Did You Know Hilton Has All-Inclusives? We Tried Out Their Cancun Resort to See What It’s Like
Hilton, one of the world’s largest and most trusted hotel brands, has more than 8,000 properties around the globe. And that also includes all-inclusive resorts. Since 2019, they’ve grown these ‘book-it-and-forget-it’ vacation properties by 60%. And in just five years, they’ve become some of the most sought-after reward redemptions for Hilton Honors points.
During a fall school break, my kids and I traveled to Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe to see what their all-inclusives are like.
It Was So Great, No One Wanted to Come Home
Their website states, “With Hilton All-Inclusive, travelers can enjoy world-class service, high-end accommodations, culinary experiences, a variety of on-property cultural activities and entertainment, premium wellness services, and innovative meetings and events for every celebration, age, and interest—all without worrying about planning or leaving the resort.”
And Mar Caribe delivered on every single one of those. After a hectic back-to-school season, a stress-free, worry-free long weekend escape that focused on family fun and making memories without any care in the world was just what we needed.
The Entire Resort Was Recently Renovated and It Shows
The 540-room resort features spacious ocean-view guest rooms and beachfront suites. Each room is decorated with a serene color scheme of blue and white hues and natural woodwork inspired by the picturesque landscapes of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Guests will find well-appointed, tranquil bathrooms with natural stonework, free-standing soaking tubs, and rain showers. Every room features plush bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, a daily restocked mini-fridge, a Nespresso coffee machine, and lavish branded bathrobes.
I toured each room type, and no matter the accommodation category booked, you’ll find the same meticulously cleaned, modern decor and decadent bathrooms.
No Surprises on What Room You’ll Receive
All rooms face the beach, so you won’t ever be left with a parking lot or driveway view at this resort.
When booking, pay careful attention to the transparent room descriptions, as that is the room category you will be assigned at check-in. For example, if you want an ocean view, don’t book a Pool and Patio View room. Very few rooms on lower floors have obstructed views, and they are priced accordingly. So, if you’re looking for a deal and know you won’t be in your room much during your stay, it could bring a trip here within budget.
They’ve Eliminated Those Buzzkill Surprises
Nicole Tilzer, vice president of Hilton’s All-Inclusive & Resort Strategy, believes that consumers should expect more from an all-inclusive resort. Hilton hospitality means no upcharge surprises, either. You won’t get excited by a fine-dining restaurant, the idea of a lazy morning with room service breakfast, or sending children to the kids club or the waterpark just to find out later that they aren’t included.
During our hosted stay at the resort, this was our exact experience. Except for a spa treatment, there were no additional costs involved.
Mar Caribe’s Exclusive Enclave Rooms
The resort also offers 41 beachfront Enclave guest rooms and 20 Enclave suites with a private plunge pool or whirlpool, an outdoor patio, and lounge chairs or hammocks overlooking unhindered ocean and beach views. It also includes Enclave Lounge access with specialty food and uber-top-shelf liquor and wine, dedicated concierge services and more.
This premium room category is also available at additional Hilton All-Inclusive resorts. However, complimentary Hilton Honors status upgrades to Enclave accommodations are not possible.
The Best Location in the Hotel Zone
Centrally located in Cancun’s popular Hotel Zone, the resort is just 10 miles from the International Airport and nestled along 600 feet of pristine beachfront between the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon. If you look at the resort on a map, you’ll notice that despite its prime location and a short ride from the airport, it is surrounded by the San Miguelito Archeological Site, nestled within a grove of trees.
So when you eat at lagoon-facing restaurants, you’re treated to a view of undeveloped Cancun beauty, not towering neighboring resort buildings.
More Restaurants Than We Could Enjoy
If you’re thinking, well, it is a Hilton, how good can the food be? You’re in for lots of surprises. They have elevated culinary options from across the world. Offering the brand-new FLAMA STK modern steakhouse, LA Luce, with Italian and Mediterranean creations and Maxal, paying homage to authentic Mexican flavors and dishes. The international buffet restaurant Vela offers Rodizio Nights, where a mouthwatering variety of premium cuts is served directly at your table for a decadent dinner meal similar to the popular Brazillian steakhouse chain Fogo de Chão.
Before your arrival, make sure to make a reservation at guest favorite Noriku Asian, which lives up to its description of an engaging show kitchen. With dining room or hibachi table seating, it’s not just a delicious dinner but a fun, joyous night out that your family will be talking about for years. Make sure you bring your cameras to capture it all.
Casual Convenient Options, Too
During the day, when you can’t get your kids out of the pool for more than 5 minutes, the relaxed poolside eatery and bar Seasalt is a lifesaver. While we ate at the endless buffet breakfast every morning, many also appreciate Azulinda Café, a grab-and-go coffee shop in the lobby. At night, stop by for a scoop of gelato or a freshly made crepe before bedtime.
At the end of a long day of making memories in the sun and surf, indulge with a room service dinner. You can relax, knowing this 24/7 dining option is included in your room rate.
Sampling Drinks Across The Resort Was a Treat
Hilton Mar Caribe has six diverse bars across the property, from the rooftop Star Bar to the lobby bar, often filled with live music, to the beloved swim-up pool bar. No matter your choice, enjoy the carefree allure of the all-inclusive lifestyle of unlimited, expertly crafted Caribbean cocktails, refreshing fruit juices, beer, wine, spirits, sodas, and water.
See another guest order an interesting drink? Grab one, too! Unlimited “fun” drinks at this all-inclusive resort were one of my kids’ favorite parts of the trip.
Say Ahh at Their Spa
When the elevator doors to the spa open, you’re in a sanctuary despite being right in the middle of the bustling hotel zone. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and a relaxing sun deck with indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, cabanas, and a hydrotherapy circuit, the resort presents numerous ways to unwind and rejuvenate. So, parents, drop the kids off at the kids’ club and add some “ahh” to your vacation.
And Experience a Piece of the Mayan Culture
Guests can indulge in tailored massages, facials, and body wraps infused with traditional Mexican healing herbs meticulously designed to meet individual needs. For instance, they created The Ancient Wisdom Ritual, inspired by the beloved Mayan Goddess IX CHEL, in collaboration with Cancun’s Mayan Holistic Institute.
“This experience is designed around the healing properties of Palo Santo and traditional herbs and seeds widely used in Mexican Herbalism for centuries. In this ritual, the spa treatment begins with an energy cleansing that harmonizes the body with the smoke of the Palo Santo,” outlines Oscar Castillo, Manager, The Spa at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort. “Herbs and flowers are applied to the heart area to release and transmute negative emotions, followed by a massage that fills guests with peace, harmony, and renewal.
The Service Is Above and Beyond
The cherry on top of our stay was the service. Every single team member we encountered was genuinely joyful and answered every order or question with “my pleasure.” From my young kids’ 100% custom off-menu orders at the Asian restaurant to specific hot chocolate requests at breakfast, we were never met with anything other than top-notch service with a smile.
If you regularly eat at the breakfast or lunch buffet, the staff will recognize you and your kids and welcome you to sit in their service section meal after meal. They will joyfully remember your kids’ special requests and ask if they’d like them again today.
It’s Fun Without Being Rowdy
You don’t have to worry about rowdy Spring Breakers or partiers here. The resort doesn’t offer a group rate and is self-described as family-friendly.
It’s joyful without being overly loud. If you’re seeking vacation calm, there are multiple zen pockets throughout the resort. Parents can drop the kids off at Beach Bunch or Teen’s Club and enjoy the serenity of the adult-only pool, which has its own deck for supreme relaxation. Families can enjoy movie nights, board games, and story time hosted daily in the Family Room. Throughout the day, staff-led activities at the pool bring that special vacation magic and memories to your family trip.
Don’t Overlook the Slides and WaterZone, Even For Older Kids
Even with multiple pools and the turquoise Caribbean beach at our doorstep, the waterslides and oversized water dump bucket became one of the biggest hits of our trip. I thought my 8-year-old and 12-year-old would be too old for it, but I was wrong. The biggest laughs and smiles of the trip were at this part of the resort. Even Mom got dunked a couple of times!
We’re Not The Only Ones Who Loved Our Stay
“We’ve stayed at all-inclusive properties by Hilton in Jamaica and Mexico and have thoroughly enjoyed our stays each time. The downside to some other all-inclusive properties is lower quality food or services, but we loved all our meals during our stays,” shares foodie Alexandra Caspero, Founder of Delish Knowledge, who stays at three all-inclusive properties a year with her children and extended family.
“At Hilton Rose Hall in Montego Bay, our favorite was the jerk hut for causal Jamaican food, and in Cancun, we ate the fish tacos and wood-fired pizza almost daily! The level of service is outstanding– especially when traveling with older parents and kids. It was so welcoming and attentive that we’re planning another trip next Fall.”
Can You Book With Points?
Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort participates in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s world-class brands. So, if you’re a points hacker or collector, you can redeem them for an all-inclusive stay here.
At the time of publication, Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe was also available for points redemptions on Chase and Capitol One travel portals.
Where Else Does Hilton Have All-Inclusives?
Hilton has 15 all-inclusives for family vacations and adult-only getaways across Mexico, the Caribbean, and even a Mediterranean beach resort in Turkey.
In Spring 2025, Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton in the Dominican Republic, will open, providing travelers with more options. The resort is offering a Pre-opening Offer, featuring a $50 credit per stay and a room upgrade between November 1 and December 6, 2024, for travel between February 1 and May 30, 2025.
NEXT: 30 of the Best Things To Do In Cancun (from Someone Who Lives in Mexico)
It may surprise travelers that the things to do in the Cancun region are very diverse – diving, snorkeling, jungle walks, Mayan ruins, and so much more. So, if you plan a trip to the Mexican Caribbean, here’s a local’s list of activities to explore the area.
30 of the Best Things To Do In Cancun (from Someone Who Lives in Mexico)
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