Riviera Maya
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to the Cancun area the last week of February for our 25th anniversary. Since we've never been, would like input on the Riviera Maya area. We'd like to stay at an all-inclusive hotel and was thinking something like the Moon Palace. How are the beaches in that area? We want to visit the ruins and enjoy the sun and sand. Does anyone have any suggestions or comments? Thanks.

My wife and I will be celebrating our 15th at the Moon Palace a few weeks before you. I booked through Expedia. I just looked back today and pretended to book the same package (to see if the price changed), and Moon Palace was no longer on the list. I'm not sure if this is the case, but you may wish to be check if they are already booked up for February. BTW, the Sun Palace (south on the hotel zone strip) was still offering rooms.<BR>This will be our first time, as well. Happy anniversary!!!

Recently went to the Moon Palace and was not impressed (biggest complaint was the food was bad). If you want to take tours than it might be right for you, as when we went you were given an unlimited number of tours. The good thing about the hotel is that the pool is really magnificant. The beach itself is fine, but the water is not the &quot;crystal blue waters&quot; that Cancun is known for. Not to worry though, you can take a shuttle to the &quot;hotel zone&quot; which DOES have beautiful waters where you can eat/drink at any of the other Palace Resorts in that area (as well as use pool, towels, etc). However, know that these shuttles fill quickly and you should plan on waiting for the shuttle at least 30 minutes before departure time and 45 minutes before departing the hotel zone in order to ensure a seat.<BR><BR>Our views may have been jaded though because the Moon Palace is so large and impersonal, and we just came from a quaint service oriented resort the days before.<BR><BR>Best way to book (imo) is from an &quot;member&quot;. We booked thru www.great-cancun-vacations.com and were very pleased with the money we saved. I was skeptical at first b/c it was so much cheaper than other rates we had seen, but all worked out in the end without any problems.<BR><BR>

Thanks for the info. We want to do some tours, but also want to take advantage of the &quot;free&quot; stuff at the hotel. The comment about the food not being good concerns me. What about the Aventura Palace? Anybody know about that resort?

My wife and I went to the moon palace the last week of April 2002, we had a GREAT time. The food was excellent and plenty of it. The beach has a natural reef out off shore so some seaweed does grow up towards the beach, but it still does not stop you from playing in the ocean. A little hint I learned, if oyu tip the waiting staff a little every day, even though it is already included, you will not be sorry. The service will be outstanding. Have a great time