denise

My family and I (including a 10 and 12 yr. old) are considering a trip to Cancun. We might be staying at the Marriott which I've heard was good, but how is the beach there? My kids do not like strong surf. Also I've heard stories about traveling around to the ruins etc. What is the bus system like and is it safe to travel around outside the resort with kids? Also, do the kids have a higher rate of getting stomach virus? Are the pests a problem? We would be traveling in June. Thanks!

Marj

We took our kids once to Cancun and once to PDC. We have another trip planned to PDC next month. The major resorts in the area have purified water. My family never had any 'stomach' problems. I still wouldn't drink tap water even if it's purified but never had any problems from ice cubes or food. These better resorts and hotels generally are well taken care over, never had a problem with 'pests'. The water is sometimes rough on the cancun strip. I prefer the PDC area, less congested and the beaches are great. In cancun, we experienced 'black flag' days at the beach, this was never the case in PDC. There are many family friendly places in both locations. PDC is closer to most sites. We did a Tulum tour from Cancun which worked out pretty well. In PDC, we rent a car for a day or 2 to do our own exploring.

Sadie

In all the times I have been to Cancun (5 times), we have never experienced a black flag day on the beach. We have been in both the fall and the summer months. I know the surf at the northern end of the hotel zone is not as strong as it is along the southern end. We love Cancun. We've gone with friends 2 years and they took their kids (7,9 &amp;13). They had a blast.<BR><BR>Never been to PDC so don't know about their beaches.

Dee

We've been to Cancun 4 times with kids. There are two Marriotts in Cancun, the JW Marriott and the Casa Manga which is next door. Having stayed at the JW with kids, the Casa Manga would probably be better. The JW is very posh and they frowned upon the barefoot antics of my kids. Staying at the Casa Manga, you can also use the facilities of the JW and it's cheaper too. As per the beaches, the surf in the summer can get a little rough, but the early summer is usually calmer as is earlier in the day. The soft white sand and the clear water is without compare! As previously stated, the hotels in the northern section of the hotel zone 7 have very calm beaches. We have used the public bus system with kids many times (6 pesos one way pp) and there are many great restaurants and shopping areas downtown. As to going to ruins, there are many tourist outfits that will take you to where ever you want to go, usually not too expensive. We have never rented a car. As for the water, our family drinks the water directly without problem. The only &quot;stomach virus&quot; my son and I experienced was after going to a restaurant outside of the hotel zone. Within the hotel zone, and in the better hotels, there isn't a problem. I have never found insects to be a problem, nor are there fish or seaweed in the Caribbean waters there. You do see lizard type creatures from time to time, but they are usually hidden and they are more afraid of you than you are of them. There are some areas of downtown Cancun that I would shy away from with children, and downtown at night tends to get lively, but like anywhere, use common sense and those areas are readily apparent anyways. We love Cancun and will be returning in July again this year for two weeks. Enjoy your holiday!

Mary

I agree with Dee that Marriot Casa Magna would be just fine. I live in Cancun and as she said th ocean can get a little rough late in the day but early morning is great.It has a splendid beach and drinking water is all purified in the hotels. Outside of hotels always ask for bottled water and always wash your hands and you should have no problem. I walk alone all the time on the main streets of downtown Cancun and have never had a problem-it is very safe. There are many cute restaurants downtown that are really worth a visit such as Sasha's Bistro on Av. Nader. The swiss chef prepares everything in an open kitchen Most of the chefs in Cancun go there for dinner with their wives as do a lot of the locals who don't want the tourist traps of the hotel zone.<BR>Playa del Carmen is nice but very European and sort of old style hippie which can get out of hand sometimes with all the things associated with those types.<BR>Hope this helped you.

carol

Reading the good info on this topic is very helpful. We too are planning a July trip with kids, can you recommend a resort that offers 2 bedrooms, and also how crowded are the beaches in July? I understand spring break is the most hectic of all. Any help is appreciated.

Judy

Dee - that was a faulous trip report and accurate to a &quot;t.&quot; <BR><BR>Carol - I have been to Cancun 3 years in a row since 2000 but always during X-mas. We always stay in a timeshare but have visited the Marriott. The Marriott is great and has a terrific pool for the kids which is heated. The surf is rough on that side but I have never seen black flags. The surf is very dependent on how windy it is. You will certainly experience some calm days and the ocean is very warm. The lifeguards are also very professional and watchful. If they feel you are in the wrong area or too far out, they will blow their whistles, etc. We saw lots of kids in the ocean with boogie boards and they were having a blast. I also visited PDC two years ago while in Cancun and was not nearly as impressed but I think it depends where you go. You will get many opinions as to what area is better and this is so personal. The beaches and water in Cancun are beautiful and crystal clear. I thought they were better than in PDC. If you are looking for calmer water in Cancun you might want to check the Hotel Presidente on the other side of the Hotel Zone. This is still a very convenient location. The beach is smaller and you cannot walk for miles like you can on the other side, but the water is nice and calm. I am sure there is a site that will offer info on this hotel. Try www.cancun.com or www.where2stay.com. I feel very safe there and the bus system is terrific. We rented a car the year we went to PDC and my husband got a little lost during our sightseeing excursions. The driving can at times be challenging. You might want to look into various companies that tour these ruins or hire a driver through your hotel. There is a travel agency called Thomas Moore but they can bit a bit high and you might want to compare them with other groups. One last thing, the restaurants are great and we have never been sick. We did drink regular water at restaurants in the hotel zone but bottled outside of the area. You will have a great time.

Judy

Denise - sorry for mixing your name up. It's been a long day. Enjoy

Dee

Regarding Carol's question concerning 2 bedroom resorts, I would recommend one of the Royal Resorts in Cancun. Each villa has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a living room/dining room. They are timeshares (we own at the Royal Sands and extend our Cancun vacation each year at different hotels, last summer at the JW, before that the Ritz and the Fiesta Americanas, this upcoming summer at Le Meridian) but unused villas can be rented. A good website is www.cheapcaribbean.com for the Royal Sands and information on all the Royals (5 of them in Cancun) can be found at www.royalresorts.com or about the Royal Sands in particular at www.royalresortscancun.com. Unfortunately, however, the Royal Resorts websites are not up-to-date and don't show the completed second phase at the Sands. The beaches, pools, and facilities are all 5 star and immaculate at the Royals. Regarding crowded beaches anywhere in Cancun in July, we've never found that after 4 visits. July is very hot, and although the white sand remains cool on the feet, it is not comfortable to sunbathe on the beach chairs for extended periods of time. Most people can be found in the Caribbean waters, under the palapa beach huts, or in/around the pools. It is NOTHING like the New Jersey beaches where everyone's beach towels become literally one large quilt to zig zag walking around in HOT sand. Also, during the day people will leave the resorts to go on trips to ruins, Dolphin swims, diving, sailing, etc. so it is never crowded. At the Royals and at the nicer hotels where we have stayed or visited, the pools are very large, so you never get the feeling of crowdedness. Judy's suggestion of Thomas More travel agency is a good one, we've used them several times, but they are connected with the Royal Resorts and I don't think people staying outside of the Royals can partake of their tours and programs. Judy? Anyways, research various hotels using your search engine - there are numerous excellent choices. Cancun is a wonderful place for adults and kids alike! Be sure to bring plenty of #45 sunscreen in the summer!

carol

thank you Judy and Dee, for so much helpful info! I will research the sites you recommend, it really takes some time. We have been to some pretty awesome beaches and locations that I seen to want as many details as possible. This would be a first time, so I would want to make it memorable! Thanks!

denise

Thanks for the info Dee and Mary. We're trying to decide on staying at the JW or the Casa Magna. I like the idea of staying at the JW but don't want to feel uncomfortable with children. My kids ages are 10 and 12. Suggestions?

Judy

Denise, Carol and anyone else interested in visiting Cancun (HA)- Regarding tour groups, I think Dee might be right and Thomas More might only be affiliated with Royal Resorts. We always stay at the Royal Mayan - love that place!!! Love all the Royal Resorts but the Royal Mayan has a cozy, warm feeling to it. The same bartenders and waiters have been there all three years that we have gone and I feel like it has become like a second home to me. We also stay in a beach front (literally feet from the beach) 2 bedroom unit and they are fabulous.

carol

Hi Dee- Thank you so much for the royal info. It at least seems worth considering. I was ready to give up on the cancun idea last evening. Between what I want in the unit, proximity to beach and pool, tiki hut or swim up bar, and not the crowds/activities/noise, well I just simply couldn't find it. I do not know how many timeshare rental options I have, but this is a start. I have the FF tickets/ seats on hold, lucky to get the summer dates. Can you offer me info on how expensive and quality of food and drink at the resort. We do not plan on leaving to eat etc. We drink lots of water, ice tea, wine and a little beer. Glad to hear there is a spa, we are... well you know health concious. (I get razed about this all the time, oh well) Any way you have helped greatly, any further do's or don'ts and food info grealy appreciated. happy trails, Carol

Danielle

We will return to the Royal resorts in Cancun next month for our 4th visit. We've never stayed anywhere else in Cancun and frankly wouldn't consider it. We love the staff, the cleanliness, the family atmosphere at the Royals--not to mention the food, the amenities, etc. We have been able to rent a unit with no difficulties.

b

Just a question...<BR><BR>Why THE Yucatan? Does it come from a movie or something? It's like saying &quot;Question on Houston and The Texas&quot;.<BR><BR>

Dee

In response to Carol's questions regarding the Royals, the one with the Spa is the Royal Sands. It costs $35 for the week for usage of the exercise equipment rooms, whirlpool, sauna, extensive locker/shower facilities. They also have a beauty parlor and can schedule massages for additional cost. The Sands also has a lap pool in addition to other pools. My husband is very fitness conscious as well and his daily routine always includes the spa and the lap pool. There are mini grocery stores at all of the Royals that supply most of what you need for the full kitchens. For a bigger shop, there's a Walmart downtown; to get there take a taxi. With 3 children, the simple cooking in the villa for breakfast and/or lunch is a money saver. As for restaurants, between the 5 Royals, there must be over 10 restaurants, not counting the pool bars where you can order burgers, sandwiches, fries etc. Food prices are reasonable, similiar to what you would expect here in the states. At the pool bars, Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 with drinks 1/2 price. If you're not careful, your bar tab can get high, but we generally do not partake. All purchases at any of the Royals goes on your room key. There is free transportation on an airconditioned mini bus between the Royals (no other stops)and one can use the facilities at all when staying at one. For the many restaurants elsewhere, there's the public bus at 6 pesos pp (about 0.60 US). All hotels have restaurants, the malls have restaurants and fast food, there's Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Caf&eacute;, Rainforest Caf&eacute; et al with similar to US prices. Cancun even has Domino's delivery on little scooters! There are international restaurants, club restaurants, true Mexican restaurants. Something to please everyone! Having stayed at hotels (as previously mentioned) as a family of 5 we much prefer the 2 bedroom villas as, with approximately 1500 sq. feet, there's room to move around, bathrooms not to share, and areas for quiet time and areas for TV watching. I'm not a salesperson there, but as you can see, our family really loves it. Enjoy!

carol

Dee- thnak you so much for your informative reply! I am really starting to get excited,because this sounds like the spot I was looking for, but like I said, almost gave up. I really don't think the larger resorts with all the action, etc is for me! I am looking at photos on line and will probably firm this all up within a couple days, thanks to you. I love this forum, so many people willing to share first hand information/experiences, thanks Carol

Dee

Carol, glad to hear the info was helpful. You can check out renting at www.royalresortsvacations.com but I think you probably would find it cheaper at www.cheapcaribbean.com. I really can't say how the two sites compare, however, as we have never rented off those sites. Perhaps Danielle can report how she rents at the Royals? Have a great holiday; I'm sure it will be fabulous! We'll be at the Royal Sands early July following a brief stint at Le Meredien. It's what keeps me going during this exceptionally cold winter!

Sherry

My husband and I are taking our kids back to Isla Mujeres, which is a small island (20 minute boat ride) from Cancun. We are going in June. We were there 5 years ago and fell in love with it. I haven't spent any time in Cancun so I can't say much about the city itself, but I can say many good things about Isla. It is like going back 50 years. Its beautiful, quiet, wonderful for kids and families, lots of things to do, the shopping isn't as extensive, but an easy boat ride back to Cancun cures that. The accomodations are wonderful and so are the people. You can take your family out at night and mingle with the locals and their families. We have a 10 and 7 year old and we think it will be a perfect first trip to Mexico for them.

Karen

To rent at the Royals by the week call ISCO at 1-800-531-7211. Another place to try for less than 7 nights Saturday to Saturday is 1-800-930-5050. I don't remember the name of that organization, but they can rent by the day, so you can add on to a full week if you like. (Of course, this is all subject to availability.) I have owned at the Royals since 1985.