I haven't been to Cancun since my party college days. I really want to surprise my husband ,who has expensive taste, but I'm a school teacher. Any recs on hotel's there. I have looked at the Royal. Has anyone stayed there before? We aren't into the bar scene or anything. Just want a relaxed weekend with some golf, snorkling, & historical tours. Is it too much to ask for Ritz type hotel but on a school teacher's budget? Crazy, huh????

Are you sure you want to go to Cancun?. I am not sure how long ago your college days were (for me it was 76-81 and I certainly could not afford to go to Cancun) it is very crowded and developed.

Perhaps the Riviera Maya, Tulum or better yet even further south my suggestion.

CESiak RR

In my opinion, you would find a much nicer place to stay somewhere else near Cancun that would be more interesting and authentic. I concur with Robert.

You will notice a short discussion on Isla Mujeres recently. I would recommend that destination over Cancun anyday. It is more interesting, has pots of good restaurants (no chain restaurants!), lovely places to stay that are more romantic and intimate than the giant palaces of Cancun.

Obviously it is a matter of taste but if you are looking for something fun, colourful and romantic, I would opt to fly through Cancun and then you can easily hop on a ferry to Isla Mujeres or you can take a taxi or bus down the coast to Puerto Morelos or even all the way to Tulum.

Whatever you go for, have a super trip!

Cancun isn't a must. Just thought I would be able to find better vacation deals there. Definitely want a resort on the beach possibly all inclusive. Do you think you get more bang for your buck there? I am also interested in seeing the ruins. Thanks for all your input, keep it coming.

My family had a timeshare at Vacation Clubs Int'l (one of the Royal Resorts). I've been many times (first in 1978, when there wasn't much there!). Last year was the last time...our timeshare ran out. We loved VCI...very quiet, not a lot of wild partiers. We could use any of the facilities at any of the Royal Resorts, so went to the Sands a few times. Much preferred VCI...shadier and not as crowded!

Cancun is definitely geared to the college spring break crowds now, but we (bunch of 40 somethings), still enjoyed it and found we could get our quiet time on the beach or in the pool.

Having a condo instead of hotel room was nice, and ours had the front door going to the pool and back door right on the beach, which was wonderful! I'll miss that place!

Anne

Omni Puerto Aventuras Beach Resort

For complete details:

http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/PuertoAventuras.aspx

Aventuras is a compound of condos, restaurants, dolphin show (swim with them), shops, golf course, post office, resorts, etc. It is not 'walkable' to anywhere so you'll need a car.

We stayed here for 5 nights and were sorry to leave. The rooms were nice - all had a jacuzzi on the balcony in addition to many other amenities in the resort. It is about an hour's drive South from Cancun's airport. There are Mayan ruins close enough for day tours (Tulum isn't too far at all). One interesting thing we did was swim in a local cenote.