Coming to Cancun and not staying on the beach may seem downright nonsensical to some. But I'd argue that you really need to see and experience Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla before coming to that conclusion.
Located across Avenida Kukulkan from the sugary shores of Cancun's Hotel Zone, the tower hotel offers a lot to like: a sleek rooftop terrace, an infinity rooftop pool and west-facing views to experience that Cancun rarity few tourists turn around to see: a sunset. The hotel is also steps from La Isla shopping mall, with its restaurants and attractions. And because all beaches in Mexico are public, guests of Canopy by Hilton La Isla are still just a few minutes' stroll from some of the best beaches in the country, including Playa Marlin, one of the most beautiful
stretches of white-sand beach, with showers and
restrooms as well as restaurants.
The lobby of the hotel is sleek and modern with distinct design details that are native to Yucatan. Photo Credit: Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla
The Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla is a smart choice for travelers who want to be in the heart of the Hotel Zone and all it has to offer but don't necessarily want to splurge on a higher price tag for the beachfront resorts nearby. Rates start around $200 per night.
It's also a good fit for those interested in exploring Cancun beyond the sand and surf. The Canopy is within walking distance of the shops at La Isla, as well as the Ferris wheel Cancun, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Interactive Cancun Aquarium, and the Yamil Lu'um ruins are directly across the street. And since it isn't an all-inclusive, guests won't feel guilty about plunking down their pesos at the many local bars and restaurants.
I checked into a Sunset Premium View One King room, which
offers 350 square feet of space. Rooms on higher floors are best for the
views out over the Nichupte Lagoon and skyline of downtown Cancun. The
best rooms in the house are the Nichupte Bay View King Master Suites.
These spacious suites have 1,010 square feet of space and are on the top
floor of the hotel. They offer sitting areas, a dining space and a
separate bedroom.
After spending time digging deeper into Cancun as a destination, guests can return to the Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla and still feel fully pampered and comfortable. The best views at the hotel are up at the ultra-cool Wander Rooftop lounge. Here guests will find the infinity pool, hot tub, a restaurant, a co-working-style lounge and a rooftop fitness center. This was my favorite place to hang out at the hotel for the fun, social energy, great cocktails and uninterrupted sunset views.
Additional hotel amenities include a fun lobby bar and lounge, where
you'll also find the Azulinda Cafe & Bar, serving breakfast, lunch,
and dinner. A spa is slated to open this year, but details won't be
available until the spring.
The Nichupte Bay View King Master Suites have 1,010 square feet of space, along with spectacular views of the nearby ecotourism spot. Photo Credit: Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla
I spent quite a bit of time up on the rooftop with my laptop working alongside other remote workers. A lunch break called for a plate of tasty steak tacos and a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the lagoon. By 5 p.m. the vibe switches from co-working to a social scene. Laptops shut down, and cocktails are poured and enjoyed.
Proximity to the Nichupte Lagoon is a major selling point for this hotel. The gorgeous mangrove ecosystem is a habitat for beautiful birds, leopard frogs, turtles and crocodiles. It's the only natural ecosystem that remains after the development of Cancun, so gazing out at Nichupte is like looking back into Cancun's history. Visitors can kayak the lush, mangrove-covered canals; do some sunset paddleboarding; or take a jungle wildlife cruise to learn more about the animals and history of this part of the Cancun landscape.
With so much development happening along Cancun's coastline, I always love the opportunity to learn about something different, uncover a new angle. TheCanopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla gave me a much-appreciated new perspective on a destination I have visited dozens of times.