QUICK VERDICT
Is it worth it? Yes, for the beach and pool. No, for the food.
✅Playa Delfines + 9 pools: the best facilities in the Hotel Zone
✅Impeccably clean, great for families with children.
⚠️Buffet below expectations for a 5-star restaurant.
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Prices updated directly on Booking.com.
If you're researching all-inclusive hotels in Cancun, the Iberostar Selection Cancun will appear early on your list. And rightly so. It's located in one of the best areas of the Hotel Zone, has impressive facilities, and one of Cancun's most beautiful beaches right on its doorstep. But like any large resort, it has real strengths and weaknesses that nobody mentions in Instagram photos.
I delved deep into TripAdvisor reviews, frequent traveler forums, and complaints found in travel groups to put together this review. The goal is simple: you'll arrive knowing exactly what to expect, without unpleasant surprises upon arrival.
Iberostar Selection Cancun in summary
| 📊 Criteria |
⭐ Evaluation |
📝 Summary |
| 🏖️ Beach and swimming pools |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best spot in the hotel. Playa Delfines, 9 pools, swim-up bar. |
| 🍽️ Gastronomy |
⭐⭐⭐ |
The biggest weakness. Disappointing buffet, à la carte is worth it. |
| 🛏️ Rooms |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Spacious, incredible view, dated decor in some areas. |
| 👨👩👧 For families |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Kids Club, pirate pool, mini disco, water park |
| 🎭 Entertainment |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Star Friends is excellent, late-night shows are inconsistent. |
| 🧹 Cleaning |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unanimous in reviews: impeccably clean hotel. |
| 📍 Location |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
km 17, Playa Delfines, near La Isla Shopping |
| 💰 Cost-benefit |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Good for the infrastructure and beach, but not for the food. |
Location: why km 17 is one of the best in the Hotel Zone
The Iberostar Selection Cancun is located at km 17 of Blvd. Kukulcan, right in front of Playa Delfines. If you know Cancun, you know that this beach has something few others have: space. While the beaches at km 9 are crowded with tourists and vendors, Playa Delfines is more plentiful, more breezy, and has that intense Caribbean blue that everyone wants in their photos. The famous Cancun sign is right next to it.
The downside of the location is that km 17 is far from the concentration of bars, restaurants, and nightlife in the Hotel Zone, which is closer to km 9. For those leaving the resort to explore, the round-trip taxi fare can be expensive.
💡 Location tip: La Isla Shopping Mall is just a few minutes away by taxi. It has good restaurants, a cinema, shops, and an interactive aquarium. For those who want an outing from the resort without going too far, it's the most practical option in the area.
The pools: the hotel's strongest point.
Nine pools is the number that appears on the website. In practice, the pool complex is what most impresses visitors. It has an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean, a swim-up bar where you can order drinks without leaving the water, a pirate pool for children with themed slides, and a water park area, all included in the all-inclusive package.
What nobody tells you: the sun loungers by the main pool disappear early. Very early. Frequent travelers recommend waking up before 7 am and putting a towel on your chair to guarantee a spot. Yes, the famous "towel game" exists here. In high season, after 9 am the situation gets complicated, especially for the chairs with a sea view.
⚠️ Real warning: Some guests report finding insects in the pool on certain mornings, especially during the off-season. It's not frequent enough to be a serious problem, but it's worth having that expectation when you arrive at the pool.
The beach: strong waves at km 17
The beach at the Iberostar Selection is beautiful. White sand, turquoise water, open view of the Caribbean. But there's an important detail that the official website doesn't mention: the stretch at kilometer 17 has stronger waves than other points in the Hotel Zone. This is great for those who like to swim in the sea and feel the waves. It's not recommended for young children or beginner swimmers.
When the sea is rough, the team puts up a red or yellow flag on the beach. Always respect the signs. On days when a red flag is displayed, the swimming pools are the right option.
🌊 Direct comparison: If you want a beach with calmer water, the Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos has smaller waves because it's protected by the reef. If the turbulent beaches of the open Caribbean don't intimidate you, kilometer 17 is beautiful.
The restaurants: where the hotel shines and where it disappoints.
This is the point that divides opinions the most in reviews. I'll be direct because it's better for you to know before you arrive.
The main buffet is the hotel's biggest weakness. Those who have stayed at other premium Cancun resorts like Dreams, Hard Rock, or Paradisus frequently mention this. The variety is less than expected for a 5-star resort, some fruits arrive wilted, and the menu repeats itself quite often throughout the week. It's not bad, but it's below expectations for the category.
À la carte restaurants make up for it. La Parrilla, the steakhouse, is a consistent favorite in reviews. Naga Hibachi, the Japanese restaurant with teppanyaki, is the most sought-after and requires reservations in advance. The French restaurant La Horma has the best menu but requires formal attire in the evening: long trousers for men and boys over 12 years old. If you are going with family, check that you have appropriate clothing.
| 🍽️ Restaurant |
🍜 Cooking |
📅 Book now |
👔 Evening dress code |
⭐ Guest rating |
| The Ancient Little Lake |
International buffet |
No |
Casual |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| El Maguey |
Mexican buffet / pool |
No |
Casual |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| La Parrilla |
Steak house |
✅ Required |
Casual formal |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Naga Hibachi |
Japanese / teppanyaki |
✅ Required |
Casual formal |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| The Last |
French gourmet |
✅ Required |
🎩 Formal (long pants) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| American Kitchen |
American / BBQ |
✅ Required |
Casual formal |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Star Cafe |
24-hour coffee shop/bakery |
No |
Casual |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
💡 Golden tip about restaurants: Book the themed resorts as soon as you check in, preferably on the same day you arrive. The Iberostar app allows you to book up to 7 days in advance. Those who leave it until the second or third day often miss out on the best options during peak season. The Naga Hibachi resort sells out the fastest.
The rooms: spacious but with reservations.
The rooms at the Iberostar Selection Cancun are generously sized, a fact highlighted in positive reviews. Virtually all have ocean or pool views, and those on the higher floors boast some of the best views in Cancun. To ensure a... room with sea viewIt's worth filtering this category right when making your reservation.
The decor is dated in some areas. It's not ugly, but those coming from newer or recently renovated hotels will notice the difference. Some guests report minor maintenance issues that could be improved, such as faulty faucets or noisy air conditioning.
The minibar is restocked daily with soft drinks and beers included in the all-inclusive package. A reminder about bottled water: there will be none in the minibar due to our zero-plastic policy. Water is available in glass dispensers in the hallways.
💡 Which block to order: When booking or checking in, request a room in the Tower Building for a higher view and less noise from the pools. The Villa Section rooms are closer to the pools and are more lively, good for those who want easy access but can be noisy on weekends.
For families: the strongest point after the beach.
The Iberostar Selection Cancun is genuinely good for families with children. This isn't marketing; it's the most frequently mentioned positive review from those traveling with kids.
The Kids Club accepts children aged 4 to 12 and operates full-time with supervised activities. The pirate pool has slides and a shallow area ideal for younger children. The water park included in the all-inclusive package is located on the property. The mini nighttime disco for children is a hit, especially during the first few nights of the trip.
Babysitting services are available but are charged separately and must be booked in advance at reception.
🇧🇷 For families with children under 4 years old: The Kids Club does not accept children under 4 years old. For babies and very young children, the Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos has a calmer beach and more suitable facilities.
Entertainment: Star Friends are the highlight.
The hotel's entertainment team, called Star Friends, is consistently praised in reviews. They are responsible for daytime activities, and frequent travelers highlight the team's engagement and good humor. There's beach volleyball, water polo, sports tournaments, Zumba classes, and various pool activities.
The nightly shows are inconsistent. Some weeks they're great, others they're mediocre. The show ends around 23 pm and after that the entertainment at the hotel practically stops. Anyone who wants to dance will need to go out to nightclubs outside the resort. The hotel doesn't have its own disco.
(I.e. For those who want nightlife within the resort: The Iberostar isn't the right hotel. The Grand Oasis Cancun has the Kinky Nightclub on the property. For those staying at the Iberostar and wanting to dance, Coco Bongo is about a 20-minute taxi ride away at kilometer 9.
The golf course: the only one in the Hotel Zone
The 18-hole golf course is located across the avenue, literally in front of the hotel. A free shuttle takes guests to and from the course. The course is highly rated and has the unique feature of crocodiles in the lakes, which can reach 4 meters in length and have become a major attraction for photographers.
Golf is not included in the all-inclusive package and costs around US$599 per person for a week of unlimited rounds. Tee time reservations open 60 days in advance. For large groups, it's worth booking as soon as you arrive at the hotel to guarantee consecutive tee times.
Drinks: opinions are divided.
This is a controversial point in the reviews. Some guests complain that alcoholic drinks are served in large glasses but with little alcohol, which they call "diluted." Others find the drinks excellent and praise the variety of cocktails. The difference tends to lie with the bartender and the time of day.
The advice circulating among frequent patrons is to tip your favorite bartender $5 on the first day and order your drinks the way you like them. The accounts are unanimous: it completely changes the quality of service. A $1 tip per drink maintains a good level of service throughout your stay.
⚠️ Notice regarding purchases at the resort: Products like sunscreen and insect repellent are absurdly expensive inside the hotel. One traveler paid US$62 for sunscreen and insect repellent. Bring everything from home, especially biodegradable sunscreen, which is mandatory at the pools.
What nobody tells you: the most common mistakes
- Do not reserve themed tours at check-in. À la carte dishes sell out quickly. Making a reservation as soon as you arrive is the first thing to do.
- Do not bring clothes for the evening dress code. Long pants are mandatory for men and boys over 12 years old in formal restaurants. Many people only find this out at the last minute and lose their reservation.
- Expect to find a small bottle of water in the mini-fridge. Zero plastic policy. Water is available in dispensers in the hallways. Bring a reusable bottle.
- Going to the beach without checking the flag: Strong waves at kilometer 17. Always check the signs before entering the sea.
- Don't tip your favorite bartender as an entrance fee. The difference in drinks is real. $5 on the first round changes the level of service for the rest of the week.
- Leaving food in the golf bag: There are small animals in the field area that open pouches in search of food during the night. It happens more often than you think.
Is the Iberostar Selection Cancun worth it?
It depends on your priorities. If spectacular beaches, top-notch pools, impeccable cleanliness, and family-friendly facilities are your priorities, the Iberostar Selection truly delivers. It's consistent in these categories.
If all-inclusive dining is what matters most to you, this hotel will disappoint. The buffet is the property's recognized weak point. Other resorts in the same price range offer more variety.
For those seeking an intense nightlife within the resort, this isn't the place either. The entertainment is family-oriented and ends early.
| ✅ Applies to whom |
❌ Not valid for those |
| 👨👩👧 Family with children |
🍽️ Prioritizes all-inclusive gastronomy |
| ⛳ Want to play golf in Cancun? |
🎉 Want nightlife inside the resort? |
| 🌊 Looking for the best beach in the Hotel Zone? |
🛏️ Looking for modern bedroom decor? |
| 🏊 Want 9 swimming pools and a water park? |
💰 Looking for the best value for money in food? |
| 🧹 Demands an impeccably clean hotel. |
🌙 Looking for intense nighttime entertainment? |
Assistance for Brazilians in Cancun and Riviera Maya
A tip we always reinforce is about creating a personalized itinerary for your trip. On our last trip, we discovered a sensational agency, which is Brazilian and all tours are available upon request.
It is worth remembering that the agency does not only sell tours, the service includes specialized advice where tours are tailored to your profile; It is ideal for those who want to create a personalized trip with exclusive itineraries. and constant monitoring (24-hour humanized support in real time) at the destination.
You can look up their references: they are the The number 1 travel agency on TripAdvisor in Cancun, They've earned the seal of approval for several consecutive years and are among the best in the world!
If you want to live a unique, personalized experience, with support and everything organized without worrying about the details, just access their website.
If you enjoyed these tips and want to know more about Mexico, leave your comment here or write directly to us. Mexico Guide Instagram.
FAQ
Yes, especially for those who prioritize the beach, pool, and family-friendly atmosphere. The resort has nine pools, faces Playa Delfines, and maintains top marks for cleanliness in virtually all reviews. The weak point is the food: the main buffet falls short of expectations for a 5-star resort, so those seeking high-quality all-inclusive meals may be disappointed.
Yes, it's one of the hotel's strongest points. The Kids Club caters to children aged 4 to 12 full-time, the pirate pool has a shallow area and slides for younger children, and the water park is included in the all-inclusive package. For babies and children under 4 years old, outside the Kids Club age range, the Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos is usually more suitable, as it has a calmer beach.
The beach is located at kilometer 17 of the Hotel Zone, opposite Playa Delfines, one of the most spacious and beautiful beaches in Cancun. This stretch has stronger waves than other points in the Hotel Zone, so it's always worth checking the warning flag before entering the sea. On days with a red or yellow flag, the resort's nine swimming pools are the safest alternative.
No, that's a recognized weakness for those seeking that kind of entertainment. The nightly shows end around 23 pm, and the hotel doesn't have its own nightclub. Those wanting a party atmosphere need to leave the resort: Coco Bongo is about a 20-minute taxi ride away, at kilometer 9 of the Hotel Zone.
Yes, and as soon as possible. Restaurants like La Parrilla, Naga Hibachi, and La Horma require reservations, which can be made through the Iberostar app up to 7 days in advance. Naga Hibachi sells out the fastest, so booking at check-in avoids being left without a spot during peak season.
The main buffet is the most criticized aspect in reviews. The variety is less than expected from a 5-star resort, the menu repeats throughout the week, and the experience falls short of what guests from resorts like Dreams, Hard Rock, or Paradisus usually find. The à la carte restaurants compensate for this shortcoming, especially La Parrilla and Naga Hibachi.
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