Cancun, Mexico

Heading to Cancun this year? Plan your trip with my tips on the best places to stay in Cancun, including neighborhoods suited to your budget and vacation goals!

Mexico’s beautiful Yucatan Peninsula home to beautiful sandy beaches and Mayan Ruins. One of the most popular places to base yourself is the city of Cancun, known as a gateway to to the Riviera Maya.

Formerly known as Nizuc or ‘point of grass’ to its Mayan inhabitants, the city now called Cancun means ‘enchanted snake’ or ‘nest of snakes’. 

But its far from a nest of snakes. Being the entry point to Mexico – Cancun is a vibrant city that is home to crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, and a thriving night scene.

The perfect base to explore the Mayan Riviera, Cancun is also well connected to Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Chichen Itza, Playa del Carmen and more. 

Your stay in Cancún will introduce you to Mexican delicacies, nightlife, and street food. It’ll also be the perfect chance to go scuba diving, snorkeling, explore nearby Mayan ruins, go shopping, and join some cultural experiences.

If you’re looking for the best hotels in Cancun to enjoy your stay, read this free guide to the best areas in Cancun and find the perfect accommodation for your budget!

Mexico Travel Restrictions 2022

Mexico is open to most travelers again, including American tourists. However you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.

Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines.

You can find the latest updates on traveling to Mexico here.

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Best Places To Stay In Cancun Guide

Top Neighborhoods In Cancun

Zona Hotelera

Zona Hotelera is Cancun’s main tourist district where you’ll find the higher-end resorts that cater to tourists. Stay here and you’ll find restaurants, shopping malls, and a happening night-life scene. Extending all the way from Puerto Cancun to Punta Nizuc. It’s also where some of the best beaches in Cancun are located.  

El Centro (Downtown) Cancun

The place to be if you want to feel the heartbeat of the city. Watching busy locals go about their days, eating street food at stalls, or visiting affordable night clubs and restaurants. El Centro offers more affordable budget accommodation options than other parts of Cancun.

Costa Mujeres

At the far North end of the Zona Hotelera sits Playa Mujeres (Costa Mujeres) – a newer developed luxury resort area of Cancun. A bit closer to El Centro and Puerto Juarez, this area is not as crowded as Zona Hotelera. If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet on a holiday with the family, Playa Mujeres is a top choice. 

Puerto Juarez

Situated about 2 km from the center of Cancun, Puerto Juarez is another good place to stay in Cancun if you’re on a budget. It’s quieter than the city center, but not as touristy as Zona Hotelera. It’s also the perfect place to stay if you plan to visit Isla Mujeres, since the Ultramar Ferry to the island leaves from here twice and hour.

Zona Hotelera – Where To Stay For First Time Visitors

Luxury Hotels In The Hotel Zone ($200+ USD)

• Ritz Carlton Cancun – The luxury AAA Five Diamond Award winner, the Ritz Carlton is within walking distance of popular beaches Playa Marlin and Playa Ballenas. Guests will enjoy the 2 swimming pools, Kayanta Spa, 7 onsite restaurants, kids club and a teens club. Elegantly decorated rooms with the best amenities, Ipod docking stations, Egyptian cotton sheets, private beach cabanas, what more can you ask for?
• Nizuc Resort & Spa – Situated on Boulevard Kukulcan in Zona Hotelera’s Punta Nizuc, the Nizuc Resort is one of the best places to stay in Cancun. Guests at this 29-acre beachfront resort can soak in the most luxurious environment catering to all their needs. Enjoy access to 6 international restaurants, 2 swimming pools, a top-grade fitness center, spa and wellness treatments, thermal experiences, free parking, free WiFi, and the best amenities.

Mid-Range Hotels In The Hotel Zone ($150 – $190 USD)

• Renaissance Cancun Resort – Located in the Puerto Cancun section of Zona Hotelera, the Renaissance Cancun is within walking distance of the Marina Town Center, restaurants and a shopping center. There’s a free shuttle to the beach, a sauna, infinity pool, beach club, and spacious rooms and suites with every amenity you need. 
• Marriott Cancun Resort – Set on the beachfront of the Caribbean sea, the large spacious rooms at the Marriott are perfect for a luxurious stay at not-so-luxurious prices. Guests have access to 8 international restaurants including Japanese and Thai, free WiFi, fitness center, and the top amenities. Day care programs to take care of kids too.

Budget Hotels In The Hotel Zone ($50 – $100 USD)

• Mayan Monkey Hotel & Hostel – Previously known as Senor Frog, and right in the heart of Zona Hotelera, the Mayan Monkey Hostel is within walking distance of beaches, restaurants and bars. You can either choose from dorm rooms, double rooms, or a suite. Free WiFi, free private parking, barbecue facilities, a lounge, bar, and pool make this hostel perfect! 

El Centro Neighborhood – Cancun On A Budget

Mid-Range Hotels In El Centro ($150 – $190 USD)

• Selina Cancun Downtown – Within walking distance of the Cancun Bus Station and Cristo Rey Church, this Selina Hotel offers a swimming pool, free WiFi and free onsite parking. Pets are allowed at a charge, and guests have access to a shared kitchen, breakfast at the onsite restaurant, as well as access to a co-working space. Whether you choose the dorms, apartments or rooms, you’ll enjoy your stay at this colorful hotel. 

Budget Hotels In El Centro ($50 – $100 USD)

• Casa Blanca Boutique – You’ll love the bright and colorful rooms and furnishings at this El Centro bed & breakfast which allows pets on request. Guests have access to the onsite pool, continental breakfasts, rooms with balconies, and friendly advice from an accessible host. And in keeping with its organic mantra even the coffee here is organic!
• Nomads Hotel – Featuring a rooftop pool and huge bar, this hostel is set 3-minutes from the main bus stop in Downtown Cancun. Apart from free WiFi and parking, this adults-only hostel offers access to a shared kitchen, loungers, and is within walking distance of good nightlife.

Puerto Juarez – Cancun’s Newest Area

Luxury Hotels In Puerto Juarez ($200+ USD)

• Dreams Vista Cancun –
• Planet Hollywood Resort Cancun –

Budget Hotels In Puerto Juarez ($50 – $100 USD)

• Hotel Del Sol – Offering free continental breakfasts at their onsite restaurant, Hotel Del Sol is just 450 meters from Playa Blanca and a world of water activities. The affordable compact bedrooms include free WiFi and air conditioning, and has the best amenities for a budget hotel.

Costa Mujeres Area – Luxury Beach & Golf Area

Luxury Hotels In Costa Mujeres ($200+ USD)

• Secrets Playa Mujeres – An adults-only all-inclusive resort offering Junior Suites and ocean-front Master Suites. They have a private beach, luxuriously decorated rooms, 7 international restaurants, an elegant spa, top-notch fitness center, and everything you need for a fantastic holiday. It’s pet-friendly too! 

FAQ: Top Cancun Questions

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Spring cleaning is just around the corner, and you’ll need an innovative vacuum by your side stay on top of your deep-cleaning regime. With features like washable dust bins to keep your vacuum in great condition, and even Spinning Sweepers that can put your mop into early retirement, Samsung’s Jet Vacuum range has everything you’ll need.

Samsung is known for its modern yet reliable appliances, and its Jet Vacuum range is no exception. Ranging from £299 to £599 in price, the Samsung Jet range has something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for an allergy-busting vacuum that can tackle even the tiniest dust and dirt particles, or something with enough power to pick up deep-rooted pet hair from your carpets, here are three reasons you should consider the Samsung Jet range when making your next purchase.

1. Even your dustbin will be squeaky clean

Bagless vacuums come with some major advantages. For one, you won’t have to repeatedly buy vacuum bags* to keep your cleaner running. They’re also easy to empty and will have less of an environmental impact in the long-run. The major drawback? The dustbin can get pretty ugly when it’s used each and every day.

*except for Clean Station which requires a bag

With most vacuums, you’ll have to learn to accept a grimy dustbin, but the Samsung Jet Vacuum range offers washable dustbins or the multi-cyclone system that can also be cleaned, to keep your vacuum cleaner worthy of a place on display. Or even better, Samsung offers a Clean Station that seamlessly empties the dustbin after cleaning, to capture up to 99.999% of fine dust*, so you don’t need to deal with this for up to 3 months. With everything that is on offer, you can be confident that your Samsung Jet will continue to look as good as the day you bought it.

* Based on internal testing, using Max mode, in accordance with the IEC62885 2 Cl. 5.11 standard. Results may vary depending on the actual home conditions

2. Display your vacuum with its own charging station

Many vacuums need to be wall-mounted if you want to display them while they charge, but the Samsung Jet range can be combined with a 7-degree slanted Z station.

Display your vacuum and all its accessories anywhere you want, without the need to do any drilling. It’s more renter-friendly, and offers you the freedom of storing your vacuum wherever you’d like. It will also mean that your vacuum is ready to be used and fully-charged whenever you need to use it. You can even pick up an additional battery and leave it to charge while you’re cleaning, so you can extend the battery life of your vacuum for those heavy-duty cleaning days.

3. Even micro-dust will be banished

Without the right filtration, smaller dust particles can escape your dustbin and enter the air as you’re cleaning. This can include allergens such as pollen, and even mould. These particles are so small that they’re invisible to the human eye, but even though they’re not an eyesore, having them in the air can be pretty unhygienic.

The Samsung Jet line’s multi-layered filtration system has an ultra-fine dust filter that will capture 99.999% of micro dust particles*, keeping your air as clean as your floors.

* Tested based on the IEC62885-2, Cl. 5.11 standard. Based on SLG (Schubert Leiter Geratesicherheit) tests.

The post Samsung’s Jet™ Vacuum range is lightweight, but seriously powerful appeared first on Ideal Home.

Underfloor heating works well with a variety of floor coverings and that includes carpet. It’s safe to say that while a plush, piled surface might not transfer the warmth from your system as effectively as a smooth, tiled or wooden surface would. It doesn’t mean you need to rule underfloor heating with carpet out as an option.

Can you have underfloor heating with carpet?

Carpet works with both water and electric underfloor heating (UFH). It’s useful to consider how underfloor heating distributes heat when compared to a more conventional system, like radiators.

‘The latter causes air circulation throughout the room, moving dust and impurities around. Carpets often absorb dust,’ says Sarah Wazir, a marketing executive at Warmup. ‘UFH heats up objects rather than the air and doesn’t create that same circulating effect. The radiant warmth delivered by UFH, therefore, is a good match for carpeted surfaces.’

Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore

Things to consider when choosing underfloor heating with carpet?

If the luxury of a warm-to-the-touch, carpeted floor tempts, there are a few fundamental factors to bear in mind. Here, we explain what you need to know.

1. Carpet backing

Lightweight materials like jute and hessian allow warmth from the UFH system to transfer through the surface of the carpet without any issues. ‘Rubber backings on carpets are likely to absorb the heat and create problems with heat transfer,’ says Jon Flannigan, product manager at Kersaint Cobb. A felt backing may also impede the performance of your setup.

2. TOG rating

When pairing carpet with underfloor heating, the TOG value is one of the most important factors to consider. ‘TOG rating stands for Thermal Overall Grade and measures the thermal insulation of a product,’ says Scott Hosie, head of product & innovation at Crucial Trading. ‘A rule of thumb for flooring is no higher than 2.5 for a combined carpet and underlay to work efficiently with UFH. A carpet TOG rating of 1.5 would be good to aim towards.’

3. Water systems

A hydronic UFH system comprises a network of pipes laid beneath the surface of your floor. When turned on, warm water (around 30°C -35°C) is pumped through these conduits to warm the floor above. This type of system is perfectly compatible with carpet, though it’s always wise to follow your manufacturer’s installation guidelines and pay close attention to the TOG value to ensure maximum efficiency.

4. Electric systems

Powered by your domestic electricity supply, electric underfloor heating comes in two main forms. The first comprises loose wires laid beneath the surface of your floor, the second is formed of cables that have been embedded into a mat. When either of these systems is switched on, the cables are heated by electricity.

‘For installation beneath a carpet, the Warmup Foil Heater is a good fit,’ says Sarah Wazir. ‘This setup is designed specifically for floating floors, laid across large, regular-shaped zones. The super slim, fully earthed layer of aluminium foil doesn’t increase the overall floor level so it’s ideal for retrofit scenarios.’

What carpets work best with underfloor heating?

Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore

We take a look at the materials that are best suited. They will also impact your budget when you are adding up your underfloor heating costs.

1. Wool carpet

Sustainable, hard-wearing, and super-soft, this material is likely to be near the top of your carpet wish list. ‘Natural fibres in wool carpet mean the UFH system may take a little longer to heat the room, however, the naturally insulating nature of the fabric also means it will retain heat for longer periods,’ says Jon Flannigan. Wool is naturally anti-static, too, so it will pick up less dust.

2. Synthetic carpet

Many wool blends, polypropylene and nylon carpets meet the requirements to work with underfloor heating – providing the combined TOG value of the carpet and underlay is not too great. Nylon offers good durability, as does polypropylene, which is resistant to staining. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that carpets of this type are not specifically designed to hold on to heat. Therefore, if your budget can stretch to wool, that might be a more effective option in the long term. Plus, wool tends to offer a longer service life.

3. Natural floor coverings

Natural fibres like sisal, coir, seagrass and jute are all suitable with underfloor heating. They come with impressive sustainability credentials, too, and typically contain fewer chemicals than man-made solutions. Before charging ahead with your installation, be sure to follow guidance from your carpet supplier and your UFH manufacturer.

Carpets to avoid with underfloor heating

It’s worth steering clear of any carpets with heavy or thick yarns. ‘Underfloor heating needs to be able to radiate heat,’ says Jon Flannigan from Kersaint Cobb. ‘So, beware that such a product may have a negative impact on how effective your UFH is.’

Tips for installing underfloor heating with carpet

Image credit: Future PLC

• DO follow advice from your carpet retailer and your underfloor heating supplier – they will have all the information to hand to ensure a successful installation.
• DO make sure that when your heating engineer carries out the heat loss calculations to design your UFH system, he or she knows which rooms carpet will be laid in. The floor covering will have an impact on the result of these calculations and the system you specify.
• DO make sure the subfloor (solid concrete, joisted wooden floors etc) is suitable for the type of UFH you have chosen, as well as for carpet.
• DO glue carpet gripping rods over the screed layer or self-levelling compound to make sure the subfloor doesn’t crack.
• DO take time to understand how efficient underfloor is and that it runs smoothly and effectively.
• DON’T skip the preparation of your subfloor before the UFH is laid. The surface should be cleaned, with cracks filled or imbalances levelled out before the system goes down.
• DON’T whack the heating up to full blast as soon as your carpet has been laid. The heating should, in fact, be switched off for two days prior to the carpet being fitted. Once installation is complete, the system can gradually be turned up to its full temperature over the course of one week.

Does the temperature setting matter?

Many manufacturers advise that certain floor finishes at the softer end of the scale – including carpet – shouldn’t be heated with UFH to temperatures higher than 27°C. If the heat output you require is more than that, based on the calculations from your heating engineer, it might be worth switching to a different type of floor covering.

The post Can you have underfloor heating with carpet? appeared first on Ideal Home.

If you are searching for a way to store your towels, then you’re probably leaning towards a towel rack. Whether this is for holding your wet towels to encourage them to dry, or for displaying your dry towels is your choice. But, we will say that a towel rack (and a towel rail!) would be a smart addition to any bathroom, whether an en-suite or family bathroom. It should make this space look smart, with little to no effort required from you.

Here, we’ve listed a range of towel rails and racks for you to choose from. If you are tight on floor space in your bathroom, then go for a wall-mounted towel rack. Otherwise, there are freestanding options if drilling holes into your wall isn’t an option. We’ve also found an over-the-door towel rack to really make the most of the space that’s available in your bathroom. Plus, lots more.

Whether your bathroom is minimalist, boho, modern or perhaps it’s a mismatch of styles? These towel racks are all aesthetically pleasing, plus surprisingly affordable – for an instant bathroom update. After all, what’s the point in investing in the best bath towels if you’ve nowhere stylish to store them?

The best practical towel racks and towel rails to buy for your bathroom

1. Habitat Wall Mountable Towel Holder

Image credit: Habitat

Use this budget-friendly towel rack from Habitat to house your towels and save on valuable floor space. It’s easy to fit on tiles, and it can be used to hold several towels at any one time. The last rail is also great for hanging a hand towel over. Its minimalist frame screams modern, and it’s rounded for a softer look. With a matte finish, this towel rack looks triple its price tag. To keep your towels close to your tub, and your bathroom looking tidy.

Buy now: Habitat Wall Mountable Towel Holder, £12.50, Argos

2. Dunelm Bent Cane Anti Bacterial Freestanding Towel Rail

Image credit: Dunelm

This cane towel rack from Dunelm is freestanding, to make a statement and for ease of reaching from the shower or tub. With three rails in total for holding wet or dry towels, there’s also a shelf at its bottom, for rolled towels or your slippers to sit. Handmade with an antibacterial finish, this towel rack will add nothing but warmth to your bathroom, and it’s by far the best option for boho homes.

3. Light in the Box Bathroom Towel Rack Multilayer Contemporary Stainless Steel Bath Towel Bar

Image credit: Light in the Box

A modern option for black-toned bathrooms, this 304 stainless steel rack offers enough space for 3 hanging towels. It can be mounted using screws or with sealant glue, the choice is yours. Boasting a matte finish and a practical design, this rack allows your towels to dry whilst taking up a minimal amount of space. Rest assured that it will look great once mounted. We say to place it beside your shower or bathtub, or by your sink.

Buy now: Bathroom Towel Rack Multilayer Contemporary Stainless Steel Bath Towel Bar, Light in the Box, £35.06, Light in the Box

4. Symple Stuff Curl Over-the-Door Towel Rack

Image credit: Symple Stuff

One for those of us who are always searching for small bathroom ideas, this over the door towel rack simply just slides over your door frame to maximise storage space. Offering plenty of space (5 rails to be exact), this rack is made of steel and powder-coated for durability. It’s not the best option for every bathroom, and you can really only use this if your bathroom door is able to swing fully open, otherwise with this on your door you won’t be able to get inside your bathroom without struggling. But, rest assured that for those who can use this rack, it’s genius. With a sophisticated silver finish, this towel rail is the perfect example of style meeting simplicity, and practicality.

5. Made.com Rurick Freestanding Towel Rail

Image credit: Made.com

A freestanding option for anyone with some floor space to spare in their bathroom, and to add a sophisticated, luxury look to your bathroom aesthetic. Elegantly shaped and finished in brass, this Made.com buy boasts three flat rails for holding towels, whilst ensuring to match with the rest of your brushed brass bathroom accessories. It’s truly made from stainless steel to stand the test of time, making it easy to clean. We love…

6. Ebern Designs Brecker Free Standing Towel Rack

Image credit: Ebern

This leaning towel rack looks like a ladder, and although it’s not made for climbing into your loft, it is undoubtedly handy for holding your towels – wet or dry. With a sleek black wooden frame, it takes up a minimal amount of space in your bathroom, especially if you already have an empty wall you can imagine it leaning against. With 4 separate bars for your towels to hang, it will definitely ensure your bathroom looks tidy, all whilst adding a minimalist touch. An understated option for only the most stylish of bathrooms.

7. John Lewis & Partners Bamboo Towel Stand

Image credit: John Lewis & Partners

Part of John Lewis’ ANYDAY range, this budget-friendly towel rack certainly doesn’t compromise on style – or durability. It’s made from bamboo with enough space for two or more towels to hang to dry, and it will be sure to add warmth to a bathroom that perhaps needs it. There’s plenty more matching bamboo bathroom furniture available so that you can invest in a complete set if you wish. This towel rail, although it takes up floor space, will definitely add a relaxing vibe to your bathroom. We stay to style it beside your tub.

Browse more towel rails and racks…

Still in search of the perfect towel rail or rack for your bathroom? Whether that’s a freestanding modern option or a large wall-mounted rack, you can browse plenty more options at our favourite retailers below.

• Amazon towel racks
• Argos towel racks
• B&Q towel racks
• Dunelm towel racks
• John Lewis & Partners towel racks
• IKEA towel racks
• Made.com towel racks
• Mano Mano towel racks
• Wayfair towel racks

How to know which towel storage I should choose?

The super-useful towel rack is just one of the best bathroom storage ideas that you need to make use of in this space. But, with lots of options out there, it can be difficult to know which style you should go for. Here’s what we say:

Freestanding towel racks

Opt for a freestanding towel rack if you have enough bathroom floor space to spare. These are great for adding a touch of luxury, and they can usually offer two to three rails for your wet towels to hang. Opt for a material that’s easy to wipe clean.

Wall-mounted towel racks

If you can drill holes into your walls or tiles, then a wall-mounted towel rack is a great option. It means that you’ll free up floor space, whilst housing your towels up high and away from inquisitive hands.

Ladder towel racks

A happy medium option for those with a little bit of floor space to spare, use a ladder towel rack to hang your towels whilst using a minimal amount of space. Simply enough, you need only an empty wall to lean this ladder, and it can usually hold three or more towels.

Over-the-door towel racks

Should your bathroom door be able to swing all of the way open, then it might be a smart idea to invest in an over the door towel rack. This rids the need to drill any holes in your walls or take up floor space. The best of both worlds.

The post 8 well-designed towel racks and rails for maximising storage space in your bathroom appeared first on Ideal Home.