part of Oaxaca, with its colorful, hilly streets, low-key family restaurants serving typical Oaxacan cuisine, and textile and tin workshops. Barrio de Jalatlaco is another distinctive slice of Oaxaca. Long ago when the dry river bed separating it from Centro was a proper river, it was considered to be a separate village. It’s more trendy than Xochimilco, also with beautiful, hilly streets, and a good mix of traditional dining and hipster cafes, and a proliferation of street art.

Best Neighborhoods in Oaxaca for Shopping: Barrio de Xochimilco, Reforma, Centro
Xochimilco is the place to check out traditional textile workshops, where fine weaving is often practiced by many generations of the same family. Reforma has some international stores that you won’t find elsewhere in Oaxaca, while around the Zócalo you’ll find craft stalls selling clothing and souvenirs. There are also three markets taking up several blocks south of the Zócalo: Mercado Benito Juárez is particularly good for cooking ingredients you’ll want to bring home, such as a bewildering collection of moles (“MO-lay” the sauce – not “mole” the animal). Mercado 20 de Noviembre is a bustling food market selling fresh produce, while the Mercado de Artesanias de Oaxaca sells a mix of mass-produced souvenirs and some quality regional crafts. Several specialty coffee shops in Centro sell bags of locally grown and roasted beans, and you can buy bottles of hard-to-find mezcal from small local producers both in stores around Centro and in bars such as Mezcaleria In Situ. Oaxaca is known for its unique ceramics, and you’ll find pieces made of black clay and red clay at stalls and craft markets (though for the best selection and fair prices, head for the Colectivo 1050° store in Santo Domingo).

Safest Areas of Oaxaca
Oaxaca has a relatively low crime rate. Neighborhoods frequented by visitors, such as Centro, Santo Domingo, Barrio de Xochimilco, Barrio de la Noria, Barrio de Jalatlaco, and Reforma are considered generally safe. That said, opportunistic pickpocketing does happen, so be aware of that while exploring the area around the Zócalo and the markets. Standard precautions apply: don’t flash lots of cash, expensive jewelry, or electronic gear, and avoid empty, poorly-lit streets at night. Take a taxi back to your hotel if you’ve stayed out late.

Unsafe Areas of Oaxaca
Visitors are advised not to wander off into the suburbs outside central Oaxaca. While much of the crime in Oaxaca (and Mexico in general) is confined to cartel-on-cartel violence, occasional violent robberies do take place.

Staying in Centro/Zócalo

The heart of Oaxaca, a.k.a. Zócalo, is where all the action is. Downtown Oaxaca is centered on the large historic square, the Zócalo (officially, Plaza de la Constitución) overlooked by the massive Oaxaca Cathedral. If it happens in Oaxaca, it happens here: fiestas, peaceful protests, craft markets, and more. The square is lined with souvenir stalls, though if you’re serious about shopping, it’s worth checking out the three markets a few blocks south of the Zócalo. Centro is a regular grid of narrow streets (some pedestrianized), lined with typical, brightly-painted, one- and two-story houses. In between the Zócalo plaza and Santo Domingo, you’ll find several excellent museums (Museum of Regional Textiles, Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art, Contemporary Art Museum), a handful of small art galleries with local art for purchase, and many places to eat, from traditional to distinctly international. Some of Oaxaca’s best hotels are here, and visitors are likely to spend much of their time exploring Centro.

Best Hotels in Centro

• Casa Antonieta • Casa De Sierra Azul • AYOOK

Staying in Santo Domingo

The northern half of Centro, Santo Domingo is arguably the most beautiful part of Oaxaca, with its cobbled streets and gorgeous architecture. This neighborhood has the best of everything: Oaxaca’s top sights (Santo Domingo Church, Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca in the cloisters attached to the church, the ethnobotanical garden filled with regional plants, etc), the city’s best bars, the most celebrated restaurants, and the best luxury and boutique hotels. Zócalo is just a few blocks south.

Best Hotels in Santo Domingo

• El Callejón • Pug Seal • Hotel La Casona de Tita • Quinta Real • Grana B&B • Boulenc Bed & Bread • NaNa Vida • Casa Carmen Morelos • Hotel Palacio Borghese

Staying in Barrio de Jalatlaco

A compact, tranquil neighborhood that grew around the 18th-century church of San Matías Jalatlaco. Just east of Centro, across the dry river bed, Barrio de Jalatlaco is filled with charming, cobbled streets, colorful single-story houses, family-run restaurants serving traditional Oaxacan dishes, and popular taco stands. Several hip coffee shops are a nod to the neighborhood’s recent gentrification. It’s a bit of art enclave as well with tons of of colorful street murals. Apart from that, Jalatlaco is light on attractions but is a mere 10-15 minute walk from sights in Centro and Santo Domingo.

Best Hotels in Barrio de Jalatlaco

• Los Pilares Hotel • Hotel Tabáa • Paraje La Huerta

Staying in Barrio de Xochimilco

North across the highway from Santo Domingo, Xochimilco was the original pre-Hispanic settlement that eventually grew into present-day Oaxaca. Traditional crafts still thrive here, and walking around the hilly, colorful streets, you’re likely to see family-run textile workshops and artisans at work. It’s a quiet and low-key neighborhood, with small, wallet-friendly eateries serving traditional fare. You can also buy fried grasshoppers and tamales at the Mercado de Pochote. There’s one notable sight here: an 18th-century aqueduct that rises high above the dry river bed that separates Xochimilco from Reforma to the east. Santo Domingo and its attractions are a 15-20 minute walk. Consider taking a taxi, especially in the hotter months.

Best Hotels in Barrio de Xochimilco

• Santa Cecilia • Suites Bello Xochimilco • Hotel La Cascada

Staying in Barrio de la Noria

There isn’t much to Barrio de la Noria, a compact, residential neighborhood just south of Centro, though if you’re looking for peace and quiet at night while being within an easy walk of Oaxaca’s main attractions, it makes a good base. There are a few low-key restaurants here, while the Zócalo is just a 10-15 minute walk away.

Best Hotel in Barrio de la Noria

• Azul Cielo Hostel

Staying in Reforma

If much of Oaxaca has a very distinctive vibe and look, Reforma could almost be anywhere. Younger than historic Oaxaca, this large, spread-out neighborhood north of the highway from Santo Domingo lacks Centro’s handsome architecture, though it does have the lion’s share of international restaurants and boutiques, wine stores, and other trappings of an affluent place to live. Some visitors prefer staying here, as it minimizes culture shock, while others feel it’s not ‘real Oaxaca’. Good dining, but no sights to speak of. Sights in Santo Domingo and Centro are a short taxi ride or 15-25 minute walk away.

Best Hotels in Reforma

• Casa los Cantaros • Suites Colibri

19 Best Hotels in Oaxaca

1. El Callejón – Santo Domingo

Stunning boutique hotel with generous accommodations, an open-air Oaxacan restaurant in a courtyard garden, and thoughtfully curated art and handicrafts from local and regional artists and artisans. Rooms, suites, and the casa fuse contemporary design with pre-Hispanic techniques and materials, including cactus mucilage and natural pigment from the soil. All have king-sized beds, many with private balconies or rooftop terraces, some with kitchens; the largest spreads over two floors and sleeps up to five guests. A Oaxacan-American breakfast is always included. Delightful location on border of Santo Domingo and Barrio de Xochimilco, an equal walking distance from the Aqueduct in the heart of Xochimilco and the Santo Domingo Church and sights in Centro.

2. Casa Antonieta – Centro

Romantic boutique hotel set in one of the oldest buildings in the city, a grand convent from the 16th century. Accommodations are arranged around a leafy, central courtyard with a café on the ground floor and a rooftop terrace serving light fare and drinks. Each room and suite is unique, but all offer king or queen-sized beds and locally-made textiles; two have private patios. Adults only. Pet friendly. Excellent location in Centro, just steps from the Zócalo, markets, and dining.

3. Pug Seal – Santo Domingo

Art-forward boutique hotel set in a colonial heritage building from the early 1800s. The hotel is filled with colorful murals depicting legends and scenes from Zapotec culture, plus fun touches like a pair of swings in the open-air courtyard. Rooms and suites vary in size and layout, but all have king-sized beds and free minibars, some with dual vanities, and three with private balconies. Two rooms here are wheelchair accessible with roll-in showers. The complimentary, a la carte breakfast is a highlight with Oaxacan, Mexican, and international recipes and a host of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Beautifully situated in Santo Domingo, about a 5-minute walk north to Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church and or south to the Zócalo.

4. Hotel La Casona de Tita – Santo Domingo

Intimate, upscale boutique hotel in a 19th-century hacienda with just six rooms, each decorated individually with antique and modern furniture, Oaxacan textiles, and original artwork. Rooms have one king or two double beds and sleep up to four guests. The Mezcal Room is wheelchair accessible. The hotel also has a two-bedroom apartment a short walk from the main building with a full kitchen, two patios, and a private parking garage. Service is friendly and attentive with staff waiting to organize tailor-made excursions and experiences. Complimentary breakfast is made fresh daily and is served in a sunny courtyard. Located in Santo Domingo, just a short walk from the church, gourmet restaurants, and delicious food stalls at La Cosecha Organic Market.

5. Quinta Real – Santo Domingo

Impeccable luxury hotel set in a 16th-century convent with carefully restored frescoes, well-tended gardens, and a pool. One restaurant and two bars serve a range of Mexican and international dishes, craft cocktails, and an extensive selection of mezcals. Rooms and suites have king or queen-size beds and colonial-style furniture fitting with the architecture. Rooms tend toward the cozy size; book a Gran Clase or Suite Gobernador for more space. With 91 rooms and suites, this is one of the largest hotels in the city center and a popular spot for weddings and events. Steps from Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church, photography exhibits at the Centro Fotografico, and Oaxaca’s best restaurants.

6. Hotel Hacienda Los Laureles – San Felipe del Agua

Polished boutique hotel nestled in the hills above Oaxaca, just five km from the city center. The early 1800s hacienda has a lush garden, pool, and a small spa with a temazcal. Its signature restaurant, Los Cipreses, serves a menu of Oaxacan, Mexican, and international favorites in a romantic setting. Rooms and suites have one king or two double beds and either a shared or private balcony or patio. The hotel operates as an adults-only property during high season (Day of the Dead through New Year’s and during the Guelaguetza Festival) and welcomes families the rest of the year. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood with a handful of restaurants within walking distance. Guests will need to rent a car or rely on taxis for stays here.

7. Grana B&B – Santo Domingo

Stylish bed and breakfast. This 18th-century building still has its original tiles and windows, while all decor was sourced from within Oaxaca state. A buffet breakfast is always included, along with twice-weekly yoga on the rooftop. An all-day bar offers wine, mezcal, local beer, and non-alcoholic refreshments. Sunny rooms and suites all have ceiling fans (in addition to air conditioning). The Loft adds a kitchenette; one King Suite has a private balcony. Wonderful, walkable location in Santo Domingo at leafy Labastida Park, where you’ll find a weekend art market, and less than a five-minute walk to the church and Ethnobotanical Garden.

8. Boulenc Bed & Bread – Santo Domingo

Cosmopolitan B&B that’s also one of Oaxaca’s culinary hotspots with an incredible artisanal bakery, a hip bar and restaurant, and a provisions shop. The complimentary breakfast is incredible, plus a tapas bar is included every evening on the rooftop. Curated gastronomy experiences include private mezcal tastings and jam-making workshops. Its seven adults-only rooms are on the smaller side, most with queen-sized beds, some with king beds, and some with balconies. Junior Suites are the largest (28 square meters) and have balconies. Ideal location in Centro, equidistant from Santo Domingo Church and the Zócalo.

9. NaNa Vida – Santo Domingo

Cheerful boutique hotel filled with vibrant murals, handwoven and hand-dyed textiles, and original paintings in each room – all made by Oaxacan artists and artisans. Rooms have one king or two double beds, all centered around a green garden courtyard. A continental breakfast is included; a main course can be added for an additional price. Excellent central location surrounded by fantastic restaurants, near the food stalls of Mercado de la Merced and Santo Domingo Church.

10. Casa de Sierra Azul – Centro

Sweet boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Set in a lovingly restored, colonial-era home, this hotel offers pet-friendly rooms for up to four guests with one king or two double beds, each with a private or shared terrace. Double-pane, soundproof windows are fitted in each room, a necessary step for a hotel this close to the Zócalo (just two blocks away, less than a 5-minute walk). Excellent, walkable location, but the hotel also offers free bicycles that make exploring the farther corners of the city a breeze.

11. Casa Carmen Morelos – Santo Domingo

Romantic, cozy hotel with just four suites set around a courtyard. The minimalistic design and toned-down furniture help to spotlight the fine art collection scattered throughout the property. Suites all have king-sized beds; Deluxe and Superior Suites add sofabeds and sleep up to three guests. Breakfast is included and features wonderful versions of Oaxacan favorites like chilaquiles and memelitas. Wonderful location in a quieter part of the historic center, just steps from the ornate, Baroque-style Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude and about a 10-minute walk to either Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church or the Zócalo and Oaxaca Cathedral.

12. Hotel Palacio Borghese – Santo Domingo

Refined, adults-only boutique hotel in a hacienda, home to an opulent courtyard and a rooftop sun terrace with spectacular city views. Spacious rooms and suites all have king-sized beds, jetted baths, and brocade tapestries; some add sofabeds. Thoughtful perks include free daily aguas frescas, welcome fruits, and complimentary wine on your last evening there. Continental breakfast is included with each booking, served to the courtyard, rooftop, or directly to the guest rooms. LGBT+-owned and friendly. Amazing spot just a block from Santo Domingo Church, surrounded by restaurants and fresh food markets.

13. AYOOK – Centro

Chic, adults-only boutique hotel with a cafe tucked away in a residential area at the west end of Centro. The stunning, contemporary property was rebuilt from an 18th-century house that was abandoned for over a hundred years. Most rooms are small (about 17 square meters) with queen or double beds. Rooms 6 and 12 are the largest at 37 square meters, both with minibars; Room 6 also has a private interior courtyard with a hammock. An a la carte breakfast is included with different choices each day.

14. Hotel Parador de Alcalá – Santo Domingo

Gorgeous boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, sun terrace, and a fab Oaxacan restaurant and bar in a grand courtyard (breakfast always included). Rooms and suites have high ceilings, marble bathrooms, and either one king or two double beds. About as centrally located as possible, right in between Santo Domingo Church and the Zócalo, on Calle Macedonio Alcalá, a pedestrianized street lined with shops and dining, a popular spot for calendas (traditional wedding parades).

15. Casa Los Cántaros – Reforma

Modern boutique hotel set in the understated Reforma neighborhood, near myriad restaurants and a handful of shopping malls. Facilities include a jewelry store and Oaxacan restaurant set in a leafy garden. Rooms and suites feature traditional terracotta floors and wrought iron and wood beds. Deluxe suites have two beds and more space.

16. Los Pilares – Barrio de Jalatlaco

The best hotel in Jalatlaco, Los Pilares boasts a vibrant rooftop hangout spot with a pool, jacuzzi, and dining. Cuisine is phenomenal at the restaurant, Intercambio Terraza, with a fusion of local, Italian, and international fare, paired with natural wines and craft cocktails. Rooms are all decorated individually with one king, one double, or two double beds, but all are about the same size and sleep two guests maximum. Fantastic location in colorful Barrio de Jalatlaco, surrounded by murals, cafés, and boutiques, and just a short walk to San Matías Church.

17. Hotel Azul – Santo Domingo

Cosmopolitan boutique hotel with an art gallery, an all-day cafe, rooftop craft cocktail bar, and a courtyard Oaxacan restaurant. Each room and suite was styled by a different artist along with an interior designer. All are unique but feature light woods, mid-century-inspired furnishings, and colorful tiles. Some suites have soaking tubs. Wonderful location in Santo Domingo near the church, Ethnobotanical Gardens, and Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca.

18. Santa Cecilia – Barrio de Xochimilco

Affordable hotel in historic Xochimilco, just steps away from the aqueduct. Most rooms have king or queen-sized beds for two; Quadruple Rooms have two double beds for four guests. Suites and some Double Rooms have balconies. A simple breakfast (fruit, bread, coffee, and tea) is available each morning on the rooftop terrace, and there is a small bar open throughout the day. Quiet location in a residential neighborhood with a handful of restaurants and cafés nearby. The main attractions of Centro are about a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride away.

19. PAN:AM Bed & Breakfast – Santo Domingo

Charming bed and breakfast just around the corner from Santo Domingo Church. Cozy rooms have red brick ceilings, tile floors, and minimalistic decor and either a double or two single beds. Oaxacan breakfast is complimentary daily in their open-air courtyard or on the covered terrace. Centrally located at Labastida Park with the city’s best dining, nightlife, and sights right at your feet. The street in front is a main thoroughfare for taxis, making it incredibly convenient to get around even to farther destinations.

Mexico › Cancún › Best Hotels
Updated: September 24, 2024

My Favorite Cancún Hotels
• 5-star: Atelier
• 4-star: Hyatt Ziva
• 3-star: Crown Paradise
• For families: Grand Residences
• For couples: Nizuc
• Best all-ages all-inclusive: Grand Fiesta Americana

Atelier is our pick for an all-inclusive resort for couples and honeymoons in Cancún.

Cancún Hotels – My Advice

• Cancún has some wonderful 5-star resorts that we love. But for smaller boutique hotels, we prefer to stay in Tulum and Isla Mujeres – two of my favorite beach destinations in Mexico.
• Booking.com – the best website (and best prices) for booking Cancún hotels.
• Our Favorite Luxury Hotels in Cancún: Atelier • Nizuc • Kempinski
• Our Favorite Boutique Hotel in Cancún: SLS Cancun
• Our Favorite Hotels for Honeymoon: Nizuc • Le Blanc
• Our Favorite Hotels for Families: Grand Residences • Grand Fiesta Americana • Garza Blanca
• The best places to stay in Cancún are Playa Mujeres (newest resorts on pristine beaches), Riviera Cancún (great beaches, family attractions, and cenotes – located just south of Cancún), Puerto Juárez (has a luxury mall, golf courses, and marinas – set between downtown, the Hotel Zone, and the ferry to Isla Mujeres) and the Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone is shaped like a number 7, running the length of Boulevard Kukulkan, and is divided into three areas: North (softest sand and gentlest surf, near nightlife), Middle (great beaches, near nightlife and aquatic activities), and South (quietest beaches, farthest from the nightlife and bars).
• Most activities, attractions, and tour operators in Cancún are located in the Hotel Zone. The best way to get around within the Hotel Zone or to get into downtown from there is by bus. Two bus lines serve the Hotel Zone, the R-1 and R-2, both with buses running every 2-3 minutes all day, every day. Bus stops along the main drag are abundant and clearly marked. Catch the bus on the beach side of the road to head toward downtown, or take the bus on the lagoon side of the road to head toward the airport. To catch a bus, simply flag it down from the bus stop. Bus fare is 12 pesos (about $0.60 USD). Passengers are issued tickets for proof of purchase in the odd chance of inspection, but the tickets cannot be used to transfer to another bus. If you exit one bus and catch another, you must purchase an additional ticket. Bus drivers carry change for those paying in pesos. Passengers may also pay in US dollars, but the rate is higher at $1 per person, rather than $0.60, and no change is given. Bus stops do not have names and are not announced. Keep an eye out for your destination, or follow along on your phone’s GPS. To request a stop, move to the rear of the bus and press the red button near the exit or simply shout “Alto!”


Garza Blanca is a wonderful all-inclusive resort for family vacations in Cancún.

Cancún Hotel Map

Hotels on Map: Majestic Elegance • Secrets Playa Mujeres • Dreams Golf & Spa • Atelier • Garza Blanca • Moon Palace The Grand • Azul • Dreams Jade • Grand Residences • Dreams Vista • SLS • Breathless • Riu Palace • InterContinental • Dreams Sands • Grand Fiesta Americana • Hyatt Ziva • Le Blanc • Wyndham Alltra • Hyatt Zilara • Live Aqua • Kempinski • Sandos • Secrets the Vine • Hard Rock • JW Marriott • Marriott Resort • Fiesta Americana • Wyndham Grand • Iberostar • Crown Paradise • Sun Palace • Nizuc

The 33 Best Hotels in Cancún

1. Atelier – Playa Mujeres

All-suite, all-inclusive resort with a romantic atmosphere set on a Blue Flag beach. Luxe facilities include a lavish spa with a hydrotherapy circuit, 13 excellent restaurants, and two pools (heated seasonally). Top-tier Inspira Suites include access to two additional pools, an exclusive serviced zone on the resort’s beach, butler service, and more. Complimentary, daily activities highlight Mexican traditions, like Huichol art classes, clay workshops, tequila tastings, and flower art. Suites are all spacious, beginning at 59 square meters, and include private balconies; some have private pools or access to a semi-private, sharing pool. The resort is open to guests 16 years and up.

2. Nizuc Resort and Spa – South Hotel Zone

The most stylish resort in Cancún, Nizuc features five pools, sumptuous dining, and a Maya-inspired hydrotherapy spa. Rooms, suites, and villas are all generously-sized with private balconies; some add outdoor showers, soaking tubs, or private plunge pools. Ocean Junior Suites are adults-only (there’s also an adults-only pool and restaurant). Dining and drinks are top tier, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a wide range of cuisines from contemporary Mexican to Mediterranean to pan-Asian. La Havana features cigars hand-rolled onsite and paired with Caribbean rums. The kids’ club is well-loved with a caring staff, crafts, activities, beach toys, and its own pool. Located on Nizuc Beach, the quietest beach at the tail end of the Hotel Zone, with tame water, white sand, and a reef filled with colorful fish, perfect for first-time snorkelers.

3. Kempinski Hotel Cancún – Middle Hotel Zone

Refined, family-friendly, beach resort boasting some of Cancún’s best restaurants, along with two oceanfront pools and a tranquil spa. Dining is at the forefront with a five-diamond restaurant serving sophisticated dishes with local flair, as well as romantic beachfront dining in private cabanas. An immersive kids clubs offer a range of cultural, crafty, and culinary activities all day, with night safari activities on Fridays and Saturdays. A teens club and game room serves older kids. Rooms and suites all include balconies, soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Some add private pools, outdoor Jacuzzis, or club-level perks. The Grand sits on a glorious stretch of white sand, with crystal blue waters perfect for swimming.

4. Grand Residences – Riviera Cancún

Luxury, family-friendly, all-suite resort on a white sand beach with an oceanfront infinity pool, customized service, and thoughtful amenities, such as round-trip airport transfer included in the rates. Especially great for larger families, their spacious suites can have up to four bedrooms and sleep up to thirteen guests, with a combination of king, double, and Murphy beds. All units come with kitchenettes and whirlpool tubs, while many others add washers and dryers, outdoor Jacuzzis, private pools, and butler service. Family amenities include an amazing kids’ club with sports, activities, and crafts; plus bike tours, craft workshops, and adult amenities like mixology classes and a full-service spa. Guests can choose the all-inclusive, daily breakfast, or European plan to customize their stay. The beach is gorgeous, though rocky and coral-y in some spots, and swimmable, though surf is sometimes strong.

5. Le Blanc Spa Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

Wellness-focused, adults-only, all-inclusive Le Blanc offers three pools, indulgent suites, and exceptional dining. Its grand spa showcases a comprehensive hydrotherapy circuit (free for all guests), couples packages, and holistic body treatments. The relaxation theme continues with double whirlpool tubs, aromatherapy, pillow menus, and butler service included in all rooms and suites. Restaurants are superb with fine and casual dining spotlighting a variety of world cuisines, along with creative cocktails at the bars and onsite nightclub, and an extensive wine selection. Its resort credits program allows guests to customize their all-inclusive experience with excursions, romantic beach dinners, spa services, and more. Though only a ten-minute walk to Cancún’s famous nightlife, their particular stretch of beach is tranquil and well cared for, raked and cleaned daily, with ideal swimming and turquoise water.

6. JW Marriott Resort & Spa – Middle Hotel Zone

Posh, family-friendly, beachfront resort with three interconnected pools, including a scuba pool with a built-in reef and dive lessons onsite. Rooms and one-bedroom suites are large and well-appointed, all with private balconies, soaking tubs, and dual vanities; connecting rooms are available. Their massive, three-story spa offers Mayan-inspired treatments for the whole family in a tranquil space. Dining is excellent, though not particularly adventurous, from their stellar, four-diamond Italian restaurant to their casual Southwestern grill. Guests also have access to the restaurants and kids’ club at their sister property, Marriott Cancun Resort, right next door. The beach here is wide, with plenty of loungers under shady palapas, attentive food and drink service, and the waves are just right for bobbing and body surfing.

7. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach – North Hotel Zone

Located on one of Cancún’s best beaches, this upscale, family-friendly, all-suite resort boasts an enormous, free-form pool, extensive spa, and award-winning dining. Most suites are junior or master suites, all with balconies and ocean views; masters add jetted tubs and more space. Presidential and Governor Suites are the largest, with one and two bedrooms; the Presidential suite features a rooftop plunge pool and full kitchen. Five-diamond Le Basilic and four-diamond La Joya, serving French and Mexican fine dining, are the culinary highlights, though all restaurants here are superb. The spa is a palatial, three-story haven with expert massage and a hydrocircuit that’s complimentary for hotel guests. Open for ages three through twelve, the kids club offers unique amenities like a water park, a theater with costumes, a game room, and a night camp. The Grand Fiesta sits in a protected cove just to the inside of Punta Cancún, with the finest white sand and calm, turquoise water nearly as flat as a pool.

8. Secrets the Vine – Middle Hotel Zone

Beach-chic, adults-only, all-inclusive resort with four dazzling pools, a spa, and phenomenal foods. The Vine stands out for its unique wine concept, with a huge wine cellar (over 4500 to choose from!), wine-based spa treatments, and wine tastings three times a day guided by a knowledgeable sommelier. Rooms have private balconies and connecting options; suites range from junior to two bedrooms, many with soaking tubs. The club-level upgrade grants access to an additional infinity pool, private lounge, and rooms on the highest floors with the best views. Restaurants are exceptional, with a great variety of cuisines all with optional wine pairings. Located on a heavenly beach, clean and well-maintained, with shallow turquoise water.

9. Garza Blanca – Playa Mujeres

Beachfront, kid-friendly resort with the option of booking an all-inclusive or European-plan stay. Families can enjoy connecting rooms with full kitchens and washer/dryer sets, plus a carousel, kids club with all-day activities, family packages with baby gear or kids amenities, and other fun perks; nanny service is on offer for a fee. Onsite, guests will find seven heated pools, a slew of international and Mexican restaurants, and a full-service spa with hydrotherapy. Suites, lofts, and residences are roomy, ranging from 54 to 495 square meters, many with semi-private sharing pools, private jacuzzis, or private plunge pools. Gorgeous beach setting in Playa Mujeres near Punta Sam and the ferry to Isla Mujeres.

10. Hyatt Ziva Cancún – North Hotel Zone

Contemporary, family-friendly, all-inclusive hotel with dolphins, three infinity pools, and a microbrewery. Hyatt Ziva has a range of room and suite types, whether oceanfront, dolphin view, or swim-up, some with soaking tubs or club-level perks. The new Turquoize wing is adults-only, with outdoor Jacuzzis, butler service, and free access to the spa hydrocircuit. Family amenities include a kids’ club with a mini-water park, a climbing pyramid in the ocean, and dolphin swims. Restaurants and bars offer international flavors and creative cocktails with a 24-hour lounge and room service. Located in a protected cove next to the Punta Cancún lighthouse, the sand is super soft here and the surf is particularly mild, ideal for beginning swimmers.

11. Sun Palace – South Hotel Zone

Romantic, couples-only, all-inclusive on a quiet beach, with three infinity pools (one of them covered), a hydrotherapy spa, and incredible food and drinks. Décor is sleek and understated luxury with 96% of accommodations boasting ocean views. Rooms and suites all feature a double whirlpool tub, a private balcony, a liquor dispenser, and a welcome bottle of wine. Concierge-level upgrades add a candlelight dinner, couples’ massage, pillow menu, and aromatherapy. Restaurants are all on point, with the pan-Asian and steakhouse being the standouts. Their resort credits can be used for any number of things, from Maya ruins and colonial village excursions to spa days or dolphin encounters. Sun Palace is located on a relaxing beach in the south end with soft sand, clear water, and very few vendors.

12. Live Aqua Beach Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

Lavish, adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a focus on re-awakening the senses through gorgeous views, bold dining, music, massage, and aromatherapy throughout the resort. Water has the spotlight here, with a tranquil beach, seven shimmering pools, and hydro-reflexology in the spa. Gastronomy is a close second, with regionally-inspired cocktails and indulgent dining in a range of styles and flavors, from molecular gastronomy served al fresco to Asian fusion served in a shady jungle garden. Guests are greeted with a welcome hand massage, and pool cabana rates include a foot massage. Daily live music is performed poolside and throughout the resort, with DJs every night at Egos Bar. Live Aqua sits on a broad stretch of white sand beach with warm, clear water and moderate waves.

13. Hyatt Zilara Cancún – Middle Hotel Zone

Hacienda-style, adults-only, all-inclusive resort on a broad, ivory beach with perfectly turquoise waters. Service is extraordinary here, with all staff consistently going above and beyond to create memorable experiences for guests. Rooms and suites all offer private balconies, double whirlpool tubs, a liquor dispenser, and a “magic box” for room service delivery. The grounds house an immaculate infinity pool overlooking the beach, plus a rooftop lap pool and a spa with a menu of Maya treatments, ceremonies, and a temazcal. Food and drinks are rich and flavorful; guests in oceanfront category rooms and above have access to exclusive dining at the Chef’s Plate, featuring a different menu every evening. With weekly pool parties, cocktail classes, wine and tequila tastings, and show cooking, guests have plenty of activities to indulge in, if they can bear to part from the beach.

14. Majestic Elegance – Playa Mujeres

Stylish, all-suite, all-inclusive resort on a gorgeous beach in exclusive Playa Mujeres. 70% of accommodations are for adults only (18+), while the rest are family-friendly for all ages. Suites sleep two to four guests, all with private outdoor jacuzzis or private plunge pools. A few have outdoor jacuzzis plus swim-out access to the main pool or a semi-private sharing pool. The seven gourmet restaurants (six are a la carte) here serve everything from French to Japanese and are accompanied by 13 cocktail bars and 24-hour room service. Facility highlights include a total of twelve pools (some adults-only, one kids-only), a cenote-inspired spa, and both kids’ and teens’ clubs.

15. Riu Palace Peninsula – North Hotel Zone

Glitzy, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with five pools (one exclusively for villa guests), a wide range of suites, plus phenomenal activities for kids and families. Suites all include private balconies, soaking tubs, and liquor dispensers; some add Jacuzzis, and others are adults-only. There is a small kids’ club for ages four through twelve, with supervised pool and beach activities; for families and older kids, they offer art workshops, with classes in painting and ceramics, a free scuba lesson in the pool, nightly theater and entertainment, and non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and catamarans. Food is delicious, with a good mix of a la carte restaurants (Mexican, French, Japanese, and more) along with high-end buffets serving lobster. Service at all restaurants and bars is prompt and attentive. The beach is just barely rockier than some of the other Cancún beaches, but it is still gorgeous with soft sand, turquoise water, and just enough gentle surf to keep it interesting.

16. SLS Cancun – Puerto Juárez

The best boutique hotel in Cancún. Each of the 45 spacious suites has a walk-in shower and dual vanities in the bathroom. Most have private balconies with ocean views; top-tier suites add soaking tubs. Onsite find an infinity pool, a lively beach club, an Argentine-Mexican fusion restaurant, and a spa with a hydrotherapy circuit. Free perks include weekly cocktail-making classes and a free shuttle to the main beach in Puerto Cancún. Cooking classes, wine/tequila tastings, and private yacht trips are on offer for a fee. Exclusive location inside a gated community in the luxury development of Puerto Cancún in the Puerto Juárez neighborhood. The luxury mall Marina Puerto Cancún is only 800 meters away, the nearest golf course is only 850 meters away, and the ferry to Isla Mujeres is less than two kilometers away.

17. Dreams Vista – Puerto Juárez

Family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with a water park, two surf pools, and three heated swimming pools set on a small, sandy beach. A whopping 80% of rooms and suites have connecting options. All have one king or two queen beds, ocean views, and a private, furnished balcony. Honeymoon Suites add deep soaking tubs; some Preferred Club Suites have private, outdoor, heated plunge pools. Club-level suites also grant access to two more pools and a private section of the beach, along with other perks. A kids club and a teen club keep younger guests entertained, while adults-only areas offer calm, romantic spaces for couples. Gourmet dining and a luxury spa complete the package here. Idyllic location in a gated community in Puerto Juárez, near the ferry to Isla Mujeres and less than two kilometers from a golf course and luxury mall.

18. InterContinental Presidente Resort – North Hotel Zone

Sitting on the single best beach in Cancún, this classic luxury resort offers two pools (one adults-only) and a spa with hydrotherapy and Maya-inspired treatments. The beach is the main attraction here: wide and clean, no seaweed, powdery-fine sand, and water so blue it looks like it’s been dyed that way. Dining is exceptional, especially the breakfasts at Café Urbano and the beachside service at Le Cap Beach Club. Rooms and one-bedroom suites are contemporary and well-appointed; club-level upgrades add balconies, soaking tubs, and exclusive lounge access. Though this is a family-friendly hotel with a kids’ club and playground, the vibe here is very low-key and relaxed. Its location makes this resort a great home base for exploring downtown Cancún’s restaurants and attractions or for exploring the uptown nightlife district.

19. Marriott Resort – Middle Hotel Zone

A beachfront paradise, this family-friendly, luxury resort features a hacienda-style design blended with traditional and contemporary Mexican décor. Its large infinity pool features a whirlpool front and center, overlooking the brilliant blue sea. Rooms and one-bedroom suites vary by size and view, but all feature a private balcony; connecting rooms are available. The Presidential Suite adds a second balcony and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Their popular kids’ club hosts children ages four to twelve during daylight hours with a pool and plenty of activities. Dining and drinks are fantastic and varied, with restaurants specializing in Japanese, Polynesian, pizza, and more. Located on a wide, white stretch of swimmable beach with moderate waves, served by the attentive staff at Bahia.

20. Hard Rock Hotel – Middle Hotel Zone

Flashy, all-inclusive, rock-themed resort with fun amenities for families and couples. This lively property shows off with a huge cascading infinity pools, three whirlpools, and a comprehensive spa. Their signature Sound of Your Stay experience offers loaner guitars, mixing stations, record players, and access to a recording studio – all complimentary. Anyone over 12 years has access to the Music Lab, with professional instrument, DJ, and vocal lessons; culminating in a live performance at the end of their stay. All rooms have a private balcony and two-person Jacuzzi tub; suites are all two-bedroom, and Family Suites add a kids’ minibar and Xbox. Couples should consider upgrading to Rock Royalty level to gain access to the adults-only pool on the third floor, complimentary couples’ massage, and a personal assistant. The beach here is gorgeous with brilliant blue water and attentive service.

21. Breathless Cancun Soul – North Hotel Zone

Adults-only, all-inclusive hotel on the beach with two whimsical pools, all with swim-up bars. This playful party hotel offers a host of activities day and night, such as DJed pool parties, karaoke nights, beachfront white parties, tequila tastings, and more. All suites have one king or two double beds, a private balcony, and dual vanities in the bathrooms. Club-level suites add perks, including a private outdoor jacuzzi, complimentary use of the hydrotherapy circuit in the spa, an exclusive lounge, and access to a third swimming pool on the rooftop. Restaurants offer various menus, ranging from pan-Asian to Mediterranean/Middle Eastern and more. The beach here provides stunning blue water, soft sand, and gentle waves, but the hotel’s private area is small, and much of the public beach space gets taken over by outside families with children.

22. Fiesta Americana Condesa – Middle Hotel Zone

With a focus on Mexican hospitality, this family-friendly, beachfront, all-inclusive offers an upscale experience paired with a uniquely local vibe. Over half of the restaurants offer delightful, regional, Mexican fare on their menus, alongside several international restaurants. The spa uses Mexican products in all of their treatments. Décor features Mexican embellished tile, stonework floors, and palapa roofs property-wide. The kids’ club offers creative activities all day, as well as a pirate-themed pool, while the teens’ club features video games, billiards, and outdoor sports. Onsite activities include Maya language classes, Maya astrology, and tequila tasting. Room options are varied, from standard up to a two-bedroom suite with attached studio; some suites feature sofa beds and terrace Jacuzzis; the Presidential adds a full kitchen. The beach is beautiful with perfect white sand and medium surf; it might be a little much for beginners, but it is swimmable for those more experienced.

23. Wyndham Grand – Middle Hotel Zone

Located on a truly exceptional beach, the all-inclusive, family-friendly Wyndham Grand offers an impressive selection of accommodations and fantastic activities. Spacious rooms, one- and two-bedroom suites, and huge villas all feature private balconies, some with jetted tubs, Presidential with a full kitchen. Larger families will appreciate the villas with three bedrooms and three bathrooms spread over three stories, plus a full kitchen and direct pool access. The grounds boast three cascading pools (one for kids), one mega hot tub for up to 35 guests, several small hot tubs, and a full-service spa and salon. There is a small kids’ club here for ages five to twelve. Their perfectly swimmable beach showcases breathtaking turquoise waves, clean white sand, and an absence of rocks, reefs, and barriers.

24. Moon Palace The Grand – Riviera Cancun

Huge, all-inclusive, family-centric resort featuring an awesome water park, kids’ and teens’ clubs, and comprehensive kid and family amenities. All suites include a two-person jetted tub, private balcony, and hammock; Grand Family suites are double-sized with one king and two double beds, a kids’ minibar, and an Xbox 360. The grounds feature two pools, a lazy river, FlowRider, and a bowling alley. The kids’ club is expansive with a splash pad, black light mini-golf, bumper cars, and much more. Parents will find plenty of adults-only areas, including a nightclub, day club, pool, and a French restaurant. Their resort credits program covers amazing family excursions, dolphin swims, spa days, and more. The beach has recently been renovated with excellent views and service, but it is not swimmable; for a more traditional beach experience, guests may use their all-inclusive privileges at their sister property Beach Palace.

25. Wyndham Alltra – Middle Hotel Zone

With a water park, a splash zone, and kids’ and teens’ clubs, Wyndham Alltra is ideal for a carefree, family beach vacation. Family suites have one king-sized bed, bunk beds, and a trundle bed to sleep up to five (two adults and three children). One-Bedroom Master Suites and the Presidential Suite sleep up to four and offer more privacy with separate rooms. All suites offer private balconies, some with access to a semi-private sharing pool. Top-tier suites have private, outdoor jacuzzis. The culinary program centers on crowd-pleasing favorites, like Italian, pan-Asian, Mexican, and an international buffet; room service is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Guests will also find two pools, a wellness center, and fun activities onsite throughout the day. Great location in the heart of the Hotel Zone on a long, wide, sandy beach not too far from La Isla luxury mall.

26. Dreams Jade Resort & Spa – Riviera Cancun

This five-star, family-friendly, all-inclusive offers large suites and excellent kids amenities on a gorgeous beach next to a dolphinarium. Light-filled suites come in several styles, beginning at 65 square meters, all with private balconies and either indoor or outdoor Jacuzzis. The resort houses two free-form infinity pools, with the adult pool accessible with club-level upgrades. Their kids’ club is open all day to children ages three to twelve, with a host of activities, arts, and adventures; the teens’ club features breakdancing lessons, video games, and more. Dining and drinks are fantastic and varied, with sixteen restaurants and bars to choose from. The beach is beautiful, albeit a little rocky and sometimes rough; walk just five minutes south along the beach, though, and you’ll find better swimming.

27. Sandos Cancun – Middle Hotel Zone

Beachfront, four-diamond, all-inclusive hotel with three infinity pools, delicious restaurants, and an amazing music program. Accommodations here are unique for Cancún with windows in every unit facing both the ocean and the lagoon, so that all guests may experience sunrise and sunset views from their rooms. Each room features a soaking tub, welcome wine, and floor-to-ceiling windows, most with one or two balconies; one- and two-bedroom suites add kitchenettes. Their Rhythm Experience music program offers live music and DJs, with a different genre featured daily; at night the music moves to the bars, with Bar One for a relaxing ambiance and Bar Two for a lively party. Food here is superbly prepared with fresh ingredients, with Gaijin Japanese and Zango international buffet the most popular of the restaurant options. Though there is no dedicated Mexican restaurant onsite, St. Trop has several Caribbean Mexican options on the menu. The beach is clean and well-maintained with crystal clear water, though waves can be a little rough at times.

28. Iberostar Selection – Middle Hotel Zone

Upscale, all-inclusive resort on a wide, sandy beach and directly across from a 150-acre competition golf course. Great for mixed groups with a romantic, adults-only wing as well as family-centric spaces with a kids club, kids pool, and playground. Rooms, suites, and villas offer a variety of layouts and amenities, many with private, furnished balconies and ocean views. Some have private jacuzzis, plunge pools, or access to semi-private sharing pools. Of course, there are several beachfront pools open to all guests, a full-service spa with a hydromassage pool, and a host of buffet and a la carte restaurants to suit all tastes.

29. Secrets Golf & Spa Resort – Playa Mujeres

This gem of a resort, located on a vast beach, offers an exquisite all-inclusive, adults-only experience. Amply-sized junior and one-bedroom suites include hydro-spa tubs and balconies, some with swim-up access or private plunge pools. Club-level upgrades add a day pass to the spa hydrotherapy circuit, lounge access, pillow menu, and an exclusive a la carte daily breakfast. Grounds include a huge free-form pool (actually three pools really close together), while the beach offers snorkel gear, catamarans, paddleboards, and a swing set bar. The beach itself is long, with soft sand, no rocks, calm water, and intense turquoise colors.

30. Dreams Golf & Spa Resort – Playa Mujeres

New, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with dolphins and exceptional kids’ and teens’ amenities on a quiet beach. Suites and villas are all large and feature private balconies and sofa beds; options include swim-ups, private pools, outdoor Jacuzzis, and two-person whirlpool tubs. Upgrade to Club Level for access to the lazy river, complimentary hydrotherapy, and access to a private lounge. The kids’ club hosts weekly camping, along with daily activities and a small water park; the teens’ club is open until 1 a.m. and features dance nights, video games, rock climbing, weekly bonfires, and more. Dolphin swims, a stellar full-service spa, and an 18-hole golf course are excellent add-on perks. The beach has soft sand and gentle waves, thanks to nearby Isla Mujeres acting as a buffer.

31. Dreams Sands – North Hotel Zone

Luxury all-inclusive on a gorgeous beach with soft, white sand. Five-star facilities include a holistic spa and salon, fine and casual restaurants (plus 24-hour room service), and four sparkling pools – the main pool is heated in winter and has a swim-up bar. Rooms and suites have one king or two queen beds, some with private balconies. Families can enjoy spacious suites or connecting rooms, a kids club, and beachfront camping adventures. The entertainment program features nightly shows, outdoor movies, theme nights, and much more. Great location in the North Hotel Zone, just steps from many of Cancún’s best restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.

32. Azul Beach Resort – Riviera Cancun

High-end, family-friendly resort with six pools, a lazy river, excellent kids’ amenities, and private balconies and indoor Jacuzzis for every room type. Suites range from junior to two-bedroom, some with full kitchens and butler service; family suites have two sofa beds. Kids have a Nickelodeon-themed club with character visits, a splash pad and pool, gymnastics, and more. Teens have a designated lounge with a pool table, air hockey, and outdoor activities. Couples and honeymooners enjoy plenty of adults-only spaces in a dedicated wing with its own pool and swim-up suites, plus several bars, and Le Chique, their renowned five-diamond restaurant, serving Mexican molecular gastronomy. The beach here is beautiful and well-maintained, though not vivid turquoise of Cancún and further south in the Riviera Maya. Though a little rockier here, it is still swimmable with calm waves and good snorkeling.

33. Crown Paradise Club – South Hotel Zone

Beachfront, family-friendly, all-inclusive with kids amenities for all age groups and five pools, including one adults-only pool and one covered pool. Rooms and suites come with balconies, many with soaking tubs. Family Suites have king beds plus triple bunk beds. Club-level upgrades add Jacuzzis (indoor or outdoor) and a lagoon cruise. Their Baby Club hosts tots from eighteen months up to three years old, with story times and a playroom; a Kids’ Club for ages three to twelve has a pirate ship pool, a castle with nine waterslides, and plenty of activities. Older kids and families have access to a small waterpark, billiards, video games, and mini-golf. The beach here has plenty of shaded loungers, stunning white sand, and bright blue water with moderate surf.

Cancún’s Hotel Zone

Most hotels and resorts in Cancún are located in the Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone is about a 22 km strip on Boulevard Kukulkan shaped like a number 7, jutting out into the water dues east of Downtown Cancún then turning south to rejoin the mainland. This long island strip of beach is bound to the north and east by the Caribbean, with the interior portion taken up by the Nichupte Lagoon. Resorts line the northern and eastern beaches, while the restaurants, malls, and attractions sit along the lagoon side of the road.

The Hotel Zone is roughly divided into three sections identified by their kilometer markers: The North (km 1-9, this is the horizontal portion making up the top of the 7, from the edge of Downtown in the west to Punta Cancún in the east), The Middle (km 9.5-17.5, beginning at the elbow of the 7, from Punta Cancún running south, just past Museo Maya), and the South (km 18-21.5, from El Rey archeological zone to Punta Nizuc at the southernmost tip).

Staying in the North Hotel Zone

The North (also called the “beginning”) of the Hotel Zone has the softest sand and the most pristine beaches. Unlike the rest of the Hotel Zone, the northernmost portion is partially protected from hurricanes by Isla Mujeres to the northeast and the horn of Punta Cancún to the east. Because it is shielded in this way, it still has its original sand, worn smooth and powdery over the years. In contrast, the rest of the Hotel Zone has lost its sand to recent hurricanes and had to have new sand trucked in from afar to rebuild its beaches. The North Hotel Zone’s prized location also shields it from the seaweed that tends to collect in the Middle and South Hotel Zones. The North is the closest part of the Hotel Zone to downtown’s amazing restaurants and cultural attractions like Market 28 and lucha libre at the Cancún Arena. It’s also just a short distance from the Uptown Cancún nightlife in Punta Cancún. With such proximity to dining, bars, and attractions, the North Hotel Zone is ideal for guests who opt not to stay in an all-inclusive.

The Best Hotels in the North Hotel Zone

• Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
• Hyatt Ziva
• Riu Palace Peninsula
• InterContinental Presidente
• Breathless Cancun Soul
• Dreams Sands

Staying in the Middle Hotel Zone

The Middle of the Hotel Zone is where the action is. Uptown Cancún and its famous nightlife is located here in Punta Cancún. Travelers will find a cluster of nightclubs and bars, the best known being Coco Bongo, Mandala, and La Vaquita, though The City and Congo Bar are the best-loved night spots. Follow the main drag south to find Cancún’s most popular family attractions, including Aquaworld, Museo Maya, and MUSA, the underwater museum. Beaches here are not as soft as those in the North Hotel Zone, and the waves tend to be a little bigger. But this is the nesting spot for local sea turtles, which come ashore every night from May through October to lay eggs. Baby turtles hatch and are released into the ocean from July through December. Most hotels in the Middle Hotel Zone have designated areas to protect the eggs from predators. Guests are invited to watch the adult turtles making their nests every night or to watch as the babies are released later in the season.

The Best Hotels in the Middle Hotel Zone

• Kempinski Hotel Cancún
• Le Blanc Spa Resort
• JW Marriott Resort & Spa
• Secrets the Vine
• Live Aqua Beach Resort
• Hyatt Zilara
• Marriott Resort

Staying in the South Hotel Zone

The South Hotel Zone, sometimes called the End of the Hotel Zone, begins at El Rey Ruins in the north and ends at Punta Nizuc in the south. It’s much quieter than the North or Middle, while still being highly accessible to all that the city has to offer. Travelers here will find the most relaxed beaches with fewer vendors interrupting their tranquil moments. Beach quality here is similar to that of the Middle, with moderate surf, soft white sand (though slightly coarser than that of the North), and lots of sea turtle activity. There is generally better snorkeling in the South Hotel Zone, especially at the southernmost end toward Punta Nizuc. Most resorts in this area are all-inclusive, and the immediate area only has a handful of restaurants. This is an ideal spot for travelers who want a relaxed getaway without straying too far from the conveniences of the city.

The Best Hotels in the South Hotel Zone

• Nizuc Resort and Spa
• Sun Palace
• Iberostar Selection
• Crown Paradise Club

Staying in Riviera Cancún

The Riviera Cancún is the northernmost part of the Riviera Maya, just south of Cancún, down about as far as Puerto Morelos. It is fronted by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which follows the coastline from Cancún all the way down to Guatemala. The Riviera Cancún is home to some of the largest all-inclusive resorts. Most of these sit on long stretches of beach protected by the reef, making for mostly gentle waves. Beaches here tend to be a mix of mostly white sand, with some rocky and coral parts. The sandy areas are great for swimming and body surfing with moderate waves, while the rocky and coral areas usually have great conditions for snorkeling, with a variety of colorful fish. The resort beaches here are nearly private with no vendors because they’re not within walking distance to anything. Near Puerto Morales, travelers will find a botanical garden, Croco Cun Zoo, several refreshing cenotes just inland, and many adventure parks a little further south.

The Best Hotels in Riviera Cancún

• Grand Residences
• Moon Palace The Grand
• Dreams Jade Resort & Spa
• Azul Beach Resort

Staying in Playa Mujeres/Costa Mujeres

Playa Mujeres, AKA Costa Mujeres, sits in the north end of Cancún, due west of Isla Mujeres and north of the main ferry terminals, Puerto Juárez and Gran Puerto. This is the newest resort development area in Cancún (the oldest hotel here opened in 2007). This area is designed expressly for leisure, mostly made up of resorts, beaches, and golf courses. Playa Mujeres is more accessible to the city and attractions than Riviera Cancún, but since it is so new, there are not many restaurants serving the area. This is the closest point in Cancún to Isla Mujeres; travelers wishing to visit the island can leave from the smaller Punta Sam ferry. The beaches of Playa Mujeres have soft white sand, vivid blue water, and gentle waves, thanks to Isla Mujeres acting as a shield. Isla Mujeres blocks much of the seaweed coming in from the ocean. Still, most resorts in the area hire sweepers to clean the beaches twice a day.

The Best Hotels in Playa Mujeres

• Atelier
• Garza Blanca
• Majestic Elegance
• Dreams Golf & Spa Resort
• Secrets Golf & Spa Resort

Staying in Puerto Juárez

Once the main population center of the area before Cancún was established as a city, Puerto Juárez has a fantastic location. This neighborhood sits between downtown and the North Hotel Zone and is home to the ferry to Isla Mujeres. Visitors here will find a golf course, marinas, and a luxury mall, Puerto Cancún, with both land and water access to its shops. Hotels, condos, and restaurants on the beach mostly fall into the luxury category, but head just a tad inland to find affordable, traditional restaurants and places to stay. Though there is plenty of beachfront here, the sand isn’t as thick and white, and the water isn’t as radiantly blue as in the Hotel Zone. Still, this is a wonderful place to stay to see the more authentic side of Cancún, while still being close to the water.

The Best Hotels in Puerto Juárez

• SLS Cancun
• Dreams Vista

Read More

• Cancún Family Hotels
• Cancún Cheap Hotels
• Cancún Airport Hotels
• Where to Stay in Cancún
• Best Things to Do in Cancún
• Best Time to Visit Cancún

Mexico › Tulum › Best Hotels
Updated: September 3, 2024

My Favorite Tulum Hotels
• 5-star: Jashita • Mezzanine
• 4-star: La Valise • La Zebra
• For families: La Zebra
• For couples: Jashita
• New Hotel: Bespoke

The rooftop pool with an ocean view at from Jashita Hotel in Tulum. A second pool is on their private beach.

Tulum Hotels – Tips & Recommendations

• Where to Stay in Tulum: The two main choices are staying on the beach or staying in the pueblo (town). For us, the beach is the main attraction. We prefer to stay at a hotel on the beach and travel into town some evenings for dinner and nightlife. The beach and the pueblo are only five kilometers apart, so staying in one place and enjoying the other is not difficult. But if you are relying on taxis to get around, it can be expensive. Expect to pay at least 500 pesos (25 USD) for a one-way ride between the pueblo and the nearest beach. To taxi from the south end of the beach to the north end, where the Maya ruins are, expect to pay anywhere from 500 to 1000 pesos one-way.
• Best Luxury Hotels in Tulum
  Jashita • Mezzanine • La Valise • Shibari • Casa Malca
• Best Hotels for Families in Tulum
  La Zebra (luxury) • Nômade (luxury) • Sueños (midrange)
• Best Hotels for Couples in Tulum
  Jashita • Mezzanine • La Valise • Shibari
• Best Midrange Hotel in Tulum
  Sueños
• Best Hotels in Tulum Pueblo
  Una Vida • Bardo
• Most hotels in Tulum are small – many have fewer than 10 rooms. We recommend booking hotels four to six months in advance for luxury accommodations in Tulum. December through March are the busiest months, so definitely reserve far in advance if traveling during the high season.
• The past few years have seen a major increase in seaweed (sargassum) washing ashore in Tulum. Seaweed is worst during the hot summer months and during hurricane season. The best months for avoiding seaweed are December, January, and February. The worst months are July and August. Fortunately, there are plenty of cenotes (natural swimming holes fed by underground rivers) in and around Tulum for a unique, refreshing alternative to swimming at the beach. One hotel, Shibari even has its own private cenote onsite.
• Don’t use a travel agency. You’ll get better rates at better hotels by booking on your own (through a booking website or by contacting the hotel directly).
• Our favorite restaurants in Tulum: Arca (upscale Maya-Mexican, best restaurant in the beach zone) • Negro Huitlacoxe (Contemporary, creative Mexican menu, best in the Pueblo) • Raw Love (best vegan food on the beach) • Taqueria Honorio (best tacos in Tulum)

Tulum Hotel Map

Hotels on Map: Jashita • O’ Tulum • Hotel Mereva • Alea • Nerea • Conrad • Hilton • Bespoke • Bardo • Una Vida • Hotel Milam • Hotel Tiki Tiki • Holistika • Naay • Secrets • Kimpton Aluna • Mezzanine • Mi Amor • Our Habitas • El Pez • Tago • Dune • The Beach Tulum • Cabañas Tulum • Hotel Shibari • Ahau • Kanan • Lula Hotel • La Zebra • Alaya • Casa Violeta • Sueños • Hotel Panamera • Xela • Encantada • Radhoo • La Valise • Nest • Be Tulum • Nômade • Casa Malca • Casa Gitano

The 42 Best Hotels in Tulum

Most of these hotels are within walking distance to several restaurants and biking distance to town.

1. Jashita – Soliman Bay

Hotel phone: +52 1 984 875 4158
Our favorite hotel in the Tulum area. Luxury boutique hotel with three pools (kids’, adults’, and rooftop adults’ pools), beachfront service, free daily yoga, and a spa with shaman ceremonies. All rooms and suites include one or two king-sized beds, welcome wine and chocolates, and private terraces; honeymoon suites and the penthouse suite add private pools. While the hotel offers some family rooms, they allow no more than four children on the property at any one time to ensure a tranquil atmosphere. Their all-day restaurant, Pandano, offers a delicious Mexican-Italian menu with especially great lobster and handmade pasta, along with creative and classic cocktails at their swing-seated beach bar. Located on a semi-private beach in Soliman Bay near several open and underground cenotes and about 10 km north of the Tulum ruins.

2. Mezzanine – North Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 1 984 131 1596
Oceanfront boutique hotel with just nine refined rooms and suites and a heated, freeform pool. Onsite, you’ll find an incredible Thai restaurant, serving authentic dishes for the past 20 years using many traditional Thai ingredients but grown locally. The bar menu is equally fascinating, with an award-winning mixologist crafting signature drinks from regional herbs and fruits. All nine rooms and suites at Mezzanine offer king-sized beds, mini-bars, yoga mats, and fresh coffee or tea delivered each morning to your door. The two master suites add soaking tubs, lounge areas, and large, private terraces with outdoor jacuzzis overlooking the beach. The hotel sits on a sandy stretch of beach in the new nature preserve, Parque del Jaguar, connected to the Tulum Ruins archaeological zone, crisscrossed with hiking and biking trails along with several beaches. Our favorite hotel in the North Beach Zone.

3. La Valise – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +1 305 999 1540
This luxurious, boutique hotel is our pick in the South Beach Zone. La Valise features spacious rooms and a suite, 24-hour air conditioning, two heated plunge pools, and a gorgeous stretch of beach. Service is impeccable and highly personalized. Their onsite restaurant serves breakfast and lunch indoors or on the beach. Rooms spread across both sides of the road with some on the beach and some new suites in the jungle. Several room types have rolling king beds (beds on tracks that can be rolled outside onto the private terrace or balcony); a couple have private, outdoor plunge pools. Located on the southern end of the beach in a quiet beach stretch within walking distance of several fantastic restaurants.

4. Hotel Shibari – Middle Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 559 418 5190
Even though it’s not directly on the beach, this is the best hotel in the Middle Beach Zone and the best adults-only hotel in Tulum. Shibari boasts its very own natural cenote – a major perk if traveling during seaweed season – along with a heated pool and jacuzzi, and a sensory immersive spa. The culinary program features a “free cuisine” fine dining restaurant with a creative mix of ingredients and techniques, along with casual pool fare, a lounge bar, and a lobby cafe/bar with complimentary refreshments. Lavish suites are designed for two with king-sized beds and private balconies or terraces. Many suites have private, outdoor plunge pools or direct access to the cenote. Tucked away on the jungle side of the road in the Middle Beach Zone, the hotel is mere steps from the beach, beach clubs, and excellent restaurants. Plus guests of Shibari get free access to all Grupo RosaNegra beach clubs; three of these are less than a 10-minute walk away (RosaNegra, Taboo, and Tantra).

5. Casa Malca – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 1 984 167 7154
Stylish, art-focused hotel with three outstanding restaurants, a creative bar, a beach club, two pools (one is underground), complimentary bicycles, and free sunset yoga on the rooftop terrace. Each design-forward suite features an eclectic mix of antique and contemporary décor and original artwork from owner Lio Malca’s extensive private collection. The hotel is kid-friendly all year long, except for the weeks surrounding New Year’s Eve when it becomes an adults-only spot during Tulum’s EDM festivals. Located on a white, sandy beach near Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and within walking distance of several of Tulum’s best restaurants and bars.

6. La Zebra – Middle Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 1 984 115 4726
La Zebra is our favorite family-friendly hotel in Tulum. Beach-chic, luxury hotel on a wide stretch of white, sandy beach with a rooftop pool, playground, and themed dining events, like Street Food Sundays and Taco Tuesdays. All suites are family-friendly for up to four with a king-sized bed and a double twin trundle bed, a dual shower, and a private balcony or terrace. Many suites include private plunge pools (heated on request). Amazing gastronomy and friendly, attentive service round out the experience here.

7. Our Habitas – Beach Town

Hotel phone: +52 554 163 0935
Adults-only, luxury glamping on the beach with an oceanfront infinity pool, globally inspired dining, and a slew of onsite activities, like temazcal ceremonies, yoga, beach boot camp, live music, and more. Canvas-walled, thatched-roof rooms are all air-conditioned and have king-sized beds and outdoor showers. Most have private terraces, and many have private plunge pools. Excellent location a short walk to restaurants and shopping. With the hotel’s free bicycles, guests can reach the Pueblo in less than 10 minutes and the Tulum Ruins archaeological zone in less than 15 minutes.

8. Nômade – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 803 2243
Family-friendly, wellness-centered hotel with a gorgeous pool, free daily yoga, and a well-kept beach about a 10-minute walk from Sian Ka’an biosphere. Luxury tents, suites, and villas fuse boho style with modern perks, including air conditioning in all units (even the tents), outdoor showers, and private pools in the Master Suites and the Two-Bedroom Villa. Dining is fantastic at their vegan/vegetarian restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and their seafood restaurant. What sets this hotel apart, though, is its focus on incorporating Mayan culture into all aspects of the hotel, including ceremonies, healing rituals, and an ever-changing events program.

9. Kanan – Middle Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 147 6510
Rustic-chic design and decor take center stage at this beachfront, adults-only getaway. Its treehouse-style architecture, indoor-outdoor spa, and cenote-inspired pool are highlights that give this hotel a strong sense of place. Atmospheric dining is always on offer at the beach club, the rooftop international restaurant, and the toes-in-the-sand Mexican restaurant. All rooms and suites are different, but each features an incredible wooden soaking tub, a separate rainfall shower, and a private, furnished terrace. Great location in the middle of the beach zone, just steps from some of Tulum’s best restaurants and beach clubs.

10. Ahau – Middle Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 147 5225
Wellness-focused, pet-friendly, beachfront hotel with outstanding food, eclectic rooms, and an extensive program of yoga, meditation, and healing rituals. Their onsite restaurants use fresh, organic, local ingredients in partnership with Mayan farmers and offer top-notch menus for vegans and meat-eaters alike. The beach here is amazing: sandy and swimmable, well-organized with beach beds and hammocks, well-served by the beach bar and grill, and with their own watersports school. Ahau is in the heart of Tulum’s beach zone, walking distance of amazing restaurants and nightlife.

11. Lula Hotel – Middle Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 115 4728
Amalfi meets Tulum in this charming little beachfront hotel with a Baja-Mediterranean kitchen (seafood and veggies, no meat), Italian Coast-inspired lemonade menu, and airy decor. The hotel straddles the main road with rooms and suites on both the beach side and the jungle side. The yoga shala and spa are on the beach, while the pool is in the jungle. Accommodations all have king or super-king beds and private balconies or patios; some ground-floor rooms have indoor or outdoor bathtubs. Vibrant location in the Middle Beach Zone, surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

12. Una Vida – Pueblo

Hotel phone: +52 984 240 5231
Our favorite hotel in the Pueblo. Family-friendly, luxury hotel in the pueblo (downtown) offering rooms, studios, one-bedroom suites, and a three-bedroom house for up to eight guests. Most accommodations include stocked kitchenettes and outdoor showers, some with outdoor bathtubs. Some Tropical King Rooms and the three-bedroom house have private plunge pools. Facilities and amenities include a gorgeous pool, a wellness center, free bicycles, and a cozy Mexican-Italian restaurant. Private dinners and tequila and mezcal tastings are available on request. Great walking location in town near several wonderful restaurants and cafes and a handful of shops and galleries.

13. Bespoke – Tankah

Hotel phone: +52 984 105 4007
Contemporary, design-forward hotel on the beach offering one to three-bedroom apartments and two to four-bedroom villas. Elegant facilities include an L-shaped infinity pool, a holistic spa, and a gourmet restaurant that fuses Maya and South American culinary traditions. Ideal for families, groups, and long stays, all spacious accommodations have full kitchens, separate living areas, and generous terraces, most with outdoor, private plunge pools. The beach itself is sandy, but there is a reef offshore, so wear water shoes to enter the ocean or walk ten minutes north to swim in Casa Cenote.

14. Mi Amor – North Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 1 984 188 4273
Adults-only, luxury boutique hotel with an infinity pool, upscale restaurant and bar, and a cozy two-room spa. Rooms and suites are designed with couples in mind, all with king-sized beds, 24-hour air conditioning, and private terraces; ground-floor rooms feature private plunge pools. Mi Amor is located at the north end of the beach zone in the new bio-reserve, Parque Jaguar, which includes the Tulum Ruins archaeological zone plus a few excellent restaurants and beach clubs. The beach immediately in front of the hotel is rocky, but it’s just a five-minute walk to sandy Paraiso Beach at their sister property, Mezzanine.

15. Encantada – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +1 650 212 6782
Romantic hotel with eight spacious rooms, all with king-sized canopy beds and private terraces with hammocks. Dining is exceptional at their onsite restaurant and bar and at their sister restaurant Nü across the street (they share the restaurant with La Valise). Encantada is located on a wide stretch of white sandy beach at the quiet, south end of the beach within walking distance of several amazing restaurants and bars.

16. Sueños – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 119 3484
Chilled-out, beachfront, eco-hotel with Mayan-themed suites featuring hand-painted tiles, outdoor sitting decks, hammocks, porthole windows, and solar-powered electricity. The penthouse has sofa beds, a stone hydromassage jacuzzi, a terrace, and 360˚ views of the ocean, jungle, and lagoon of the Sian Kaan Biosphere. Sueños Tulum also offers complimentary breakfast, a yoga studio, fire pit, pool, and restaurant.

17. Be Tulum – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +521 984 132 6215
Super-stylish, beachfront, spa resort with two pools having a lineup of fantastic designer suites with cowhide rugs, leather chairs, and private balconies. Depending on the type, suites may have private plunge pools, indoor copper tubs, rooftop solariums or terraces, private gardens, and small kitchens. Be Tulum also boasts two restaurants, a beach club, a stylish lounge, and a craft cocktail bar. Their wellness program is filled with complimentary activities like yoga and meditation, along with indulgent therapies at their jungle spa.

18. Secrets Resort & Beach Club – Aldea Zama and Middle Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 251 0230
Our favorite all-inclusive resort in Tulum. The main hotel sits in Aldea Zama with nine pools (some cenote-inspired, some on rooftops), an extravagant spa with a hydrotherapy circuit, five bars, and ten restaurants (bizarrely, there is no Mexican restaurant onsite). The resort also has a beach club in the Middle Beach Zone with a few more suites and villas, a restaurant, and a bar. A free shuttle connects the resort and beach club every half hour. All suites have one king or two double beds and a private balcony or terrace. Some have a private pool, an outdoor bathtub, or swim-out access to a shared pool. Activities onsite include mezcal tasting, barbecues, bike tours, and salsa nights. Adults only.

19. The Beach Tulum – Middle Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 157 9645
Adults-only hotel with a river pool, jacuzzi, full-service spa, and two restaurants, including the beloved Ziggy’s Restaurant and Beach Club. Rooms are minimalistic yet elegant, and all include a private jacuzzi or plunge pool. Perks include 24-hour air conditioning, free bikes, free yoga, live music nightly, and tequila, mezcal, and wine tastings throughout the week. The beach here boasts powdery, soft, white sand, and there is a little cenote onsite, too.

20. Cabañas Tulum – Middle Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 871 1132
Beachfront hotel offering a pool and a holistic spa. Its spacious rooms and suites feature up to three bedrooms; many include private jacuzzis. The sister property of The Beach Tulum, Cabañas Tulum shares the same fantastic swimming beach and Ziggy’s Restaurant and Beach Club, along with its own restaurant and beach bar Frescoes. The minimum age for hotel guests is 14.

21. Alaya – Middle Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 159 1696
Beautiful, oceanfront boutique hotel. Airy, light-filled beach cabanas, apartments, villas, and suites have wooden floors and terraces. Apartments add small kitchens. Alaya offers a Latin American restaurant, outdoor eco gym, yoga lessons, kitesurfing, and paddle surfing. The beach is a hotspot for sea turtles and their nesting sites (during the season).

22. Kimpton Aluna Resort – Aldea Zama

Hotel phone: +52 984 689 0430
Spirited, family-friendly boutique hotel with a wellness center and two pools (a cenote-inspired main pool and an adults-only rooftop pool). Its lively atmosphere is maintained by nightly social hours, twice-weekly yoga sessions, kids’ movie nights, tortilla-making classes, and more. Gastronomy is delightful at their all-day international restaurant, swim-up bar in the pool, and their Mexican-Asian fusion restaurant on the roof. Great location in upscale Aldea Zama, midway between downtown and the beach zone. The resort’s free bikes make it a breeze to get around, just ten minutes to the nearest beach or five minutes to nightlife and dining in the Pueblo.

23. Hotel Milam – La Veleta

Hotel phone: +52 984 807 5233
Incredibly stylish, adults-only boutique hotel in La Veleta in a magical jungle setting. Villas feature indoor jacuzzis, while residences offer outdoor pools. Inspired facilities include a river-like pool with a Maya-Tibetan bar in the center, a signature restaurant serving regional dishes, and a wellness center with a spa, yoga, and soul-soothing experiences. Peaceful spot at the edge of La Veleta, walking distance to a handful of restaurants and bars.

24. El Pez – Beach Town

Hotel phone: +52 1 984 116 3357
Family-friendly, luxury hotel with a pool, an excellent bar and restaurant, a shared kitchen area for guest use, and well-appointed rooms and suites on a small beach in a quiet bay. Most suites are one-bedroom units that sleep up to four guests with a king-sized bed, a sofa bed in the living room, and a private pool. The beach here is rocky and more popular for sunbathing than for swimming, but guests of El Pez enjoy access to the sandy beach at their sister property La Zebra.

25. Nest – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 141 5433
Luxury and simplicity make this beachfront, all-suite hotel a perennial favorite. Each suite is unique but all have a private balcony or patio and a king-sized bed; some have ocean views, rooftop terraces, and indoor or outdoor hammocks. The onsite restaurant serves international comfort food, and breakfast is always included in the booking. Though it’s not strictly adults-only, there is a minimum age of 10 years for all guests. Beautiful location on the quiet south end of the beach zone, within walking distance of a handful of excellent restaurants and Cenote Encantado.

26. Naay – Aldea Zama

Hotel phone: +52 984 231 1241
Stylish boutique hotel in the brand new Aldea Zama neighborhood, halfway between the Pueblo and the beach. Family-friendly one- and two-bedroom suites accommodate up to six guests. The main highlight is the hotel’s rooftop, which boasts an infinity pool, kids’ pool, infinity jacuzzi, and an outstanding bar and restaurant with sunset views over the jungle.

27. Dune – Middle Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 238 9529
Adults-only, boutique hotel with an amazing Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant, beach club, a pampering spa, and daily yoga. Romantic rooms and suites include 24-hour air conditioning and private terraces, some with private plunge pools. The beach here is one of the best in Tulum: sandy, swimmable, and protected by a reef, which makes for gentle waves.

28. Casa Violeta – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 271 0606
Family-owned, boutique hotel on the beach with just 16 cabanas, each with a dedicated, double-sized sunbed at the water’s edge. This holistic hotel offers daily yoga, temazcal and cacao ceremonies, and therapeutic massage. Organic produce and regional traditions feature heavily on the menu of their oceanfront, Mediterranean-Mexican restaurant; continental breakfast is always included. Accommodations are all unique, but each features breezy, rustic architecture and air conditioning. Most have private balconies or terraces, half have ocean views, and many have charming canopy beds. Located in the South Beach Zone, just steps from dining, shops, and art galleries.

29. Nerea – Tankah

Hotel phone: +52 984 147 6515
Upscale, adults-only, boutique hotel on the beach with three interconnected pools, a wellness-focused Mexican restaurant, and a small spa. Swim-out suites connect guest rooms directly to the pool; other rooms have private outdoor plunge pools or indoor soaking tubs. All rooms have king-sized beds and private balconies or patios. The hotel’s private pier can be booked for romantic dinners, massage sessions, or as a pickup point for snorkel and diving tours. Since the beach sits right in front of a coral reef, the pier is also the best spot to enter the ocean for a swim. Breakfast is always included; full board is optional. Set in Tankah, just north of Tulum, with all the same new age-boho aesthetics as the town, but at a friendlier price point and without the traffic. Renting a car is recommended; besides Casa Cenote, there’s not much within walking distance.

30. Bardo – Pueblo

Hotel phone: +52 984 807 1433
Contemporary, boutique surrounded by lush greenery in the pueblo within a 10-minute walk of several restaurants. Facilities include a large pool, excellent bar and restaurant, plus wellness facilities that include a temazcal and yoga/meditation practice space. Villas are large and private with semi-outdoor showers and plunge pools.

31. Hotel Tiki Tiki – La Veleta

Hotel phone: +52 884 688 5005
Trendy boutique hotel with a pool, bar, and in-room massage. Tiki Tiki is located in La Veleta, walking distance to Tulum’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene. A design-forward hotel, the decor blends Art Deco, retro ’60s, and beach-chic styles in its 15 unique rooms. This hotel tends to attract a younger crowd, especially honeymooners, couples, and bachelorette parties.

32. Alea – Tankah

Hotel phone: +52 984 147 6570
Cheerful, modern boutique hotel on the beach with a Yucatecan-Mexican restaurant, private pier, and an ocean-view pool, heated seasonally. All rooms and suites have king-sized beds, free minibars, and private balconies or patios; some add sofabeds, swim-out access to the pool, or private plunge pools. A la carte breakfast is always included, featuring regional favorites, American comfort food, and homemade breads and jams. The beach is sandy but narrow with a coral reef in front, ideal for snorkeling but do wear water shoes or enter from the pier.

33. Xela – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 806 2837
Boutique hotel with a beachfront infinity pool and an all-day, Mexican-international restaurant and bar. Suites and casas harmoniously blend indoor and outdoor living spaces, each with a king-sized bed, organic amenities, and earth-tone decor. Each room varies, but some have direct beach access, private plunge pools, or outdoor baths. Thoughtfully curated experience packages help travelers immerse themselves in the local culture, natural wonders, and well-being. Quiet location in the South Beach Zone, walking distance from some of Tulum’s best restaurants and beach clubs.

34. Hotel Panamera – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 998 109 2540
Retro-glam, adults-only hotel with a La Dolce Vita-inspired beach club and central pool. Rooms and suites are more staid with a minimalist decor, some with private plunge pools. Onsite find a Mediterranean-Mexican fusion restaurant and a rooftop bar facing sunset over the jungle. On weekends, the hotel hosts indie movie nights, live music, and more fun events. Great walking location in the South Beach Zone near dining and beach clubs.

35. Hotel Mereva – Tankah

Hotel phone: +52 984 147 6571
Family-friendly, beachfront hotel with two pools and a restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas set across from Casa Cenote, near a handful of restaurants. Families can enjoy the playground, free snorkel gear, free bicycles, paddleboards, and kayaks. All rooms and suites have private balconies or patios, free minibars, and walk-in showers. Most have king-sized beds; many have ocean views; some have double-sized showers with two showerheads. The largest suite has one king and two queen beds and sleeps up to six. Set on a beautiful beach, but there is a reef right in front. Use water shoes to wade in, or jump in the ocean from the hotel’s private pier.

36. Radhoo – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 217 5090
Adults-only jungle hotel with a palm-fringed pool and comfort food restaurant. Rooms and suites incorporate the natural surroundings with woven fiber ceilings, artisan textiles, and king-sized, canopy beds. Most have private terraces; upper-floor rooms have nets built out from their balconies for lounging in the breeze. Nestled into the jungle in the South Beach Zone, travelers here have access to the beach from the hotel’s sister property, Encantada, right across the road.

37. O’ Tulum – Tankah

Hotel phone: +52 984 231 1241
Adults-only hideaway north of Tulum with only 12 rooms sharing three pools, rooftop yoga, and a wonderful restaurant overlooking the beach. All rooms include king-size beds, 24-hour air conditioning, private terraces, and swim-outs or jetted plunge pools. Half of the rooms add indoor soaking tubs. The beach here is rocky, but the hotel is just a 10-minute walk (or a two-minute ride on one of their free bikes) to the gorgeous, sandy, swimmable beach at Soliman Bay and about a 20-minute walk (five-minute bike ride) to Casa Cenote, one of the best cenotes in the Tulum area.

38. Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya – Chemuyil

Hotel phone: +52 984 195 1050
Luxury, beachfront resort with five pools, a lavish spa with hydrotherapy, and eleven restaurants and bars. The beach is mostly sandy with some rocks at the water’s edge but great swimming and snorkeling once you get past. Spacious rooms and suites begin at 46 square meters, all with either one king or two queen beds, and most with ocean views. Upper-floor rooms feature balconies with outdoor jacuzzis for two, while ground-floor rooms have private plunge pools. Connecting rooms offer more space for families, who can also enjoy the kids’ club and teens’ zone. Ceiba Club-level rooms add complimentary minibar drinks and snacks, access to a private lounge with refreshments, and exclusive pool spaces. Quiet location about a 20-minute drive from central Tulum, the ruins, and the beach clubs. Renting a car makes exploring the area much easier; there’s free valet parking onsite.

39. Tago – Middle Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 1 984 871 1310
Stunning, beachfront luxury hotel. Rooms are huge with large glass sliding doors opening to their own private plunge pools. The onsite restaurant offers a Mexican-Mediterranean fusion menu with indoor or outdoor, beachfront dining. The beach is well-maintained with an abundance of sun chairs and fantastic beach service.

40. Casa Gitano – South Beach Zone

Hotel phone: +52 984 151 5715
Cosmopolitan beachfront hotel with a sleek, clubby vibe. All suites and villas sit on the beach with ocean views, king-sized beds, terraces, and private bars (stocked with healthy or party options – guests’ choice). Villas add outdoor showers; some have private plunge pools. The beach club cooks up a Mediterranean menu with Caribbean influences and local ingredients; continental breakfast is always included in the room rates. Set at the far south end of the beach zone, near the entrance to Sian Ka’an Biosphere, expect a quiet atmosphere, especially at night. A handful of restaurants and beach clubs lie about a 10-minute walk north along the beach.

41. Holistika – La Veleta

Hotel phone: +52 984 280 4128
Wellness-focused boutique hotel in the jungle with two pools, a vegan/vegetarian restaurant, and an open-air art museum. But the main draw is the thoughtfully curated selection of activities open to all guests: temazcal rituals, sound healing, cacao ceremonies, and several daily yoga sessions in different styles. Rooms for two feature private balconies and simple design with Art Deco touches. For groups and retreats, the hotel offers rooms for four with a private bathroom or Beehive bunk rooms for up to 12 with shared bathrooms. Quiet location in a patch of jungle on the edge of La Veleta, within a 10 to 15-minute walk of a handful of restaurants and shops and about a 20-minute bicycle ride to the beach.

42. Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya – Chemuyil

Hotel phone: +52 984 195 1100
Family-friendly resort with a private beach about 20 minutes drive north of the Pueblo. Hilton is one of only a handful of all-inclusive resorts (and one of only two that allow children). Guests can enjoy eight pools, an immersive spa (next door at Conrad), and a wide selection of buffet and a la carte restaurants with Mexican, Italian, pan-Asian cuisine, and more. Kid-centric facilities include a water park, playground, and both kids and teens clubs. Rooms and suites all feature private balconies, king-sized beds, and daily stocked minibars. Does the Hilton have a particularly Tulum vibe? Not really. But what sets the Hilton apart is that the beach, though small and pebbly in parts, is maintained daily to reduce the seaweed (reduce, not remove – it’s impossible to get rid of it all). Seaweed has been an increasing nuisance in Tulum over the past several years, and smaller resorts closer to the bio-reserve either aren’t permitted or just don’t have the means to clean their beaches. If you’re traveling during “seaweed season” (June to November), the Hilton is a great alternative to the main beach zone of Tulum.

Early in the day at Casa Gitano’s beach club.

Mexico › Los Cabos › When to Go
Updated: March 12, 2024

See Also

• Best Places to Stay in Cabo San Lucas
• Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas
• Best Family Hotels in Cabo

My wife, my two sons, and I at the pool in Los Cabos.

What is the best time of year to visit Los Cabos?

I’ve visited Cabo in almost every season (and we’ve enjoyed every visit) but I think the best time to visit is from November to April. The weather during these months is typically sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from 68°F (20°C) to 85°F (29°C).

The peak tourist season in Cabo San Lucas is from December to March, coinciding with winter breaks and holidays in North America. During this time, you can expect higher prices for accommodations, more crowded beaches, and a lively atmosphere. If you don’t mind the crowds and are looking for the best weather conditions, this is a great time to visit.

The shoulder season from April to June can also be an excellent time to visit Cabo San Lucas. During this period, the weather remains warm and pleasant, but the crowds start to thin out, and accommodation prices are generally lower. This is a good time to enjoy the beaches, attractions, and activities without the peak-season crowds. It’s also an ideal time for sport fishing, as various fishing tournaments take place during these months.

The low season, which runs from July to October, coincides with the rainy season and hurricane season in the region. Although there is a higher chance of rain and storms, you can still enjoy warm weather, and the crowds are thinner. Prices for accommodations and activities are usually lower during this time, making it a more budget-friendly option.

The view from Cabo Surf, one of my favorite hotels in Los Cabos.

• Best Time for Avoiding Crowds: The best time for avoiding crowds is during the rainy season in August and September. These two months see the most number of cloudy days and a slight chance of hurricanes. But with an average of only 18% chance of rain, there are still many sunny days to be had. Beaches will be nearly empty, bars and restaurants will be quieter, and hotels will often have discounts available. May and June are also good months will fewer people around, just after Spring Break and before the rainy season, but not quite as calm as during the August and September, as these are popular months for family travel. Do not visit during March or April, the height of Spring Break season, or during the winter months, December through February, which is the peak season for holidays and snowbirds.
• Best Time for Good Deals: The best time to find travel deals in Cabo is from May through September, with the absolute best rates coming in May, August, and September. May through mid-July are the best weather months during the summer season, not as hot as late summer and just before the rain comes. August and September will offer the best discounts, even at the most luxe resorts, but there will be rain to consider and the rare possibility of a hurricane.
• Best Time for Snorkeling and Diving: The best time for snorkeling and diving runs from early October and through early November. The water is warmest from late July through early November, visibility is highest from early October through the end of November, and waves are generally smaller September through November. October and November are some of the best months for encountering whale sharks that begin to flock to the area as winter approaches. Snorkeling and diving in Cabo is great any time of the year, if cooler temperatures are not a deterrent. Flying manta rays are here most in May; December through March is great for spotting whales, guitarfish, and octopuses. Colorful reef fish and sea turtles are here year-round.
• Best Time for Whales and Whale Sharks: The best time to see whales and whale sharks is from early January through March. Whale Shark season runs from October through March. Most whale shark tour operators are based out of La Paz, around a two-hour drive from Los Cabos, so visitors will need to provide their own transportation there. Whale Shark tours offer freediving and snorkel opportunities to get very close to these huge fish, but scuba tanks are not allowed. Humpback whale season runs from mid-November through April, with most babies born from late December through January. The babies start getting more playful in February. Gray whales have the shortest season in Cabo, from early January through late March. They are less abundant than Humpbacks, though not uncommon. Schedule early morning tours for smaller waves and less chance of seasickness. Afternoon tours find whales at their most active, but the boat ride is usually choppy later in the day.
• Best Time for Surfing:The best time for surfing in Los Cabos is from June through August. Thanks to Southern Hemisphere swells, waves are consistent at most beaches on both the Sea of Cortez and Pacific sides. Good surfing for Los Cabos’ Sea of Cortez beaches, including Old Man’s, Zippers, and The Rock, can be found anytime between April and October. On the Pacific beaches, such as Todos Santos or Cerritos, the best surf is found in the winter months, from December through February. Great winter surf here, but the water is definitely chilly.
• Best Time for Sportfishing: Sportfishing is great all year long, with almost 100% chance of catching something, though different fish bite at different times. September through January is best for all types of marlin. Tuna is most common from June through January, while yellowtail bites from January through April. Grouper and snapper are most abundant from May through September. Several major competitions with huge cash prizes take place here, most notably Bisbee’s Black and Blue. Most tournaments take place in October and early November with a couple of smaller events in the summer months.

Cabo is a great year-round destination, though I do find it hot in July and August.

Los Cabos Events and Festivals

Los Cabos in January

• Feast Day of San Antonio de Abad: San Antonio de Abad is the patron saint of animals. On this day animals are allowed into churches to receive a blessing. Hundreds of people participate, dressing their pets or working animals in ribbons and bows, for the priest to bless. Expect all types of animals to be in attendance, but especially dogs, cats, horses, and chickens.
• La Ventana Classic: Five days of competitive kitesurfing, windsurfing, and SUP racing, plus a variety of clinics where participants learn from the pros. Proceeds benefit schools in La Ventana, El Sargento, and Los Planes.

Los Cabos in February

• San Jose Jazz Weekend: Two evenings of live jazz, featuring local, national, and international artists. This popular and growing concert series takes place at Plaza del Pescador in the San Jose Hotel Zone from 5-11pm. Admission is free.
• Todos Santos Open Studios Tour: Todos Santos, one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos, is best known for its charming, boho style and art galleries. For two days every year, artists of all mediums open their studios to the public and invite them into their creative spaces. It is free to attend with any purchasing proceeds going to support Palapa Society’s Children’s Art Program.
• Carnaval: This huge six-day celebration is traditionally the last hurrah before the fasting weeks of Lent. Unlike Brazil’s Carnaval or New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, this is a family-friendly event, featuring parade floats, dancing, food stalls, and cultural events. There is a small Carnaval event in downtown Cabo, but the largest celebration in the area is about two hours north in La Paz, attracting crowds in the hundreds of thousands.

Los Cabos in March

• Festival of San Jose: An eleven day festival in honor of San José, the city’s patron saint. Festivities begin with parties and music, then increase to include parades, carnivals, and rodeos on weekends. Expect a fun street party with amazing food stalls, dancing, and rides.
• Festival de Cine de Todos Santos: Since 2004, the Todos Santos Film Festival has screened the best new dramas, documentaries, and short films from Mexico and Latin America with a special focus on local, Baja filmmakers. Screening during this six-day event are held at Teatro Marquez de León.
• Gala de Danza: This annual performing arts event brings together elite dancers, choreographers, and musicians from around the world. Artist collaborations showcase the best in classical ballet and ballroom styles, as well as contemporary Latin Dance. Get ticket early! Tickets have previously sold out in under an hour.

Los Cabos in April

• Paws ‘n Claws Open Golf Tournament: Annual golf tournament and barbecue benefitting Los Cabos Humane Society. Teams may register to play 18-holes on the Palmilla Golf course, followed by barbecue at Acre, an upscale farm-to-table restaurant, or supporters may choose dining only.
• Día de los Niños: Celebrated on April 30 every year, this holiday honors the importance of children in society. This is a fun day for kids, who get the day off from school, and are treated to special events, activities, and gifts. Events take place all over town, with music, shows, and magic. Many water parks and amusement parks offer discounts on this day.

Los Cabos in May

• Cinco de Mayo: This is a celebration of Mexico’s victory over France during the Battle of Puebla – not Mexican Independence Day. Outside of Puebla itself, this holiday is not celebrated in Mexico. However, some hotels and bars in Cabo host fiestas aimed at American tourists with drink specials, music, and food.
• GastroVino Food and Wine Festival: This annual, three-day festival in Todos Santos includes special events at the city’s best restaurants, working alongside Baja’s best wineries. Events include wine tastings, an elegant ball, tapas and wine pairing, and a silent auction benefitting a local charity.

Los Cabos in June

• Los Cabos Open of Surf: The most prestigious men and women’s surfing competition in Mexico, drawing huge local and global crowds. The six-day event includes free concerts after sunset by major international bands, and an accompanying food festival.
• Fiesta de la Música: This is a live music festival taking place every year on the solstice, June 21, in 120 countries worldwide. This free event takes place at various locations in San Jose’s Art District. All musical styles and experience levels are welcome to participate.
• The Stars & Stripes Tournament: Annual deep sea fishing (striped marlin) and golfing tournament combined with music festival. Proceeds benefit seven chapters of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Mexico and California.

Los Cabos in July

• Fiesta of the Virgin of Carmen: This day-long festival celebrates the Virgin Mary as protector of Mexico. The event begins with cultural craft vendors in the morning, followed by an afternoon parade of children, their mothers, and puppeteers. The Cabo San Lucas marina holds a fishing tournament, while bullfights are held near downtown (toned down versions, no animals harmed).
• Festival of St. James: This festival celebrates St. James, the patron saint of Spain credited with bringing Catholicism to Mexico. The saint is often depicted in art riding a white horse. The festival begins with a parade, including riders on white horses, who reenact battles in the towns’ squares. Street parties continue late into the evening.

Los Cabos in August

• Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Tournament: A laid-back, five-day fishing competition out of Buenavista, an hour north of San Jose. The event includes three days of deep sea fishing for marlin, tuna, and dorado.
• Los Cabos Open (Abierto Mexicano de Tenis): This is one of the most prestigious men’s tennis competitions in Mexico. It takes place over 6 days, on outdoor hard courts, with $800,000USD in prize money at stake.
• Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: This holiday celebrates the ascension of the Virgin Mary to heaven, and is celebrated in both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose. Churches will be overflowing with flowers, and processions will wind through the downtown areas with floats and live music. There will be many street food stalls, plus buffet feasts at local restaurants. Festivities continue late into the evening.

Los Cabos in September

• Charro Day: The morning begins with parades of charros, Mexican cowboys, wearing traditional clothing with their horses groomed and decked out, too. Festivities with great food continue throughout the day with rodeos, bullfighting, calf roping, and dancing into the night.
• Mexican Independence Day: Beginning on September 15th at night, expect huge crowds in both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose. Cabo has a wilder party vibe, while San Jose has a more traditional fiesta. Celebrations at both locations will see the plazas decked out, mariachi, folk dancing, beer, fireworks, and street food. The “grito,” shout of independence, is called out around 11 that night. The following day is a national holiday with a giant parade and continuing celebrations.

Los Cabos in October

• Los Cabos Billfish Tournament: A five-day event including three days of competitive deep sea fishing. Boats leave from both the Cabo San Lucas Marina and the Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San Jose.
• Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament: This is the largest fishing tournament of the year with millions of dollars up for grabs and drawing huge crowds in Cabo San Lucas. Teams compete for three days, and spectators watching the enormous fish as they’re weighed in on the pier.
• Fiesta de Cabo San Lucas: This holiday on October 18 celebrates St. Luke, patron saint of Cabo San Lucas. Downtown streets will be closed off to traffic to make way for the parade, food vendors, dancing, and musicians.

Los Cabos in November

• Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Celebrations are scattered around the Los Cabos area on November 1-2 in remembrance of deceased family and friends. Expect gatherings in the main town squares and in cemeteries, where altars are set up, plus costumes, face painting, music, marigolds, and special candy sugar skulls. Los Cabos’ celebration is not as large as in most central and southern areas; San Jose has more traditional festivities than Cabo San Lucas.
• Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament: Four-day event with two days of competitive fishing. Evenings include cocktail parties, mariachi, and festivities. Big money jackpots for the winning teams.
• Revolution Day (Día de la Revolución): Festivities on November 20 celebrate the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. Parades in the morning are followed by food, fiestas, and rodeos.

Los Cabos in December

• Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe): This is an annual Mexican Catholic feast on December 12, celebrating an apparition of the Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City. The holiday is celebrated throughout Los Cabos with parades, masses, street fairs, and fireworks, and it marks the start of the Christmas Posadas.
• Christmas Posadas: A nine-day period from December 16-24 commemorating the Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Candlelit processions and reenactments go from house to house each night with parties, food, and piñatas after guests are allowed entry to the “inn.” This culminates in the biggest celebration on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) with the birth of Christ celebrated at midnight, followed by mass, food, and presents. Many hotels and restaurants will offer special dinners and events for travelers.
• Sabor a Cabo Restaurant and Food Festival: The area’s largest food festival with over 50 restaurants involved. The annual celebration features local and international chefs, food, wine, music, tequila, and mezcal. Proceeds benefit several local charities.

Read More

• Where to Stay in Los Cabos
• Best Hotels in Los Cabos
• Best Family Hotels in Los Cabos
• Best Things to Do in Los Cabos
• Los Cabos with Kids
• Best Restaurants in Los Cabos
• Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Family Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta
• Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta
• Best Hotels in Cancun
• Best Family Hotels in Cancun
• Best Budget Hotels in Cancun
• Best Airport Hotels in Cancun
• Best Things to Do in Cancun
• Best Time to Visit Cancun
• Best Restaurants in Cancun

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Puerto Escondido

Our Favorite Puerto Escondido Hotels

• Best hotel: Villas Carrizalillo
• For families: Hotel Santa Fe
• For couples: Punta Zicatela

Where should I stay in Puerto Escondido?

The fantastic Villas Carrizalillo overlooking Playa Carrizalillo.

The main areas to stay include the tourist areas of Puerto Escondido itself (along the beach, Playa Principal or around El Adoquín); along the main surf zone at Playa Zicatela; more rustic La Punta, 3km further south at the far end of Zicatela; and the more residential area of Rinconada, west of the city center, closer to the smaller beaches hemmed in by cliffs. We prefer the tranquility and beaches of Rinconada, but surfers will want to stay closer to the action in Zicatela.

Our favorite hotels close to the town center include the Hotel Paraíso Escondido at Unión 10, with fine views and great facilities, and the budget Paziflora Hostel at Primera Sur 309, run by an incredibly friendly family.

Along Zicatela beach we like the charming and family-friendly Hotel Santa Fe and trendy Punta Zicatela, farther south on La Punta beach where it’s a little quieter.

In and around Rinconada the best place to stay is the semi-luxurious Villas Carrizalillo (our favorite hotel in the Puerto Escondido area), perched above a glorious beach.

Staying in Puerto Escondido – Tips & Info

The view from Villas Carrizalillo.

Puerto Escondido is a laid-back resort town on the Pacific coast of Mexico, and one of our absolute favorite places to go in the country. Puerto Escondido is best known for its wonderful beaches, tropical setting, surf scene (it’s the home of the “Mexican Pipeline”), and scuba diving.

Where is Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is a small resort city and port in the southeastern Mexican state of Oaxaca, facing the Pacific Ocean. Puerto Escondido lies about 250 km south of Oaxaca City, 380 km southeast of Acapulco, and around 650 km southeast of Mexico City. Non-stop flights to Puerto Escondido take 1 hour 35 minutes from Guadalajara, 1 hour 15 minutes from Mexico City and just 30 minutes from Oaxaca City.

How big is Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido has a population of around 45,000. The city center is quite small, with the primary tourist area focused on a small bay (“Bahía Principal”) and the adjacent strip along Avenida Alfonso Pérez Gasga (known simply as “El Adoquín”). The main business district (“Centro”) is clustered around Hwy-200 just to the north.

What is the history of Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is a relatively recent creation, though indigenous peoples such as the Mixtecs have populated the surrounding country for thousands of years. A small fishing community existed by the late 19th century, but the town didn’t start developing properly until the 1930s. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Highway 200 was completed, linking Escondido with the outside world by road for the first time (the highway ran along the coast of Oaxaca to Acapulco). In the 1970s Puerto Escondido started to develop as a low-key surfer and backpacker resort, and the population jumped from a few hundred to several thousand. Today the tourist facilities are far more developed, though Puerto Escondido remains relatively rustic and laid-back compared to big resorts such as Cancún, Acapulco and Los Cabos.

The Hotel Santa Fe on Zicatela beach.

How do I get to Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is connected to Oaxaca City, Mexico City, and Guadalajara by non-stop flights; flights from elsewhere usually route through Mexico City. The daily flights from Oaxaca on Aerotucán, or with the plane piloted by the experienced Captain Vega (+52 954 588 0062), can save a lot of time, but are small Cessna aircraft, and a 15kg luggage limit is strictly enforced on Aerotucán (“Aero Vega” is cheaper and allows a little more, but you must call the Captain by phone to confirm flights). Puerto Escondido Airport lies around 4km northwest of Bahía Principal. Take a shared taxi (around 50 pesos) to the city center.

The new highway (Autopista Barranca Larga-Ventanilla), which was officially inaugurated in February 2024, has fundamentally transformed road travel, reducing the journey between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido to approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes (down from 6 to 8 hours). The notoriously windy, stomach-churning mountainous roads are now largely bypassed by tunnels and bridges. First class ADO/OCC buses and dedicated private shuttles have immediately adopted the new highway, cutting the travel time for all travelers. The modern ADO/OCC bus terminal is right on the Carretera Costera (Hwy-200), a short walk from El Adoquín. Buses from Acapulco still take around 8 hours, and the journey from Mexico City is significantly faster, though still long. Buses also regularly run along the Oaxacan coast (which remains around 2 hours 30 minutes to Huatulco).

Can I drive to Puerto Escondido?
Yes, though it’s not recommended currently. Plenty of Americans and Canadians used to drive along the entire Pacific coast of Mexico from California to Guatemala, stopping in at Puerto Escondido, but parts of the route can be quite dangerous today, thanks to drug cartels and highway robberies (especially at night). Driving solely to Puerto Escondido isn’t worth the effort – it’s 960 miles (1545 km) south of Brownsville (Texas), and the roads across the mountains of Oaxaca can be tough to navigate for first-timers.

Do I need a car in Puerto Escondido?
Not really. It’s relatively easy and cheap to get around on foot, by bus or taxi. It can be useful to have a vehicle to explore the coastline beyond the city – to Mazunte and Zipolite for example – but these resorts are also served by public bus and taxi. Fix taxi prices before getting in – most trips in town should be 35 to 40 pesos, with 50 to 60 pesos for longer trips to La Punta or Playa Bacocho. You can also take a lancha (small motor boat) from Playa Principal to the nearby beaches from around 100 pesos per person.

When is the best time to go to Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is at its best December to April, when the weather is hot and dry. It tends to be rainy and very humid June to October, with hurricanes possible through the summer into November – however, the peak surf season runs from May to early September. Hotel prices go up during surf competitions (the main one is normally in November) and during Mexican holidays, especially Christmas and Easter.

What are the best beaches in Puerto Escondido?

A bar-restaurant on Puerto Angelito beach.

One of our favorites is Playa Zicatela, south of the city center – it’s one of the best in Mexico for surfing, but it’s also a huge swathe of fine sand (it rarely feels crowded), backed by great beach bars and palapa restaurants. Beginning surfers should head for La Punta at the far southern end of the beach, which has slower waves. For swimming, head to the smaller beaches west of the city center, sheltered in a series of rocky coves. Our absolute favorite is Playa Carrizalillo (2km from Playa Principal), a beautiful gold-sand beach on a tiny, calm bay. It’s only accessible via a steep, 170-step staircase. A close second are the beaches on nearby Bahía Puerto Ángelito, a gorgeous bay with similarly warm, calm waters. Puerto Angelito itself is more sheltered and family-oriented, with Playa Manzanillo, on the other side of a rocky outcrop, slightly less crowded. Puerto Angelito can be accessed directly by car/taxi, while Manzanillo is a short walk from the road – both beaches can be reached after 20 minutes walk from Playa Principal, and feature plenty of bars and restaurants.

For more seclusion head further west to Playa Bacocho or Playa Punta Colorada, both huge stretches of sand that are rarely busy. Currents and waves can be strong here, so swimming isn’t safe, though bodyboarding and surfing is possible.

The main city beach, Playa Principal is too busy with families, boats and fishermen most of the time, but can be fun in the evenings – nearby Playa Marinero, just across Laguna Agua Dulce (and separated from Zicatela by the Mirador Romance de Verano, a rocky outcrop also known as “El Morro”), is a better place to lounge on the sands.

What are the best things to do in Puerto Escondido?
The best things to do in Puerto Escondido are connected with the beaches; swimming, surfing, sunbathing, diving and various watersports. There’s not much else to do here other than browsing the shops for surf and beach gear, and Mexican handicrafts. Ecoadventures is a recommended operator that offers paddle-boarding, kayaking and bioluminescence boat tours of nearby Laguna Manialtepec, as well as dolphin watching and the chance to take part in the release of baby sea turtles from local beaches. Robert’s Ecotours offers a similar line up. For scuba diving contact Deep Blue Dive or Aventura Submarina which has an office at Alfonso Pérez Gasga 609 on the main drag.

Surfers should check out locally-run website Central Surf TV, Puerto Surf and the Oasis Spanish & Surf School, which offers surfing lessons and Spanish classes. Skydive Puerto Escondido offers incredible parachute jumps right over Puerto Escondido’s beaches. Puerto Food Tours is a fun way to see the city, with walking tours focused on local food and snacks.

What are the restaurants like?
Extremely varied, international and cheap. Along all the main beaches are beach bars and restaurants, with especially fresh seafood. One of our favorites for breakfast (and Mexican staples for dinner) is El Cafecito on Playa Zicatela. A block inland, Dan’s Café Deluxe (Jacaranda 14) is equally good for breakfast and serves incredible fish tacos for lunch. We love Sativa, right on the beach at Playa Zicatela, for its contemporary Mexican menu, vegetarian choices, and seafood. For solid Italian food (pizza, pastas), La Galería is a good choice, in the city center at Alfonso Pérez Gasga 601. The best place for a splurge is Espadín, over looking Playa Carrizalillo, with modern Mexican food, and sensational views of the bay and the sunset.

What currency is used in Puerto Escondido?
The Mexican peso (often pre-fixed with a “$” sign) is the currency of Mexico and used in Puerto Escondido – businesses are unlikely to accept US dollars unless it’s an emergency. Most major shops and restaurants in Puerto Escondido now accept credit cards, but it is a good idea to have some pesos on hand for buses, taxis, and small purchases like bottled water and snacks. We recommend using ATMs attached to banks in the commercial center of town, rather than at standalone ATMs in bus stations and the like – these can be hacked by credit card fraudsters.

Is Puerto Escondido expensive?
No. Much of Puerto Escondido remains set up for budget travelers, and there is a wide range of low-cost hotels and rentals (airbnb also operates here). Food and transport is cheap – and all the beaches are open to the public and free.

Is Puerto Escondido safe?
Yes. Puerto Escondido has generally avoided the drug violence that has affected other parts of Mexico. Take the usual precautions, especially at night, and keep your valuables in room safes. Theft of personal items from beaches does happen – never leave anything of value unattended, even on seemingly empty stretches of sand.

Read More

• Cancun – Best Hotels
• Cancun – Family Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Best Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Family Hotels
• Los Cabos – Travel Guide
• Los Cabos – Best Hotels
• Los Cabos – Family Hotels
• Mazatlan – Best Hotels
• Mazatlan – Family Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Best Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Family Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Best Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Family Hotels
• Punta de Mita – Best Hotels
• Sayulita – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Family Hotels

Mexico › Tulum › Kid-Friendly Hotels
Updated: February 20, 2024

See Also

• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Best Restaurants in Tulum
• Best Tacos in Tulum
• Best Cenotes in Tulum
• Biking in Tulum

Tulum is an awesome family destination. One of our favorites anywhere.

Tulum Family Hotels – Tips & Info

My boys at the Gran Cenote near Tulum.

• There are many great Cenotes near Tulum. All great for kids and families.
• Tulum is a good year-round destination but the best months to visit are from December to April.
• A note about Tulum hotels: Tulum’s hotels are simple and laid back. Don’t be expecting luxury amenities even if the price suggests that that’s what you’re getting. Service is on “Mexican Time” and might leave you disappointed if you’re expecting the sharp service of Cancun’s best resorts. That said, Tulum is my favorite beach spot along the coast (and has way better restaurants than Cancun or Playa del Carmen). Just be prepared for laid back, relaxed, and easy-going service and hotel staff.

The 11 Best Hotels for Families in Tulum, Mexico

Rooms for families – like this one at Sueños Tulum – get booked-up much sooner than regular rooms. Book early.

1. La Zebra Hotel

Beach-chic, luxury hotel on a wide stretch of white, sandy beach with a rooftop infinity pool, playground, and free, weekly salsa dancing lessons. All open-plan suites are designed for 4 with a king-sized bed and a double twin trundle bed, a dual shower, and dual vanities; many suites include private plunge pools. Amazing food and drinks, a small spa, and friendly, attentive service round out the experience here.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 115 4726
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

2. Sueños Tulum

Located near the far end of the beach road. It’s quieter here but you can still walk to a few restaurants. Presidential suite is luxurious and perfect for family of 4. Small pool just back from the beach.
Hotel phone: +52 984 119 3484
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

3. Alaya Tulum

A beachfront hotel that is beautifully decorated and centrally located. Family villa has 2 bunkbeds and a queen bed (in separate rooms). Beach here is beautiful. Good restaurants nearby.
Hotel phone: +52 984 159 1696
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

4. Una Vida Tulum

Luxury, all-villa hotel in the Pueblo offering 1 to 3-bedroom suites sleeping families of 4 to 8, all with stocked kitchenettes and outdoor showers, some with outdoor bathtubs. Facilities and amenities include a gorgeous pool, in-room yoga and massage, free bicycles, and a cozy breakfast and lunch restaurant. Private dinners and tequila and mezcal tastings are available on request.
Hotel phone: +52 984 240 5231
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

5. Las Palmas Maya

The best budget hotel in the beach zone, offering air-conditioned, open-plan family suites with 2 king beds and 1 sofa bed or 1 king and 1 queen, sleeping up to 5 guests. Their tiny restaurant serves breakfast until 3:00 p.m., plus they have a large communal kitchen for guests’ use. The hotel is on the jungle side of the road, a 30-second walk to the beach with free beach access at partner beach clubs.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 214 8914
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

6. Coco Village

Amazing, condo-style, boutique hotel with spacious 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, all with full kitchens and in-unit washers and dryers. There is a shared pool in the garden area, and guest have free access to the famous beach club at their sister property Coco Tulum. Located in the Pueblo (downtown), within walking or biking distance to several of Tulum’s best restaurants.
Hotel phone: +55 4169 2072
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

7. La Zebra Hotel

Beach-chic, luxury hotel on a wide stretch of white, sandy beach with a rooftop infinity pool, playground, and free, weekly salsa dancing lessons. All open-plan suites are designed for 4 with a king-sized bed and a double twin trundle bed, a dual shower, and dual vanities; many suites include private plunge pools. Amazing food and drinks, a small spa, and friendly, attentive service round out the experience here.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 115 4726
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

8. Villas Geminis Boutique Condo Hotel

Affordable, upscale, pet-friendly studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom condos, most with full kitchens, some with outdoor soaking tubs. This gated hotel in the Pueblo offers a pool, garden, free bicycles, complimentary breakfasts, and discounts at nearby beach clubs. The hotel partners with a Mayan collective to arrange jungle retreats with Mayan healing rituals, cooking classes, tours of Sian Ka’an, and more.
Hotel phone: +52 1 984 115 4726
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

9. Villa Las Estrellas

Rooms and suites are large, great for families, and steps from the sea. Centrally located on the beach road and an easy walk to several restaurants.
Hotel phone: +52 984 879 0772
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

10. Zamas

Large bungalows sleep a family of 5. Great location (closer to town than most hotels) with restaurants and ice cream shop steps away. The beach here is not great but it’s an easy bike ride to great sand.
Hotel phone: +52 984 145 2602
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

11. Naay Boutique Hotel

Stylish boutique hotel in the brand new Aldea Zama neighborhood, halfway between the Pueblo and the beach. Spacious 1 and 2-bedroom suites sleep up to 6 guests. The main highlight is the hotel’s rooftop, which boasts an infinity pool, kids’ pool, infinity jacuzzi, and an outstanding bar and restaurant with jungle sunset views.
Hotel phone: +52 984 231 1241
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

Read More

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