Best Resort for Kids (Ages 6 & 9)

[FriscoAggie]

Love this site and would like to get the opinion of some of the "veterans"
For kids, which resort would you choose? We are considering either the Barcelos or the Iberostars. Specifically which resort (and section) would you choose and why?

[lonestarbevo]

Hey, first I have to ask ~ Frisco, Tx? We were in McKinney up until two years ago and really miss it!! Anyway, I have two girls, 7 & 10 who are very active and love a good thrill (kayak/parasailing/jetskis). We stayed at the Riu Palace last year and it was fun but not alot of kids around, besides we wanted a change. We're headed to the Ibero* Maya in June and it sounds, from what I've read on these boards, that there are loads of kids. Four of the hotels are in close proximity to each other and it seems like a family friendly resort. You'll get tons of info here, these are great people!

[mrcool138]

Frisco

Welcome.... we came down to the same two resorts your talking about, after discussing it with Shammy, the board expert on such matters, we decided on the Barcelo Tropical/Colonial. We are taking kids(11, 9, and 4yrs old) the first of June. Their first time to Mexico, our 4th. Good luck, don't think you will go wrong with either place.

[FriscoAggie]

Thanks to both for the replies. Very helpful and it will probably come down to the best deal I guess as both resort chains seem like exactly what we are looking for.
LoneStarBevo - yes, Frisco TX. Small world. Where are you now?
I like the layout of this thread - Aggie on top of the Longhorn - just like in real life the last two years
Thanks again.

[TexasTim]

Just got back from Iberostar Tucan. Saw a lot of kids but none were crying. They like most resorts have a kids program. The kids their liked all the animals on property. Macrows,tucans,monkeys, inguinas, rodents, peacocks, chickens, flamigos, ducks, etc. I think the waves were to ruff for the kidds(Dallas Mavericks) in the ocean most days during our stay.

AGGIE Class of 82

[FriscoAggie]

Thanks good Ag.
I just got back from the Mavs game with my son - awesome to witness Kidds 100th triple double. That place was electric tonight.

[NJRooFan]

Greetings from New Jersey …. By the way’ before y’all start thinkin’ we’re all tenderfoots (feet?) out here, I should let you know this is Western New Jersey ….. heck, we’re only a few miles from small town Pennsylvania, and I’m sure you’ve heard about them hombres in the news lately …….

We’ve stayed at the Iberostars up by Puerto Morelos (the Beach, Del Mar, Lindo, Maya, etc), and visited the IB’s near Playa (Tucan and Quetzel), and also at the Barcelo. Of these, with your young girls, I’d pick the Barcelo because:

The beach is much nicer for youngsters – the Lindo / Maya / Del Mar surf is much rougher than the beaches farther south where the Barcelo is, and the Tucan Quetzel beaches are in bad shape;

Though the Iberostars have the best animation (entertainment) staff, and the best songs (Hey Baby, etc) the Barcelo has little water parks, with fountains and slides, etc – the kids love them

The Barcelo is a few minutes from Puerto Aventuras, where you can watch and/or swim with dolphins and manatees, right in the middle of the town “square”;

There are a few cenotes practically across the street from the Barcelo

The Barcelo has a pier out into the water where you can see / feed / swim with the fish

The Barcelo Colonial / Tropical and Palace have air conditioning in the buffet restaurants. The Iberostar Beach, Del Mar, Tucan, and Quetzel do not

The Barcelo has mini-golf

I’ve lately seen some very good prices for the Barcelo Palace, the newest section, which gives access to all other sections (and therefore 2 waterparks)

Hope this helps … no matter what, you’ll have a great time!

PS – We highly recommend some SPF rated “rashguard” or other sun protective water wear for kids – the sun is mui caliente

PPS – the last couple of summers we’ve gone to the Palladium, also a good choice with kids, you might want to check that out, too

Happy Trails!

[Buns]

Hi. I just returned from a stay at the Barceló Maya Beach Resort. We had 5 adults and 4 kids (2, 7, 9 & 12). We all had a great time! There was plenty of stuff for the older kids to do...mini golf, ping pong, giant chess, basketball, pottery painting, water slides, playground, etc. It was totally safe to let the older kids go off on their own. They also have the Barcy Kids' Club, but our kids were just not interested in that.

We all enjoyed the food and were able to find something we liked at all the meals.

The pools were GREAT. Lots of them, too. They had different activities going on in the pools, or you could just chill out and relax.

I would absolutely recommend this place for anyone with kids.

[lonestarbevo]

Originally Posted by FriscoAggie

Thanks to both for the replies. Very helpful and it will probably come down to the best deal I guess as both resort chains seem like exactly what we are looking for.
LoneStarBevo - yes, Frisco TX. Small world. Where are you now?
I like the layout of this thread - Aggie on top of the Longhorn - just like in real life the last two years
Thanks again.

Blah, blah, blah, enjoy it while you can. I cannot we believe we won the National Championship and then lost to the Aggies ~ twice!! My brother is a Former Student (94 I think?) and I've been reminded countless times... We are currently living in the Atlanta area and love it, BUT, it's not Texas.