Close to the bustle of downtown Isla Mujeres and along the beautiful sands of Playa Norte, Privilege Aluxes provides not only comfort but also a touch of luxury. The 124 rooms are spacious, feature a modern, minimalist decor -- though at times it may seem too austere -- and come outfitted with amenities such as alarm clock radios, minibars, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. Many are suites and have impressive ocean views and large, private terraces with their own Jacuzzis. Outside, the grounds are well kept, dotted with tall palm trees and two glistening pools. The shoreline is just steps away and the hotel provides relaxing beach beds shaded by towering palm roofs. There’s an all-inclusive option for guests, and there are three on-site restaurants to choose from.

The massive Gran Caribe is a four-pearl all-inclusive resort in Cancun's Hotel Zone with 487 suites. This beachfront option features a great location with bright white sands and clear waters just steps from the room. All rooms here are suites with living areas, balconies or terraces, and updated marble bathrooms. While there are eight on-site restaurants and eight bars, there are common complaints of mediocre food. This family-friendly choice -- with a kids' club, teen club, waterpark, and squash courts -- is good value, but Wi-Fi is not included in some room rates.

Overlooking a stunning beach by the southern tip of the Hotel Zone, this adults-only property oozes tranquility. Its serene white and red decor -- with billowy curtains everywhere -- and a somewhat secluded spot far from the booming nightlife set this upscale boutique apart from the mega-resorts located just north of it. The Bel Air Collection has 155 chic, minimalist (if low-frills) rooms, trendy common areas, a wonderful spa, and a gorgeous infinity pool with ocean views. It’s a great pick for a relaxed, romantic getaway.

Compared to neighboring properties, the 179-room Fiesta Americana is a small hotel that offers a great value for families. It's less party-oriented than most of the Hotel Zone properties, and has a wide range of activities and amenities designed for travelers with kids: a kiddy pool, a playground, a kids’ club; plus large, clean, multi-room suites with at least a kitchenette with a mini-fridge and a microwave. The large pool, the nice beach, the spa, the spacious fitness center with sauna, and the central location are perks as well. But it’s an aging property, so expect a few flaking walls, as well as only the most basic resort amenities for adults.

The Royal Cancun (not to be confused with the Royal In Cancun) is a mid-level hotel with a convenient location and plentiful amenities. Although the decor is fairly generic, each of the 288 suites offers fully stocked kitchens, dining tables, updated furniture, and spacious balconies. Perks here include a kids' center for the little ones, a large outdoor pool, and a vast, clean, white-sand beach. There's decent dining on-site, but many visitors choose to stock their kitchens at the market instead. With lovely landscaping, these low-rise units are a good alternative to some of the megaresorts in the area.

In comparison with other Hotel Zone properties, the 357-room all-inclusive Barcelo Costa features an above-average beach, decent-size pool, and pretty grounds with some palms and tropical plants. Barcelo Costa is smaller than many other mammoth all-inclusive resorts just outside Cancun, and offers guests an entertainment-centered atmosphere that can feel tired and tacky at times. For instance, giant pirate ship attractions perch right beside the resort's tiny slice of beach, and loud music pumps throughout the pool area at night. On the upside, though, rooms are spacious, airy, and bright, many with flat-screen TVs and massive marble showers.

The 334-room all-inclusive Barcelo Tucancun Beach may not be the most luxurious or stunning hotel in Cancun, but it offers clean facilities, average buffets, convenient in-room amenities, and a pretty beach -- all at one of the more affordable rates in the area. Although the main pool can get a bit crowded and rowdy, several of the smaller pools offer some peace. Rooms (and the entire hotel, for that matter) need updates; there are old tube TVs, dated bedspreads and furnishings, and out-of-place iron gates separating the bathroom area. On the upside, they're clean and spacious, with mini-fridges and coffeemakers, and the sea view rooms have great views of the Caribbean's cerulean waters.

Chac Chi Suites & Hotel provides a calmer alternative to the area's larger properties. While it lacks many of the amenities of a large resort, the condo-style units are quite large and clean (if fairly bland, decor-wise), and suites are available with multiple bedrooms, a kitchenette, and balconies or a terrace. The building isn't located directly on the beach (North Beach is about two minutes away by taxi), and the outdoor pool is very small, but the rooftop solarium provides some great views and a Jacuzzi. It's certainly not the most romantic or luxurious option on the island, but it's a decent fit for families traveling on a budget.

The Mayafair Design Hotel features an odd combination of decor. Housed in what appears to be a former, cheesy, Mayan-themed strip mall -- complete with non-working escalators -- the hotel now has modern touches like cool, new-age furniture in the lobby and rooms inspired by designers or fashion icons. Rooms are spacious and sleek with sexy open bathrooms. Some rooms offer large Jacuzzi tubs but others only have tube TVs and lack mini-fridges. There are few amenities at this hotel -- just one above ground Jacuzzi -- but it is within walking distance of the beach. This hotel is geared toward gay men and offers inexpensive rates, but visitors looking for more amenities can find other hotel options nearby at similar rates.

Located along Mujeres Bay, Hotel Bahia Chac Chic is close to the lively downtown area and ferry terminal. All 25 rooms are basic and free of frills. Despite being sparsely decorated, they are clean and comfortable and offer flat-screen TVs, work desks, and in-room safes. There are a few other pleasant surprises here including free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, and some rooms with fantastic ocean-view balconies. The hotel also has a sleek facade, chic open-air entrance and lobby, and cozy bar/cafe where breakfast is served. The one disappointment is a tiny swimming pool with an interior, shaded courtyard location. Simplicity at this hotel adds up to great value for budget travelers.