Real Inn Cancun is not a massive corporate hotel with thousands of rooms and lavish ballrooms. Rather, it features 160 rooms distributed in a six-story building right on the Hotel Zone's main (and only) avenue. Situated on the lagoon side, it welcomes both business and leisure travelers with a spacious, water-view lobby equipped with contemporary furniture. A large mirror by the lobby entrance allows guests to check their appearance before heading to a business meeting or a night out. At the end of the lobby is a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that provides panoramic views of the lagoon and opens to the thatched-roof, lagoon-side restaurant, which is so close to the water that someone may feel a bit concerned about the lagoon's fauna, which includes crocodiles. That door also takes guests to the outdoor pool area, surrounded by manicured gardens.

The vibe here is pretty relaxed and mature, so it's a nice option for leisure travelers looking to avoid a crowded, noisy all-inclusive experience. Younger travelers looking to party might prefer the Aloft Cancun, which has live music in the evenings and is closer to the nightlife scene. Some business travelers may prefer the Aloft as well because it is attached to the convention center. For many guests, though, the Real Inn's location away from the party zone is part of its appeal. 

The hotel is on the city's main tourist boulevard, and its position on the lagoon side provides outstanding views even from the lobby, which is roughly 70 yards from the water. Across the street from the hotel is a bus stop, and guests can reach downtown via bus in under 10 minutes. About 700 feet to the right of the hotel is a bus stop for going to the nightclub area and the convention center, which takes about five minutes. 

The sea is about a five-minute walk away, although the public beaches are popular among locals and usually crowded. On the other hand, those beaches are great for families with toddlers as waves are mild, the water is shallow, and the sand is expansive and powder-like; several land and water activities available. Loungers and beach umbrellas can be rented from the hotels located on the beach, such as the once-glorious Casa Maya. 

Playa Tortuga ferry terminal and El Embarcadero ferry terminal with service to to Isla Mujeres are within a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive. Heading west across the Calinda Bridge there are also a theater, a scenic tower, a Catholic church, and a few local restaurants. It's an 11-minute walk to Marina Aquatours to the east and a 25-minute walk (or short drive) to Marina Chac Chic to the west, both professional marinas for water tours. Convenience stores or pharmacies are a few minutes' drive away. It's about a 10-minute drive to get to fancy shopping centers like La Isla and Kukulkan Plaza from the hotel, or a five-minute drive to Plaza Caracol shopping mall. Cancun International Airport is a half hour away and downtown Cancun is less than 15 minutes away.

Rooms at the Real Inn Cancun have stylish, modern decor in shades of gray, orange, and white, and most fall either into the Executive or standard Deluxe categories. Executive Rooms are considerably smaller than the Deluxe Rooms, with just one double bed, and are best suited solo travelers or couples staying for a single night. Otherwise, the standard Deluxe Rooms provide more space and either one king-size or two double beds for a few extra dollars. A few suites are also available. 

Both Executive and Deluxe Rooms feature same-size, modern bathrooms with rain showers and hairdryers. No minibars or mini-fridges are available in-room, just free water (a nice extra) and a basic, small ice container which can be filled on request. A flat-screen TV with limited cable channels is available, but it is not a smart TV. A spacious work area includes an ergonomic chair, a reading lamp, and two convenient electric plugs. Lagoon or city views are subject to availability, as are private balconies furnished with two plastic chairs and a table. 

Real Inn Cancun's main features are its thatched-roof restaurant overlooking the lagoon and its infinity-edge swimming pool, large enough for lap swimming. The restaurant is great for breakfast, with an extensive buffet, but the informal atmosphere might not be suited to business lunches. Dinner is a la carte, ideal for the budget-minded romantic couple, as the menu is varied and prices are within Mexican standards.

The swimming pool area is surrounded by a manicured garden and the pool is large enough for lap swimming, although its width is narrow to make the most of the lagoon views. All around the pool there are comfortable sun loungers, but no Bali beds. There are also a whirlpool and a picturesque terrace with comfortable furniture. This terrace works great as an outdoor reading area, but if you prefer to read in an air conditioned setting with lagoon views, the foyer on the second floor is a good choice, provided that no events are taking place. 

A bar area is adjacent to both the terrace and the pool, but no waitstaff service is available. Near the pool, and upstairs on the second level, there is a big, modern fitness center with four treadmills, two elliptical machines, three bicycles, and two universal machines. However, the gym's best asset is its gorgeous lagoon view. For the business traveler there are two state-of-the-art meeting rooms, three conference rooms, and a computer area with three free PCs and a printer. Wi-Fi is fast and reliable throughout, and an ATM is located right on the lobby with both Mexican and U.S. currencies.