Should I book a shuttle through the hotel?

Usually, no. Hotel-booked shuttles are often marked up. Book a private transfer through a reputable local company like USA Transfers or Canada Transfers to save $20-$40.

Do I need to pay for the hotel in pesos or dollars?

Pay in your home currency via the booking site. If paying at the hotel, use Pesos; the exchange rate offered by hotels for USD is almost always unfavorable.

How to Book a Hotel in Cancun Without Getting Scammed

Book your hotel directly through the official resort website or use a reputable aggregator like Booking.com to ensure your reservation is confirmed. Always verify the total cost including the mandatory Environmental Sanitation Tax, which is currently 38.49 MXN per room, per night.

Define your hotel zone. Decide between the Hotel Zone (best for beaches and nightlife), Downtown/Centro (best for local culture and budget), or Costa Mujeres (best for luxury, quiet resorts).
Filter by 'All-Inclusive' vs 'European Plan'. In Cancun, 'European Plan' means room only. If you want meals and drinks included, specifically filter for 'All-Inclusive'. Do not assume the price includes alcohol unless it is explicitly stated.
Verify the 'Total' price. Many booking sites show a low base rate but add 'resort fees' and local taxes at the final checkout screen. Ensure you see the final 'Total' before entering credit card details.
Confirm the booking via email. Once booked, call or email the hotel directly 72 hours before your trip to confirm they have your confirmation number in their system.

Should I book a shuttle through the hotel?: Usually, no. Hotel-booked shuttles are often marked up. Book a private transfer through a reputable local company like USA Transfers or Canada Transfers to save $20-$40.
Do I need to pay for the hotel in pesos or dollars?: Pay in your home currency via the booking site. If paying at the hotel, use Pesos; the exchange rate offered by hotels for USD is almost always unfavorable.