These recommendations are a bit outdated, although still useful, and serving as placeholders until the next research trip down there. Feel free to use the Hotels.com and HostelWorld.com links to search for a place to stay.
The name Cancún comes from the Maya word Kan-Kun, which means snake pit. For some folks this is an appropriate name for the place that is known in gringolandia as party central. Most of the inexpensive flights into and out of the Yucatan Peninsula fly to and from CUN, so a lot of people, if they aren’t staying here for their whole vacation, stay here for a night as they enter or leave the area.
There are two parts to Cancún. The Zona Hotelera which is the area of large resorts on the peninsula between the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon. And Downtown, which is less expensive, close to the bus terminal for an easy get away, and full of hostels. If you are on a budget and wanting to travel the day or two after arrival to somewhere else in the Riviera Maya or on the Peninsula, you’ll probably want to stay Downtown.
Hotels.com
Hostelworld.com
The Nest: Esq. Margaritas X Alcatraces, Supermanzana 22; T: +52-998-884-8967; Rates: $7.50 – $12.50 US
This Hostel is located right in the middle of Downtown, it’s a great place to orient yourself to the Peninsula after getting off of the plane, or to stay the night before you leave. Very friendly and helpful people at the desk 24 hours a day. Lockers and full kitchen available. Not far from the Bus Terminal, only one block from Tulum Avenue and Palapas Park.
Note: The Nest has changed owners since my stay there.
Mayan Hostel: Calle Margaritas No. 17 T: 998-892-01-03 Rates: $10 a night US
Closer to the Terminal than The Nest, this thatched roof hostel has ten beds and a kitchen upstairs, as well as a rooftop patio.The Cancún location was not very secure, so this might not be a place to stay if you are carrying any tech with you. The owners were nice and gave me a thorough tour.
