Balconies with jetted tubs, gourmet restaurants, and swish ocean-view pools are just some of the perks of many luxury hotels in Mexico. Although we love a good budget option, sometimes that means sacrificing posh rooms and excellent features. With that in mind, we set out to find amazing hotels in Mexico that are both luxurious and offer a great value, so you won't feel nickel-and-dimed or that you overpaid for your getaway. From Playa del Carmen to Mexico City, here are the best bang-for-your-buck luxury hotels throughout Mexico.
1. Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun
The 291-room Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort set along the beach between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Mediterranean-style rooms have four-poster canopy beds, furnished terraces, and jetted tubs. Rates include access to the beach, an enormous pool with a swim-up bar, and multiple eateries serving steakhouse, Mexican, and pan-Asian fare. On-site activities such as water sports, games, and beer tastings are also included, and spa treatments can be booked for a fee. Premium liquor is included.
2. Las Brisas Acapulco
The 263-room Las Brisas Acapulco is an affordable luxury hotel set in the hills overlooking Acapulco Bay. The bungalow-style rooms are retro-chic, done in the hotel’s signature pink-and-white color scheme and outfitted with furnished terraces that house private or semi-private pools. An elegant spa, modern gym, and tasty restaurants are available, and guests get access to a beach club with two huge saltwater pools and a freshwater pool with a swim-up bar. Multiple terraces are designed to take advantage of the lovely ocean vistas. All rates include Wi-Fi and continental breakfasts.
3. Sunset Plaza Beach Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta
The luxurious Sunset Plaza Beach Resort & Spa is situated on Las Glorias Beach, about an 11-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The 80 rooms are elegant and homey, plus they all have ocean-view terraces, butler service, customizable aromatherapy menus, and bathrobes. Three outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa, and a kids’ club with organized activities are on offer. Guests can book an all-inclusive package, which covers meals at the two restaurants and drinks at two bars.
4. Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites & Residences, Puerto Vallarta
The 100-suite Grand Miramar draws travelers with its luxury amenities and stellar setting that allows for gorgeous vistas throughout the property. There are three separate pool areas, offering swim-up, adults-only, and whirlpool options. Five on-site restaurants and bars provide a tasty variety of food, including Mexican. Starting at over 850 square feet, the entry-level Junior Suites are massive and feature separate living spaces, furnished balconies with ocean vistas, and well-equipped kitchenettes. However, be aware that it’s about a 10-minute free shuttle ride to downtown or to the hotel’s partner beach club.
5. Cabo Azul Resort
Set along the beach in San Jose del Cabo, Cabo Azul Resort is a chic luxury hotel with 326 suites and villas. All of the rooms are done in a stylish neutral tone, with living spaces and private terraces, while villas add full modern kitchens and bathtubs. The highlight here is a beautiful tri-level infinity pool, though a kiddy pool and adults-only pool are also on offer. An excellent farm-to-table restaurant serves Mexican food, and there’s a more casual poolside bar and cafe. A spa, kids’ club, pretty chapel, small movie theater, and variety of daily activities keep guests occupied.
6. Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico City
Romantic and historic, the upmarket Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico is a stellar pick for travelers wanting a character-filled property in the heart of Mexico City. It’s on the main square, or Zócalo, within easy reach of top restaurants and attractions. The 60 rooms are done in a traditionally elegant style, some with charming four-poster beds. All come with flat-screen TVs, free high-speed Wi-Fi, minibars, and coffeemakers. The property is packed with Art Nouveau charm — its striking Tiffany stained-glass lobby ceiling is an attraction in its own right. On-site features include a popular rooftop restaurant overlooking the square and a piano bar.
7. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, Puerto Morelos
The 103-suite Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is a gorgeous luxury property along the beach in Puerto Morelos. Units are spacious and elegant, and equipped with showers and separate tubs, kitchenettes or kitchens, and furnished outdoor spaces — many with breathtaking ocean views. For those who don’t want to cook, there’s an on-site restaurant serving both international and Mexican cuisine all day. All-inclusive plans are available. Three beautiful pools, including an adults-only option with a swim-up bar, a calm beach, and small spa are also on offer.
8. Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway, Puerto Vallarta
The adults-only (16 and older) Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway is a luxurious all-inclusive set along the ocean, just seven blocks from downtown Puerto Vallarta. The 80 rooms here are modern and bright, and all come with ocean-view balconies, butler service, and aromatherapy and pillow menus. Most also come with whirlpools. Beachfront yoga and meditation classes, two ocean-view pools — one with a swim-up bar — and three restaurants serving up tasty Mexican and international fare are available. The hotel also offers optional all-inclusive packages.
9. Excellence Playa Mujeres
One of the top all-inclusives, adults-only, and luxury resorts in Cancun, the Excellence Playa Mujeres checks all the boxes. The 450-room resort is set in the heart of a private resort community north of Cancun, allowing for an exclusive and safe feel. Rooms are modern, swish, and large, and all come with two-person whirlpool tubs, furnished balconies, and iPod docks — some have ocean views, private plunge pools, or four-poster beds. Extensive features include seven pools, a white-sand beach, nine restaurants, 11 bars, and a sleek spa.
10. Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa Riviera Nayarit
The 245-room Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa Riviera Nayarit is a condo-style property set along a beautiful beach with loungers and hammocks. Standard hotel rooms and apartment-style units have a Mediterranean-meets-Mexico design, all with private outdoor spaces and coffeemakers. Suites add living spaces, kitchens with full-size appliances, and huge terraces. The large freeform outdoor pool with a swim-up bar is a popular feature, as are the spa, well-equipped gym, and two restaurants — all-inclusive packages are available. The atmosphere here is quiet and geared toward adults.
11. Hotel Encanto, Acapulco
A gorgeous luxury property, Hotel Encanto has a breathtaking setting overlooking the ocean in Acapulco. Views are outstanding from the infinity-edge pool, many of the 44 guest rooms, and even the open-air tub at the spa. Sleek and minimalist rooms have all the expected amenities, including furnished balconies, rainfall showers, and L’Occitane toiletries. Two restaurants are on-site — one is run by well-known Mexican chef Mónica Patiño and the other serves lighter fare. There’s no direct beach access, but there are some within a five- to 10-minute drive.
12. Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort
One of the only luxury resorts in downtown Playa del Carmen, the Grand Hyatt offers a beachfront location with easy access to the shops and restaurants of Fifth Avenue. The 314 rooms are stylish and modern, and come equipped with rainfall showers, coffeemakers, and bathrobes, plus furnished balconies — some with stellar ocean views. Also on-site are ocean-view infinity pools, a spa with a man-made cenote, a lounger-equipped beach, and two restaurants serving international and local cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Half-board and full-board meal plans are available.
13. Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa
Romantic and luxurious, the 59-room Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa has a chic Mexican style and pretty setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Rooms are elegant and understated, all with private dip pools, balconies, and stunning ocean views. Ample amenities include a full-service spa, two outdoor infinity-edge pools, multiple dining options — such as a tapas bar and seafood eatery — and library with daily snacks. All guests are given a personal assistant to help with reservations and other needs. The hotel is on the edge of Ixtapa, meaning the closest beach is an eight-minute drive away.
14. Hilton Playa del Carmen
The adults-only Hilton Playa del Carmen is an all-inclusive property that draws a younger crowd with its proximity to downtown nightlife, especially buzzing Fifth Avenue. Other highlights include a sprawling outdoor pool complex, five bars — with swim-up and beach bar options — a pleasant spa, and seven restaurants consisting of Mexican-French fusion, Asian, and Mediterranean eateries. Rooms are elegant and romantic, and come equipped with two-person jetted tubs and outdoor spaces. The white-sand beach is lined with loungers and daybeds.
15. Royal Hideaway Playacar, Playa del Carmen
The Royal Hideaway Playacar is one of the most luxurious properties in the area, drawing travelers with its adults-only policy, gorgeous beachfront location, and affordable all-inclusive rates. Sophisticated rooms have colonial-style decor, terraces with garden or ocean views, jetted tubs, walk-in showers, and iPod docks. Hotel features range from several outdoor pools and a full-service spa to six restaurants serving well-regarded Mexican, Italian, Asian, and casual fare. Non-motorized water sports and drinks at any of the bars are covered in the room rate.
16. Fairmont Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen
Fairmont Mayakoba is a well-known luxury resort that stands out for its impressive on-site features as well as its gorgeous setting that combines a beautiful beachfront with wildlife-filled jungle grounds. Quality food options consist of three gourmet restaurants, plus there are four bars — a tequila, beach, and pool bar among them. The 401 rooms are swish and have fun pops of color, Nespresso machines, rainfall showers and separate baths, and furnished outdoor spaces. Other amenities include five pools — kid- and adult-friendly options — a stellar spa, and a variety of free activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, archery, and tennis.
17. Hotel Xcaret, Playa del Carmen
Just south of Playa del Carmen, the 900-room Hotel Xcaret is a massive all-inclusive resort offering free access and transport to the area Xcaret parks (Xcaret, Xenses, Xplor, and Xel-Ha). This eco-minded resort is huge and sprawling, offering several pools, a stunning river and lagoon, 10 restaurants — Mexican, Asian, international buffet options among them — and eight bars. A kids’ club and swish spa draw families and couples, and the lounger-lined beach is popular. Beautiful rooms have local decor, jetted tubs and separate showers, terraces with hammocks, and free minibars.
What to Bring: Summersalt Swimwear
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