Cancun Hotel Zone, United States
Affordable all-inclusive hotel offering a good rate for the beachfront location
Located in a quiet part of Cancun’s Hotel Zone and three-minutes from the El Rey Ruins
Mexican-style decor in the spacious guest rooms
Two swimming pools and a fitness center on-site
Four bars and three restaurants on-site, including an Italian
restaurant
Kids' club and playground
Live entertainment in the evenings
Rundown building and decor is in need of renovation
Extra fee for in-room Wi-Fi and safes
Housekeeping is spotty
Food gets mixed reviews
The 169-room Hotel Yalmakan is a mid-range all-inclusive beach
hotel that's smaller and older, but also quieter and cheaper than its neighboring
properties. Set in Cancun’s Hotel Zone and on an expansive white sand beach,
it’s an ideal location for tourists. The hotel is basic and does need some renovating -- anyone wanting luxury should look elsewhere -- but those
looking for a bargain break on the beach may be satisfied. There are four bars
and three restaurants on-site, a kids' club and playground, sports courts, and
live entertainment in the evenings. Rooms are spacious and have a Mexican feel
to the decor, as well as air-conditioning. There are also fees to use the Wi-Fi and the in-room safes. There are many other more modern and stylish options nearby, like the GR Caribe Deluxe by Solaris or the Sun Palace, but rates are more expensive.
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.
Scene
Slightly run-down resort property, appealing to those on a budget
This nine-story, beachfront hotel was built in the early 1980s. The lobby is a
large, bright space with a white tiled floor and a high glass ceiling, which coupled with minimal decor and white walls gives the space a modern and airy feel. A tall and slim bronze figure resides at the center of the space, while white leather sofas and armchairs provide seating across from the orange-hued front desk. Other parts of the property are not so well kept, however, and the
low room rates are reflected in the building’s condition. The paintwork is worn
in places, elevators often break down, and some of the sun loungers are broken. Nevertheless, the resort attracts couples and families who are willing to overlook the poorly maintained
building for a bargain vacation on a stunning beach. Additionally, the quieter atmosphere is a draw for those seeking something besides the typical Cancun party vibe.
Location
In a quieter part of the Hotel Zone
Although it’s located in the Cancun Hotel Zone, the property is in a
quieter part than many others as it’s around a 20-minute drive from the
nightlife scene. It’s not too far to get to the local sights though, as the El Rey
Ruins are a three-minute drive or 20-minute walk, and Aquaworld, Wet n' Wild,
and Playa Delfines are all around five-minutes by car. The exclusive shopping
mall, Luxury Avenue, is a 10-minute drive, and just by the entrance to the
hotel are two 24-hour drugstores. Buses pass by the hotel too, and can take
visitors to downtown Cancun, so places like Coco Bongo and the Hard Rock Cafe
are around 20 minutes away. Cancun International Airport is just a 10-minute
drive.
Rooms
Basic but spacious rooms and suites with stunning views
The hotel’s 169 rooms have stunning views over the Mexican Caribbean or
the Nichupte Lagoon. There are two types of rooms available -- Double Rooms and Junior Suites -- all with two double beds. Junior Suites also have a separate lounge and connecting
rooms can be arranged as well. While the furnishings are basic,
the rooms are spacious and have a Mexican feel to the decor, with rustic-style Mexican pine furniture and bed linen patterned in warm, traditional colors of orange, yellow, and blue. The floors
are tiled in white, while white walls feature a blue accent wall
behind the beds. Each room has a mini-fridge, free bottled water, air-conditioning, and a clock radio, while suites also add coffeemakers. The
place shows its age however, as some of the TVs are old tube-style. Bathrooms are small and basic, with showers, a range of toiletries, and hairdryers provided. There's an extra charge for using the in-room safe and the
Wi-Fi -- although this is not uncommon in Cancun.
Features
Two pools, three restaurants and four bars, spa treatments, kids' club, evening entertainment, and more
The hotel’s all-inclusive package covers all meals on-site, plus snacks and drinks, activities and entertainment, as well as the kids' club, introductory scuba lessons
in the pool, and staff tips. Food at the hotel's restaurants gets mixed reviews
from guests; some feel it's too repetitive, while others find it's adequate
considering the low price of the hotel. A buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner
are served at El Mirador, while El Mediterraneo is an a la carte restaurant where
reservations are required and there’s a dress code. There’s
also an Italian a la carte restaurant serving pizza, pasta, and salads, plus a
poolside snack bar that’s open all day. The Barracuda Pool Bar serves a wide
range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and there’s also a sports bar and
a bar in the lobby. Coffee and tea are available in the lobby, too. The hotel
caters well for those traveling with children as there’s a free kids’ club for
children aged four to 12 and a playground on-site. There are two swimming
pools, tennis courts, and volleyball courts, while the lovely beach has beach chairs and parasols. Spa treatments can be booked, and there’s a fitness
center on-site too. Live entertainment is provided every evening and includes salsa
bands, Mexican dancers, comedy shows, and karaoke. Parking is free at the
property, but there’s a daily fee to use the Wi-Fi.
