As this will be our first trip to Mexico, I did a considerable amount of reseach between going to Cancun and Playa De Carmen. I got some great feedback on a few properties in Cancun, but was left with the disticnt impression that Cancun has become somewhat commercial and "americanized" and that it's essentially "Miami Beach" in Mexico. Having been to Miami, I think I know what the implications may be. As a result, I am looking for a little more local flavor, so I choose Playa de Carmen and the Riu Palace. From everything I read, it appears that the Palace is a very fine hotel (location, accomodations, food, beach etc..) However.... and this is the part that worries me. I was reading reviews and perhaps focusing on those "things" that appealed to me and as result I think I may have overlooked this vacation from my children's perspective. I have already booked our vacation for Aug this year. We have an 8 and 12 y/o. I am getting a little anxious because going back over all the great reviews I read,I am getting the distinct impression that the "Palace" tends to be an adult/couples resort. Please .. can anyone who has children who have stayed here give me the peace of mind that I made the right choice for my family..
although I can't back out now.

Having been to 3 AI's in the area with kids, I can assure you, your kids will not be bored. The 8 year can participate in the kids club and as with many of these type places they have on-going activitites (beach volleyball, soccer, bingo, aroebics,e tc.) all day for anyone that is interested (usually by the pool). Also these type of places tend to attract lots of families so there certainly will be other kids around. Of my 2 kids, 1 likes to do her own thing while the other gets involved in pool games and sports type contests. You'll all have a great time.

I was there in January without kids. To my knowledge they do NOT have a kids program or club. We saw one family that had kids the age of your kids. Any other children-and there weren't that many at all-were toddlers.

It's one of the reasons we chose the Palace. It's a wonderful resort for couples. Sorry.

Most of the other Riu resorts DO have a Kids Club. We stayed at the Riu Playacar (just down the block) last fall and the kids there seemed to be having a lot of fun doing the club activities. Maybe you could switch hotels?

Don't worry ,if you stay at the Palace you can use all other Rius facilities and they do have kids clubs.Stayed with Riu's twice ,my favorite is the Riu Yucatan.the Palace is very nice , the guests are most midle age and older.