Mexico is filled with amazing history, fantastic food, and stunning beaches.
And if you love using points to book your hotels, you’re in luck! Mexico has a selection of the best hotels and resorts to book with points. This means you can get excellent value for every point you redeem.
To help you decide which hotels to spend your precious points on, we’ll take a look at the best Mexico award hotels to book and a few you might want to skip.
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- Book This: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
- Book This: The St. Regis Punta Mita
- Book This: Hacienda San Jose, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Book This: The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
- Book This: Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya
- Book This: La Casa Que Canta
- Book This: InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort
- Wrapping Up
- FAQs
Book This: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Made for romance and absolute luxury, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is a premier resort near Cabo San Lucas.
Rooms at the Waldorf echo rustic elegance as it’s infused with touches of local artisanal items. The bathrooms are massive with walk-in showers, marble and stone tiling including antique tubs as well as handpainted sinks. Guests also get premium toiletries.
Wining and dining is a highlight here, with the resort offering three distinct restaurants. In addition, there are several infinity pools, a gym, and a kid’s club.
Because of the luxury and comfort it offers, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is considered among the best hotels and resorts in the world you can book with points.
So if you’re coming for a visit, you can redeem 120,000 Hilton Honors points for a standard room here. While exchanging those points might seem steep, considering that standard room rates start at $1,300 in the low season and peak at $3,300 per night, those points are definitely put to good use.
Skip That: The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa
The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa. Image Credit: The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa
The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa is set right along The Corridor, a famous 20-mile stretch extending from San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. While the resort is perfect for anyone planning to just stay within the property, it can be a hassle when exploring areas like Cabo San Lucas since it’s a bit further out.
What’s more, while right by the beach, the water isn’t swimmable because of the current and guests have to be shuttled 10-minutes away just to reach the nearest swimmable beach.
Each of the 224 Westin villas is decorated in bright colors with unique Oaxacan embroidered fabrics. These infuse the room with elegance while also injecting local flavor. However, be warned, guests have found themselves repeatedly asking for even basic housekeeping.
Dining can be an excursion too since you need to climb a lot of stairs, go over a hill, or even ride golf carts to reach the main building where the restaurants are thanks to the property’s massive footprint. The food also feels underwhelming for a 5-star luxury property.
The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa is a Category 6 Marriott Bonvoy resort. It requires 40,000 to 60,000 points per night which is probably not the best use of your points.
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Book This: The St. Regis Punta Mita
The St. Regis Punta Mita. Image Credit: The St. Regis Punta Mita
The St. Regis Punta Mita faces the Pacific Ocean and sits in an area known as Riviera Nayarit. It occupies an unspoiled stretch of white beach. In the far distance, guests have a view of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, Marieta Islands.
St. Regis rooms are housed in yellow traditional-style houses with each one having a personal terrace and outdoor garden shower. Meanwhile, the bathrooms come with open shower areas, a freestanding tub, and Remède toiletries. Plus, guests receive the St. Regis butler service too.
Las Marietas, Sea Breeze, and the Carolina are three of the six main restaurants here. A beach sits upfront and there’s a Remede Spa, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course, and tennis courts.
The St. Regis Punta Mita is a Marriott Category 8 property so you can use between 70,000 points to 100,000 points per night depending on the season. For all the amenities and quality service, the points spent are well worth it.
Visit in the low season and the cash rate is $1,050. During the peak season, a standard room is $2,600 per night while in the average season the rate is $1,700 per night.
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Skip That: W Punta Mita
W Punta Mita. Image Credit: W Punta Mita
While the W brand is well-known and favored by the younger crowd, and certainly the photos of the property look impressive, in actuality, guests have complained of tired-looking facilities requiring a facelift.
From chipped wood furniture to dirty robes, and dated pillows, parts of the room require a good deal of remodeling to keep it crisp and chic. While W is known for its luxurious minibar, these aren’t as well-stocked as advertised.
The food isn’t up to par for a high-end luxury resort either. Even more staff and servers being rude or plain indifferent are common concerns for guests. On top of that, those looking for a quiet vacation should know the resort has a live DJ by the pool so it can get loud for rooms in this area.
W Punta Mita is a Category 7 Marriott Bonvoy property. Award nights are offered in exchange for 50,000 points to 70,000 points per night for an entry-level room.
However, at its current state, and for the number of points it requires to redeem, you’re better off going with a St. Regis or a Ritz-Carlton property instead.
Gather points by using only the best travel credit cards. If you’re wondering which cards will give you the most value, we’ve compiled a list just for you.
Book This: Hacienda San Jose, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Hacienda San Jose, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Image Credit: Hacienda San Jose, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Hacienda San Jose is one of those hidden gems perfect for a romantic getaway. The Hacienda is just 45-minutes from Merida City and it’s also close to Mayan sites Izamal and Chichen Itza.
Being a small resort, there are only 15 rooms. Each one features Moorish and European design inspiration with its high ceilings, exposed rafters, and wood beams. In the middle of the room is a king bed dressed in white, complemented by dark wood furniture and tiled floors.
For amenities, the resort has a colorful pool with shaded palapa frames and a hammock. There’s a spa with highly trained masseuses from the local towns too.
When it comes to food, the hotel has a restaurant and bar. However, the staff will be more than happy to arrange a private table for you in the garden anytime.
Hacienda San Jose is a Category 6 Marriott Bonvoy hotel. Book a fantastic rewards night here by using 40,000 to 60,000 points on peak dates.
Meanwhile, for cash bookings, the low season rate is $215 per night while the peak season rate is $600 per night. However, during the average season, the rate is $440 per night.
Skip That: The Yucatan Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry by Hilton
The Yucatan Playa del Carmen. Image Credit: The Yucatan Playa del Carmen
Found in the thick of the action, the Yucatan Playa del Carmen is an all-inclusive, adults-only property that promises fun and relaxation. It’s located right at the heart of Fifth Avenue so it’s near bars, shops, and restaurants.
While the title of “all-inclusive” might sound enticing, guests have had misgivings with their stay as they find the hotel doesn’t live up to its all-inclusive title. For one, the food menu is repeated daily, causing guests to just wander into town and buy their meals anyway.
There are also inconsistencies with how the hotel handles Diamond Status members, with no acknowledgment or room upgrades offered despite ample availability. Little fixer-ups in the rooms like ratty linens, plugged-up toilets, malfunctioning air conditioners, sticky doors, poor water pressure are a constant issue too. Things you wouldn’t expect from a luxury property.
Another downside is its proximity to Fifth Avenue as the bars nearby blast music until the wee hours of the morning making it difficult to get a good night’s rest if your room faces towards the area.
Award nights here require 105,000 Hilton Honors points. However, you’re better off skipping this and adding a bit more points to redeem a rewards night at a hotel like the Waldorf Astoria where you know you’re going to get great service and amenities.
Book This: The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. Image Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
One of the many luxury hotels in the famous Cancun Hotel Zone, The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun comes with prime access to the beach.
Standard rooms start at 435-square feet with a king bed on a neutral-colored mattress box, plenty of in-room amenities, and modern touches. Near the back is a bathroom with a bathtub, a dedicated shower, and Asprey toiletries.
The Ritz is known for food and it doesn’t disappoint. There’s direct beach access, two heated swimming pools, a gym, a locker, a sauna, and a steam room. Outside, there’s a tennis court and a basketball.
This is a Category 6 Marriott Bonvoy property. Redeeming points start at 40,000 points to 60,000 points on award nights.
On the other hand, for cash rates, a standard room in the low season is $430 per night while in the peak season, it’s $2,016 per night. During the average season, a standard room is $1,120.
Skip That: JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. Image Credit: JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
The great thing about JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa’s location is you can easily navigate to attractions like the adventure course, Xcaret or Isla Mujeres, both a 20-minute drive away. Ruins like Coba and Tulum are also less than 2 hours drive.
While the rooms are gorgeous and comfortable, there are noticeable lapses in service, including a slow check-in process.
Another common issue is the unusual list of extra charges that show up on your bill upon checkout. Strangely, it’s so common previous guests advise others to ask for the bill at least an hour or two before checkout to dispute any charges that might not belong there.
Despite being a Category 6 Marriott Bonvoy resort, with such serious complaints, you’re better off spending your 40,000 to 60,000 points on better options like the Ritz-Carlton, Cancun.
The low season rate here is $370 per night while in the peak season, the same room starts at $850 per night. However, when visiting in the average season, the rate per night is $520.
Book This: Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya. Image Credit: Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya
The Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is on the ultra-exclusive Mayakoba complex. This is a 20-minute drive to Playa del Carmen’s city center but with a wildlife-filled lagoon and a beach at the resort, you’d never want to leave.
All rooms are modern and minimalist. Think bright, tiled floors accentuated by dark wood and whitewashed wood touches. There’s a balcony with seating and a bathroom filled with a private shower, vanity, and twin sinks. Luxury Malin + Goetz toiletries are also provided.
Take your pick from casual dining to fine dining, at places like the Cocina Milagro or OllaTaco. Leisure facilities include a beach area, several swimming pools, and a gym. There’s also Naum Wellness & Spa.
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is a Category 6 World of Hyatt hotel. To book a rewards night, you can redeem 21,000 to 29,000 points for a standard room.
But if you prefer to pay in cash, the low season rate is $430 per night for a standard while in the peak months, it’s $1,750 per night. The average season rate is $870 per night.
Skip That: Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort. Image Credit: Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort
The Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort is a mix of posh luxury and convenience. It’s located in the bustling area of 5th Avenue where shops, restaurants, and more are within walking distance.
While the location is spot-on for those who want to be in the thick of things, just know the area can be touristy and if your room is close to entertainment centers, it can get noisy. Even when you’re hanging around the pool, music blares until 7 p.m., which is too much if you’re after a peaceful lounge by the water.
Rooms require a bit of TLC in addition to constant issues with cleanliness and sanitation. Housekeeping was also lacking consistency with some rooms left dirty for days at a time despite repeated requests to the staff.
Despite having a beachfront location, the waters are rough and there’s seaweed everywhere so it doesn’t make for pleasant or even safe swimming at all.
The Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is a Category 6 World of Hyatt property. To redeem a rewards night here, you’ll need to exchange 25,000 to 29,000 Hyatt points. But for a 5-star luxury property, the service and amenities fall short and you’re better off skipping on this one.
Book This: La Casa Que Canta
La Casa Que Canta. Image Credit: La Casa Que Canta
Just five minutes from Playa La Ropa, La Casa Que Canta sits overlooking the stunning Zihuatanejo Bay. This romantic Mexican resort feels exclusive as guests have to enter a gated entrance to reach the resort.
For the rooms, La Casa Que Canta delivers charm and true Mexican flair, with all of them being named after romantic Mexican songs. Inside, there’s a balcony with seating, mahogany doors with stucco walls, and a host of vibrant artwork on the walls.
A king bed sits invitingly while blue and yellow cushions color the couches. Louvered wood windows let fresh air inside while the bathrooms are filled with organic toiletries.
For amenities, there’s a saltwater pool and an infinity pool, both offer a view of Zihuatanejo Bay. Food and drinks are enjoyed at the only restaurant on-site, Mar y Cielo. A candlelit dinner is highly recommended here. There’s a gym too.
La Casa Que Canta is a Category 7 SLH Hyatt property which means you can book a rewards night using 25,000 to 35,000 points.
For a paid stay, the low season rate is $380 per night while the peak season rate is $1,080 per night. Meanwhile, the average season rate is $565 per night.
Skip That: Las Alamandas Resort Hotel
Las Alamandas Resort Hotel. Image Credit: Las Alamandas Resort Hotel
A Small Luxury Hotel property, Las Alamandas Resort Hotel only has 16 rooms. The resort itself was popular in the 90s and today, it’s making a comeback. However, between the old school vibes and the relative seclusion of the property, it can be a challenging stay.
There are limited food options and there’s nothing within walking distance. Only a single restaurant is on-site and the food portions are on the small side for the high price.
What’s more, some items like the air conditioner and jacuzzi are slightly dated. The staff are incredibly attentive though and will go all out to help you upon request. However, for a 5-star property, issues like this ideally shouldn’t creep up your stay.
Regardless of its issues, there’s no denying the natural beauty of the location. As a Category 7 World of Hyatt hotel, Las Alamandas Resort Hotel lets you book a rewards night using 25,000 to 35,000 points.
Book This: InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort
InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort. Image Credit: InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort
InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort is an icon in the area, occupying one of the biggest stretches of beach in the Cancun Hotel Zone.
Offering 300 rooms, each one is modern and chic with neutral-colored walls and beige marble floors with splashes of sea-green serve as accents. Modern comforts like a flatscreen TV, mini-fridge, and Nespresso machine also come with the room. Meanwhile, the bathrooms feature a shower/tub combination. Plus, all rooms have a balcony with fantastic lagoon views.
For amenities, the hotel has 2 swimming pools decorated with loungers and cabanas. A thatched roof gym is filled with treadmills and several cardio machines. There’s a luxury spa too.
World-class food is served at El Caribeño or Le Cap Beach Club. Also, visit the Deck Bar or Cafe Urbano for breakfast or drinks.
Book a night at the InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort by using 43,000 to 65,000 IHG Rewards Club points for a standard room. Visit during the low season and a standard room will cost $212 per night while in the peak season, it’s $517 per night. The average season rate is $350 per night.
Skip That: InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa
InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa. Image Credit:
InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa is one of several InterContinent hotels in Mexico. Catering to both business and leisure travelers, the hotel is situated south of San Miguel.
From the outside, the hotel looks strikingly chic. But once inside, it shows its age with guests stating they found chunks of floor missing and dirty ceilings during their stay. Rooms are also on the plain side and not up to par with other InterContinental hotels.
Meanwhile, food is expensive in all restaurants and falls short of 5-star quality dining.
An awards night at the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa will set you back 62,000 to 80, 000 IHG Rewards Club points for a standard room. However, you can find other properties requiring lesser points and offering better service in the area.
To book a paid booking here, the low season rate for a standard room is $250 per night while in the peak season, the same room is $680 per night. However, in the average season, it’s $420 per night.
Wrapping Up
A trip to Mexico is always special. While there’s no shortage of award hotels here, if you do a bit of research, you can get the most value for the points you spend.
So if you’re planning a beach getaway or simply want to treat yourself to a resort vacation, check out the recommended properties above and see if these fit your travel plans.
Safe travels!