The hype
The beach is absolutely unmatched and the staff is incredibly warm, making it a perfect spot for a quiet, relaxing getaway.
Intercontinental Presidente Cancun Resort
$150-300/ night
Book this if You want a calm, pristine white-sand beach without the chaotic mega-resort crowds or mandatory all-inclusive fees.
Why People Love It
- One of the best, widest, and calmest beaches in Cancun's Hotel Zone
- Quiet, unpretentious atmosphere without loud entertainment or party crowds
- Excellent Mediterranean and Caribbean food right on the sand at Le Cap and El Caribeño
Quick Take: It's an older property that shows its age in some rooms, and you'll be nickel-and-dimed with resort fees and expensive breakfasts if you don't have elite status.
Reviewed by @yakaneee: I stayed at the Intercontinental Presidente Cancun and waking up to that panoramic ocean view from my bed was absolutely unreal. The water at the beach is crystal clear and so calm. It felt like pure, effortless luxury from the moment I arrived. Highly recommend!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rooms are starting to feel dated, and the high prices for food and drinks catch many non-all-inclusive guests off guard.
- You prioritize a pristine, swimmable beach over modern room decor
- You prefer a European plan (pay-as-you-go) over an all-inclusive model
- You want a quiet, relaxing vibe without loud pool games or DJs
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough and attentive, though some guests report occasional missed spots or delays in getting fresh towels.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean and well-maintained, but older rooms may show minor wear like peeling paint or slow drains.
- Maintenance: The property is older (built in 1975, renovated in 2014), so expect some dated fixtures, occasional AC leaks, and worn carpets in hallways.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, thick towels and comfortable premium bedding, though top sheets sometimes require an extra request.
- Odors & scents: A persistent musty, humid smell in the lobby and some older rooms, heavily masked by strong floral room fragrances.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Noise bleeding through connecting room doors
- Loud, unadjustable air conditioning units in some rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel charges a $12/night resort fee and a ~$4.80/night city tax
- Breakfast is not included in standard rates and costs around $30 for adults
- It's a pet-friendly property (dogs and cats up to 20 lbs) for a $50 fee per stay
What to pack
- Biodegradable sunscreen, which is required for many nearby cenotes and eco-parks
- Extra cash for tipping the excellent beach and restaurant staff
Room Genie
Best picks
- Club Ocean View rooms for expansive balconies, open-air showers, and Club Lounge access
- Ocean View rooms on higher floors to guarantee spectacular Caribbean sunsets
Rooms to avoid
- Lagoon-view rooms, which face the street and can be noisier
- Rooms with connecting doors if you are a light sleeper, due to poor soundproofing
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hello, I am very excited for my upcoming stay. Could I please request a renovated Club Ocean View room on a higher floor, strictly without a connecting door, to ensure a quiet environment? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the Intercontinental Presidente Cancun all-inclusive?
No, it operates on a European Plan (pay-as-you-go), which keeps the resort quieter but means you'll pay out of pocket for all meals and drinks.
How is the beach at this hotel?
It is widely considered one of the best in Cancun—wide, white sand, calm shallow waters, and relatively free of the sargassum seaweed that plagues other areas.
Are there hidden fees?
Yes, expect a $12 daily resort fee and a city tax of about $4.80 per night, plus high costs for breakfast if it's not included in your rate.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes, they allow dogs and cats (up to 20 lbs) for a $50 fee per stay.
How far is it from the airport?
It's about a 25-30 minute drive (15.8 miles) from Cancun International Airport.
Does the hotel have a spa?
Yes, the Ikal Spa offers massages, facials, and body treatments, including an 80-minute signature massage combining four global techniques.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book an Executive or Club room to get access to the Club Lounge, which includes free breakfast and evening cocktails that easily offset the room upgrade cost.
- ✨
Dine at El Caribeño at sunset—it's one of the few spots where you can eat with your toes literally in the sand.
- ✨
Skip the expensive hotel breakfast and walk 10 minutes to nearby cafes or the grocery store for cheaper morning options.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel uses a trained bird of prey (a raptor) during breakfast to scare away pesky smaller birds from your food.
💡The open-air showers in the newer Club Ocean View rooms let you bathe while looking out at the Caribbean.
💡Because it's set back a quarter-mile from the shore, the property maximizes its beachfront, making it much wider than neighboring resorts.
💡There is a noticeable musty smell in the lobby and some hallways that the hotel tries to cover up with strong artificial scents.
💡The hotel only allows one wedding per day, ensuring the property doesn't feel overrun by private events.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Intercontinental Presidente Cancun Resort is located and what's nearby.