My husband and I went to xpu-ha palace last May and loved it. We actually left our 2 and 4 year old son's at home with their grandparents. The hotel is very different as I am sure you have read. The dinners were excellent! We enjoyed the food but we tend to be a little adventurous when it comes to dining. If you a strictly a "steak and potatoes" kind of person you will probably have issue with the place. As long as you and your children are ready for lots and I mean lots of walking, you can't go wrong with xpu-ha. The beach is beautiful and huge. The walks are beautiful. The grounds are lush and there is plenty to do. I couldn't imagine going there and lugging my two little ones around, though! Hope that helps....

Have you considered the Iberstar paraiso beach?? Heard much better reviews than the other. Kid friendly with lots to do. We are taking our kids, ages 4 and 12 in November. I do no 2 couples who went with their kids and all just loved this resort. There is a kids program, (ages 4-12), kids pool. The pool is enormous with swim up pool bars a waterfall, jacuzzi also. There is 6 restaurants, spa, game room, water sports, the rooms are beautiful with marble floors, balcony and stocked frige. Also room service from 11a.m-11p.m. There is also an activity pol and i was told the grounds at the resort are BREATHTAKING with beautiful garden/jungle feel. Monkeys, birds, flamengos,etc.I hope this helps. If it's not what you are looking for, good luck and the iberstaro chain all arround is awsome!!!!! Renee Oh yea, there is also an icecreme parlor that the kids and adults loved!!!

ReneeSN,

Do you know if you would have access to all of the Iberostar resorts if you stayed at one of them? Similar to what Palace resorts offer. Thanks!

Last year we stayed at Xpu-Ha Palace with our two boys who are now 9 and 8 years old. We had a blast!! It was very kid friendly and they loved the kids club activities. The resort is pretty quiet, and yes it is spread out, but they have carts that pick you up and take you around.

The food was great and even the kids enjoyed what they had to offer. There were great places to snorkel, and go kayaking, and its like a little park with animals to see. My boys had a blast playing with all of the hermit crabs that were running around. I recomend taking a flashlight, as there is a bunch to see in the tide pools and on the beach at night. My boys even enjoyed the shows that were put on at night.

I loved the fact that it included a couple of day trips to see ruins. We didn't ever go to the other Palace resorts, there was plenty to do right there at Xpu-Ha. The beach there was never crowded, and the kids had great time playing in the waves.

Over all it was a great time, and we loved it. All I heard for months was, "When do we get to go back!" So, this Saturday we are going back, but we couldn't afford to stay at the Palace again (although I would in a heartbeat if I could).

I donn't know anything about the other resort, but Xpu-Ha was great. It was perfect for our family!

Hope this helps!

Mindi