Break away!
The Hyatt Caribe is well situated just a short walk from the centre of the strip and all the night life and action you could want. Well situated between the Hard Rock Cafe on the southern end, and La Isla plaza just a 10 min bus ride in the other direction, this is a hotel which you won't regret visiting.
It opens onto beauriful white coral sand beach with it's own private beach area fronting private villas, and two large free-form pools provide ample swimming room overlooking it There are hot tubs and a swim-up bar as well as a casual open air restaurant/grill in the typical yucatan palapa style, to meet your daytime food and drink needs, while you soak in the sun on your own carefully selected lounger. This beautiful multi-level beachfront area is complete with tropical flower-lined paths along which peacocks wander freely.
For both morning and evening meals you can't beat the large dining-room, which fronts this gorgeous outdoor area with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors; buffet-style meals are the order of the day, with fresh fruit, fish, steaks, pastries and yes, even porridge if nothing else takes your fancy. The staff will even make you toast - strangely enough, often a rarity in Mexican restaurants! Get to know the staff - especially the wait staff and evening chef. This little lady can whip up anything to order, will dance with you to the mariachis, while you wait for your freshly cooked meat from the grill, and the menu changes with specials - sometimes two for one - every evening.
If you care for a little more privacy, and a more formal setting, (you can visit the buffet in shorts and sandals - but must wear a shirt) try the upscale jazz club and restaurant just off the main foyer, or walk a couple of block to several excellent locations in nearby hotels.
Rooms all front on the ocean and there's no such thing as a bad view - my only caveat is, unless you're under 25 and only want to experience "Girls Gone Wild in Cancun", avoid the spring break period. The drunken dudes, screaming chiquitas and their wannabe mexican boyfriends, take over during the main US school breaks, and you really don't want to be there... no, really!
Each room has cool marble tile floors, balconies, and beautiful bathrooms, which make you feel pampered. In-room safes are free of charge, and there are mini-bars for those who can't sleep without a nightcap, sitting on the balcony and listening to the crash of the waves just a stone's-throw away.
The Caribe is the better of the two Hyatt hotels, in this writer's opinion. Both are a little old in years, but the Caribe is still a great place to stay, and good value for your dollar. The price now, is lower than it was five years ago - two hurricanes have done enough damage to the beaches and to tourism, that Cancun is a bargain these days. The beaches of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and even Acapulco - all of which I've strolled along at various times - don't hold a candle to the baby-powder fine, white coral sand of Cancun, lapped by it's beautiful blue and emerald waters. Give yourself a break, and take it all in - you'll come back!