I went to Hyatt Zilara Cancun with the clear intention of answering one question for myself: is this adults only, all inclusive icon actually worth its premium price, or has the brand reputation outgrown reality on the ground. I booked a standard ocean view junior suite for a five night stay, in high season, traveling as a couple.
I arrived with fairly high expectations shaped by glossy photos and relentlessly glowing social media posts. What I found was a genuinely beautiful resort in a superb location, with some standout staff and a few excellent meals, but also a property that is starting to show its age, with inconsistent food, hit or miss service, and an atmosphere that will absolutely not suit everyone. Here is how it really felt to spend almost a week at Hyatt Zilara, and whether I would personally pay to go back.
Arrival, Check In And First Impressions
I arranged airport transfers directly through the resort in advance. The hotel currently offers private round trip transfers from Cancun International Airport, with a standard vehicle option for up to six passengers and a pricier SUV option, priced per vehicle. The service was punctual and professional, but it is noticeably more expensive than the many third party providers that line the arrivals hall. If I went again, I would almost certainly book a reputable external transfer for roughly half the price and put the savings toward a spa treatment.
Pulling up to the resort, the location genuinely impressed me. Hyatt Zilara sits along a wide, classic Cancun stretch of beach in the Hotel Zone, with that postcard turquoise water and a front row view of the sunrise. The open air lobby is grand in the old school way: high ceilings, marble floors, and a view straight out to the sea. It felt elegant but also a bit like a time capsule, with decor that leans more traditional than contemporary. If you love sleek, minimalist design, this is not that; if you like a more classic resort look, it still feels luxurious, if slightly dated at the margins.
Check in, however, was my first hint that service here can be uneven. I arrived mid afternoon with several other guests, and the front desk felt understaffed. I waited roughly 25 minutes to be seen. During that time there was no offer of a welcome drink, no proactive information about the resort layout or daily activities, and no clear priority line for World of Hyatt elites. When I finally reached the desk, the agent was warm and efficient, but the overall first contact lacked the polished choreography I expect at this price point. It felt transactional rather than genuinely welcoming.
The Room: Views, Comfort And Signs Of Wear
My ocean view junior suite delivered exactly what it promised in terms of outlook. The balcony framed that sweeping Caribbean panorama, and I never got tired of watching the color of the water change throughout the day. The layout of the room was spacious, with a large king bed, sitting area, whirlpool tub near the window, and a bathroom with a separate shower and double sinks. As a functional space for two adults on a beach break, it worked very well.
Where the room fell short was in the details that reveal age and maintenance discipline. The general style is heavy on dark wood and cream tones. It is not ugly, but it definitely feels more like mid 2010s luxury than current. The bedding was comfortable and I slept well, but some furniture had scuffs and chips, and the whirlpool tub surround had visible wear in the grout. My balcony rail and two of the balcony tiles could have used a deeper cleaning. None of this ruined my stay, but at the nightly rates Hyatt Zilara commands in high season, I noticed it.
Housekeeping was mostly consistent. The room was serviced daily and turndown was offered on most evenings, though it was missed once without explanation. Amenities and minibar were refilled, including soft drinks, beer and small snacks. I appreciated the in room Nespresso style coffee machine, and the air conditioning worked well without being too noisy. On the flip side, soundproofing is not this resort’s strength. I heard hallway conversations and the occasional neighbor’s TV more than I would like. The adults only factor means no screaming kids, but it does not mean silence.
Food: When It Shines And When It Disappoints
Food is a huge part of whether an all inclusive feels worth it, and this is where Hyatt Zilara had some real highs but also frustrating inconsistency. On paper, the resort offers a generous mix of buffets, a la carte restaurants, a coffee shop and room service, with options like Asian teppanyaki, Mexican French fusion, Caribbean seafood, and a chef’s table concept for certain room categories or at an extra fee. Dress codes range from beach attire at lunch spots to smart casual and resort formal in the more upscale venues, which the staff do enforce softly but noticeably in the evenings.
The breakfast buffet at Spice was one of the consistent strong points. I found plenty of fresh fruit, made to order eggs, chilaquiles, pastries, and lighter options. The quality of the ingredients at breakfast felt solid, and the staff here were generally attentive with coffee refills and clearing plates. It did get busy at prime times, and some items occasionally looked a little tired if I arrived late, but overall, I started most days here feeling satisfied.
Lunch was more mixed. Pelicanos, the oceanfront restaurant, has a fantastic setting and a casual dress code. When it was good, it was very good: I had a grilled fish dish one afternoon that was fresh, well seasoned, and would not have felt out of place at a standalone beach restaurant. On another day, however, a shrimp dish was overcooked and rubbery, and the service lagged to the point where our meal stretched well beyond an hour for simple orders. Portions were also inconsistent; one day a salad was generous and balanced, another day it arrived underdressed and small. It almost felt like two different kitchens.
Dinners were where my expectations and the reality diverged the most. Asiana’s teppanyaki, which requires reservations, was fun and theatrical, and the sushi and sashimi, while not comparable to a specialist restaurant in a major city, were perfectly enjoyable for an all inclusive. Maria Marie, the Mexican French restaurant, was more of a letdown. The atmosphere inside is attractive and romantic, but the food was just average. A mole dish lacked depth, and a steak ordered medium arrived almost well done. Service here also felt stretched, with long gaps between courses. I never experienced truly bad food, but I had more “this is fine” meals than memorable ones.
Bars, Drinks And The Adults Only Atmosphere
The bar scene at Hyatt Zilara is heavily marketed as a highlight, with a swim up pool bar, lobby bar, and several spots serving cocktails throughout the day. The resort includes a range of local beers and standard international brands, with higher shelf liquors sometimes available but not always obvious without asking. I found the cocktails to be a mixed bag. Some bartenders clearly took pride in their craft, happily making off menu drinks and balancing flavors well. Others turned out sugary, unbalanced cocktails that tasted more like juice with alcohol than anything nuanced.
If you truly care about cocktail quality, you will probably find yourself seeking out specific bartenders and repeating your favorites rather than exploring widely. On the other hand, if your priority is a cold drink in your hand by the pool, and you are content with straightforward margaritas, piña coladas and beers, you will be perfectly happy. I appreciated that bottled water was easy to come by at the bars, and staff were proactive about hydration in the sun.
As for the adults only atmosphere, this is one area where Hyatt Zilara clearly delivers on what it promises, but that promise may not mean what everyone expects. There are no children, which makes the pool and lounges feel calmer by default. However, that does not mean the vibe is quiet or intimate all the time. During my stay, the main pool had a definite party tilt in the afternoon, with fairly loud music, drinking games and a crowd that skewed from late 20s to 50s. It stopped short of being a spring break scene, but it was much more social and lively than serene.
If you are looking for a honeymoon level of tranquility or a spa style retreat, you will either want to spend your days on the beach away from the main pool or consider a different property. If, however, you enjoy adults having fun, meeting other couples at the swim up bar, and some light entertainment, this environment can be very enjoyable. I fell somewhere in the middle. I liked the option of dipping into the social energy, but I also found myself craving a genuinely quiet corner later in the afternoon and sometimes retreating to the beach to find it.
Beach, Pool And Daily Activities
The beach is one of Hyatt Zilara’s biggest assets. It sits on a wide stretch of soft sand with direct access to the sea. During my stay the surf was active but manageable, with lifeguards on duty. There were plenty of loungers, both on the sand and around the pool, but as usual, the very best spots with shade and prime views were “claimed” early in the morning. The resort does not officially endorse chair saving, but in practice it happens. I found that by arriving mid morning I could still get a decent spot, but not necessarily in the front row.
The main infinity pool is visually impressive, with a clear line of sight to the ocean. The swim up bar is popular and can get crowded at peak times. The water temperature was comfortable and well maintained, and I never noticed cleanliness issues at the pool itself. Poolside service ranged from excellent on some days, with frequent drink offers and snacks, to nearly absent on one particularly busy afternoon. There is technically an activities program, with things like aqua aerobics, tequila tastings, and casual competitions, but it often felt loosely organized and dependent on a few enthusiastic staff members.
One thing I did appreciate was that even when the pool area felt lively, I could retreat to a more relaxed section of the beach within a few minutes. That said, if you are a pool person who prefers a quiet soundtrack and minimal interruptions, this resort may occasionally test your patience. The balance clearly leans toward “fun in the sun” rather than meditative lounging.
Spa, Gym And Wellness
The spa at Hyatt Zilara is not included in the all inclusive rate, and pricing is firmly in the international resort bracket. I booked a 50 minute massage and access to the hydrotherapy circuit. The wellness area includes a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and relaxation pool. The facilities were clean and in good condition, and the staff were professional. My therapist was skilled, and the treatment itself was genuinely relaxing. However, once I factored in the cost and mandatory service charge, I could not quite shake the feeling that I was paying a significant premium for the setting.
If you prioritize spa experiences and are already mentally prepared for high resort pricing, you may find it worth it, especially if you can take advantage of any on site promotions. If you are more budget sensitive, I think the spa is a “nice to have” rather than a must do. I did not feel I would have missed a defining aspect of the resort if I had skipped it.
The gym, by contrast, is included and was more impressive than I expected. It is spacious, air conditioned, and stocked with a solid mix of cardio machines, free weights, and functional training equipment. I never had trouble finding equipment, even at popular times, and everything I used was in good working order. For an all inclusive resort where many guests are on vacation mode, this felt like a legitimately good fitness center where I could do a proper workout, not just a token room with two treadmills and a dusty bike.
Service, Tipping Culture And Overall Value
Service at Hyatt Zilara was the most inconsistent part of my stay. At their best, staff were warm, efficient and genuinely hospitable. Certain servers remembered my coffee preferences by the second morning, and one bartender went out of his way to track down a specific tequila he thought I would like based on our conversation. Those moments felt special and made me appreciate the people who work hard to elevate the experience.
At other times, however, the resort felt understaffed or poorly coordinated. I encountered long waits for dinner at popular restaurants even with the all inclusive system and a partial reservation model. On one evening, my room service order arrived lukewarm and partially incorrect, and when I called to fix it, the response was apologetic but slow. I also noticed that certain areas, like the lobby bar at peak pre dinner times, had too few servers for the number of guests, leading to people hovering around the bar to order directly.
Tipping is officially optional, but in practice, it is clearly expected and very much appreciated, especially by staff who are trying to deliver a higher level of service within the constraints they have. I tipped regularly for bar service, restaurant meals and housekeeping, and I do think it helped with attentiveness. That said, when the base staffing level is borderline, individual tips only go so far in solving systemic slowdowns. For the rates Hyatt charges here, more consistent staffing levels across outlets would go a long way.
When I added up the total cost of my five night stay, including airport transfers, spa visit, tips and a couple of paid add ons, I could not ignore the fact that I was hovering in the same financial territory as some high end European city hotels or even certain boutique resorts elsewhere in Mexico. The all inclusive convenience is real: I never had to sign a bill for meals or basic drinks, and that mental freedom is part of the appeal. But value is not just about volume. With the food and service inconsistency, I found myself questioning whether the premium price was always reflected in the day to day experience.
The Takeaway
So, is Hyatt Zilara Cancun worth it. My honest answer is: it can be, but only for the right traveler, with the right expectations, at the right price. The resort delivers strongly on location, beach quality, adult only environment and an above average gym. The rooms, while showing some age, are comfortable and spacious, and the ocean views are every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest. I had some excellent individual interactions with staff, and a few meals that I would happily repeat.
At the same time, this is not a flawless luxury experience in 2026. Some of the hardware is ready for a refresh, food and drink quality varies noticeably from venue to venue and even day to day, and service, while often kind, is not consistently polished or proactive. The lively adults only atmosphere can be a positive or a drawback depending on what you are seeking. If you are dreaming of a quiet, ultra refined sanctuary, you are likely to be disappointed. If you are looking for a social, comfortable beach escape where you can eat and drink freely without ever reaching for your wallet, you will probably have a good time.
Would I personally return. I would, but under certain conditions. I would avoid the most expensive peak dates in favor of shoulder season rates. I would go in with a realistic expectation of “very good all inclusive with some rough edges” rather than “seamless five star luxury.” I would be more selective with where I chose to eat on property, returning to the venues and dishes that worked well for me on this trip, and I would plan to spend more time on the beach than at the main pool if I wanted quieter days.
If you are a couple or group of friends who value an adults only environment, a great beach, solid drinks and the convenience of all inclusive more than you value cutting edge design or Michelin level dining, Hyatt Zilara Cancun is likely to feel worth it, especially if you catch a favorable rate or redeem points. If, however, food quality and impeccable service are your top priorities, or if you are highly sensitive to visible wear and tear, you may want to look at alternative options or adjust your expectations before you book. For me, Hyatt Zilara landed in that middle space: not a life changing resort, not a disaster, but a mostly enjoyable, sometimes frustrating, ultimately memorable stay that I would approach a little more strategically next time.
FAQ
Q1. Is Hyatt Zilara Cancun truly adults only, and what is the typical age range of guests
Yes, Hyatt Zilara Cancun is strictly adults only, with a minimum age of 18. During my stay, the crowd skewed mainly from late 20s to 50s, with a mix of couples, small groups of friends and some honeymooners. The overall vibe was social and lively by the pool, calmer on the beach and in the evenings.
Q2. Do I need to make restaurant reservations, and how hard are they to get
Certain venues, especially the teppanyaki tables at the Asian restaurant and the chef’s plate experience, do require reservations and can book up quickly. I found it easiest to make arrangements as soon as I checked in or even by contacting the resort in advance. For the other restaurants, there is a mix of walk in and waitlist systems; at peak times I did experience waits of 30 to 45 minutes.
Q3. How good is the food overall compared to other all inclusive resorts
In my experience, the food ranged from solid to very good, but it was inconsistent. Breakfast was reliably strong, and I had a few standout lunches and dinners. However, I also had several just average meals and a couple of dishes that missed the mark on seasoning or doneness. I would rate it above budget all inclusives but not at the level of a true culinary destination resort.
Q4. What is included in the all inclusive rate, and what costs extra
The rate covered all standard meals, snacks, most drinks including local and some international brands, room service, non motorized water activities, the gym, and daily entertainment. What cost extra for me were airport transfers booked through the hotel, spa treatments, certain premium wines and spirits, private beach dinners, and any offsite excursions. Tips are technically optional but widely expected.
Q5. How does the beach at Hyatt Zilara compare to other parts of Cancun
I found the beach here to be one of the property’s strongest aspects. It is wide, with soft sand and that classic turquoise water. The waves can be active, depending on the day, but there were lifeguards present. Seaweed was minimal during my stay, although that can vary seasonally. Compared to some narrower or more crowded stretches of the Hotel Zone, this felt spacious and scenic.
Q6. Is the resort noisy at night, and will I be able to sleep well
Inside my room, I slept reasonably well, but soundproofing is not perfect. I occasionally heard hallway traffic and muffled music from evening entertainment, though it generally quieted down by a reasonable hour. If you are a very light sleeper, I would request a room away from the main pool and evening show areas, and bring earplugs just in case.
Q7. How is the Wi Fi, and is it suitable for remote work
Wi Fi is included and covered the main areas and my room. For casual use, streaming, and checking email, it was adequate. I did a couple of video calls from my room and the connection held, though with occasional minor dips. If you absolutely must work remotely with heavy data use, I would not rely on it as my sole connection without a backup mobile data plan, but for light work it was acceptable.
Q8. What should I pack in terms of dress code for the restaurants
For daytime, beachwear with a cover up and sandals is fine for most casual venues and the buffet. At night, you will want at least one or two smart casual outfits. For men, that means dress shorts or trousers, collared shirts and closed toe shoes for the more formal restaurants. For women, dresses or nice tops with skirts or pants and dress sandals work well. The staff do gently enforce these guidelines at dinner.
Q9. Is Hyatt Zilara Cancun suitable for solo travelers
Yes, but with caveats. The resort is heavily geared toward couples and romantic getaways, so as a solo traveler you may feel a bit out of place if you are sensitive to that dynamic. That said, the social pool scene and bar areas make it relatively easy to strike up conversations, and the adults only setting can feel safe and comfortable for solo relaxation. If you are comfortable in your own company and enjoy people watching, it can work.
Q10. Under what circumstances would I personally say Hyatt Zilara is worth the money
For me, Hyatt Zilara is worth it if you can find a reasonable rate outside the absolute peak dates, if you value an adults only environment and a great beach, and if you go in understanding that the experience is very good but not flawless luxury. It is not the place I would choose for a once in a lifetime splurge where everything has to be perfect, but it is a solid choice for a convenient, mostly carefree beach escape where you can relax, socialize and not worry about signing checks all day.