Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun: What First-Timers Need to Know, Resort Rules, and Recommendations

All-inclusive resorts are a fantastic way to worry-free on vacation. With almost everything paid beforehand, you can enjoy unlimited food and alcohol (including in-room mini bars and snacks), sunny days at the beach, relaxing pools, daily activities, nightly entertainment, spacious lodging, and excellent service without reaching for your wallet at every turn. And there’s no greater selection of commendable resorts than in and around Cancun, Mexico—the all-inclusive capital of the world.

Understanding the basics of all-inclusive resorts

Photo: M-Production /Shutterstock

Having stayed at nearly two dozen all-inclusives over the last decade, I’m happy to report that they are, fortunately, mostly “inclusive.” There’s no shortage of included things to do, from nightly entertainment and non-motorized water sports, to on-site guided activities and more pools, music, and beaches than you’ll likely be able to enjoy. Or if you’re like me, you can choose to do absolutely nothing in some of the most relaxing and care-free settings you’ll find anywhere.

That said, there are some things that aren’t typically included at all-inclusive resorts. While bars, restaurants, and self-service food options include gratuities, wait staff expect cash tips for poolside, beachside, or room service deliveries. Premium liquor (which some resorts charge extra for or reserve for guests who upgrade to club status), select specialty restaurants or entrees, and childcare outside of free daily kids club hours also cost extra. Furthermore, there typically are surcharges for spa treatments, motorized water sports, off-site excursions, and airport transports.

To get the most of these resorts, however, there are some tips you should follow. For example, book dinner reservations early if you want to guarantee access to non-buffet restaurants. Like a cruise, order as much as you like but only swallow what you love. For best results (and potentially maximum weight gain), I recommend progressive dining at several restaurants, bars, cafes, dessert shops, and the buffet throughout the day.

As of 2024, you can now book Ubers to avoid the previously expensive ground transportation and taxis at Cancun International Airport. But you still shouldn’t drink the water, which is why most resorts provide in-room bottles to stay hydrated. If this sounds like your type of vacation, where’s a good place to start? Depending on your preferences, you can’t go wrong with one of these reputable resorts.

Hilton Cancun / Mar Caribe – best for families, foodies, spa, and beach goers

Photo courtesy Hilton Mar Caribe

Hilton has made a big push into all-inclusives in recent years and owns two of the best resorts within 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport. Located in the hotel district, Hilton Mar Caribe is home to one of the nicest stretches of beach in the entire area. Its classic, timelessly inviting, teal blue Caribbean surf is stunning and a perfect spot for beach goers and families alike. The lively pools and swim up bars are plenty. And the property’s zen-inducing spa and bamboo hydrotherapy jungle offer true tranquility.

But for me, Hilton Mar Caribe’s food is the real highlight. In addition to generous portions of fresh guacamole, mangoes, and phenomenal produce wherever you go, the included Mexican, Italian, Asian, and Steakhouse restaurants are all fantastic. So is the 24-hour cafe and buffet. In fact, the latter morphs into a Mexican Mariachi festival and full Brazilian rodizio twice a week, replete with table service and swords of mouthwatering meats—something I’ve never experienced at any all-inclusive buffet before.

If you want a more vibey Hilton with the same standout restaurants and food, better architecture and rooms, but slightly less appealing beach, consider Hilton Cancun to the south. It’s calmer and more secluded, although still close to the airport.

Excellence Riviera Cancun – best for romance, relaxing pools, serene landscapes

Photo courtesy Excellence Riviera Cancun

There’s a lot to love about Excellence Riviera Cancun, much of which is noted in its thousands of excellent guest reviews. Chief among them: it’s an adult-only oasis filled with pristine palms, perfectly manicured gardens, and more fantastic, clean, and abundant pools than I can count. During a recent stay, my wife and I seriously found our happy place on consecutive sunny days in secluded cabanas, ample seating, dreamy beaches, and our patio hot tub.

We also adored the hacienda-style covered walkways and restaurants, especially the al fresco Mexican cantina. The resort was a little sprawling and disorienting the first couple of days, but we grew to appreciate the long walks as we made our way around the resort. Excellence also starred our favorite nightly entertainment, in an open air stage with tasteful musicians and performers.

At over 20 years old, our spacious suite was dated, but it was also immaculate and stocked with the best mini- and snack-bars, full-bottled spirits, nightly desserts, and room attendants of any resort I’ve stayed at recently. While the beach was fantastic, sadly seaweed took over the surf during our visit. But otherwise Excellence is known for being one of the most well-maintained resorts in Cancun and just 20 minutes from the airport.

Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort – best for overall value, desserts, loyalty program

Photo courtesy Marriott Cancun

The world’s largest hotelier was late to the all-inclusive game after converting one of its previous a la cart Cancun hotels into the company’s first all-inclusive last year. That’s good news for Marriott loyalists, as it lets them use wide-ranging reward points for all-inclusive stays. When coupled with competitive promotions, this makes Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort a great overall value while still retaining its upscale resort amenities.

While I enjoyed the renovated architecture, my ocean view balcony room, and the relaxing pools and beach huts, Marriott was still working out some service kinks during my recent stay. While the staff were always excellent, the dining was uneven. Outside of the Mexican restaurant and desserts, which combined were some of the best of any resort I’ve visited, there was little else worth writing home about. It was by no means bad. Just not as exciting as other resorts when I visited.

Would I go back though? Definitely. Marriott Cancun is a great resort with a lot of upside.

Also consider: Grand Fiesta Coral Beach. It’s been a few years since I stayed, but this big pink resort is Mexican-owned and operated and a lot of fun (not to mention delicious) to boot.