Pros

  • Gorgeous lagoon and ocean views from privileged Punta Cancun location
  • Stunning stretch of beach with loungers, palapas, and cabanas
  • Suites are spacious, stylish, and chic with private outdoor area
  • Bathrooms have a thoughtful selection of toiletries and rainfall showerheads
  • Delicious selection of dishes from sushi to traditional Mexican to Italian
  • Lounge bar, two pool bars, and seasonal beach bar
  • Daily and nightly shows and live entertainment; kids club
  • Small and simple subcontracted spa and gym on-site
  • All-inclusive plan is optional
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking
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Cons

  • Fairly stark difference between updated and non-updated guest rooms
  • No business center
  • Late night room service menu is small
  • Busy property has slightly rundown sections
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Bottom Line

Krystal Cancun's 435 rooms rise high above Punta Cancun, one of central Cancun's most picturesque viewpoints, with outlooks of both the lagoon and sparkling blue ocean. This Mexican-owned hotel is a contemporary, upper-middle-range resort with an all-inclusive option that's popular with Mexican and international guests alike. While there can be great discrepancy between the newer and older rooms (renovations are ongoing), guests can expect some great food, a social atmosphere, and a nice stretch of practically perfect beachfront. If you are looking to step it up a notch, next-door sister property Krystal Grand has non-reciprocal access to the Krystal Cancun and is a tad more upscale.  

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Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Krystal Cancun

Scene

An accessible and relaxed family-friendly hotel with a slight party-vibe

While there is a thin gloss of contemporary luxury at the Krystal Cancun, at its core this hotel is a slightly worn, but still modern, upper-middle-range property. It's a place where people on a budget can feel like they aren't really on a budget. The entrance lobby's large white tile floors, staircase lightly accented in marble, white walls, and white draping fabric create a feeling of sophistication, while just above the lobby on the main floor, the Lobby Bar's hip modern furniture and reflective surfaces create a chic, lounge-like feel. However, there are subtle details betraying the hotel's actual 3.5-pearl standing, such as bits of visible wear and tear, and the general quality of the IKEA-esque furniture. 

Despite being decorated with so much white, the hotel is remarkably clean. Guests hustle and bustle through the halls, restaurants, and bars, and the lobby almost always has a scattering of people milling around, all leaving the hotel with a slight buzz of energy. Outside, the vibe is more relaxed and a bit social, especially near the La Cascada pool bar. It seems that most people at the Krystal Cancun have come to both relax and get a little loose, even if they are on a budget or traveling with kids. 

See More Scene

Location

Lagoon and ocean views from the tip of Central Cancun's Punta Cancun

The Krystal is located in the heart -- or rather tip -- of central Cancun on Punta Cancun, giving it an ideal position. Flanked on one side by some of the area's best beach and on the other by some of the area's best nightlife, this resort is in an ideal spot for both relaxation and rambunctious recreation. Just slightly off of the main drag of Boulevard Kukulkan, the hotel is walking distance to a plethora of shops, restaurants, nightlife and entertainment, yet remains a relaxed place to stay. Adventure and outdoor attraction Xcaret and underwater world Xel-Ha are both about 20 minutes by car. The ruins of Tulum are an hour and 45 minutes by car, and Coba can be reached within about 2.5 hours. Cancun Airport is about a 30-minute drive. 

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Rooms

Varying quality of rooms depending on renovation, updating, and tower

Although there is no casino at Krystal Grand, until the resort-wide updates are complete, room quality is a gamble. This is particularly true for Krystal Club Rooms, where there is a high discrepancy between the non-updated and renovated options. Higher-tier suites should present less of an issue, and are chic, contemporary spaces with ocean-facing outdoor areas and even, in some cases, private pools. Honeymooners should be aware, however, that the Honeymoon Suite is merely a Krystal Club Room with a few extra touches (such as more luxurious bathroom amenities, rose petals, and champagne) added for the occasion. Walls can be I-can-hear-my-neighbor-cough thin, but you can always drown them out with any of the cable channels on the LCD TVs. All rooms have marble tile floors with simple contemporary furniture (think IKEA), comfortable beds, minibars, and lots of light. Not all minibar items are included in the all-inclusive plan, so take note. Typically bathrooms are average-size but are outfitted with prefab showers partially enclosed by glass and an exceptionally thoughtful variety of toiletries (it's rare to see a mini medical kit in this level hotel).

See More Rooms

Features

A great stretch of natural beach, multiple restaurants, and a nice pool with ocean-view infinity portion

While Krystal isn't breaking any new ground with surprising features, we like the variety of what they do have available. One of their best features is the natural beach that extends from the back of the hotel. With sugar soft sands and undeniably beautiful blue water, its surprising that more people aren't clogging up the assortment of loungers (with palapa "umbrellas") or the handful of cabanas. There's even a cute kid's playground on the sand near the pool. The raised pool area stretches along the back of the hotel and includes a water fountain, bridges, a pool bar, and infinity section. Its funky shape matches the vibe of the hotel and ensures it never feels too packed (at least, it didn't during our visit). A higher concentration of loungers can be found closer to the hot tub and La Cascada palapa hut bar. 

Other outdoor restaurants and bars include the Las Velas Restaurante Italiano, an Italian a la carte dinner spot; the Las Velas Pool Bar, which has both a swim-up and covered bar area; the Snack Fisheria, way at the other end of the pool deck; and the seasonal Beach Bar. Inside, the sort-of chic Lobby Bar has a lounge atmosphere and a few pool tables, and shares space with Sushi Bar, while Aquamarina is a buffet and a la carte restaurant open for all three meals. There is also a separate (and fantastic) traditional Mexican restaurant called El Mortero Hacienda that is open for dinner -- a special treat if you love specialty tequila or mariachi music. 

Other resort features include the Kamp Krystal kids' club, 24-hour room service (though the late-night menu is sparse), events like poolside barbecues or themed dinner nights, and live entertainment. Wi-Fi is free, although the need to switch back and forth across multiple networks while roaming the grounds is annoying. There is no business center, but there are an ATM machine, convenience store and gift shop, tour desks, and photography studio. 

See More Features

Cancun Essentials

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Oyster Hotel Review

Krystal Cancun

Scene

An accessible and relaxed family-friendly hotel with a slight party-vibe

While there is a thin gloss of contemporary luxury at the Krystal Cancun, at its core this hotel is a slightly worn, but still modern, upper-middle-range property. It's a place where people on a budget can feel like they aren't really on a budget. The entrance lobby's large white tile floors, staircase lightly accented in marble, white walls, and white draping fabric create a feeling of sophistication, while just above the lobby on the main floor, the Lobby Bar's hip modern furniture and reflective surfaces create a chic, lounge-like feel. However, there are subtle details betraying the hotel's actual 3.5-pearl standing, such as bits of visible wear and tear, and the general quality of the IKEA-esque furniture. 

Despite being decorated with so much white, the hotel is remarkably clean. Guests hustle and bustle through the halls, restaurants, and bars, and the lobby almost always has a scattering of people milling around, all leaving the hotel with a slight buzz of energy. Outside, the vibe is more relaxed and a bit social, especially near the La Cascada pool bar. It seems that most people at the Krystal Cancun have come to both relax and get a little loose, even if they are on a budget or traveling with kids. 

See More Scene

Location

Lagoon and ocean views from the tip of Central Cancun's Punta Cancun

The Krystal is located in the heart -- or rather tip -- of central Cancun on Punta Cancun, giving it an ideal position. Flanked on one side by some of the area's best beach and on the other by some of the area's best nightlife, this resort is in an ideal spot for both relaxation and rambunctious recreation. Just slightly off of the main drag of Boulevard Kukulkan, the hotel is walking distance to a plethora of shops, restaurants, nightlife and entertainment, yet remains a relaxed place to stay. Adventure and outdoor attraction Xcaret and underwater world Xel-Ha are both about 20 minutes by car. The ruins of Tulum are an hour and 45 minutes by car, and Coba can be reached within about 2.5 hours. Cancun Airport is about a 30-minute drive. 

See More Location

Rooms

Varying quality of rooms depending on renovation, updating, and tower

Although there is no casino at Krystal Grand, until the resort-wide updates are complete, room quality is a gamble. This is particularly true for Krystal Club Rooms, where there is a high discrepancy between the non-updated and renovated options. Higher-tier suites should present less of an issue, and are chic, contemporary spaces with ocean-facing outdoor areas and even, in some cases, private pools. Honeymooners should be aware, however, that the Honeymoon Suite is merely a Krystal Club Room with a few extra touches (such as more luxurious bathroom amenities, rose petals, and champagne) added for the occasion. Walls can be I-can-hear-my-neighbor-cough thin, but you can always drown them out with any of the cable channels on the LCD TVs. All rooms have marble tile floors with simple contemporary furniture (think IKEA), comfortable beds, minibars, and lots of light. Not all minibar items are included in the all-inclusive plan, so take note. Typically bathrooms are average-size but are outfitted with prefab showers partially enclosed by glass and an exceptionally thoughtful variety of toiletries (it's rare to see a mini medical kit in this level hotel).

See More Rooms

Features

A great stretch of natural beach, multiple restaurants, and a nice pool with ocean-view infinity portion

While Krystal isn't breaking any new ground with surprising features, we like the variety of what they do have available. One of their best features is the natural beach that extends from the back of the hotel. With sugar soft sands and undeniably beautiful blue water, its surprising that more people aren't clogging up the assortment of loungers (with palapa "umbrellas") or the handful of cabanas. There's even a cute kid's playground on the sand near the pool. The raised pool area stretches along the back of the hotel and includes a water fountain, bridges, a pool bar, and infinity section. Its funky shape matches the vibe of the hotel and ensures it never feels too packed (at least, it didn't during our visit). A higher concentration of loungers can be found closer to the hot tub and La Cascada palapa hut bar. 

Other outdoor restaurants and bars include the Las Velas Restaurante Italiano, an Italian a la carte dinner spot; the Las Velas Pool Bar, which has both a swim-up and covered bar area; the Snack Fisheria, way at the other end of the pool deck; and the seasonal Beach Bar. Inside, the sort-of chic Lobby Bar has a lounge atmosphere and a few pool tables, and shares space with Sushi Bar, while Aquamarina is a buffet and a la carte restaurant open for all three meals. There is also a separate (and fantastic) traditional Mexican restaurant called El Mortero Hacienda that is open for dinner -- a special treat if you love specialty tequila or mariachi music. 

Other resort features include the Kamp Krystal kids' club, 24-hour room service (though the late-night menu is sparse), events like poolside barbecues or themed dinner nights, and live entertainment. Wi-Fi is free, although the need to switch back and forth across multiple networks while roaming the grounds is annoying. There is no business center, but there are an ATM machine, convenience store and gift shop, tour desks, and photography studio. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Babysitting Services

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.