While new hotels keep opening in the Riviera Maya both above and below Cancun, the hotel zone of the city itself is at capacity unless they tear something down, Vegas-style, and put a new resort in its place. So when SLS Cancun opened last year, they headed to a new part of town that’s a bit north and closer to the center.
SLS has not previously had a footing in Mexico, but they’re a well-known brand in Miami, where they have several properties, plus Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, and Dubai. It’s a stylish brand that appeals to those with a strong sense of aesthetics, but it’s playful as well, not veering off into the pretentious or snobby side as some art hotels tend to do.
The rooms here are fabulous and have a level of designer furniture that’s far above all the other luxury chain hotels in the area. The building is huge, but most of it is devoted to private residence condos: the hotel only has 45 rooms, making it the most intimate luxe property in Cancun by far. Plus only a few of the rooms face inland: most have a view like that one you see above.
The suites at SLS Cancun have more space than the standards, of course, but all come with robes, slippers, a smart TV, and a sprawling minibar that’s better stocked than what you probably have in your home. Between that and the big balcony to enjoy, you might be tempted to do your partying in your suite instead of at the bar.
There are two good bars though: one inside between the lobby and the restaurant, the other at the beach club where you can sip cocktails with your toes in the sand. The lobby is more like a big lounge, with a pool table, games, and coffee table books by the sofas, plus a rotating collection of curated art work. Come take a video tour of SLS Cancun with us here:
There are a few small drawbacks: the beach area here is not as nice as it is in the Cancun Hotel Zone, plus the commercial options mostly revolve around a big upscale shopping mall with a movie theater. This area is called Puerto Cancun and it’s mostly marinas and condo buildings, with the ferry to Isla Mujeres being a bit past it to the north.
It’s also kind of mean to have the rooms overlooking a giant infinity pool long enough for laps that’s not open to hotel guests–it’s only for the residents. The hotel’s pool is inviting though and has the same view from the water, plus some nice lounging areas in and out of the water.
Also on the property is a full spa and a gym, so you can get in a workout to keep looking good in those selfies and then get a massage to complete the vacation relaxation process. You can eat well here too, but if you’re vegetarian or just a very healthy eater, you’ll be happy at breakfast, but be short on choices later. Lunch and dinner are Argentine, with a heavy focus on meat and pasta. It does have an excellent wine list.
Since this is a new hotel, you won’t have to hunt around for a place to charge your gadgets, the lighting controls are excellent, and the baths have double vanities. Capsule coffee makers are in every room. If you want to splash out, go for one of the top two suites. The two-bedroom oceanfront suite is 1,400 square feet and the Presidential Suite is even larger.
The SLS brand is part of the Ennismore Group, which is majority-owned by French brand Accor. They have their own loyalty program though, which is quite a bit different than the norm. It’s called the “Dis-loyalty” program and if you join it you get 20% off the first time you stay at any of their properties, 10% off on repeat visits, and one free coffee or tea every day.
See our full review of SLS Cancun and scroll to the bottom for links to check rates for your stay.
Article by Timothy
Timothy Scott is the founder and editor of Luxury Latin America and has been covering the region as a travel journalist since the mid-2000s. He has visited each country we cover multiple times and is based in a UNESCO World Heritage city in central Mexico, where he owns a home. See contact information here.
