Expert: Pam Smith - 7/9/2009

Question
Good Afternoon,

I am wanting to take my son - age 9 to riviera maya for thanksgiving.  I would like a hotel that offers the following:  inclusive property, snorkeling beaches, selection of restaurants, tours to ruins.  I looked at XPU-HA and thought that sounded different but maybe too different without enough amenities?  It didn't seem like there was anything to do in the evenings.  A hotel that had shows geared for families at night owuld be great. We will be traveling jsut the 2 of us and we like familiy oriented activites however, he will not be in a kids club.  Many of the cancun hotels seem too touristy or too spring break.  

I like luxury properties but prefer villa style as opposed to a tower -

Here are the ones I have looked at:

XPU-HA
Dreams Tulum
Occidental Grand Xcaret.

the reviews are all over hte board - can you help!?!?!?

thank you

Answer
For what you are looking for, I would recommend either Iberostar Paraiso Lindo as it has lots of activities for a 9 nine year old including a great pool with a lazy river, and a great beach for snorkeling and other non-motorized water sports. No buildings are more than two or three stories.  They have great entertainment staff that gets kids involved during the day and at night in their shows.  This is just one of my favorite properties as it has a lot to offer food wise and activity wise.

Xpu-Ha doesn't really have a lot of activities for children, it is more an eco type property with not much of a beach.   

Dream Tulum is a wonderful property, however it is the furthest property from the airport (about 1.5 to two hour transfer time) however it is the closest property to the Tulum ruins. Great resort unless you are wanting to go into Playa del Carmen to do shopping or to do any other tours.

I would avoid Occidental Grand Xcaret if you are looking for a great beach as it only has a small manmade cove for a beach.  

No matter what property you choose I can help you arrange tours to all the ruins, and lots of other tours as well, so don't book a hotel just because it looks close ruins, book a hotel for the property and amenities that it offers.

I would be delighted to assist you with your booking.  I do not charge for my services as I get paid by the resorts once I have you booked and you have traveled.  I have clients all over the United States and Canada so please don't let the distance bother you.  If you would like my help, just drop me an email with your travel dates and I will get some price for you.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Pam
pam@globaldreamvacations.net