AI for five people on a budget
 

Looking for an AI, probably in Riviera Maya area (but open to suggestions), for:
2 kids (9 and 14), their parents (my DH and I) and Grandma.
Leaving from New York/Philadelphia area. 5 - 7 nights in June (some flexibility on date but eariest we could leave would be June 8th).
Can we do this for $4000 including flights?
Are there resorts with adjoining rooms/suites. My 14 year old daughter would be wiling to share a room (but not a bed!) with Grandma, and my DH and I could share with the 9 year old. Does that make sense? Or can we get a 2 room suite of some type that would accomoate us all?
Thanks!

Few AIs have real suites, and when they do they are usually very expensive. I'd recommend looking at 2-bedroom condos or timeshare resorts. It might be possible to do one of these, and some offer AI plans. Mexico isn't my specialty, but even with the kids paying half-price, you still have to figure in their airfare, so I think this budget may be possible for 5 nights but it's going to be pretty tight. You might find something cheaper in Cancun, but certainly don't give you on the Mayan Riviera. There are places that might work for you, though I doubt for 7 nights. Hopefully, some posters can give you specific recommendations.

How do I go about finding condos or timeshares? Can you recommend any websites. Def. looking for AI though. I know may Fodorites aren't in favor of them, but I just really like the fact that you know what you're going to spend, and we do like to indulge in quite a few alcoholic beverages when on vacation! If $4000 doesn't seem reasonable, what do you think we should expect to pay? I was hoping flights would be pretty competitive since we can fly out of quite a few airports from where we live - JFK, Newark, Philadelphia...

Hi gillybrit,

For condos, look into vrbo.com. Or check out skyauction.com and see if anything might work for you. Sometimes you can snag a really good deal there for accommodations. Just be sure the dates they have available would work for you. We've used both vrbo and skyauction quite successfully. Happy planning!

gillybrit,

That is the beginning of the lower season. I am not sure about your budget but we also fly from PHL or New York/newark. I have used www.applevacations with success. You can give them a try. They deal quit a bit with punta cana/mexico. Some AI offer kids eat free programs as well.

Look at Ambiance Villas in Cancun. I have never stayed there and don't know much about them, but the offer 1, 2, & 3 bedroom villas and is all inclusive. They have a promo on Fun Jet that kids stay free up to a certain age or surcharged up to a certain age.

http://www.funjet.com/destinations/H...C=&plCode=

Look at Avalon Reef Club on Isla Mujeres (a very small island about 6 miles off of the coast near Cancun- fly into Cancun then cab to ferry- transfers included in AI)- it has villas with 2 bed/3 baths that might work with what you want with AI. I have seen the property but not stayed there. Look it up on the internet then read some reviews. I think you might be able to swing it for your budget but I am not sure. There is a park on the other end of this small island (cab or rental golf cart would get you there) called Garafon that the kids would enjoy- also a turtle farm that is interesting for short side excursions.