Cancun

With thanks to Gogo Worldwide Vacations, I was able to attend a quick 3-night hotel site inspection in Cancun from May 12-15. I was fortunate enough to tour 16 hotels during the quick trip. I won't bore you with the complete list or details but I will give you my recommendations for 2 properties. One is a couples only resort and one is a family friendly resort.

Before I get into the details I will first get this out there. Cancun IS a safe destination! You do not have to worry about the drug cartel business and the violence while you are in Cancun. As with any tourist destination, you still need to use common sense and be alert but Mexico officials are doing a wonderful job to keep the tourist areas safe as possible.

Flights from Canton-Akron Airport are the most relaxing way to travel to Cancun. I was at the airport about 4:30 am for my 6:00 am flight. The check-in line was efficient and then on to security. Even with being selected for an additional screening process, security went very smooth and brisk. Board my flight and I had a connection but still arrived in Cancun before lunch. Very, very nice travel times.

Gogo uses Olympus Tours for their destination services in Mexico and they could not have been any nicer the entire weekend. The Olympus staff meet me right outside the Cancun Airport exit and showed me to my transportation to the resort. Olympus Tours also provided our transportation between hotels for the site inspections and their representatives kept everything in fine order. I have complete confidence in their destination services for our guests who use them while they are in Mexico!

Now for the hotels that I would recommend.

EXCELLENCE PLAYA MUJERES - Couple Only

This is a couples only resort in a quiet gated community located about 25 minutes north from the heart of Cancun. This resort is made up of several buildings and spread out over the beautiful landscaped grounds with lazy rivers winding throughout. This resort is ideal for those that are looking for a relaxing time and don't need to be in all of the congestion of Cancun.

Some points to ponder:

• Average room size is 850 sq. ft.

• Jacuzzi tub in each room with access from balcony

• All rooms have balcony or patio

• Double vanities and double showers

• Swim-up pool access rooms available

• 2-story rooftop terrace rooms with private pool available

• 8 restaurants and 11 bars

• 7 swimming pools / lazy rivers

• 450 total accommodations

CANCUN PALACE - Family Oriented

This impressive 12-story resort is situated along the main hotel zone corridor of Cancun but is really geared towards those who enjoy staying onsite for all of their activities. There is a separate building in front of the main hotel that houses the very large and energetic kids' area. Kids will enjoy trampolines, ping pong tables, foosball tables, video games and even have their own pool complete with water slides. Don't forget about the 36-hole miniature golf course too! The main pool runs the entire length of the property facing the beach and is a magnet for social activities. This property is sure to be a hit with the kids of all ages.

Some points to ponder:

• Average room size is 430 sq. ft.

• Two person Jacuzzi tub in each room

• All rooms have lagoon or ocean view

• 5 restaurants and 4 bars

• 4 swimming pools

• 601 total accommodations

The above hotels are just 2 of the many hotels that have lots of features and amenities that may suit your needs. If neither of the hotels work for you, we will be more than happy to recommend a hotel that will make your vacation perfect.

Happy travels,

Todd Langenek, CTA

todd@palmervacations.com