Hotel Zone South

Cancún

The long southern stretch of the Hotel Zone facing the open Caribbean, with wide white beaches, big all-inclusive resorts and Playa Delfines.

Best for Upscale · Families

Transport: 3/5
Sights: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Quiet: 4/5
Food: 3/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$350/night · 35 min to Downtown Cancún

See hotels in Hotel Zone South

Why stay here

Cancún's widest, whitest beaches
Quieter, bigger resorts
Closest part of the strip to the airport

Who should stay here

Luxury resort stays
Couples
Families who want space

Not ideal if…

You want calm water for swimming
You want to walk to nightlife
You want local character

What it's like

South of Punta Cancún, the Hotel Zone turns to face the open Caribbean, and the beaches become wider and whiter, ending at the public Playa Delfines with its 'Cancún' sign. The resorts here are larger and quieter, the Mayan ruins of El Rey and the Museo Maya are on the lagoon side, and a few shopping centres break up the strip.

It's the classic all-inclusive Cancún: beautiful beaches and calm nights, closer to the airport. The sea often has strong waves and currents, so watch the flags, and the clubs are a taxi ride away.

Best streets and sub-areas

Playa Delfines
Public beach with the colourful Cancún sign.
Kukulcán Plaza area
Shopping and restaurants around km 13.
Punta Nizuc
The southern tip, near the underwater museum.

Getting around

Nearest stations: R-1 and R-2 buses along Boulevard Kukulcán; taxis to Punta Cancún and Downtown.
To Downtown Cancún: About 35 minutes
From Cancún International Airport (CUN): About 20 minutes: taxi or shuttle from CUN.

Nearby attractions

Playa Delfines
Wide public beach and viewpoint.
El Rey archaeological site
Small Mayan ruins with iguanas, by the lagoon.
Museo Maya de Cancún
Modern museum of Mayan artefacts.

Where to eat and drink

Resort restaurants
Most meals are included in all-inclusive stays.
Lagoon restaurants
Seafood and sunset views.

Where to stay in Hotel Zone South

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Kempinski Hotel Cancun

Why we like it: Elegant beachfront hotel with a large spa.

Typical luxury rate in Hotel Zone South: ~$800/night

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