Newbie/Palace Resorts/December

[pinkflamingoes]

Hi everybody,
The winter holidays have turned into such a stressful event for us because of relatives that the immediate family has decided we'd rather be in an episode of "Lost" than go through that again; we want to try to just go have fun in the sun together and tell everyone we're leaving town.
So...we have the chance to go to a Palace Resort of our choice in December.. We are a family of seven: my husband and myself, my parents, and three kids, ages 14, 11 and 7. Just for information purposes: all three kids are happy swimming in pools and playing on the beach. I looked into the resort at X'pu Ha which looks like a perfect choice if it weren't for the questionable status of when it opens and what it will look like when it does.
Any recommendations for a second choice of a Palace Resort? It's important to have a beach and for it to be kid-friendly (so no Aventura or Sun). We're not too fussy but convenience to the beach, pool and to eat are important. Other activities; we don't really need all kinds of events and activities to have a good time, so that's not top priority...we haven't been to Mexico since hubby and I did a Sun Trips to Cabo ten years ago, so I'm sure we'll find something to do. We do well together when we travel (as long as the relatives don't show up)
It has to be a Palace property. A place less crowded would be good.
Anxiously awaiting good advice! Meet us there (unless we're related!!)

[Shammy]

For Palace Resorts that take families in Riviera Maya, you really only have a choice of the Xpu Ha Palace, Playacar Palace or Moon Palace.

The Xpu Ha situation is questionable, but it absolutely should be open by December, especially since they are now saying May 15th. I mean, they can't be off by THAT much, right? :p What the place is like or the beach facilities offer is an unknown at this time though. It used to be a really great family friendly resort and I doubt that fact will change. But the new beach area looks to be so small, I guess until someone actually goes there we won't know how it all works out.

Playacar Palace is lovely, but you'd have to depend on a pool as there is no beach to hang out and sit on. There IS entry to the ocean however, and there is also a public beach next door. If I had to book soon and didn't have time to wait on what the scoop was on Xpu Ha, I'd pick Playacar Palace.

Moon Palace is way north, first resort after you exit the airport and head down through Riviera Maya. If you don't mind being that north, that's another choice for you, but this is a very large resort, there are over 2,100 rooms. The ocean in this area isn't the best, it's seaweedy and not that turquoise color you would find further south, but at least there is a beach. The pools here are awesome though.

The Beach and Cancun Palace in Cancun are not expected to open until December 2006, so in my opinion, that leaves those resorts out.

[xecutech]

We have stayed at Moon Palace 2 times and have really enjoyed it. Actually, we plan on taking our teenagers there when we go again.
We have visited numerous Palace resorts and if you are parents of picky eaters, I would recommend Moon Palace as it will give you more varietys of place to eat.
Don't let the size of the resort sway you. They have very good service, fun and polite staff and they go out of there way to accomodate your needs.

[pinkflamingoes]

Thanks for all that. It sounds like either one will be better than...the holiday scene we will avoid!
So, here's my question: if we do decide to make reservations at either one, how far ahead do we have to do it for December? Our friends who are giving us a week of their timeshare have apparently purchased a bazillion weeks at Palace Resorts. I know Christmastime is busy in Mexico. Is there a recommendation as far as advance reservations besides "do it yesterday"?

[hoffer]

Stayed at the Playacar Palace at the end of February and loved it. Excellent service, food and drink. Almost all rooms are ocean view and ours had an awesome view. Was no beach in front of the hotel then, but a good beach 50 yds. south. Now, as I see recent pics of the hotel on Tripadvisor, there is some beach in front and lots right next door to the north where there is no hotel. Location is the thing for the Playacar. A 2 minute walk and you are on 5th Ave. or the ferry to Coz. I have a review with pics posted on here and also a review with pics on TA. P.M. me if you have other questions about the Playacar.

[4myjoy]

If you are using a Palace Premier week it has to be booked and paid for 90 days in advance or you are not guaranteed a room. A member can book and make changes as many times as they want up to that 90 day mark. It has been suggested by employees of Palace resorts to me that Cancun Palace (and Sun which won't work for you) will more than likely beat the December '06 deadline. If it is open I would think that Cancun Palace would suit your needs quite nicely. If Cancun Palace is not ready I agree with Shammy that you would probably enjoy Playacar Palace. You could easily book one resort and then change if another opens that you are interested in.

[pinkflamingoes]

Originally Posted by hoffer

I have a review with pics posted on here and also a review with pics on TA. P.M. me if you have other questions about the Playacar.

I looked for a review for Playacar Palace under reviews; I can't seem to find it. Also, what is TA? Sorry I'm so clueless!

[Conanc]

TA = tripadvisor.com

[Brent & Kim]

I would vote for the moon palace. I think your kids will have a ton of fun as long as the weather is on your side!

[pinkflamingoes]

All of this information is so helpful. Is there a big difference in price of these resorts? I'm really hesitant to book at X'pu Ha now, Playacar or Moon might be our choices.