VALUE

Riu Jalisco

Value

Location- approx 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta airport

The Riu Jalisco has been on the radar of many Albertans for the price and time it takes to get to the beach! This RIU has recently added the “party” tag meaning they host an adults only party for guests in other Rius in the area. It is also branded as a family friendly resort which Riu has done to a couple of their properties but to me the party tag and family resort don’t typically jive but for those upbeat families that don’t mind the noise it may work!

Riu in Los Cabo (Santa Fe, San Lucas, Baja California)

Adult, Family, Romantic

Location- Approx 45 minutes from the airport

This large hotel in the Baja is located close to the upbeat feel of Cabo San Lucas. The Santa Fe takes on that feeling of being more of a party place which is why we would send families to the Palace San Lucas next door to limit the party but you still have access to the Santa Fe. The Baja California is an adults only resort with access to all three… Also they have a great water park here for everyone!! No real swimming right in front of the resort but down the beach has some swimming if you need to get into the ocean!!

Grand Bahia Complex Riviera Maya

Family, Adult, Value

Location- approximately 1.25 hours from airport

This large complex is made up of the Coba, Tulum, Akumal and the adults only section location across the highway at Sian Ka’an. The Tulum is beach front with access to the Coba, Coba furthest away but much of the “happening stuff”, Akumal has access to both and with a recent renovation is a little nicer which these connect to the shops and entertainment area in the complex. The adult hotel has access to all, and on the golf course with shuttles getting to the beach and happen area. The Tulum and Coba are often priced right for families with good value and you are looking a little more to get into the Akumal and Sian Ka’an.

Princess Complex

Family, Value, Adult

Location- Approx. 45 minutes from Cancun airport

The Princess complex consists of the Grand Sunset Princess, Grand Riviera Princess, Family Riviera Princess, and the Adults only Platinum Princess. This large resort has a lot to offer at often a good price which makes it a favorite for many Canadians. The Platinum Upgrades rooms have some great perks again at a fair price! Swimup bar, swim out suites in the all-suite resort make it good for many!!

Royal Decameron Complex

Value

Location- 16 km away from Puerto Vallarta airport

This older family friendly and Canadian favourite that is typically well priced for those looking for a simple getaway. Nothing fancy by any means, but clean with decent service. the location will have you loving the resort with its proximity to the airport and in the cool village of Bucerias They do have an adults only pool near the back of the resort which is nice to get away if you want, also check out the iguana tree… When you go you will see!!

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort

Family, Value

Location- Approx. 45 minutes from Cancun airport

The Sandos Caracol is a great family spot, on the larger side with the “two” family and adult sections. The main attraction is the water park and kids splash area which many enjoy. The Cenote in the resort gives a great feel to swimming in these fresh water oasis’s. The jungle feel with lots of nature and paths to walk or bike through the property makes the resort seem a little less “resorty” and more of an experience with the area!

Now Emerald Cancun

Value

Location- 15 minutes from Cancun airport

The Newly rebranded Now Emerald Cancun added a couple nice touches to this resort with the wrist band free experience and no reservations needed for a la cartes. Typically slated for the Teens and older kid family resort the lack of things to do within the resort left it off the Family list. I do think it has value with its location, service quality and amenities but if you have kids it you may need to get out and explore the area… Which is perfect for the older kids!

Grand Palladium Vallarta

Family, Couple, Value

Location- North of Puerto Vallarta approx 40 minutes

The Grand Palladium in Puerto Vallarta area is much closer to Playa Mita area than Puerto Vallarta and situated on its own bay on a hill offers some amazing views of Banderas Bay. Although remote, there is a little village close with a Marina to head out for some water spots if you choose. The resort itself has a family section that will cater to your family needs!!

Crown Paradise Cancun

Family, Value

Location- Cancun Hotel zone approx. 30 minutes from the airport

This smaller family fun resort includes water park, zipline, wall climbing, and beach front to the white sands of Cancun hotel zone. They do offer some adult-only sections in the resort but for me I would pick a different spot to enjoy the Caribbean sea for an adult or couple experience! This resort is often priced well for families especially for the amenities that are included which brings a great value when looking here!

Catalonia Royal Tulum

Adult, Value

Location- Just over 1 hour from the airport

The Catalonia brand has been a solid 4* resort, and often a good step into decent quality resorts in some nice areas. They aren’t over the top in luxury but do have a nice laid back feel. They aren’t too busy or lively even with a disco, but also lack the swim up bar at this resort. This might be a good adults only for you on a budget but want the luxury items such as spa and bali beds!

Barcelo Gran Faro Los Cabo

Family, Value

Location- 20 minutes from airport

As with the Krystal Grand, this 4* property hits a bunch of boxes but with other Barcelo resorts things like WIFI are extra which really just sucks… They do have a kids club, playground, and pool with adult areas. They do offer some family rooms with video games and some upgraded rooms getting the best views but to me, that would just get you into a better hotel!! It could be an option if the value works out for your dates

Krystal Grand Los Cabo

Family, Value

Location- 15 minutes from the Airport

The Krystal Grand is a solid 4-star value brand most of the time, the problem typically being is Los Cabo is often more expensive than the rest of Mexico and that may take this hotel out of the vale for many. It has many of the amenities people are looking for such as kids pool, adults pool, infinity pool, swim-up, decent food but some of the negatives include the family rooms are a little loud on the highway and some have to cross a road to get to the resort and a little on the dated side. One of the best features is the sky lounge, which has some of the best views I had seen in Cabo. Lastly, there is surfing just down the beach which may be a perk to some!

Melia Puerto Vallarta

Family, Value

Location- 3km for airport

The Melia PV is an older property in the heart of the Marina district only 3 km from the airport!! This value hotel has some wear and tear which is often priced accordingly. They do have some cool pluses with bunk beds in family rooms, girls spa, archery, climbing wall, mini-golf (although some perks are at a fee), heated pool, and a great wedding team. The “kids and co” rooms that include the bunk beds also have perks of sand toys, concierge, and in-room wifi which is an additional cost in other categories. As with many value hotels the “added value” that many come to expect comes at an added cost, so if you are in this market just know that it can cost some extra at the resort, in USD.