" Everything I said here I know from reading several travel forums from people who love that area."

The purpose of a travel forum is to help travellers in planning a visit get an initial 'feel' for a particular country, region or city. After reading the EXPERIENCES of others, it will be easier for first time and seasoned visitors to make sensible, safe decisions about where to stay, eat, where and how to do their shopping, how to get around and be aware of the various do's and dont's.

I believe it to be improper for people to comment and advice others on important and costly decisions when all they have to go on is something they heard or read. Experience is key here and should be a prerequisite, otherwise it's just a personal opinion and/or comment! If you have never been, then say so, this way the reader is aware and will act accordingly.

I would say Playa del Carmen is much much better than Cancun. More friendly place with nice hotels and lots of restaurants. You can go to spend day in isla Mujeres its nice island, Cozumel great place for renting a car and going around the island, one part of cozumel is touristic, but other side is amazing wild beaches and cute restaurants by the sea side. Dont forget to visit Tulum and swim with turtles in Akumal! For more travel ideas try http://goroo.mx . It might help! Have fun!

Thank you all for your replies I appreciate all the information!

I've just been thrown a monkey wrench; number one son wants to do water sports while his brother does nothing.

Does this influence which area to stay?

That should make no difference. Playa del Carmen has plenty of places to do water sports while your other son relaxes.

Excellent, thank you! Playa del Carmen it is. Now where shall I stay? Beachfront on a budget :) Any suggestions? I like the rooms at Petit Lafitte but have read that the beach is not very nice and the location is remote.

I'm reading another post that mentions Playa Maya is this a good hotel to consider? Thank you!

Rohelio, you said in another post that the beach at Playa Maya isn't that great...what property has a great beach? White powdery sand type beach.

Playa Maya would suit your purposes. You can eat your included breakfast with your toes in the sand!

Have you considered an all inclusive resort? There are plenty in the Playa area.
All inclusive resorts usually offer water activities right there. That way one son can just veg out on the beach while your other son enjoys the water sports. AI resorts offer activities throughout the day and your sons could eat non stop whenever they want.

I haven't been to Playa in 2 years, but I believe the beach in front of Playa Maya is fine. 90% if the beachfront in PDC is powdery white sand. Depending on storms and such, some spots become narrow or wide, and sometimes some rock is exposed, but all in all PDC beaches are great. The beaches at the northern end of town are generally wider. Playa Maya is just about in the center of downtown.

I hadn't considered an all inclusive but your description sounds perfect! Can you point me to any?

Thank you zootsi!

There are a LOT of all inclusive resorts in the area. Can you give us some idea of your budget? We'll be better able to point you in the right direction that way.

My budget? I'm working on numbers now but if pressed I'd say I'm after clean/safe/cheap. Another post suggested the Royal Play del Carmen, do you know it?

Sorry for the typo, I get excited and spaz out!

Royal Playa del Carmen is adults only and is not cheap. Their sister resort the Gran Porto Real is across the street and is less money.
Look into the resorts in the Playacar area. The Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal is a great resort. Not too big, lots of animals to see. Right next door is Sandos Playacar. Both are very family friendly and on the same great stretch of beach.

You really have to define what you mean by "cheap" - give us a an actual dollar amount, otherwise everyone is just guessing on what you can afford.

Thank you I will check out these resorts!

I like both the Iberostar and the Gran Porto Real do you have a preference between the two? Or any others in that price range I should check out?

Thanks so much for your input. I agree with two teenage boys eating constantly, AI is the way to go and both of these properties look promising.

The Iberostar is on a nicer stretch of beach and has a nice pool area also. It is about a half hour walk or $5 taxi ride into the town of Playa. The Gran Porto is right in Playa.
I personally would choose the Iberostar. I had also mentioned Sandos Playacar which is right next door to the Iberostar.