Resort

Kempinski Hotel Cancún

The former Ritz-Carlton Cancún: a luxury beach hotel, sold room-only or with breakfast, known for long-serving staff and a wide, quiet beach.

Retorno del Rey, 36, CancúnShow on map

Reviewed by Cancun Trip Insider Team Content Last Updated October 2026

Exceptional638 reviews9.2
1 / 223
Guest Score
9.2/10
Exceptional · 638 reviews
Hotel Class
5-star
Resort
Nearby
8.0 km
to Playa Delfines
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out by 12:00 PM

Kempinski Hotel Cancún is the former Ritz-Carlton, a luxury beachfront hotel on Retorno del Rey in the Hotel Zone. Guests score it 9.2 out of 10 across 638 reviews, with 9.85 for service, and many have been coming back for 10 to 20 years. It isn't all-inclusive, and taxes and fees add a lot to the room rate. Check live prices for your dates below.

Why Guests Choose It

  • Service is the standout, scored 9.85 out of 10, and guests name staff who have worked there for over 20 years, back to its Ritz-Carlton days.
  • A wide, quiet beach that staff clear of sargassum several times a day with a tractor, with gentle waves and beach beds that rarely run short.
  • Spacious rooms, many with sea views, in a hotel that opened in 1993 as the Ritz-Carlton and still has its grand, classic style.
  • A Club level guests call one of the best they've used, with food served five times a day.
  • A big gym with sauna and steam room, a spa and salon, tennis and pickleball, and a quiet atmosphere at night.

Best for

  • Travellers who want classic five-star service without an all-inclusive
  • Couples and families who want a calm beach and a quiet hotel
  • Guests who will use the Club level

Think twice if

  • You want everything included: restaurant prices are high and the breakfast rate covers only a continental buffet
  • You want a modern design: several guests found rooms and bathrooms dated
  • You're watching the final bill: taxes and fees, including a resort fee, add more than a third to the room rate

Amenities

  • Swimming pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Fitness center
  • Room service
  • Children's playground
  • Airport shuttle
  • Air conditioning
  • Beach access

About the Property

Luxurious Amenities and Services

This Kempinski Hotel Cancun is a paradise offering 2 outdoor swimming pools, a rejuvenating spa, and a pristine private beach. Indulge in modern rooms with top-notch entertainment systems and unwind in the Kempinski spa and Salon with a variety of massage therapies and body treatments.

Exquisite Dining Experience

Savor a culinary journey from traditional Asian delights at The Sushi Bar to Mediterranean flavors at Fantino. Enjoy indoor or outdoor dining with ocean views and sip on cocktails at the elegant Lobby Lounge.

Convenient Location and Transportation Services

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the hotel offers seamless airport transfers and easy access to nearby attractions like Aquaworld. Experience luxury and comfort at its finest at the Kempinski Hotel Cancun.

Description supplied by the property.

Rooms & Prices

3 room types available · Nov 7 to Nov 10, 2026 · 2 adults

1/8

Deluxe Seaside Double Room

  • 41 m² (441 ft²)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double beds
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk

Room Only

Free cancellation before Oct 30

$1,174

$391 / night · 3 nights

+ $413 taxes & fees

Reserve
1/9

Deluxe Seafront King Room

  • 41 m² (441 ft²)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Slippers

Room Only

Free cancellation before Oct 30

$1,348

$449 / night · 3 nights

+ $446 taxes & fees

Reserve
1/8

Deluxe Seafront Double Room

  • 41 m² (441 ft²)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double beds
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk

Room Only

Free cancellation before Oct 30

$1,348

$449 / night · 3 nights

+ $446 taxes & fees

Reserve
1/3

Club Seaside Double

  • 41 m² (441 ft²)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double beds
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Desk

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

1/7

Deluxe Seaside King Room

  • 41 m² (441 ft²)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Slippers

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

1/4

Club Seaside King Room

  • 41 m² (441 ft²)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Slippers

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

1/6

Seaside Suite

  • 82 m² (883 ft²)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

1/3

Club Seafront King Room

  • 41 m² (441 ft²)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

1/7

Club Seaside Suite

  • 82 m² (883 ft²)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

1/6

Panoramic Suite

  • 82 m² (883 ft²)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

1/7

Club Seafront Suite

  • 82 m² (883 ft²)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen bed
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Desk

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

1/4

Club Seafront Double Room

  • 41 m² (441 ft²)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double beds
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

1/8

The Saasil Suite

  • 177 m² (1905 ft²)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Twin beds, 2 Double beds, 1 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

1/5

Seafront Suite

  • 82 m² (883 ft²)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

1/5

The Presidential Suite

  • 229 m² (2465 ft²)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Safety deposit box
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Private pool

Not available for your dates. Try different dates above.

Prices are for the whole stay in one room, in USD, and update hourly. Taxes and fees listed separately are not included and are payable on top. Reserve opens Kempinski Hotel Cancun on our booking partner's secure site with these dates and guests; pick the same room and rate there to book.

Guest Reviews

9.2

Exceptional

638 guest reviews

Guests often praise

  • Excellent service
  • Beautiful location

Some guests mention

  • Limited food variety
  • Some noise in restaurants
Cleanliness9.4

Very friendly staff, exceptionally clean hotel.

Service9.8

The staff were very helpful and kind throughout multiple visits.

Location9.4

Amazing location near the beach.

Room Quality9.3

Comfortable, spacious rooms.

Amenities8.9

Standard quality for this hotel tier.

Value for Money8.3

Standard quality for this hotel tier.

Food and Beverage8.9

Generally good quality but some food options rated average.

Overall Experience9.6

Guests had a fantastic overall stay with great service and amenities.

brianas807

Group · Aug 2026

10

“Ask for Osman!”

Kempinski Cancun was such a lovely experience and it was largely due to our waiter, Osman! We were celebrating my friend’s birthday, and he went out of his way to make sure we had a 100% authentic Yucatán breakfast made specially for us! It was so extremely nice of him to do that and it was incredible. I would come back to this resort just for his service alone. I cannot recommend this resort enough!

V7734UGsandrae

Family · Aug 2026

10

“Experience the Magic that is the Kempinski Hotel Cancun”

I have stayed at this property before when it was the Ritz-Carlton, and I can confidently say that The Kempinski Hotel Cancun has preserved everything that made it special while elevating the experience even further. Every aspect of the resort is nothing short of exquisite. The dining experience is exceptional, with every meal beautifully prepared and presented. The rooms are elegant, spacious, and impeccably maintained. The beds are among the most comfortable I've ever slept in, making it easy to completely relax, and the bathrooms are luxurious, offering everything you need for a spa-like experience. The grounds are absolutely stunning, with beautifully maintained landscaping, breathtaking ocean views, and an atmosphere that feels peaceful and refined. What truly sets The Kempinski apart, however, is its people. The staff is the heart of this resort and the reason our stay became an experience we'll never forget. Every employee we encountered was warm, attentive, professional, and genuinely invested in making our vacation special. They anticipated our needs, offered thoughtful recommendations, paid attention to the smallest details, and consistently

michaelpZ9466DH

Family · Jul 2026

10

“Only the name has changed still a wonderful experience”

My wife and I just spent five memorable nights at the Kempinski Hotel Cancun. This hotel was previously the Ritz Carlton Cancun. This was our first visit since the hotel changed brands. We had previously been to the Ritz Carlton many times in the past and after this visit we are hoping to return to this hotel many times in the future. The hotel and property have been meticulously maintained as it was in the past. The suite that we were assigned was spotless as well as beautiful. The staff is unmatched in their attentiveness and anticipation of your needs. They make you feel wanted and at home wherever you go on the property. The restaurants at the hotel are the best in Cancun. Fantino is unmatched for service and incredible food. Casitas is a fine choice for more casual dining with an option of having dinner on the beach. The hotel has two beautiful pools and a hot tub along with a lovely large beach where you could rent cabanas for privacy. My wife

G1042MVrandym

Couple · Jul 2026

10

“Can’t Beat the Kempinski in Cancun!”

As a person who has been blessed to have travelled the US and Mexico extensively, I am proud to say the Kempinski Hotel in Cancun is my favorite. What makes it great? The people that work there. It is an amazing experience to share your time on vacation with people that truly care. From years ago when it was the Ritz Carlton until now, the local charm of the people has remained first class. I can go on and on after that…..beach location and cleanliness, the cleanliness of the inside, the amazing food and drinks, the top notch cabanas and the proximity to the airport and local culinary hotspots.

S3972OIhannahj

Group · Jul 2026

10

“Incredible experience!”

Stayed with a few of my friends for a trip and everything was incredible. The amenities, location, views, staff- everything was top notch. The staff was extremely kind, intentional, and detail oriented. I was here for my birthday and everyone really went above and beyond to make the trip special. Osman, part of the waitstaff, went above and beyond to make every meal special. He was so kind, funny, personable, incredible at his job, and most importantly a great person. Thank you to everyone who made this trip special, especially Osman! Would highly recommend for anyone considering staying here!!

staceywB8816WN

Couple · Jul 2026

10

“Wonderful trip”

This is our favorite hotel to visit. The beach is beautiful, the staff is amazing and we visit at least 3 times a year. Jorge, Claudia, Joel, Itzel, David, are just a few of the servers who make us feel extra special each time we are here. This hotel was formerly a ritz Carlton-the service is still exceptional and the property is fantastic Highly recommend!

Scores and guest reviews are supplied by Nuitée, our booking partner. English-language reviews are shown, newest first; reviews with a score but no written comment are not listed.

Location

Retorno del Rey, 36, Cancún, Mexico

Open in Google Maps

What's nearby

  • Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA)3.5 km (2.2 mi)
  • Zona Arqueológica El Rey (El Rey Ruins)5.0 km (3.1 mi)
  • Museo Maya de Cancún6.0 km (3.7 mi)
  • La Isla Shopping Village7.0 km (4.3 mi)
  • Playa Delfines8.0 km (5.0 mi)
  • Coco Bongo (nightlife/club)10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Isla Mujeres12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Ultramar Ferry Terminal (Puerto Juárez)12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Parque Las Palapas (downtown plaza)15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Cancún International Airport (CUN)18 km (11 mi)

Approximate distances. Routes by road can be longer.

Policies & Good to Know

  • Check-inFrom 3:00 PM
  • Check-outUntil 12:00 PM
  • ChildrenChildren are welcome
  • PetsNo pets
  • ParkingPaid parking

From the property

Resort fee includes the following: -Mexican welcome drink -Premium high-speed WiFi in guest rooms and public areas -Use of tennis courts and rackets (1 hr)Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. A deposit may be required at the property.

Which Room to Book at Kempinski Cancún

Kempinski's standard rooms are 41 m² Deluxe rooms with a king bed or two doubles, sold as Seaside or Seafront. Club rooms are the same size with Club lounge access, and suites run from 82 m² to the 177 m² Saasil Suite with its own infinity pool and a 229 m² Presidential Suite.

RoomSizeSleepsBeds
Deluxe Seaside (king or two doubles)41 m²3 or 41 king or 2 doubles
Deluxe Seafront (king or two doubles)41 m²3 or 41 king or 2 doubles
Club Seaside or Seafront41 m²3 or 41 king or 2 doubles
Seaside, Seafront and Panoramic Suites (also Club)82 m²3 or 41 king
The Saasil Suite177 m²Up to 6Several beds
The Presidential Suite229 m²31 king

Budget for the taxes. In our mid-January 2027 price check for three nights for two, a Deluxe Seaside room cost $1,060 non-refundable, but $391 in taxes and fees, including a resort fee, was added at checkout, about 37% on top. A refundable room with a partial sea view was $1,493 plus $474, and a full sea view $1,700 plus $514. In June 2027 the cheapest stay was $1,007 plus $381. On our February 2027 dates nothing was available.

Think twice about the breakfast rate. With breakfast, the January Seaside rate rose from $1,060 to $1,438 for three nights. Two guests found it covered only a continental breakfast, and one was charged about $100 a day extra for the full buffet. Ask exactly what's included when you book.

The Club level is the upgrade guests rave about. Guests describe a calm lounge with food served five times a day and attentive staff; one called it the best executive lounge they had used. One guest felt it fell short of the lounge at a nearby JW Marriott.

What Guests Say About Kempinski Cancún

Across 638 reviews, Kempinski Cancún scores 9.2 out of 10, and 91 of the 120 most recent gave a perfect 10. We read the 90 that included text, from late February to mid-September 2026.

Regulars say the Ritz-Carlton standard survived the rebrand. Many reviewers have stayed for 10, 13, 20 or more years, and they describe the same staff, the same attention to detail and the same quiet luxury. Guests praise housekeeping twice a day, the beach and pool service, the spa and the restaurants, from the Mediterranean restaurant Fantino to dinner on the beach.

The beach is a highlight. Guests describe soft sand, clear water and some waves on this east-facing stretch, and a tractor clearing sargassum three or four times a day, so seaweed season was rarely a problem.

The complaints are about age and cost. Several guests found rooms, bathrooms and furnishings dated, with old outlets, worn linens and slippery shower mats. Food and drink prices are high, the breakfast rate disappointed two guests, and one was charged an unexpected environmental fee at check-in. A few found the concierge or check-in short of Kempinski standards, and two stays coincided with weddings or a convention that made common areas noisier.

What You Should Know

  • Ask what your breakfast rate covers. Two guests found it was continental only, with the full buffet charged extra.
  • Expect extra charges at check-in. Taxes and fees, including a resort fee, add more than a third to the room rate, and one guest was also charged an environmental fee.
  • Book the Club level if you'll eat at the hotel a lot. Guests describe five food presentations a day in the lounge.
  • Take a taxi to sights and restaurants. One guest needed a car for points of interest, though another found restaurants within walking distance.

Getting to Kempinski Cancún

Kempinski is on Retorno del Rey, off Boulevard Kukulcán in the southern half of the Hotel Zone, on the open-Caribbean side. Guests put the drive to the airport at about 20 minutes, and a security gate controls access to the hotel. See our Cancún airport transfer guide for transfer options.

The beach is wide and groomed several times a day; summer brings sargassum, which staff clear with a tractor. See our Cancún sargassum season guide and our Hotel Zone guide for how this stretch compares.

Compare Other Cancún Hotels

Not sure Kempinski is the one? These are three other well-rated Cancún hotels that sell rooms rather than all-inclusive packages, plus Le Blanc if you would rather pay for luxury all-inclusive. Our full guide to Cancún hotels compares ten.

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Indicative nightly rate for a 3-night stay, two adults, checking in about 30 days out, before the local taxes and fees added at checkout. Room-only or breakfast rates, except Le Blanc, which sells all-inclusive stays.Room only. Local taxes and fees are added at checkout and can add roughly 20%.

Search all resorts & dates →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kempinski Hotel Cancún the old Ritz-Carlton?+

Yes. The hotel opened in 1993 as the Ritz-Carlton Cancún and now operates as Kempinski. Guests who stayed under both brands say the service and standards have been maintained, and many staff have been there for over 20 years.

Is Kempinski Cancún all-inclusive?+

No. It sells rooms room-only or with breakfast. Two guests found the breakfast rate covered only a continental breakfast, with the full buffet charged extra, so check what's included.

How much does Kempinski Hotel Cancún cost?+

When we checked on October 8, 2026, three nights for two in a Deluxe Seaside room started at $1,060 in January and March 2027 and $1,007 in June 2027, room-only and non-refundable, plus about 37% in taxes and fees including a resort fee.

Is the Club level at Kempinski Cancún worth it?+

Most guests who used it say yes: they describe a calm lounge with food served five times a day and excellent staff. One felt it fell short of a nearby competitor's lounge.

What are the check-in and check-out times?+

Check-in starts at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 12:00 PM.

Rooms & Prices