I remember walking through the Hotel Zone hearing the pounding beats of the clubs as people started the party early. Yep, Cancun is buzzing by early afternoon, and only gets more lively going into the night.
I won’t lie, it’s not the best place to find authentic Mexican culture (although a day trip to Chichen Itza is easy from here). But if your aim is to chill or party, then I haven’t been to many places that tick more boxes than Cancun.
It’s somewhere that needs no introduction.
Incredible beaches, WILD nightlife, cheap drinks, and delicious food – Cancun is nothing short of paradise. Not to mention that it all comes at an affordable price… it’s a backpacker’s dream.
Especially a backpacker who likes to let loose.
Cancun has loads of places to stay, but not all spots will cater to your needs. Whether you want to be in the thick of the party action or as far removed from it as possible – this guide on where to stay in Cancun has your back.
In this guide, I’ve broken down the areas of Cancun by interest. Whether you’re a first time visitor, a party-dweller, or a family, there is a place here for you. I’ll let you in on my top picks for the best hotels, hostels, and things to do in each area too having surfed, sunbathed and partied my way around this magical Mexican hotspot in recent years.
So, without further ado – let’s dive in, amigos!
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Zona Hotelera
Zona Hotelera is one of the most convenient and popular places to stay in Cancun. A short drive from El Centro, this area of the city caters to tourists.
Downtown Cancun – El Centro
El Centro is Cancun’s lively and vibrant downtown. Home to most of Cancun’s residents, this part of the city is where you’ll find delicious authentic restaurants, charming local shops, and a variety of interesting sights.
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a village bursting with culture and charm. It has incredible white sand beaches, dazzling blue waters, and spectacular views. Puerto Morelos is where you can enjoy all the perks of paradise without the bustling crowds.
Isla Mujeres
Measuring six kilometres long and nearly a kilometre wide, Isla Mujeres is nothing short of paradise. It is surrounded by the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and is covered in white sand beaches lined with vivid palm trees.
Cancun’s Four Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the top 4 neighborhoods in Mexico’s most popular paradise destination. Each is special in its own way, so make sure you read through to find the best place to base yourself for your vacay!
1. Zona Hotelera – Where to Stay for Your First Time Visit
Zona Hotelera is one of the most convenient and popular places to stay in Cancun. A short drive from El Centro, this area of the city caters to tourists.
It’s where you’ll find massive resorts, golden sand beaches, delicious restaurants, and incredible views. That’s why it’s my recommendation for where to stay for your first time in Cancun.
During my first two nights in Cancun I stayed in Centro. My accommodation sucked. It had bed bugs and was wayyy too far from all the cool stuff, so I moved to Zona Hotelera. This is what I should’ve done to begin with, all the good stuff happens here!
It’s also suitable for culture vultures and history buffs as the amazing El Rey Mayan Ruins are just a short drive outside of the zone. If you want to combine history and culture with a beautiful beach vacation, you’ve come to the right place!
- Best For: Anyone looking to do Cancun “the tourist way” with flashy hotels, wild parties and yellow beaches.
- The Vibe: It’s lively, it’s loud, and the parties go hard when the sun goes down.
- Proximity to Airport: It’s a 20-30 minute drive away. ADO buses run 5 times a day costing around $8. Uber works in Cancun, but not for the airport due to clashes with cartel-aligned taxi drivers.
- Transport Level: Use Uber to get to (but not from) the airport, and to or from anywhere else. I walked around the Hotel Zone but it literally took hours. Ah, my good old beginner travel days…
- Budget: Expensive. Cancun is super touristy and the prices reflect that. Zona Hotelera is especially pricy.
- Crowds: Busy. If you’re going to find large crowds anywhere in Cancun, it will be here.
Top Things to Do in Zona Hotelera
- Visit the El Rey Mayan Ruins.
- Lounge on the golden sands of Playa Marlin.
- Explore the exhibitions about Mayan Culture at the Museo Maya de Cancun.
- Swim in the shimmering turquoise waters of Playa Delfines.
- Shop til you drop at La Isla Shopping Village.
- Go scuba diving and check out the impressive Underwater Museum.
- Join a sailing trip over to Isla Mujeres.
Best Hotel: La Villa du Golf à Cancun Hotel Boutique
Wanna find a cheap hotel in this part of Cancun? Sorry guys, but you won’t find one here. However, this beautiful spot is banging, and right on the lower end of the pricing spectrum.
From the luxurious pool to the sweet brekkie included, you can treat yourself to a slice of paradise for a few nights, and you certainly won’t regret it. Play hard, chill hard amigo.
Best Budget Hotel: Sotavento Hotel & Yacht Club
Located at the heart of Cancun’s Zona Hotelera, the Sotavento Hotel is a great base for your time in Paradise. This three-star hotel is close to local restaurants and cafes, beaches, and bars. It’s also pretty affordable… by Zona Hotelera standards, which if I’m honest are pretty sky high.
It has an on-site spa, rooftop terrace, and even a golf course! Guests also receive free bottled water.
Best Hostel: Nilu Cancun Zona Hotelera by Selina
Unfortunately Selina went bust after my stay here. But thankfully, they’ve risen from the ashes to restore Zona Hotelera’s top hostel to its former glory.
Just like in the old days, they have a fitness centre, yoga facilities, and a pool which I spent a lot of time reading beside, without a care in the world. The beauty of having been here is that I know just how awesome it is. I’ll stay here on my next Cancun trip for sure.
Best Airbnb: Penthouse with Beach 2 min Away
This incredible penthouse is the creme de la creme of Airbnbs in Cancun. Right off the sand of Cancun, you can be out of your apartment and swimming within a matter of minutes! After a day at the beach, this apartment is the best place to come home.
Enjoy the mind-blowing views across the Nichupte Lagoon from your balcony to start and end your day (and everything in between). Plus, you’ll have access to the rooftop and infinity pool if you ever tire of the beach! Cheap it ain’t, we’re talking Hotel Zone here baby. But the rewards are spectacular.
2. Downtown Cancun – El Centro – Best Place to Stay on a Budget
El Centro is Cancun’s lively and vibrant city center. Home to most of Cancun’s residents, this part of the city is where you’ll find delicious authentic restaurants, charming local shops, and a variety of interesting sights.
The city center is the place to stay if you’re looking for a break from the throngs of tourists, or are keen for a glimpse into real Mexican life, especially in the popular Parque Las Palapas.
El Centro is also where you’ll find a high concentration of affordable accommodations. This part of the city has everything from budget hostels and guest houses to boutique hotels and apartments. Budget backpackers, rejoice!
Colorful and quaint, El Centro caters to travelers of all ages, styles, and budgets.
- Best For: Saving a bit of cash and staying away from the rowdy spots.
- The Vibe: Kind of boring if I’m honest. I stayed here during my first Cancun trip, and it was pretty uneventful. If you want “authentic Mexico” don’t come to Cancun, and if you want “the real Cancun” then don’t come to El Centro.
- Proximity to Airport: Take the ADO bus to Cancun ADO Bus Station, and take Uber or walk from there.
- Transport Level: Just use Uber. ADO buses are fine, but be wary of local buses due to safety concerns.
- Budget: Moderate. Cancun is still Cancun (in other words, expensive), but at least you’re out of the tourist trap spots of the Hotel Zone here.
- Crowds: Not too busy, you’ll mostly find locals here.
Top Things to Do in Downtown – El Centro
- Take a stroll through Parque Las Palapas, a popular local hangout.
- Wander along with the lively and vibrant Avenida Tulum.
- Jump to your heart’s content at Xtreme Jumping Puerto Cancun.
- Catch the latest blockbuster at Cinepolis VIP Cancun.
- Try out Cancun’s Skyrider Parasailing Experience
Best Hotel: One Cancun Centro
One Cancun Centro is located in the heart of Downtown Cancun less than 2 miles from Parque Las Palapas. It is close to a wide range of bars, fine-dining restaurants, and tourist attractions.
This charming three-star property has an outdoor pool, dining facilities, and a friendly staff. It’s a great base from which to explore Cancun and beyond!
Best Hostel: Nomads Hotel & Rooftop Pool
This hostel, based in the heart of the downtown area, puts you near all the attractions of the city but also insulated in the Nomad’s community for when you want to have some chill time.
Trendy and high-end, the property has lots of spaces where you can get some work done, and then once the work is over, you can jump in the rooftop pool or head for some food and a well-deserved drink at the nearby bars and restaurants.
Best Airbnb: Stunning Luxury Flat
You probably won’t believe that this stunning flat belongs in the “affordable home category”, but it definitely does. Super bright and modern, this flat is brand new and in a top downtown location. Designed in a very urban and slightly minimalistic style, it’s the perfect place for young and hip travelers who have to watch their budget. The flat accommodates three people at a time, so if you bring your friends and split the bill at the end, it’s even cheaper than it already is!
3. Puerto Morelos – Coolest Place to Stay
Puerto Morelos is my pick for the coolest neighborhood in Cancun.
A short 20-minute drive south of the city, Puerto Morelos is nestled between Cancun’s Zona Hotelera and Playa del Carmen. At first glance, it looks like nothing more than a sleepy fishing village, but scratch the surface and you’ll discover it’s a true gem!
Puerto Morelos is a village bursting with culture and charm. It has incredible white sand beaches, dazzling blue waters, and spectacular views. This is where you can enjoy all the perks of paradise without the bustling crowds. As well as being cool, Puerto Morelos also has a luxurious side and has some great villas with pools too.
There’s also plenty to see and do around the area, from ancient Mayan ruins and Botanical Gardens to charming zoos and Cenote adventures.
- Best For: Getting away from the mad party scene of Cancun’s major spots.
- The Vibe: It’s chilled and strikes a good balance between being sleepy enough to avoid the madness of Punta Cancun, and being bustling enough to make it enjoyable.
- Proximity to Airport: It takes around 30 minutes to reach here, with ADO buses being your best option. Private transfers are expensive but beat the dodgy taxis you’ll find at the airport.
- Transport Level: It’s walkable here. Use ADO buses to reach other destinations.
- Budget: Not as bad as the Hotel Zone, but it’s still pricy.
- Crowds: Far more relaxed than Cancun to the north, and Playa del Carmen in the south.
Top Things to Do in Puerto Morelos
- See local flora, fauna, and wildlife at the Jardin Botanico Dr Alfredo Barrera Marin.
- Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of Unico Beach.
- Join an ATV, Zipline & Cenote Tour.
- Go on an adventure at the Cenote Kin-Ha.
- Head down to the famous Playa Del Carmen, and maybe even stay there!
Best Hotel: Hacienda Morelos Beach front Hotel
This great four-star hotel is my pick for where to stay in Puerto Morelos. Its features include a private beach, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Ideally located within the village, this hotel is close to bars and restaurants, as well as Puerto Morelos’ top activities and attractions.
Best Hostel: Hostel Humanity
Rest and relax in paradise at the Hostel Humanity. Located in the small village of Puerto Morelos, this hostel has the capacity for just 34 people and offers dorm-style accommodations.
It has a swimming pool and four common areas, including a garden, a lounge, and a rooftop terrace. Tea and fruit are available at breakfast time.
Best Airbnb: Loft in Puerto Morelos
Get away from the chaos of Cancun with this chilled location in Puerto Morelos. You’ve got access to a pool and barbecue space.
If you haven’t already been convinced to the point where you’re whacking in your card details, you should know that this place is SPOTLESS. I don’t think I’ve seen a cleaner apartment in all my Mexico travels. And that’s despite this being a shared spot (with a private loft to sleep in).
4. Isla Mujeres – Best Neighborhood for Families to Stay In
Less than 13 kilometers off the coast of Cancun is the idyllic Isla Mujeres.
Measuring six kilometers long and nearly a kilometer wide, this place is nothing short of paradise. It is surrounded by the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and is covered in white-sand beaches lined with vivid palm trees.
But there’s more to staying in Isla Mujeres than rest and relaxation. This tiny island is home to a great variety of activities and attractions, from ocean adventure sports to exploring natural wonders. That’s why it’s my pick for where to stay for families visiting Cancun.
- Best For: Anyone who wants to enjoy dreamy beach vibes.
- The Vibe: It’s touristy, but relaxing.
- Proximity to Airport: Take an ADO bus to Zona Hotelera, and catch a ferry from the northern stretch of the zone with Ultramar or Xcaret Xailing.
- Transport Level: On the island you can rent a golf cart which is cool and good fun! There are also limited colectivo (shared van) options.
- Budget: It’s not cheap, you’re looking at island prices here.
- Crowds: Much quieter than Zona Hotelera, but increasingly busy as more tourists learn about this destination.
Top Things to Do in Isla Mujeres
- Rent golf carts and cruise around the island in style.
- Explore the Ruins of Ixchel Temple, a Mayan temple.
- See the Seashell House, a quirky and curious seaside abode.
- Join a snorkel tour at Musa and Manchones Reef.
- Play on the sand at North Beach, one of the best beaches in the area.
- Experience the wonders beneath the waves at Garrafon Natural Reef Park.
- Wander throughout Punta Sur, a seaside park that is home to a lighthouse and large sculpture.
Best Hotel: Hotel La Joya Isla Mujeres
This is my best recommendation in Isla Mujeres if you wanna splash the cash. This stunning four-star boutique hotel is located just a few steps from the sea. Its features include a private beach, an outdoor pool, and both an on-site restaurant and bar. This hotel is charming and cozy, boasting just 11 rooms each with a private balcony. It’s got to be one of the best hotels in the area!
Best Hostel: Mayan Monkey Isla Mujeres
Enjoy incredible views, comfortable beds, and a friendly atmosphere at the Mayan Monkey. This hostel is a short ferry ride from Punta Cancun. It has a rooftop deck, a grill, and a chill common lounge. It is a short walk from the island’s best restaurants and bars. Although this is a hostel, it is VERY nice… offering up affordable luxury at its finest.
Best Airbnb: CasaMarena3
Isla Mujeres isn’t Mexico’s cheapest place to stay. BUT, this sweet little private apartment is a budget-friendly option in a prime area.
This is for my broke buddies who aren’t looking for a 5-star experience, but appreciate a spot to save some cash without any nasty surprises. Simple? Yes. Effective? Definitely.
FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Cancun
Here’s what people usually ask about the different areas of Cancun and where to stay.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Cancun
Whenever you’re traveling, having good travel insurance is essential. If you need it, it can really be a lifesaver. Cancun can get HOOOT, so you’re gonna want to be covered just in case you get plastered on cheap booze and fall asleep in the sun here. Hey… why are you looking at me like that!?
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Which Part of Cancun Should you Choose to Stay in?
The beaches, the clubs, the food, and the sun – Cancun is an absolutely exquisite destination. Whether you’re looking to explore its rich Mayan history, dance the night away, or lounge on the beach, you’ve come to the right place! It’s also super close to Playa Del Carmen too if you fancy heading out of town for the day!
TL;DR, here’s a recap of my post. Isla Mujeres is my favorite neighborhood in Cancun. Not only does it have an amazing seaside location, but it’s surrounded by great restaurants and fantastic attractions.
My recommendation for the best hotel, Hotel La Joya Isla Mujeres, is also just a short ferry ride from Cancun’s best bars and clubs.
My pick for the best budget accommodation is the Nomads Hotel & Rooftop Pool. By partiers, for partiers, this hotel caters to night owls, party animals, and fun-seeking vagabonds.
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments below! Buen Viaje!
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Cancun.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Cancun instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Cancun to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Cancun is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Mexico.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
