Riviera Maya
 

Hello everyone!
My husband, 1-yr old daughter and myself were thinking of going to the Riviera Maya the 1st week of April and are looking for suggestions re places to stay. We've heard about the Viva Azteca as being smaller than other resorts, but nice and family friendly, but would also like to have thoughts on the Paradisus, the Iberostar hotels and any others. Thank you so much for your help.

DavidMaria
I too am traveling to the Riveria Maya around the same time period. In my search I sought a town a little smaller without the conjestion. We decided to avoid the resorts and rent a house. Lots of options to chose from and from the sound of it, you may even have a little time to do some extra research.
Best

Don't know about the other resorts you mentioned, but I've stayed at the Viva Azteca. Yes, it is a little smaller that some of the resorts in the area. There were quite a few kids there so I guess it's it child friendly, but one word of caution. The tile around the entire pool area is very slick when it gets wet, so if you stay there, keep that in mind!
Personally, I liked the Reef Club Playacar better. It is also very small as far as resorts go. Maybe even a little smaller than Viva Azteca. It is also child friendly, and the tile around the pool area has a rougher finish so is much safer. There is a small shallow pool that is perfect for taking in younger kids.
Also, the restaruant area is right by the pool so has a nice pool AND ocean view, which Viva Azteca does not have. Also, the balconies at Reef Club are very spacious, with at least a couple chairs. At Viva Azteca, unless you are lucky and get one of the Ocean front rooms, the other room's balconies are not even big enough to put chairs on. Standing room only. Last, I loved the 'jungle' atmosphere at the Reef Club. I didn't think the grounds at Viva Azteca were that pretty. Mostly cut grass with plants thrown in. Reef Club has a very 'jungle' feel, it's just lovely. So even if you don't have an Ocean view, you still have a nice jungle view. Just my two cents.

Thank you both. THink we want to stick w/the AI this time around. We'll investigate the Reef. Wondering if anyone had thoughts on the Hotel Barcelo Maya Beach Resort, Gala Resort Playacar and any Iberstar resorts. Thank you.

We have stayed at the Iberostar Tucan twice. Its great. They have real monkeys on the property and its fun to walk around looking for them in the trees. The pool was awesome and the rooms were good. We are going to Playa Del Carmen next month to the Iberostar Parisio Del Mar. It looks like it will be great too. I'll post a trip report when we get back. Have fun!

Cindy

Thank you everyone! We've booked at the Iberostar Tucan b/c seems that people really liked it and it had great reviews on Tripadvisor.com.
We will report back upon return.
Ciao!

Barcelo is a very nice resort and very family friendly (kids clubs, kid friendly food always available) but very spread out, lots of walking from room to beach or pool.