We recently spent a long weekend at Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, and I was pleasantly surprised! My husband and I took a spontaneous trip when two free Marriott night certificates were about to expire, and my mom kindly offered to watch our kids. It turned into the perfect little escape.
Quick Take: Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- Recently renovated rooms and resort (2024).
- Every room has a bay or ocean view.
- Central location in the Hotel Zone, safe and walkable.
- Surprisingly good food and drinks.
- Open-air spa right on the beach.
- Service was good! The people were so nice!
What Could Be Better
- It’s a small resort – I wouldn’t recommend staying more than 3 nights here.
- Coffee was just average.
- Resort didn’t have a ton to do. This was fine for us since we just wanted to lay around and read by the pool, but we would have needed to leave the resort to find entertainment if we stayed longer or brought the kids.
Overall Resort Experience
The property exceeded our expectations. Rooms are clean, modern, and recently updated. Even the “resort view” rooms have water views, which is a nice bonus. The location is excellent, right in the middle of Cancun’s Hotel Zone and less than 30 minutes from the airport.
Since we only had 48 hours, we spent most of our time by the pool, which was lively but not overcrowded. If you have more time, the location makes it easy to explore local restaurants, bars, and shops by foot or with inexpensive Ubers.
💡 Thinking about booking Cancun for your own getaway? Click here and I’d be happy to quote this resort (or any others) for you.
Marriott Cancun with Kids
Although this trip was adults-only, we could easily picture bringing our kids next time. The resort is very family-friendly, with two main pools: one reserved for adults and one designed for families, both with swim-up bars.
All of the restaurants and bars seemed welcoming to families, and we saw children everywhere we went. I also peeked in to the Kids Club, which is for ages 4–12, and it looked like a fun, safe place for kids to spend a few hours. For parents looking to relax while their children are entertained, this is a great option.
Food and Dining at Marriott Cancun
I’ll be honest—I expected average food at best, but it turned out to be great. Here’s a breakdown of what we tried:
Casa Madre (Breakfast Buffet)
- Watermelon juice, Bloody Marys, chilaquiles, scrambled eggs, and churros
- Excellent spicy salsas and hot sauces for those who love heat
Casa Madre (Dinner)
- Quesa birria tacos (amazing)
- Chicken tacos (average)
- Mole enchiladas (fantastic)
Poolside Dining
- Shrimp ceviche and guacamole for lunch – fresh and flavorful
- Margaritas and piña coladas, both delicious (tip a few dollars for stronger pours)
Mikado (Teppanyaki)
- Hibachi-style dinner with a skilled chef
- High quality food with great service and good drinks.
Coffee Shop
- Egg sandwiches and cappuccinos were just okay
- Donuts were surprisingly delicious
Taco Cart (Poolside)
- Chorizo and pork tacos, both excellent and very flavorful. Maybe the best food of the trip.
Casa Madre (Dinner)
- Quesa birria tacos (amazing)
- Chicken tacos (average)
- Mole enchiladas (fantastic)
We didn’t get to try Hana Polynesian Grill, Toscanni Italian, Delphina, Izakaya, or Champions Sports Bar, but the variety means there’s something for everyone.
Spa Experience
We booked a couples massage and loved it. The spa is open-air and located directly on the beach, so you hear the waves during your treatment. I worried it might be too hot, but cool washcloths kept us comfortable. The massage quality was excellent, and we left feeling relaxed and refreshed.
How We Booked and What We Paid
Here’s exactly how we pulled this trip together:
- Friday Night (Orlando): Stayed at Hyatt Place MCO for about $100 (booked through my travel agency as it was much cheaper than other available rates). Great value with free breakfast and shuttle service.
- Flight to Cancun: JetBlue from MCO to CUN, 6,500 miles + $51.68 each. The early flight made immigration quick and easy.
- Transfers: Private round-trip transfer for $58, much cheaper than resort options or taxis.
- Resort Stay: Two nights in a King Resort View room, booked with 2 Free Night Certificates + 13,000 Marriott points. We were upgraded to an Ocean View King at check-in.
- Flight Home: Southwest from CUN to MCO. 39,500 points + $78.56 for my husband, free for me thanks to the Companion Pass.
If you’d like me to help plan your trip or price out Marriott Cancun for you, you can request a quote here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink the water and use the ice at Marriott Cancun?
Yes! I drank the water, ate the ice, brushed my teeth, and had no issues.
Do I need to arrange airport transfers in advance?
Yes. Ubers don’t pick up at the airport. If you don’t pre-book, you’ll likely pay inflated taxi prices (often $80 or more one way). I booked a private round-trip transfer for under $60, booked through my travel agency, and I can easily do the same for you. Once in the city, Ubers are inexpensive and easy to use.
Is Marriott Cancun truly all-inclusive?
Yes. All food, drinks (including alcohol), and activities like poolside games and entertainment are included in your stay. Spa services and excursions are extra.
Is there an adults-only area?
Yes. The resort has an adults-only pool and plenty of quiet areas where you can relax if you’re looking for a kid-free environment.
Do I need to tip at an all-inclusive resort?
Tips are technically included, but bringing small bills for extra tipping at the pool, bars, or restaurants goes a long way in getting faster service and stronger drinks.
How far is Marriott Cancun from the airport?
The resort is less than 30 minutes from Cancun International Airport by car.
Can you use Uber in Cancun?
Yes, but not at the airport. Once you’re in the Hotel Zone or downtown, Ubers are cheap and reliable. For airport pickup, book a private transfer.
Is the beach swimmable at Marriott Cancun?
Yes. The beach in front of the resort is swimmable, though conditions vary with the weather. The sand is soft and the water is typically clear and calm.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes, Wi-Fi is included in your stay and works well throughout the property, including the pool area.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Not in Cancun. Everyone spoke perfect English.
Final Thoughts
For a quick adults-only getaway, Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive Resort was a fun choice. Clean rooms, good food, a central location, and a beachfront spa made for an easy and relaxing trip. Knowing how family-friendly the resort is, I’d happily bring my kids next time too.
If you’re sitting on Marriott free night certificates, this resort is an excellent way to use them. Or if you’d like help planning your stay, click here and I’ll put together a personalized quote for you.
