Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort: An impressive first for the Marriott brand
Editor's Note
Every year, the TPG Awards honor excellence in credit cards, loyalty programs and travel. Please click here to read more about our winner selection process and methodology for the 2024 TPG Awards.
With more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 properties under its global purview, Marriott has long offered guests the ability to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at all-inclusive properties like North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles and the Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort.
But earlier in 2024, Marriott debuted its first-ever branded Marriott All-Inclusive Resort. The former Marriott Cancun Resort completed a yearlong transformation into an all-inclusive property that had its grand opening this September.
The renovation took the resort, originally built in 1990, and brought it into the 21st century, swapping the hacienda-style decor popular in the 1990s for a more sleek and stylish design with terrazzo floors, beige and blue velvet seating in the lobby bar, and light wood accents throughout the 450 guest rooms and suites. Additionally, the resort has several new upscale restaurants, a small water park and a kids camp, making it a relaxing destination for multigenerational trips that will keep everyone from toddlers to teens to grandparents well fed and entertained.
Here’s what staying at the Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort is like — and why it won the TPG Award for the Best New All-Inclusive Points Hotel of 2024.
Related: Best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun
Getting there
The Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort is about midway down Cancun’s Hotel Zone and a 15-minute drive from Cancun International Airport (CUN). It has direct beach access and is next door to the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa.
Once you’re inside the resort, everything is included, but unfortunately there is no complimentary airport shuttle service provided by the resort. However, both Marriott properties work directly with Prestige Cancun for private and shared airport transit service in comfortable vans. Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance and cost $24 for adults and $12 for kids for one-way shared shuttle service. Private one-way transfers cost $87 for one to three passengers, $127 for four to seven passengers, and $202 for eight to 10 passengers.
How to book the Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort
The Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort has 450 guest rooms, including 38 suites ranging from 423-square-foot Resort View rooms to the 2,067-square-foot Presidential Suite with ocean views. Entry-level Resort View rooms can be found for as low as $436 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night next year, and include balconies and either a king-size bed and fold-out couch or two double beds. Rates for the one-bedroom Caribbean Suite with a balcony and oceanfront views I stayed in start around $664 or 106,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
All-inclusive cash rates for rooms change based on the number of guests on the reservation, but if you book with points, those rates are static. For example, if you book a Resort View room next April for a family of two adults and two kids between the ages 5 and 12, the rates start at $786 per night but drop to $543 per night for one adult guest. But a points redemption for that same night is just 58,000 points whether you have one guest or four in the room. To maximize your redemption far above TPG's December 2024 valuation of 0.85 cents per 1 Marriott Bonvoy point, bring the whole family and book with points.
When booking this Marriott resort, you’ll want to use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Marriott stays, or one that offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status for value-added benefits. These include:
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Platinum Elite status and 25 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status and 5 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Standout features
- Food at all-inclusive resorts can often be mediocre. However, the Mexican food here was particularly stellar, with delightful surprises like a roaming tamale cart wheeled through the lobby every afternoon.
- Marriott partnered with the children’s brand Camp to debut the first Camp Club at Marriott at this Cancun property with 5,000 square feet of space for kids ages 4 to 12 to play while their parents relax. (Camp Clubs will come to other Marriott properties soon.)
- There was plenty of entertainment and activities provided both day and night so that I never felt the need to leave the resort — however, its central location makes it easy to get around if you do want to explore the rest of Cancun.
Drawbacks
- The adults-only pool is fairly small, and the dozen or so lounge chairs there get claimed very early in the day.
- Though there is a poolside DJ and free-flowing drinks at the swim-up bars that contribute to a convivial atmosphere, the one group of 20-somethings who were there to party (and could be heard shouting “Chug! Chug! Chug!” as they downed shots at the main pool’s swim-up bar throughout my stay) felt out of place. If you’re planning a wild bachelorette party or spring break trip, consider another resort.
The vibe
The vibe at Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort is upscale yet relaxed and caters mainly to families on multigenerational trips, couples or groups of friends celebrating milestone birthdays.
When I visited during the second week of September, most families with older children had already headed back to school. That, combined with hurricane season, made it a fairly quiet week there (and I had sunshine every day!). The parents I saw mostly had kids 5 and under toddling around the lobby and the pool deck in floaties — several with Grandma and Grandpa in tow. I also noticed several couples quietly enjoying their babymoons and chatted with a group of women there to celebrate their friend’s 60th birthday.
While the atmosphere is predominantly family-friendly and slightly quieter than at other all-inclusives resorts I’ve stayed at, it’s not exactly a Zen spa scene either. During my stay, staff members encouraged guests to partake in water volleyball and water aerobics in the pool while Top 40 pop music played throughout the day inside the lobby and outdoors on the pool deck. In the evenings out in the main plaza, there was a salsa band one night and a Mexican carnival another night with local vendors selling crafts and a pinata for kids.
The room
I stayed in a Caribbean Suite, a 505-square-foot suite with oceanfront views and a balcony.
The main bedroom had a comfy king-size bed with crisp white sheets, a 55-inch flat screen TV, and views of the Caribbean Sea and beach below. The newly renovated rooms featured a light and airy color scheme with tan and blue rugs, blond wood furniture and a palm tree mural behind the beds.
The bathroom could be accessed from the bedroom or the entry hallway and had a double-sink vanity and extra shelves and drawers in addition to the closet space and drawers in the bedroom. The rainfall-style shower and toilet were in a separate room from the sinks to maximize privacy. Full-size toiletries from the skincare brand This Works were mounted to the wall in the shower to eliminate single-use plastics.
The minibar, which was part of the all-inclusive package, included Pepsi, 7Up, Tecate and Dos Equis beer, as well as still and sparkling water. Several types of potato chips were also restocked daily along with coffee and tea.
The separate living room featured another TV, a small desk and a sofa bed that folded out to create two twin-size beds for up to two additional guests.
Off the living room was a small balcony that looked out over the Caribbean Sea and the resort below.
At night, turndown service placed comfy robes and slippers and chocolates near the bed to maximize coziness.
Food and drink
During my three-night stay, I nearly managed to dine at all of the resort’s dozen on-site restaurants and bars. As with any all-inclusive resort, some options outshined others, but the sheer variety of what’s included here should keep everyone happy. Those looking for local cuisine will find plenty of excellent Mexican dishes throughout the property at Casa Madre and multiple poolside taco carts, while younger guests can enjoy wings and arcade games at Press + Start, an American sports bar. For a more elevated experience, guests can have surf and turf and tiki drinks at Hana Polynesian Grill or a full hibachi show at Ono Teppanyaki.
Since it’s impossible to try everything on a shorter trip, these are the highlights:
Casa Madre
The resort’s open-air Mexican restaurant, Casa Madre, is open for breakfast and dinner. The extensive dinner menu has everything from fresh ceviche to tacos to a variety of grilled fish and meat. To try as many things as possible, stick to the small plates like the tomato and watermelon salad topped with fresh basil and chamoy sauce, shrimp aguachile, and the tacos (the cochinita pibil, a traditional Yucatan roasted pork, were my favorite tacos). Bartenders throughout the property are happy to shake or stir up any drink your heart desires, but the Cantarito, a mix of tequila, grapefruit juice, orange juice, lime juice and grapefruit soda, is particularly refreshing after a long, hot day at the beach.
The resort has two breakfast buffets. Though the one at Hana Polynesian Grill with its made-to-order omelet bar and other American fare like pancakes and cereal is decent, head straight to Casa Madre every morning for its standout Mexican breakfast buffet. Here you can choose from made-to-order quesadillas and sopas, fresh tamales, concha pastries and more. (There’s also plenty of fresh fruit, cereals and made-to-order omelets here, too.)
Mo's Burgers & Shakes
Open for lunch and dinner, Mo’s is a nostalgic American diner that’s an homage to the Hot Shoppe burger counters that started the Marriott family’s entrance into hospitality in the 1920s. Order the Mighty Mo burger that comes with two beef patties, cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce and “Mighty” sauce. For dessert, there’s a wide variety of classic pie options and milkshake flavors. (Feeling wild? Blend a slice of pie into your milkshake.)
Ono Teppanyaki
The resort’s Japanese restaurant, Ono, is essentially two restaurants in one with a traditional izakaya with a sushi bar on one side and a teppanyaki room with multiple stations on the other. (Both are open only for dinner.) Since there’s a limited number of stations, this is the only meal that requires reservations at the resort (which can be handled at check-in). Planning ahead is worth it though, since you’ll get generous portions of seafood, chicken or beef plus fried rice and grilled vegetables, all made to order by a skilled teppanyaki chef who cooks right in front of you.
Pop-up carts
While there are several poolside restaurants offering ceviche, pizza and more open for lunch, prioritize sampling the Mexican cuisine from the food carts that roam the property throughout the day. You’ll find a fish taco cart in the afternoons set up near the cevicheria and the adults-only pool, while the al pastor taco truck can be found on the other side of the pool deck near the pizzeria. Also keep an eye out for the roaming shaved ice cart near the pool. Need an afternoon snack? Alice’s Tamale Ritual is a tamale cart that rolls out every afternoon in the lobby with several types of sweet and savory tamales and spiced hot chocolate to drink.
Room service
Room service is also part of the all-inclusive fare and is offered 24/7. Order the arrachera tacos made with tender skirt steak, roasted onion, guacamole and salsa. The dark chocolate fudge brownie with whipped cream and chocolate sauce hits the spot if you’re craving sweets but don’t feel like venturing down to get soft serve or ice cream at 750 Pizzeria in the lobby.
Amenities and service
From receiving my wristband upon arrival to when they cut it off at departure, the staff was warm and welcoming throughout the property. (I don’t think I opened a single door for myself in the hotel’s common areas during my entire three-night stay.) Waiters were helpful and always happy to recommend their favorite dishes while bartenders were eager to make whatever drink my heart desired.
With two pools, a water park and direct beach access, there is no shortage of water activities to enjoy. The main pool is generously sized and includes a separate large whirlpool and a swim-up bar.
The adults-only pool is significantly smaller, but has an infinity edge with beach views. Plus, it has its own swim-up bar, too.
The water park has two waterslides, a lazy river and a splash pad for small children.
The beach was clean and free of seaweed during my stay and had a lifeguard on duty. If you're feeling peckish and don't want to venture up to the pool deck to the restaurants there, the Tulum-inspired Sacbe Beach Shack is on the beach level and offers a full bar (with swings for seats) and beach food like tacos and chips and guacamole.
The renovated fitness center has plenty of cardio and strength training equipment as well as a studio for yoga and Pilates classes. It looked gorgeous, but I didn't manage to find time to use it during my stay.
Families with kids ages 4 to 12 should particularly consider this resort for the brand-new Camp Club at Marriott, which offers 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor play space. Activities include slime making, a splatter paint cabin and crafts like pinata making. The outdoor play area offers a zip line and a wall-climbing area.
While there is no spa, massages can be arranged in beach cabanas for an additional fee.
Out and about
I never left the resort during my three-night stay and found plenty of on-site entertainment. However, if you want to go golfing or explore nearby attractions like Isla Mujeres or the Mayan ruins in Tulum, the resort can help arrange excursions for an additional fee.
Accessibility
There are wheelchair ramps throughout the property, including at the entrance and down into the Greatroom bar in the lobby. Elevators provide access down to the outdoor pool deck (but not down to the beach).
There are four Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant rooms on the first floor of the resort, with larger bathrooms to accommodate wheelchairs and handrails near the toilet and in the bathtub.
Checking out
Marriott's first-ever all-inclusive resort is an impressive entry for the brand into this space. With top-notch service throughout the resort and delicious food, this newly renovated resort in Cancun offers something for the whole family — and it's easy to book with Marriott Bonvoy points.
Related reading:
- The best Marriott all-inclusive resorts for a perfect vacation
- 21 best all-inclusive resorts for families
- 14 best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun
- Cancun International Airport backtracks on strict laptop rule for travelers
- Best hotel credit cards
- Best hotel rewards programs in the world: Which one is right for you?
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.