Hi. I really enjoy the Fodor's forums. Everyone is so helpful. We stayed at the Iberostar Tucan last spring break and had mixed feelings. Kids absolutely loved the experience. Great pool and the beach was fun. I actually thought the beachfront was decent and that a lot of erosion had occurred. Food was fine for the kids but my wife and I really didn't care for it. Service was pretty good and rooms were adequate but small. Ok, here is my question. Is it possible to find a higher end AI in PDC that has better food, nicer/bigger rooms and better amenities?

If you're talking about right in Playa, not really. The only AI resorts right in Playa are the Gran Porto Real and the Royal Playa del Carmen. The Royal is adults only and the Gran is not quite the caliber of the Iberostars.
You might want to look into the Iberostar Maya or LIndo which are a notch or two above the Tucan. Or the Barcelo Palace.

We just booked Valentin Imperial Maya (Playa Secreto-near Paraiso I understand). All adult, 5 star reasonably priced on Book-It. It is rated very good, I hope reviews are correct as I am going last week of March!!

I think the highest end AI in the area is the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. The Royal Hideaway is also highly rated, but older, though closer to PDC. Then there's the Iberostar Grand.

Quinboo- so glad you asked this question. We too are interested in higher end AI, but would prefer adults only. I understand most AI are on the larger size, but we would prefer a smaller property vs. the mega resorts. Please keep the suggestions coming. Thanks everyone!

If you want a smaller adults only all inclusive, look into Secrets Capri. Also the Catalonia Royal Tulum. The CRT is on a gorgeous beach.
If you want a truly luxurious small resort, look into Zoetry. It is not adults only, but I don't know anyone who has seen children there. Very quiet resort.

I can't say enough about the Iberostar Grand Paraiso.... It is the only resort my husband and I have ever returned to. It si on a complex with 4 other resorts; you can visit the others, but they can't visit you....-Adult only; fantastic service, beautiful grounds, wonderful food. I highly recommend it!

I am going back to the Royal Hideaway in April. It is older, about 10 years, but 200 feet of beach was just added a month or so ago and the rooms were updated as well in the last few years. It is beautiful inside and out. 5-6 a la carte restaurnts and beautiful grounds, small 2-3 story villas with private concierges scattered throughout the property. I would check out their website. Have not been to the other resorts but this will be our 4th to Royal Hideway.

I am with Travel_Bug_Cin. The Iberostar Grand is fantastic. It is adult only and first class all the way (for an AI). The problem with quinnboo is the children. We are also looking for a higher end AI with teenagers. I would go back to Iberostar and go to the 3 or 4 other resorts there but once you are at The Grand, it is hard to lower your standards.