Cancún is a coastal city in the popular vacation destination called The Mexican Caribbean, more officially known as the state of Quintana Roo, on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
The climate in Cancun is tropical, with consistent hot and humid weather throughout the year, and very warm sea temperatures.
Late June is especially hot, so come prepared or try the off season. Hurricanes can be a major threat in late summer and autumn.
Like most resort areas in the Caribbean, Cancun gets hit with a really severe hurricane every 10 to 20 years. The last really bad one was Hurricane Wilma in 2005, which obliterated many of Cancun's famous beaches. Thousands of hapless tourists spent their precious vacations jammed into hurricane shelters waiting for Wilma to pass, then waited days in the humid tropical heat (with no air conditioning) for transport home. As a result, from 2005 to 2008, most of Cancun's tourist traffic went to Cabo San Lucas (triggering a massive construction boom there) while Cancun painstakingly rebuilt its resorts and dredged the ocean to bring the white sand back to its beaches. The moral of this story is to buy really good trip insurance if your trip is scheduled during hurricane season, have a backup vacation (or staycation) plan, and cancel promptly if a hurricane is forecasted the week before your trip. Hurricane season is typically from August through October or November and can happen outside those times too.
The climate in Cancun is tropical, with consistent hot and humid weather throughout the year, and very warm sea temperatures.
Late June is especially hot, so come prepared or try the off season. Hurricanes can be a major threat in late summer and autumn: [url=http://www.cancun-weather.com]Cancun Weather Forecast[/url]
Like most resort areas in the Caribbean, Cancun gets hit with a really severe hurricane every 10 to 20 years. The last really bad one was Hurricane Wilma in 2005, which obliterated many of Cancun's famous beaches. Thousands of hapless tourists spent their precious vacations jammed into hurricane shelters waiting for Wilma to pass, then waited days in the humid tropical heat (with no air conditioning) for transport home. As a result, from 2005 to 2008, most of Cancun's tourist traffic went to [wiki=83aaec9fcb83002122217a3c321a39d9]Cabo San Lucas[/wiki] (triggering a massive construction boom there) while Cancun painstakingly rebuilt its resorts and dredged the ocean to bring the white sand back to its beaches. The moral of this story is to buy really good trip insurance if your trip is scheduled during hurricane season, have a backup vacation (or staycation) plan, and cancel promptly if a hurricane is forecasted the week before your trip. Hurricane season is typically from August through October or November and can happen outside those times too.
[url=http://www.asur.com.mx/es/aeropuertos/cancunCancún]International Airport[/url] is Mexico's second busiest airport and is about 10km (6 mi) from south end of the hotel strip (Zona Hotelera) and 16km (9 mi) southwest of downtown.
One of Cancun's best features is its transport links, as most major air carriers in North, Central, and South America, have services to Cancun. There are some extremely cheap charter flight deals available from the [wiki=76423d8352c9e8fc8d7d65f62c55eae9]UK[/wiki] (from around GBP150) as well as commercial flight deals from several European carriers. International flights within Latin America are usually expensive such as those coming from Central and South America.
[wiki_table=2901a67b]
Airlines that fly to Cancun from:
* Mexico City and other cities within Mexico include: [url=http://www.aeromexico.com]Aeromexico[/url]/Aeromexico Connect, [url=http://www.interjet.com.mx]Interjet[/url], [url=http://www.volaris.com.mx] Volaris[/url], [url=http://www.mayair.com.mx]MayAir[/url], [url=http://www.magnicharters.com]Magnicharters[/url], and [url=http://www.vivaaerobus.com.mx]VivaAerobus[/url];
* Central America Avianca El Salvador (formerly Taca & Taca Regional), Tropic Air (to Belize City), and Copa (Panama City);
* USA: Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, United, Jetblue, Sun Country, Frontier, Miami Air International (Charter), [url=https://www.southwest.com/html/air/intl/?int]Southwest[/url], Spirit, Virgin America, Apple Vacations (operated by Frontier and Allegiant), Vacation Express (operated by Aeromexico, Miami Air International & Sunwing from the U.S. & Canada) (Most flights from the USA are regularly scheduled flights);
* South America: Avianca Colombia, LAN, LAN Peru & White Jets;
* Canada: Air Canada, Air Transat, CanJet, Enerjet, Sunwing, WestJet (Except Sunwing, Westjet and Air Canada the others operate on a seasonal basis from Canada or as chartered.);
* Cuba: Cubana de Aviacion and Aeromexico;
* Europe & Russia: Aeroflot, Air Berlin, Air France, British Airways, Air Europa, Blue Panaroma, Condor, Edelwiess, Jetairfly, LOT Polish, Monarch, White, Pullmantur, Thomas Cook, Thomson, Transaero, TUIFly, Virgin Atlantic, XL Airways and White (Portugal). (Some or most European, Canadian and South American carriers come on a seasonal basis and/or as a charter, usually during the northern winters while others operate year round as a regularly scheduled or chartered flight. Check with the airline individually).
See the adjoining chart to find where the airlines are within the airport or contact the particular carrier or tour operator.
Be sure to pass through customs before looking for money exchange inside the customs zone rates are much lower than even the greediest street vendors ask. (City bank, Elektra are the best money exchanges you can try.)
The hardest part of the journey to Cancun (aside from your initial airport check-in) is getting from the luggage carousel to your transport. Make sure you know who your transport is (in case you pre-booked) and find them on outside, as that is where they will be. Unless you are looking for a time-share, free meal or looking to burn hours of travel time and money on your vacation, do NOT stop to chit-chat with anyone about booking tours, transfer services and such. There is plenty of time for that after you get settled in. After you clear customs inspection (the red or green light baggage inspection), do not give your bags to anybody offering to carry them.
To get from the airport (by ground transport) to your destination you have several options:
*You can take an authorized taxi cab, sedan, SUV or van (shared or private), at the Airport. Buy the ticket at one of the podiums (by the vehicles) in the parking lot directly OUTSIDE the arrivals doors or pre-book online or by phone. If you pre-booked online someone should be OUTSIDE of the building holding up a sign with your name(s) on it, if not approach (or call) them yourself and refuse any offer of "help" by anybody who approaches you. Be aware that the legitimate representatives for the taxi and shuttle companies are OUTSIDE the building and anybody inside the building soliciting transfer services can be time share sales people or other hucksters selling something besides a simple ride into town or ripping you off.
*Taxis from the city (white with a green stripe at sides) or from elsewhere (other colors) coming in to drop off others are NOT allowed to pick up passengers at the airport. Anybody trying to direct you to an unmarked car in some obscure location with only a cardboard sign on the dashboard reading "TAXI" is not legitimate and potentially unsafe.
*By public transportation, [url=http://www.ado.com.mx]ADO or Riviera[/url] operates buses to the downtown [wiki=fd5a6f048c89ada0ec63459c7d4467dc#By_bus]bus station[/wiki] and down into [wiki=80641aeee9616559ce67bb5d4837755b#By_bus]Playa del Carmen[/wiki] regularly. From Terminal 2 the bus parking lot is just to front and right of the national/domestic arrivals (llegadas nacionales) doors, northeast of the building. From international arrivals at Terminal 2 turn right and go past the building to the other side. The bus parking lot is just beyond the access road going back out. At Terminal 3 the bus stop is in the bus parking lot, past the 'Air Margaritaville' bar (in a hut) to the right when coming out of the doors. In both locations there should be an attendant at an 'ADO' podium in front of the stall (first stall) to buy the tickets from, otherwise pay the driver or his helper. Tickets cost 6 USD one-way (11 return) or much cheaper in pesos.
A taxi journey from the downtown bus station to your hotel at about MXN$200-250 would be considerably cheaper than a whole journey by taxi from the airport at about USD$48 dollars or catch the R1 bus going south along Av Tulum (main road next to the bus station) to the hotel zone for MXN$10.5 (Jan 2016).
Beware of trying to leave Mexico without enough cash. The Mexican Government charges a travel tax of around MXN$800 (USD$65) to leave the country from an airport. Most major air carriers may already have the travel tax included in the price of the ticket, but it is highly recommended that travellers check this before leaving to/from Cancun. For example, Thomas Cook is charging MXN$660, and US dollars are not accepted. -- The current collective travel experience shows that almost all airlines flying from the US have already included this tax in the 'taxes & surcharge' section above the initial airfare (collected together), so there is no need to pay again when leaving Cancun. It seems that only charter flights from the UK do not include this tax and UK travellers may need to pay upon leaving.
Also, beware of going through security too early. Food and drink prices almost double and you can't easily go back.
The main bus station is at Calle Pino, SM23, MZ56, Lt 1 y 2 which is at the 10 o'clock position (northwest, north is at the 12 o'clock position) of the roundabout at Av Tulum & Av Uxmal in downtown (el centro). The following bus companies operate buses to/from here (Note: The 800 toll free numbers are for calling from within Mexico unless stated otherwise. Other numbers are regular or local numbers. From outside Mexico you will have to call the regular numbers):
* operates ADO & OCC first class, ADO GL Deluxe & ADO Platino on longer routes to various major cities in Yucatan (Merida 4hr20 MXN356-428), Campeche, Quintana Roo (including Play del Carmen (1hr20 MXN58) & Tulum (2hr20 MXN128), Tobasco, Chiapas & Oaxaca states and to/from Mexico DF (MXN1800-2200 pesos or USD135.80-166 for 23-25hrs (2hr20 MXN128)). ADO buses to/from the airport (:30min MXN62) are also here. They also operate the Oriente, Mayab, and Sureste second class buses to various cities and towns in Quintana Roo and Yucatan such as to Tulum, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Puerto Morleos, Playa del Carmen, etc. The Autotur brand is their charter or bus rental subsidiary for group travel, such as organized tours.
* operates second class bus service between Cancun & Merida via Tixpeual, Tixkokob, Euan, Cacalchen, Izamal, Tunkas, Dzitas, Valladolid, Chemax, Xcan and/or Leona on three different routes. These buses stop anywhere along the road to pick up and drop off people on request
There is a taxi stand in front of the bus station (street side) which are cheaper than a direct (private) transfer from the airport.
It can be interesting catching a bus - they stop when you don't want them! It is better to pay in pesos, not dollars.
Bus is the preferred way of getting around. Buses are cheap and come frequently. Most bus drivers are very courteous and will stop for you even if you are not waiting at a bus stop. After paying the fare, which is on a per person basis, the driver will hand you a ticket/receipt which are usually printed with advertisements. Just so there are no surprises, do not expect buses to have amenities such as air conditioning and seat cushions. Also, most bus drivers speak enough English just to help visitors get around.
Buses head up and down the main thoroughfare, Blvd Kukulcan, named after the feather serpent which is the main Mayan deity, from the Mayan words kukul (bird) and can (snake). Buses pass constantly but be prepared for a cramped and rough ride. The rules for the bus drivers seem to be "he who gets to the next passenger quickest, makes the most money". Therefore, be prepared for a wild, but entertaining ride. Frequently, locals will get on with their instruments and "entertain". Some are quite good. R1 goes from around ADO station to the end of Hotel Zone; R2 goes from Market 28 to the end of Hotel Zone; The ticket price is $10.5 as of January 2016.
When you are ready to get off, you can either push the button on top of the hand rail, or if you're not sure of your destination, tell the driver where you would like to get off or point to the destination using a bus map. Most bus drivers speak enough English to understand non-Spanish speakers.
Be careful when the bus is full as pick-pocketing is a concern.
Companies serving the station include all attractions and towns along the coast: the Riviera Express for the Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Xel-Ha, etc.) and ADO for the major national destinations. For some Riviera Maya destinations, it's possible to stop the buses on the Tulum Avenue without having to go all the way to the station, however if you are unsure about where to catch the bus then it's best to go to the station.
The following are companies that operate local bus routes. Turicun & AutoCar provides a list of routes (rutas) and a map (mapa) of the area. Click on the route from the list and the highlight of the route will appear on the map showing where the route goes:
* [url=http://www.turicun.com/web/rutas.php] Turicun (Transportacion Turistica y Urbana de Cancun)[/url]
* [url=http://www.autocarcancun.com/transporteurbano.htm]AutoCar S.A. de CV[/url]
* [url=https://www.facebook.com/MayaCaribe.SociedadCooperativaDeTransporte]Sociedad Cooperativa de Transporte "Maya del Caribe" SCL[/url] (Their Facebook page listing out their fares and any dynamic updates they have to make from time to time such as route deviations)
Other websites providing the information.
* [url=http://cancun.rutadirecta.com/] RutdDirecta.com[/url]
Taxis are plentiful, a bit expensive for the hotel zone and airport, but cheap in the downtown area. Fares for the hotel zone depend on how far along the Blvd Kukulcan you want to go (fares available at hotel receptions and shopping centres), while within the downtown there is a general fixed fare of about MXN$20 per trip, it is best to just ask the driver upon boarding to avoid misunderstandings. Also in downtown area, many taxi drivers use the vehicle as shuttle and allow other people to board while you are inside. If this is not comfortable for you, ask your taxi driver not to do it.
By far, the best mode of transportation for the hotel zone is by bus. The bus fare is cheap and getting from Point A to Point B doesn't take very long.
Be careful and clear with your taxista. They have set rates on paper for how much they should charge for the trip per kilometre (no meter). You can also obtain a discount about 10% if you ask. If you are splitting a cab with friends, be clear on the number of services, people, and price he will charge to your destination. If your friends get out before you he can charge you twice the amount you negotiated for just a few more kilometres. A "service" is considered to be from start point to a requested stop point. If your taxista is non-cooperative there are about 10 more taxis around every corner.
Be very careful if you choose to drive in Cancun. The police seem to pull tourists over at the drop of a hat during spring break. When you pick up a rental, check that all the lights work. Also when you are pulled over for a light violation, do not be surprised if the police holds out an open palmed hand, while holding your driver’s license hostage in the other. Most police officers are underpaid and will for the most part demand a small bribe to let you off the hook. If you decide to rent a car, ask always what the final price will be, as there are some companies -both international and local brands- that will offer a small rate to hook you up, to latter make you buy adiitonal insurance to increase their revenue. Some good options are:
[url=http://http://www.america-carrental.com/]America Car Rental[/url]
[url=http://www.avis.mx]Avis[/url]
[url=http://www.budget.com]Budget[/url]
[url=http://www.nationalcar.com.mx]National Car Rental[/url]
Veico Car Rental[url=http://www.Veico.mx]Veico[/url]
There are some options to book transportation before arriving, via online booking.
*
See the related travel article [wiki=22aad0d11c1af95ab85ff6b6afcb7958]driving in Mexico[/wiki] for additional information.
Cancun and the surrounding area offers amazing possibilities to get out of the touristy areas and get close to nature. You find caves, underwater rivers, pristine jungle, botanical garden, national parks all close to the city. You also have world class diving, but if you are not certified you can also snorkel on the second largest barrier reef in the world, or with Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, Sea Turtles or with huge groups of Sailfish. The Yucatan peninsula is packed with natural wonders, you just need to know where to look.
Many companies are offering one day trips but you need to be aware, the easier a tour looks, the less nature oriented it is. In many cases the best option is to rent a car and visit the parks and places on your own (or with a local guide). Some activities, like the Whale Sharks or Sailfish can be organized only through a licensed operator. Look for the specialized Eco-Tour operators there are a few but still not too many in Cancun.
With golf courses in Cancun, visitors can still have a great vacation and enjoy the game. Surrounded by the beautiful Mexican landscape these courses are home of renowned championships.
The Moon Spa and Golf Club. Is home to the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Cancun golf course. Its dynamic layout requires golfers to navigate through native vegetation as well as numerous wetlands and strategically placed bunkers.
Riviera Cancun Golf and Spa. The golf course at Riviera Cancun Golf & Resorts features strategic bunkering, immaculate greens, stunning layout of fairways, as well as wooden bridges. An spectacular Mexican-Contemporary Club House allows golfers to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the natural reserve that surrounds the course, including the dunes, lakes, mangroves and Tasiste native palm trees, which are some of the elements that make this Golf course a visual stunner.
When shopping in Cancun, you can either go into downtown or the hotel zone. Downtown is much cheaper.
* This is the local market in downtown Cancun. Great shopping for souvenirs. It also has some great Mexican outdoor restaurants. Very cheap and good shopping. Don't forget to bargain.
* This is more of a 'locals' market. Doesn't have the same range as Market 28, but is worth a visit.
* Beautiful mall in the hotel zone. Offers many boutiques and designer stores plus a wide range of restaurants and bars.
* You are likely to be offered a coupon for free jewelry at this store. Their website also offers a free gift for individuals who book a shuttle through their website. However, if you do not have any evidence of this, the offer will not be honored. A free shuttle service is offered to take you to the store from your hotel. However, the prices in the store are exorbitant (even at the "discounted" rates), and much of the same jewelry is sold by street vendors and hotel gift shops, as well as online. Be sure to investigate other vendors first to get an idea of how much you should pay. One rule of thumb is to buy at 20-30% of the quoted price. For example, if a Mayan calendar pendant is offered to you at the discounted rate of MXN75, it's actually probably worth about MXN20. The salespeople will insist that it's worth much more, but stand your ground. If a salesperson agrees to your offer too quickly, you're probably paying too much. In addition, a number of people have reported difficulty obtaining refunds.
* Plaza Las Americas is one of the biggest shopping center in Cancun
Cancun is one of the premier spa destinations in the world with a choice of more than thirty Cancun Spa Resorts that promise to transport your mind, body and spirit to a nirvana of pure bliss. Spas in Cancun offer treatments combining native, ancient mayan healing rituals, modern stress-reducing techniques.
Try a traditional Temazcal steam bath or a full-body massage on the beach overlooking the turquoise blue waters. Indulge in a thalassotherapy treatment and relax as expert therapists provide natural body wraps made with local plants and flowers.
There are many different yoga styles being taught and practiced today. And many of those options are in Cancun to practice yoga.
All rooms have hairdryer, room safe, baby crib (subject to availability), private toilet and bath. Some of its facilities and services are beach club, tennis court, basketball court, function room(s)/meeting room(s), restaurant/cafe/bar, swimming pool, parking, room service, safe deposit boxes and wake-up call.
* A great place to spend nice relaxing evenings while visiting Cancun. 5 minutes form Market 28. Includes continental breakfast.
*Hostel Mundo Maya is located in Cancun`s historic centre, a 15 minute walk from Cancun´s bus station ADO, which offers direct buses to Airport and Playa del Carmen. Prices start from USD9 for dorms which also includes breakfast, safe lockers, A/C and free unlimited Wi-Fi. Also have private rooms for individuals and couples as well.
* The Only beachside hostel in Cancun.
* A great hostel in downtown Cancun. Price includes dinner and breakfast. It is very social with everyone sitting down for dinner together every night. Close to Ave Tulum and ADO bus. They have dorms and private rooms.
* In the downtown area near the bus station. MXN330 for a private, two-bed room for two people. MXN440 if you want air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi. Front desk help is very friendly. You can keep your bags at the hotel even after checking out. You can take the Rt. 1 bus to the hotel/beaches district for USD8.50.
* Just three blocks west of ADO bus terminal. A/C dormitories with clean bathrooms and showers en suite and secure lockers. Ample double rooms, kitchen and (unreliable) internet access. Free continental breakfast. However, no hot water and beds falling apart. Noise throughout the night from nearby disco.
* 10 min by bus from downtown (buses leaving every 5 minutes for USD4.50). Very quiet and with a nice ambiance. Good rooms and free breakfast in bed every morning. Free wifi, swimming pool and views. Ask for the room "La Palma", it's USD400, but you have more than 50² m of space.
Avalon Baccara Cancun, Blvd Kukulkan | Zona Hotelera. Small hotel but cozy. Central air_con, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves tasty food with ocean view. No jaccuzi, but you can use the jacuzzi and swimming pool at their sister hotel Avalon Grande that's nearby.
* 5 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, with easy access to nightlife, shopping, and other attractions in the Cancun area. The Courtyard Cancun Airport is just 20 minutes from the beach where you can enjoy watersports such as parasailing and snorkeling.
* Water park for the kids with a pirate ship and 8 water slides, a la carte and buffet dining, adult only areas, mini golf, disco, nightly entertainment.
*
*Marias Kankin is on Isla Mujeres. The hotel is about 50 min from the Cancun airport. Ferry boats also shuttle back and forth from the mainland. 9 suites in minimalist, Caribbean-inspired décor, each A/C suite has a mini-bar, internet, sofa bed, and writing desk & chair.
* Nearby to the beach.
* Resort with a college-aged crowd. The rooms are clean and surprisingly spacious for the price. The pool is generally crowded during peak times but is large and features several swim-up bars. The bad part is that since the Oasis is all-inclusive you basically get what you pay for, the food and drinks are not the best quality. The buffet-style restaurants are bland and the food can get quite repetitive. An exception is the sushi restaurant. All bars also stop serving alcohol at midnight, which is unfortunate, but there is a 24 hr liquor store right across from the resort with prices somewhat expensive for Mexico. They also sell absinthe. They also have another hotel at Oasis Sens at Km 19.5, Oasis Palm and Oasis Viva at Km 8.5
*
* All inclusive resort with Mayan-style architecture overlooking the Caribbean. 506 oceanview rooms with mini-bar and liquor dispenser. Several restaurants, bars and facilities including 24 hr Inclusive snacks and beverages. Fun and relaxing atmosphere created by the large swimming pool and spectacular beach.
* Resort with views of the Caribbean Sea. Several restaurants and bars. Choice of activities and entertainment options, including a sports bar, night club and theater with theme shows.
* he Royal Resorts have been around since 1974 and include a string of 4 hotels all in close vicinity of each other. The Royal Mayan, The Royal Caribbean and The Royal Islander are side by side where as the newest hotel, The Royal Sands is no more than a five minute ride in bus. The Royal Resorts offer beautiful villas that overlook the Gulf of Mexico. Each villa is equipped with a kitchen, two bathrooms two bedrooms, one with two double beds, one with a queen sized bed, a living room with two murphy beds, three televisions, one in each room and a terrace that overlooks the other two hotels as well as the Carribean Sea. These hotels include free activities such as snorkeling and sailing in the ocean, tennis, and free beach towels. Also on the premises are a number of different restaurants and bars at which the vacationers may dine.
* 2-3 star with 3 restaurants. Reservations to be made 10:00-11:00 the previous day. Internet is USD15 per 24 hr. Sea Adventure Resort & Waterpark Cancun is our family hotel where you will enjoy your most fun-packed yet relaxing
* In downtown. It is 3 km to the beach and 15 km to Isla Mujeres. The airport is 20 km away. The rooms are all air-conditioned. They have cable television, a private toilet and bath, and safe. the rooms are further equipped with an IDD telephone, Internet access, and writing desk and chair. Rates include daily breakfast. Non-smoking rooms are available.
* In front of Nichupte Laguna and is within walking distance to sandy beaches and downtown area. The airport is also nearby. Internet and cableTV. Non-smoking rooms can be requested.
* 2-3 star with 3 restaurants. Reservations to be made from 10AM-11AM the previous day. Internet is USD15 for 24h. Beach front is calm mainly for boat use.
CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, Blvd Kukulcan, +52 998 881 2000, (Fax: +52 998 881 2085), [url=http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cunmx-casamagna-marriott-cancun-resort/].]Completely renovated in the wake of Hurricane Wilma. 418 rooms and 34 suites. Each room has a private balcony with a table and chairs. 3 restaurants on-site, including a steakhouse, a Japanese restaurant and a sports bar. The beach in front of the resort has been restored, as has the pool area. The hotel itself tends to be priced on the higher side for Cancun, but that also tends to weed out the younger crowd. This resort is adjacent to the JW Marriott Cancun and is directly connected to it through a pathway.
*29 suite boutique hotel has amenities including an infinity pool with swim up bar, spa, free WiFi, two restaurants and an onsite art gallery. Suites have 32” flat screen satellite TV, minibar and full bathrooms with separate bathtub and shower. Jacuzzi on the terrace/balcony. Airport transportation can be arranged. Rates depended upon room category/season.
*A whole range of Cancun All Inclusive Resorts to choose from, from the most luxurious to the most complete All Inclusive service
* An all inclusive resort. A short distance outside the town, at the tip of the bay. The Caribbean Sea is on one side and on the other is a lagoon. Club Med was the first to establish itself here around 30 years ago. Traditional central square, bungalow-haciendas and speciality restaurants.
* Situated at the shore point known as Punta Cancun and surrounded by the sea on 3 sides. All rooms have private balcony views of the ocean, beaches, lagoon or gardens. Marble floors, dining area, mini-bar, satelliteTV and 24 hr room service. Several have private whirlpools. A pod of 6 dolphins live in the resorts lagoon. Swim with the dolphin programs are available for guests and the general public.
* The Riviera Maya, admired for its history and its wondrous sugar-white sands, kaleidoscope of green palm trees,and deep blue sea provide a mesmerizing backdrop for Dreams Tulum Resort.
* AAA 5 Diamond resort has 602 rooms. The hotel is outwardly hostile toward same sex couples. 5 restaurants, one of which is the Le Basilic restaurant is one of only three 5 diamond restaurants found in Mexico. 4 bars, a spa, fitness and business center, a very long swimming pool, and a sun deck.
* Gran Melia Cancun [url=http://www.granmeliacancun.com[/url],]Kukulcan Blvd, km 16.5, Zona Hotelera, ☎ +52 998 193 0090. Well known for its white sandy beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. 4 pools, specialized a la carte restaurants, and activities program for children and adults. 9 hole, par three golf course, a tennis court, 2 paddle tennis courts and has received an award from The Leading Hotels of the World as a Leading Spa of the World.
*Hilton Golf and Spa Resort, Blvd Kukulcan, Km 17, Lote, ☎ +52 998 881 8000, (Fax:+52 998 881 8093), [url=http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/CUNHRHH-Hilton-Cancun-Golf-Spa-Resort/index.do[/url].]The only Golf & Spa Resort on the island. 426 ocean-view rooms, including 82 villas with a private lounge and executive services; 5 restaurants, including a gourmet-dining beachside grill and swim up bar; 7 infinity pools and the largest beach in Cancun. If you are having trouble with the local food, try the hotel's club sandwich.
* 5 star hotel with 296 rooms and views of the Mexican Caribbean. The hotel is within walking distance of the main entertainment areas and shopping malls.
* 5 star hotel with a seafront location. 295 rooms.
*JW Marriott Cancun Resort, Blvd Kukulcan, Km 14.5, Lote, Zona Hotelera ☎ +52 998 848 9600, (Fax: +52 998 848 9601), [url=http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cunjw-jw-marriott-cancun-resort-and-spa/[/url].]Adjacent to the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort and has a connected pathway. 448 rooms with private balconies and views of the Caribbean. 35,000² ft Mayan-inspired spa., 4 world-class restaurants and over 20,000² ft of meeting space. Caters to Mexico weddings, events and conferences.
* 371 deluxe rooms, including 36 suites. The modern design is stunning. The service is a close second but the rooms are small. 3 restaurants, including one by celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein, 1 by chef Franco Maddalozzo, and a Mexican restaurant. There is also a wine and mescal bar. 8 pools which vary in temperature and 12 spa treatment rooms. The hotel is reserved for adults.
* ME Cancun [http://www.me-cancun.com[/url], Blvd Kukulkan, km. 12, Zona Hotelera, ☎ +52 998 881 2500. Rooms offer views, custom art and furnishings by artist Yuri Zatarain, monsoon showers and Aveda bath amenities, MP3 player docking and digital, surround-sound theater.
* 5 star resort between the Mexican Caribbean and Nichupte Lagoon on Cancun Island. 341 guest rooms and villas with full service spa.
* All inclusive resort stretches along a lush tropical mangrove preserve on a 5,000 ft long Caribbean coastline.
* 372 suites, ocean views, and all-inclusive dining, beverages and entertainment.
* Riu Palace Peninsula- New 5 star all inclusive resort with 572 ocean view suites and 5 large swimming pools, Including one with swim up bar. Also 5 restaurants in resort.
* Family hotel offers activities for children and events for adults.
* A hip vibe is the hallmark of this beachfront, topless optional hotel.
* Beautiful resort with full service spa and an infinity pool.
* 90 suites, all have balcony/deck with ocean views, daily serving of champagne and fresh fruit, complimentary unlimited calls worldwide, welcome bottle of tequila and handmade beach bag. Hydrothalasoo pool and aqua gym, spa with private massage cabins and jacuzzi, and chauffeured airport transfer.
Most resorts in the hotel zone have a travel agent on site during the daytime to assist you with making reservations around Cancun, including the Mayan ruins. It is often better to book activities through these travel agents as they are employed by the hotel and cannot easily cheat you. Activities are also sold at booths found in the busier areas. Prices for the same activities are cheaper in Cancun town than in the hotel zone.
You could also try out the growing vacation rental market as well. It's a chance to experience Cancun without having to share close spaces with thousands of tourists. They are an alternative if you are willing to go without the frills of room service or resort commodities.
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* The consular agency only handles emergencies involving U.S. citizens. All other matters such as obtaining U.S. visas, renewing passports while living in Mexico, etc. are handled at the consulate in Merida.
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