Aloft Cancun: Your Packing List for a Hotel Zone Stay

The Cancun sun is intense, even on cloudy days. Pack a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen. Crucially, ensure it is reef-safe.

Mexico has regulations in place, particularly around ecological parks like Xel-Há and Xcaret Park, where non-biodegradable sunscreens are prohibited to protect marine life. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with good UV protection. Even in the Hotel Zone, mosquitoes can be present, especially around dawn and dusk or after rain.

A reliable insect repellent, ideally with DEET or picaridin, is a smart addition. A small, lightweight backpack or tote bag is useful for day trips, carrying water, and souvenirs. Consider a waterproof phone pouch if you plan on water activities, as accidental splashes are common.

A reusable water bottle is also essential; many hotels, including Aloft Cancun, have water stations, and staying hydrated is key.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Mexico. This is a non-negotiable requirement for entry. Upon arrival, you will receive an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) or tourist card, which you must keep safe.

Do not lose this document; you will need to present it when you depart the country, and replacing it can be a time-consuming hassle at the airport. Mexico also has a tourist environmental tax for visitors to Quintana Roo. While some airlines or tour operators collect this in advance, be prepared to pay it upon arrival or departure, typically at a kiosk in the airport.

Keep a digital copy of your passport, flight information, and hotel reservation, including your booking for Aloft Cancun, on your phone and in a cloud service, separate from your physical documents.

Mexico's official currency is the peso, and while many businesses in Cancun, including some vendors near Aloft Cancun, accept US dollars, you will almost always get a better exchange rate paying in pesos. This is especially true for smaller purchases like street food or souvenirs.

We recommend exchanging a small amount of USD to pesos before you leave, just enough for immediate needs upon arrival. ATMs are widely available in Cancun, particularly in the Hotel Zone and at major shopping centers. Most dispense pesos, but some may offer USD.

Be aware of potential foreign transaction fees from your bank and ATM operator fees. Credit cards are accepted at most larger restaurants, shops, and tour operators. For tipping, both pesos and US dollars are appreciated.

A few dollars or 50-100 pesos for good service at a restaurant or for a bellhop is standard. Having a mix of small peso denominations and a few dollar bills will serve you well throughout your stay.

The Hotel Zone generally embraces a relaxed, resort casual dress code. For daytime around Aloft Cancun's pool or strolling the beach, swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts, and t-shirts are standard. For dinner at most restaurants in the Hotel Zone, including those near Aloft Cancun, smart casual attire is appropriate: collared shirts and slacks for men, and sundresses or skirts for women.

If you plan to visit archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá or Tulum, wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven, and lightweight, breathable clothing. The sun is unforgiving at these sites, so a hat is crucial. For a night out in the party district, more fashionable attire is common, but comfort is still key as you will likely be standing and dancing.

Avoid overly revealing clothing if you plan to visit more traditional areas or markets.

Do not drink tap water in Cancun. Stick to bottled water, which is readily available at Aloft Cancun and most stores. Many hotels provide complimentary bottled water in rooms.

If you have any prescription medications, bring enough for your entire trip, plus a few extra days, in their original containers. It is also wise to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor. For common ailments, pharmacies are plentiful throughout Cancun, including near the Hotel Zone.

You can often purchase over-the-counter equivalents for items like pain relievers, allergy medication, and stomach remedies. Consider bringing a small first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal comfort items. Remember that the sun can cause dehydration, so consider packing electrolyte packets to mix with bottled water.