Kid friendly + larger group AI

Tim25 · 09-11-2011

Ok people, need recommendations for a kid friendly resort for a group of 10+. My wife and I have always traveled together without a large group & without kids & we have no idea where to go for Christmas this year.

Looking for a place under $2K/ person from Vancouver BC.

Any suggestions?

TIM

Uno · 09-11-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim25

Ok people, need recommendations for a kid friendly resort for a group of 10+. My wife and I have always traveled together without a large group & without kids & we have no idea where to go for Christmas this year.

Looking for a place under $2K/ person from Vancouver BC.

Any suggestions?

TIM

The Ibero Star Tucan/Quetzal is a great family resort. A lot of activities, and the staff (Star Friends) engage kids (and adults) to participate throughout the day. Large groups seem to be a fair percentage of the guests at any given time. I'm sorry I don't have many comparisons for you but I think your entire party would be happy there.

**Shammy** · 09-12-2011

Barcelo Maya would be another suggestion. Very kid friendly with two kid's water parks. Also, the Palladium. I'd say Dreams too, but the cost there might be more than you're looking to spend.

Rissask · 09-12-2011

We have a large group looking for the very same thing! But mid February from Saskatoon.

We would be a group of 5 couples, 4 of them with 5 kids, ranging in age from 4 to 18.

I had already told them to look at packages to the Palladium and to the Barcelo hotels. Being able to snorkel from the beach would be a big bonus- any others in the medium price range with that? Or, close to Akumal so we could get there easily? How are the beaches at the Palladium and Iberostar....and, can you walk into Playa from the Iberostar?

kaki321 · 09-12-2011

Hey, can I jump in too?

Already jonesing to plan next June...

Which ones of these are closest to PDC/town? Very short taxi ride and/or shuttle would be nice, but I would sacrifice distance for quality, price, etc...just don't want to be too far to where it's a pain or crazy expensive to get to town.

Do any of the Playacar AI's fit the bill in terms of being a good, family friendly places that YOU would personally endorse Shammy?

Uno · 09-12-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rissask

We have a large group looking for the very same thing! But mid February from Saskatoon.

We would be a group of 5 couples, 4 of them with 5 kids, ranging in age from 4 to 18.

I had already told them to look at packages to the Palladium and to the Barcelo hotels. Being able to snorkel from the beach would be a big bonus- any others in the medium price range with that? Or, close to Akumal so we could get there easily? How are the beaches at the Palladium and Iberostar....and, can you walk into Playa from the Iberostar?

The beach at the Barcelo is far FAR superior and much larger, but it is a long way to town. (It makes it hard to leave the resort because it's so far.) On the other hand there are cenotes right across the street. Walking from the IB is a long walk but doable.

Rissask · 09-12-2011

hi Kaki! I am hoping the OP does not mind, too.

The more the merrier, right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uno

The beach at the Barcelo is far FAR superior and much larger, but it is a long way to town. (It makes it hard to leave the resort because it's so far.) On the other hand there are cenotes right across the street. Walking from the IB is a long walk but doable.

It is just one week and to be honest, it being a long way away from town is not a problem at all for this trip. As long as we are at a good, self contained resort with great beach, great pools and good food - we will make our own party and fun, and everyone just wants a weeklong, chill, fun and relaxing AI vacation.

(Shams, we were trying to book the freaking Barcelo Karmina in Manzanillo but it is sold out already

....grrr! I'm not sure if you have clients who book there, but that hotel sells out so FAST from here, so frustrating!

)

kaki321 · 09-12-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rissask

hi Kaki! I am hoping the OP does not mind, too.

The more the merrier, right?

I know, right Riss??

I can't stand not having a vacation planned. In reality, I probably won't be able to book anything for months, but it's fun to research, and dream...

Although Miles wants to go somewhere different this time

. I am also looking into Jamaica.

Maybe the OP will pick up some good info from our questions too

Rissask · 09-12-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaki321

I know, right Riss??

I can't stand not having a vacation planned. In reality, I probably won't be able to book anything for months, but it's fun to research, and dream...

Although Miles wants to go somewhere different this time

. I am also looking into Jamaica.

Maybe the OP will pick up some good info from our questions too

hopefully!

Our other choice is Holguin, Cuba, but I would rather go to the MR, as the Cuba flight has an overnight in Toronto.

warrior64 · 09-12-2011

Shammy, you mentioned Dreams...which one? any thoughts on Dreams Cancun with a 12 year old??

**Shammy** · 09-12-2011

Well, Dreams Cancun is fine - if you want Cancun. Different place and all. Otherwise, Dreams Riviera Cancun is my personal favorite, probably because it's the newest. Dreams Puerto Aventuras is also good, but the beach leaves a little to be desired as it's small and kind of made of crushed coral. The water is shallow and quite stagnant because it's set in a cove. One plus - they have an adults only pool. One negative - their main pool is also super shallow. Dreams Tulum is fine as well, just really far from the airport!

The Barcelo Maya complex is 20 minutes south of Playa, it's really not THAT far. There is excellent on site snorkeling here, probably the best of any hotel in Riviera Maya. There are 3 sections so something for every budget. The Palace is the newest and most upscale section but the Beach/Caribe has been renovated.

The IB* Tucan is close to Playa, a short taxi ride or a long-ish walk, but the quality isn't all that comparable to the Barcelo. The rooms at the Tucan/Quetzal are dated and in need of a refurb. If they did that, they'd step up a big notch in my book. Many people love this resort, but I stayed there and thought it was just "ok". I tend to appreciate and don't mind paying for a nicer room.

kaki321 · 09-12-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shammy

The Barcelo Maya complex is 20 minutes south of Playa, it's really not THAT far. There is excellent on site snorkeling here, probably the best of any hotel in Riviera Maya. There are 3 sections so something for every budget. The Palace is the newest and most upscale section but the Beach/Caribe has been renovated.

Hmm, that is interesting, 3 sections huh? Do you have a resort map by chance?

I am KIDDING! I know you DON'T have a map...people, do NOT ask Shammy for a Barcelo resort map, ok?

(hehe)

Seriously, I took a quick look and I like the fact that the Beach section has "family" rooms with a separate bedroom - and not too expensive. My boys are getting too old for all of this sharing-the-room-and-the-beds crap on vacation.

What about the Playacar options Shams? Anything with separate bedrooms?

p.s., feel free to email me that Barcelo map when you get a chance

kaki321 · 09-12-2011

Aha!!

warrior64 · 09-13-2011

Shammy, Thanks so much for all the info. How far is The Barcelo complex from the airport? Also, what are your thoughts on RIU Playacar?? Keep reading so, so reviews...but the price keeps calling me back

Havent looked at Barcelo yet though, from the map I have it looks so far??

Rissask · 09-13-2011

Thanks for the info Shammy.

And for the map, kaki!

I looked on my Mapchick map of the MR last night- yeah, it's not that far at all really, from PDC (from the airport, about an hour and a half drive? it goes fast, though.).

I would lean toward the Barcelos, I always said if I did AI in this area it would be one of those due to the beach.

I would LOVE to stay at the Akumal Beach Resort, but they are in DIRE need of a refurb (right, Annalynne?) and the food is not supposed to be that great. Are there any other AIs that are very good for families and quite close to Akumal with snorkeling from the beach?

I did hear yesterday that there is a TA in town here who has 'saved' a block of rooms/seats on the charter (Transat) to the Barcelo Karmina in ZLO- so that might be still in the running.....Shams, can they do that??

09-11-2011	#1 (permalink)
Tim25 very sparkly Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Left coast, Canada Posts: 38	Kid friendly + larger group AI Ok people, need recommendations for a kid friendly resort for a group of 10+. My wife and I have always traveled together without a large group & without kids & we have no idea where to go for Christmas this year. Looking for a place under $2K/ person from Vancouver BC. Any suggestions? TIM

09-12-2011	#10 (permalink)
warrior64 into ruins Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 69	dreams Shammy, you mentioned Dreams...which one? any thoughts on Dreams Cancun with a 12 year old??

09-12-2011	#3 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 17,465	Barcelo Maya would be another suggestion. Very kid friendly with two kid's water parks. Also, the Palladium. I'd say Dreams too, but the cost there might be more than you're looking to spend.

09-12-2011	#4 (permalink)
Rissask Canada Dry Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 49,559	We have a large group looking for the very same thing! But mid February from Saskatoon. We would be a group of 5 couples, 4 of them with 5 kids, ranging in age from 4 to 18. I had already told them to look at packages to the Palladium and to the Barcelo hotels. Being able to snorkel from the beach would be a big bonus- any others in the medium price range with that? Or, close to Akumal so we could get there easily? How are the beaches at the Palladium and Iberostar....and, can you walk into Playa from the Iberostar?

09-12-2011	#5 (permalink)
kaki321 añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Chicago, Il Posts: 1,502	Hey, can I jump in too? Already jonesing to plan next June... Which ones of these are closest to PDC/town? Very short taxi ride and/or shuttle would be nice, but I would sacrifice distance for quality, price, etc...just don't want to be too far to where it's a pain or crazy expensive to get to town. Do any of the Playacar AI's fit the bill in terms of being a good, family friendly places that YOU would personally endorse Shammy?

09-12-2011	#11 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 17,465	Well, Dreams Cancun is fine - if you want Cancun. Different place and all. Otherwise, Dreams Riviera Cancun is my personal favorite, probably because it's the newest. Dreams Puerto Aventuras is also good, but the beach leaves a little to be desired as it's small and kind of made of crushed coral. The water is shallow and quite stagnant because it's set in a cove. One plus - they have an adults only pool. One negative - their main pool is also super shallow. Dreams Tulum is fine as well, just really far from the airport! The Barcelo Maya complex is 20 minutes south of Playa, it's really not THAT far. There is excellent on site snorkeling here, probably the best of any hotel in Riviera Maya. There are 3 sections so something for every budget. The Palace is the newest and most upscale section but the Beach/Caribe has been renovated. The IB* Tucan is close to Playa, a short taxi ride or a long-ish walk, but the quality isn't all that comparable to the Barcelo. The rooms at the Tucan/Quetzal are dated and in need of a refurb. If they did that, they'd step up a big notch in my book. Many people love this resort, but I stayed there and thought it was just "ok". I tend to appreciate and don't mind paying for a nicer room.

09-12-2011	#13 (permalink)
kaki321 añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Chicago, Il Posts: 1,502	Aha!!

09-13-2011	#14 (permalink)
warrior64 into ruins Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 69	Shammy, Thanks so much for all the info. How far is The Barcelo complex from the airport? Also, what are your thoughts on RIU Playacar?? Keep reading so, so reviews...but the price keeps calling me back Havent looked at Barcelo yet though, from the map I have it looks so far??

09-13-2011	#15 (permalink)
Rissask Canada Dry Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 49,559	Thanks for the info Shammy. And for the map, kaki! I looked on my Mapchick map of the MR last night- yeah, it's not that far at all really, from PDC (from the airport, about an hour and a half drive? it goes fast, though.). I would lean toward the Barcelos, I always said if I did AI in this area it would be one of those due to the beach. I would LOVE to stay at the Akumal Beach Resort, but they are in DIRE need of a refurb (right, Annalynne?) and the food is not supposed to be that great. Are there any other AIs that are very good for families and quite close to Akumal with snorkeling from the beach? I did hear yesterday that there is a TA in town here who has 'saved' a block of rooms/seats on the charter (Transat) to the Barcelo Karmina in ZLO- so that might be still in the running.....Shams, can they do that??

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