We're planning a trip to the Cancun area in July and would like opinions on the Moon Palace and the Barcelo Maya Resort. Beach, pool, food and safety are important. We're bringing our 13 year old, and all comments (or any other suggestions) would be much appreciated. Thanks!

From the reviews I've read of the Moon Palace, it's very nice EXCEPT for the beach/ocean. Apparently, they have so much sea grass that the staff occasionally have to remove the debris off the beach with front end loaders!! Having said that, the rest of the resort gets great reviews but I personally won't be going there for this reason. The Barcelo, on the other hand has a spectacular beach that is both wide and deep. The ocean has both great swimming and snorkelling areas. The pool/activity area is right next to the beach so you can be at either one and see the other!! It is well known as a wonderful family resort and I think your 13 year old will love it. The food is very good to great and I can't think of any safety concerns. For reviews, see: www.caribbeanopinion.com<BR>www.debbiescaribbeanre sortreviews.com<BR>www.cancunandrivieramaya.com<BR >Good Luck!!

Shandra,<BR><BR>I vote for the Moon Palace we go 2 times a year with our 5 yr old and 3 yr old, and I am telling you the resort is so magnificent that you won't even miss the beach, the pools are incredable! You can use all 8 Palace Resorts for free, so if you want a day or 2 at the beach just hop on the free shuttle and go over to the Cancun Palace and hang out there. We go at least once, and make a day of it, we leave after breakfast and head over to the Cancun Palace, use the beach, eat lunch then head back to the Moon.<BR><BR>You will LOVE the Moon Palace, take a look at the website we book from they have some great pictures.<BR><BR>www.get-me.to/cancun<BR> Kerry

Kerry, the Mayan Riviera has some of the nicest beaches in the world. Why would anyone travel that far to sit at a pool? I guess that's something I just don't understand. Even at the most wonderful resort pools, you'll find most people spending all or part of each day at the beach. That's why they go to the Mayan Riviera. The beautiful blue water in the Mayan Riviera is incredible and it would be a shame to miss that. The first point Shandra said was "beach". Obviously that's important to her. I can tell you that the Barcelo is the ONLY resort in the Mayan Riviera that I know I'll be back to and I've been to many resorts up and down the coastline. Believe me, if the Moon Palace had a nice beach, I believe it would be an outstanding resort....but it just doesn't make it on the "I really want to go there" list because of the very bad beach conditions. The Cancun area is the most expensive area to go to in Mexico and the reason is the beaches and the ocean. Shandra, why go all that way for a piece of lousy ocean?? It doesn't make economic sense. If you were going to stay at the pool only, go to the Pacific coast and pay a LOT less money for your vacation. When you go to the Mayan Riviera....stay somewhere with a great beach/ocean!!!!

I agree with the Moon Palace also this is the most elegant resort in Mexico. What other place can you stay and make full use of 8 other resorts for free? That is what sold us on our trip, we are going back for the 2nd time next month. If you want a beach you have 7 other Palace Resorts with fabulous beaches to choose from! Plus you have so many restaurants right in the Moon Palace they have wonderful food, the breakfast is our favorite! The omlette station is great. Go to the Moon you will not want to come back.<BR><BR>

I vote neither... We took our son at the time a 13yr old and his friend another 13yr to Riveria Maya last year on vacation. We stayed at the Barcelo Maya Beach. It was expensive and felt that we were discriminated against due to being Americans. The activites were directed towards 3-12 yr olds at the kids club, and the adult games were strickly for the adults. Yes, they had a wonderful beach for snorkeling but be warned alot of women go topless and it is permitted. I do not believe that we will ever go back to the Maya side ever again, Playa del Carmen seemed unsafe if you looked at something and did not buy it the vendors on the street would yell at you. Don't touch anything if you do not plan to purchase it. We are going back to Puerto Vallarta this yr. we have been there before and felt safe and our son had a memorable trip. Chose wisely. And be careful...

WHAT!!??? PDC unsafe and vendors a pain?? Where else in Mexico/Caribbean have you been..Please, not to be rude...Playa vendors are the same as PV vendors..I've been to Vallarta 3x and Yucatan area 4x...no difference--any area I've visited of Mexico the same. I'm American, have visited various regions of Mexico.. pleasant smile and no gracias go a long way..PDC is one of the friendliest unassuming places I've visited. As for topless women..hello??? Didn't do the research, eh..oh, and we only saw 6 TOTAL in one week. Sorry, but I find PDC just as charming as PV.

Moon Palace is wonderful. There may be seaweed on the beach, but the pools are fantastic. The place will spoil you rotten.