Any suggestions for a tropical location to celebrate our 10 year anniversary this July? We have 5 nights and a moderate budget. Starting point is Seattle.

How about the Big Island of Hawaii and a possible place to stay is the Hale Kona Kai.

http://www.halekonakai-hkk.com/

I've gone to Puerto Vallarta from Seattle in July the past three years.

It's very tropical there in the summer since it is the beginning of the rainy season, hot, humid, lush.

You can find local style hotels there for $50usd/night. Flights ~$450 per person roundtrip.

From Seattle, I would suggest choosing between someplace in either Hawaii or Mexico, because 5 days is a pretty short trip to try and go further (more exotic tropical destination like polynesian islands or SE asia).

Hawaii. Easy direct flights from Seattle.

Mexico is a hassle.

I've been to Cancun in July and the heat and humidity were unbearable -- and I've lived in the desert. Don't know what it's like on the Pacific side that time of year, but I would really hesitate to go to Mexico in the summer. There's a reason the rate are relatively cheap there that time of year. I have been to Hawaii several times in the summer and the weather is much more bearable.

Why is Mexico a "hassle"?

What a ridiculous statement imho.

Mexico-
1. Do they both have passports?
2. Are their passports valid?
3. Do they speak any spanish?
4. Do they know where to go and where not to go in July in Mexico?

OK... 1 & 2 valid questions for any foreign travel anywhere.

3 you don't need to speak Spanish in the typical tourist destinations.

4 all they have to do is ask on this forum (latin america branch).