sandflea

Is this the site for the OMNI you are using? You can check availability online.

http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/default.asp?h_id=47


Or any travel agent can book you or check avail.

Ally

As much as I love Isla and it would be my first choice any time, I'm afraid that neither Media Luna (which I also love) nor the Na Balam will have the 'luxury' your husband wants. Besides Villas Rolandi who I don't think take kids, The Secreto is the nicest hotel...also very popular and with only 9 rooms it's almost always booked.

Little_Man

When you say your husband loves luxury with an authentic Mexican feel, I have to say I don't know how much he'd enjoy Isla.
I did enjoy it for a day trip, but was really glad I was staying on the mainland...I also didn't feel the people there were nearly as friendly as people in Cancun or Playa...although that's really subjective.

TrishaA

I think I may have described my husband to be too picky. While he does want to stay someplace nice, he is not expecting or wanting to stay somewhere in lines of a Ritz or Four Seasons. What we both want is a very nice small boutique style hotel that has authentic mexican character and a friendly staf who will bring us drinks, towels , etc. when we need them. We are not high maintainance, but like to be treated in a friendly fashion and not like a "number" (like at some hugh resorts). We don't want to feel that we are staying at just "anyplace", like in a non-descript American style hotel.

Our favorite place in Mexico that we have traveled to so far is Zihautenjo, and we are looking for somplace that has similar charm and beauty.
Thanks, and keep the suggestions coming!

Iza

TrishA, I am invading your thread again because this discussion has been of great interest to me. What you are looking for in a hotel is exactly along the lines of what we like.

I have a question for Ally - how would you compare Na Balam, Playa Media Luna and Secreto (we are considering these for our summer vacation) with some of the beach hotels in Costa Rica? Our family favorite was Capitan Suizo in Tamarindo, and we also liked Si Como No. Are you also familiar with Shangri La in PDC - any thoughts on that place in comparison to Costa Rica?

TrishaA

Hi Iza, It's good to hear that I am not the only one having a hard time. It should not be this difficult to find a nice place to stay! It seems that there are many large AI type hotels to choose from, but hardly any places with charm/character that will allow kids.

Iza

TrishA, we have been going to Costa Rica for quite a while and have really enjoyed the hotels there (a lot of lovely unique small hotels that do allow children). You should look into it for your next vacation. Now we are trying to find another destination and it seems really hard to find any place with character that is not "couples only". Like you, we do not like AIs and cruises and mass entertainment, but it is really hard when you have children!

lynne001

TrishaA.....May I suggest Nautibeach condos on Isla for your family. The pool is beautiful, there is a very nice restaurant(Sunset Grill), and of course, it is right on Playa Norte. This condo is also a short walk to town. They have two bedrooms with a lot of space. It's nice to have a kitchen for snacks as well as space for adults when the kids are napping. A vcr is also a plus.....the office has movies or bring your own. Also, they will arrange for Fidel, a bicycle man, to meet you at the ferry dock and take your luggage to the condo. You can walk or take a taxi, about $1-2.

I have stayed at Hotel Media Luna and it is beautiful. However, I knew someone who had a pre-schooler and was told they couldn't stay in the 2nd or 3rd floor rooms because it wasn't safe for toddlers. Make sure you give the ages of your children if you reserve a room here. The rooms are lovely, but on the small side. The beach is not safe and there are rocky areas, but Playa Norte is only a five minute walk away. I don't think Secreto allows children.......more of a romantic couples atmosphere. Hotel Media Luna also has more of an adult atmosphere.

Save Secreto or Villa Rolandi (we have stayed there twice) for a return trip with just your hubby.

Have a great time......Lynne