We can now fly nonstop to Cancun from Nashville…thinking about a summer trip. Prior posts are a bit dated so looking for recent experience and insight.
Due to member status, we will almost certainly look to stay at a Marriott property…the JW looks appealing. Traveling with a teenager and a younger child…really just need a good pool, beach, food options, Internet access and perhaps a fun activity or two. No plans to rent a car, though open to it if highly suggested for some reason.
Any and all input appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Para-sailing, lagoon water skiing, side trips to Tulum and Xel Ha, Chichen Itza, lots of restaurants, and probably other kids to meet and hang and play with!
rent a car… take max insurance…
easy to drive, and more flexible. Trip to chichen and tulum well worth it (and easy by car). with a car it’s also easy to drive to various restaurants etc…
Great place for family… the beaches are nice… the food is decent…
I’ve been to almost all the main beach spots in Mex., most multiple times. Huatulco is the remainder on my list. I think a trip to Cancun is well worth it. Especially for those East with easier access. It can be touristy in the Hotel Zone. But the beach is nice and the hotels are nice. There are also various activities around there like jet ski, parasail, etc. But the plus is the venturing out. First off got to the town itself. There is parking or it’s even easier by bus. There one finds a more authentic experience. Shops that aren’t chains, and independent restaurants. The eating, aside from maybe real high-end, is better in town as far as quality and esp. price.
Then be sure to travel to see Tulum and Chechen Itza. Also consider Xcaret, Xelha, and a boat trip over to Isla Mujeres. That stuff is unique beyond just another resort beach. As Mark said, the driving is easy. Playa Del Carmen is also a good visit town not far.
I would have thought the Maya Riviera would be a more family oriented spot. Only been toCancun once but it seemed like spring break compared to Cozumel.
I agree with Barry to a certain extent. It depends on what you want. I don’t think that member status is enough of a reason to stay in a big hotel on the tourist zone in Cancun unless that is what you like. The RC is nice but it IMO is not Mexico. Go south, rent a house on the beach there are tons of them. The beaches are great, lots of good snorkeling. Works great for a family. Driving is no big deal. You will hear all these “horror stories” but they are BS for the most part.
You see most of the posts involve taking trips outside of Cancun. There is a reason for that.
Not sure if Playa del Carmen is more family than Cancun, but there is a Marriott there.
Cancun felt like spring break when I was there which was not during spring break (compared to Cozumel which was much more family and diver oriented). When I had to leave at dawn to catch my flight home, plenty of young revelers just returning from their night out.
ETA - I’ve never actually been to a spring break place over spring break, so I’m sure I’m overstating it. But more 24/7 hard drinking there than Cozumel for sure.
Was at the Iberostar Grand outside Playa del Carmen this fall - loved the hotel but found the town so over touristed it was impossible. I would not plan a separate trip there personally though Ican’t wait to go back to the Grand.
rented in cancun once and in cabo once… so far so lucky i guess…
drive within speed limit… and carry some small money in a separate wallet just in case?
In 4+ trips driving up and down the coast, never been stopped never even seen someone get stopped. The rental companies give you a sheet that tells you what to do if you are harassed. You can actually hand it to the police. I wouldn’t worry about it for a second.
Very different than Cancun proper–and perhaps different than what you’re looking for–but last summer we took our kids (younger than yours) to Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya and had an absolutely sensational time. Not cheap but a bargain compared to high-end US places. It’s a top-notch operation in every respect and super easy to get to from Cancun airport.
If you choose not to stay in Cancun any of the resorts on the Rivera would be nice. I’ve stayed at the Vidanta (checkout redweek.com and sometimes VRBO for listings)a couple of times and while it is a timeshare it does have nice amenities as well as a Cirque du Soleil show on site. We have never rented a vehicle, but only while on Cozmel as the taxi fares aren’t outrageous. One stop worth going to since you have a little one is this water park in Xcaret. Very family oriented and many things to see and do. Enjoy!
I can definitely see staying elsewhere out of the hotel zone, like in a house. It depends upon the family. Some like resort amenities. I am into exploring and like house-renting or small properties. But there is some ease to being at resort, some related to being in a foreign country.
It is not difficult to find houses with some staff. It is not cost prohibitive IMO either. We stayed for many years in a house with a wonderful couple Marta and Luis. They took good care of us, doing things that can be very helpful like fixing a flat tire on our rental, grocery shopping etc.
We stayed at the Westin last month and enjoyed it. Well situated with several restaurants nearby as well as a grocery and liquor store. So perfect for a family.
Not a Marriott, but the privately owned stretch of property that the Barcelo has in Akumal is probably the best beach in Mexico, period. There is little undertow, so snorkeling is perfect for all ages.
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