Curator’s statement
In December 2023, I had the opportunity to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Cancun for five nights. I was blown away by the hospitality and service provided by the staff on site. I have recommended the resort to multiple clients and can't wait to return.
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Where to stay
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Location
The resort is conveniently located less than 20 minutes away from the Cancun Airport. The resort offers roundtrip airport transportation in luxury SUVs for an additional fee.
Hotel Overview
The Waldorf Astoria Cancun opened in 2022 and features 173 well-appointed guest rooms. This beachfront resort features three wedding venues (indoor, terrace and pavilion), as well as 21 meeting spaces for groups large and small. Waldorf Astoria Cancun is not an adults-only resort; plenty of families and children were present during my stay. The hotel is directly adjacent to the all-inclusive Hilton Cancun, with day passes available for guests wishing to take advantage of more kid-friendly spaces and pools. I was struck by how quiet the resort felt - not from a lack of activity, but from guests genuinely interested in quiet relaxation and serenity. It was exactly what I was looking for in a resort!
The hotel itself is beautiful - modern yet timeless, with a touch of beach flair. All art throughout the hotel is from local artisans.
Accommodations
My favorite part of the accommodations is that every room has an ocean view with a balcony. Many balconies feature private plunge pools with access to the marble shower, making a quick dip discreet. Additionally, every guest room features a sitting area, table for two and spacious bathroom spaces. Double vanity and closet space are musts, even when traveling!
Waldorf Astoria Cancun
Amenities
Outdoor Areas: Two infinity pools overlooking the ocean are the focal points of the outdoor space. I loved the abundance of chairs, daybeds and umbrellas, even with the resort being at capacity. No fighting for chair space! The resort has a relatively small amount of beach space, so if sitting with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand is a must-have, this likely isn't the resort for you.
Multiple outdoor fire-pits with lounge-style seating are a great place to relax for a pre or post-dinner drink. Numerous outdoor bars and restaurants are available for dining al fresco, too.
Spa & Fitness: The spa is lovely, with a private pool and loungers for guests looking for a bit more R&R. The spa features several signature treatments with a nod to local plants. The fitness center is spacious with standard equipment found at most hotel gyms.
Service
The moment you step foot in the door, you are greeted with welcome drinks in the lounge (no waiting in line!). Small touches and details are regularly present. I was celebrating an anniversary while on my trip and the staff went above and beyond with a table-side mariachi band, desserts, in-room amenities, drinks and more to make sure our celebration was extra special.
Activities
The resort features numerous events and activities for guests to partake in. Tequila tastings, cooking classes, margarita making classes, children's activities, kayaks and paddle boards are a few options to keep guests entertained. I had so much fun at the poolside margarita-making class that I signed up for it a second time before departing!
Food & Drink
Resort food can be hit or miss. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of what we ate at Waldorf Astoria Cancun. Hearty multi-course breakfasts at Chaya were complimentary with Fora perks and were a great way to start the day. Classic American and Mexican breakfast options are also available. The huevos rancheros were fabulous, as well as the fresh fruit plate. Lunch is available poolside or at several restaurants on-site. We opted for lighter fare and grazed rather than ordering full meals. Dinner at Malpeque, Waldorf Astoria Cancun's signature restaurant, was a definite highlight. We enjoyed fresh seafood and fantastic drinks. J'ao was another dinner favorite, featuring a more casual cantina-style menu and cocktails made table-side.
Need to know
I recommend Waldorf Astoria Cancun to clients looking to unwind and unplug. Couples, families and friends will love this resort away from the touristy Hotel District. A beautiful, modern space with even better hospitality. Connect with me to start planning your next trip to Mexico!
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Cancun. In need of further inspiration? Check out Gina Hwang’s guide, The Best Cancun All-Inclusive Experience.
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Travel Advisor
Nicole Beck
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