We're looking into escaping to Mexico over New Year's and looking into the following resorts:

Beach Palace
The Grand at Moon Palace
Finest Playa Mujeres by Excellence
Hard Rock Rivera Maya
Azul Beach Resort The Fives in Playa Del Carmel

I looked at Tripadvisor but it's hard to determine though. I want a good kids club for my boys who will be 5 and 7.5 by that trip, great pool(s) and decent food. Not looking for anything too complicated or hard planning as it'll be just for 5/6 nights away.

Sorry I don't havn't stayed at those resorts , and right now with some of the issues going on in Playa and Cancun we prefer staying away from the cities .

We love the Grand Palliduim and have stayed there twice (once with our then 11 yr old ) . We've stayed in the Kantenah section and loved it .
Great pool , great kids pool , big resort set in jungle lots of animals around , beautiful beach . We love the no reservations needed unlimited a la cartes too .

If inwas was willing to bump up my budget I would also consider the Barcelo Palace section

Instead of the Review section on Trip Advisor, use the Destination Forum for Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It's a separate part of the website, and set up there like here at Fodor's where you can ask questions and read responses about the various resorts.

We haven't stayed at any of those resorts, but the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo or Maya would fit your needs. Great kids club, huge beach, fantastic pools, wonderful service.