I Stayed at The 9 Most Popular Resorts in Cancun - Ranking Them Worst to First

#cancun #bestresorts #besthotels
The 9 most famous Cancun resorts - I stayed at all of them in one year, and in this video I reveal which ones are the best. I give you secret cliff notes on where to stay and which hotels to choose for an amazing Caribbean vacation in Cancun, Mexico.
◼️ My Complete/Dedicated Experience Videos on the 9 Best Hotels in Cancun
📍Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres
Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres - Awesome & Affordable Cancun Luxury
• Majestic Elegance Cost...
📍Royalton Chic Cancun
Why Royalton Chic is The #1 Luxury Party Hotel in Cancun
• Why Royalton Chic is T...
📍Hard Rock Cancun
THIS is Why HARD ROCK is the #1 Hotel in Cancun 🥳
• THIS is Why HARD ROCK ...
📍Iberostar Selection Cancun
I Never Expected This From IBEROSTAR CANCUN... WOW!
• I Never Expected This ...
📍Paradisus Cancun
I Stayed at Paradisus - Cancun's Famous PYRAMID HOTEL
• I Stayed at Paradisus ...
📍Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
I Stayed The Most LEGENDARY Cancun Hotel - LIVE AQUA!
• I Stayed The Most LEGE...
📍Planet Hollywood Cancun -
Goodbye Hard Rock Hotels & HELLO Planet Hollywood Resorts
• Goodbye Hard Rock Hote...
📍Hotel Riu Cancun
Insanely Cheap & Crazy FUN: The #1 RIU Hotel in Cancun
• Insanely Cheap & Crazy...
📍TRS Coral
TRS Coral in Cancun is Incredible! (Incredibly Gorgeous & Incredibly Flawed)
• TRS Coral in Cancun is...
#allinclusiveresorts #wheretostay #travelhacks
#bestofthebest #vacation #holiday

[@oSirSniffleso]

Love these ranking videos. I watch all the review videos but by the end of them all they can kind of blur, so having a fast recap and an overall ranking is super helpful for making decisions.

[@ablack5012]

Every time I decide on a vacation spot for myself and hubby I refer to your videos!! Thank you sir 😊Awesome content!! 👍🏽👍🏽

[@sanderke26]

Long time ago we stayed at iberostar Tucan and Quetzal in Playa del Carmen, also had an amazing time. I perfectly understand that iberostar is at number 1 👌

[@johngeraldoy2615]

Been to the Caribbean a lot during the winter times. I agree with you. The Iberostar coral and the grands stands out. I encourage you to try the Iberostar grand. I’ve been to the Riu palaces and the Royalton hideaways. They just don’t compare to Iberostar coral or grand. I’m doing this all inclusive vacation for more than 12 years. And now I have a good grasp of good brands out there. An HONEST opinion for someone who tried it all….

[@ssgiggle1]

These are some amazing recommendations, can you please tell me what is the situation of sargassum on these resorts? I am planning a trip in June 2nd week with fam. Any particular direction facing beach on which the resorts would not have the sea weed issue?

[@manashapost1218]

We will be booking Iberostar selection based solely on your review James. This will be the third time we are following your advise, so thanks a lot for doing all this work!

[@heathermckinnon1865]

That beach at the Iberostar is stunning and picture perfect. Wow.

[@Frameboy71]

We stayed at Planet Hollywood in Jan 2023. We had a good time but there are big issues. The beach is dirty and crazy windy (which obviously they can't control). The rooms have a LOT of issues. Stuff broken, not working, etc. The resort is SO big that the rooms don't often get cleaned until the end of the day. The good? Food was solid. Service was great. Grounds were amazing. It is a BIG resort. The pools were pretty cold when I was there.

[@valsquyres]

Always love your reviews. They are packed with great information and your tastes mirror mine. I would surely choose your number one pick anywhere!

[@Peachymonnn]

Hands down...nothing touches the Excellence collection by finest.

[@yanivmedia3309]

thank you for the list. first time ever going on vacation south last year. We went family vacation to Royalton Punta Cana last year because of your video.We are going to iberostar Cancun this May because of you Sir. Keep of the good work. Love from Canada

[@boomds5602]

My brother stayed at Iberostar Riviera Maya and loved it

[@Skittlezz45]

Kinda shocked you didn't go to Hyatt Ziva Cancun (Hotel Zone) based on it's popularity

[@MrShilysha]

Same. Wish he would have

[@SwayPromo]

Absolutely the best one!

[@picanhapapi]

I really enjoyed Ziva. Food was decent/ok though. Everything else was great!

[@SwayPromo]

@@picanhapapi when I went the food was really good except the pizza. But yeah everything else great. Best beaches for sure

[@Viralvids436]

What the best club

[@bbustin1747]

Stayed at paradises years ago. And nothing has changed , rooms ok and food was decent , the fancy reserved restaurant was enjoyable

[@thewesternmind]

Lifting our winter blues with your tropics videos! Thanks!

[@twfinc6855]

im suprised you ranked the iberostar at #1... but I dont have an issue with it as we have been there 5 times at coral side and love it.. Good to know we made a good choice.

[@lizzys6954]

Wowza! I did not see that coming! Thanks for another honest ranking 🌴🌴

[@mdot100]

I remember that I called it James, I called it!! After your fourth Cancun video I said “Iberostar got it!!” 💪🏾💪🏾

[@DimiG88]

I've stayed at Hard Rock the past 3 times I traveled to Cancun 2016, 2022 & 2023. This past April was the complete opposite of my first experience there and can't say I'd recommend it anymore. :/ I'll definitely look into Iberostar Selection next time I decide to go to Mexico. Love the reviews as always! Just got back from my second visit to Margaritaville in Punta Cana - Just as good as your review on it last year!

[@KleenBenz]

Havent even watched this yet but BROOOO i almost booked at Riu Mar Caribe.. this video will determine where i go in May.

[@clintgiroux5505]

We had our honeymoon at Platinum Yucatan Princess and we really enjoyed it. Nightlife was amazing. It's closer to Playa Del Carmen though. It came highly recommended from many friends and family!

[@mariagents9575]

Stayed when it first open best place I ever been to

[@alleyjay6523]

Great video and I see you have loyal followers. It would be great when you have the time to answer some of the questions because they are some great questions there.

[@TheCyberadam26]

I'll be staying at The Iberostar Selection Bavaro Suites next week, and if it's anything like one in Cancun, I cannot wait to be wowed. As always, I enjoy your reviews and insider tips.

[@kylekopic4312]

How is it?

[@MamaEv0618]

Just curious why you don’t like Costa Mujeres beaches? I’m a travel agent and ALWAYS recommend CM areas for clients wanting a great beach. It tends to be calmer and much less sargassum than most of the Riviera Maya.

[@debbiep99]

Majestic elegance costa mujeres is amazing for those looking to just relax and not looking to party. The beach was great they dealt with the seaweed well. Its not a party resort so i loved it. Definitely best to find someone that matches your vacation wants for rankings is best. For example i prefer premium tiers at a resort with exclusive areas which this guy doesn't like.

[@mgee1723]

How was the food

[@erick1381]

Thank you so much, the reviews are very helpful! Keep up the good work!

[@lawrencestafford3943]

You should check out Excellence Playa Mujeres. My personal favorite, would like to hear your opinion if you make a future trip.

[@lg82]

Nice list and great video!! I'm super excited to see you one day do a LeBlanc Cancun and Secrets the Vine Cancun review/travel vid!! Keep up the awesome work!

[@Albertalorian]

Yooooo!!! Thanks a ton dude! I'm just planning to go this year, and this was very helpful!

[@michaeldiruocco]

Breathless soul should be on this list

[@jeffshamel2863]

Thank you so much. I watched your videos to plan our Punta Cana trip and you were spot on. We just booked a trip to Cancun based on your recommendation. Can’t wait 💜💜

[@AHasNYC]

What did you choose? I am still trying to choose for my family trip , leaning towards Iberostar Selections.

[@88connore]

Loving your channel! Stoked to watch this vid.

[@mattwilliams5]

Excellent reviews man!! Looking forward to more!

[@jhadz7507]

This is great because we r booked for Iberostar Selection! Phew! First time to Cancun

[@markedwards9717]

Hi James! Love your reviews! You have a no BS approach to reviews and never sound like you're working for the resort or a travel company. Have you ever thought about doing a podcast? Also, headed to Majestic in July. Will be AI trip number 10 for me! Loved the Lopesan. Done Royalton Bavaro twice.

[@DOVELANE]

Visited Royalton Chic Cancun over Christmas. Absolutely wonderful. Thank you for your ranking. Will try No.2 next time

[@anamericansummer]

Well done video sir! Not too long and I appreciate the insight! Thank you

[@lorrainemortimer6106]

Hi James - many thanks for the informative reviews - never been to the Caribbean so I am totally dependant on my own reasearch & independant reviews from the likes of yourself - fast forward many mths found destination now to choose the resort/hotel!!!my husband who requires attrative/ not crowded/great food you know the norm but he takes it a step further& wants that worldwide poilshed 5* luxury in every part of the hotel - no sales/no bullshit/no screaming kids/great food/decent educated people etc he's a bit of a pain but he pays as a treat & wants it to be perfect if there is should a thing (disclaimer - 2 kids of our own + 4 grandchildren) so he will only log into your videos because he says you are a PRO honest with no bullshit - continue with good work James "Where next"

[@kar102874]

Great video! In my opinion two fantastic resorts were missing. Atelier and Excellence Playa Mujeres

[@christiemarkfeld4621]

We LOVE the Excellence Playa Mujeres!

[@MikeHeller]

My first thought was 'where the heck is Moon Palace?" :) Saw your note at the end, look forward to the review and potential similar options. My family loved the Grand.

[@Jiggy609]

I miss Cancun😫 can’t wait to go back hopefully in 2025

[@Scooter4Ever]

Been to Cancun twice and feel like I'm missing out due to this video. We've only stayed at Hyatt Zilara and it's been nice but the properly is older and food quality had gone down between our 1st & 2nd visit. Our 2nd visit also included a very angry confrontation with Kristen Wiig who was filming a movie there which the resort did not make guests aware of until they arrived.

[@phrewilly8556]

Excellent video James! Instead of a cruise we may try to give Iberostar a shot!

[@mancunianinlondon]

wowzers! thanks for this video! I live in Britain and I am naive when it comes to Mexico. These hotels look awesome esp Iberostar, PH and HR hotels!

[@alitadupray777]

The lady at 8:22 has me rolling . The knee bend 😂😂😂

[@IceCubeInMyIceTea]

Finding a good resort is all about what matters to you the most. No resort does everything the best. Figure out what matters most to you and then find your resort.

[@canwedigit]

Awesome countdown! Your videos are so informative. The top 3 on this list all look amazing! Live Aqua and Iberostar both look phenomenal!

[@mikejones5364]

Love a ranking video with 9 hotels/all inclusives done in one video.

[@henrysboothangcupcakes1905]

I literally plan my beach vacations based on your reviews. I’m taking my husband on a last min bday trip. We stayed at Live Aqua last time and it was perfect for us (brought our 5 adult kids) I am leaning that way again but… kinda want to try some place new too.. food and beach is important to us. What’s your vote? Similar vibe to Live Aqua

[@matthewmurphy586]

Absolutely love TRS Coral - but why not review the entire Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres property as a whole?

[@djmandolivechicago2844]

Thank you for your reviews . We are planning to going to Cancun for New year Eve this year where you recommend Thank you

[@lileasy21jr]

We stayed at the adult only side of iberostar and it was AMAZING

[@johnhartzler3089]

Thank you. I love the Iberostar Paraiso complex and haven't been to the Selection Cancun location yet. Going in Sep and may have to check it out

[@Di1sho]

Hope you check out the Secrets Resorts at some point.

[@livestotravel7589]

I took my youngest to Live Aqua for her 21st last year. She still talks about it. We have been to many places and she is hard to please.

[@sarahwarburg7136]

You're going to have to do this again because of AVA cancun haha. About to go there for a site visit!

[@santiagomoscoso4519]

Finally!!!

[@ItsTheStateVsYou]

My favorite so far is Barcelo Maya Palace and Barcelo Maya Riviera Adults Only. I'll have to visit Iberostar next.

[@nowayjose9918]

TRS CORAL you can book a spa visit at the Grand Palladium and take a 5 minut golf cart ride over. The spa was amazing! Best lassotherapy pool EVER! Several different spa therapy sauna rooms such as ice, menthol, and hot suana. They a hot jacuzzi and ice cold plunge pool. Sorry you missed it! I did not like having to reserve spots at the restaurants for dinner.

[@adriancampbell8310]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWbSc6GHgb55nKc

[@blake3200]

Hey solid review thanks for this! Been to paradisus 4 times and moon palace last sb. Iberostar been on the list and now I have good reason for booking, thanks

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Thanks, the RUI food did look just BASIC>. These all seemed American gaudy. Please do another top 10 that are Authentic Mexico. No glass or plastic silliness.

[@TheGforceuk]

Looking forward to your next Dominican visit. .i think you’ll love the service and food at cap Cana but guess it’ll be marked down for nightlife and vibe as it’s a couples resort

[@molfar9049]

couldn't disagree more about Majestic. definitely top 5. beach nice and wide with softest sand and best part no one is bugging you to buy something. mixology was top notch and food never had a bad meal.

[@Coolist]

Experiences and tastes vary. Since these are the 9 most popular resorts, arguably all of them could be interchangeable. Ultimately, It comes down to preference, experience, and emphases.

[@janinestclaire5289]

Great video- but … I actually stayed at TRS Coral and they had a huge spa (that I used) and a gym. I’m not sure if these were closed during your stay but they do exist. I stayed 2 years ago.

[@sylvaindastous9822]

Yes, amazing spa and chic cabaret but he dont talk about that

[@snowfood]

He did talk about that in the full video, it has, but kind of, because the spa and the gym is actually in the nearby property Grand Palladium, so you need to walk there to do several things

[@jsmarketing]

No Hyatt Zilara? That is the best resort I've stayed at in Cancun.

[@user-ki2xu8rz4s]

Thank you for these hotel reviews! I always look forward to watching new content. I’d love to see you review Riu Palace Kukulkan in Cancun.

[@kb1213]

Where are you in this video? You say you gave up Moon Palace for this amazing experience but I didn’t hear you say where it was. Looks amazing.

[@jn9672]

We need a Hideaway Cancun review!

[@fjs2871]

Great stuff. Love the content buddy.

[@LautiR]

Awesome review! Subscribed !

[@Stancaban]

I thought I’d see Fiesta Americana Condesa somewhere on the list!

[@davidclaussen480]

Have you stayed at Haven Riviera ? Could you do a review?

[@yourbotanicaonline]

Hello! Thank you for creating content about all-inclusive hotels in Cancun and other destinations. It’s really helpful for those of us planning our vacations. I’ve subscribed to your channel for more tips and recommendations. We’re planning a trip to Cancun in June, our first time traveling from Miami to Mexico. My wife, six-year-old daughter, and I are looking for the best place to stay. Do you have any recommendations for family-friendly all-inclusive hotels? Thanks in advance for your help and great content! 🙏🏻

[@MACMAMI]

Although you gave considerably positive reviews to the vast majority of these nine resorts, it seems like the top two are head and shoulders above the rest of the field based off of the inflection of your voice and takeaways. 😊 And like I said previously: if Planet Hollywood just had better food and a better beach, it would undoubtedly compete convincingly with that top two tier. 🙂 Can't wait to see the eventual Moon Palace and other Cancun resort reviews! Happy New Year too! 😍

[@Coolist]

Hey! Regarding this cohort, We see things exactly the same. Happy new year Zara - hope all is well 😎✨

[@bodyloverz30]

@@Coolist When is your luxury addition comping, with 5 star Cancun properties? Also, going back to DR, Casa de Campo!

[@galenstarrs]

Surprised LeBlanc didn’t make the list and one of the many secrets resorts.

[@tedconstan9711]

Review ---Riu Latino Costa Mujeres..plezz

[@sandrathomas6161]

Wonderful video!! Lots of helpful information! Thank you!

[@robertojimenez3365]

I have been in most of the hotels on the list and Hyatt Ziva is by far better than all of the hotels you mentioned ,also Secrets The Vine on the hotel zone is a very good choice.Thank you for the video.

[@Coolist]

This isn't a list of the the best / it's a list of the most popular. Completely different conversation, although we do use democracy/popularity to decide the best ideas :)

[@lucero53]

Great Video!!!

[@garciademilhoes]

Excellent video James! Great job! Do you have any plans to visit one of the following? Just curious to plan my next trip and love your tips! 🤓 Hyatt zilara Hyatt Ziva Le blanc Xcaret arte Garza Blanca Atelier Playa Mujeres I've been to Moon Palace, Hard Rock Cancun and Punta Cana in my life,and indeed Moon Palace was the best option by far! Also the best price 😅 I hope you enjoy it there too! Cheers

[@LawrenceLoik]

So you left us hanging with live aqua. What was missing

[@randomadviceguy1780]

So Good bro!!! TY

[@briancunningham1975]

I’m going to riu cancun nxt week , surely the foods not that bad 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@zenzei_305]

Love the channel bro, your the go to guy whenever I want to make up my mind of where to go. currently debating going back to Secrets the vine vs Aqua live. Which you like best?

[@jennifercarrillo05]

Do you have a review video for Royalton Chic?

[@gigimarch647]

TRS Coral DOES have a spa (Zentropia 18 & over) and a gym (part of the spa building, separate entrance). And you didn’t mention the spectacular beach-FAR better than properties you list in the hotel zone. And-what you consider a negative-being in Costa Mujeres, is a positive for us. We love being away from crazy Cancun. While TRS doesn’t have “dedicated entertainment” guests do have access to the Chic show which is just a short boat ride away at the GP property. The biggest negatives for us are very little outdoor dining, no real coffee shop at TRS (other than Aurum bar in the mornings), and the food is just ok.

[@hectorcontreras8587]

What would you rank the Hilton mar carribe? Stayed at iberostar last year absolutely loved it

[@1000tammyh]

Where are you filming? That place looks fascinating!

[@fernandocota567]

James, you should check out Sun Palace, it is a great Hotel right in Cancun

[@nightwolfv7541]

Great video, when are getting back to Vegas and do the Fontaine blue?

[@Coolist]

Summer most likely - I need that pool action ☀️

[@mariampacheco8282]

Iberostar or Royalton Chic Cancun what you recommend. Solo travel

[@THE1CEO]

Good stuff James!! I just came back from moon palace...

[@Coolist]

What side did you stay at?

[@THE1CEO]

@@Coolist nizuc I was at a wedding…

[@Jackdanielssss]

Which one is less party Hotel? I want to relax there

[@philipchan2941]

Thank you 🙏

[@erstanler]

Iam debating to choose between royalton chic cancun or breathless soul or riviera which one would you choose and why ?

[@stacynoble3909]

oooh there is more...okay I am currently looking outside at snow and -29 degrees c...so thank you for help warming me up ...James

[@carolmartin4413]

Great list. We're looking at Margaritaville Island/Riviera Maya ...being older we don't need a huge nightlife anymore just laid back peaceful...kinda like JB. 😊 Are we wrong?

[@kurtstone1272]

Best vacay spot for solo traveller. Looking for all inclusive, high number of single people/people who like to party, easy access to clubs, and want to spend 2-2.5k MAX. Doesn’t have to be Mexico. Thanks

[@salvadorramirez4114]

What's the place that you're staying at as you speak in the video?

[@shinymonktouchymonk3662]

Xlnt Narration !!!

[@patrickpk4421]

Dewd.... Loved your honnest vid. But what about Le Blanc?