Someone please help me chose where to stay...

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Hi ladies,

I'm hoping you can help me chose where to decide. We are chosing between Riu Cancun in Cancun in the hotel zone and Grand Coco Bay in Riviera Maya, which I am interested in seeing.

The grand coco is about $100 cheaper so not much. We have actually seen the Riu Cancun and really liked it but it doesn't have room service and the Grand Coco Bay does. I'm so lost but we want to book soon. Personal experience would be best but I'll take any opinions I can get really. Here is a little more info about each hotel.

http://www.vacationexpress.com/cancun/riu_cancun/

http://www.cancun.com/Hotels/Grand_Coco_Bay/Restaurants/

[Adaya]

I have no idea really. They both look like great places and have a lot to offer. I hear the Riviera Maya is beautiful and is a hot spot. But the Grand Coco seems smaller with 202 rooms compared to Riu's 569 rooms. Not sure if that matters to you or not. Sometimes the size of a resort matters because there might be more amenities and more variety of activities to do at a larger one. But if you are looking for rest and relaxation, then Grand Coco will work just fine.

They both look great. I'm torn too. I think if I were choosing, I'd go with Riu just because I've stayed at their properties before. Each of those stays have been wonderful, except for the one in the Dominican Republic. Actually that had more to do with the terrible food. Other than that, the resort was fine.

Be sure, if you haven't already, to check out Trip Advisor (www.tripadvisor.com). They usually have a good amount of reviews about hotels and resorts.

Have fun!

[meatpie]

I have no personal experience, but I tend to steer more towards smaller resorts but the Riu looks pretty great. I wanted to also suggest looking at tripadvisor.com as well as fodors.com (talk boards) for reviews.

Have you thoght of renting a condo or home? It might be another way unless you are looking for an AI. I was thinking you were travelgin with kids, but now I don't think you are!

Anyway...http://locogringo.com/ is another good website with AIs, condos, etc.

There are also some reviews here:
http://www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com/mexico/mexrevind.html

[maplekitty]

have you looked at reviews on tripadvisor.com?

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Just to give everyone an update, we decided to go with the Riu property. I swear I read about 1,000 reviews to decide but that's where we'll be come next August.