Best Value & Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun, Mexico

Hours of reading mixed reviews on the top-rated Cancun all-inclusive hotels and resorts had honestly given me a headache, to the point that I was still debating which are the best value all-inclusive resorts in or near Cancun, Mexico when my flight started boarding.

Was it scary? Kinda, but I’m here to tell you that there is no need to fret! I ended up resort hopping at several 5-star all-inclusive resorts over a month and found some of the best value and affordable all-inclusive options.

In a rush and need a quick decision? This is the best cheap all-inclusive resort in Cancun Hotel Zone, Mexico!

Top Pick

Best Value & Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun, Mexico

Hotel NYX Cancun

✔️A Budget-Friendly All-Inclusive Optional Hotel with newly renovated suites

✔️Prime Location in Cancun Hotel Zone near La Isla with beautiful beach and great food

Book with Booking.com Book with Expedia Book with Hotels.com

Keep reading for my detailed reviews of each resort and useful tips that will help you choose the right place to stay!

Luxury under Budget aims at helping you get the best deals by maximizing the value of your time and money. My recommendations are based on first-hand experiences and a full analysis of costs vs. benefits. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission when you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and enables me to provide more free and helpful content. Now, let’s go get you that luxury travel while staying under the budget!

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What is an all-inclusive resort?

The simple answer is a resort that offers an all-inclusive package, which basically covers the room and all meals. Pay attention when you book, as some all-inclusive resorts offer the European plan as well, which covers just the room or room with breakfast only.

All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun vs European Plan

💡 Some all-inclusive resorts go beyond including meals and provide free access to some of the best excursions, tours, and activities in Cancun, such as Hotel Xcaret!

🛎️ Hotel Xcaret Arte Promo: Book Hotel Xcaret Arte Special Rates by December 31st, 2023

🛎️ Hotel Xcaret Mexico Promo: Book Hotel Xcaret Mexico Special Rates by December 31st, 2023

What is included in an all-inclusive package in Cancun, Mexico?

It varies from resort to resort, but all-inclusive packages typically include the room, breakfast (buffet), lunch and dinner (buffet or a-la-carte), beverages at the bar (limited choices of alcohol), in-room minibar with bottled water and sodas, as well as access to the swimming pool, private beach, and fitness center. Some all-inclusive resorts will also include Cancun excursions, tours, and activities as part of the hotel’s nightly rate, such as Hotel Xcaret.

Depending on the hotel policies, some of these additional perks will be available to you:

All-you-can-eat snacks
Welcome bottle of alcohol or wine
Room service (you can order food to the room but the choices will be limited)
Beach towels while the fitness center and the pool are open
Free access to the beach and infinity pools
Free use of snorkel gear, kayak, and paddleboard or a discount for water sports excursions
Free use of beach chairs or cabanas (may require a reservation in advance)
Complimentary 15-minute scuba diving introductory session (in the pool). This will help you get familiar with scuba diving equipment and breathing techniques under the water
Complimentary activities and entertainment (yoga class, trivia, karaoke, dance lessons, aqua aerobics, etc. – you may win prizes for participation)
Airport Transfer (the hotel may require you to show flight confirmation)
Tequila tastings
24-hour butler that can assist you with booking pool cabanas, spa treatments, restaurant reservations, or water sports and other activities
Access to a golf course
Aromatherapy kits in the guest room

Top Pick for Value

Hotel Xcaret Arte

✔️ Adults-Only All-inclusive with free admissions and transportation to all Xcaret Parks and Xcaret Tours, free airport transfer, fine dining

✔️ Family-friendly option at Hotel Xcaret Mexico and luxury boutique with swim-up suites at La Casa de la Playa

Book Directly with Xcaret Book with Booking.com Book with Expedia Book with Hotels.com

Is it cheaper to get all-inclusive in Cancun?

Most all-inclusive resorts in Cancun will seem to be a little more expensive than non all-inclusive resorts. However, in most circumstances when you can make the most out of your stay, an all-inclusive package is worth it because it is actually more cost-effective than non-all-inclusive.

If you like drinking and spending time at the beach, it would most likely be cheaper for you to stay in all-inclusive resorts than staying at a regular hotel and incurring all the costs for food, beverages, and transportation.

Is it better to stay at all-inclusive resorts in Cancun?

There are many reasons why it’s often better to stay at all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.

All-inclusive resorts offer a great value for your money. All of your meals and activities are included in the price of your stay, so you can save money on food and entertainment.
They tend to be located in prime beachfront locations. This means that you can enjoy all the amenities of the resort while also being just steps from the sand and surf.
These resorts offer a wide range of activities and services. From spa treatments to water sports, there is something for everyone at an all-inclusive resort.

What part of Cancun is best to stay?

Most people will tell you that the best area to stay in Cancun is Hotel Zone, which is indeed a popular area with lots of hotels and vibrant nightlife. But which location is the best in Hotel Zone? Let’s take a look at the map.

Map of Cancun hotels and resorts

When planning a vacation to Cancun, it’s important to choose the right area to stay in. Cancun Hotel Zone is the safest area to stay as all the resorts are located on the beach with gated entries and security on patrol 24/7.

The Cancun Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera in Spanish) is a 22-km long strip of high-rise hotels, resorts, bars, and restaurants. This area can be roughly divided into three different regions:

North Hotel Zone (up to Boulevard Kukulkan KM 8) where the beaches are quieter
Middle Hotel Zone (roughly from Boulevard Kukulkan KM 8.5 to KM 14.5) which offers great shopping and nightlife options including Cancun’s best bars, clubs, and excellent dining spots
South Hotel Zone has more peaceful surroundings which is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Best Places to Stay in Cancun for Nightlife

Most of Cancun Hotel Zone’s nightlife happens in Kukulcan Km 9.5 (surrounding area of Coco Bongo), making it one of the best locations to stay in Cancun. Some of the best Cancun all-inclusive resorts within walking distance from Kukulkan Km 9.5 are Hyatt Ziva Cancun (upscale), Krystal Grand Cancun (budget-friendly), and Le Blanc.

➡️Read more reviews & view deals for Krystal Cancun here! (budget-friendly hotel)

Best Places to Stay in Cancun for Activities

The other best location in Cancun Hotel Zone, (also my pick) is Km12 near the In teractive Aquarium and La Isla Cancun Shopping Village. La Isla is a bustling open-air mall that boasts an array of retailers as well as several award-winning waterfront restaurants, so you can shop, dine, and enjoy spectacular views all in one convenient location. And if you’re looking for some exciting water activities and water sports, La Isla has you covered. You can go jet skiing or try your hand at flying a jetpack, or step things up a notch with a thrilling hoverboard flight.

The best all-inclusive resorts that are close by La Isla include Beach Palace (upscale), NYX Cancun (affordable), and Park Royal Cancun (budget-friendly). All of them are under five minutes walk to the mall and a short bus or taxi ride to Coco Bongo!

➡️Read more reviews & view deals for Beach Palace here! (upscale accomodation)

➡️ Read more reviews & view deals for Park Royal Cancun (budget-friendly accommodation)

What are the best all-inclusive Cancun hotels and resorts?

Cancun’s hotel scene has something for everyone and the right answer depends on your budget. There are top-rated luxury resorts that have little chance of going wrong such as Le Blanc Resort & Spa or Moon Palace Cancun. There are also many affordable all-inclusive resorts in Cancun at around $200 per night. And yes, there are some cheap all-inclusive hotels with just over $100 that are well worth it.

However, don’t make the mistake of booking solely based on price. It is important to compare the amenities and perks that are included in the package. For example, you should ask yourself whether the perks that come with a higher price justify the cost, such as:

Is staying in the best location in Cancun worth $50 more?
Are you willing to pay $20 more for newer resort facilities?
If Le Blanc is $100 more expensive but you get a personal butler and fine dining, is it worth it?
If Hotel Xcaret Mexico is $200 more expensive but includes roundtrip airport transfers and free tours to the top attractions in Mexico (value up to $350/person), is it a better deal?

Is Rivera Maya better than Cancun?

There’s no denying that Cancun is a popular destination for travelers looking to soak up some sun at beautiful calm white-sand beaches, but Riviera Maya has a lot to offer as well.

Riviera Maya is home to some of Mexico’s most stunning beaches for snorkeling and scuba diving. In addition, Riviera Maya boasts a more laid-back atmosphere than Cancun. There are also several all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya with cheaper price but offers the same quality or even more perks than those in Cancun.

If you want to get more value for comparable price, consider staying in Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, or taking the ferry to Cozumel.

Top 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in & near Cancun, Mexico:

1. Best value all-inclusive resort in Cancun for families: Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Hotel Xcaret Mexico is a luxury AAA 5-diamond family-friendly resort. Although the price is not cheap, the values you get for staying here will most likely offset the cost.
Thanks to the All Fun Inclusive feature where the hotel offers you free access to the best tours, parks, attractions, and outdoor activities in Cancun, it will save you a lot of money! If you plan to visit Cancun’s most popular adventure theme parks such as Xcaret, Xplor, or Xelha water park, you may find it cheaper to stay at Hotel Xcaret Mexico than paying the admissions fees for your whole family. Check out my suggested itineraries to maximize the value of your stay!
It is a 45-minute drive from Cancun International Airport (CUN), 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen and 50 minutes from Tulum
You will have every amenity needed for the best all-inclusive experience: beautiful beaches, beach bars with signature cocktails, multiple buffets and a la carte restaurants, a swim up bar, free room service, free activities, free tours, and the list goes on.
All suites have modern amenities, a spa jacuzzi, and a private balcony with a hanging hammock. The Oceanfront Swim-up Suite has a private pool and beautiful views of the ocean!
Although Hotel Xcaret Mexico is a kid-friendly resort, you can stay in the adults-only building Casa Fuego, which comes with exclusive perks such as a 24-hour butler, exclusive rooftop terrace, and other amenities that come as extra costs for guests in other buildings.
The minimum age to enter the kids club is 4 years old. You will need to hire a babysitter if you have a younger toddler.

✔️Check Prices for Hotel Xcaret Mexico Family-Friendly Resort – Activities Inclusive

2. Best all-inclusive resort in Cancun for partying & young adults: Temptation Cancun Resort Review

Temptation Cancun Resort is an entertainment adults-only all-inclusive resort with live music, theme parties, and live performances. It’s like having a huge open-air nightclub in your backyard. After a fun night partying, you can just walk a few steps and your sweet bed is right there! To have the most fun, you should check their schedules ahead of time. See what the theme-night party would happen during your stay and pack your “dress to impress” outfits accordingly!
This is one of the best locations for your stay if you plan to visit Isla Mujeres on a catamaran. The dock is right next door and you can access it through the beach.
There is one swim up bar in the main pool.
Some restaurants require reservations, so make sure you check with the receptionist
The Italian restaurant is a great place to spend the evening and enjoy amazing food. Their breakfast buffet was also great, but I thought the Asian restaurant was mediocre.
The rooms are very basic but clean and some beach and pool areas are topless-optional

✔️Check Prices for Temptation Cancun Resort with Adults Theme Parties

3. Best affordable all-inclusive resort in Hotel Zone: Hotel NYX Cancun

Hotel NYX Cancun is an all-inclusive resort with one of the best locations in Hotel Zone – close to Interactive Aquarium and La Isla Cancun Shopping Village. It’s also only a quick taxi ride or bus ride to Coco Bongo and other nightclubs
There are two sides of the hotel: one facing the Caribbean Sea and the other facing Nichupte Lagoon.
Hotel NYX Cancun has a small resort feel, but it has a beautiful white sand beach and plenty of cabanas.
A free photoshoot included – you can schedule at the small desk by the bar in the lobby
The breakfast buffet has limited choices but the restaurant by the beach has really good Mexican food. There is hibachi in the Japanese restaurant but it requires a reservation.
You can get couples massages in a cabana by the beach and enjoy the ocean breeze – perfect for a romantic getaway!

✔️Book Hotel NYX Cancun All-Inclusive Optional

4. Best value adults-only all-inclusive resort: Hotel Xcaret Arte Review

Hotel Xcaret Arte is a new adults-only all-inclusive resort in 2021. It is in the heart of Riviera Maya, next door to Hotel Xcaret Mexico and upholds similar standards and concepts.
Rooms here are not cheap, but because of the All Fun Inclusive Feature which includes round-trip airport transfer, and admission to all parks and tours by Xcaret, the value will offset the cost, making it a more affordable stay than you would think.
All rooms feature a private balcony, a jacuzzi, and a hammock swing and comes with free room service.
The hotel offers aerial yoga classes and five artistic and exclusive workshops, including weaving workshops, pottery workshops, dance classes, vegan cooking workshops, and painting workshops.
If you stay in Casa de Los Artistas, you will have access to Hotel Xcaret Mexico Casa Fuego and other exclusive amenities such as a 24-hour butler and rooftop infinity pools.

✔️Check Prices for Hotel Xcaret Arte Adults-Only Resort (16+) – Activities Inclusive

5. Best budget-friendly all-inclusive resort: Grand Park Royal Cozumel

Grand Park Royal Cozumel is one of the best resorts in Cozumel and is well worth the money you pay!
The Atlantic Submarine Expedition is across the street to the right of the hotel!
The rooms are a bit dated but the staff does a good job of cleaning. All rooms have private balconies and plenty of sunlight.
The resort has direct beach access and is a bit rocky compared to other white sand beaches you will find in Cancun Hotel Zone, but it is an amazing spot for snorkeling, with crystal clear turquoise water, colorful fishes, and small stingrays.
Daily activities by the pool and nightly entertainment in the open-air theatre. If you participate in the activities, you can win small prizes such as a t-shirt, beach bag, and tequila bottle! There is a Mexican grand night with shows and games – really fun!!
There can be long wait-time for the Mexican and Italian restaurants so try to go early if you can. All in all, I was happy with the quality of food at all the restaurants here.
There are two seaside infinity pools with swim up bars overlooking the Caribbean sea, one of which is adults only

✔️Book Grand Park Royal Cozumel

top 10 hotels cancun resorts best budget all inclusive resorts in cancun

Other 5-star All-Inclusive Hotels in Cancun, Mexico

6. New All-inclusive Cancun Hotel in 2021 (best for large groups): Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun

If you want to spot celebrities in Cancun, Garza Blanca is where you can try your luck! Ellen DeGeneres is a member here and has promoted it on her show a few times.
The hotel has its own dock for trips to Isla Mujeres
Massive multi-bedroom suites that are perfect for a big group or the entire family
All-inclusive is optional, which will offer you some flexibility for your schedules

✔️Book Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun

7. New Puerto Morelos All-Inclusive Resort in 2021: The Fives Oceanfront

The Fives Oceanfront is a brand new hotel with beautiful ocean views in Puerto Morelos, a 20-minute drive from the Cancun Airport.
There is a dive center onsite that has new equipment. The boat can take you right off the beach to the diving spots so it is very convenient! You can get certified for open water diving in only two days here!

✔️Book The Fives Oceanfront

8. Closest to nature Cancun all-inclusive resort: Occidental at Xcaret Destination

Occidental at Xcaret Destination is actually my least favorite resort in this list, but I understand why a lot of people enjoy staying here. Because this resort is set in the jungle, you will see plenty of animals around. The really cool part was that I woke up one day and saw a monkey staring at me right from the balcony!
As you can see in my detailed review about Occidental at Xcaret Destination vs Hotel Xcaret, I didn’t think it was as good of a deal compared to Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico.
There is a well-preserved small Mayan ruin by the beach.
A boat can take you from the resort to Xcaret Park
If you enjoy long strolls in nature and don’t mind the darkness, this resort may be for you. However, I would highly recommend Hotel Xcaret Arte or Hotel Xcaret Mexico instead. It will provide more value for your dollars and give you a much better all-inclusive experience!

Check Prices for Occidental at Xcaret Destination

9. Well-maintained Cancun All-Inclusive Optional Resort: Villa del Palmar Cancun Luxury Beach Resort

Villa del Palmar Cancun Luxury Beach Resort is a four-diamond kid friendly resort, right next door and shares the dock with Garza Blanca Preserve Resort and Spa, so you can also easily access the Isla Mujeres tour from this hotel.
The color scheme in the suite can make it feel a little bit dated, but the hotel is actually very well-maintained.
There is a water bridge in the pool and a small floating water park area that will offer fun activities for kids.
There is nothing close to this hotel, so you will have to take a taxi to venture outside, which may not be ideal if you were planning to hit Cancun’s nightlife. Other than that, it is a solid choice, especially if you plan to couple it with a tour to Isla Mujeres.

Check Prices for Villa del Palmar Cancun Luxury Beach Resort

10. More perks with Preferred Club upgrade: Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa

Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa is on a stretch of white sand beach in Puerto Morelos within a 20-minute drive from Cancun Internation Airport.
Consider an upgrade to Preferred Club, which gives you more perks such as personalized check-in, a-la-carte breakfast, and a welcome bottle of alcohol.
The French restaurant is the best of all so you should try to come early to avoid the wait. Hibachi food is not that great but very popular, so you will have to book in advance.
Keep in mind that all the cabanas require reservation 1 day before
If you test positive for Covid-19 on-site, they will provide your 14-day quarantine for free.

Check Prices for Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa

Hotel Xcaret - Best Family All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun

What is it like traveling to Cancun, Mexico during the pandemic?

All the 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and the nearby Riviera Maya, Mexico have implemented preventive measures, some with more stringent standards than others. I have seen the best one in practice at Grand Park Royal Cozumel and Hotel Xcaret Mexico. The staff really takes it seriously and sanitizes the place all the time.

You are required to wear a mask everywhere in the resort except in the pool. It is sometimes difficult to maintain social distance with strangers, but you should practice caution for your own safety.

Almost all Cancun all-inclusive hotels and resorts have Covid-19 testing on site. However, most of them require a minimum of 3 or 4 night stays. Hotel Xcaret Mexico is the only one I know that provides a free test regardless of how long you stay. Some resorts such as Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa and Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun will let you quarantine for free if you test positive while being on their properties.

The Wrap Up: Best Cancun All-Inclusive Resorts

If you’re planning a visit to Cancun, I hope that you now have an idea of what you are looking for and are ready to book the best Cancun all-inclusive resort for your trip!

Remember to not book a resort based solely on price. It’s important to compare the perks and amenities of the resorts instead of booking the cheapest option. You will find that sometimes, a more expensive hotel will end up being cheaper because of its added benefits.

Wherever you choose to stay, I’m sure you will have so much fun!

Cancun/Riviera Maya Travel Resources

Travel Insurance:
- No one wants to think about what could go wrong on a vacation, but the truth is that accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance, so you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing that you’re covered if something does go wrong. Don’t take the risk when you can be covered for cheap.
- Safety Wing is a great option for budget-conscious travelers, as policies start at just $40 USD for a whole month! Basic policies cover travel emergencies, medical costs, and medical expenses while you’re in Mexico as well as transportation back to your home country under circumstances.
Getting around Cancun
Car Rental Scam
- Don’t fall for car rental scams in Mexico! Make sure you have full coverage when you make the reservation so car rental agencies can’t upsell their insurance.
- Discover Cars offers the cheapest car rental rates in Mexico and full coverage insurance for as low as $7 per day.
Best Places to Stay in and near Cancun
- Where to Stay in Cancun: Best Non All-Inclusive vs All-Inclusive Hotels
- Best Value & Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun, Mexico
- Best Hotels and Resorts to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico
- Temptation Cancun Resort – Best All-Inclusive Resort for Nightlife
- Hotel Xcaret Arte Review – Best Overall Value Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort
- Hotel Xcaret Mexico R eview – Best Overall Value Family All-Inclusive Resort
- La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret – Best Luxury Boutique Hotel
Best Attractions & Activities in Cancun

Bonus: 61+ Best Cancun Quotes for Instagram & Social Media Captions!