My husband and I are taking our two kids (4 and 6 1/2) to Cancun for the first time in October. Would like suggestions on where to stay. We've never done all inclusives and wouldn't rule it out. What we like most: great pools,kids programs, good area of beach, other amenities. For comparison, we love the Fairmont Kea Lani and Hyatt Regency and Westin in Maui and the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. Thanks for any advice!

My two favorite hotels are the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach which is right across the street from a great mall and the other is the Marriott Casa Magna either one is truly first class however the Fiesta has the better location I think. Good Luck. Oh and the beach is much better at the Fiesta . the water is much calmer there.

Crown Paradise Club is a great hotel for families w/ kids. They have a kids pool, water park, kids club, etc. They also have a good beach. I would advise doing an all inclusive with kids. You can get them something to drink, snacks and meals anytime (and as often as you wish) without draining your budget.

Have fun on your vacation. Cancun is my favorite vacation spot.

In my humble opinion, (!!!) the nicest beach area is on the middle part of the island, where the Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott, and LeMeridien are. I stayed at the JW one year ago, and it was perfect!(Great pools, beach, but no kids program) If you're thinking of all inclusive, the newest hotel in Cancun is the Riu, and it's gotten very positive reviews on tripadvisor.com. It is nearer to The Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach, I think. (my only negative there would be that the beach is smaller there, the views not so gorgeous.)
Have a great time, let us know about your trip!

Are you committed to being in Cancun? If not, I would look at some of the beautiful resorts on the Mayan Riviera, about an hour south of Cancun. The Gala has had lots of good reviews in terms of its kids club. Personally, I would stay at one in the Playacar area, that way you're a short cab ride from the town of Playa del Carmen, which has some nice restaurants and some shopping.
My husband and I don't stay at all-inclusives ourselves, but I think with kids your age, it would be great. I remmeber lots of uneaten meals when traveling when our kids were little. And lots of wasted drinks. At an all-inclusvie, that would be prepaid.