5 Best Areas To Stay In Cancun 2024

The whole world knows Cancun for Spring Break. The city on the coast of Mexico has become known for having fun and parties. Because of this, there are many chances to let loose and party late into the night in Cancun. Cancun has been on the map since the 18th century under its Maya name, but it took off in the 1970s.

The Mexican government paid for the first buildings in this fantastic vacation town. Only three people lived there, and they took care of a coconut farm. Clearly, the land now Zona Hotelera, with its dangerous shape, would make an incredible paradise.

Zona Hotelera

A lot of Cancun’s high-end casinos and all-inclusive hotels are in this area, which may be what the name of the area suggests. All of these are on a 14-mile stretch of beautiful white sand beach that sticks out into the blue sea of the Caribbean Sea. It’s easy to see why this is where most tourists in Cancun choose to spend their time. It’s a beautiful stretch of beach with everything you could want for a vacation.

Along Kukulcan Boulevard are many foreign restaurants, parties, and busy bars. There are also many places to swim, with calm water that is great for a dip. There is also history. Get lost in the ruins of Yamil Lu’um, which date back to the 1300s and include a small Mayan temple, or head further south to the El Rey Archaeological Zone.

Where To Stay In Zona Hotelera

• Royal UNO: A 5-star resort on the Caribbean coast with stunning views and a private beach. It is one of the best hotels in the city.
• The Emporio Cancun: A modern 4-star hotel on a private beach with the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupté Lagoon on one side. The San Miguelito Archaeological Site is just a short walk away.

El Centro

The Zona Hotelera is on a small island across the water. El Centro, in the middle of the city, feels more like a downtown area, even though its name calls it that. This area is where most of the people who live in Cancun live. It has excellent transportation options, lovely, cheap places to stay, and lots of local life. It’s only a bus ride to the beach from all of this.

Visitors will be close to Parque las Palapas, the city’s central park, which is always full of local families who are out for a walk and to eat at the food stands. Market 28 is a busy, bright place to buy many different things. The Zona Hotelera has a very foreign feel. El Centro, on the other hand, is where you can get a feel for real life in Cancun. This is a place for more daring travelers.

Where To Stay In El Centro

• The Adhara Hacienda in Cancun: Some perks are an outdoor pool, a top-notch exercise center, and a restaurant.
• The Nomads Hotel Hostel: This fantastic and lively hotel is in the middle of Cancun’s busy downtown area and is one of the best cheap places to stay.

Punta Cancun

If you like going out at night, Punta Cancun is the place to be. It is at the northern end of the Zona Hotelera. Going out here for dinner, dancing, and drinks is excellent. The water here is surprisingly calm, though, thanks partly to the lake on the western side of the spit. The party vibe starts when it gets dark. That means there is good fishing and sailing nearby.

With 15 reefs, Punta Cancun is a great place to snorkel, even if you’ve never worn a mask. You can see tropical fish and other sea life there. It’s even possible to go swimming in the water. The places to stay here are the same as those in the Zona Hotelera but less expensive, getting closer to the reasonable and mid-range range. There is also an extensive golf course here if you like that sport.

Where To Stay In Punta Cancun

• Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach: This fancy 5-star resort is all about luxury and grandeur. Its world-class spa covers more than 40,000 square feet and offers excellent services like hydrotherapy and full-body treatments.
• Mayan Monkey Hostel: This cool and trendy hotel is close to Playa Chac Mool and is best for people who like to hang out with others.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island with white sand beaches about eight miles from the northern coast of Cancun. It has a strong sense of island life and a laid-back vibe, even though it’s close to a big and famous tourist spot. Don’t expect to go dancing late at night; it’s more about its beach bars and water views.

Even though the island is barely four miles long and just over half a mile wide, there are still many fun things to do there. The Tortugranja is a turtle reserve where you can help put baby turtles back into the water after they have been raised. You can also go to Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres to learn about manatees, dolphins, and other sea mammals.

Where To Stay In Isla Mujeres

• Izla Beach Front Hotel: This seaside 5-star hotel has a vast swimming pool, a stylish bar with a view of the sea, a well-kept yard, and a large sun deck. It’s an excellent choice for very expensive tourists.
• Hotel La Joya: This fancy 4-star hotel has a private beachfront, is next to a natural reef park, and has the most amazing ocean-themed decor.
• Nomads Hotel Hostel: This hostel is mostly for parties. It has a pool by the water with a bar, a lounge area with views of the beach, and fun events and activities every day to keep you moving.

Puerto Morelos

It takes about 25 minutes to drive from the airport to Puerto Morelos, about 11 miles south of Cancun. This quiet fishing village is very different from its neighbor to the north, which has busy casinos and people who stay out late. The white sand beach in Puerto Morelos, which has a few beach clubs, is the main draw here. There’s even a rock out at sea.

Even though it is not very big, this town has a relatively large range of food. Along with fresh food from local places, this town also has restaurants that serve Italian, Asian, and other types of food from around the world. The city has several small bed-and-breakfasts and family-run guesthouses. You can also take the bus from the town hall to get to more significant sites outside of town.

Where To Stay In Puerto Morelos

• Now Jade Riviera Cancun: This stylish hotel offers many terrific amenities, like three warm pools, a hydrotherapy spa, a tennis school, and many places to do water sports. It also has many drink parties and live entertainment shows to keep you busy.
• Soho Boutique Puerto Morelos: This small hotel’s rooms are clean and stylish, and they come with modern conveniences like a desk and a private bathroom. Every morning, there is a tasty breakfast spread.

When planning your next getaway, consider exploring our comprehensive guides to various destinations. For those dreaming of a sun-soaked escape, check out our Best Areas to Stay in Cancun, where we highlight the ideal neighborhoods for relaxation and adventure. If you’re looking for a mix of culture and fun, our section on Top Attractions in Mexico will help you uncover hidden gems and must-visit sites.