'How To Get The Best Deal' Guides

Saturday, May 17th 2025

"I'm a travel junkie who's hooked on deals from YYC." - Chris Myden


Central Part | Tagged Posts

2022
9
November
Seeking recommendations for a family-friendly resort in Playa del Carmen

Question:

Profile picture of Laura

Laura

Does anyone have a playa del Carmen all inclusive resort recommendation? We are planning to go with our twins boys 11 years old, there are so many options and reviews that we are not sure what is the best option.
Also does anyone recommend the sandos playacard resort ?
Thank you

Humans say...

Profile picture of Kim

Kim

We stayed at Sanford and it was awesome. Only recommendation is to upgrade your room if you can to something closer to the central part. It’s huge and some rooms can be a 20 minute walk to the pools or restaurant.

Profile picture of Kim

Kim

Sorry, Sandos.

Profile picture of Sherry

Sherry

Kim I second Sandos

Profile picture of Lori

Lori

Kim i second Sandos as well we stayed at Sandos Eco resort it was lovely and lots for the kids to

Profile picture of Laura

Laura

Kim Thank you so much

Profile picture of Barbara

Barbara

Bahia grand principe coba

Profile picture of Samantha

Samantha

I stayed at the ocean riviera paradise a couple years ago with my two kids. It was amazing!!!!!!!! Great restaurants. As much candy as the kids could eat. Water park. Amazing night shows for all ages.

Profile picture of Dana

Dana

We also really loved our stay at the Ocean Riviera Paradise!

Profile picture of Cyrena

Cyrena

Samantha great resort.

Profile picture of Amanda

Amanda

Samantha how was the beach for swimming?

Profile picture of Samantha

Samantha

Amanda also great!!!

Profile picture of Roxann

Roxann

Samantha another vote for this resort! So awesome!

Profile picture of Diana

Diana

Twin Mom here! We only trust in the Riu chain. Good price for the value, awesome pools and beach, great food choices! And it is manageable as we cannot do huge resorts.

Profile picture of Agnieszk

Agnieszk

Diana Barrientos how was the beach with small kids? Was the water shallow ? Thanks

Profile picture of Diana

Diana

Agnieszk It was safe IMO, I have 3 kids (6,6 & 9) and it was manageable. That area of Playacar was nice, one area was shallow enough to keep them happy and safe.

Profile picture of Noemi

Noemi

I second this. We never go to other resorts except RIU CHAIN. Across Riu Playacar is a strip mall where you can buy souvenirs… 7-11, Starbucks is just around the corner too

Profile picture of Eimear

Eimear

Riu Palace in Playacar!

Profile picture of Tapz

Tapz

Barcelo is awesome or iberostar lindo

Profile picture of Carmella

Carmella

Iberostar!

Profile picture of See

See

Robin Locke
Barcelo has a lazy River and mini golf and a bunch of other activities that would likely appeal a lot to boys your sons’ ages.
Sandos Playacar gets great reviews in Cancun and Riviera Maya wedding groups, for being beautiful and family friendly. (Haven’t been there myself). Have fun!

Profile picture of Chantell

Chantell

Just got back from paradisus playa del carmen. Highly recommend for kids!

Profile picture of Kristina

Kristina

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort! It’s amazing and offers lots for the kids. You get free use of the Sandos Playacar location you’ve mentioned, just have to cover the cab fare. It’s a beautiful resort as well, beach area is much nicer than the Caracol.

Profile picture of Irena

Irena

Kristina second Sandos Caracol eco too

Profile picture of Kathy

Kathy

With 11 year olds, definitely Occidental Xcaret (by Barcelo). It's connected to the Xcaret Park. So much for them to do there.

Profile picture of Maritess

Maritess

Kathy Second this! We were at Xcaret Park practically everyday since it was just a short walk! Kids enjoyed it doesn't want to stay anywhere else!

Profile picture of Cathy

Cathy

Kathy and great lagoon for swimming, tons of wildlife. My son was about 12 and loved it there

Profile picture of Jodie

Jodie

Just got back from Iberostar Quetzal…awesome place, my 11 yr old LOVED it

Profile picture of Laura

Laura

Thank you all

Profile picture of Teri

Teri

Sandos Playacar for that age is excellent

Profile picture of Sarah

Sarah

Hard rock Mayan Rivera is great for that age

Profile picture of Carrie-A

Carrie-A

Don’t go to Cantalonia just got back a week ago.

Profile picture of Heather

Heather

Carrie-A oh no!! Why?? We are going there in April

Profile picture of Carrie-A

Carrie-A

Heather the resort was beautiful. Can’t walk on the beach as it is a bit rocky and surrounded by coral. There are room upgrade and if you aren’t executive you are limited to local alcohol only. No Baileys or captain Morgan. It was fine just won’t go back. Very segregated on the different levels. I thought it was just a room upgrade but nope.

Profile picture of Heather

Heather

Carrie-A thank you for your feedback. It’s our first time going to an all inclusive lol

Profile picture of Carrie-A

Carrie-A

Heather we have been to many. I didn’t like the segregation between upgrades. If you don’t have a certain Color wristband you are denied services. But it is beautiful enjoy and relax. No bad days in Mexico

Profile picture of Heather

Heather

Carrie-A good to know. Thank you so much for the info

Profile picture of Frances

Frances

Dreams tulum

Profile picture of Shelley

Shelley

Hotel Xcaret!! Includes all X parks

Profile picture of Matthew

Matthew

Shelley Losier second this

Profile picture of Sarah

Sarah

FYI Richard

Profile picture of Jonathan

Jonathan

Lucille Hayward

Profile picture of Cheryl

Cheryl

Sandos Playacar!!

Profile picture of See

See

Julie Max
Barceló Maya Palace. Gorgeous beach and only steps away from the resort. It is part of Barceló Maya Grande and is one of 5 on the property.

Profile picture of Larry

Larry

Playacar Palace. Just off 5th ave.

Profile picture of Randy

Randy

I haven't been there in a few years but i took my whole family to the sandos playacar and we all loved it.


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort Recommendations for Families with Tweens

If you're planning a family vacation to Playa del Carmen with 11-year-old twin boys, you'll want to choose an all-inclusive resort that caters to their interests while still providing plenty of opportunities for relaxation and quality time together. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide, but here are a few recommendations based on our experience.

Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa

The Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa is a popular choice for families with tweens. This resort offers various activities and amenities tailored to this age group, including:

  • A supervised kids' club with daily activities, games, and crafts
  • A water park with waterslides, a lazy river, and a splash pad
  • Sports courts for beach volleyball, tennis, and basketball
  • Nightly entertainment such as shows, movies, and theme parties

Additionally, the resort has multiple swimming pools, a private beach area, and a variety of dining options catering to different tastes. The spacious rooms and suites can accommodate families comfortably, and the resort's location is convenient for exploring the vibrant Playa del Carmen area.

Other Family-Friendly Options

If you're open to exploring other resorts, here are a few more highly-rated options that could be a good fit for your family:

  1. Grand Velas Riviera Maya: This luxury all-inclusive resort offers a dedicated kids' club, a water park, and various family-friendly activities. It's known for its excellent service and amenities.
  2. Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa: With a sprawling water park, supervised kids' club, and numerous family-friendly amenities, this resort is a popular choice for families with tweens.
  3. Barceló Maya Grand Resort: This massive resort complex features a water park, mini-golf, a bowling alley, and various pools and dining options to keep the whole family entertained.

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your family's specific preferences and budget. It's essential to read reviews, research the amenities, and consider the overall vibe of each resort to ensure it aligns with your expectations.

Whichever resort you choose, Playa del Carmen offers a beautiful setting for a memorable family vacation filled with sun, sand, and quality time together.



   










Join the Facebook Group!
    What happens when over 500,000 Canadians...

    * crowdsource the best travel deals

    * offer up their unbiased travel advice?

      Join the group for your city and find out!



(click 'Join Group', at the top-right, when you arrive)



Follow the deals on Twitter!
      Follow Twitter for the latest deals and       updates from your city...



(click 'Follow', when you arrive)




Follow the deals with RSS!
      Follow the deals from your city with your      favorite RSS reader...