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The Best Vacation Rentals in Cancún, Mexico

Self-catering apartments in Cancún offer a great alternative to the standard all-inclusive resort
Self-catering apartments in Cancún offer a great alternative to the standard all-inclusive resort | © Vaclav Zabransky / Alamy

Self-catering apartments in Cancún, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, offer a great alternative to the all-inclusive “fly-and-flop” resorts associated with this luscious destination. The options come in all shapes and sizes to suit every traveler’s budget: from simple one-bedrooms to sleek, fully serviced condos and a wonderful penthouse on the beach. Soak up local culture by eating at the street food markets and sampling tequila with the locals in the bars, or explore ancient Mayan temples before snorkeling among the turtles in the Caribbean.

Tres Soles Apartments

Apartment

Tres Soles Apartments, Cancun
Courtesy of Tres Soles Apartments / Expedia

It’s in a good neighborhood, close to shops and amenities – and the two-bed apartments at Tres Soles are fresh and modern, with muted tones and hotel-worthy facilities. The low-rise buildings hug a pretty, well-kept communal garden area with palms, a pool, a jacuzzi and space to socialize with new best friends. Each apartment has a private terrace area, and many look onto the garden, making Tres Soles a proper hideaway for self-catering in Cancún.

Ocean Front Condo in Hotel Zone

Apartment

Condo in Ocean Front Hotel resort, Cancun
Courtesy of Ocean Front Condo / Expedia

You’ve got an unbeatable beach location – and you’re opposite La Isla shopping center, much loved for its boutiques, cinemas and restaurants. Ocean Front Condo has all the benefits of a private apartment with all the perks of a hotel: direct beach access, three swimming pools, a water park for children, a gym and on-site restaurants. For complete peace of mind, you can pre-pay for “food packages” on arrival, which means you’ll get the same benefits as all-in hotel residents.

Stay Tropical Downtown Studios

Apartment

Stay Tropical Downtown Studios_, Cancun
Courtesy of Stay Tropical Downtown Studios / Booking.com

In the heart of Cancún, this is a set of five comfy, simply decorated spaces, most with king-sized beds and kitchenettes and – crucially – all with air-con. You’ll want to laze about among the potted bamboo in the outside seating areas with a chilled beer at the end of the day. This being Downtown, you walk out the door to bars, restaurants and, best of all, markets: vibrant, photogenic and full of everything you need for a self-sufficient stay.

Suites Malecon Cancún

Hotel

A canopied daybed with beige cushions on a lawn outside the white building of Suites Malecon Cancún
Courtesy of Suites Malecon Cancún / Expedia

The beach and Downtown aren’t as close, but then here you get more space for your spend. Choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom, fully serviced apartments – all with (small) kitchens – and ask for a Lagoon View. If you need breakfast, add it to your package – it’s served at Café Vancouver on the first floor. Among the perks: concierge, housekeeping, secure parking and 24-hour security. Added bonus: the Americas Shopping Plaza is adjacent.

Penthouse 07

Apartment

Penthouse 07_a3dba07d
Courtesy of Penthouse 07 / Expedia

Here’s a very special place to stay: a three-bedroom penthouse with a dazzling view of the Caribbean and gleaming white sand from the bedrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows create a bright space with a Mexican flair: floor cushions, natural wood throughout and splashes of pattern and color. There’s a communal pool, and it’s fully serviced – book a personal chef if you fancy – with a restaurant on the block. The highlight? A roof terrace with blue sea views.

Hotel Casa Maya

Suite Hotel

Hotel Casa Maya, Cancun
Courtesy of Hotel Casa Maya / Expedia

Yes, it’s a hotel, if the children’s play areas, deli, restaurants and bars are anything to go by. But the 370 fully serviced suites, with ocean-fresh decor and kitchenettes, give you the convenience and freedom of a self-catering vacation. You can choose either marine or lagoon views. We recommend the Ambassador Suite sleeping six and the Junior Room, with two doubles side by side and a living space, dining area and balcony.

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