Laurie

We are planning a family trip to Mexico and are torn between these two resorts. I know there is a a difference in price. Is the Royal Hideaway worth the extra money? The Royal Hideaway looks beautiful but I like the lush grounds of the Iberostar. The Royal Hideaway has a' la carte dining which we prefer over buffets. The Iberostar looks more family friendly. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks, Laurie

Jennifer

Laurie <BR> I haven't been to the Iberostar, but we recently returned home from the Royal Hideaway. It's certainly the nicest resort we've ever been too. You don't even have to buffet breakfast if you don't want. And the mimosas and bloddy marys are ever plentiful for breakfast. It's the first all inclusive I've been to where the waiters serve drinks and food on the beach and around the pool. If you're looking for exictement or alot of entertainment it won't be for you, but otherwise it's very, very luxurious, great service, amazing food prepared very elegantly and a beautiful beach. <BR> Jennifer

Laurie

Jennifer, <BR>The Royal Hideaway sounds great. Do you think it would be a good choice for familiy vacation or is it mainly couples at the resort? Our kids are 8 and 11 and we don't want to feel out of place. <BR>Thanks, Laurie

Allan

Laurie, <BR> My family recently stayed at the Iberostar. It is a fabulous resort. It is very lush, lots of jungle with Monkeys that come down onto the balconies ocassionally. My three year old son had a ball chasing the wild life. We met many people who have travelled for many years and said that once they found the Iberostar Tucan they stopped going anywhere else. This resort is highly clean, luxurious and georgeous just to walk around and look at. It was obviously far superior to any of the other resorts that we saw on our trip from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen. There were many families at the tucan. Our family consisted of myself, my wife, a three year old, and a one year old. There was a kiddie pool. Small playground, kids club located right next to the kiddie pool. There were many, many kids of all ages. Many kids in the 8-11 range. There were many activities going on constantly. The pool was so huge that you could "travel around" the resort without getting out of the pool. If you would like to know more let me know. I don't know anything about the other resort but it sounds pretty nice. I know that they didn't serve drinks on the beach! The beach was georgious, however. Please don't hesitate to email for more info. Good luck!

Rich

I have to agree with Allen. I stayed at both. The Royal Hideaway is very high class with a very romantic setting. However, If I had to take a family, I would choose the Iberostar hands down. The Royal Hideaway is a great place for couples. I was there for 1 week and did not see many children. The Iberostar is one of the best all around resorts I have been to. They have plenty of activities all day long for kids and a pool that takes you 10 minutes to walk around.(the beach does have ALOT of topless sunbathers) I thought the food was great as far as buffets go. The Alacart meals were excellent with a great variety. The Iberostar is the best choice for a family vacation.

trina

Laurie... We (family of 2 adults , 2 kids age 14 & 16) had a great time at the Iberostar. The grounds and wildlife are wonderful and a great place to get out of the sun...very lush. Although our kids were not in an organized program they met other teens from around the world at the disco in at night. We let them stay out very late since it was so safe. It looked as if the staff who worked with the younger children were excellent...they sincerely seemed to enjoy working with kids. If your children are young the huge pool has a shallow beach-type area which is nice. There are also a childrens pool and playground near the Tucan side of the resort. The beach palapa cafes are great for lunch since you can just walk in off the beach and don't have to change. They have a salad bar and a hot food buffet. The bar has small ice cream cones that the kids love. The bars will make tropical drinks with or without alcohol so the kids can have pina coladas and banana daiquiris. I recommend you bring an inflatable float from home to use in both the pool and sea. Ours came in real handy and was used by teens and adults. There is a palapa hut near the pool where lots of little girls go to get their hair braided with beads...they look so cute. The staff helps the children put on shows in the evening and it looks like they all have a great time doing the resorts "club dance" and dressing up...be sure your girls (?) bring a nice sundress for dancing on stage. By the way...the bathrooms have large showers (no tubs) and gel and shampoo dispensers are provided. Please don't hesitate to e-mail me if you want any additional information. Have a great time wherever you choose.