Finding the right Cancun hotels is all about knowing what you’re looking for. If you’re trying to find a great everything-included resort in Cancun, you’ll have plenty to choose from; it seems that moniker applies to almost all the resorts on the sugary coast of Cancun. But what if you don’t want to go all-in? Your options are fewer, which means making the right choice is critical. Because finding a true hotel is something entirely different. Let our rankings of the top Cancun hotels be your guide.

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun This hotel brings the impeccable service we’ve come to expect from the resort chain to the city’s sands, with features that include a pair of five diamond-rated restaurants; 365 contemporary-styled rooms; an excellent kid’s program; and an impressive culinary center where you can learn to make Mexican favorites such as guacamole and ceviche like a pro. When it comes to Cancun hotels, this is just about as good as it gets.

Nizuc Resort & Spa Serenity can be found in Cancun; just head to this nature preserve at Punta Nizuc, where 274 sleek rooms and suites offer respite from the bustle but are still within a 20-minute drive of the city. Luxurious villas have private pavilions with pools and outdoor showers; while two beaches and an ESPA sweeten the deal to make for one of the ultimate Cancun hotels.

J.W. Marriott You can’t go wrong at this Cancun classic, which impressed us with its Maya-inspired spa; 448 plush rooms; and tequila tastings that gave us a new appreciation for the Mexican spirit. With all the amenities business travelers might need, the resort is also a great choice for those in tow, who can enjoy a prime slice of the city’s 14-mile white-sand strip.

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Guests rave about the magnificent beach and the solicitous service but there’s much more to love about this luxurious 602-room retreat that has three pools and three well-rated restaurants. Our highlight: the Gem Spa, which offers stunning views from the fourth floor and Cancun’s only 10-step hydrotherapy treatment.

CasaMagna Marriott Resort Marriott’s other top property in Cancun’s Hotel Zone is set on Cancun’s perfect white sand and includes some great dining options, from Argentine to Thai. Even better? It’s a great getaway for families, with an on-site Kid’s Club and a host of family activities.

Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort In the heart of the Zona Hotelera, this resort is a solid choice for families. Villas with balconies are spacious enough for the whole crew to spread out; en-suite washer/dryers are a bonus; and, if you choose to eat in, full kitchens can be conveniently stocked from the on-property grocery. (Although we’ll definitely be spending our SPG points at one of four restaurants.)

Casa Turquesa

The best of all boutique Cancun hotels, this tiny jewel has a wide range of suites from the affordable to the extravagant. And there are just 30 in all (along with three restaurants) making for a private, intimate hideaway in the heart of a booming travel area. And is that the kind of travel experience we all seek?

As you can see, the best Cancun hotels are an eclectic mix of traditional, larger brands and some independent gems, all with one thing in common: creating the perfect Cancun getaway.