Cancun caters to all budgets in the hotel stakes and especially to those with deep pockets, owing to its large collection of four- and five-star places. Most of the accommodation is centred on the so-called Hotel Zone but there are many places to choose from throughout the island.

Cancun Island is big on three- to five-star hotels and all the major hotel chains are represented on the island, on Isla Mujeres and on the mainland. The Hotel Zone has the greatest concentration of top-end hotels while the city centre comes with budget options.

Some of the best hotels in Cancun include: the Palace Las Americas in the Hotel Zone, with its 370 rooms and fine sea views; the ME Cancun Resort on Boulevard Kukulkan; the Gran Melia Cancun Resort, also along Kukulkan Boulevard; and the Moon Palace Resort, with its golf course, business facilities and convenient locale near the airport.

If you are confused with the categories of hotels in Cancun, or are set on finding the best of the best, head for the gran turismo hotels, which offer all the luxury you'd expect from a five-star place. Many Cancun gran turismo hotels are also spa hotels with all sorts of leisure facilities. There are also categoría especial, which are cheaper than gran turismos and are usually packaged off through flight deals.

There are two main hotel areas in Cancun; the Hotel Zone on the island, and the city centre itself (Ciudad Cancún). Most hotels are in the hotel district, including the very best in the region, while the city is best for those on a budget. You will find the likes of Palace Las Americas, ME Cancun Resort, and Gran Melia Cancun Resort in the Hotel Zone, along with many other top-end and all-inclusive places.

The modern city centre of Cancun not only has the cheaper hotel options but also comes with a load of shops, restaurants and bars. There are many independent hotels here and along with the buzz, it has cheaper and smaller places where rates from May to December are a lot less than normal.

Two other hotel options in Cancun are the interior of the island, which comes with a lagoon known as Nichupté, and the countryside at large. These are both good options for those into camping and the outdoors, and also those who are on a budget.