After browsing this forum, it looks like either Playa Del Carmen or the DR can offer what I'm looking for. I am a little concerned though about possible language barriers, <we don't speak any Spanish> and I'm afraid I'll have to scrutinize everything we eat for fear of getting sick....guess I've read a few horror stories. Should this be a consideration?

Our priorities are as follows: beautiful beach & pool; good snorkeling, preferably off the beach; Super luxury not required, but would like clean, updated, well maintained grounds and accommodations, friendly staff, a young teen friendly environment as well as a good selection of activities, excursions and nightly entertainment all 3 of us might enjoy. Looking for reasonably good food, as far as AI's go with a large variety from which to choose

So, for those who've been to one or both, which would you recommend and which specific resort do you think will meet our criteria?

Thanks much! After browsing this forum, it looks like either Playa Del Carmen or the DR can offer what I'm looking for. I am a little concerned though about possible language barriers, <we don't speak any Spanish> and I'm afraid I'll have to scrutinize everything we eat for fear of getting sick....guess I've read a few horror stories. Should this be a consideration?

Our priorities are as follows: beautiful beach & pool; good snorkeling, preferably off the beach; Super luxury not required, but would like clean, updated, well maintained grounds and accommodations, friendly staff, a young teen friendly environment as well as a good selection of activities, excursions and nightly entertainment all 3 of us might enjoy. Looking for reasonably good food, as far as AI's go with a large variety from which to choose

So, for those who've been to one or both, which would you recommend and which specific resort do you think will meet our criteria?

I would go to PDC. The snorkeling is not that great in Punta Cana (where the most beautiful beaches in DR are located). Also, language is definitely more of a barrier in DR than in PDC. The Iberostar Quetzel/Toucan in Playacar is great, as is any of the Iberostars.

We stayed at the Barcelo Maya year before last. Loved the beach, hated the food.

Enjoy

Thanks for your input greenie. After quite a bit of review reading, I decided that the Iberostar Paraiso sounds like a great choice.

here's a great board for Iberostar Paraiso activity...

www.mytravelboard.com

they have a board dedicated to PDC.

I was going to recommend Iberostar to you. The pool is awesome, the staff extremely friendly and they speak English. We hung out with another couple who had kids and they loved the kids program. The young people who run it are so nice. Try to get your kids with Hussein, he's great. There's all sorts of birds, even pink flamingos. Your also close to Xcaret which is very cool. Make sure you go to the Japanese resturant. Enjoy, it's a lovely property.

Playa Del Carmen