Mayan Riviera - Playa del Carmen and Tulum (all-inclusive hotels)

Because we increasingly get requests for hotels offering a little more luxury and with meals included, we've selected the hotels where we felt most comfortable ourselves. No the colossal Riu style hotels, but two hotels in Playa del Carmen and one in Tulum which we feel really add something to our itineraries. They're all very different and we've outlined the pros and cons of each. Booking early is still a must especially if like many of our travellers you're planning on staying less than a week (but a minimum of 3 nights).

This is a small-scale (approx 200 rooms) all-inclusive hotel in the hotel district Playacar, directly adjacent to Playa. Officially a 4-star, though we'd give it 3½ stars. Includes all meals (buffet but with two a la buggye restaurants), snacks, local drinks, kids club age 4-12, introductory diving lessons, tennis, cycling, sailing, kayaking, surfing, daily hotel activities and entertainment. The hotel has three restaurants, two bars, two medium-sizes pools (with kids area) and several outdoor terraces. Surcharge applies for spa/massage and the a la buggye restaurant. Rooms are comfortable and spacious, with king-size or two queen-size beds, a/c, TV, fridge and a lovely balcony or terrace with seats and garden view.

This is a recently opened, medium-sized (275 rooms) deluxe hotel under Dutch management. It's very modern and state-of-the-art but with a small-scale feel thanks to the colonial architecture. If you're looking for 5-star luxury, then this is the right choice. Several of the rooms are laid out in horseshoe shape facing the beach with sea view, others are located in colonial-style courtyards in the huge garden. Rooms have king-size or 2 queen-size beds, TV, minibar, a/c, phone, CD/DVD player, coffee and tea-making facilities, safe and a bathroom with all the bells and whistles. The hotel has a buffet restaurant and 6 smaller, cosier restaurants (all meals, snacks and local drinks are included), large pool and freshwater source, 6 tennis courts and if you're blessed with parents who've booked here, one of the most luxury kids clubs you can imagine. Entertainment, kids clubs, surfing, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, cycling, introductory diving lesson are all included.