Vacations don’t come cheap these days. Especially popular tourist hubs in Mexico.
In recent years, family hot spots around our southern neighbor have been transformed into chi-chi luxury resorts, making it increasingly difficult to enjoy Mexico on a budget.
Thankfully, with a little savvy, you can still carve out an incredible vacation in, say, Cozumel or Cabo, without breaking the bank.
Ahead are family-friendly escapes with starting rates hovering from just around $100 to $300 a night.
Sunny outlook
Price: From $190 per night
Resort:Sunscape Sabor Cozumel Resort & Spa
Part of World of Hyatt, this all-inclusive in Cozumel prides itself on its “Unlimited-Fun” offerings, including endless entertainment and all you can eat and drink.
Just BYO-“merry” and you’re good to go on this island in the Caribbean Sea, opposite Playa del Carmen.
Activities run the gamut from on-site scuba diving lessons and kayaking, or beach volleyball to live musical performances, or the spa (perhaps a couples’ massage while kiddos are at the Explorer’s
Club For Kids or the Core Zone Teens Club?).
House party
Resort:Hacienda Del Mar Los Cabos Resort
Price: From $300 per night
How does perching yourself on 11 acres in Los Cabos along the Sea of Cortez at a 19th-century Haci-
enda-inspired resort sound to you? Throw in five restaurants, bars and swimming pools apiece and
you should be nodding yes to paraíso. All 542 rooms and suites feature private terraces, and there’s a fitness center, a children’s club and a spa to keep all the young and young-at-heart little bears happy.
To get off the property for a bit, link up with their partner Cabo Adventures to swim with the dolphins, zip-line and more. FYI: The best hotel rates at Hacienda Del Mar run from July to September.
Sharing is caring
Resort:Selina Tulum
Price: From $103 per night
Experience bougie Tulum on a budget at this oceanfront retreat. To keep costs low, there are several types of affordable digs on offer including the Micro, which sleeps two and shares a bathroom with up to four other rooms in the category or a Community Room, which sleeps up to eight in twin size beds or bunk beds (there’s a female-only option) and includes access to a shared bathroom.
But, you likely won’t be spending much time in whatever room you choose with a beach club, a swimming pool, yoga classes and a restaurant and bar on-site. If pedaling your way through town is your thing, $10 gets you a daily bicycle rental. P.S. The property is currently running a 20% off deal for 2 nights with code: GREEN!
Suite life
Resort:Villa del Palmar Flamingos
Price: From $105 per night
A great destination for kids and adults alike, this all-inclusive resort in Riviera Nayarit features all-suite accommodations with kitchens/kitchenettes and a dizzying array of programming. These include fitness classes and cooking classes — but also more unexpected offerings like Spanish lessons, survival lessons for youngsters, kids’ shoreline fishing and adult dance lessons.
Drop little ones off at the Kids’ Club when you’re ready to hit the relax button at Tatewari Spa or laze over a few beverages and a tasty meal with your better half at one of the dozen-plus eateries and beach bars.
There’s hardly a reason to leave the resort, but if you want to for a day trip or two, the hotel concierge can arrange something like whale watching or a sailing jaunt. Worth noting: Both this property and Villa del Arco, Cabo San Lucas regularly offer deals like kids staying free, the Spring Fever Sale and the Ultimate Flight + Hotel Package.
Here to stay
Resort:Candlewood Suites Guadalajara Galerías
Price: From $92 per night
If you’re antsing for a work-cation or extended sabbatical in Mexico this summer, set your sights on this steal. It’s part of the Plaza Grüncom Clouthier in Zapopan.
All the 118 suites include a kitchen with appliances and utensils and there’s also a pool, gym, laundry and a terrace for guests to savor as they please.
During your stay, soak up nature at nearby spots like Parque Mirador Independencia, Bosque Colomos, and Lake Chapala, or catch cultural attractions like the Guadalajara Cathedral, Museo Regional de Guadalajara and Guachimontones Pyramids and Ruins of Teuchitlan (most of which are free entry). Dancing is at Plaza de Armas, which has free performances most evenings at 6:30 p.m. Located in nearby Guadalajara, the hometown of mariachi, it’s certainly a sight to behold.
