Hotels

RIU Palace in Cancun Mexico

I’m a fan of the all-inclusive resort vacation. It’s a truly relaxing way to spend a long weekend, or even better, a week, recharging your batteries and lounging by a pool. You know in advance exactly when and where you’ll get your next meal, drink, and spa treatment, and how much everything will cost.

And you can still add an element of adventure by taking day trips off the property and seeing something of the world beyond the walls of the resort. For a family on a budget — which is all families, right? And not just now, right? — and less-experienced travelers, the right resort can equal vacation perfection.

Like all hotels these days, you can also find some jaw-droppingly good deals if you look around. My sister just took a trip to Cancun and stayed at the Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas. She came home raving about it, especially the “signature liquor dispenser” in every room. She also loved the pools and beaches, and that there was a gym where she could work out every day.

She was so excited about her hotel find that I had to check it out myself, from a professional perspective. And my kid sister was right! RIU has gorgeous properties all over the world, with several in Mexico, where they’re even having a huge summer sale!

At select resorts in Mexico, kids under 12 stay for free with their parents — two kids per two adults. The offer is good between June 26 through August 22, 2009. The rates per person are already super affordable, under $100 per person — and remember that all inclusive means food, drinks, sodas, nachos at 2am, seconds on dessert, you name it. Plus all kinds of entertainment, all day long and into the night.

The pool at RIU Emerald Bay, Mazatlan

Let’s face it: for a nine year old kid, the best vacation ever is one where you can whoop it up in the pool for a week, while your parents are enjoying Afternoon Margarita Mellowness.

The resorts included in the deal are:
·    $82 at Riu Emerald Bay (Mazatlan)
·    $89 at Riu Santa Fe (Cabo San Lucas)
·    $75 at Riu Jalisco (Riviera Nayarit)
·    $89 at Riu Playacar (Playa del Carmen)
·    $90 at Riu Caribe (Cancun)

Rates above are per person, per night, based on double adult occupancy and up to two children who stay free.

If you want more information, or you’re just ready to book it, visit the RIU site which has tons more information and photos.