Where should I stay? Hotel Xcaret México vs. Hotel Xcaret Arte 

A quick guide to choose which Xcaret hotel fits best with your traveler profile.

If you're already planning your next getaway to the Riviera Maya but still find yourself torn between which of the Xcaret Hotels to book, keep reading. I'll walk you through all the details and differences between Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte so you can make an informed decision about which hotel best aligns with your dream vacation.  

Index 

1. Location 
2. The concept of Xcaret Hotels  
3. What is the All-Fun Inclusive concept? 
4. Which Casa to stay in? 
5. How many pools are in each hotel? 
6. The culinary experience at Xcaret Hotels 
7. Restaurants at Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte 
8. Entertainment at Hotel Xcaret México y Hotel Xcaret Arte   
9. Muluk Spa 
10. Tips for visiting
11. Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte 

Location 

Let's kick things off by getting a handle on where exactly the Xcaret hotels are situated. Both Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte share the same prime spot, nestled side by side and boasting a beachfront location in the heart of the Riviera Maya. You'll find them right along the Chetumal - Puerto Juárez highway at Kilometer 282, only 15-minutes away from Playa del Carmen and a convenient 50-minute drive from Cancún International Airport.    

The Concept of Xcaret Hotels 

Xcaret Hotels have been meticulously crafted to meet and exceed the expectations of various types of travelers, offering top-notch service and incorporating the All-Fun Inclusive concept. This approach sets them apart from all other accommodation options in the Riviera Maya and Mexico. Their eco-integrative architecture stands out for its commitment to respecting the natural surroundings and seamlessly blending them with aesthetics, creating an ambiance that fosters a deep connection with nature. Their mission is to spread their profound love for Mexico while making the planet a happier place.  Now, let's delve a bit deeper into the distinctions between Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte by exploring the unique concept of each.   

Hotel Xcaret México: Family-Friendly

Hotel Xcaret México embodies the very essence of Mexico, encompassing its rich culture, gastronomy, craftsmanship, music, traditions, and beyond. Tailored primarily for families seeking unforgettable memories in a serene yet tradition-infused atmosphere, it offers many entertainment options for both young and old, day and night.          

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Exclusively for Adults

Hotel Xcaret Arte pays homage to Mexican art in all its forms, with suites inspired by Mexican artists, hallways adorned with crafts, sculptures, murals, and even performances of contemporary music and dance. Geared towards adults or those over the age of 16 who are seeking a different approach to vacationing, it offers a leisurely escape open to discovering new forms of appreciation. With entertainment options and workshops tailored for both the creatively inclined and those seeking to explore various art forms, this hotel invites you to immerse yourself in the art of living.   

What is the All-Fun Inclusive concept?

Both hotels incorporate this concept, which goes beyond traditional all-inclusive offerings. It's a unique concept and a significant differentiator among the myriad of hotels you'll find in the Riviera Maya, boasting numerous attractive benefits included in the room rate at no extra cost.  

Here's a rundown of everything included: 

• Airport-hotel-airport (CUN) transportation. 
• Access to all Xcaret parks: Xel-Há, Xcaret, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xenses Insmomnia, Xoximilco, Xavage, and Xenotes. 
• Transportation is included to all parks. 
• Excursions included in Xcaret Xailing: Ferry to Isla Mujeres, Ferry to Cozumel, Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, Catamaran Xunset Party, and Catamaran Xunset Lovers. 
• Tours to Xichen, Coba, and Tulum. 
• Premium culinary experiences curated by the Xcaret Hotels Gastronomic Collective, featuring celebrity chefs and catering to all dietary preferences. 
• Day and night bars serving national and international cocktails. 
• Comfortable suites with 24-hour room service. 
• Nightly courtesy. 
• Artistic exhibitions, happenings, and workshops. 
• Concierge services. 
• Kayak and paddleboard rentals. 
• Yoga and meditation classes.  
• Gym and functional training circuit. 
• Bicycle rental. 
• Tennis and paddle courts.  

It's up to you to set the pace of your vacation, as you can see, there are plenty of entertainment options and adventure activities available at both hotels.  Now, let's delve into the details of each hotel to gain a clearer understanding of which one might better suit the vacation you have in mind.

Which Casa to Stay In?

To familiarize ourselves a bit more, let's talk about the Casas, which are the buildings within the hotels. Each Casa is named according to its theme, amenities, suite categories, and the surrounding spaces such as views of the rivers or the sea.  To avoid overwhelming you with too much information, here's a table where you can compare the Casas in each hotel and start deciding which type of casa interests you most based on its location or suite category.

Inside the Suites

The suites in both hotels boast views of nature, whether it be the river, jungle, or sea. No matter which category you choose, you'll be greeted each morning by inspiring vistas from your balcony. Inside each suite, you'll find contemporary Mexican decor, with embroidered accents adorning the walls, onyx lamps, and intricately carved furniture.  

Each unit is equipped with a Jacuzzi, a full bathroom, a king-size bed or two queen beds, a sofa bed, a dining area for two, premium organic amenities, a minibar, snacks, a coffee maker, a hammock on the terrace, and many more amenities to ensure your stay is nothing short of perfect. You won't have to worry about a thing, just sit back, relax, and enjoy.

How many pools are in each hotel? 

If you're someone who prefers swimming in freshwater, enjoying the view, and relaxing by the pool with a cocktail, here's a comparison of the pools available at each hotel. This will help you visualize and make the right decision for your upcoming vacation, according to your interests and preferences.

Both hotels offer several pool options, which greatly helps in avoiding overcrowded pools as guests are distributed across different areas. This ensures that everyone can enjoy these spaces with greater comfort.

In addition to the pools, both hotels feature integrated saltwater river circuits that wind through architecture and nature, offering a fun swimming experience if you wear a life jacket. You can also enjoy family or friends' swims in their playones, which are artificial beaches seamlessly integrated with nature. Here, you can also partake in activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking.   

The culinary experience at Xcaret Hotels

Undoubtedly, this is one of the aspects that interests you the most. When deciding where to book, we always seek the best culinary offerings and diverse restaurants. Well, I can tell you right away that regardless of your choice, the cuisine at Xcaret stands out for its high-quality ingredients, innovation, and internationally renowned chefs, always ensuring a top-notch culinary experience. 

Gastronomic Group 

The gastronomic group of Hotels Xcaret consists of the chefs responsible for shaping the concepts and menus of each restaurant. They are the masterminds behind every breakfast, lunch, and dinner experience, and with their creativity and talent, they have managed to set a significant difference from other all-inclusive hotels.    Below, I'll briefly introduce you to the names of the great chefs who make up this gastronomic group and the restaurants under their charge:

Restaurants at Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte

With a total of 10 restaurants at Hotel Xcaret México and 9 restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Arte, the culinary offerings are extensive at both hotels. You can find restaurants serving Mexican cuisine, international dishes, and even vegan options. 

To provide further clarification on all the restaurants, here are the options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at each hotel, respectively. 

Fine Dining Restaurants with Additional Cost

In addition to the wide array of specialty restaurants, you can opt for the experience of a high-end dinner. 

At Hotel Xcaret México, you'll find the signature restaurant, Há, by Chef Carlos Gaytán, the first Mexican chef to receive a Michelin star. Here, you can indulge in a nine-course tasting menu focused on contemporary Mexican cuisine. Access is exclusively for adults, and prior reservation is required. 

At Hotel Xcaret Arte, the restaurant Xaak showcases the talents of chefs Roberto Solís, Paco Méndez, Jonatan Gómez Luna, and Alejandro Ruiz. They present a seven-course tasting menu inspired by regional cuisine with a contemporary reinterpretation. It's undoubtedly an experience worth enjoying with your partner or group of friends. 

There's even more food! 

If you're still not entirely convinced and you're into trying a bit of everything in a more casual setting, then you'll be pleased to know that both hotels offer pop-up food stalls during the day, which you'll come across in various areas of the hotel. Just like at a fair, you'll find stalls by the main pool offering treats such as marquesitas, esquites, ice cream, hot dogs, fruit, crepes, tacos, and even cochinita pibil sandwiches.   So, as you can see, both hotels offer options for every type of palate and craving. 

Entertainment at Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte.

Of course, fun is essential during your vacation, whether with the whole family, as a couple, or with a group of friends. At Hotels Xcaret, you'll find various activities both during the day and at night.  

Below, I'll outline the different activities available at each hotel, as well as the shows that complement the entire All-Fun Inclusive concept.

As you can see, the activities and entertainment at Xcaret Hotels are quite different from other all-inclusive resorts, as they aim to highlight the culture and showcase their love for Mexico through the adaptation and representation of traditions from different states of the country.  Moreover, at Hotel Xcaret Arte, throughout the year, you can find temporary exhibitions featuring Mexican artists who have left a legacy with their works. You can appreciate these exhibitions during your visit in the art garden or in various areas around the hotel.   

Muluk Spa

Muluk Spa is the flagship spa brand of Xcaret Hotels, and you'll find it in both hotels, although each offers its own treatments inspired by ancestral traditions. "Muluk" means cosmic seed and is related to the renewal of lunar cycles, represented by a raindrop in the Maya calendar. 

What makes Muluk Spa unique, in addition to its treatments, are its facilities immersed in nature. At Hotel Xcaret Arte, you can enjoy hydrotherapy with views of the jungle and then have your massage in cabins nestled in stone caves. Similarly, at Hotel Xcaret México, the backdrop is the Caribbean Sea, and its views of the coves offer complete relaxation. 

Muluk Spa is exclusively for guests and comes at an extra cost. Prices may vary depending on the type of massage or treatment. To tantalize you a bit, here are some of their flagship treatments, which are more than just original, they're a soulful embrace.

Absolutely, an experience at Muluk Spa is the perfect complement to enjoying either of the two hotels. It's the perfect gift for a dream vacation.

Tips for visiting Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte 

• Remember that check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM. Early check-in and late check-out are permitted. 
• An advantage of Hotel Xcaret Arte is its Hospitality Room. If you arrive early or depart later, you can store your belongings here and enjoy the hotel without having to carry your belongings around. They also provide changing rooms and showers. 
• At Hotel Xcaret México, the bell staff can also store your luggage if you arrive early or depart later. 
• The dress code for restaurants, both during the day and at night, is casual, and entry with swimwear and sleeveless shirts is not allowed. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. 
• Identify all the Instagrammable spots around the hotels, explore all their corridors, and discover nature-filled corners where you'll surely get a good photo. 
• The HÁ and XAAK restaurants incur an additional cost. You can reserve your dinner with the concierge. 
• Plan the activities you want to do well in advance. We recommend scheduling your visits to parks and tours with the concierge one day before. 
• The weather in the Riviera Maya is very changeable. Consider the hurricane season, which runs from June to November, although it can rain any day of the year at any time due to the tropical climate. 
• Book your vacation in advance to get the best rate. 
• Use biodegradable sunscreen. If you forget, you can purchase one at any of the boutiques. 
• Pack your suitcase carefully and leave space for the souvenirs you'll be taking home. We're sure you'll want to bring back many items from the boutique. 
• The hotels have Wi-Fi with open signal in all areas, so you don't need to worry about using your Roaming service.

Which hotel should I book? 

The decision of where to stay is entirely up to you! After providing you with information about the different concepts, suites, restaurants, pools, and entertainment options at both hotels, I hope I have given you the necessary insights to compare and choose the one that best fits your travel style and allows you to make the most of your vacation. 

Don't be afraid to try new things or change environments. Both a family-friendly space and an adults-only setting offer unique experiences. A family environment will provide you with fun and tranquility, while an adults-only setting will give you the opportunity to meet new people and make friends. 

Feel free to share this quick guide with those you think could benefit from knowing these differences.   We look forward to welcoming you soon to Xcaret Hotels and wish you an unforgettable vacation!