thebestpuppeteer

We are looking for a all inclusive for a family vacation. Grandparents, parents, and a two year old. We want a friendly enviornment with a great swimable beach and wonderful food. Any suggestions? thanks

schmerl

It's really hard to help you without some sort of price range in there.
Most AI resorts are not known for "wonderful food", however Grand Velas in the Riviera Maya is a fantatstic all inclusive resort with very good food and great service. The price is high though.

Shooie

We are not all inclusive people, but we really liked staying in Club Med hotels. They have so much to offer the kids and are fun for adults, too. Since they are French-owned, there is a strong French influence on the food they offer. The French breads and cheeses are to die for.

suze

A price range definitely helps us help you.

For "wonderful food" usually staying at a hotel or a condo/apartment and going out to eat gets you higher quality, unless you have a large budget for a high-end AI.

Where in Mexico or Central America are we talking about? Are you open to all destinations? Where are you flying out of, as far as getting a shorter more direct flight?

KVR

Look at the Iberostars, Zoetry, El Dorado Generations Maroma, and the Barcelos. I loved the food at the Gran Porto Real, which is the sister family resort to the Royal Playa del Carmen. Maria's was wonderful.

Arina123

Iberostars limit the number of nights you can eat at their full service restaurants as opposed to the buffets. If you can, go to the Beaches at Turks & Caicos. It is a paradise for kids, great beach, and 10+ restaurants (all excellent).

schmerl

That is NOT true of all the Iberostars. Just the less expensive end resorts in their chain limit your ala carte dining options.
In Mexico, the Iberostar Lindo and Maya both offer unlimited ala carte dining and you have a concierge in your building to make your reservations for you. Of course so do the IB Grands but they are for adults only.
HOwever...I will once again state that it is not easy to find "wonderful" food at an AI resort.

thebestpuppeteer

Thank you for your responces. Actually, several years ago I asked for an all inclusive with great food and a great smimming beach my fellow fodorites recommened The Royal at Playa Del Carmen. I must say the food, beach and service were fantastic. Now I am planning on taking the family on a vacation and I want the same great food and beach but I want a place which will occupy a 4 year old as well as having an adult pool for the adults who want quiet time. We can travel any time of year. I am hoping for a rate of no more than $200 per person (give or take). I looked at the Porto next to the Royal and wasn't very impressed. Thanks to everyone

KVR

You might look at the Paradisus La Esmeralda resort in Playa del Carmen. It's a family resort attached to the Paradisus La Perla resort which is adults only. If you book at the La Perla, you have access to the La Esmeralda, but not vice versa.

http://www.melia.com/en/hotels/mexic...FWRk7AodNxIA8g

The only issue I am finding with some of the resorts in Mexico especially the La Perla is that they have started dividing patrons by class. Unless you purchase their "Royal" service, they do not allow access to some on site restaurants, bars, areas of the beach and some pools. I feel that is beyond ridiculous. Something else to look into if you are interested. I believe it's only for their adults only resorts and not the family resorts.

http://www.melia.com/en/hotels/mexic...xperience.html

I still stick with the recommendations I provided in my earlier response.

thebestpuppeteer

Thank you KVR. Which is the nicest of the Iberostar hotels? Also would anyone know about other hotels in other parts of the Caribbean?

schmerl

The nicest of the Iberostar resorts in Mexico that allows children would be the Maya. The Lindo is a close second.

thebestpuppeteer

Will we be alllowed to eat wherever we want?

schmerl

If you stay at the IB Maya you can eat at the restaurants of the other Iberostars except the IB Grand which is off limits. You also can eat in ala carte restaurants every night and have a concierge in your building to make your dinner reservations for you.

KVR

Schmerl knows more about family resorts and the Iberostars than I do. I tend to stick with the adult/couple only resorts.

As for the Caribbean, from our experience you won't find anything like what you'll get in Mexico except in the DR and Jamaica resort wise. As for the Island, we love the flexability Mexico has over the other 2. We are in the planning stages for our trip next year. Looking at Puerto Moralos between Cancun and Playa this time.