Cancún is just a short flight away from the U.S. It’s a popular tourist destination year-round, but especially so during the spring and summer months, as well as the Christmas holiday season.
Known for exceptional white-sand beaches, a lively culture, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll encounter, Cancún is certainly an aspirational spot in Mexico that’s worth a visit.
Located on the Yucatán Peninsula, it’s also near Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel, which means you’ll have endless activities and attractions to visit!
When you visit Cancún, you have an endless array of lodging options, ranging from Airbnbs to opulent 5-star resorts and everything in-between! In this guide, we’ll be showing you our favorite hotels to book using points.
7 Best Value Cancún Hotels
All of the below properties are displayed with cash room rates that include taxes and fees — an important cost to consider since the total ancillary fees almost always exceed 30% of the room rate!
We evaluated all of the 4 major hotel chain loyalty programs: Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy. Without further ado, here are the best Cancún hotels to book using points!
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya. Image Credit: HyattOur favorite property to redeem points at isn’t technically in Cancún — it’s in nearby Playa del Carmen, which is a less than 1-hour drive from Cancún International Airport (CUN).
But the drive is totally worth it; in fact, the Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya was recognized in 2020 by Conde Nast Traveler as the #1 resort in Mexico!
The property boasts beachfront luxury in a private, gated complex surrounded by lush greenery and nature.
Choose between 1 king bed or 2 double beds — either way, you’ll enjoy at least 538 square feet of space. The standard rooms contain plush bedding, an open floor-plan, a private terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a flat-screen TV, a sitting area with 2 chairs and a table, a Bluetooth speaker, a fully-stocked complimentary minibar, a Nespresso coffee machine, and tea facilities.
The beautiful marble spa bathroom contains double sinks, a walk-in rain shower, luxury toiletries, bright lighting, bathrobes, slippers, and more.
This property comes fully loaded with dining options, including an all-day restaurant with 2 open kitchens, a poolside Mexican restaurant, a shorefront seafood restaurant, a terrace cocktail bar and juicery, a fantastic gastronomic dinner restaurant, and a vibrant cocktail bar.
You can enjoy any of the hotel’s facilities, including the 2 outdoor pools, whirlpool, gym, spa, and kids’ club! There are also meeting and event facilities.
Category: 6
World of Hyatt Points Required: 25,000
Cash Rate: $300 to $1,300 ($425 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 5.2 cents per point
Hot Tip: In addition to being our favorite Cancun area hotel to book with points, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya also made our list of the best hotels to book with points in Mexico!
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort. Image Credit: HyattGrand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is the sister property to the Andaz above, though the Grand Hyatt primarily appeals to families and business travelers, while the Andaz appeals to couples.
The Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is a sprawling 5-star resort on Playa Marmitas beach, just a short 5-minute walk from La Quinta Avenida’s shopping and dining.
All of the sophisticated 316 rooms have a private furnished balcony, an inviting floor plan, a minimum of 409 square feet of real estate, a flat-screen TV, a sitting area, blackout curtains accompanying the floor-to-ceiling windows, a minibar, and a coffeemaker.
The deluxe bathroom has twin vanities, a lighted wall-mounted make-up mirror, branded toiletries, a walk-in shower, a separate toilet room, a make-up station, bathrobes, and slippers.
You can pick between 2 full-service restaurants, 3 bars, a club lounge, and room service. As far as amenities go, you’ll find 3 infinity pools, 1 kids’ pool, a gym, a spa, direct beach access, an arcade, a kids’ club, and meeting space.
Category: 6
World of Hyatt Points Required: 25,000
Cash Rate: $225 to $850 ($340 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 3.4 cents per point
Hot Tip: From beaches to Mayan ruins to nightlife, our guide offers the best things to do in and around Cancún.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. Image Credit: MarriottAs one of the most famous resorts in Cancún, this 5-star oceanfront retreat is in the heart of Cancún and perfectly positioned for blissful luxury.
This resort is situated on a private beach and is 1.5 miles from Museo Maya de Cancún and 7 miles from Dolphinaris Cancun.
Each of the modern rooms is at least 435 square feet large with 1 king bed or 2 double beds. The features of the room include an honor bar, a coffee maker, a furnished balcony, comfortable bedding, a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, video games (upon request), baby amenities (upon request), a writing desk, and an accompanying sitting area.
The jaw-dropping marble bathroom is outfitted with dual marble vanities, bathrobes, slippers, Asprey amenities, a separate soaking bathtub, a walk-in rainfall shower, and a lighted make-up mirror.
To experience the finest dining in Cancún, check out any of the property’s 7 dining options, including a fine dining Mediterranean restaurant, a grill and Champagne bar with live music, the oceanfront private dining experience, the sushi bar, the all-day oceanview terrace eatery, the lounge with a collection of more than 100 tequilas, and the casual oceanfront and poolside restaurant. There’s also a club lounge!
Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, get a workout in, take a cooking class, book one of 2 lighted hard tennis courts, go for a swim at the pool, revel in the sauna, or entertain the kids with any of the offered activities available!
Average Marriott Bonvoy Points Required: 40,000 to 60,000
Cash Rate: $350 to $1,700 ($600 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 2.8 cents per point
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. Image Credit: MarriottThe JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is yet another immensely popular luxury hotel, especially among U.S. travelers looking to enjoy the modernized JW Marriott brand.
Ideally situated between the sea and a lagoon, this property is 1 mile from Museo Maya de Cancún!
Each room measures at least 462 square feet and is furnished with either 1 king bed or 2 double beds — all rooms have ocean views, include soundproof floor-to-ceiling windows, a furnished balcony, a flat-screen TV, a sitting area, a desk, a minibar, and coffee and tea facilities.
The large bathroom contains a walk-in shower, a separate soaking tub, dual vanities, marble tiling throughout, a lighted make-up mirror, bathrobes, slippers, a hairdryer, and Aromatherapy Associates bath products.
There’s an Italian restaurant, a Southwestern grill restaurant, a lobby bar with 150 unique margaritas, a poolside American eatery, a grab-and-go deli and boutique, a Japanese izakaya and noodle bar, a Thai bungalow restaurant, 2 sports bars, and a club lounge.
You’ll also find a gym, a spa with a steam room, an indoor heated pool, an outdoor heated family pool, an outdoor dive pool with an artificial reef, more pools, a hot tub, a kids’ club, a tennis court, a water sports center, and much more.
Average Marriott Bonvoy Points Required: 40,000 to 60,000
Cash Rate: $300 to $1,000 ($400 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 1.67 cents per point
Hot Tip: Get there on points too! Check out our guide on how to fly to Mexico using points and miles.
Marriott Cancun Resort. Image Credit: MarriottSituated next to the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, the Marriott Cancun Resort is yet another upmarket property with 4-star amenities. So while it isn’t the most luxurious option, you’ll have choices if the luxury Marriott properties are sold out.
Each room has either 1 king bed or 2 double beds, a furnished balcony or patio, and a relaxing layout. The rooms also include a minimum of 423 square feet of space, a sitting area with a couch and a desk, soundproof floor-to-ceiling windows, a minibar, coffee and tea machines, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.
The marble bathroom contains a walk-in rain shower, double vanities, a large mirror, and upscale amenities.
As far as dining options go, it has a total of 6 restaurants, 2 bars, and a coffee shop. It shares most of its restaurants with the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa.
Other much-appreciated amenities include an outdoor pool, a kids’ pool, kids’ entertainment and activities, a spa, a gym, and event space.
Average Marriott Bonvoy Points Required: 30,000 to 40,000
Cash Rate: $200 to $600 ($250 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 1.5 cents per point
InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort, an IHG Hotel. Image Credit: IHGThe sole IHG Hotels & Resorts property on our list, we’ll show you that the InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort, an IHG Hotel should be on your radar!
Just a 10-minute walk from Cancun Golf Club at Pok ta Pok and 2.5 miles from Yamil Lu’um Archaeological Site, the InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort offers 4-star luxury and amenities.
Each room is at least 366 square feet large and has 2 queen beds or 1 king bed. You’ll also find a sitting area with a table and 2 chairs, a daybed, floor-to-ceiling windows, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, and a luxurious bathroom with a separate toilet room, a single vanity, and a make-up mirror.
On the property, there’s a thatched-roof restaurant, 2 bars, a beach eatery, a club lounge, an outdoor pool, a whirlpool, a spa, and a gym. Event space is also available on this resort.
IHG One Rewards Points Required: 34,000 to 40,000
Cash Rate: $135 to $550 ($200 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 1.38 cents per point
Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla. Image Credit: HiltonAlthough Hilton’s presence in Cancún isn’t as strong as Marriott’s, it’s still definitely worth a glance. In this case, the best-value hotel is Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla, a 5-star hotel thoughtfully placed in the Cancún Lagoon area.
This hotel is a 14-minute walk from Marlin Beach and 3 miles from Museo Maya de Cancún.
The standard-level room measures 344 square feet large and contains a king bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, a workspace with a desk, a sitting area with a daybed, a hanging chair, a flat-screen TV, a minifridge, a Nespresso machine, and tea facilities.
The spacious, modern bathroom has a walk-in shower, a single vanity, Apivita organic amenities, and much more.
There are also 2 restaurants, 2 bars (1 rooftop), a gym, a rooftop pool, and meeting space.
Hilton Honors Points Required: ~46,000
Cash Rate: $150 to $400 ($135 on average) per night
Points Value: Up to 0.87 cents per point
2 Best Value All-Inclusive Cancún Hotels
Cancún is known for its all-inclusive hotels, which promise superb value during your vacation.
And while the quality of these all-inclusive hotels varies across the board, it’s actually possible to book a name-brand all-inclusive hotel in Cancún using points!
Hyatt Zilara Cancun. Image Credit: HyattOur top all-inclusive resort in Cancún is the Hyatt Zilara Cancun, a 5-star adults-only luxury resort.
Located on the Caribbean coast, this all-inclusive property is a little more than a mile from MUSA, the world’s largest underwater museum.
Each of the 310 suites measures a minimum of 653 square feet large and feature a king bed or 2 double beds, a spacious sitting area, multiple flat-screen TVs, a double whirlpool tub, and a furnished terrace or balcony. You’ll also find a full minibar, a pillow menu, and a work desk.
The bathroom includes double vanities, walk-in rain showers, designer toiletries, and much more.
During your stay, indulge in refined dining options including 7 restaurants, 2 beach bars, a lobby bar, and a swim-up bar. These options include a gourmet Caribbean seafood restaurant, an Asian restaurant and Teppanyaki bar, a fine-dining Mexican spot, and much more.
The resort has 2 outdoor pools, a beachfront infinity pool, private beach access, a fitness center, and a spa. Complimentary activities include swimming and water sports, live entertainment, daily activities, and land sports.
If you’re in the mood for private dining or a spa treatment, you’ll pay extra.
World of Hyatt Points Required: 25,000 for single occupancy (12,500 points per night for each additional guest; maximum of 4 people per room)
Cash Rate: $320 to $750 ($550 on average) per night, based on double occupancy
Points Value: Up to 2.0 cents per point, based on double occupancy
Hyatt Ziva Cancun. Image Credit: HyattHyatt Ziva Cancun is the sister resort to Hyatt Zilara Cancun. The main difference is that Hyatt Ziva Cancun is family-friendly. This resort is 2.5 miles from the Interactive Aquarium Cancún and 5 miles from Museo Maya de Cancún.
Each of the suites has at least 483 square feet of space and includes a king bedroom with a queen sofa bed or 2 double beds. Either way, you’ll enjoy a walk-out terrace, a sitting area, a flat-screen TV, a desk, floor-to-ceiling with blackout drapes, and a minibar.
The marble bathroom is furnished with a shower, double vanities, a lighted mirror, a make-up mirror, bathrobes, slippers, and deluxe amenities.
In total, you’ll find 8 restaurants, 3 lounges (including a club lounge), 6 bars (including a microbrewery), as well as an oceanfront spa, 3 infinity pools, a kids’ club, a gym, and event space!
World of Hyatt Points Required: 25,000 for single occupancy (12,500 points per night for each additional guest; maximum of 4 people per room)
Cash Rate: $325 to $950 ($500 on average) per night, based on double occupancy
Points Value: Up to 2.53 cents per point, based on double occupancy
Hot Tip: For additional all-inclusive options, Choice Hotels is a transfer partner with Amex Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Points, and offers a few very competitive resorts from its Ascend Hotel Collection that can be booked using points, such as Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, Ascend Hotel Collection, Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Ascend Hotel Collection, and Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Ascend Hotel Collection.
Earn Hotel Points To Redeem in Cancún
So, after all is said and done, you still need to earn points to redeem them for hotel stays in Cancún.
It’s possible to get some exceptional value at the properties listed above, so let’s walk through each loyalty program!
World of Hyatt
The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers an incredibly easy way to earn lots of points quickly. For a mild annual fee, you get elite status, the ability to earn up to 9x points per $1 spent at Hyatt, 1 free night at a Category 1-4 property, 5 elite night qualifying credits, and the ability to spend your way to top-tier Globalist status!
Check out our top valuable benefits of the World of Hyatt card for more details!
Hot Tip: You can also opt to sign up for the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, which offers enticing benefits and tons of earning potential for small businesses.
Other Ways To Earn World of Hyatt Points
The reality is that the World of Hyatt card doesn’t have bonus categories that make everyday spending the most attractive card possible.
But that’s where Chase Ultimate Rewards comes in — if you have Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you could accelerate the rewards you earn, thanks to dining, travel, and business bonus categories!
Ultimate Rewards is a 1:1 transfer partner to Hyatt, which means you can transfer the required number of Hyatt points from Ultimate Rewards!
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy credit cards are offered by 2 issuers: American Express and Chase.
Each Marriott Bonvoy credit card has a unique value proposition, depending on what benefits you’re looking for, the annual fee you’re willing to pay, and more.
Marriott Bonvoy employs dynamic pricing to all hotel stays, which means that the price you pay for your hotel stay can vary depending on when you’re booking.
Other Ways To Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points
Indeed, American Express and Chase points can both be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy, but it’s generally not a good idea to do so unless you can take advantage of a transfer bonus and book an aspirational property immediately after transferring your points.
IHG One Rewards
Chase is the issuer of IHG Rewards credit cards, of which there are currently 3 open for new applications. Just remember that these co-branded cards are subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve checked your 5/24 status before applying for these cards.
IHG One Rewards uses a dynamic award pricing scheme, which is why you may see different prices on certain dates — the price generally coincides with the hotel’s paid rate.
Other Ways To Earn IHG One Rewards Points
IHG One Rewards is a 1:1 transfer partner with Chase Ultimate Rewards.
However, we do not recommend transferring your points from Chase due to the limited value you’ll get from your redemption.
There are plenty of ways to earn IHG points through paid stays and IHG credit card spending.
Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors’ points system follows a dynamic award pricing structure, meaning that standard room rewards can be priced with a specific range instead of 1 set value.
American Express is the sole issuer of Hilton credit cards, and there are a total of 4 options open for new applications. You can earn lots of Hilton points through credit card spending — up to 14x points per $1 spent! Check out our favorite Hilton credit cards below:
Other Ways To Earn Hilton Honors Points
Even though it’s easy to amass Hilton points quickly, you can transfer points from Amex to Hilton Honors if you still need a few thousand points, but it’s probably not a good idea to transfer lots of points to Hilton because there are so many other ways to redeem Amex points for incredible value.
Final Thoughts
Cancún is one of the most frequented tourist spots, particularly with U.S. travelers. Luckily, using your points to book a free luxury hotel stay is not only possible but easy!
In this guide, we’ve shown you our top picks for the best-value hotels you can book in Cancún using points.
We’ve gone through World of Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, and Hilton to develop this list, and we’ve organized it starting from highest to less-than-optimal redemption value.
Make the next trip a memorable and complimentary one with points!
The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
