Good food, new rooms and incredible ocean views: A review of the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort

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Editor’s note: The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort provided TPG with a complimentary three-night stay to get an inside look at the hotel and its amenities. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any external entity. 

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There’s nothing better than a sunny Mexican getaway, especially when it’s freezing cold in the Northeast where I live.

Almost all U.S. airlines fly to Cancun, a favorite vacation spot for Americans looking for fun in the sun. The popularity of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has only grown in the past few years. So much so that several U.S. carriers are about to launch service to the brand-new Tulum International Airport (TQO).

When I read there was a new entry in the red-hot all-inclusive space, it seemed like the perfect time to visit a place I’d never been. The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort opened late last year, and I was excited to test it out on a brothers trip I’d been planning. It was the perfect opportunity for some beach time with my brother, Shane Henderson.

It’s not often you come away from an all-inclusive saying the food was a highlight, but that was definitely the case at the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort.

The culinary variety, plus friendly service and modern rooms with ocean views, left me impressed and happy to recommend the property.

What is the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort?

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The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort is an upper midscale resort in Cancun’s famous Hotel Zone on what’s essentially a long L-shaped island called Isla Cancun.

It’s about 10 miles from Cancun International Airport (CUN). A taxi will cost you $40-55 each way. Alternatively, the hotel can arrange a shared van service, which costs $38 per person (note that it’s only available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) or a private vehicle for up to three people in the same party, with no time restrictions, for $84.

Hilton took over the former Royal Uno All-Inclusive Resort & Spa space, completed a gut renovation and transformed the property into the brand’s latest entry into the popular Cancun hotel market. It’s Hilton’s 14th all-inclusive property globally — a market where it’s making a major push.

This hotel offers 540 oceanfront rooms and suites, all with balconies. Some of the 81 suites offer beachfront access, while others have small private dipping pools. The style of the resort is a Spanish-colonial meets California vibe, with stucco in a vaguely Mexican pueblo style. It’s pretty but fairly basic from a design perspective, at least on the outside.

Related: 25 best all-inclusive resorts in the world, according to frequent travelers

How to book the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe all-inclusive Resort

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Prices for this all-inclusive are high, as you’d expect from a rebranded resort in a desirable area of Cancun. Rates start at $444 or 98,000 Hilton Honors points per night for two people.

For the week I stayed in January, double occupancy in an oceanfront room like mine with two queen beds and a large balcony was going for $1,033 a night, or 248,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Remember, despite rates being a little higher, they cover all food and drinks (except a few specialty dishes at some restaurants and a handful of the highest top-shelf liquor brands).

I used my Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card for extra charges, which earns 12 points per dollar for eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. 

I earned a total of 7,752 Hilton Honors points for the few charges we made to the room during my stay — worth $46.51, according to TPG’s valuations. That’s approximately a 7.2% return on spending, based on our valuations.

Hilton Honors points awarded. HILTON

I also received a $50 statement credit. You get $50 each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio up to $200 a year when you use the Surpass card. 

When booking the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort, you’ll want to use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Hilton stays, as well as one that possibly offers automatic Hilton Honors elite status for value-added benefits. These include the one I mentioned above:

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels; automatic Gold elite status and the ability to upgrade to Diamond status by spending $40,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year.
• Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels; automatic Gold elite status and the ability to upgrade to Diamond status by spending $40,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year.
• Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 7 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels; automatic Hilton Honors Silver status (with an upgrade to Gold when you spend $20,000 in a calendar year).
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Earn 14 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels; automatic Diamond elite status.

The information for the Hilton Aspire 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.

Rooms are newly renovated, modern and spacious

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From the modern, stylish furnishings to the crisp white bedding and stylish wall art, the rooms at the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort felt brand new. Light-colored furniture radiated warmth, and the ocean-blue accents, like the padded headboards on the beds, made for a nice contrast. There was also light woodwork on some walls and the ceiling, which added tropical flair.

The room had a full-length mirror in the entryway across from a coffee station with an automatic coffee maker. I requested a Nespresso maker instead of the standard drip coffee maker the room was originally assigned.

There was also a small minifridge that was restocked each day (at no charge). Among the offerings refreshed daily were Mexican Tecate beer, Coke and Diet Coke, along with lots of water.

The closet included the minifridge at the coffee station. It also held two spa-style robes, a safe, an iron and an ironing board. In the bathroom, there was also a hair dryer and a scale (not the best thing to see at an all-inclusive).

The nightstand between the beds had two power outlets, and USB outlets were built into some of the furniture for ample charging options.

The flat-screen TV featured lots of cable channels, including local news from New York, Miami and Los Angeles markets in the U.S.

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Large sliding glass doors overlooked the ocean and provided plenty of light, but there were also bedside lamps and individual reading lights. And what a view — our room had a large balcony with two recliners.

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The sound of the ocean was ever-present, and we could even hear it through the double-pained sliding glass doors at night. It was beautiful.

The adjustable Honeywell heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system was responsive and kept the room a cool 66 degrees during our whole stay.

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The large bathroom had a separate soaking tub, stall shower and water closet. Water pressure was strong, though it took a while to get hot water from the faucets. There was also a double sink vanity, which is nice when you have more than one person in the room.

The bathroom was stocked with amenities from Persea Apothecary, including a bar of soap and shampoo, conditioner and lotion in large pump bottles. Persea is an upscale Mexican beauty company that specializes in skincare.

The restaurants and bars are varied and distinct

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All-inclusive resorts have traditionally been infamous for having not-so-great food, but many chains like Hilton and Hyatt are working to change that reputation.

Hilton Mar Caribe helps on that front with many appetizing food options, including a copious international breakfast buffet and diverse culinary offerings like Asian or Italian. There’s also 24/7 room service available with a generous selection of dishes.

There are six bars, including a rooftop lounge called Chala Sky Bar that has its own small swimming pools and bartenders mixing up cocktails late into the night.

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Here are a few of the restaurants I tried and what you can expect from each.

Steakhouse Flama STK

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The first night at the hotel, my brother and I enjoyed a steak dinner at Flama STK, a steakhouse just off the hotel lobby. We started with the Caesar salad and then tried New Zealand green-shelled mussels in a marinara sauce and a lobster bisque. The appetizers were very good, and my brother said the bisque was especially tasty.

For our main course, we both opted for steak. I ordered a 6-ounce New York steak, and my brother opted for a Black Angus New York steak. The food was tasty; the steaks were lean, flavorful and cooked to our preference.

Where the meal fell short, though, was the presentation; there were no garnishes or vegetables served in separate dishes. Rather, they were placed on the same plate as the steak. Shane’s grilled vegetables never arrived, and the macaroni and cheese served with my steak was gummy. 

Aside from the forgotten side, service was friendly and efficient. Both my brother and I thought the food was satisfactory but not good enough for us to want to return right away.

Maxal

The property’s Mexican fine dining restaurant is Maxal, and it occupies a giant circular space at the rear of the hotel. At night, it features creative dishes from nearly every region in Mexico.

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The meal started with a friendly employee bringing out a giant rolling bar filled with fancy tequilas and mezcals. My brother was very adventurous and had a shot of tequila chased with a fried grasshopper.

This was one of the best meals we experienced during our stay. All the dishes were fantastic. My brother tried two appetizers: shrimp tacos and marinated fried octopus served with a corn tostada. I really enjoyed the cheese empanadas appetizer and fajitas for my main course. My brother’s dry chicken flauta was the only miss of the evening.

Noriko

The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort’s Asian restaurant, Noriko, offered dishes from Japan, China, Thailand and India.

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This was a massive restaurant with hibachi stations set up in several spots for multiple dining experience options.

For appetizers, my brother and I shared egg rolls and sopa tom kha gai soup with coconut, cilantro, lemon grass, human chili and chicken.

My brother got a selection of sushi along with the beef teriyaki. I went with the chicken tikka masala, which was the hit of the night.

Like the other restaurants, Noriko had menu items with hefty supplements, like wagyu steak ($93.50) or a selection of sushi, sashimi, tataki and tartar ($84.74).

There was also an extensive list of wines available for a surcharge, including selections from Mexico, California, Oregon and Washington. The cheapest Champagne on the menu was Moet & Chandon brut ($164).

La Luce

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La Luce was another super memorable meal. We had fabulous service with a special appearance by the chef who whipped up a meal at our table. We sampled margherita pizza, fettuccini and creamy roasted tomato soup. All the food was solid, and the service was friendly, fun and entertaining.

That meal had quite a finish, with the waiter bringing over two “books” he lit on fire at the table. When a page of the book burnt away, we were left with a tasty carrot cake dessert — the drama.

Again, at La Luce, you could order specialty dishes off the menu, including a rack of lamb for an extra $73, lobster fusilli for $44 or New York wagyu steak for an extra $158.

Vela

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Vela is an international dining buffet. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers cuisine from all over the world. It was also the most crowded restaurant at the hotel. Unfortunately, understaffing led to overwhelmed servers, frustrated guests and a frenzied vibe.

The food was fine, with something for everyone, from pancakes to tamales. There was also an egg station with lines to get fresh eggs made to order.

Everything was perfectly palatable, but it was just a bit too hectic for me. Ultimately, we were happier with the room service breakfast. I did appreciate the make-your-own mimosa and bloody mary stations at the restaurant’s bar area, though.

Azulinda for all-day coffee and treats

Azulinda is the resort’s all-day coffee shop serving sandwiches and sweets.

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This was my first stop each day to fill up on coffee. Service was always friendly, but there was always a long line. An adequate staff-to-guest ratio is an area the resort needs to fix.

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That said, there were plenty of choices here, and everything is included.

Free booze, including most top-shelf liquor

One of the things my brother most enjoyed about the Hilton Mar Caribe was the unlimited booze. Most drinks at the resort are free … from cocktails to fresh fruit juices. That includes lots of varieties of beer, wine, spirits and sodas.

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There was a very popular lobby bar as well as bars in all the restaurants, a rooftop bar, the Seasalt Bar & Grill at the pool, a swim-up bar and even a bar down at the beach.

Extra charges apply for some liquors, including specialty booze like Casa Dragones Blanco tequila ($12), Don Julio tequila ($19) and Clase Azul Reposado tequila ($21).

The property’s amenities offer fun in the sun and lots for kids

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There is a lot to do at the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort. Fair warning: The pools are not heated (more on that below). However, there are many swimming options, including a great kids play pool, a massive main swimming pool that snakes through the property and several small dipping pools with ocean views.

The four small, centrally located pools next to the rooftop Chala Sky Bar each had their own seating areas, providing a fun way to spend some quiet time during busy, peak periods.   

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One feature families will love is the aforementioned childrens pool with a small water park. Nearby, there’s also a kids club where children can play games in a protected setting. All the kids activities are included with your stay.

The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort also has a special area just off the lobby reserved for teenage guests called Sandbar Social, with foosball and bumper pool tables alongside video games.

Of course, one of the main reasons to stay in Cancun is the ocean, and this property sits right on the water. The ocean here is a beautiful shade of blue, but these waves can be rough. There were red flags on the beach during our stay, and the ocean swimming wasn’t for the faint of heart.

There were plenty of beach chairs during my stay and a surfeit of chaise lounges. There was a small beach bar next to the beach area with both counter and waiter service.

Fortunately, there were no beach vendors hawking souvenirs on the sand during our stay. In fact, there was a heavy police presence with armed officers walking the beach regularly.

Cabana living

The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort also offers cabanas for rent in several spots in the resort near the swimming pools on the ground floor.

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The price ranges from $150 to $250 per day, depending on what food and drink package you buy. The cheapest option is for Vilarnau brut wine and a meat and cheese plate; the most expensive option gets you Moet & Chandon, cheese and cold cuts and a seafood platter, including two lobster tails.

We had incredible service every time we went to the pool. Our servers remembered us and kept the drinks flowing whenever we had chill time at the pools.

Fitness buffs can take advantage of the on-site gym

The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort has everything you need to maintain your fitness routine while on vacation. The gym is on the same level as the spa, one floor down from the lobby.

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The LifeFitness equipment was all in great shape and kept spotless by friendly gym attendants, who also handed out towels and water. There were four treadmills, three ellipticals, two stationary bikes and one rowing machine. I visited the gym four times during my stay. Most days, there were just a couple of other people working out, though one day, all the machines were occupied briefly.

The Sense Spa is the place for pampering yourself

At the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort, you’ll find a water-filled spa with an outdoor relaxation area and a hydrotherapy circuit. There are various massage room options, including a couples massage room. They all surround a central fountain that provides a relaxing pre- or post-treatment spot to chill.

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The spa offers all kinds of hair, skin and body treatments.

Prices range from $170 for a 50-minute Swedish massage to $235 for an 80-minute aromatherapy massage. The spa also offers nail and hair appointments and body treatments like an age-corrective facial for $175.

I highly recommend the outdoor hydrotherapy circuit, which includes a steam room, a cold plunge pool and a hot tub (the only hot tub on the property). You’ll need a treatment for free access (or $50 for a daypass). The enclosed area outdoors also features a variety of areas to relax before or after a massage.

Reasons the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort might not be for you

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• Swimming pools are not heated. That won’t be a problem when it’s hot, but if the sun isn’t out or it’s uncharacteristically cool in Cancun, taking a tip borders on icy rather than refreshing. A few times, I heard guests complaining about the chill of the pools, including the kids pool.
• There are no hot tubs at the resort aside from the small one in the spa. If you are partial to a nice soaking hot tub at night, you might want to look elsewhere.
• The ocean is too rough here for casual swimming. You can get into the water, but the sandy shore shelves abruptly to deep water, and the waves are very intense on this stretch of beach.
• Service was excellent overall, but hot spots like Azulinda Cafe and the breakfast buffets were understaffed.

Accessibility

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Accessibility is a place where Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort really shines. The hotel is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking near the front of the hotel, ramps between most spots in the hotel and wheelchair-accessible elevators in places like the main lobby entrance.

All the public bathrooms feature grab bars and doorways wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Buttons in elevators were also accessible.

According to the hotel, there are 10 accessible rooms and suites available for differently abled guests. Rooms feature low beds, grab bars and roll-in showers, among other features, for those who need them.

Alternatives to the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort

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If the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort doesn’t sound like the perfect fit for you, there are hundreds of other options in Cancun.

TPG reviewed the Hilton Cancun, and it got high marks for luxury and beauty. It’s also an all-inclusive, though the writer didn’t love the food. Rates there start at $435 a night for double occupancy or 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hilton Cancun. BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY

It’s just one of a series of new Hilton hotels being developed in the area, including the nearby Waldorf Astoria Cancun. The Waldorf starts at $425 a night for double occupancy or 105,000 Hilton Honors points.

A little farther afield, you’ll find the 349-room luxury resort Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya. Rates there start at $315 or 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Related: 7 amazing spots in Mexico’s Riviera Maya that aren’t Tulum

If you are more of a World of Hyatt person, the Hyatt Zilara Cancun and Hyatt Ziva Cancun are all-inclusive resorts that sit just down the road from the Hilton Mar Caribe. These properties start at $532 a night based on double occupancy (or 35,000 World of Hyatt points a night). In fact, there are 16 Hyatt options in this part of Mexico alone, including entries from Breathless, Dreams and Secrets.

Of course, there are plenty of Marriott Bonvoy properties (over 30) in the Cancun region, including Planet Hollywood Cancun, one of eight all-inclusive Marriott resorts in and around Cancun. While the Autograph Collection property may not be the right fit for everyone due to its location and lengthy check-in process, prices start at $322 a night for double occupancy or 63,000 Bonvoy points per night — a solid option for those on a tight budget.

The Marriott Cancun is a comparable all-inclusive property to the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort. Rates there start at $388 or 68,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night based on double occupancy.

Checking out

CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

My brother and I loved our stay at the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort. Plentiful amenities, a great spa, friendly service and the gorgeous ocean just steps away make it a great spot for a family-friendly, all-inclusive vacation.

There’s plenty to do at the resort for a whole week, but the hotel can also arrange an endless variety of excursions should you crave some time off the resort grounds. A daytrip to see the famous Chichén Itzá Mayan ruins and a cenote was a fun diversion for us.

I would have been just as happy to spend the day poolside at the resort, listening to the ocean waves and enjoying a never-ending supply of food and drinks.

Both my brother and I look forward to returning and doing just that at some point, hopefully soon.

Related reading:

• The award travelers guide to Hilton Honors
• Here are ways to avoid paying resort fees
• The 19 best Hilton hotels in the world
• Best Hilton cards
• My stay at Hilton’s 1st all-inclusive resort in Tulum

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