Internet research has its downsides - too many differing opinions! I need Fodorites' help! We have a short but picky list of needs for a big trip we are planning in April - would really appreciate some good direction to help us. Here's the list:
1. Active family with 2 well behaved teenage boys - they'll be with us, not in some club (family vacation!). Prefer that there not be a million toddlers around, we get that at Disney, LOL. Snorkeling, windsurfing, etc - things they can't do any place but a tropical beach resort!
2. Easy to get to some ecological/archaeological sites so we actually see Mexico and learn.
3. Resort must be immaculate and not feel like Times Square on New Year's eve. I don't want to wait in line for a chaise.
4. Great beach, of course - and lots of palm trees!
5. Great food would be nice.
6. Not in the middle of some hideous commercial strip.

Having been in the travel industry I shy away from travel agents' recommendations as their commissions vary from resort to resort. Once we know the best pick we'll find the best deal. Have looked at Riu and Iberostar and Palace and GR and getting very confused. Would much prefer hearing what "real people" have to say!
Thank you so much - can't wait to hear! Hopefully Dean won't have much of an impact and everything - and everyone - will be safe!

The Iberostar resorts are great. We stayed at the IB Paraiso complex and loved it.

I am also sending positive thoughts to my neighbors in Playa. Talked to them yesterday and they feel well prepared. As far as resorts: The RIU Tequila, Yucatan, Palace Mexico and Iberostar Quetzal/Tucan are all in the same area. The Iberostar Paraiso complex is 20 min north of Playa. They are all nice resorts. The Tequila is not on the beach but across the street with a private walkway to the beach that is in front of the Yucatan. You can use the facilities at the Yucatan plus eat breakfast and lunch there if you want. The snorkeling in Playa is probably not what you're looking for but there is windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, etc. Archaeological sites are south of Playa. There is never a guarantee on the beach conditions as the beach is ever changing but with the storm who knows what we will get. AI food is usually very abundant but some people get bored with the repetitiveness. You won't find commercial strips in Playa or Puerto Morelos or south. Akumal is a great place to snorkel. Look online for a map of the area or order one from Laura at www.cancunmap.com. She and her husband put out great maps of the area.

Thanks - would you say all the resorts mentioned have the same degree of cleanliness and tropical beauty? What about the kid factor - all appropriate for teens with parents?
Thanks again...

We took our 18 year old son and 15 year old daughter to Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal in June--it was a great family trip! The resort literally has a jungle in the middle of the facility with monkeys, etc. Totally cool. Great beach and we were a 5 minute cab ride to Playa del Carmen.

There's not a lot of activities geared specifically to teens but that wasn't a huge problem since we were interested in doing the family thing this time.

In terms of cleanliness, this place was pristine.

They are all very clean. RIU Tequila was fun for my kids when they were in their late teens...great evening activities for them in the disco. Not out of hand;just fun. I've also stayed at the RIU Palace Mexico which I wouldn't recommend for teens; I think it would be a lot too quiet. Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal is also a great place for families as is the Yucatan. But, as far as cleanliness, the staff is cleaning constantly.