Why stay in Cancun?
Cancun is a planned city, so it's no surprise that it's a popular tourist destination. Every possible need is taken care of for you, so the only brain cells you need to use are the ones that get you from your hotel to the beach and back. Oh, and don't forget to turn over midway through your sunbathing process, too.
If a sunny getaway is what you're looking for, Cancun fits that bill perfectly. It's not the most charming city, and it certainly isn't authentically Mexican, but the beaches are lovely and the nightlife will keep you dancing until dawn. There's Xel-Ha, a water theme park where you can get up close and personal with some of the area's wildlife, and Isla Mujeres, a short ferry ride from the hotel zone where you can rent a scooter and zip around the island. And then if you decide you're hungry for something a little more cultural, you can hop on a bus and within two hours you'll be standing at the feet of some of the country's most famous Mayan ruins - Chichen Itza.
Cancun's accommodations - the cheap ones and the expensive ones - get busier in the high season. Cancun's high season runs from about December through April, so if you're looking for a cheap beach escape, don't go to Cancun then. Also keep in mind that "hostels" are no longer only for young backpackers (even if it has "backpackers" in the name!) - they're perfect for any budget-conscious traveler who's interested in the social aspect of travel as well. A few Cancun hostels worth noting are highlighted here.
Casa Mexico Tipico is in a quiet residential part of Cancun, a 15 minute walk from the beach. Hostel Meson de Tulum is very close to the bun station on Cancun's main street, very close to everything a tourist would want to do.
Chac Mool Hostel Cancun will help you with every tourist need, including how to get to Cuba! Haina Hostal is in the heart of downtown Cancun, a 10 minute bus ride from the beach.
And don't worry if none of these hostels sounds like exactly what you're looking for. There are more Cancun hostels where those came from. Keep reading the descriptions listed here until you find the right one for you.
What else do you need for your trip? We're here to help! You can search for cheap airfare to Cancun and get on your way. You can also read more about the city before you get there in our Cancun Travel Guide.