Occidental Tucancun

The Occidental Tucancun is situated in one of Cancun’s best beach and shopping areas, and is packed with family-friendly amenities. Public areas were renovated in 2015, but room decor could still use a refresh. The expansive lobby offers pool and ocean views, and the attractive front desk is decorated with Venetian-style blue mosaic tile, while decorative wood slats fit into a recessed ceiling. The spacious and airy lobby bar has an area for a piano, but its hours are limited. The three pretty outdoor pools all enjoy gorgeous views of the ocean, and include both a family and adult pool so guests can choose a more lively or tranquil setting. Despite the number of kid-friendly amenities, the hotel draws not only families but couples and groups of friends on vacation together, though expect to see more children during peak season.

The resort is on one of the most expansive beaches in Cancun's Hotel Zone, right behind the luxury Kukulkan indoor shopping mall. A nearby bus stop provides easy access to the main nightlife area in about 10 minutes. Downtown Cancun is about a 30-minute drive from the resort. La Isla Shopping Village, a fancy outdoor shopping mall with plenty of attractions and entertainment, is about a five-minute drive away. Ventura amusement park is about a 15-minute drive. The lovely, laid-back towns of Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya are 40 and 60 minutes away, respectively. Cancun International Airport is about a 20-minute drive. The resort provides airport transfers for an added fee.

More than half of the hotel's 336 rooms offer ocean views, but not all have furnished balconies. Most rooms are decorated in a typical Caribbean style, featuring dated wood furniture and white-tile floors. Beds are topped with white comforters and have either gold or blue-striped bedskirts. Pops of color come from either orange or blue accent walls, and a couple pieces of artwork. Some standard rooms are small, though spacious suites and stand-alone oceanfront villas with separate living and dining areas, as well as kitchenettes with full refrigerators are available. All rooms are air-conditioned and include minibars (which are restocked daily), coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and safes. Wi-Fi requires a fee. Straightforward bathrooms have walk-in showers, bulk toiletries, and hairdryers.

The hotel's crowning feature is its gorgeous beach lined with palm trees and loungers, though no umbrellas. Water in this area of the Hotel Zone is turquoise blue, but tides can become strong and make swimming challenging; lifeguards are on-duty, however, throughout the day. Three pool areas are available for guests to spread out, including one exclusively for adults, a family-friendly pool with a swim-up bar, and another with a kids' section. All stay open late into the night and overlook the ocean.The fitness center is well-equipped with modern weight and cardio equipment, and the spa has a beauty salon, a room for massages, and two cabins for body treatments. Kid-friendly facilities include a kids' club with outdoor playground, game room, and a daily activities program. A basketball court, tennis court, and an indoor theater for nightly shows with bar service are also on-site. A well-stocked pharmacy, convenience store, professional photo stand, and ATMs are other useful services. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property but comes with a fee.There are several dining options at the resort, and some offer views of the sea. La Claraboya and El Mirador are the two buffet restaurants, while Mexico Lindo serves traditional Mexican fare a la carte and La Trattoria's focus is Italian. Additionally, there are two snack bars, a lobby bar, and a swim-up bar. A la carte restaurants require reservations and have a dress code, and room service is available but not included in the all-inclusive rate. Club-level rooms offer more amenities and access to a private restaurant and lounge area.