Downtown Cancun vs. Hotel Zone: Which is Better?
Planning a trip to Mexico and thinking about where to stay? Then you might find yourself weighing up the choice of Downtown Cancun vs Hotel Zone. But what’s the difference and which one is better for you?
For most people, the difficult holiday choice in this part of the world is Mexico or the Dominican Republic.
However, when you’re Team Mexico, you then face the next tough choice – picking a winner between Downtown Cancun vs Hotel Zone.
Many believe that the decision is clear, the Hotel Zone or, Zona Hotelera, wins. There’s so much to do here and you can see it all while staying at a five-star hotel. Who wouldn’t want that?
That being said, Downtown Cancun is absolutely incredible too. So, in this blog, we’ll analyse both areas then you can decide which one sounds more “you”.
Downtown Cancun Vs. Hotel Zone: Which Area is Better?
Cancun is one of the best holiday destinations in Mexico. But its two main areas offer completely different vibes, so where do you stay?
As with most of these choices, it very much depends on what you want from your holiday. If you’d prefer to live that luxurious life and spend your break relaxing in the sun at a five-star hotel in Mexico, then the Hotel Zone is probably better.
However, more adventurous types who prefer to get out and explore the local area more while on holiday should probably select a stay in the Downtown area.
Your choice could also depend on who’s going on holiday with you. Families might prefer the non-stop fun of the Hotel Zone while couples might prefer to explore Downtown. But why don’t we dive deeper to unpack each area in more detail?
Why Choose the Hotel Zone?
It may seem a little commercialised or soulless if you like to explore the cultures of different regions, to stay in a place known as the “Hotel Zone”. But this place is incredible. Hear us out.
Staying in the Hotel Zone places you at the heart of the action and within range of all the best things to do in Cancun. However, it also means you’re within walking distance of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
Plus, if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, chances are, you’ll be laying your head in the lap of luxury every evening.
Away from the luxurious resorts and idyllic beaches, the Hotel Zone also offers a festival of delights if you like to get out and about in the evening. The area known as Punta Cancun is legendary for its vibrant nightlife.
Why choose Downtown Cancun?
In contrast to the Hotel Zone, Downtown is a much more authentic, laid-back area – although, you probably wouldn’t think it from the name.
Downtown is where you’ll find most of the locals in Cancun. The majority reside here and commute into the Hotel Zone to work in the plethora of high-end resorts, bars and restaurants.
The bustling Mercado 28 region is probably the best place to stay as it puts you, more or less, in the centre of the region. Having said that, most of the accommodation in Downtown will be hostels and cheaper hotels.
More Affordable Downtown
If your budget is tighter, then you’ll find as you move around Downtown that most shops and services are cheaper than their Hotel Zone alternative. Take a walk along the calmer streets and choose to shop and sit in a range of authentic boutiques and cantinas.
But, one of the many great things about Cancun, in general, is that you can move around pretty easily. So, whether you choose to stay in Downtown or the Hotel Zone – you can get pretty regular buses from one to the other for about 60p.
So, why don’t we look through the things to do in each area to highlight all the great activities you can get up to.
Best Things to Do in the Hotel Zone
As you might expect, activities in the Hotel Zone are slightly faster-paced than those in the Downtown area. However, you can still find relaxation everywhere you look too.
The shops, bars, and restaurants all sell international brands and there’s a beach everywhere you look. But, if you head over to Xcaret Park, you’ll find more instances of beautiful nature and incredible ancient ruins. Thus proving that you can also find slices of other interests in this glinting city of excess.
Additionally, where there are beaches there’s water. And the water in the Hotel Zone is some of the most densely populated anywhere. Take a snorkelling tour over shipwrecks, try a moonlight bioluminescence tour, or visit the Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA) and marvel at James deCaires Taylor‘s submarine sculptures. Whatever you get up to under the waves, you’ll be surrounded by colourful marine wonders.
Best Things to Do in Downtown, Cancun
Conversely, activities Downtown tend to be a little more paired back and land-based. But that doesn’t mean that they’re any less entertaining! In fact, exploring Downtown Cancun is one of the best things to do in Mexico.
Parque de las Palapas is the main central square in Downtown. It’s also a great place to head for some authentic Mexican street food and performance art. Grab a tortilla-based snack and wait for the singing and dancing to begin. In addition, you might also want to check out Mercado 28 and 23. These bustling hubs are crafts, food, artworks, clothing and souvenirs which have been locally made, with love.
Another food-centric thing to do in Downtown Cancun is a Taquerìa Crawl. The streets here are literally lined with taco joints, so much so that you can actually book a street food tour and sample as many different styles as possible.
Meanwhile, if you want to immerse yourself further in local culture, you should definitely check out a Lucha Libre or Mexican wrestling show. One of the best spots to catch a high-flying performance is at Arena Cancun Lucha Libre just 6 minutes drive from Mercado 28.
Where to Stay in the Hotel Zone? 4 Hotel Top Picks
As we said at the beginning of this thing, you can stay in the Downtown area, but you will be forced to look at cheaper hotels or hostels.
Whereas, in the Zona Hotelera, there’s a world of five-star choices waiting for you. Four top five-star resorts choices are:
Each of these awesome resorts offers a world of pampering and relaxation right on those soft white Caribbean sands. Plus, when you stay in the luxury of the Hotel Zone, you still have the option to go and experience the Downtown area on a day trip or maybe even longer if you really connect with the vibes. But let’s unpack each resort in more detail to define what really makes them special.
1. Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
This all-inclusive resort is the perfect blend of luxury, music, and endless fun. Spend your days lounging by the stunning pool, sipping on tropical cocktails, and soaking up the sun.
When you’re ready to amp up the energy, Hard Rock’s enviable list of activities has you well covered. Hit the beach for a game of volleyball or explore the vibrant nightlife scene. If you do want to take a moment to unwind and slow the pace of your stay, head for the resort spa and indulge in a couples massage.
With gourmet dining options, thrilling water sports, and non-stop entertainment, the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun offers a super fun and stylish stay for more adventurous couples.
2. Secrets The Vine Cancun
Secrets The Vine Cancun is an all-inclusive adults-only oasis offering an opportunity to really get to know this dazzling destination. Boasting a plethora of activities, from yoga classes to water sports and exciting excursions – you have a great opportunity to get out and see more of Cancun.
Plus, as with any other Secrets Resort, here you have access to their signature Unlimited-Luxury® experience. Moving past conventional all-inclusive, Unlimited-Luxury® covers everything from gourmet restaurants and top-shelf drinks to endless day and nighttime entertainment.
3. The Pyramid Cancun
In contrast to those two more adult-focused resorts, The Pyramid Cancun caters to the whole family. Kids can be entertained with supervised activities at the on-site kids club, while parents unwind with a refreshing drink by the pool or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment.
Imagine splashing around in the sparkling pool complex, complete with waterslides and a children’s pool, while the sun warms your skin. Feeling adventurous? Explore the crystal-clear Caribbean waters with exciting water sports or build sandcastles on the endless stretch of beach.
In the evenings, come together as a family to enjoy live music, captivating shows, or themed buffets offering a global culinary adventure. Alternatively, couples can seek out the burlesque cabaret and Vegas-style show dinners of an evening.
4. The Sens Cancun
The Sens Cancun is a five-star oasis nestled between Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. Offering a choice of fun for adults and families, this luxurious retreat offers a serene and sophisticated escape for couples seeking romance and relaxation.
For those seeking an adults-only oasis of tranquility, look no further than the Sian Ka’an section. This luxurious enclave boasts stunning ocean or lagoon views, along with a variety of exclusive benefits – including access to The Pyramid Cancun, so you’d actually be getting two five-star resorts for the price of one.
Meanwhile, the Pirate’s Bay water park provides endless entertainment for kids of all ages, with exciting slides, pools, and splash pads. The Kiddo Zone also offers supervised activities and games, allowing parents to unwind with peace of mind.
Explore Options in Both Areas with our Cancun Resorts
Whether you find yourself leaning towards Downtown or the Hotel Zone in Cancun, the good news is that there are a host of resort options ahead of you.
Click the button below to learn more about our complete range of Cancun resorts now.
