Cancún / Riviera Maya
Caribbean · Mexico
Best Months
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Rec. Nights
6 nights
Airports
CUN (Cancún International)
Avg. Cash
$49 - $1,163/night
Best Value
Overview
Cancún and the Riviera Maya form Mexico's most popular beach corridor -- a stunning stretch of Caribbean coastline where turquoise waters meet white-sand beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and world-class all-inclusive resorts. From the Hotel Zone's high-rise strip to the boutique luxury of the Riviera Maya, this region offers something for every traveler.
For points travelers, Cancún is a goldmine. The Hyatt all-inclusive portfolio (Zilara for adults, Ziva for families) lets you book a full all-inclusive experience for just 25,000 points per night -- including all meals, drinks, and activities. That's a CPP value that's hard to beat anywhere in the world. The Andaz Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya adds a luxury boutique option at the same points level.
Beyond the resorts, the region is a gateway to Mexico's rich Mayan heritage. Day trips to Chichén Itzá, swimming in cenotes (natural sinkholes), snorkeling the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and exploring the ruins at Tulum make this destination far more than just a beach vacation.
Cash vs Points
Hotels in Cancún / Riviera Maya range from $49 to $1163 per night. Points redemptions offer 2.56+ cents per point value.
Points Hotel Recommendations
15 properties in Cancún / Riviera Maya bookable with points, sorted by value
| Hotel | Program | Check-in | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Esplendor by Wyndham Isla Mujeres All Inclusive Resort | Wyndham | 15,000 | $379 | 2.5¢ | Jul 23 | |
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island | Hyatt | 20,000 | $423 | 2.1¢ | ||
Grand Palladium Select Costa Mujeres - All Inclusive | Wyndham | 30,000 | $621 | 2.1¢ | Jul 23 | |
Wyndham Alltra Cancún | Wyndham | 15,000 | $300 | 2.0¢ | ||
Impression Moxché by Secrets | Hyatt | 58,000 | $932 | 1.6¢ | Jul 26 | |
Andaz Mayakoba, Riviera Maya | Hyatt | 29,000 | $414 | 1.4¢ | Jul 26 | |
City Express by Marriott Cancun | Marriott | 21,000 | $190 | 0.9¢ | Jul 23 | |
City Express by Marriott Cancun Aeropuerto | Marriott | 21,000 | $190 | 0.9¢ | Jul 23 | |
Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort | Marriott | 67,000 | $491 | 0.7¢ | Jul 23 | |
InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa | IHG | 62,000 | $337 | 0.5¢ | Jul 23 | |
Holiday Inn Club Vacations The Royal Sands All Inclusive | IHG | 69,700 | $367 | 0.5¢ | Jul 23 | |
Holiday Inn Club Vacations The Royal Cancun All Inclusive | IHG | 88,400 | $469 | 0.5¢ | Jul 23 | |
Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya | Hilton | 110,000 | $501 | 0.5¢ | Jul 23 | |
Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort | Hilton | 130,000 | $409 | 0.3¢ | Jul 23 | |
The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton | Hilton | 37,000 | $104 | 0.3¢ | Jul 23 |
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Transfer Points Strategy
Find the best transfer path for your credit card points
If you have Points:
Esplendor by Wyndham Isla Mujeres All Inclusive Resort
If you have Points:
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island
If you have Marriott Bonvoy Points:
City Express by Marriott Cancun
If you have IHG One Rewards Points:
InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa
If you have Hilton Honors Points:
Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya
How to Earn Points for This Trip
The best hotels in Cancún / Riviera Maya use Wyndham Rewards, World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, and Hilton Honors points. Here’s how to earn them:
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG
$99
Annual Fee
140,000 IHG One Rewards points — transfers earns IHG One Rewards points directly
- 140K bonus points — enough for 3-5 free nights at many IHG properties
- Earn 26x total at IHG properties and 5x on travel, dining, and gas
- 4th night free on IHG award stays (saves 25% on 4-night bookings)
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Hilton
$150
Annual Fee
130,000 Hilton Honors points — transfers earns Hilton Honors points directly
- Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status
- Earn 12x at Hilton properties, 6x at restaurants and supermarkets
- Free weekend night reward after $15K in calendar year spending
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Hilton
$550
Annual Fee
175,000 Hilton Honors points — transfers earns Hilton Honors points directly
- Automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status (top tier)
- Earn 14x at Hilton properties, 7x on travel and dining
- Free weekend night reward annually + one after $60K spend
Bilt Mastercard®
Bilt
$0
Annual Fee
earns World of Hyatt points directly, earns Marriott Bonvoy points directly — only card that earns points on rent — transfers 1:1 to all major hotels
- Earn 1x points on rent with no transaction fees (up to 100,000 pts/yr)
- Earn 3x on dining and 2x on travel
- Transfer 1:1 to Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, and Hilton
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Chase UR
$95
Annual Fee
75,000 Ultimate Rewards points — transfers earns World of Hyatt points directly, earns Marriott Bonvoy points directly
- Earn 5x on travel through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3x on dining, select streaming, and online groceries
- 1:1 transfer to Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Hyatt
$95
Annual Fee
60,000 Hyatt points + free night (Cat 1-4) — transfers earns World of Hyatt points directly
- Earn 4x at Hyatt hotels and 2x on dining, travel, and gym memberships
- Free night certificate annually (Cat 1-4) worth up to $300+
- Automatic Discoverist elite status
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay. We independently evaluate every card based on transfer value and earning potential.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Getting There
CUN (Cancún International)
Visa & Entry
Check your country's requirements
Budget
From $49/night
Packing Essentials
Pack for the climate
Cultural Tips
Respect local customs
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