Going to Cancun in early July with husband and two children ages 12 and 13. Looking for hotel with nice beach to look at but necessarily to go in. Pool important to go in.
All inclusive hotel that I was contemplating seems to be out of the question especially after reading some peoples responses.
They were stating it was not worth it as Mexican restaraunt prices are not expensive. Continental breakfast would be nice to be included.
Looking into the JW Marriott, Marriott Casa Magna, Omni, Sheraton or Westin or possibly the Beach or Sun Palace but those are all inclusive.

booking soon

We stayed at the JW in Cancun a year or so ago with our teenage children. The beach was beautiful, the resort very rich and upscale, and the pool was fabulous but would not stay there again with kids. The restaurants at the JW were expensive, the buffet breakfast was unusually expensive, alone it was about $25 US pp! The people there were very stiff and seemingly intolerant of kids. For example, my son was reprimanded by the security there for going bearfoot from the pool to the lobby! The Casa Manga next door, in my opinion, was unimpressive. Same beautiful beach, but so-so pool, definitely more family orientated. Staying at the Casa Manga, you can use the pool at the JW. The Champions restaurant at the Casa Manga was fun and lively and resonably priced. I don't know of the others you listed, but the location of the Sheraton is not the best. That's towards a more congested area of Cancun. The Omni is on a nice stretch of beach. Don't know of the pool. (Try to stay on the eastern, Caribbean side of the "7" shaped hotel zone. The middle/southern end is nicer than the northern end) What about the Hilton? Nice beach, very nice pool, family orientated, less expensive than the JW.

How about ritz carlton?

The Cancun Palace was very nice-pools and beach were excellent. With teens, I would do the all-inclusive. Mine loved being able to eat whenever they wanted. They also had some organized activities for teens like pool volleyball, and different pool games.

The Omni is a beautiful hotel with an excellent AI option - the best AI in Cancun. Their pool area is lovely as is their beach. They have a Jacuzzi bar right on the beach with the Jacuzzi facing the ocean. They also have a restaurant right on the beach. They serve wonderful ala carte breakfasts and it's a beautiful way to start your day.

Also see my response to you under "all inclusives." I would not hesitate to recommend the Omni as a great family vacation hotel, and would strongly encourage you take advantage of their AI option since you have children. It's going to be hot in Cancun in July (I love it)and it's nice for the kids to be able to get soft drinks and frozen fruit smoothies, as well as snacks, ice cream, and all the other things they like to devour, whenever they want to.

Check the Melia Turquesa, the beach is perfect, the POOLS are excellent. Overall the hotel is very nice.
Buen Viaje.....

Best pool and beach combo could be the Hilton or FA Condessa. Omni is also good but AI. Food is not cheap in cancun but do you really want to eat EVERY meal at the same hotel when so many options exist? Across the street from Omni is the Sunrise marina w/ a great b'fast. Only have to listen to time share people once!

Clarification: The Omni is not an AI hotel. But they do have an AI "option." If you purchase the AI option, you can order ala carte for any meal, breakfast, lunch or dinner at any of the Omni's restaurants at any time.