Cancun Hotels -HELP!!!!
 

I am trying to decide on a hotel in Cancun for an upcoming vacation for my wife, 6 & 8 year old sons and myself. Considering the Marriot, Ritz-Carlton and the fiesta mericana. Any suggestions? All-inclusives are really not our taste. We are very particular about food and prefer to eat at our own pace, etc...
Any help would be appreciated!

I've stayed at the JW Marriott on club level and really enjoyed it.
Also once stayed there in an ocean front suite which might suit your family of 4, and it was just an awesome room with an incredible view.

We've also stayed at the Gran Melia Royal Service tower, which was very nice, not quite the level of the Marriott.

The Marriott Casa Magna is also a beautiful hotel for a little less than the JW, and the Ritz Carlton would be my first choice for my next trip. I'd love to stay there.
I don't think you can lose with any of those choices.

I've never stayed all inclusive in Cancun, and there are just a ton of great restaurants to check out.

Thanks Frankie! I think I am leaning towards the Ritz. I fear that the food and drinks at an all-inclusive would be inferior. We live in Southern California and go to Las Vegas so much that we are accustomed to great resturants. It seems that there are some really interesting places to dine in Cancun.

Assuming that you are referring to the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach - between the three properties, and traveling with two young children, I would likely opt for the JW. It is a very well done hotel and recently renovated after the hurricane. Great pools and great service. Certainly, the JW's pools are more interesting than the Ritz's and the property itself is more tropical. It is also a less "stuffy" hotel, so to speak. Also, the JW often has some rates that include bkfst for 2 adults and 2 children. The Coral Beach also has an incredible pool, and a much calmer protected beach but, I thought the JW felt more luxurious. The Coral Beach is closest to downtown but, everything is easily accessible by taxis.

Across from the JW is a restaurant, Puerto Madero, an Argentine-like steakhouse/parilla. We thought it was the best upscale dining we had in Cancun. While opinions differ, Cancun is not a foodie destination.

Finally, if you want to avoid the whole Cancun scene, especially since bars and nightclubs aren't of much interest to the kids, look south to the new Mayakoba area, just north of Playa del Carmen. Certainly the newest and by far most luxurious properties in the area are there. Look at the new Mandarin Oriental, which is beautiful and very expensive. The Rosewood and the Fairmont too. All are located on large pieces of land, right next door to each other, all are spread out and have great rooms, pools and service. The Fairmont will be the least expensive of the three. The ocean front casitas are superb. Its about ten mins by taxi into town, where there are a few good dining options. Also, Tulum for a day trip is only about 40 minutes away. There aren't much if any night activities at these three new properties but with young kids you may not need any. At the Fairmont there are bicycles placed throughout the property that you just grab and pedal around. Service was very good and the regular room is plenty big for the four of you, with a large, modern bathroom.
Have fun.

Thanks Tengohambre. I will look into the hotels in that area. Ill keep you informed on this post.

I hope you don't mind, but I'm emailing you a few pic's from the Ritz and other hotels in Cancun.

My vote is the Ritz. It is one of the most beautiful hotels and don't get me started on the service, outstanding is an understatment. I just adore the staff and they go of their way to make your vacation fantastic. I'd make a bet you'll be planning your next stay before you leave for home ;)

Theresa in Detroit

Lobenz,
Fairmont hotels (including the Mayakoba), often have some very good American Express rates - they are called summer getaways, or similar. They often offer a lower room rate and a $50 dollar per room credit, or similar.

If you are into nature, and don't mind walking a bit, the 3 Mayakoba hotels could be very good options. Also, depending on how long you are going, you could split the vacation between the two destinations, Cancun and the PDC area.

if you do head to Mayakoba, depending on how much you plan to go out at night for dinners, etc (we did, most every night), you can rent a car at Cancun airport and be at the hotel in about 45 minutes on an easy highway drive.
Good luck.

I just tried to email you some fantastic pic's of the Ritz, however the email comes back not delivered. sorry

Thanks mamaw! Please send to [email protected].

OK I sent them again. sorry I can't put them all together, but my husband is the computer guru, I'm the dummy for computers. Please let me know if I can help at all.

I will be there in July. I just booked my trip. I'm going alone and i can't wait.