I have never been to Mexico but am a proficient (and constant) traveler, so one of my husband's employees asked me for help planning his honeymoon.

Thru a travel agent he had the following quotes for 7 nights ALL-Inclusive including flights & transfers from San Antonio:
Riu Palace $ 3278.60
Villa de Mar Resort $ 3628.60
Presidente InterContinental $ 2918.60

He is on a budget of around $3500 and wants 7 nights all-inclusive (for controlled expenses). He is 24 and she is 21 - they are health/exercise buffs and like to party (but are not party animals).

I've read mixed reviews on all these and am wondering if there's another alternative or if there is definitely a "best" choice here.

Any suggestions to look into other options would be great - as well as more details on all-inclusive packages. I have never done anything that was all-inclusive. It seems that some hotels have a buffet-type setup for food and others have restaurants that you reserve (but the price is still included).

I just want to make sure they understand what they're getting and get the most bang for their buck. After all, it is their honeymoon!

Thanks!

Dear Jennni:

I have never done an all inclusive either, but my SIL & BIL went to the Presidente last year. They didn't really care for it: food was fair and it was near San Jose del Cabo, 30 minutes and $30 RT by taxi from Cabo San Lucas. Rui Palace has been open about a year, nearer to CSL but still need bus or cab. I know nothing of the Villa Del Mar.

I would say, based on their age and party requirements, that they should stay nearer Cabo San Lucas. Pueblo Bonito, Finesterra, Villa del Palmar, and others are right in CSL. Restaurant options are plenty and fun is near. It just depends how far they want to be from the action.

Click above on Hotels to find recs.

Hope this helps. We are headed there in Feb. Will stay at Pueblo Bonito.

MY

Sending this back to the top - hoping for more feedback!

HI: If the honeymoon is after April 6th, I can report on the Presidente as I will be staying there beginning April 1. We visited the Presidente in Cozumel last September and it was great so will let you know. I think it's too bad they aren't choosing Puerto Vallarta where there is umpteen things to do and its better without being AI.

I'd choose the Presidente because it's in a nice location in San Jose Del Cabo.

Cabo has a dirty little secret, it is called waste disposal, or how one gets rid of the turds and garbage and enters the toilet.

The resorts sewer system is very antiquated and its teeny little pipes have overall system cannot handle the volume.

Reports have had raw sewage spilling up through the grates in downtown Cabo and by one of the golf courses. Spillage of raw sewage has been reported in the area of Mssions Del Cabo.