Best Caribbean All Inclusive with Family Friendly rooms

[proud_canadian]

Would love to take my kids 12 and 9 to the Caribbean to an all inclusive resort.

Looking for one with family friendly rooms, such as with bunk beds, second bedroom, or some sort of bedding so the kids don't have to sleep in the same bed.

Also, family friend activities, kids club etc.

Any you have stayed at that you'd recommend?

 

[minnie mum]

We avoid family oriented resorts like the plague, but I've always heard that the Beaches resorts are great for families. They're owned by Sandals, IIRC. But they're only on Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. What islands are you most interested in?

Lots of package vacations for AIs in the Caribbean. A good TA could steer you to a short list for you. Or check out the packages available through Air Canada or West jet Vacations. Also Sunwing or Air Transat.

 

[Darcy03231]

Our family really likes the Iberostar resorts. We've stayed in several in the Dominican Republic and Mexico and have never been disappointed. To get a second bedroom or more than two beds you probably will have to go into a suite or a villa which can get really expensive. We're a family of six and always found it less expensive to get two rooms.

Have you considered a cruise? That way you can have the room configured for bunk beds/single. When my kids were that age they loved to cruise. The western Caribbean itinerary was our favorite. Lots to see and do.

 

[mnrose]

What do you consider the Caribbean? We just returned from Cozumel and LOVED our stay at Fiesta Americana/Explorean. The FA has something called a "Master Suite", which is a two room suite, with a bedroom and a very comfortable "sofa bed" (not really what you traditionally think of as a sofa bed though) and better yet, TWO full bathrooms. Big balcony overlooking the water. Kids' club. Great pools. Food way above average for an AI. Friendliest (and best) staff ever. The "downside" is no traditional beach area. They have a man made beach area, but most of Cozumel is "iron shore" because of the fantastic reefs (which make for excellent snorkeling and diving). Price was very reasonable compared to other areas of the Caribbean. We stayed in the Explorean section (which has only single rooms, no two room suites). We had two rooms, which was good for us as our "children" are 16 and the size of adults. LOL. Explorean has access to all FA amenities, but also has daily excursions around the island included in the price. Best AI value ever, IMO.

 

[aprilchem]

I would highly recommend Beaches. We're a family of 5 and our kids LOVE Beaches. We get the room that has the connected kids' room with the bunk/trundle beds and the xbox.

 

[mernin]

Agree about Beaches. We went to the one in Jamaica and it was awesome. I know the one in Turks & Caicos has family rooms as noted above. They aren't cheap vacations but the service we had was amazing.

 

[cvjw]

Another vote for Beaches. Flexible room configurations, but it will cost you. Especially the one in Turks and Caicos, but it was absolutely fabulous

 

[Wishing on a star]

First, what is 'best' for you might not be 'best' for somebody else. So, think about what your priorities are, and what 'best' means.

We like Mexico.
And, other than Beaches, Mexico has the biggest choice of All Inclusive resorts.
As mentioned, it can get expensive if you want the space and extra beds.

Beaches on Grace Bay at Turks and Caicos would be the absolute dream for a kids family vacation.
But, for a huge, huge, price. $$$$.

We are returning to the Royal Sands, which is a Royal Resorts, condo resort. (originally it was totally time-share)
They have one bedroom units with two Murphy Beds in the living area, full kitchen, etc. And, two bedrooms as well.
BUT, they are not resort with the fun factor. VERY nice resort! Good food. But, not like pool parties, etc... like you might be imagining.

If you have not, go over to tripadvisor. Look up Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
All the info you need is there!
You can find good info on wlhich resorts might offer larger units.
I might look into the Iberostar resorts, at Cancun and on the Riviera Maya.
There is the Grand Palladium, which is south of Cancun on the Riviera Maya.
The Barcelo resort complex, which is down close to the Grand Palladium.
Dreams resorts are family friendly.
At Cancun, you can look at other resorts like the Hyatt Ziva, Hard Rock.

Riu resorts can cost less.
But, I am not sure that this would be the way I would go.

Watch out for TWO things:

ONE: Is the beach a nice beach, like what you are probably imagining.
Not all beaches are equal.
In Mexico, beaches along the North-South stretch of the Hotel Zone will be that gorgeous windex blue beach. (But with high surf)
Baaches on the East-West section, or Top of the '7' shape, are calmer, but not like the beaches just mentioned.
Beaches south of Cancun are hit and miss. Some are just not as nice, rocky with 'ironshore' (rock and coral)

TWO: Do they a limited number of suppers at the full service ala carte restaurants. Which usually means making reservations which can be a hassle.
(Palladium has unlimited dining, with no reservations. Many, if most, resorts are limited.)

Decide on about three specific priorities, then go from there.
For example, your priorities might go like this.
1. Large Unit to sleep everyone comfortably.
2. Activities and 'vibe' at the resort
3. Great beach
And, a 4th might be food and dining, or near airport, etc.
If great off-resort activities might be important, Mexico is the place to go, Hands down. Snorkeling, Tulum Ruins, Adventure activites like Zip-lines and Cenotes, etc.. etc...

By deciding on the biggest top priorities, it will be easy to narrow down your choices on which resort.

 

[proud_canadian]

Number one priority would be the rooms.

1) Ideal would be at least a 1 bedroom suite type room. But that is pretty pricey. Not sure if Caribbean even has this type of rooms.
2) Not too bad would be a separate sleeping area, maybe separated by a curtain or mini wall. Bunk beds would be great.
3) At least bunk beds or a way for the kids to not have to sleep together.

 

[Wishing on a star]

When are you planning to travel?

Beaches should have larger family suite rooms, as others are recommending.

I have not stayed at a Beaches, but I am familiar with the Cancun area, so I will try to give you some info.

I believe the Grand Palladium has larger suites.
I think Beach Palace has family suites, but not a large number of these.
And, check the Hard Rock in Cancun.
You might have a better chance at booking one of these by booking early, as these might sell out before the other rooms.
As mentioned, Royal Resorts have great units, but are not known for the fun factor.

If you are considering adjoining rooms, know that most every resort will make no guarantee that two adjoining rooms will be available, and are assigned upon check in.

You might want to look for kids-stay-free promotions. Guests are considered adults at 13 years at most all resorts.

We have found lately that booking a package thru one of the large vacation companies (Expedia, Orbitz, etc.) comes out cheaper than booking thru the resort and booking flights separately. Not sure if that would hold true for you or not?

Hope this helps!

 

[Dallas_Lady]

We are staying at the Barcelo Maya next month. It's an all-inclusive in Mexico. There are a variety of sleeping arrangements, I'm sure you could find something that works. And the price is resonable.