Cancun area hotel recommendations
Discussion
Hello all
Looking at going to Mexico for a couple of weeks in Jan/Feb with Tui as have credit with them.
Any recommendations for hotels/area to go to or indeed definitely avoid! will be all inclusive and just chilling in the sun away from the cold of the UK.
Price wise looking at £5/6000 per 2 for 2 weeks.
Thanks
Looking at going to Mexico for a couple of weeks in Jan/Feb with Tui as have credit with them.
Any recommendations for hotels/area to go to or indeed definitely avoid! will be all inclusive and just chilling in the sun away from the cold of the UK.
Price wise looking at £5/6000 per 2 for 2 weeks.
Thanks
I went in 2019, stayed in Rui Cancun, it was fantastic. I stayed in the hotel for most of the holiday as it was so nice, plus the area it was located wasn't exactly safe, was in the middle of the jungle basically 
I did Coco Bongos and Xel Ha, both are highly recommended and probably two of the best experiences of my life, I still look back on them fondly even though they were with my ex
I did Coco Bongos and Xel Ha, both are highly recommended and probably two of the best experiences of my life, I still look back on them fondly even though they were with my ex
Leicester Loyal said:
I went in 2019, stayed in Rui Cancun, it was fantastic. I stayed in the hotel for most of the holiday as it was so nice, plus the area it was located wasn't exactly safe, was in the middle of the jungle basically
I did Coco Bongos and Xel Ha, both are highly recommended and probably two of the best experiences of my life, I still look back on them fondly even though they were with my ex
Thanks - will have a look at those I did Coco Bongos and Xel Ha, both are highly recommended and probably two of the best experiences of my life, I still look back on them fondly even though they were with my ex
We go a few times a year with the kids and without. In the last 5 years about 16 hotels from Costa Mujeres down to Tulum so quite a bit of recent experience. Off again next week with the kids for xmas.
You are a little limited with TUI but you do have some nice ones on their books it seems. For future trips book flights and hotels separately and you can get the best rooms in bets hotels for same as a top end TUI trip (which is what your budget should get you).
Do you like more lively hotels or just pure relaxation?
Do you think you will want to stay in hotel or also get out and about (some are in the arse end of no-where and trips out and about get expensive).
Do you like standard high rise hotel type paces with a small foot print or massive sprawling places?
Prefer beach or pools?
Drink allot and have high end alcohol tastes with top end spirits and fresh mixed cocktails etc? Or happy with any old stuff?
Like food or not too bothered?
If you answer the above and can hone it in for you.
I am assuming you want Adults only?...
A few recommendations off the bat based on places we have been to looking at the latest TUI list of hotels available. All of the very best places we have stayed at not on TUI list sadly but for ones that are and we would happily go back to;
- Iberostar Grand. If you can get a Grand Villa with Tui they are lovely. About 1800 sq ft with own private walled garden and pool. The bathroom is bigger than most hotel rooms.
Pros: Brilliant service, nice restaurants (all A la Carte), top shelf alcohol, nice pool areas and lovely main buildings. Access to rest of resort including shopping plaza which has ok night club etc. Also access to rest of resort which was massive.
Cons: Evening entertainment was a bit poor but we went during COVID so may not be fair (we only brits apparently).
TRS Yucatan: Pros: Very good value for what you get. As per above all a la carte (some very nice food had there), all top shelf alcohol. I enjoyed clearing the bars out of Belvedere vodka, every drink there was a quad and not watered down. Access to a massive resort, as per above you can access others they cant access yours. Had the standard room here but actually nice with Jacuzzi on Balcony etc. Very nice and modern if you like that sort of thing. They have chic cabaret open a few nights. Brilliant for hotel entertainment, 7 course meal and show pretty close to some of the vegas standards.
Cons: However its a bit stuffy and dull overall if you like to party every night. Rest of hotels were were entertainment was mostly at night (unless you like piano bars) and that entertainment was a bit crap. No night club if you like that sort of thing.
Both quite a way out of Cancun and massive sprawling places.
Unico 2087 also on the list and pretty much next door to TRS (well the other hotels in TRS complex) and on same beach. Nice hotel also but we found it a bit small and a bit dull a night.
More central to Cancun and if you want a bit smaller.
Secrets the Vine
Le Blanc
The Grand at Moon Palace also good but no AO.
Where to avoid at that price point basically any Riu simply the worst hotels we've been to in the area for the £££. And apparently we have been to 2 of the nicest.
How they can be described as 5 star is beyond me. Most recently we have stayed at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya after it was refurbed. It was that bad left 5 days early and headed to Breathless Riviera Cancun. Reason we left if poor quality food, entertainment, rooms and cheap alcohol. Worst hotel we've had in 16 there. Moving to Breathless was like going from a 2 star to 5 star on every level. Riu Palace Las Americas was also poor when you compare it to some of the above.
Barcelo's also not great lots if stuff is extra and not in same league as some above.
You are a little limited with TUI but you do have some nice ones on their books it seems. For future trips book flights and hotels separately and you can get the best rooms in bets hotels for same as a top end TUI trip (which is what your budget should get you).
Do you like more lively hotels or just pure relaxation?
Do you think you will want to stay in hotel or also get out and about (some are in the arse end of no-where and trips out and about get expensive).
Do you like standard high rise hotel type paces with a small foot print or massive sprawling places?
Prefer beach or pools?
Drink allot and have high end alcohol tastes with top end spirits and fresh mixed cocktails etc? Or happy with any old stuff?
Like food or not too bothered?
If you answer the above and can hone it in for you.
I am assuming you want Adults only?...
A few recommendations off the bat based on places we have been to looking at the latest TUI list of hotels available. All of the very best places we have stayed at not on TUI list sadly but for ones that are and we would happily go back to;
- Iberostar Grand. If you can get a Grand Villa with Tui they are lovely. About 1800 sq ft with own private walled garden and pool. The bathroom is bigger than most hotel rooms.
Pros: Brilliant service, nice restaurants (all A la Carte), top shelf alcohol, nice pool areas and lovely main buildings. Access to rest of resort including shopping plaza which has ok night club etc. Also access to rest of resort which was massive.
Cons: Evening entertainment was a bit poor but we went during COVID so may not be fair (we only brits apparently).
TRS Yucatan: Pros: Very good value for what you get. As per above all a la carte (some very nice food had there), all top shelf alcohol. I enjoyed clearing the bars out of Belvedere vodka, every drink there was a quad and not watered down. Access to a massive resort, as per above you can access others they cant access yours. Had the standard room here but actually nice with Jacuzzi on Balcony etc. Very nice and modern if you like that sort of thing. They have chic cabaret open a few nights. Brilliant for hotel entertainment, 7 course meal and show pretty close to some of the vegas standards.
Cons: However its a bit stuffy and dull overall if you like to party every night. Rest of hotels were were entertainment was mostly at night (unless you like piano bars) and that entertainment was a bit crap. No night club if you like that sort of thing.
Both quite a way out of Cancun and massive sprawling places.
Unico 2087 also on the list and pretty much next door to TRS (well the other hotels in TRS complex) and on same beach. Nice hotel also but we found it a bit small and a bit dull a night.
More central to Cancun and if you want a bit smaller.
Secrets the Vine
Le Blanc
The Grand at Moon Palace also good but no AO.
Where to avoid at that price point basically any Riu simply the worst hotels we've been to in the area for the £££. And apparently we have been to 2 of the nicest.
How they can be described as 5 star is beyond me. Most recently we have stayed at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya after it was refurbed. It was that bad left 5 days early and headed to Breathless Riviera Cancun. Reason we left if poor quality food, entertainment, rooms and cheap alcohol. Worst hotel we've had in 16 there. Moving to Breathless was like going from a 2 star to 5 star on every level. Riu Palace Las Americas was also poor when you compare it to some of the above.
Barcelo's also not great lots if stuff is extra and not in same league as some above.
Edited by P155flaps on Saturday 4th December 13:50
I’m slightly concerned now we have booked RIU palace costa mujeres. Reviews are good and it looks great and it was new in 18/19 and had been closed during pandemic so was hoping it would be great and stuff fairly new.
3 kids
Not big drinkers
Picked it for the kids
Going in April but me and mrs interstellar are going to the Maldives in Jan so that’s the plush one.
Should I be changing hotels ?
3 kids
Not big drinkers
Picked it for the kids
Going in April but me and mrs interstellar are going to the Maldives in Jan so that’s the plush one.
Should I be changing hotels ?
interstellar said:
I’m slightly concerned now we have booked RIU palace costa mujeres. Reviews are good and it looks great and it was new in 18/19 and had been closed during pandemic so was hoping it would be great and stuff fairly new.
3 kids
Not big drinkers
Picked it for the kids
Going in April but me and mrs interstellar are going to the Maldives in Jan so that’s the plush one.
Should I be changing hotels ?
Its all relative to what you paid I find and have you been anywhere else to compare it to in the area? If not I am sure it will be fine and you will have an amazing family holiday. That the issue I find when you try lots you have lots of other places to compare to.3 kids
Not big drinkers
Picked it for the kids
Going in April but me and mrs interstellar are going to the Maldives in Jan so that’s the plush one.
Should I be changing hotels ?
If some others like Gran Moon Palace were the same or similar price as Riu that time though def change!
But I am sure you will be fine and have a great time regardless. Sounds like you are like me and always less picky with kids in tow we are off next week to Planet Hollywood Riviera Cancun. Booked in April with a 2 bedroom directors star class suite with business class flights for less than £8k, which for Christmas time was too cheap to ignore. The room is that alone now since prices went mental. We def wouldn't go there as a couple but as a family and at that price will be great I am sure.
Enjoy.
Oh and as per above if you are taking kids (or not) I concur that Xel Ha is a great family day out. Our kids loved it, they now would rather go there than Orlando Universal or Disney which says allot!
P155flaps said:
We go a few times a year with the kids and without. In the last 5 years about 16 hotels from Costa Mujeres down to Tulum so quite a bit of recent experience. Off again next week with the kids for xmas.
You are a little limited with TUI but you do have some nice ones on their books it seems. For future trips book flights and hotels separately and you can get the best rooms in bets hotels for same as a top end TUI trip (which is what your budget should get you).
Do you like more lively hotels or just pure relaxation?
Do you think you will want to stay in hotel or also get out and about (some are in the arse end of no-where and trips out and about get expensive).
Do you like standard high rise hotel type paces with a small foot print or massive sprawling places?
Prefer beach or pools?
Drink allot and have high end alcohol tastes with top end spirits and fresh mixed cocktails etc? Or happy with any old stuff?
Like food or not too bothered?
If you answer the above and can hone it in for you.
I am assuming you want Adults only?...
A few recommendations off the bat based on places we have been to looking at the latest TUI list of hotels available. All of the very best places we have stayed at not on TUI list sadly but for ones that are and we would happily go back to;
- Iberostar Grand. If you can get a Grand Villa with Tui they are lovely. About 1800 sq ft with own private walled garden and pool. The bathroom is bigger than most hotel rooms.
Pros: Brilliant service, nice restaurants (all A la Carte), top shelf alcohol, nice pool areas and lovely main buildings. Access to rest of resort including shopping plaza which has ok night club etc. Also access to rest of resort which was massive.
Cons: Evening entertainment was a bit poor but we went during COVID so may not be fair (we only brits apparently).
TRS Yucatan: Pros: Very good value for what you get. As per above all a la carte (some very nice food had there), all top shelf alcohol. I enjoyed clearing the bars out of Belvedere vodka, every drink there was a quad and not watered down. Access to a massive resort, as per above you can access others they cant access yours. Had the standard room here but actually nice with Jacuzzi on Balcony etc. Very nice and modern if you like that sort of thing. They have chic cabaret open a few nights. Brilliant for hotel entertainment, 7 course meal and show pretty close to some of the vegas standards.
Cons: However its a bit stuffy and dull overall if you like to party every night. Rest of hotels were were entertainment was mostly at night (unless you like piano bars) and that entertainment was a bit crap. No night club if you like that sort of thing.
Both quite a way out of Cancun and massive sprawling places.
Unico 2087 also on the list and pretty much next door to TRS (well the other hotels in TRS complex) and on same beach. Nice hotel also but we found it a bit small and a bit dull a night.
More central to Cancun and if you want a bit smaller.
Secrets the Vine
Le Blanc
The Grand at Moon Palace also good but no AO.
Where to avoid at that price point basically any Riu simply the worst hotels we've been to in the area for the £££. And apparently we have been to 2 of the nicest.
How they can be described as 5 star is beyond me. Most recently we have stayed at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya after it was refurbed. It was that bad left 5 days early and headed to Breathless Riviera Cancun. Reason we left if poor quality food, entertainment, rooms and cheap alcohol. Worst hotel we've had in 16 there. Moving to Breathless was like going from a 2 star to 5 star on every level. Riu Palace Las Americas was also poor when you compare it to some of the above.
Barcelo's also not great lots if stuff is extra and not in same league as some above.
A really big thank you for this - appreciate the level of information which was far more than I expected so thanks again.You are a little limited with TUI but you do have some nice ones on their books it seems. For future trips book flights and hotels separately and you can get the best rooms in bets hotels for same as a top end TUI trip (which is what your budget should get you).
Do you like more lively hotels or just pure relaxation?
Do you think you will want to stay in hotel or also get out and about (some are in the arse end of no-where and trips out and about get expensive).
Do you like standard high rise hotel type paces with a small foot print or massive sprawling places?
Prefer beach or pools?
Drink allot and have high end alcohol tastes with top end spirits and fresh mixed cocktails etc? Or happy with any old stuff?
Like food or not too bothered?
If you answer the above and can hone it in for you.
I am assuming you want Adults only?...
A few recommendations off the bat based on places we have been to looking at the latest TUI list of hotels available. All of the very best places we have stayed at not on TUI list sadly but for ones that are and we would happily go back to;
- Iberostar Grand. If you can get a Grand Villa with Tui they are lovely. About 1800 sq ft with own private walled garden and pool. The bathroom is bigger than most hotel rooms.
Pros: Brilliant service, nice restaurants (all A la Carte), top shelf alcohol, nice pool areas and lovely main buildings. Access to rest of resort including shopping plaza which has ok night club etc. Also access to rest of resort which was massive.
Cons: Evening entertainment was a bit poor but we went during COVID so may not be fair (we only brits apparently).
TRS Yucatan: Pros: Very good value for what you get. As per above all a la carte (some very nice food had there), all top shelf alcohol. I enjoyed clearing the bars out of Belvedere vodka, every drink there was a quad and not watered down. Access to a massive resort, as per above you can access others they cant access yours. Had the standard room here but actually nice with Jacuzzi on Balcony etc. Very nice and modern if you like that sort of thing. They have chic cabaret open a few nights. Brilliant for hotel entertainment, 7 course meal and show pretty close to some of the vegas standards.
Cons: However its a bit stuffy and dull overall if you like to party every night. Rest of hotels were were entertainment was mostly at night (unless you like piano bars) and that entertainment was a bit crap. No night club if you like that sort of thing.
Both quite a way out of Cancun and massive sprawling places.
Unico 2087 also on the list and pretty much next door to TRS (well the other hotels in TRS complex) and on same beach. Nice hotel also but we found it a bit small and a bit dull a night.
More central to Cancun and if you want a bit smaller.
Secrets the Vine
Le Blanc
The Grand at Moon Palace also good but no AO.
Where to avoid at that price point basically any Riu simply the worst hotels we've been to in the area for the £££. And apparently we have been to 2 of the nicest.
How they can be described as 5 star is beyond me. Most recently we have stayed at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya after it was refurbed. It was that bad left 5 days early and headed to Breathless Riviera Cancun. Reason we left if poor quality food, entertainment, rooms and cheap alcohol. Worst hotel we've had in 16 there. Moving to Breathless was like going from a 2 star to 5 star on every level. Riu Palace Las Americas was also poor when you compare it to some of the above.
Barcelo's also not great lots if stuff is extra and not in same league as some above.
Edited by P155flaps on Saturday 4th December 13:50
We are looking for winter sun - might venture out on a trip but not much more. Like relaxation but a bit of an atmosphere at night and ideally adults onky.
Don’t mind either a beach or a pool to be fair
Like decent food - the typical buffet stuff doesn’t do much for us as prefer food to be hot. Drink wise I guess mid range tastes
I had looked at the TRS Yucton and appreciate the comments on the RIu ones as prove wise they looked ok!
Thanks again.
Boringvolvodriver said:
A really big thank you for this - appreciate the level of information which was far more than I expected so thanks again.
We are looking for winter sun - might venture out on a trip but not much more. Like relaxation but a bit of an atmosphere at night and ideally adults onky.
Don’t mind either a beach or a pool to be fair
Like decent food - the typical buffet stuff doesn’t do much for us as prefer food to be hot. Drink wise I guess mid range tastes
I had looked at the TRS Yucton and appreciate the comments on the RIu ones as prove wise they looked ok!
Thanks again.
No problems at all will take a look at the full TUI list for you and suggest a few that fit your bill on their list of hotels. I know we are off to El Dorado Casitas in Feb as friends had a TUI credit and we are joining them there (wife's bestie and their first kid free holiday in 20 years). But never been there before and it looks over price / a bit dull at night.We are looking for winter sun - might venture out on a trip but not much more. Like relaxation but a bit of an atmosphere at night and ideally adults onky.
Don’t mind either a beach or a pool to be fair
Like decent food - the typical buffet stuff doesn’t do much for us as prefer food to be hot. Drink wise I guess mid range tastes
I had looked at the TRS Yucton and appreciate the comments on the RIu ones as prove wise they looked ok!
Thanks again.
I did note Tui have Temptations listed. Give that place a wide birth unless you you are open minded / an interesting place if you 'like adult entertainment' as in people shagging everywhere.
P155flaps said:
No problems at all will take a look at the full TUI list for you and suggest a few that fit your bill on their list of hotels. I know we are off to El Dorado Casitas in Feb as friends had a TUI credit and we are joining them there (wife's bestie and their first kid free holiday in 20 years). But never been there before and it looks over price / a bit dull at night.
I did note Tui have Temptations listed. Give that place a wide birth unless you you are open minded / an interesting place if you 'like adult entertainment' as in people shagging everywhere.
Thanks again - really appreciate your help.I did note Tui have Temptations listed. Give that place a wide birth unless you you are open minded / an interesting place if you 'like adult entertainment' as in people shagging everywhere.
Now I am pretty open minded although Temptations looks aptly named and I will give that a miss for sure.
https://www.excellenceresorts.com/riviera-maya-can...
Been here over xmas/new yr for 3 times now, adults only, 25 mins from airport, book a swim up suite, blooming lovely.
Been here over xmas/new yr for 3 times now, adults only, 25 mins from airport, book a swim up suite, blooming lovely.
Quattromaster said:
https://www.excellenceresorts.com/riviera-maya-can...
Been here over xmas/new yr for 3 times now, adults only, 25 mins from airport, book a swim up suite, blooming lovely.
Yeah good shout we also liked it there def in the top 5 of hotels we have been to in the area. The Two Story Rooftop Terrace Suite was nice.Been here over xmas/new yr for 3 times now, adults only, 25 mins from airport, book a swim up suite, blooming lovely.
However I couldn't see it listed when I did a sample TUI search? as OP is restricted to TUI. I am sure they used to have both excellence and finest on their books.
OP looking at the list that came up with a Jan / Feb search and your budget I would def say looking at what TUI have listed and AO any of
TRS Yucatan
Secrets The Vine
Iberostar Grand
Are your best best if you want to lord it up a bit.
TUI prices generally seem very high for some of those though. The Grand seems expensive with TUI on 2 dates I tried. As a yard stick in the summer just gone we we paid £325 a night for the villa there. TUI seem to want about £400 a night for the hotel standard room which at time when we booked were £205.
So looking at some on TUI around that time that appear to be better value, the Eldorado Seaside suites appeared to be very good value with the discount that came up for me on the search I did on TUI site for a Feb stay. So if you want to save some ££ read some reviews and that may be a good bet on the £ value scale. Not been there personally but heard from others its pretty nice and I think TUI may offer better value there vs others a own a steak in Karisma group.
Edited by P155flaps on Saturday 4th December 21:44
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff