All-Inclusive Suggestions for Family & First-Timers

Pete1505 · 02-05-2007

Hello All! It's been a couple years since I've visited the forum. Last time was when I was planning our honeymoon. Thanks to the help from this forum my wife and I had an extremely wonderful visit to Playa. Stayed at the Playa Maya, spent an afternoon on a FatCat cruise, and took a tour with James.

Well, since our last time in Playa (2003) we're now a family of 3. We'd like to come back to Playa and the grandparents want to come too! I would like to stay at one of the smaller botique hotels on the beach or rent a villa in Playacar, but my wife and parents want to be pampered at an all-inclusive. I've given in and agreed to research the all-inclusive resorts in Playa.

With that said, my first bit of research let me to the RPR......until I realized it was an adults-only resort. Blahhhhhh! Bummer. So my wife and I, our 18 month old and my parents are looking for a resonably priced all-inclusive, WITH A BEACH and the possibility of a beach side room, within walking distance to playa, that has good food. That's the criteria. Pretty simple (riiiighhht). I'm VERY wary of all-inclusives as most of them seem to be hit or miss in and around Playa. My initial research has made me almost want to try Cancun this time instead, but I was so happy with Playa a few years ago and want to give it another shot.

Please help! Can you all give me a couple resorts to research further. I'd like to research a couple lower-cost (but clean, good food) resorts, and a couple higher priced (but family friendly) resorts. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks all!

swami · 02-05-2007

if you want to be close to playa, you will need to look at the ai's in playacar. riu and iberostar a couple of resorts to look at.

gingele · 02-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete1505

So my wife and I, our 18 month old and my parents are looking for a resonably priced all-inclusive, WITH A BEACH and the possibility of a beach side room, within walking distance to playa, that has good food. That's the criteria. Pretty simple (riiiighhht).

That is a tall order! Don't think you'll find everything on your wish list in one place. I don't think any of the all-inclusives south of town (Playacar) are walking distance? The only hotels I can think of that come close to meeting your wish list are the Shangri La Caribe (gets my vote! but skip the dinner and head into town instead) and the Gran Porto Real, which is right across the street from the Royal. Also, you might want to contact the Royal because I think I remeber reading somewhere that they allow kids during certain times of the year? Then again, I could be completely wrong as my circuits are a little fried after having to watch the Superbowl yesterday

Have you considered renting a condo or a villa?

flyingpig11 · 02-05-2007

I thnk that the AIs in Playacar are walkable if you dont mind a 10-15 minute walk or so, although admittedly, I didnt make that walk.
We stayed at the Sandos Gala resort, and it was certainly half the size of most others there. Felt like a smaller resort as far as number of people. Yet, next door is abandoned brush, so it feels like a much larger property, and it is less crowded.
It is nto the fanciest, but it was plenty comfortable. There are ocean front rooms, which provide added perks, but I dont know if they are worth the expense.
As far as food, it wasnt bad, but gets old. (except the chips salsa and guac

). Frankly, after a few days, We took a break and went into town for dinner each night because the food got old and town is more fun than an AI, in my opinion.

I know others feel strongly that there are nicer, fancier, better resorts out there.

fireinmn · 02-05-2007

I've got two ideas...the Porto Real (now called The Royal) - across the street from the RPR - don't know for sure, but I think they take families. Or the Playacar Palace...just 1/2 block south of the Ferry Pier...very easy walk to town. There isn't much beach directly in front of the hotel, but just a short walk south is a very nice beach. Good luck.

p.s. If I were you, I'd push harder for the villa in Playacar. There are several very near the beach all within walking distance to town and most have pools. We stayed in one last year at this time and it was great for our family. We even hired a cook to come in 3 times during the week...you could probably get her to come in all week for less than an AI. Let me know if you want her number or the name of a few houses just inside of Playacar, I'd be happy to pm or email you!

Becky

edited to add name change...

**Shammy** · 02-05-2007

The closest AI properties to Playa that are family friendly and still have some kind of beach are:

Sandos Playacar Beach
Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal
Riu Yucatan
Gran Porto Real
Grand Coco Bay

The Riu Palace is more upscale than any of the above and still has some beach, but I wouldn't consider it to be family friendly. But with an 18 month old who is too young to utilize a kid's club at ANY resort, the lack of family friendliness might not be a big issue.

The Playacar Palace is very close to Playa and although you'll see a few kids there, it's really not what I'd call a family friendly resort either. Big minus is there is no beach right now at all. You can walk a bit to either side and use a public beach, but that kind of defeats the purpose of staying at an AI since you have no chairs, drinks, etc, si?

The Gran Porto is IN Playa so you can't get any closer to town than that. Some parts of their beach are badddd (south end) but the very northern part - closest to the Royal Playa Del Carmen, is OK. Oh and I can confirm that the Royal takes NO kids at any time of year so no need to contact them to ask.

From everything above, I'd look at the Iberostar, Sandos and Gran Porto - I think those are going to be your best bet for family friendly, not too pricey and close to Playa.

gingele · 02-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shammy

Oh and I can confirm that the Royal takes NO kids at any time of year so no need to contact them.

Yup - my circuits are fried. Going back to bed now.

BTW Shammy - Are you hiring?

**Shammy** · 02-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by gingele

Yup - my circuits are fried. Going back to bed now.

BTW Shammy - Are you hiring?

I'm one week away from the meeting with my accountant to do my taxes. I can hire you, SAY I paid you $10,000 and I can then write you off! Works for me!

No pain, but no gain either!

Of course if you REALLY want to work, there's a bit more to it than that.

ElDangeroso · 02-05-2007

I am more into the boutique hotel vibe myself, but last February acquiesced and agreed to stay at the Riu Cancun to hang out with some friends rather than Isla Mujeres. I will have to say for an AI it was really nice, good food, nice pools and beach area, very friendly staff and nice rooms. I am not personally a "Cancun" person, but if you stay on an AI I don't think it would matter than much. Looks like so many fun things to do in Playa though from what I have been reading the past several months. Oh, and did i mention I will be making my first Playa trip in 9 days!!!

2theC · 02-05-2007

We have been twice and we love the Playacar palace. It is steps from 5th and all of the happenings. We walked 5th each night (except when it rained). I right next to the ferry dock. The downside is the beach is not great, but changes constantly. The hotel is very close to the wonderful playa beaches.
The good thing is it only has just over 200 rooms so it is very small - which we loved! They have a kids club that is near the pool area.
One day we are going to try a non-AI and just wing it.

Here is our trip report from last fall.
http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-forum/26296-playacar-palace-trip-report.html

we are set to go back in May (7 days PDC, 3 Cancun) and are staying at the same place.

ithecactiguy · 02-05-2007

A really great family AI is Barcelo. It's around Puerto Aventuras with a great water park for kids etc. I heard prices are great too.
We went last year and took our then 3 year old and 12 year old (along with a troop of friends and family). We had a great time.

abuelo · 02-05-2007

IB Tucan is great for all of your request!

rainbow · 02-07-2007

...we thoroughly enjoy the riu yucatan and the riu palace mexico...they'd be about a 20 minute walk into playa...lovely stretch of beach, and both resorts have lovely grounds...the pool area at the yucatan is a bit more lively, and it has more of a belly-up-to-the-bar feel about it...the riu palace mexico will pamper you...your 18 month old mind find the monkeys residing in the trees at the yucatan interesting...

02-05-2007	#1 (permalink)
Pete1505 lost on fifth Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 17	All-Inclusive Suggestions for Family & First-Timers Hello All! It's been a couple years since I've visited the forum. Last time was when I was planning our honeymoon. Thanks to the help from this forum my wife and I had an extremely wonderful visit to Playa. Stayed at the Playa Maya, spent an afternoon on a FatCat cruise, and took a tour with James. Well, since our last time in Playa (2003) we're now a family of 3. We'd like to come back to Playa and the grandparents want to come too! I would like to stay at one of the smaller botique hotels on the beach or rent a villa in Playacar, but my wife and parents want to be pampered at an all-inclusive. I've given in and agreed to research the all-inclusive resorts in Playa. With that said, my first bit of research let me to the RPR......until I realized it was an adults-only resort. Blahhhhhh! Bummer. So my wife and I, our 18 month old and my parents are looking for a resonably priced all-inclusive, WITH A BEACH and the possibility of a beach side room, within walking distance to playa, that has good food. That's the criteria. Pretty simple (riiiighhht). I'm VERY wary of all-inclusives as most of them seem to be hit or miss in and around Playa. My initial research has made me almost want to try Cancun this time instead, but I was so happy with Playa a few years ago and want to give it another shot. Please help! Can you all give me a couple resorts to research further. I'd like to research a couple lower-cost (but clean, good food) resorts, and a couple higher priced (but family friendly) resorts. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks all! Last edited by Pete1505; 02-05-2007 at 07:12 AM.

02-05-2007	#5 (permalink)
fireinmn añejo Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 5,214	I've got two ideas...the Porto Real (now called The Royal) - across the street from the RPR - don't know for sure, but I think they take families. Or the Playacar Palace...just 1/2 block south of the Ferry Pier...very easy walk to town. There isn't much beach directly in front of the hotel, but just a short walk south is a very nice beach. Good luck. p.s. If I were you, I'd push harder for the villa in Playacar. There are several very near the beach all within walking distance to town and most have pools. We stayed in one last year at this time and it was great for our family. We even hired a cook to come in 3 times during the week...you could probably get her to come in all week for less than an AI. Let me know if you want her number or the name of a few houses just inside of Playacar, I'd be happy to pm or email you! Becky edited to add name change... Last edited by fireinmn; 02-05-2007 at 11:39 AM.

02-05-2007	#6 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,522	The closest AI properties to Playa that are family friendly and still have some kind of beach are: Sandos Playacar Beach Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal Riu Yucatan Gran Porto Real Grand Coco Bay The Riu Palace is more upscale than any of the above and still has some beach, but I wouldn't consider it to be family friendly. But with an 18 month old who is too young to utilize a kid's club at ANY resort, the lack of family friendliness might not be a big issue. The Playacar Palace is very close to Playa and although you'll see a few kids there, it's really not what I'd call a family friendly resort either. Big minus is there is no beach right now at all. You can walk a bit to either side and use a public beach, but that kind of defeats the purpose of staying at an AI since you have no chairs, drinks, etc, si? The Gran Porto is IN Playa so you can't get any closer to town than that. Some parts of their beach are badddd (south end) but the very northern part - closest to the Royal Playa Del Carmen, is OK. Oh and I can confirm that the Royal takes NO kids at any time of year so no need to contact them to ask. From everything above, I'd look at the Iberostar, Sandos and Gran Porto - I think those are going to be your best bet for family friendly, not too pricey and close to Playa. Last edited by Shammy; 02-05-2007 at 12:03 PM.

02-05-2007	#9 (permalink)
ElDangeroso into ruins Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Hermosa Beach, California Posts: 79	Cancun AI I am more into the boutique hotel vibe myself, but last February acquiesced and agreed to stay at the Riu Cancun to hang out with some friends rather than Isla Mujeres. I will have to say for an AI it was really nice, good food, nice pools and beach area, very friendly staff and nice rooms. I am not personally a "Cancun" person, but if you stay on an AI I don't think it would matter than much. Looks like so many fun things to do in Playa though from what I have been reading the past several months. Oh, and did i mention I will be making my first Playa trip in 9 days!!!

02-05-2007	#10 (permalink)
2theC way into it Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 119	AI in PDC We have been twice and we love the Playacar palace. It is steps from 5th and all of the happenings. We walked 5th each night (except when it rained). I right next to the ferry dock. The downside is the beach is not great, but changes constantly. The hotel is very close to the wonderful playa beaches. The good thing is it only has just over 200 rooms so it is very small - which we loved! They have a kids club that is near the pool area. One day we are going to try a non-AI and just wing it. Here is our trip report from last fall. http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-forum/26296-playacar-palace-trip-report.html we are set to go back in May (7 days PDC, 3 Cancun) and are staying at the same place.

02-05-2007	#2 (permalink)
swami way into it Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: chicago Posts: 159	if you want to be close to playa, you will need to look at the ai's in playacar. riu and iberostar a couple of resorts to look at.

02-05-2007	#4 (permalink)
flyingpig11 beachaholic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bflo, NY Posts: 326	I thnk that the AIs in Playacar are walkable if you dont mind a 10-15 minute walk or so, although admittedly, I didnt make that walk. We stayed at the Sandos Gala resort, and it was certainly half the size of most others there. Felt like a smaller resort as far as number of people. Yet, next door is abandoned brush, so it feels like a much larger property, and it is less crowded. It is nto the fanciest, but it was plenty comfortable. There are ocean front rooms, which provide added perks, but I dont know if they are worth the expense. As far as food, it wasnt bad, but gets old. (except the chips salsa and guac ). Frankly, after a few days, We took a break and went into town for dinner each night because the food got old and town is more fun than an AI, in my opinion. I know others feel strongly that there are nicer, fancier, better resorts out there.

02-05-2007	#11 (permalink)
ithecactiguy way into it Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pearland, Texas Posts: 149	A really great family AI is Barcelo. It's around Puerto Aventuras with a great water park for kids etc. I heard prices are great too. We went last year and took our then 3 year old and 12 year old (along with a troop of friends and family). We had a great time.

02-05-2007	#12 (permalink)
abuelo beachaholic Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Shreveport La Posts: 282	IB Tucan is great for all of your request!

02-07-2007	#13 (permalink)
rainbow way into it Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: southeastern Pennsylvania Posts: 244	...we thoroughly enjoy the riu yucatan and the riu palace mexico...they'd be about a 20 minute walk into playa...lovely stretch of beach, and both resorts have lovely grounds...the pool area at the yucatan is a bit more lively, and it has more of a belly-up-to-the-bar feel about it...the riu palace mexico will pamper you...your 18 month old mind find the monkeys residing in the trees at the yucatan interesting...

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