taratravels

My son will be graduating from high school this spring and we are looking for a good all inclusive along the mayan riveria coast, preferably near playa del carmen. My husband and I stayed at the Moon Palace a few years ago and loved it, but didn't care too much for the beach. Any recommendations would be great!

KBec

THE best place in Playa is the Gran Porto Real. It is ideally situated on the beach, very close to the restaurants, and is very nice. We were not on an AI plan but I heard the food was pretty good. I recommend not paying the extra $50 per person per day as we found a number of restaurants that were wonderful. I am happy with fruit in the AM, from the local grocery store, then we went out for spectacular shrimp tacos for lunch and found great seafood and steak on 5th Ave. Unless you really eat alot or drink alot the AI never seems worth it. Anyway from the hotel it is a short walk to the town center down the beach or there is a more secluded beach walking the other way. The pool area is nice, the party hosts were great fun and we really couldn't have stayed at a better place. There may be nicer places but not once you factor in the location. Try the Monkey Cave (if it is still open) for a wonderful breakfast or dinner.

taratravels

Thanks for the info. Have you any info on the Barcelo? It has been recommended by our travel agent.

pepper131

Here's info on Barcelo:

http://www.locogringo.com/pto-aventu...Barcelo%20Maya

ONZGO

Try this website for tons of information and lots of vacation pictures of the Barcelo Maya. It is a wonderful resort and have been 3 times now. Many repeat visitors.

http://www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/index.html

mibar

Has anyone stayed at the Iberostar hotels in Playa del Carmen?

colokid

Yes, I have stayed at the Iberostar and the RIU's in Playacar. The beaches there have been eroded a bit so are not their best right now but I think the southern most resorts in Playacar still have decent beaches. Those would include the Sandos, Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal and the RIU Yucatan or across the street the RIU Tequila. The beach at the Gran Porto Real is also not very nice for swimming. If you want to stay in Playa Del Carmen look at Shangri La Caribe, Las Palmas but they are not totally AI. The Sandos resort in Playacar is the southern most resort in Playacar and the beach there is still ok. The Barcelo has a lot of good reviews and I have friends staying there in June but I've never stayed there myself. It is not within walking distance of PDC if that's what you're looking for. When our kids were high school age we always stayed AI just because it was easier with their eating habits to keep them happy all the time.

schmerl

We stayed at the Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar. It was GREAT. It's part of an IB complex with four other hotels. There is a great BIG beach and HUGE pools. Plenty to do or you can sit and do nothing. Great service too. For everything you'll ever want to know about Iberostars, go to:
http://www.iberostar-board.com/boards/index.php

realoc

We stayed at the Riu Palace Rivera Mayan and had a great time. The Riu Palace Mexico is supposed to be even better. There has been some beach erosion in the area, but it did not stop us from swimming in the ocean every day. Have fun.

sws

The beach at Sandos is excellent. We were there in April.

beachbum2

If it is just for the 3 of you, the adult version of the Gran Porto Real is the Royal Playa del Carmen. The resort is beautiful. The rooms are amazing. Playa del Carmen is a great town. Clean,trendy, fun...great restaurants, shopping, lounges. There really is no nead to stay at an AI in Playa del Carmen with all the great restaurants, but the Royal was very nice. Playa del Carmen just gives you so many more options then a big resort in the middle of nowhere.