GBTC Travel  -- Lawrenceville, GA   30043 -- agents @ GBTC travel.com -- 770-963-9846

If you arrived here by way of a search engine - Google, Yahoo, MSN -- the term you entered -IS- on this page -- please enjoy what we have to say about Cancun. Or, scroll the page to find your specific term.  Properties on the Cancun hotel strip are arranged by KM location - from the city of Cancun at KM=0 ... South along the only Hotel Zone road - toward the Airport.

The area of Mexico people correctly refer to as Cancun is a narrow ‘island like’ peninsula approximately 14 miles long which is located on the Northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexico State of Quintana Roo. Above, you see a snapshot we took from the air as we departed from one of our many trips to the area. The ‘Hotel Zone’ of Cancun is bordered by the Western Caribbean to their East and a huge salt water lagoon to the West -- you do see the wonderful beach on the picture above?  The natural lagoon provides for a wide variety of water sports such as jet ski excursions, supervised scuba,  sea kayaking, fishing and snorkeling.  Cancun is home to over 150 resort properties - most of which are offered in affordable vacation packages arranged by our quality tour providers. There are a number of beautiful private residences,  condo developments, world class shopping centers, flea markets, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, coffee shops, bars, all night discos, fishing, golf, escorted water adventures and various other activities one can experience right on the Hotel Zone. Cancun downtown - ‘the city’ - features a different flavor of Mexico ... where merchants of all imaginable types setup their shops to supply the locals -- there is even a Sam’s Club, a Costco and two WalMarts to visit.  Basically - the entire Hotel Zone is served by a single divided four lane road which runs in front of the resorts and other developments. Clean taxis and economical ‘city busses’ [65 cents per ride] are always available.  Sidewalks run the entire length of the peninsula. You can even take a scheduled visitors’ ferry or a nighttime ‘booze cruise’ to the Isla Mujeres [the Island of Women] -- a tiny island Northeast from the Hotel Zone.  Isla Mujeres is home to a number of quaint shops, really interesting privately owned one of a kind restaurants and sidewalk cafes - and would be a great all-day side excursion from Cancun. In fact - there are several ‘small’ resorts on Isla Mujeres that do not catch the attention of most travel agents.

All of the properties in our Cancun section are offered by one or another of our tour providers. Three, four, five, seven day [or longer] excursions are available. Cancun is a 2 hour 15 minute flight on a nonstop out of Atlanta.  Delta and other carriers offer daily flights into Cancun. All Cancun resorts are but a short ride from the Airport.  Prepaid transfers are always included with our packages.  All-inclusive vacations are surely the most popular with our clients - but Cancun is definitely an area you would also enjoy even on the European Plan [EP = no food / no drinks] - due to the variety and quantity of nearby restaurants and inviting local cafes.  In fact - when we [with over a dozen trips to the area] -stay at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, we usually go out to one of the local establishments at least once for food and fun [click here]. A trip to WalMart always requires a stop at their bakery and coffee shop cafe !  We absolutely love looking at the goods offered in the Mexican WalMart.  Another favorite of ours -- visit the local grocery store in the city of Cancun - look at the food.  And visit the department stores -- look at the goods.  

The resorts of Cancun are listed by name and by the order in which they are located along the Hotel Zone main road.  KM 0 is in downtown Cancun [the city] -- while KM 21 is the southern most point of the Hotel Zone and about 7 miles due East of the Airport.. There are no resorts between KM 21 and the Airport. For reference - we have listed popular attractions on the Hotel Zone as they are located within the list of resorts. The ‘star rating’ is exclusively ours - on a scale of - 1 to 6 stars - according to GBTC.  This list and our ratings are reviewed and revised as often as necessary. This list will grow and our ratings could change.  We conduct ‘customer satisfaction surveys’ as a routine part of our business ... and we visit Cancun resorts as often as possible.  Fun job - huh ? Some resorts are still ‘under construction’ as of January 2008.

Special Note: Some of the descriptions and some of our resort photos are from before hurricane Wilma [Oct. 2005].  Most properties took the given opportunity to remodel, redecorate and all made minor or major improvements.  Some were rebuilt completely.  These ratings will be revised as necessary and possible.

You can find up-to-date vendor supplied pictures, videos, hotel descriptions and more - by looking up specific resorts in our Online Booking & Research section. 

Here is our list of Resorts and Landmarks on Cancun’s World Famous Hotel Zone

a small green check    means at least one of our staff has stayed at this resort

Blue Bay Getaway     KM 3.5     

This resort is a small moderate property, located adjacent to a marina and near a residential area on the North of the Hotel Zone. Completely renovated rooms are very nice and comfortable with a single king bed or 2 double beds. This is an adult only [21 and over] resort.  There is 24 hour food and beverage service, 5 restaurants, 4 bars, 3 swimming pools, 7 Jacuzzis  and is beach front.  This resort is All inclusive. There is a ‘sister property’,  Blue Bay Club,  out on Punta Sam.  You can stay at one - and visit the other. I did stay at the resort in 2002 and would return.  The resort looked really nice during our Feb., 2006 visit. 

More info in [Online Booking]

Riu Caribe Cancun     KM 3.7   

[Formally the Gran Caribe] This all inclusive resort is a favorite among the people who return to Cancun.  The resort offers 500 air conditioned rooms with 4 restaurants, 4 bars, 1 large swimming pool, a kids club and an outdoor theater. The resort is located near Playa Linda and has a calmer beach area than one would find further South in the hotel zone. Our Feb., 2006 visit confirmed that this resort has more beach than it once did!  The storm actually brought most resorts on the North end of Cancun ... more sand.

More info in [Online Booking]

La Boom Disco is at KM 4

Carlos and Charlie’s is at KM 5.25

Fat Tuesday’s is at KM 6.25

Oasis Beach Cancun     KM 8 

[Formally the Calinda Beach and Spa] A moderate resort located on the North end of the famous hotel zone. This resort has 3 restaurants and 3 bars, 2 pools, a snack bar and a full service spa with gym.  The rooms are simple in design with either a king bed or 2 double beds. There are 2 shows weekly and non motorized water sports are included at the nearby marina. This is an all inclusive resort.

More info in [Online Booking]

Oasis Viva     KM 8.25  

[Formally the Calinda Viva]  This is a moderate resort located on the North end of the Hotel Zone.  This resort has 216 rooms, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, 1 swimming pool, a snack bar and 2 lighted tennis courts. All rooms are comfortable and air conditioned. This is an all inclusive resort and is  located on the city bus route near shopping at Plaza Caracol.

More info in [Online Booking]

Plaza Caracol is located at KM 8.5

Riu Palace Las Americas     KM. 8.5    

This resort is located next door to the Riu Cancun and is beach front. This resort offers 6 restaurants, 5 bars, 2 pools with a whirlpool, a fitness center, sauna and non motorized water sports.  This is an elegant resort [Riu’s highest rated in Cancun] with 380 air conditioned rooms and is designed for the "discerning traveler"  who wants comfort and luxury. This is an all inclusive resort.  Stay here and visit the other Riu properties to experience a variety of Cancun fun!

Our March 2006 stay at the Riu Palace Las Americas confirmed for us what previous guests have told us upon their return -- this is a very nice resort and a good place to book in Cancun. Most of the Riu properties experience a very high return rate from their previous guests.  Some people travel the World - staying only at Riu resorts.

More info in [Online Booking]

Riu Cancun     KM 8.6   

Located near the convention center and adjacent to the Riu Palace Las Americas.  This resort has a lot to offer and is highly recommended as a "Great Buy". There are 4 restaurants, 5 bars, daily activities, evening shows every day, 2 swimming pools, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, a kids club and beautiful view.  The rooms are excellent with either a king bed or 2 double beds, a mini bar, in room liquor dispenser. I was very impressed with this resort and will return again. There are 569 rooms all ocean view and air conditioned.  All of the rooms have either a terrace or a balcony. This is an all inclusive resort.  This is considered an upscale family resort property and is more active than the Riu Palace Las Americas [located next door].

More info in [Online Booking]

Dreams Resort and Spa     KM 8.7     

[Formerly the Camino Real] - Dreams was originally built in 1975 but underwent major renovations in 2004 and operated at near capacity until the hurricane season of 2005.  Dreams Resort and Spa - like other properties in Cancun did suffer some level of damage from Wilma - but nothing major. In fact - Dreams Resort was amongst the first Cancun resorts to reopen.  The location is great - right on the tip of the 7. You can see the entire crescent beach of Cancun to the South.  You can stand at the Northern tip of the property and see Isla Mujeres. You can look toward Cancun City to the West and see all of the shorefront out on Punta Sam.  You can watch the Booze Cruise make its daily journey from Fat Tuesday's to Isla Mujeres.  You can watch the Ferry carry people and cars to and from Isla Mujeres.  All of this you can do day or night - the views are stunning.

There are three distinct sections at Dreams Resort.  One section features traditional Mayan style architecture - another highlights a Presidential Pyramid theme and a modern contemporary tower rises many stories above the others. The rooms and suites in the various sections are priced according to category. Everybody on property shares the three theme restaurants, the main buffet, the main pool, two different beaches and the salt water swimming area. Certain included amenities vary depending on the category of room you choose. The full service spa facility is located adjacent to the lobby - near the shops and convenience store.  There is a nail salon, a barber/beauty shop, supervised children’s activity facility, a tennis court ... lots to do right on property for everybody staying at Dreams. 

During our March 2006 stay at Dreams we were in the Mayan building - in a room overlooking the salt water pool. It was quiet and comfortable.  We had a great breakfast every day at the main buffet. We ate light for lunch.  One evening we dined at the Asian Restaurant. One night we dined at the Oceana Grill.  One night dinner was served right on the beach. The entertainment was good and the staff was very friendly.  So far as ratings go - this is a six star property when it comes amenities available, staff and service, location, food and restaurants and the overall offerings at Dreams. However - we have seen a number of brand new properties that must get a six star rating when compared to all the others. Dreams - IS - a very nice place to stay in Cancun.

More info in [Online Booking]

Transfer Bus and Tickets to Xcaret   is at KM 9

TGI Friday’s, Rainforrest & Hard Rock are at KM 9

Dady Rock Disco   is at KM 9.25

Senor Frogs   is at KM 9.5

Le Blanc     KM 10    

The Le Blanc is one of Cancun’s newest All Adult All Inclusive resort properties.  It features a full spa, 4 restaurants, 3 pools,  a private lagoon [with alligator], 3 bars and caters to the upscale traveler.  According to their own property description ... the key architectural design feature of the Le Blanc ... is the color White!

More info in [Online Booking]

Lorenzillos Seafood   is at KM 10.25

Gran Caribe Real Resort and Spa     KM 10.5    

[Formally the Continental Villas]  I give this resort a 3 star due to having a very small beach area. Others have rated it as 4 or 5 star but  I do not agree with the higher ratings. The resort is located on the famous hotel zone, within walking distance to shopping. There are 638 air conditioned rooms that offer a king bed or 2 double beds, 6 restaurants, 2 bars, 3 swimming pools, daily activities and a kids club. The resort is very nice and does offer comfortable rooms.

More info in [Online Booking]

Tony Roma’s Ribs   is at KM 10.75

Flamingo Plaza   is at KM 11

Pat O’Briens, Planet Hollywood, Outback Steakhouse and Margaritaville {are all at Flamingo Plaza}

Flamingo Cancun Resort and Plaza       KM 11.5    

This is a moderate resort with 2 restaurants, 3 bars and has 2 pools.  Room service is available only during specific hours   The resort is located on the famous hotel zone and across the street from the Flamingo Plaza shopping center. There are 220 rooms at this resort and offer a king bed or 2 double beds, TV, minibar and either a balcony or terrace, all rooms are air conditioned.   This resort can be purchased either EP (no meals) or all inclusive.

More info in [Online Booking]

Avalon Grand     KM  11.6      Newly Remodeled

Below is our previous written review.  We will update our review when one of our staff has visited the property.  We fully expect exciting results from the re-opening of this resort.

A moderate resort located on the famous hotel zone.  There are 4 restaurants, 4 bars, 24 hour room service, 3 Jacuzzis, kids club, fitness center and is a great value for the money.  Rooms will have a king bed or 2 double beds.  This is a kid friendly resort that offers a few one bedroom suites with kitchenettes {sometimes available}.  This resort is beach front property overlooking the Caribbean. The lagoon is across the street. The Avalon Grand is within easy walking distance of shopping.  This is an all inclusive resort.

More info in [Online Booking]

Beach Palace     KM 11.5     OPEN and NEW  [see note]

Closed and demolished for a complete reconstruction from the ground up.  The ‘Palace Properties’ have always been one of Cancun’s best values.  This property officially re-opened on December 3, 2007. The online pictures look great - but we have not visited this new resort.

More info in [Online Booking]

La Isla Shopping Mall   is at KM 11.75

Chili’s Restaurant is at La Isla Mall

Sheraton Cancun Resort and Towers   KM 12    CLOSED

Closed but scheduled to open Dec. of 2006  - further information not available at this time  ??

Occidental Caribbean Village Cancun     KM 12   

This resort has undergone a major renovation.  Below is out previous written review.

Located on the famous hotel zone,  this is a moderate resort on a beautiful stretch of beach.  The resort features four restaurants, two pools, a swim up bar, jacuzzi, nightly entertainment and a small but lively disco. A dress code applies for the specialty restaurants.  The outside colors are not the best [ugly blue] ... but the service and location make up for the lack of visual appeal of the exterior.  There are 300 air conditioned rooms which will have either a king bed or 2 double beds with shower, cable TV and a security safe.  There are no balconies at this resort but most rooms overlook the pool and the ocean. A few rooms overlook the lagoon. The resort is within walking distance to a major mall and a 5 minute bus ride to the marina where you can enjoy complimentary non motorized water sports. This is an all inclusive resort.

More info in [Online Booking]

Kukulkan Plaza is at KM 13 

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Houlihan’s are at Kukulkan Plaza

Barcelo Tucancun       KM 13  

[Formerly the Tucan Cun Beach Resort]  Major renovation completed in the Summer of 2006. This has always been a nice family oriented property - on the beach - within walking distance of Kukulkan Plaza.  We have not visited this property since they reopened.

More info in [Online Booking]

Golden Crown Paradise       KM 14.5      

[Formally the Jack Tar Village]  This resort is Adults only (18 and over), an all inclusive resort on the beach.  This is an older resort but nicely renovated with 214 rooms, 2 double beds or 1 king bed, terrace or balcony, 4 restaurants, 24 hour room service, 4 bars, indoor mini golf, swimming pool with daily activities. I enjoyed our stay at this resort in 2004 and would return again. The location is behind another hotel and shopping areas are too far to walk. A taxi [or city bus] is the best suggestion for exploring away from this resort.  There is an internet cafe within walking distance with very affordable prices for calls back to the States. 

More info in [Online Booking]

Cancun Palace     KM 14.25    

This resort has undergone a major renovation. This is another of the Palace Properties - always one of Cancun’s favorite resorts.  We are sure their owner has done an excellent job with the renovations and will definitely visit this resort on our next trip to Cancun.

More info in [Online Booking]

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa     KM 14.5  

This property reopened mid-summer of 2006. Some renovation of one wing continued as guests were accepted.  Below is our previous description of this six star property.

This 450 room resort is a definite 6 Star property.  I give this resort a "Thumbs Up" as it has maintained the expected quality of the "JW Marriott" branding. The management found "quality people" to staff the resort and gave each one the mission to provide the ultimate in luxury service to their guests. Features include a 35,000  square foot World Class Spa which has been rated the best in Cancun.  Elsewhere on property you will find 3 restaurants, 3 bars, 24 hour room service, a fresh water lagoon, 3 swimming pools, a 20 foot dive pool and beautiful landscaping.  This resort is EP (no meals) only.

More info in [Online Booking]

Gran Melia     KM  15    

Renovated and open in the Summer of 2006.  Always has been on a beautiful section of Cancun’s beach.  We have not visited this property since it reopened - but you can see our slideshow from 2002 -- click icon above. Some areas of the property were completely rebuilt - while others were renovated. Right across the street from Aqua World. Further details when available.

More info in [Online Booking]

Aqua World   is at KM 15.25

Oasis Cancun     KM 15.75   

This resort is located on the famous hotel zone and in my opinion has one of the best beach areas available. I really enjoyed this resort and would return to it again. The hotel is very big and has 4 large sections that are 2 units on each side of the main resort Grand Oasis   The Oasis property has the longest pool in Cancun which measures 1/4 mile long.  There are 3 swim up pool bars. The resort is located on 32 beach front acres and has beautiful landscaping.  This resort is geared for an active person. This resort can be purchased either EP (no meals) or all inclusive. The design plan of the property is such that all inclusive rooms are on one side of the property and EP (no meals) rooms are on the other side.  This resort offers 24 hour food and beverage service, 5 gourmet restaurants and nine bars. Yes - this is a HUGE complex with many plan options to choose from.

More info in [Online Booking]

Grand Oasis     KM 15.75 

The Grand Oasis is the ‘exclusive section’ of the Oasis Cancun property. This 318 room resort is in the centrally located pyramid section of the Oasis complex.  Guests who purchase a package here are welcome to dine in all areas of the overall complex.  This resort is all inclusive.

More info in [Online Booking]

Up and Down Disco is at KM 15.75 (within the Oasis complex)  

El Pueblito Beach Hotel Cancun     KM 18  

Reopened late March, 2006. Major renovation were completed. This resort has always been a favorite in the ‘moderate’ category - their reconstruction may have raised them by a star. We have not had a chance to visit this property since they reopened.

This all inclusive resort is located on the famous hotel zone offering 350 air conditioned rooms with 3 restaurants, 3 bars, 5 swimming pools and a 65 foot water slide.  This  resort is simple in appointments with a Mexican design flavor.

More info in [Online Booking]

Crown Paradise Club     KM 18.3    

This resort is for families, couples and singles.  There are 6 restaurants,  24 hour room service, 8 bars, swim up bars, 5 pools, a lively disco and on property mini golf. This is a large active resort where I have booked many clients in the past - all were happy with their stay. The children’s' club is excellent and kids love the attended children’s water park.  All rooms at this hotel are ocean view.  This is an all inclusive resort.

More info in [Online Booking]

Oasis Playa     KM 18.5  

The resort is located beach front on the famous hotel zone.  This is an all inclusive family resort that offers 388 air conditioned rooms. There are 4 restaurants, 4 bars, 2 swimming pools, non motorized water sports are offered at the Oasis Cancun.  This is perfect for the traveler who is on a limited budget. The resort is not really within walking distance to shopping but the local city bus or a taxi is an option.

More info in [Online Booking]

Solymar   KM 18.8   

The Solymar has always been one of Cancun’s best moderate bargains.  It is a beachfront resort on the South end of the Hotel Zone.  The beach views back toward the tip of the ‘seven’ are breath-taking. This is an all-inclusive or EP [no meals]. There are 218 rooms, 1 pool, 4 restaurants and 3 bars at this resort. If you are looking for a real bargain in Cancun - consider the Solymar.

More info in [Online Booking]

Royal Solaris Cancun     KM 19.25   

This beach front resort is located on the famous hotel zone and has a beautiful stretch of white sand beach.  There are 500 air conditioned rooms with either a king bed or 2 double beds.  There are 8 restaurants, 24 hour meal service, 6 bars, 4 swimming pools, 2 oceanfront jacuzzis, tennis and non motorized water sports at the lagoon marina just across the street. I have stayed at this resort and enjoyed the wide range of activities offered and the food.  The rooms were nice and comfortable.  This is an all inclusive resort.

More info in [Online Booking]

Sun Palace     KM 19.75    

This resort has undergone a major renovation. This is another of the Palace Properties - always one of Cancun’s favorite resorts.  We are sure their owner has done an excellent job with the renovations.

More info in [Online Booking]

Westin Resort and Spa     KM 20  

The Westin underwent a renovation with major repairs.  Below is our previous description of this property.  Their ‘soft reopening’ happened July 7th, 2006 -- expect limited services for a while.

This fine resort has 4 restaurants, 5 bars, five pools, a children’s pool, Kids club (for ages 5-12).  Each of the 385 rooms will have Heavenly Beds [their name] in either a king bed or 2 double bed arrangement, hair dryer, alarm clock, coffee maker, TV and a mini bar, I was very impressed with the resort when I did my hotel inspections in 2003. I would stay at this resort, the beach area is small; however,  the pool areas and the landscaping make up for the lack of beach. This resort can be either all inclusive or EP (no meals) and does offer 24 hour room service.

More info in [Online Booking]

Blue Bay Club     [near Punta Sam]   

This family resort is represented here because it is a sister property of the Blue Bay Getaway [which is for Adults only].  The Blue Bay Club is several miles away from the Hotel Zone - back through the city of Cancun and North along the bay almost at the Punta Sam Marina. There are no other resorts located in this area. There are 3 restaurants, 3 bars, 2 swimming pools, 24 hour food and beverage service. The rooms at the resort are nice and comfortable.  Fishing charters are launched nearby. This is an all inclusive resort. Adults staying at this resort may visit the Blue Bay Getaway - as they do other things on the Hotel Zone.

More info in [Online Booking]      

The above is the GBTC list of some of our most popular Cancun area resort properties. More information about each one and other resort offerings can be found in the ‘Online Booking -and- Research’ section of the GBTC website.  You can [click here] to return to the Mexico page.

People ask us -  What do You do in Cancun ?    We go visit with Ralph and Carol !

Philadelphia Cheese Steak Sandwiches - [click to visit]

GBTC brings you good information you can use to plan your travel. We hope our effort to provide our notes and slideshows will encourage our website visitors to book with us.  Call or email us today !  We love to answer questions!