AI Comparison in Playa Del Carmen area
 

Hi,
I am trying to choose between several AI resorts, and would love some feedback from folks who have visited there.
Iberostar Parasio Maya
RIU Palace Rivera Maya
Palace Moon
Dreams Rivera Cancun
I am a single Mom traveling with 15 & 20 yr old daughters. Looking for upscale resort (or maybe mid), with energy and activities for our ages, not a romantic getaway or toddler haven. Lots of non motorized water sports a plus. Within taxi distance of Playa Del Carmen.

Help! Trip Advisor (all have pro's & cons) and websites making me more confused.

I've only been to Dreams Rivera Cancun and Moon Palace - Dreams was very nice and your daughters would like it a lot. It's MUCH smaller than Moon Palace. From what I remember the beach was nicer than Moon Palace, but that may be wrong. I was at Moon Palace over 11 years ago, so that may have changed. Moon Palace will give you more resort credits you can use towards their tours and the spa, so that could factor in, but it's generally more expensive than Dreams. There were plenty of activities all day at the resorts to keep the girls busy - pool and beach activities, etc.

I haven't stayed at Iberostar Parasio Maya, but have stayed at other Iberostars, and would think that it would be comparable.

I really don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices, so I would probably base my decision on price at this point. You're looking at 4 nice resorts.

Moon Palace would probably be the farthest from Playa del Carmen - but it's also the closest to Cancun - if you wanted to spend any time visiting the Hotel Zone there.

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Dreams nice most upscale for me.

But you really cannot go wrong.

Take them to Xel-ha.com simply amazing!

Iberostar Paraiso Maya is a fantastic resort. You may also want to look into its sister resort the Lindo since it is usually priced lower than the Maya and shares all facilities except for two restaurants that are for Maya guests only. The Iberostars provide loads of activities to keep your daughters busy.

If I remember correctly, Moon Palace has a sea-weedy beach. I believe they clean it up on a daily basis, but I think the other resorts may have better beaches.

schmerl - not to hijack this thread, but how would you compare the Iberostar Paraiso Maya to the Iberostar Tucan? Considering one of those for this summer for our family (2 kids ages 10 and 12). We've been to the area many times, but first time with the kids - usually we go to adults only AI's.... Thanks!

ShellD,
The Maya is several steps up from the Tucan. If you are going in the summer I would recommend the IB Paraiso Lindo or Maya since all their restaurants are air conditioned.
At the IB Tucan you only get three ala carte dinner reservations for a seven night stay and the rest of your meals are in NON air conditioned buffets.
At the IB Lindo and Maya you can eat ala carte dinners every night of your stay and have a concierge in your building to make all your dinner reservations. ALL the dinner restaurants ARE air condioned at the Lindo/Maya.
You 10 and 12 yr olds would love the IB Paraiso since they even have a pre teen disco.
All the IB resorts are wonderful, but as I stated.....in the summer go with the air conditioning!

Thanks so much for everyone's help.

I have found this so hard with so much to choose from. Planning to book at the Iberostar Paradiso Maya (travel agent said not all the rates were up for my dates 12/21 to 12/27?).

Can anyone tell me how far that is from Playa Del Carmen for an evening outing? And if the resort has transportation?

What a great tool this forum is!

Oops another question.

I have been warned about booking through discount booking services. What about Mr. Iberostar? Is that the same? I am traveling in a very busy time and want the "extra" security of having someone on my side.

The IB Maya is about a twenty minute ride from Playa del Carmen. There is a shuttle that leaves the resort about four times a day and costs about $4 per person each way. A taxi costs about $20 each way.
Mr. Iberostar is fine for booking. You also may want to contact Tami at tripsurfer.net. She specializes in the area and gets great rates.
Again...look into the IB Lindo also since it shares just about everything with the Maya and is usually priced lower.