Review: Waldorf Astoria Cancun, Mexico

Why book? 

This dreamy property offers each guest a private balcony with breathtaking views and a soaking tub that screams modern luxury and total relaxation. 

Set the scene 

Once you enter the hotel grounds, it’s about an eight-minute drive until you actually reach the hotel itself – giving it a completely private and exclusive feel. It’s located right on the beach in Cancun which offers guests easy access to kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and scuba diving demonstrations, as well as a beautiful sunset view each day. The hotel guests were mostly adult couples seeking a quiet escape. It’s the type of place that you really don’t need to (or want to) leave – there are great restaurants, multiple infinity pools, a premium spa, and plenty of cabanas to lounge in. Most people seemed to stay at the hotel all day and enjoy its many amenities.

The backstory 

This Hilton hotel was just opened in the fall of 2022, creating a completely elevated hotel experience for guests visiting Cancun. The hotel is designed with a traditional Mayan influence, and there’s decor from local artists all throughout the large lobby and guest rooms. The Waldorf Astoria brings guests luxury amenities where they can truly sit back and relax.

The rooms 

All 173 rooms at the Waldorf Astoria are bright and elegant with neutral-coloured furniture and modern, chic decor. There’s no such thing as a bad room here – each room has an ocean-front view, a private balcony with a plunge pool, and a rain shower that’s ideal for cooling off after a day at the pool. The room is spotless, very spacious, and offers plenty of closet space. Make sure to take advantage of the ultra-soft robes that you’ll never want to take off. For a superior experience, guests can upgrade to rooms with swim-up pools or the over-the-top Presidential Suite that you’ll need to see to believe.

Food and drink 

The ultimate dining experience here is Malpeque: an open-flame grill with incredible seafood options and a moody and romantic vibe. Everything on the menu features an element of fire – even the delicious drinks with smoky flavours. The other main dining experience is Ja’o, a Mexican cantina with amazing shrimp tempura tacos. Be sure to sit outside for a great view and order the churros for dessert – trust me. Guests will definitely enjoy breakfast at Chaya, a bright, airy heirloom kitchen with a variety of options. There are also plenty of cool spots for refreshing drinks – head to the Peacock Alley bar inside the hotel, the pool bar outside, or even take advantage of the mezcal and tequila tastings on-site. 

The spa 

The spa captures the overall serene vibe of the hotel. It’s inspired by traditional Mayan culture and focuses on holistic well-being. The spa uses oils extracted from local trees and herbs you’ll find right on the property. An hour before your spa treatment begins, you’ll arrive and enjoy hydrotherapy – using either the private spa pools or sauna to relax and prepare the body. There’s a variety of spa treatments to choose from, including facials, massages, and nail care. Everything about the spa feels next-level – from the calming music to the healing stones to the sleek rooms to the masseuses themselves – it’s like no spa I’ve ever been to before.

The neighbourhood

The hotel is a 25-minute drive from the Cancun airport. It feels very exclusive and safe while still being a short drive from other hotels and restaurants in the area. If you did want a quick change of pace, guests can get a day pass for the Hilton Cancun – which is an all-inclusive resort on the same grounds as the Waldorf Astoria – where the vibe is more lively with a splash pool and clubs.

The service 

It’s the white-glove service you dream about. Everyone from the concierge and hotel managers to the bartenders is willing to assist guests in any way and are so knowledgeable about everything the hotel has to offer. I appreciated how personal each interaction was – the hostess would suggest exactly where to sit based on how windy or warm it was outside, there were staff members walking around the cabanas offering to clean guest’s sunglasses and offer a cooling facial mist, and the servers gave custom menu recommendations based on my preferences. They accommodated a large business conference so well – I observed staff work all day long to set up a private party on the beach for the group with a DJ, high-top tables, a dance floor, and starry lights. I was so impressed with the service from the moment – it really sets this place apart from other beautiful hotels. 

For families 

While most of the guests there while I stayed were adults, the hotel is kid-friendly, offering a dedicated family pool and activities such as painting, storytelling, and treasure hunts. 

Anything left to mention?

As comfy as these hotel beds are, don’t sleep in too late – you don’t want to miss the incredible view of the sun in the morning from your own balcony. I also recommend ending your evening outside enjoying the fire pits and the calming noise of the ocean waves.