kmr20

We haven't gone to a big resort as a family and want to go to one. Open to all ideas but thinking Playa Del Carmen or south for value, good beaches and options. I don't really care if it's AI or not. What I DON'T want is a ginormous resort that could be anywhere in the world where we have bad food and get nickel and dimed for every extra towel. I don't mind a big resort as we want lots of activities for the kids (10 yo boy and 15 yo girl), just not cheesy.
The only other request is to have at least decent snorkeling on resort grounds.
Candidates so far are: Club Med in Cancun; Iberostar or one of the Barcelos. Prices so far have been about $5-6k for two rooms AI, not including airfare.
We're open to any place else to travel -- DR or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Thanks!

schmerl

The Iberostar Paraiso Lindo or Maya are great family resorts. You can eat dinner at ala carte restaurants every night of your stay and have a concierge in your building to make the reservations for you.
There are LOADS of activities for your kids. There isn't really any decent snorkeling right at the resort though.
There is decent snorkeling at the Barcelo Maya resorts.

gmoney

Can only speak to Barcelo. We have been there 3 times. It is a huge beautiful resort. Over a mile of beach with some of the best snorkeling in RM. Lots of free activities (sailboats, kayaks, water tricycles, basketball, tennis, pool tables, volleyball, etc.). Also activities that cost extra (dolphin swim, surfrider, bowling, jet skis, etc.).

jamie99

If I was looking for a family resort I would look at Grand Palladium (actually my first pick would be ABBWR, Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness but it books up to six months in advance since their remodel two years ago).
Iberostar also has good rep, I would avoid Barcelo and Grand Bahia due to their captive dolphins.

kmr20

Thanks Jamie99 gmoney and schmerl for the input!

maried11

I would also look at Iberostar (try for the Lindo or Maya), the Palladium or the Barceló (any of them as they are interchangeable for the 4 of them, only the palace is exclusive). They are great for families and I've stayed at all. Barceló gets my nod though.
There is also the Bahia Akumal where you can use the whole complex, so if staying at the Bahia, I would choose the Akumal.
All 4 of those are great stays, but the Iberostar is north of Playa, so if wanting to do these south of Playa I would pick one of the other 3 so that you aren't traveling back and forth so much.