I think you should blow off Cancun and head down to playa de Carmen. www.playaguide.com<BR><BR>Now my Friend did stay in an all inclusive and yes she was sick for a whole day from eating buffet. This is smorgasboard and if meat and fish are left exposed unrefrigerated in the hot humid air for a short times well it gets bacteria. <BR><BR>She headed down to playa shopped out hotels as it was her first time there and came across www.lalunata.com<BR>and that would be her choice.<BR>I think it rents in the $80 range so is affordable and also she liked the atmosphere of the town.

Sorry that was www.lunata.com<BR>It was her choice. You may want to inquire on other hotels as well Playa does have a good selection.

Dear Ann,<BR>Cancun provokes very strong feelings in travelers. <BR>If you are looking for a quiet, laid back, tropical vacation with swaying palm trees and deserted beaches, Cancun is not for you.<BR>If you want vibrant night life, a lot of interesting shopping, neat day trips to ruins and eco-attractions, you will like it. There are gorgeous ocean views without peer in Mexico.<BR>I kind of compare it to Vegas on the ocean. In August, it will not be nearly as crowded and crazy as it can get.<BR>I'd suggest Cozumel as an alternative if you want a truer taste of Mexico but still want some activity and shopping choices...

Nancy, it is funny that you use that comparison because I just watched the Travel Channel top ten Mexican Beach resorts and they made the same comparison, "Vegas on the Ocean." Great minds think alike : ) By the way, they named Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach and Le Meridien in Cancun in the top 10.

And while I did not agree with all of their choices, they did not include any AI resorts on the list. Two of the resorts had available meal plans including the aforementioned FA Grand Coral Beach and La Jolla de Mismaloya, but are not true AI's like the Palace resorts.

dear nancy and anony,<BR>thanks for your suggestions...that hotel in Playa del carmen looks really nice, and I think it'd be perfect for just my husband and I, my 2 teenagers are kinda looking forward to a big splashy resort! So - probably Cancun it is -- I'm not a big Vegas lover, but I can take it for what it is and have a good time!!

Ann,<BR>With the attitude you have, you can't help but have a good time! :)<BR>The good news is, from Cancun, you can check out some of the other places like Playa, and maybe go back to Mexico again.

Thanks again for all the responses. I have changed my mind after hearing about "Vegas On The Ocean". Plus we are really into snorkeling. We have changed our minds and will be going to Cozumel instead. (where the snorkeling from the beach is much better)I have also decided to not go the AI route due to all the great local restaurants. Thanks for all your input. Isabella

We stayed at Beach Palace and took turns eating at the other Palace resorts. We ate at Moon Palace and thought it was great.