Family Friendly Resorts in Mexico??

Updated on August 04, 2006
J.W. asks from Chicago, IL
20 answers

My husband and I are interested in taking our two children (ages 5 and 11 months) to Mexico for a family vacation right after Christmas. Our preference is to stay somewhere in the country that feels "authentically Mexican" so that we can truly experience the culture rather than just being surrounded by a bunch of other vacationing Americans! That said, I don't want to risk any of us getting sick from the water (been there, done that, no thanks!), so wherever we stay can't be too authentic! Can anyone recommend a good place to stay or a great town to check out?? Thanks!

3 moms found this helpful

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G.R.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I like Rosereto ( sp) beach,or Baja, we lived in San Diego for awhile and visited a lot of Mexico those were are favs

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T.

answers from Chicago on

My friend has a place in Cabo San Lucas that they occasionally rent out. She has brought her children there 4 or 5 times and has always had a great time. I've never been there, but have seen pix and it looks great. If you want to email her for details, it's ____@____.com and her name is Becky. Hope you have a great time....adios!

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H.

answers from Appleton on

My husband and I just went to Mexico for the first time a few months ago after researching nearly every hotel and every location. We ended up at the Allegro Cozumel. It was amazing! Very family friendly, very beautiful, awesome staff, wonderful vacation! This was our first vacation without the kids, but we are definately taking them back with us next year.

The resort is great because it's not one huge building, but rather many "hut" like buildings. Each "hut" is an eight room complex, very clean, nice rooms. Great pools, beautiful grounds and definately not a party place. Food was ok (we are both very picky eaters though), but at least we didn't get sick.

There are activities at the resort and at many places around the island. I would recommend renting a car though becuase there is not much within walking distance. The island is only about 28 by 12 miles though so it's very easy to get around.

I have some pictures I can send you if you're interested. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

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P.F.

answers from Chicago on

Check out Monterrey. It's not too far down into Mexico and is a pretty large city. I've gone there and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, when we went we stayed with friends we met through our church.

Great time though...

You'll have to do some research to find 'kid friendly' activities... it's like going to downtown chicago. It's a city, there's a million things to do.

Make sure to visit some street fairs and open markets. (if you like bartering w/locals, this is the place to do it.) I argued a handmade hammoc(beautiful) from $8.00 us dollars to about $2.00. (And that's still a decent pay in that area...about 8 years ago for that product. Quite an array of EVERYTHING.)

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S.

answers from Chicago on

I am also a fan of the Riviera Maya, can't say enough good things about it. We prefer it to Puerto Vallarta because you are in the Gulf and the water is warmer. We have stayed at quite a few places and they were all great, some having better food than others. In my opinion the Iberostar's had great food, all resorts are family friendly and don't worry about the water. A short cab ride $3.00 and you can go to Playa Del Carmen, lots of shops and things to look at. There are also some good restaurants in town. We are going again in March and I CANNOT WAIT !!!

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T.

answers from Fort Wayne on

We took our (then) 6 yr old son to the Riviera Maya with us. We stayed at the Iberostar Tucan resort. It is just outside Playa del Carmen....which is a great little town. The Tucan is attached to another Iberostar hotel. They have nightly children's programs. We went through Apple Vacations. They had several day trips that were family oriented.

http://www.iberostar.com/iberostar.asp?conccodi=3&cod...

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R.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hello,
My husband and I stayed at the Melia in Puerto Vallarta a few years ago. It is an All-Inclusive in the Marina, just a short cab/bus ride from the city where you can experience the culture. We did not travel with any children however, this was a very family friendly resort. We chose it for the location as well as the fact that it was NOT a continuous party atmosphere. The resort has the bars and such, but is not rowdy. There were many activities geared for families and children and the resort even offered an activity oriented babysitting service if you chose to use it. You mentioned that you did not want to be around only Americans. We noticed that there were many families from the country that were also vactioning there. Not only did we feel this resort was family friendly, but we were very impressed with the service in general. Everything was absolutely wonderful and plan on taking our children back someday.

Hope this helps.
Becky B

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A.

answers from Evansville on

I would suggest going to expedia.com staying at a resort and taking a drive in the country. I hope this doesn't make me sound too bad here but I lived near downtown Phoenix and got enough of Mexico for 7 straight years. I just want you and your family to be safe. I'm thinking of more than just dirty water.. and crime. If you do choose to rent a car at all you make sure you get Mexico's insurance. Your insurance in the US will not cover you! Even if you rent a car in the US and drive down there it will not cover you. There was a woman who was jailed in Mexico for over 5 months (don't forget it truly is guilty until proven innocent) for not having their insurance it was on the news a lot when I lived in Phoenix. I hate to sound so negative, again just want you to be safe and also have a good time with no worries. ~A.

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H.

answers from Chicago on

We went to the Iberostar resort between Playa del Carmen and Cancun most recently. We normally would stay at a family-run hotel in Playa but that time I was pregnant and didn't want to risk getting sick from the water/food. The resort has activities for children, great food, and a very international guest list. The resort chain is European, so there were a lot of vacationers from there, Mexico and Argentina, and only a handful of Americans. We got a really good package through Apple Vacations.

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A.G.

answers from Chicago on

My husband and I personally love going to the Riviera Maya. We were actually married in Xcaret because we love the area so much! It's not over-populated with Americans like Cancun is, and the water is crystal clear and you can take in a lot of culture on tours and the ruins. There's a great snorkel park called Xel-Ha that great to spend the day at. Check with a travel agent or www.applevacations.com, we have always had great luck with them. Also, some hotels have a "kids stay, play, and eat for free" policy which all you have to pay for is the airfare.
I hope this helps!

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M.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

When my husband and I honeymooned in Mexico, we went to Ixtapa. Ixtapa itself is touristy, but the next town over is "real". You fly into Zejuantinajo????? (not sure about the spelling) which is the town you may want to explore for authentic Mexico. We were actually warned that we should not go into town by ourselves - but how else are you really going to experience the real culture?!? Just a thought.

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K.F.

answers from Chicago on

I, too, will be traveling to Mexico then - we are leaving the day after Christmas and staying for a week. I will have a (hopefully) 3 month only baby then, and my brother will have a 2 1/2 yro and a 10 month old, so it should be interesting :) But my parents own a place in Playa del Carmen (also called Playacar) in the Riviera Maya. It is across the street from the beach there where all the hotels are. It is absoluetly wonderful!!!!!! It is so beautiful and it isn't as "touristy" as Cancun by far. I can't say how busy it will be at that time, but I do know we have been there many times in the past year and a half and it has always been just great. Anywhere in the Riviera Maya is beautiful. Tulum and Puerto Aventuras as well are spectacular and even less touristy. There is a place called 5th Avenue there that is like 10 blocks long and it has tons of stores and restaurants without the hassle of walking through the Cancun downtown market. I really can't say enough good things about the area. You might want to check out TripAdvisor.com. They have tons of reviews of hotels around there and it is really helpful.
Hope this helps!!!!
K.

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C.C.

answers from Orlando on

HI. My husband and I own a timeshare in Puerto Vallarta.
We took our 2 boys there when they were very young, like 2 and 3yrs. old. They had a blast and so did we. What kinds of things are you looking to do? In Nuevo Vallarta you can swim with the dolphins! PV is a very pretty town, way more of an authentic Mexican vacation than say Cancun. Our boys have also been there, but prefer PV. Have fun..

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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

I don't know about resorts, but a very authentic (especially the food, mmmm!) is a place that sounds like Wuh-hah-kuh, but it's spelled Oaxaca. Here's a google search link: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&...

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K.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi J.:

I am a single mom and I am a referring travel agent. My travel website has family friendly resorts........Feel free to ____@____.com/khodges for your next trip.

You might want to check out Puerto Vallarta......This will provide a family atmosphere as well as the authencity of Mexico............
********************************************************
Plaza Pelicanos Grand Beach Resort
AAA 4 Diamond Rating.

Plaza Pelicanos Grand Beach Resort is an authentic Mexican hotel situated on las Glorias beach surrounded by exclusive, well-manicured gardens and an impressive pool area. When staying at Plaza Pelicanos Grand Beach Resort you will get the best from Vallarta's local flavor and outstanding natural beauty. This great Resort delivers nice facilities and cozy accommodations. Enjoy Puerto Vallarta's wonderful landscape and great personalized service at Plaza Pelicanos Grand Beach Resort, where your comfort and enjoyment are our duty.
Reduced Rates

Hotel Accommodation Hotel Activities Hotel Amenities Hotel Dining Room Amenities Policies
Tennis
Basketball
Jogging Trail/Track
Volleyball
Water Activities
Babysitting/Child Care
Doctor on Call
Laundry Service
Pool(s)
Room Service
Meeting Space

Restaurant Name Cuisine Description Dress Code Notes Breakfast Lunch Dinner Snacks
Trastevere Italian Enjoy the best Italian cuisine with the indulging specialties prepared by expert chefs; we have the great place for delight all the finest dishes with a romantic ambiance. Formal attire. Jackets, slacks and shoes required for men. Yes
Pergolas Mexican Introduce yourself to Mexico's culinary inheritance and indulge your palate with the wide variety of traditional specialties prepared for your enjoyment in a famous Mexican warmth ambiance. Casual Elegant Yes Yes Yes
La Flor de Calabaza Mexican Air conditioned restaurant where you will be able to enjoy our delicious Mexican specialties. Fine dining a la carte. Casual Elegant Yes
El Huerto Buffet Have a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet prepared to delight your palate with a beautiful pool view among lush gardens. Casual Yes Yes Yes
El Marino Fast Food The perfect place to grab a quick bite and get the drink of your preference while spending time at the Beach Club. Casual Yes
AC

Bathtub/Shower

Clock Radio

DataPort

Telephone

Television

Standard

Maximum Occupancy: 4

Bed Type: 2 double beds

Room Description: Recently-remodeled rooms with a view of the gardens and swimming pool.



If you have any questions

Good Luck!!

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F.F.

answers from Chicago on

A great place to stay is the Crown Paradise in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It is near the marina & you can see the cruise ships dock. I have stayed at it's sister hotel, Golden Crown Paradise (all inclusive, adults only) twice & it was terrific. You can eat at the restaurants at both hotels (they are next door to each other). The family friendly Crown has a great kids pool grounds. It's right on the beach & they have a show that the staff puts together everynight, including a "Disney" night. As well as they have daytime activities for adults & kids (water aerobics, volleyball). There are plenty of Americans there, but this last time I went, I saw many Mexicans on vacation there as well. I have been to Puerto Vallarta 4 times in the last 6 yrs. & I just love it! Been there with a boyfriend, my mom, my girlfriends & this last time with my husband & had fun each time. I like it b/c while it does have some American restaurants, it is not Americanized like Cancun. It's still got a great Mexican authentic feel. And the water is safe in the hotels. You can walk on the malecon (main street) & feel pretty safe. There's also some free shows on the Malecon & everyone is very friendly. A website www.puertovallarta.net is a good sight to check out for some more info. I hope this helps! If you go, let me know what you think.
~F.

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R.N.

answers from Chicago on

Check out Ixtapa, Mexico. Good combination of nice hotels (clean water) and right next to Ziwatinahu (spelled wrong I'm sure) a very authentic fishing village town. Right on the west coast. All the hotels are on the beach but the beach is public so it's not just vacationing americans.

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M.

answers from Chicago on

J.~

Not to jump in on your game, but I too am looking for exactly the same thing! I have a 10 month old and want to go somewhere after xmas. If you get good info, please pass it on!! Thanks.M.

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M.B.

answers from Chicago on

We went to Puerto Vallarte this april and it was great! we stayed in the old part, which is more authentic. Nuevo Vallarte is very new and american. Our resort was very good but the pool for our 2 year old was a little dissappointing although your kids are a lot younger and if you have the right entertaining stuff with you it's fine. It was an all inclusive place and not too expensive but there were more americans but didn't bother us. Be aware though that the sea is extremely dangerous, the current is very strong and as our 2 year old loves running in the sea as deep as he can we had to stay with him all the time (which we would have done with a 'normal' sea anyways). I don't recall the name of the resort but I can look it up if you want, just drop me an email.
Have fun, it's great out there.

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M.

answers from Lafayette on

Hi J..
My husband and I love Cabo San Lucas. We have a time share there at Solmar Suites. It is on a private beach. It is a more traditional/older Mexican resort. It is small but has 3 pools and a restaurant. Just down the beach is Playe Grande. It is your typical newer resort. It is big and definitly touristy but very good for kids. They have a few huge pools with very nice areas for kids. The city is a good mixture of tourism and authentic Mexico. I definitly suggest it.
M. B.

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