The Best Hotels in Cancun for Spring Break

Spring Break is a legendary rite of passage for US college students and if we’re honest, it’s one of the reasons we want to go to college in the first place.

Each March and April during Spring Break season, hordes of students find themselves on a break from college with one thing on their minds: PARTY.

Cancun is one of the most epic destinations to go wild for a week, and almost 50,000 students descend on its beaches and bars each year. But what makes Cancun so awesome and where should you stay to have the best time possible?

Read on to discover the best hotels in Cancun for Spring Break.

Getting to Know Cancun

Cancun is the #1 Spring break destination outside of the US, and it’s very easy to see why. Situated in the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast, Cancun has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world. The sea is calm, clear, and warm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Back on dry land, Cancun’s nightlife is iconic and there’s no vibe like it. From daytime beach parties to all-night clubbing, the party never stops. Then, when you’re ready to cure your hangover and line your stomach for another wild day, you’re in the home of tacos and nachos. What could be better?!

Cancun is also known as a safe destination. The city welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists each year and as such, city officials are well-versed in keeping folks safe. Like all travel destinations though, Mexico isn’t without its dangers so it pays to take care and make good decisions. Avoid illegal activities, don’t get into unofficial taxis, and try not to walk alone at night and you’re golden.

Getting to Cancun

Mexico’s proximity to the US is also a major reason that Cancun has become synonymous with Spring Break. Flight times are relatively short and cheap deals can be found when booked in advance. Some areas of Cancun also accept USD as well as Mexican Pesos, which is another bonus of heading there for Spring Break.

Speaking of travel and convenience: wherever you’re flying from in the US, you’ll most likely arrive at Cancun International Airport. The airport is a short drive from the main areas of the city that you’re likely to stay in, and taxis are readily available outside of the arrivals terminal.

If there are no flights from your area into Cancun, Merida Airport is also a good option as it’s fairly easy to drive between the two cities. Connections in Mexico City are also frequent, giving you even more travel options.

Types of Accommodation for Spring Break

Where you choose to stay will broadly impact the quality of your Spring Break. Although you might be tempted to settle for the cheapest accommodation possible, it’s worth considering your options before hitting the ‘Pay Now’ button.

All-inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts mean that you’ll be paying a lot more up-front than you would with budget accommodation. However, once you arrive, everything is already covered. You’ll have an open bar and food on demand, plus access to swimming pools and other amenities. Some even have their own nightclubs.

Many of Cancun’s best all-inclusive resorts for Spring Break are in the city’s ‘hotel zone’ so you’ll be in the thick of the best nightlife. You’ll also be beachfront, giving you easy access to the wildest beach parties of the season.

Budget Hotels

Most of Cancun’s lower-priced hotels are downtown, which is a short drive away from the main beach and nightlife. You’ll pay a lot less for your accommodation but will most likely need to fork out for taxis to enjoy the Spring Break madness.

This doesn’t have to be a negative thing, though. Being away from the party’s epicenter will give you a chance to recover between all-nighters. And, you’ll have endless local food options on your doorstep which is perfect because nothing cures a hangover faster than a big plate of tacos.

Apartments

If you’re Spring Breaking with a group of your buddies, an apartment is a great option. Splitting the costs will keep things affordable, you can pre-game in your shared space, and you’ll usually have access to a kitchen for keeping beers chilled and making snacks to line your stomach with.

As with budget hotels, you’ll most likely find yourself staying downtown rather than by the beach. However, traveling as a group and splitting taxis will keep transport cheap and leave you with more money for shots.

So, let’s get into it. Here are the best hotels in Cancun for Spring Break.

1. Krystal Cancun

Krystal Cancun is one of the best-known Spring Break all-inclusive resorts and is the perfect opener to this list. Set right on the white sand beach in the heart of the action, staying here will keep you close to the party throughout your vacation.

The oceanfront pool and hot tub are where Spring Break memories are made (if you can remember anything after hitting the free bars). There’s a buffet breakfast for tackling even the most vicious of hangovers, and there’s traditional Mexican food and live Mariachi music in the evenings.

The rooms at Krystal Cancun are clean and spacious and come equipped with air-conditioning, a mini bar, cable TV, and a safety deposit box.

If you’re in the mood for a break from the wild parties, the front desk can help with car rentals and arranging day trips to see some of the nearby sights such as the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.

Top amenities include:

• Oceanfront pool
• Buffet breakfast
• Air-conditioning
• Tour desk

Check availability for this legendary resort here.

2. Crown Paradise Club

Crown Paradise Club is another awesome option in Cancun’s hotel zone for your Spring Break blowout.

The rooms at this relatively-affordable five-star resort are huge and all offer a private balcony with ocean views. Rooms also have air-conditioning, cable TV, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker.

There are two huge swimming pools that are ideal for pool parties, and the waterslides are perfect for some silly fun in the sun. There’s also a spa on-site if you need some R&R, and a gym for sweating out all the tequila you’ll be chugging. For those rare bad weather days, the resort has a game room with billiards.

The food options at this all-inclusive are incredible and there are seven restaurants to choose from. Beer and cocktails are available at the resort’s six bars including the beach bar that gives major VIP beach club vibes.

Top amenities include:

• Oceanfront pool
• Buffet breakfast
• Air-conditioning
• Tour desk

Check availability for this non-stop party resort here.

3. The Grand Oasis Cancun

Grand Oasis Palm is another popular option for Spring Break party-goers.

The rooms are bright and airy and have stunning views of the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise waters. They also come equipped with a minibar and a coffee maker, and the bathrooms have a hairdryer and toiletries.

There are NINE bars at Grand Oasis Palm, and guests are offered tequila, mezcal, and wine tasting during their stay. The all-inclusive package includes 16 restaurants serving everything from pizza to sushi, making this resort a great choice for foodies.

The front desk is open 24 hours and staff are on hand to help with planning trips. They can also help you hire a car if you want to take your spring break trip to Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Being next to the pier, you’ll be ideally situated to take a short boat ride to Isla Mujeres and experience authentic Caribbean island life. You’ll also be close to the main party scene which features the world-famous Coco Bongo and attracts the best international DJs.

Top amenities include:

• Rooms with sea views
• Nine bars
• 16 restaurants
• Car hire is available

Check availability for this popular all-inclusive resort here.

4. Hotel Luma by Kavia

In the heart of Cancun is where you’ll find the second low-cost option on our list. Located just 550 yards from the bus station, Hotel Luma gives great access to the Yucatan Peninsula and is ideally suited for Spring Breakers looking for adventure.

There’s a restaurant on-site for when you need to grab a quick bite, and guests are offered a continental or a la carte breakfast. There’s free parking for guests who want to hire a car to see more of the region and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The concierge service is on hand to help you book trips and transport and plan your downtime between wild parties.

The rooms at Hotel Luma are surprisingly luxurious for their price point. Each one has plenty of space and some can accommodate up to five guests. Bed linen and towels are included and there’s air conditioning throughout the property.

Top amenities include:

• On-site restaurant
• Free-Wi-Fi
• Concierge service
• Rooms with space for up to five guests

Check availability for this luxurious budget option here.

5. Casa Vacacional en Cancun

For groups that want to bunk together on their Spring Break adventure, an apartment is a good way to go. Casa Vacacional en Cancun is a spacious and clean apartment with room for up to eight party people.

The two bedrooms feature one and two double beds respectively and there’s also plenty of space to crash in the lounge. There’s air-conditioning throughout the property to keep you cool while you sleep off your tequila hangovers, and the patio is the perfect spot to soak up some sunshine. The kitchen is well equipped with crockery, cutlery, glassware, and a microwave, and there’s a flat-screen TV in the seating area. The bathroom is modern and towels are included.

The community where the apartment is located has a 24-hour front desk to help book taxis and other logistics, and free Wi-Fi and private parking are included.

Top amenities include:

• Two bedrooms
• 24-hour front desk
• Free-Wi-Fi
• Free parking

Check availability for this spacious apartment here.

6. Departamento Equipado

Heading inland you’ll find Departamento Equipado, a great budget apartment with space for six. This option is further away from the heart of the action but you’ll have saved so much that you’ll be able to afford taxis whenever you need one.

The apartment itself is very well-equipped and comes with everything you need for a comfortable stay. There are two bedrooms with two double beds and a single bed, plus a sofa bed, giving you and your buddies plenty of space to spread out. The kitchen is stocked with everything you need to make snacks and mix up some pre-game cocktails, and there’s plenty of storage for your luggage. There’s also a flat-screen TV, and the entire apartment is air-conditioned.

Free Wi-Fi is available and the compound also has a pool which is perfect for an afternoon siesta before the party starts all over again.

Top amenities include:

• Two bedrooms
• Fully-stocked kitchen
• Free-Wi-Fi
• Swimming pool

Check availability for this poolside apartment here.

Enjoy Spring Break in Cancun

There you have it! Those are the best hotels in Cancun for Spring Break. Now you know where to stay during Spring Break no matter your budget or your vibe. So all that’s left to do is to gather up your buddies and get booking! Enjoy!