Riviera Maya -- Decent All-Inclusive with teens
 

I'm traveling with a group of 8 (13-75 years old) to the Riviera Maya this March. I've spent hours researching and it seems like all the best AI's that are decent and too high priced or are adults only (Secrets, El Dorado, Royal Hideaway). I'm a little worried about all the negative reviews I have read about the more budget-friendly places like Riu's and Bercelo's. What would you suggest? Also, has anyone stayed at the Karisma's or Azul's.

Thanks

Look into the Iberostar Resorts and also the Dreams reaorts. Barcelo is usually good also. You can read negative reviews of even the best resorts.

Thanks. I have started to, but it's disheartening when the hotel website seems so awesome and the trip advisor ratings are so mediocre. ( For example, Dreams Aventura.) Will keep on investigating other Dreams properties and the Iberostar and Barcelo.

Is the Iberostar Grand for adults only?

We stayed at Dreams Riviera Cancun last year and I would recommend it in a second. As schmerl says, you'll always get mixed reviews. But the Dreams properties and Iberostars are both very nice. When you read a negative or even mediocre review, read carefully about what the real complaints are. Often it will be about something you wouldn't care about. Or a very specific situation. And for every mediocre review, usually for a great property you'll find many more positive ones.

Usually when we go to Riviera Maya we stay at the adults only AI, on our last trip we got a great price on the Dreams resort, so we gave it a shot. It was very nice. The only "negative" comments I would have had would have been was that since it had very recently opened they didn't have all of the kinks worked out yet. Also the wait times for dinner were often long - but by our 2nd night we figured out to put our name in, get a beeper and go back to our room and get ready for dinner. By the time we were ready, our table was too. Other than that, the pools were great, the activities were varied and the staff was great. The restaurants had very good food with a good selection. The beach was good, the spa was good...so - while we had a mixed experience, overall it was good and I'd recommend it.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with Dreams or Iberostar.

Among my friends, colleagues & their families, Iberostar Paraiso Lindo gets good review. Recently, one of my colleagues stayed at Hacienda Tres Rios, and his family loved it.

We stayed at Azul Beach Hotel twice but last time was 4 years ago. Actually, I am thinking about going back again this year since they have a new villas.

Iberostar Paradisus and Riu are great with kids

Paradisus Especially has good childrens progams.

TA is a for profit owner controlled forum owned now by Expedia

reviews are frquently picky biased and sometimes fake

So might take them with a great of salt

particularly the all negative "grudge posts" also the all pos.

wwww.mexico.bookit.com and www.costarica.bookit.com

For GREAT AI deals tonnes of fun with kids get a room

away from the noise and action if that will bother you.

Happy Hunting,

misha2,
Yes...the Iberostar Grand is for adults only. If you are interested in the Iberostar, I would recommend the Lindo.

Thank you all. I continue to research and hunt. The best/only deals I found on book it were for places not mentioned here, like Ocean Turqesa and a Grand Palladium property. Anyone know about those? Also, ShelD, can you tell me a bit more about the Dreams open plan. If we share a room with our teens what kind of privacy issues should we expect?

Misha,
We went to the Grand Palladium with teens, and really enjoyed it

Thanks Frank. Are there particular things that each company os particularly known for ( I know that cruise ship lines have areas/clients they seem to specialize in) Is the same true for the all inclusive companies?

Misha,
We have done the Riu Palace and the Grand Palladium in Riviera Maya and felt they were comparable in most categories. We liked the GP beach and the way the resort was more spread out better. If we return, it would be to the Grand Palladium if the 2 were the same price.
I would give a slight nod to Riu buffets but the nod to GP specialty restaraunts

Thanks. One more general question. I know we are going to want to spend one day at Xcaret and a half day at Tulum. If the price and place were comparable would you choose to stay in Puerto Morales or Tulum. I know these are pretty much the extremes of locations based on flying in to Cancun.

It seems from my research that Dreams has more updated rooms. Is that accurate?

Misha,
Cant answer on Tulum or Dreams

There are quite a few resorts that way, and new construction too. I think Barcelo just built a nice new resort if you want the most up to date

Have been to Barcelo twice with large family group and can highly recommend the Tropical/Colonial section. There are 3 sections to Barcelo Caribe/Beach is lower end, The Tropical/Colonial is mid-range, and the Palace is high end. The beach has to be seen to be believed.

Thanks. I continue to try and find the best place at the best price.

We just got back from Barcelo Tropical. We got a great rate for Barcelo Caribe, the lowest priced section, and were upgraded to the Tropical. The Tropical area is a haven for young people! The pools have activities going all day and loud music. (We actually hung out in the Caribe area because it was quiet.) However if I had to go with teens, this resort has everything from tennis, put put golf, table tennis, giant chess set, volleyball, catamaran sail boats, snorkeling. There are also cenotes right across the street that you can walk to. We were there in mid Jan. I don't know what things are like during spring break!
Don't let the negative reviews upset you. I was leary about them, but I didn't encounter any of the negative problems. Staff is wonderful,grounds and beach are gorgeous, food is fine. Was everything perfect? No, but nothing to write a bad review about.

Thank you all so much for the help. I ended up getting a very good deal at Dreams Riviera Cancun and booked it. Does anyone else ever experience second thoughts/regrets? I thought I would be relieved to have it done. But, that may take a day or two. ShellD or others who have stayed there can you tell me more about how wonderful it is? :)

ttt