<p>Looking for beach resorts in Cancun and other areas. </p>
<p>Criteria is: Somewhat close to an Airport
On the Beach
All-Inclusive
Family-Oriented (No couples only)</p>
<p>Thanks to any input!</p>
<p>Just fairly accesible. Nothing that requires like a 20 minute boat ride to get to.</p>
<p>We’ve stayed here, and are looking at this area again for a Christmas trip (first time it was just H and I; this time we are taking our two daughters):</p>
<p>[Gran</a> Bahia Principe Tulum- Hotels in Riviera Maya](<a href=“Home Bahia Principe - Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts”>Home Bahia Principe - Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts)</p>
<p>There’s a shuttle bus that takes you to/from the Cancun airport.</p>
<p>I would advise not going anywhere in Mexico.</p>
<p>Well, you could always stay at the Meli</p>
<p>We went to the Barcelo Maya in the Riviera Maya 5 years ago for my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary. It was very family-friendly - grandchildren ranged from 1 year old to 24. There was a shuttle from the airport. All inclusive. My kids were 14 & 11 at the time & loved it. </p>
<p>In-laws picked it out & paid for everything so I have no clue re price range, comparisons. We all had a fabulous time.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Why? There are lots of places that are extremely safe, as well as places you wouldn’t send your worst enemy to.</p>
<p>My travel agent has no problem with booking us to Mexico (and I gave her a huge range of warm-weather options that did not include Mexico) and has been there several times in the last couple of years.</p>
<p>We had a very nice time at the Grand Palladium in Riviera Maya. It’s about a 1 hr. drive from the airport - easy to arrange shuttle.</p>
<p>Ughh…I have loved visiting Mexico in the past too, but I would seriously consider the State department travel warnings before planning a trip right now. I think Cozumel is the safest since it’s an island. Even Cancun is getting a bad reputation. If you go, make sure to stay in the areas with lots of tourists where the locals try to protect their income stream. Don’t venture off!</p>
<p>I’ll second the Barcelo Maya resort. It’s just north of Tulum. We were there in 2008 & had a wonderful time. A college friend just returned from there a few weeks ago and said it was still wonderful.</p>
<p>Ahhh! There’s too many nice places! And yes, I know not too go on any journeys into the less touristy parts of Mexico. But, I thought that many of the resorts were much safer, with outstanding security?</p>
<p>Grand Velas Riviera Maya</p>
<p>Isn’t that adults only?</p>
<p>One of the most beautiful, most rooms with an ovean view, family friendly, great beach/ocean for kids, all at a relatively affordable price-- is the Acapulco Princess. The nightly rate includes a full breakfast daily, but the other meals are not included. The airport is less than 5 miles from the hotel.</p>
<p>I just spent 2 months backpacking by myself throughout central Mexico. It was a great time and I felt extremely secure wherever I went (including the metro in Mexico City), probably because I didn’t stay out late at night or do anything else stupid. Don’t venture north towards the border or attempt to buy or sell drugs. Seriously, that’s it. If you’re in a big city, don’t carry a lot of valuables with you and keep your money in a secure pocket or pouch. It’s common sense really … just behave like you would in any big American city. If you go to a resort town, it will be extremely safe (I’m not sure about Cancun due to its American tourist reputation, but I wouldn’t go to Cancun if I could avoid it). The Mexican charter bus system is really great and easy to use, so don’t be afraid of a little bit of a ride to reach your final destination from the airport. I would look into flights into Mexico City or Guadalajara.</p>
<p>As for beach recommendations, I would check out beaches on the Pacific, such as Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo (they filmed the end beach scene of The Shawshank Redemption in Zihuatanejo), Mazatlan, Puerto Escondido, Acapulco, and Puerto Vallarta. Vallarta and Acapulco have reputations of being more party types of towns, while the others are more or less quiet little beach towns, with tourist activities and markets. I haven’t been to all of these, but Zihuatanejo, a little fishing village, was my favorite and I’ve heard lots of people rave endlessly about the beauty of Puerto Escondido. Food and souvenirs will be 30-40% less expensive on the Pacific beaches than in Cancun, so that’s why I would recommend them. They’re normally less populated too, which is nice if you’re trying to relax and enjoy your vacation. There will be fewer Americans and more Mexicans on the Pacific side, which in my opinion helps the vacation keep an authentic flavor, even if you are on a resort the majority of the time. In the future, if I have enough time there, say 2 to 3 weeks, I would love to do a little tour all down the Pacific coast, hopping from beach to beach. That’s something to consider if you’re feeling adventurous. </p>
<p>I’m extremely disappointed to see people advising against going to Mexico. Is this based on personal experience or what you’ve been told to think by the American media? EVERY Mexican that I met was very cordial and was interested in hearing about me, my university, and my culture. If you speak a little Spanish, that’s a bonus, but many people love to be able to practice their English too.</p>
<p>I would highly recommend the Moon Palace resort Cancun/Riviera Maya. We were there for the week between Christmas and New Years. The resort is extemely close to the Cancun airport. It is not on the Cancun strip - but it is close enough so you can get downtown easily. There are three separate resorts within the complex - they tend to direct couples to one quiet side - but you have access to the amenities and restaurants at all three. Food was great, a good varieity of cuisine, good liquor selection, great service, beautiful grounds, a variety of evening entertainment, activities for the kids. When I went, they were giving resort credits based upon length of stay - credits were good for rounds of golf, spa, sightseeing trips to the Mayan ruins, swim with dolphins, etc.</p>
<p>I should add, at no time did we ever feel unsafe - and my wife is a worrier. If you stay in the resort areas or the downtown strip you will be fine. Just observe normal precautions concerning pickpocketing that are applicable on any vacation.</p>
<p>bjs_7- Thank you very much for the detailed response. I appreciate the safety “problem” you addressed and it holds more weight with me, as you’ve obviously been to Mexico many times. Our family is still deciding whether to go on the big over-the-top touristy vacation or the more authentic smaller vacation. Are there any places in Mexico that we must see on this trip? Whether it’s ruins or even just a great restaurant or beach that you’ve gone to? We’re just evaluating all of the options to see which city/area is the best to vacation. Anyone else is welcome to respond if they’ve had any prior experience traveling to Mexico!</p>
<p>ChicagoBear- Yes, this was one of the resorts that we’ve considered for our more-touristy vacation. How was the food and service? I’ve heard mixed reviews (although positively skewed) on both. And in general, in all all-inclusive resorts, what is the deal with tipping? I’ve heard it is included in the stay but that is was almost expected by every worker.</p>
<p>I meant to say to elaborate on the food and service. I saw that you did comment on both. And I’ll take your opinions with a grain of salt, ChicagoBear. I mean, you ARE a Bears fan after all! Packers all the way! :P</p>
<p>Tyler: when we’ve gone to all inclusive resorts, I’ve brought about $50 in singles & have given them to the service workers at the time of service. They work 14-16 hour days and are always pleasant. Their pay is not very high, although good by Mexican standards. I know that tips are “included” but I figure if I’m paying $4000+ for my family to vacation, what is another $50 to show gratitude. I left $1/day per person for housekeeping, then would tip $1 to the omelet maker, our busboys (who were regular in our seating area & brought coffee, water, juice, etc.) the bartender, bellhop, etc.</p>