Updated: Oct 14, 2020
Looking for a truly all-inclusive vacation? I’m talking: food, drinks, activities, transportation, and excursions. Yes, I even said excursions are included with your stay! Did I get your attention? Leave all your travel worries behind, because I have the hotel that does it all. Here is my guide to the BEST hotel in Cancun. Just pack your bags and book your flight!

COVID Warning: There is no quarantine upon arrival to Mexico. However, masks are required in the lobby, during busing, and when entering a restaurant.
About Hotel Xcaret
Welcome to Xcaret, where you can find caves, coves, winding rivers, and the jungle right outside your hotel room. This hotel is tucked away in the Rivera Maya area that overlooks the warm Caribbean Sea. You can spend an entire day just roaming this massive hotel grounds, or better yet hang out in your hammock and enjoy views of the ocean, rivers, pools, and even the jungle.
Insider Tip: I hope you are not afraid of heights because these fun tropical hanging bridges are located all over the property.


What is included:
Airport Transportation
Food and Drinks, which includes alcoholic beverages & beer
24-hour room service
9 Park excursions- blog post coming soon
Transportation to excursions
WiFi
Activities
Airport
Cancun International Airport
Cancun – Chetumal Km 22, 77565 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Transportation
The hotel offers free airport shuttles. If you are a frequent traveler you know airport transportation can be expensive.

Insider Tip: Make sure you give the hotel your flight information in advance so you are on the bus list once you arrive.
You can even order an expensive $14 drink outside the Cancun airport while you are waiting on the shuttle. It was intense, so it was worth it!

Before boarding the shuttle, they will check your temperature, sanitize your bags and shoes, and give you an Xcaret face mask.

What to expect upon arrival:
After check-in, you will meet with your concierge to go over your itinerary. This is where you will double-check your excursions and dinner reservations. If you have any questions about the park, this is the time to ask. Also, make sure you ask for a map because the resort is large.

Insider Tip: Bring plenty of masks, because you will lose them and they are expensive to buy on the resort.
Wrist Bands
You will receive a wristband at check-in. This band gives you access to your hotel room, Xcaret Parks, pictures (I will talk about this in a minute), and it is your credit card.

You can find selfie photo stations located all over the hotel and parks. There is no need to carry around a camera, these guys are located in all the important spots, so all you need is your wristband to activate them.

Just scan your wristband and say “cheese”. You can buy all the pictures for a low price, which also includes all the hotels and parks. Make sure you take full advantage, because the price is right, so scan away!! Below are some examples.


Insider Tip: If you plan to take your phone, bring a waterproof case.
Hotel Rooms
The buildings are called “casas”. Each casa represents a natural element and symbol from the Mayan culture. The best part is the rooms are massive and luxurious, plus they all include a hammock on the balcony. Also, every room is stocked with water, soda, beer, and plenty of authentic Mexican candy. Here is a video of our level 1 room, which is the cheapest room.
Insider Tip: We reserved the cheapest room. I thought all rooms are created equal based on the square footage. I suggest you upgrade to a room with a view if you have the funds. Our outside view was of the lobby and restaurants. Nothing is relaxing about sitting outside in a hammock watching everyone watch you as they eat. I would UPGRADE even if it’s just one level.
A huge bonus, everyone receives a free beach bag once they arrive at their room. We used it our entire stay. Who doesn’t like a free gift?


Insider Tip: Only 4 people per room no exceptions.
Casa Fuego
This is the adult-only section. The section has a rooftop bar and pool. Only Casa Fuego guests have access to this section. (tear face)

All-Inclusive Parks

Xcaret includes 9 incredible parks with your stay. Each park has its own Mexican adventures from zip lining, propelling into a cave, swimming in caves, ATVs, kayaking, snorkeling, mud baths, touring the Mayan ceremonial center, and so much more.
Warning: You must make your reservation in advance for the following parks:
XEL-HÁ PARK- Click here for the blog post.
XAVAGE PARK- Closed due to COVID
XPLOR FUEGO PARK
XOXIMILCO CANCUN- Click here for blog post.
XICHÉN DELUXE TOUR
XENOTES ENIGMATIC WATERS TOUR-Click here for the blog post.
XEL-HÁ – TULUM TOUR
XEL-HÁ – COBÁ TOUR
Email your reservation request to dxguestservice@hotelxcaret.com before your stay.
The following parks require no reservation. You can come and go as you please. XPLOR PARK- blog post coming soon
XENSES PARK- Click here for the blog post.
Transportation to and from parks is included with your stay.
COVID Warning: Masks are required when on the bus, but not during the excursion. Your temperature is taken before entering a park along with the bottom of your shoes is sanitized.
Insider Tip: Bring water shoes!
Activities
Beach/Lagoons
The beach is rocky and the waves are fierce.

Most people hang out at the ocean lagoons that are located all over the park. The water is calm, the atmosphere is relaxing, plus the waiters are constantly making their rounds for refills on drinks. Also, it’s not hard to find your own personal area that you can claim all to yourself. Oh yeah, baby!


Kayaking and Paddle Boards
You can reserve a kayak and paddle board for free. Yes, unlike other resorts that like to nickel and dime you, this place takes all-inclusive seriously.

Insider Tip: Show up early, otherwise you may end up on a waiting list.
Tennis
We are a family who loves to play tennis, but sadly we ran out of time. There are plenty of open tennis courts to make any tennis lover’s heartbeat faster.
Food at Xcaret
There are 11 mouth-watering restaurants that will take you around the world.
Please note, the following restaurants need reservations before arriving at the hotel:
Xin-Gao- Asian
Teatro Del Rio- Dinner & Show
Las Cuevas- Brazilian Steakhouse
Email your reservation request to dxguestservice@hotelxcaret.com before your stay.
Insider Tip: If you are a craft beer lover you may be disappointed. The beer selection is extremely limited, but the liquor selection is massive.
Here are some of our favorite restaurants at the resort.
BIO Restaurant is vegan and it is amazing! Not many people know about this restaurant, so if the waits are long at the other restaurants this is the place to sneak off to. A massive bonus for me is you can find gluten-free options! Yay!
Breakfast – Can you say YUM!

Lunch! Again, can you say YUM? Shrimp tacos.

The view!

Las Cuevas– Steakhouse (reservation required)
Come hungry! Because this is a cross between an all-you-can-eat buffet and a fine-dining Brazilian-style steakhouse. This is your chance to indulge in some of the most amazing-tasting meats from all over Mexico. Should you make a reservation? Heck Ya! It’s darn good.



It’s located in a beautiful cave!

Xin-Gao– Asian
If you’re in need of some gourmet sushi, this place is for you. The food is delish. You can sit at a table and order, or you can watch a Japanese Hibachi show. You decide.


Since everything is free, then you should try the Curry Chicken. I was practically drinking it as I was leaving the restaurant. It’s that darn good.

Teatro Del Rio– Dinner & Show
Do you love a good Mexican/Caribbean theme show and seafood? This place is for you! This restaurant has a set menu, but it offers a kid’s meal for the little ones. You need to make reservations for this restaurant.

Soft shell crab tacos appetizer.

Lobster and Steak… remember it’s all-inclusive so order 2 or heck even 3 because you are on vacation dammit.

Buffet
The breakfast Buffet is authentic and delish. This was our go-to spot every morning.

The ladies are making the food right in the front. Hello Chilaquiles.

And the coffee will bring a smile to anyone’s face. I heart you Mexico.

If you are planning a trip to Cancun, Mexico, and want to know where the best hotel is to stay at, then this is it. No more research is needed. You found it here on my blog. Now start planning that trip!
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Thanks for the post! This was very helpful. How did you decide on a room? I haveN’t seen any.
Here is the room we selected and we purchased the cheapest room! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2MZrbmoFr8
Thank you for your FANTASTIC review. I have to eat gluten free as i saw you mentioned. Do yoU know if gluten free bRead, piZza, pasta, and french toast is available at Hotel xcaret. I just booked a trip there. ThAnk you.
The only thing I can remember was that they had a gluten free restaurant! The food was fantastic.
Does the transportation run 24/7 from the airport? We leave early on our departure day and I was worried about this.
I would contact the hotel to verify. We left early on departure day and we had zero issues.
How soon before your visit did the hotel reach out to coordinate excursions and reservations?
You should reach out to the resort and book immediately.