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[wonka]

Hi all,

Its been awhile since I've been scanning the forums ( computer crashed, lost links, new job, wow lets not get into it). Anyway we got chased home last year by Wilma and would like to return. We stayed at the Riu Playacar and loved it the four days we where there.
With current situations being what they are, and the fact we would like to bring the kids this time, we are looking for a less costly option. ($12,000.00 seems a bit high).
Looking for suggestions from the gang here on a resort with much the same atmosphere but a little better suited for bringing our kids (12 & 9) at a less expensive cost.

So where do you suggest?

Thanks

[maestranba]

If you liked the Riu properties, the Tequila should be less $. It's across the street, but you have beach access through a path that runs along side the Riu Palace. Also check out Grand Coco Bay, in north Playa. I think their rates are lower than the Rius. The Viva Azteca and Maya might be less too, if you want to be in Playacar.

[heater]

i would suggest the playa maya, although it's not all-inclusive.

[wonka]

Originally Posted by heater

i would suggest the playa maya, although it's not all-inclusive.

Well I think we are going to try out the Riu Yucatan, with the rugrats coming the wife is just more comfortable going the AI route, and we found it was just a nice walk from town. I'm thinking we will give Steve's place a try the next time its just us grown ups.

[Luv2Dance]

We had a good time at the Riu Yucatan in Nov 04. That was before the pool remodel. There are resorts that have special offers for children staying at resort with two adults in same room. You will have to pay for their flight but if you are thinking of staying in an AI, you might want to check out which resorts are family friendly and offer either reduced prices or even (stay free) options.

[Shammy]

When it comes to the Riu resorts, only the Tequila offers kids 12 and under free, and only during certain time periods. There might be other hotels that also offer kids free, but it depends on the time frame.

However, ALL AI resorts charge a reduced price for kids when they are sharing a room with two adults - and some resorts are even single adult + child friendly.

[wonka]

Thanks to all for the posts and info, now to get the scuba cert. going

[catjammies]

Check out Barcelo.com. They have been running a 75th anniversary sale that has been unbelievable. I don't know if there is still availability, but two of us for a week at Thanksgiving was $462. Total, not each (w/o air). We told 4 of our friends and they all booked too. Keep in mind that it is totally non-refundable, but there is 3rd party insurance available (thanks Shammy)

[Rissask]

If you want AI, how about the Real Playa del Carmen that is right in the north end of Playa? It is a lot more economical than many other AIs in the area, and has a great location.
The Sandos Caracol is another we can get up here through Sunquest or Signature that is cheaper. And the Oasis Puerto Adventuras (now called something else, sorry!)

When are you looking at going? January is the cheapest month for we western Canucks to travel to Mexico on package vacations. Apart from last minute deals, of which I haven't seen too many this year to Playa- although they had $128 flights to Cancun from Calgary in the paper last week, for sometime in the next month I think?

I suggest you check out sites like www.Escapes.ca and www.selloffvacations.com for good deals on vacations packages come fall for the winter months, and I think the charters fly out of Edmonton and Calgary until about the end of April.

The best deal to the area out of Calgary I saw this week was a week to the El Tukan Condotel (not a bad hotel, but non-AI, just three star, but great location in the north end of town) for about $894 per person air and hotel.

[wonka]

We have booked our trip for the first two weeks in december. The Yucatan offers a kids package, and we got the package resonable enough ( 4000.00 cheaper than riu playacar).