OT -- All-inclusives in Mexico

[GT74]

Family planning a vacation in November. Thinking about all-inclusive, with pool bars, and casino. A toddler and maybe a few other kids going. Any ideas from you fans that have been there? Need a reasonable price to accommodate everybody. Haven't been to Mexico for a few years, so recent experience would be helpful.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

My wife and I stayed at the Playa Del Carmen 3 years ago and had a great time. Our children are grown and not with us so did not pay attention to the activities for kids but it was a fairly large place. All the all-inclusive hotels in the Riviera Maya are large and nice. You can’t go wrong…..enjoy

 

[JoseLind13]

For a family, any of the Dreams Resorts are great. They have consistently very good food, great drink selection, the best kids clubs, wonderful staff, and nice facilities. The Dreams/Secrets/Now family of resorts are always our top choice for Mexico, DR, and Jamaica. Just be aware that Dreams Tulum is a very long ride from the airport, if you have small kids. I have also had a great experience with Moon Palace (very convenient location, good food, and an overall great resort). Grand Palladium Riviera Maya is a nice option for an affordable price. It's a massive resort with awesome pools and a good beach, but I personally wasn't crazy about the food. It's not necessarily bad food, but nothing remarkable.

Good luck and don't get scared by the online review sites... some people will complain about anything and are never happy. You will have a great time.

 

[pitt-girl]

Probably not what you want to hear, but we travel a lot and have taken the kids all over the world. Personally, we have never had much luck in Mexico and I despise all the water restrictions. The best, without a doubt all inclusive we ever visited was Beaches, Turks and Caicos, but no casino. It's relatively close vs. Mexican destinations and in the same time zone. One of the only places that all water activities including snorkeling AND diving are included. The water there is on par with the Caymans and Belize. Just my $.02.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

Family planning a vacation in November. Thinking about all-inclusive, with pool bars, and casino. A toddler and maybe a few other kids going. Any ideas from you fans that have been there? Need a reasonable price to accommodate everybody. Haven't been to Mexico for a few years, so recent experience would be helpful.

I've been to the Cancun/Rivera Maya area at least seven times, but I haven't been there lately because we've been going to the Caribbean Islands instead. The resorts that seem to be more "family friendly" are located in the region about 25-30 miles south of Cancun, in the Riviera Maya. If you stick to the big all-inclusive chains, such as RIU, IBEROSTAR, PALLADIUM, etc, you should find what you're looking for.

But I'd do comparisons based on information and reviews that you'll find on the internet - starting with TripAdvisor.com. When I read the reviews, I know that both the great reviews and the lousy reviews are often over-exaggerated; the truth lies somewhere in the middle. With kids, I'm assuming that you'll want a resort that provides the better kids' activities - and a few of the resorts, especially the Iberostars, do a great job keeping the youngsters occupied.

The resorts that are in and around the city of Cancun are more party-oriented, but in November at least you won't have to deal with the spring break crowd.

If this matters to you, you may find some females engaging in topless sunbathing -- especially on the beaches, but not-so-much around the pools, unless it's a designated "adult" pool. The Cancun/Riviera Maya area is a major vacation destination for Europeans, and they bring their culture with them.

 

[GT74]

Thanks to all contributing their opinions. Appreciate it.

 

[Team_Pitt_Fan]

I don't believe in Mexico you can gamble; however, I am not 100 percent sure. I know you can in the DR. Maybe small slots etc but haven't seen the table games etc

 

[JoseLind13]

The big resorts are extra cautious to keep Montezuma away. We travel to the Caribbean annually, and I have never had any illness with our family at Mexico nor any Caribbean islands, if sticking to the on-resort dining options. Bottled water is available everywhere on the resorts, and the bar/restaurant water and ice is always safe. Nothing would kill a resort's business faster than mass illnesses.

If I were to get sick, it's much more likely it would have been from consuming huge volumes of non-contaminated food and alcohol.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

I don't believe in Mexico you can gamble; however, I am not 100 percent sure. I know you can in the DR. Maybe small slots etc but haven't seen the table games etc

For a long time, gambling in Mexico was a no-no. But they succumbed to the lure of free-spending tourists, so gambling was introduced a few years ago.

 

[OH Pete]

I've been to the Moon Palace a couple of times and rate it higher than Sandals in Jamaica and the place I stayed in Punta Cana (Sunscape, it has since changed names). Moon Palace is great for families. You don't need reservations for most of the restaurants and they have a water slide and flow rider. Very large and amazing resort. But the beach isn't that great. It is narrow and there is a lot of seaweed growing in the water. The staff keeps the sand nice and clean though. The pools more than make up for it though. They are fantastic.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

The big resorts are extra cautious to keep Montezuma away. We travel to the Caribbean annually, and I have never had any illness with our family at Mexico nor any Caribbean islands, if sticking to the on-resort dining options. Bottled water is available everywhere on the resorts, and the bar/restaurant water and ice is always safe. Nothing would kill a resort's business faster than mass illnesses.

If I were to get sick, it's much more likely it would have been from consuming huge volumes of non-contaminated food and alcohol.

The only time that I've gotten sick in the Carribean was in the Dominican Republic. I had friends warn me that the resorts there ran fast & loose with their food preparation practices, and sure enough, I brought something home with me that lasted about 10 days. But thousands of people go there and don't get sick. Go figure....

But as you said, most of the resorts provide unlimited bottled water -- which I even use for teeth-brushing -- and the ice is safe, too.

 

[pitt-girl]

The big resorts are extra cautious to keep Montezuma away. We travel to the Caribbean annually, and I have never had any illness with our family at Mexico nor any Caribbean islands, if sticking to the on-resort dining options. Bottled water is available everywhere on the resorts, and the bar/restaurant water and ice is always safe. Nothing would kill a resort's business faster than mass illnesses.

If I were to get sick, it's much more likely it would have been from consuming huge volumes of non-contaminated food and alcohol.

Yes - we have never gotten sick - I just don't like traveling places where the water is not sanitary. Most of the larger resorts have their own systems, but again for me, I prefer being somewhere I don't have to think about it. Annoys me.

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

Take a pepto each day, problem solved.
Has nothing to do with sanitary.

Now as far as zika virus... Make sure nobody is of child bearing age.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

Yes - we have never gotten sick - I just don't like traveling places where the water is not sanitary. Most of the larger resorts have their own systems, but again for me, I prefer being somewhere I don't have to think about it. Annoys me.

Yep - the "non pottable" stickers on the spigots in the bathrooms are attention-getting, and they send me running for the bottled water.

 

[pbrad]

Stayed at Jade in Riviera Maya 3 years ago with daughters and grand daughter. This is an older resort but small and friendly. We have been to 4 different resorts in the area and this by far was the best for children as there are resident Howler monkeys and you walk through a small jungle area filled with animals to get to dinner. The resort is close to Playa Del Carman and there is a club there that opens at11:00, Congo Bongo, for adults which put on one of the best live shows I have seen. If you are a diver, there are other options.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

Stayed at Jade in Riviera Maya 3 years ago with daughters and grand daughter. This is an older resort but small and friendly. We have been to 4 different resorts in the area and this by far was the best for children as there are resident Howler monkeys and you walk through a small jungle area filled with animals to get to dinner. The resort is close to Playa Del Carman and there is a club there that opens at11:00, Congo Bongo, for adults which put on one of the best live shows I have seen. If you are a diver, there are other options.

I've been to the Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen. When we went, we did it as the last stop of a Playa del Carmen bar crawl. The advantage of doing it via the bar crawl route is that we were given the VIP treatment: they shuttled us to-and-from our resort, and we got to enter Coco Bongo thru the (private) side door where we bypassed the long line that was waiting to get in. They sat us in a private balcony with others in our party where they kept pouring us drinks - all inclusive. Our hosts acted as though our glasses were never allowed to be empty.

As you said, it was an endless, non-stop musical show....just great fun. And I've still got our picture that was taken with "Beetlejuice" to prove it, since he joined us in our balcony.

This is one of several videos that are available on youtube, but the videos don't do it justice - you gotta be there to appreciate it:

 

[BuffetParrothead]

As you're playing your fun always plan for your safety overseas especially to destinations like Mexico.
Dial up the State Department Website where they have pages of useful security information and an interactive map that will give you security conditions for your destination.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html
Most " resort" locations in Mexico are fine as long as you stay within the resort boundaries. The private consulting security firm that I associate with does mention Mexican resorts have increased perimeter security which is good.
You'll see in the State Dept. reports that if you go to areas other than resort properties be careful so its worth a read!

 

[GT74]

As you're playing your fun always plan for your safety overseas especially to destinations like Mexico.
Dial up the State Department Website where they have pages of useful security information and an interactive map that will give you security conditions for your destination.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html
Most " resort" locations in Mexico are fine as long as you stay within the resort boundaries. The private consulting security firm that I associate with does mention Mexican resorts have increased perimeter security which is good.
You'll see in the State Dept. reports that if you go to areas other than resort properties be careful so its worth a read!

Thanks, I knew it can be pretty rough outside resort boundaries. I've taken what some of you have given me in responses and did some research on the resorts. Are the casinos there within the hotels or separate from the hotels and resorts? And, are they safe and 'true'? Casinos aren't a must for our vacation, but some within our group like to go when they are close.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

Thanks, I knew it can be pretty rough outside resort boundaries. I've taken what some of you have given me in responses and did some research on the resorts. Are the casinos there within the hotels or separate from the hotels and resorts? And, are they safe and 'true'? Casinos aren't a must for our vacation, but some within our group like to go when they are close.

Don't know where you're going but take it for whats its worth. If they're on the grounds good if not be careful.
Of particular safety concern are casinos, sports books, or other gambling establishments, and adult entertainment establishments. U.S. government personnel are specifically prohibited from patronizing these establishments in the states of Coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Jalisco, Colima and Nayarit.

Do not drive a vehicle yourself always use a service associated with the resort.
Some people I work with get "burner" sorry prepaid phones with the Mexico or other country service so they have an extra cell if theirs is taken or lost. More money but more security too in an emergency.
Set up a check in system with a relative or friend ( avoid unreliable drunks or drug addicts) in the US who knows exactly where you're staying. Like call once a day or every other day something like that. You can also register with a security co to do this but its expensive but I know people who do that.
People who go to real hotspots ( Mexico isn't one) should register with the US embassy for regular check ins.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

As you're playing your fun always plan for your safety overseas especially to destinations like Mexico.
Dial up the State Department Website where they have pages of useful security information and an interactive map that will give you security conditions for your destination.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html
Most " resort" locations in Mexico are fine as long as you stay within the resort boundaries. The private consulting security firm that I associate with does mention Mexican resorts have increased perimeter security which is good.
You'll see in the State Dept. reports that if you go to areas other than resort properties be careful so its worth a read!

^^^Excellent points.^^^ In the one area south of Cancun (within the Riviera Maya) that's known as "Playacar", this area is actually a "gated community".

Not that a Mexican gated community is as safe as an American gated community, but nonetheless there are several very nice resorts that are located in Playacar that may be even safer than most. And these resorts are within hiking distance of Playa del Carmen. We'd often walk to PdC to shop and see the sights, then later take a taxi back to our resort - not because of the distance, but because the heat can be so oppressive.

 

[pitt-girl]

Don't know where you're going but take it for whats its worth. If they're on the grounds good if not be careful.
Of particular safety concern are casinos, sports books, or other gambling establishments, and adult entertainment establishments. U.S. government personnel are specifically prohibited from patronizing these establishments in the states of Coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Jalisco, Colima and Nayarit.

Do not drive a vehicle yourself always use a service associated with the resort.
Some people I work with get "burner" sorry prepaid phones with the Mexico or other country service so they have an extra cell if theirs is taken or lost. More money but more security too in an emergency.
Set up a check in system with a relative or friend ( avoid unreliable drunks or drug addicts) in the US who knows exactly where you're staying. Like call once a day or every other day something like that. You can also register with a security co to do this but its expensive but I know people who do that.
People who go to real hotspots ( Mexico isn't one) should register with the US embassy for regular check ins.

Wow. Another reason we avoid Mexico - and DR and Jamaica. If we can't go off on our own, forget it. Some of our best memories are places we discovered off the beaten track. Seriously - who wants to travel all that way and not be able to leave the compound?

 

[Swervin27]

Wow. Another reason we avoid Mexico - and DR and Jamaica. If we can't go off on our own, forget it. Some of our best memories are places we discovered off the beaten track. Seriously - who wants to travel all that way and not be able to leave the compound?

anyone that wants to snorkel in crystal clear ocean water on white sand beaches while avoiding seeing incredible poverty and disease.. Drinking frozen rum drinks at an outdoor tiki beach resort bar is fun, getting scalped by the natives for your wife's diamond ring, not so much.

 

[caleco's]

The "Dream" brand is great stayed in two different ones in mexico and one in punta cana top notch and not overpriced.

 

[NTOP]

Wow. Another reason we avoid Mexico - and DR and Jamaica. If we can't go off on our own, forget it. Some of our best memories are places we discovered off the beaten track. Seriously - who wants to travel all that way and not be able to leave the compound?

We actually rented a car in Cancun & drove south to Tulum...long time ago. Stopped at a condo place on the way back...got the spiel about buying a timeshare. They stopped pouring cocktails when I told them our room at the big Marriott was free......points. We had no problems......but the interior places like Chichen Itza are not safe travel.

 

[db_3]

"Most " resort" locations in Mexico are fine as long as you stay within the resort boundaries."
Keep in mind this is a general travel warning for all of Mexico....not specific communities. Don't be scared off. It's the Pacific coast that has issues.
I just spent the past month in Playa del Carmen (PDC). I can tell you this resort town is among the safest in all of Mexico. Google safest and most dangerous Mexico states (counties). You'll see what I mean.
Downtown PDC beachfront area from Playacar up to 45th street, and from beach to 20th Ave is always fun and safe to walk around anytime. Even late. Feel free to explore outside the resorts. Use the ADO bus to get to other areas such as Tulum. Spend the day on Tulum beaches, just don't go for the ruins tour. Use the ADO bus direct from Cancun airport to PDC $12. These buses are better than Greyhounds with plush seats and A/C. No need to arrange in advance.
If the all-inclusive thing is not your style, we stayed on the beach (6th street), small 35-room property, pool, bar, etc for under $90/night for 2-room suite balcony facing ocean, free hot breakfast service, view of Cozumel, watched cruise ships pass by and spent less than $60 per day on food and drinks in local eateries. Beer less than $2 on beach. Plate of 5 tacos $2.35. Half rotisserie chicken meal w/drink $5.50. If you stay at hotel w/o beach chairs, they are avail free from vendors if you spend $10 in food/drink. I ran into many vacationers who ventured out and realized they overspent on the "safe choice" of the all-inclusive option. But, with kids, there will be more activities avail with all-inclusive properties.

 

[President Stache]

Probably not what you want to hear, but we travel a lot and have taken the kids all over the world. Personally, we have never had much luck in Mexico and I despise all the water restrictions. The best, without a doubt all inclusive we ever visited was Beaches, Turks and Caicos, but no casino. It's relatively close vs. Mexican destinations and in the same time zone. One of the only places that all water activities including snorkeling AND diving are included. The water there is on par with the Caymans and Belize. Just my $.02.

To second this, we took the kids here too, and it was awesome. We had a really great time!

 

[mhbst3]

Not very family friendly but my wife and I honeymooned at Zoetry Parisio de la Bonita Riviera Maya. I had the time of my life, the resort was incredible, there is only 90 rooms so it's not crowded and the service was fantastic.

 

[PittPat3]

Was just all over the Yucatan in December, and have traveled plenty in Mexico. Just my opinion, but I think people need to get a grip and/or grow a pair. Mexico is generally quite safe, save the border towns and surrounding areas and some of the rural and mountain areas in western Mexico. The resort towns - Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, etc are perfectly safe, in my experience. Mexico City, too. Like anywhere, keep your wits about you, don't flash your wealth, and stay out of bad neighborhoods, just like you would in, say, New Orleans, Washington, New York, or even (gasp) PIttsburgh. Trust me, I'm an obvious gringo, and have never felt remotely threatened. On second thought, never mind. Stay away from Mexico, please, so it will continue to be cheap, fun, and interesting.

 

[Franb]

Was just all over the Yucatan in December, and have traveled plenty in Mexico. Just my opinion, but I think people need to get a grip and/or grow a pair. Mexico is generally quite safe, save the border towns and surrounding areas and some of the rural and mountain areas in western Mexico. The resort towns - Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, etc are perfectly safe, in my experience. Mexico City, too. Like anywhere, keep your wits about you, don't flash your wealth, and stay out of bad neighborhoods, just like you would in, say, New Orleans, Washington, New York, or even (gasp) PIttsburgh. Trust me, I'm an obvious gringo, and have never felt remotely threatened. On second thought, never mind. Stay away from Mexico, please, so it will continue to be cheap, fun, and interesting.

I just spent a week in Tulum over Christmas, and had no problems at all. We rented a condo in a new development. There was visible security around the complex and around the town, where we walked and biked. We rented a car and drove to several other towns in the area. Didn't have any hint of bad vibes during the trip.

 

[PittPat3]

"Most " resort" locations in Mexico are fine as long as you stay within the resort boundaries."
Keep in mind this is a general travel warning for all of Mexico....not specific communities. Don't be scared off. It's the Pacific coast that has issues.
I just spent the past month in Playa del Carmen (PDC). I can tell you this resort town is among the safest in all of Mexico. Google safest and most dangerous Mexico states (counties). You'll see what I mean.
Downtown PDC beachfront area from Playacar up to 45th street, and from beach to 20th Ave is always fun and safe to walk around anytime. Even late. Feel free to explore outside the resorts. Use the ADO bus to get to other areas such as Tulum. Spend the day on Tulum beaches, just don't go for the ruins tour. Use the ADO bus direct from Cancun airport to PDC $12. These buses are better than Greyhounds with plush seats and A/C. No need to arrange in advance.
If the all-inclusive thing is not your style, we stayed on the beach (6th street), small 35-room property, pool, bar, etc for under $90/night for 2-room suite balcony facing ocean, free hot breakfast service, view of Cozumel, watched cruise ships pass by and spent less than $60 per day on food and drinks in local eateries. Beer less than $2 on beach. Plate of 5 tacos $2.35. Half rotisserie chicken meal w/drink $5.50. If you stay at hotel w/o beach chairs, they are avail free from vendors if you spend $10 in food/drink. I ran into many vacationers who ventured out and realized they overspent on the "safe choice" of the all-inclusive option. But, with kids, there will be more activities avail with all-inclusive properties.

I second the ADO bus recommendation. Cheap and more reliable than US bus lines. PDC is a bit played out, imho. Avenues Cinco used to have much more charm. Now, it feels like walking through a mall in 90 degree heat. We did the Riu Mexico in Playacar a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. There are four other Riu properties nearby, and you can go to all of them if you stay at the Roy Mexico.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

In the Riviera Maya, we traveled to Tulum via "collectivo", Mexico's version of a legal jitney. It's how the locals travel. It's much cheaper than a taxi, but you gotta ask the locals where the stops are, and where their destinations are, too.

I don't know whether Tulum is still like this, but Mexican currency used to be mandatory since it's a national park. It's one of the few places that didn't accept US dollars.

 

[PittPat3]

In the Riviera Maya, we traveled to Tulum via "collectivo", Mexico's version of a legal jitney. It's how the locals travel. It's much cheaper than a taxi, but you gotta ask the locals where the stops are, and where their destinations are, too.

I don't know whether Tulum is still like this, but Mexican currency used to be mandatory since it's a national park. It's one of the few places that didn't accept US dollars.

I think that's right about not accepting dollars at the Tulum archaeological site. I don'ts see why this is a problem. Currency exchangeo overseas is just going to an ATM. Use legit bank ones, though - Santander, ScotiaBank, HSBC, etc. Pesos right out of the ATM, with a $3 or $4 charge.

 

[PittPat3]

Also, Bank of America has a relationship with Santander and ScotiaBank so that there's no fees on ATMs. Check with your bank.