As we enter the summer season 2008, the Atlantic Mexican resort of Cancun is tempting visitors with more than 26,000 hotel rooms in almost every price range. Most of Cancun’s major hotels and resorts are located in Zona Hotelera (the Hotel Zone), which is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon, and the place most families want to be. Read on for reviews of some of our family favorites, and for more information about the region and its attractions, visit the tourist office sites at www.cancun.info or www.visitmexico.com
The Club Internacional De Cancun
Boulevard Kukulkan
Cancun, Quintana Roo 77500
800/221-8090 or 52-998/881-5100
The Club Internacional de Cancún is a smaller resort whose pretty beachfront is sheltered by the island of Isla Mujeres, just offshore. This is one of the five Royal Resorts' timeshare properties; all are well managed and host many resident grandparents. Reasonably-priced apartments with hotel-style amenities and kitchens (including duplex two-bedroom and two bath units) are rented on a weekly basis. There is a 3-night minimum stay. The 200 units overlook lush gardens, two winding pools with footbridges, and a classic, thatched Mexican palapa where all meals are served. Other amenities include an on-site medical clinic, free aquarobics classes and other activities, and nearby golf. If you don't believe us that this is a classic, keep in mind that it was the city's only hotel to remain open throughout 2005's Hurricane Wilma, and it continued to receive guests from each of the other Royal Resorts during the few weeks they closed to clean up landscape debris!
Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
800/241-3333 or 52-98/81-0808
Retorno del Rey, 36 - Zona Hotelera
Cancun, Quintana Roo 77500
On the ocean side of the Zona Hotelera is the posh Ritz-Carlton, Cancún, boasting a US$15 million renovation and upgrade. This property is especially popular with well-heeled teens, who adore the Kayanta Spa, newly expanded with even more exotic water rituals and a larger fitness center. All 365 rooms are newly refreshed, super luxe and bright; more have been configured as connecting rooms to accommodate families; suites are huge. Of course, all ages will receive excellent service and concierge treatment from this winner of AAA's 5-Diamond status (10 years in a row!), Condé Nast Traveler, Traveler & Leisure and Gourmet awards. New resort features include a culinary center hosted by the Fantino restaurant's noted chef, Rainer Zinngrebe and Viking Ranges, where guests -- of all ages -- will be able to watch demonstrations by master chefs and take lessons. The Cliff Drysdale Tennis center offers top notch tennis programs all year round. The new Ritz Kids Mayan Adventures camp serves ages 4-12 daily from 9am-5pm . The program, accompanied by jaguar mascot Balam, is divided into two age groups and highlights environmental and local cultural activities. The Ritz beach hosts nesting sea turtles from July to September so, as part of the chain-wide Giveback Getaways initiative, local biologists lead guests on evening turtle patrols, and young guests can "adopt" and guard turtle eggs during their incubation. Private babysitting services and a fun Kids Night Out keep kids busy after sunset. The tiniest of travelers fall under the brand's Ritzy Bitzy kids standards: thorough room babyproofing, complimentary cribs and high chairs, and even the ability to turn phone ringers off during nap time. A nursery welcoming babies from 6-months to 3-years will open in winter 2008. A much welcomed family perk offered May-September 2008 is the Ritz Kids Meal Plan where children under 12 may order any snack, beverage or food from any restaurant or room service, at any time of day, for a US$49/day fee.
Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort
800/321-3232 or 52 998/881-8000
Boulevard Kukulcan, Km. 17
Cancun, Quintana Roo 77500
This large, business oriented hotel was popular with golfing families even before the upgrades completed in post-Hurricane Wilma renovations. There are 426 rooms overlooking a newly expanded beachfront or the pretty lagoon across Blvd. Kukulcan, and several restaurants, bars, business center and more. A major upgrade added sofabeds to rooms with king beds and recent renovations have brought Hilton’s comfy new mattress and linen line, flat screen TVs, new minibars, better A/C and fancier amenities to all family visitors. The 82 villas were totally refurbished and made even more luxe, and the whole facility received a needed telecommunications upgrade to improve phones and Internet access. The resort’s 150 acres of pretty landscaping, seven pools, several whirlpools and sundeck areas have new reflective pebble flooring, new water treatment systems and additional shaded areas. At reopening, the resort continued its family amenities, with complimentary cribs, playpens, and high chairs for little ones; plus private babysitting arranged by the concierge. The Iguana Kids Club is a supervised day camp for ages 4-11 years which focuses on turtle hatch and release programs during the local turtles' nesting season of May to October. This Hilton also has a children’s playroom, family activities program, and seasonal discounted family room/adjoining room packages. While very large, this full service resort does a good job of accommodating extended families, particularly those who have golf and tennis players in the mix.
Gran Melia Cancun
888/95-MELIA or 52-998/881-1100
Kukulcan Boulevard, Km 16.5 - Zona Hotelera
Cancun, Mexico 77500
The Melia Cancún Beach & Spa Resort has spacious rooms, most with two double beds, built around an imposing 11-story atrium which encloses a rainforest-like landscape. Its striking architectural style was designed by the architect Emile Nadal, inspired by the local Mayan culture. With its bright light, the lobby is conducive to family gatherings and late afternoon breaks from the summer heat. Be forewarned that the 794 rooms are sold as timeshare properties, so a hard-sell presence has emerged in the lobby area; this shouldn't bother hotel guests. Beyond the large, rambling pool, this Melia has a seaview, open-air café with good Mexican and kid-friendly fare. Families may opt for the hotel's all-inclusive plan but remember - it's near Kukulcan Plaza and dozens of good restaurants. The new Kids Club has daily activities and a children's pool, and the Aqua World marina right across the street offers family-friendly water sports for everyone. Non-motorized water sports are also available in the resort, with diving lessons available at one of the two swimming pools.
Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa
800/543-4300, 52/998/881-2200
Retorno Del Rey, Km 14 Zona Hotelera
Cancun, Quintana Roo 77500
In recent years, the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Corporation has reshaped its presence in the Cancun area by closing the long-popular Sheraton Resort, refurbishing another property to become a chic Westin Resort, and embarking on building another Westin. Meanwhile, Starwood's acquisition of the Meridien chain has allowed them to bring this tasty, Euro-style resort into their portfolio, and we couldn't be more pleased. Le Meridien is located at the edge of the sparkling Caribbean Sea and Laguna Nichupte, in a quiet and lovely spot. The beach is great and there's plenty of space to accommodate one of the city's finest day spas, which boasts 14 treatment rooms, inhalation rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis, cold plunge pools, Swiss showers, and a whirlpool tucked beneath a waterfall. Families will like the 213 bright, large guest rooms, many of which have both ocean and lagoon views. Most have balconies, too, and an array of modcons that includes coffeemakers, high speed Internet access, minibar, microwave, balconies, ironing setups, and a separate bath tub and shower so that everyone can get ready for the disco at the same time. On property is a pretty, three-tiered pool with waterfalls; nearby is easy access to deep sea fishing, windsurfing, scuba diving, horseback riding, and a walking area. The hotel also features two artificial grass tennis courts (floodlit at night), a fitness center, and nearby golf and tennis. The Penguin Kids Club accommodates ages 4-12 from 10am-4pm daily, but it may be hard to keep the kids out of the large shopping center, handicraft boutiques and artisans stalls next door. Seasonal family packages include discounted adjoining rooms, special amenities, kids' meal plans, an in-room XBox and other perks.
Marriott Casa Magna Cancun
888/228-9290 or 52-998/881-2000
Boulevard Kukulcan, Retorno Chac L-41, Zona Hotelera
Cancun, Quintana Roo 77500
The 433-room Marriott Casa Magna Cancún offers sea or lagoon views from modern and pleasant rooms that are undergoing a US$11 million renovation for winter 2008. At present, guests enjoy 32" flat screen TVs, the brand's comfortable beds and linens, and new wind-resistant windows. The daily Club Amigos program for 4 to12-year-olds includes all sorts of indoor and outdoor activities with lunch. Check their schedule for the special once weekly eco-focused Beach Builder program and twice-weekly Kids Cocina program that enables young guests to partake in cooking classes featuring regional specialties such as tacos, nachos, guacamole, refried beans and flan. Families will also find a newly remodeled children's playground, large pool area and adjoining sundeck, and a babysitting service. This island-like resort is especially popular with teens, who can independently roam the extensive property. Alternatively, families may consider the sister property, Cancun's very high end J.W. Marriott, which gets rave reviews for its service and gourmet dining. Note that the JW, within walking distance of the Casa Magna, provides spa treatments for ages 6-years and up, including manicures and pedicures as part of a Mayan Princess package for little girls. Casa Magna guests may also sign up for the JW's PADI resort course, which offers elementary Scuba instruction to young guests in the resort's grotto pool.
Cancun All-Inclusive Resorts
Grand Oasis Cancun
52-998-881-7000
Boulevard Kukulcan, Km.16,5. Zona Hotelera
Cancún, Quintana Roo 77500
The OasisGrand, and its adjacent small wings known as the Oasis Cancun are “luxury” all-inclusives that – despite their size at more than 1300 rooms – are distinguished by good service and better than average food. The main hotel’s huge, sun-lit atrium lobby is framed by six levels of rooms that overlook the Caribbean, the pools and landscaped grounds, and across Kukulcan Blvd to the lagoon. Spacious and simple, rooms are painted in the deep amber, burnt orange and rich greens of Mexico, and have two queen beds, a small seating area, large closet, bathroom with full bathtub and balcony with seating. Amenities include a wide range of toiletries, stocked minibar at no extra fee, hairdryer, coffeemaker, and even room service. Be warned that rooms nearest the elevator are farthest from the beach and pool, which are more easily reached by an exterior staircase. Families with young children may prefer a ground floor room in one of the adjacent wings tucked between the pools and the beach. There are also a few apartment style suites with kitchens, though with such high quality dining options included in these rates, we don’t know why any one would want to cook. Our favorite -- the glass-enclosed lounge at the water’s edge, with its excellent, varied, healthy and kid-pleasing breakfast and dinner buffets. There are five restaurants between the properties, including a very good sushi bar (the Mexicans love rice-wrapped “sushi” made with mango, kiwi or plantains and a cream cheese), fresh seafood, a casual Mexican café, the elegant Italian Tratoria Tatish, poolside snackbars and an a la carte Mediterranean choice. Children ages 4-12 can return to the supervised KidsClub where activities run from 9am to 5pm daily, or hang around the main pool for the program of boisterous activities. Parents can retire to the 9-hole par 3 golf course. Private babysitting is available with 24 hours advance reservation at a fee of US$10/HR. And the beach, well, it's back, and the aquamarine water (with its swift and treacherous undertow) continues to beckon sunbathers.
Avalon Grand Cancun
800/261-5014
Boulevard Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera
Cancún, Quintana Roo 77500
As far as all-inclusives go, the Avalon Group, which also manages the charming and very Mexican Avalon Baccara next door (not inclusive but reviewed here), marches to its own high-quality drummer. At the Grand, there are only 116 guestrooms, yet many are suites, unique in size, details and amenities, but with kitchenettes and lots of room for larger families to spread out. The two-bedroom suites that sleep 6 even have three bathrooms, perfect if you're traveling with teens. Set in the Zona Hotelera near the popular Planet Hollywood and several malls, this hotel fronts a pretty beach where the strong winds and sometimes turbulent currents make swimming problematic. However, families will find the large unshaded pool is really action central, and it's where the Wild Things kids club often plays. Each day the friendly counselors welcome ages 4-10 years, and younger ones who want to join with their caregivers, to try crafts, games and other activities. Another plus here is the good food, served buffet style but facilitated by very nice wait staff. If you go, make sure to allow a day to visit the sister property, the Avalon Reef, set on an idyllic beachfront spot on nearby Isla Mujeres, a fun ferry ride away. Well priced with seasonal specials available.
Beach Palace
800/635-1836; 52/998/891-4110
Boulevard Kukulcan, Km 11.5
Cancún, Quintana Roo 77500
Smack dab in the middle of the Zona Hotelera, this large and busy Palace Resorts outpost has been condo-ized and has a more urban feel than some of the other resorts. A post-hurricane makeover has remade the Beach Palace into a more stylish place, however, where whites and beiges, natural wood and milky glass predominate. Spacious rooms have a king bed and seating area that sleeps a child; recessed lighting, flat screen TV and the Jacuzzi tub give rooms a more adult flair than at other all-inclusives. If this sounds tempting to parents looking for time alone, rest assured that Beach Palace has a busy kids club for ages 4-12, plus lots of on-site programs. There is a dive tank to practice your snorkel moves, spa facilities, and a fitness center for the health-concious. Families will enjoy the 3 outdoor pools (two on the roof), 3 swim up bars (drinks are on the house at this all-inclusive) and for younger sibs, the kiddie pool at the Kids Club. Teens will like the billiards, ping-pong, table games and nightly theme parties or shows. The beach is lovely but as elsewhere, the sea can be rough. However, everyone will love the magnificent sea views from one of the sky bars atop the hotel.
Riu Cancun Hotel
888/666-88616
Blvd. Kukulcan, Km 9, Zona Hotelera
Cancún, Quintana Roo 77500
Hotel Riu Caribe
888/666-88616
Blvd. Kukulcan, Km 5.5
Cancún, Quintana Roo 77500
We like the Riu Resorts because this Spanish-owned company does everything with a Latin flair, ensuring that its European clientele and their families remain happy. Of the two in-town, all-inclusive resorts (there are several more along the Riviera Maya and all can be visited by guests), the Riu Cancun is our pick for its location on pretty Playa Caracol (pictured above left). The Cancun region is shaped like a number 7 and the Caracol beach is at its north end, just around the tip from the lighthouse at Punta Cancun, and opposite the island of Isla Mujeres. While the beach is more narrow and not as picturesque as the broad sand stretch at the Riu Caribe (in the main part of the Zona Hotelera), this quieter area tends to have calm water that is easier for swimming. Both hotels are large (over 500 rooms) with large pools, poolside dining pavilions, several other restaurants including a la carte options ideal for a romantic night out, and evening entertainment. Both also have a shallow children's pool, a supervised activity program for ages 4-12 with crafts, a talent show, beach games and lots of pool fun. While the Cancun is near the convention center and has a disco open to teens in the pre-adult hours, the Riu boasts handicap-accessible rooms, two tennis courts and a small playground (gets quite hot in summer). Family pricing includes discounts for children 12 and under; seasonal specials sometimes available.
Gran Caribe Real Cancun
800/760-0944
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 11.5, Z.H.
Cancún, Quintana Roo 77500
This 5 Star all-inclusive resort has 479 recently renovated suites and sits on a pure white beach right next to the ocean. The all-inclusive deals will get you delicious meals and access to the resort's 24 hour air-conditioned club, as well as exciting nightly entertainment. There are two pools, one with water sports, including SCUBA lessons, and the other right next to a relaxing jacuzzi. More recently the gorgeous beach has become a major attraction because the aquamarine water is now home to the 'white turtles'. These turtles lay their eggs on the beach and if guests are lucky, they will witness the release of the hatchlings as they go towards the sea. The Oki Kids Club provides daily activities and games for kids ages 4-12. The club also teaches children about the white turtles and takes the kids on trips to see them. The all-inclusive family package at the Gran Caribe Real Cancun resort is valid in Master and Presidential suites, and children under five stay for free. All kids from 6 to 12 are 60% off and those 13 to 17 are 40% off if they share a room with their parents.
