Iberostar resorts are known for their luxurious accommodations and family fun. There are two distinct properties to choose from in Cancun: Iberostar Cancun vs Iberostar Paraiso Maya.
The prime difference between the two is location. Iberostar Cancun, in the Hotel Zone, enjoys the white-sand beach and azure waters the area is famous for.
Iberostar Paraiso Maya is further from the action on the Riviera Maya, which may be a plus or a minus depending on whether you want a relaxing vacation or some nightlife.
In a direct comparison, Iberostar Cancun is the clear winner. Read on to find out why I believe Iberostar Cancun is better value for money for a family vacation.
Quick Comparison
Iberostar Cancun
Iberostar Selection Cancun is an all-inclusive family resort with an impressive ten pools, including a kids’ splash zone with water slides.
It is a convenient 15-minutes from the airport in the Hotel Zone but further from the action of downtown Cancun, so this resort is best for families looking for a quieter experience.
What We Love
- Stunning beach
- Fun activities for the whole family
- Multiple pools
- Close to the airport
What We Don’t Love
- Food can be underwhelming
- The music around the pool can be loud
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Iberostar Paraiso Maya
Iberostar Paraiso Maya is on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, a beautiful stretch of coastline between Cancun and Tulum. Equally luxurious, this all-inclusive is close to the island of Cozumel, where families can enjoy world-class snorkeling and diving.
What We Love
- Wave pool and lazy river
- Wellness program
- Quiet location close to beautiful coral reef
- Great kids’ club
What We Don’t Like
- Longer transfer from airport
- Rooms are a little worn
See the newest deals at Iberostar Paraiso Maya
Full Comparison: Features and Amenities
- Price
- Packages
- Family Interests
- Check-in Time
- Amenities
- Family Activities
- For Mom and Dad
- Resort Reputation
Price
Based on a week for two adults, Iberostar Paraiso Maya costs approximately $480 a night. The Iberostar Selection Cancun is $340 a night for a similar room.
That’s a price difference of around $140 a night, so based on cost alone Iberostar Selection Cancun is a much better value proposition.
Price Winner: Iberostar Selection Cancun.
Packages
Both hotels offer flight and accommodation packages, which often save guests money compared to booking separately.
In addition, at Paraiso Maya, one child under 12 goes free, for selected dates.
Packages Winner: Paraiso Maya wins for its “first child stays free” offer.
Family Interests
The Cancun Hotel Zone, the location for Iberostar Selection Cancun, is ideal for families who want to explore outside the hotel.
Families can enjoy water slides at Ventura Park, learn about the ocean at Interactive Aquarium and discover Mexican history at Museo de Maya.
For shops, restaurants and bars, downtown Cancun is nearby.
Iberostar Paraiso Maya is on the Riviera Maya, around 30 minutes from the lively Hotel Zone. The location is better suited to families who like to be surrounded by nature and prefer wildlife to wild nights.
If you want to know which resort is better for seeing ruins, Tulum is closer to Paraiso Maya at one hour drive time. It is one hour and 30 minutes from Selection Cancun.
Prefer to shop? Downtown Cancun has local markets where you can pick up spices and cheap trinkets, only a 25-minute drive for guests at Iberostar Selection Cancun but 45 minutes for those staying at Paraiso Maya.
Family Interests Winner: With so much to do within a short drive, Iberostar Selection Cancun is the winner for this category.
Check-in Time
Check-in time for Iberostar Paraiso Maya is 4 p.m. and check-out time is midday. Early check-in may be available if you let the hotel know in advance your time of arrival.
Check-in time for Iberostar Selection Cancun is earlier, at 2 p.m., and check-out is also at midday.
Iberostar also allows late check-out but it has to be requested in advance and there may be an extra charge. Iberostar also allows online check-in, saving time when you arrive.
Check-in Time Winner: Iberostar Selection Cancun has an earlier check-in time, so wins this category.
Amenities
Iberostar Paraiso Maya has nine pools, including a wave pool, lazy river and a children’s splash pool.
Iberostar Selection Cancun offers ten pools, including hot tubs, a swim-up bar, infinity pools, and a kids’ pool.
Iberostar Paraiso Maya has eight restaurants and eight bars on site, plus access to more if you visit Iberostar’s nearby sister resorts. The restaurants offer kids’ menus and baby food.
Selection Cancun also has plenty of dining options, with six restaurants and nine bars on site.
In terms of activities, Paraiso Maya has a fitness center open to guests aged 16 and over, daily fitness classes including yoga and Zumba, plus tennis courts. Water sports are also free for the first hour.
Rooms are good at Paraiso but are a little worn around the edges.
In contrast, rooms at Selection Cancun are comfortable and feature modern decor.
The sports facilities are also excellent at Selection Cancun, with tennis courts, a volleyball court, basketball courts and even a regulation FIFA soccer field.
Amenities Winner: Iberostar Selection Cancun offers more sporting amenities, which gives it the edge over Paraiso Maya.
Family Activities
Both resorts offer plenty of family activities, including a kids’ club, fitness classes and more.
The Star Camp kids’ club at Iberostar Paraiso offers activities for children between four and 17, split into three groups by age.
There is also a fun kid’s pirate-ship themed water park with slides, which is supervised by club staff.
Star Camp at Selection Cancun is similar to Paraiso Maya, with supervised activities available to 4-17 year-olds.
Active families will love the facilities at Selection Cancun, which include a full soccer pitch, tennis courts, a basketball and volleyball court, plus a gym and fitness classes.
Kayaks and stand up paddle boards are available to guests.
As for the beaches, Paraiso Maya has its own private, white-sand beach with plenty of loungers for relaxing. The surf can be a bit rough and there are rocks underfoot.
For snorkeling, consider a day trip to nearby Cozumel, which is famous for its long coral reef and sea turtles.
Water sports, including kayaking, are included but fees may apply after the first hour.
At Selection Cancun, the beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand with clear, warm water. However, the waves can be too big for little ones at times.
If you want to know which resort is better for people who like to snorkel and swim at the beach, both are very similar. The surf can be a bit rough on both beaches so neither are ideal for snorkeling but there are excursions available to better areas.
Family Activities Winner: There are more sporting facilities at Selection Cancun, so Iberostar Cancun is the winner.
For Mom and Dad
At Iberostar Selection Cancun, adults have their own entertainment team, with staff organizing fitness classes and workshops daily. In the evening, guests can enjoy live music, dance and magic shows.
At Spa Sensations, the resort’s spa, book a chocolate exfoliation session, hot stone massage, or relax in the hydrotherapy area.
Alternatively, sip a cocktail at the hotel’s swim-up bar or under a thatched umbrella on the beach.
Paraiso Maya also offers fitness classes and cooking demonstrations to entertain guests during the day. At night, parents can try their luck in the casino, dance at the disco until 3 a.m. or enjoy the live entertainment.
The spa is very similar at both properties and is a great adult-only space to slip away for some peaceful relaxation.
For Mom and Dad Winner: Paraiso Maya wins this category as it has slightly more going on for adults, due to its space-themed disco and the casino.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Paraiso Maya is wheelchair friendly, most of the facilities are at ground level and handicap accessible rooms are available.
Iberostar Selection Cancun has five handicap accessible rooms and the resort is wheelchair friendly.
Wheelchair Accessibility Winner: No winner here: both resorts are equally wheelchair friendly.
Resort Reputation
I found some reviews from guests on the internet for Iberostar Selection Cancun, which were on the whole positive. There were some complaints about so-so food quality.
Iberostar Paraiso Maya also has positive reviews online, although food and service receive some negative comments.
Iberostar Selection Cancun
Iberostar Paraiso Maya
Resort Reputation Winner: Iberostar Cancun is the winner: overall, guests seemed happier with the hotel for its value for money, pools and activities.
Standout Features and Amenities
The Paraiso Maya may have uninspiring room decor but the Mayan-themed lobby makes up for it. You can’t help but be impressed by the towering statues, enormous Chichen Itza replica and endless marble.
The Selection Cancun simply has a lot going on. When you consider all the activities, classes and facilities available, it is great value for money.
Iberostar Cancun vs Iberostar Paraiso Maya: The Bottom Line
Stay at Iberostar Cancun if:
- You want to stay in the Hotel Zone
- You enjoy playing sports
- You want an updated room with modern decor
See the newest deals for Iberostar Cancun
Stay at Iberostar Paraiso Maya if:
- You prefer to be further from the crowds of Cancun
- You want to be surrounded by nature
- You can overlook an outdated room for a dazzling lobby and grounds
See the newest deals for Iberostar Paraiso Maya
