Óleo Cancún Playa All Inclusive Boutique Resort

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.

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. 

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.

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.