Hotel points · By Patrick Karsh ·
Two Hilton luxury resorts on the Riviera Maya are now all-inclusive. According to Hilton's announcement, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya switched to all-inclusive stays on October 1, 2026.
More changes come in the new year. From January 10, 2027, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya becomes adults-only, for registered guests 18 and older. Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya stays open to families but adds an adults-only area called Ceiba Club.
What each resort offers
Hilton is giving the two resorts different jobs.
Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya is aimed at adults who want privacy and a slower pace. Hilton lists 24-hour in-room dining, a minibar refreshed daily, a personal concierge and arrival touches. Eligible direct bookings include private round-trip transfers from Cancún International Airport.
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is the family choice. It keeps 24-hour in-room dining, refreshed minibar items, a concierge team and the MYTHOS World kids' club. Eligible direct bookings get private round-trip transfers from either Cancún or Tulum International Airport.
Ceiba Club at the Conrad will give adults their own section, with access to Autor, a Michelin-recognized Mexican restaurant, plus Ceiba Lounge and Carbon Restaurant, Pool and Beach.
At both resorts, eligible stays of four nights or more may include one resort experience or local excursion per stay.
"Today's travelers want the freedom and ease of an All-Inclusive resort," said Sylvia Scholey, Hilton's vice president and global head of all-inclusive and resorts.
If you already have a booking
Hilton says existing bookings at both resorts will be honored under the plan and terms confirmed when you booked. There is one big exception. At the Waldorf Astoria, bookings that include guests under 18 and arrive on or after January 10, 2027, are not covered by that promise. Hilton says the resort will help those guests find somewhere else to stay.
If you have a family trip booked at the Waldorf Astoria for next year, contact the resort now. The Conrad, which stays open to families, is one option to ask about.
What it means for Hilton Honors points
Hilton's release says members who book directly with Hilton can earn points on stays and experiences. It does not give points prices for the new all-inclusive rates. Before you book with points, check exactly what a reward stay includes. All-inclusive resorts can price reward nights differently from room-only stays, and the details matter.
Compare the points price with the cash rate for the same dates. An all-inclusive cash rate covers food and drinks, so the points price should be judged against that full rate, not against a room-only rate at another hotel.
If you pay cash, book direct. Hilton ties the airport transfers to eligible direct bookings, and direct bookings also earn Hilton Honors points.
Getting to Cancún is easy on miles from much of the US. Our program directory can help you compare airline currencies for the flight.
My take
The split makes sense: one resort for couples, one for families. I would book direct to get the airport transfer and check what a points stay includes before spending a large balance. Families with Waldorf Astoria bookings after January 10 should act soon.