Originally Posted by
CarletonSloth
Agree with sentiment 100%. Have stayed at Ritz Cancun in a really nice one bedroom ocean front suite, but the Rosewood is very different style hotel. Ritz is built for groups IMHO and, while really nice, was somewhat impersonal given size. Mayakoba (with exception of Fairmont maybe) is diffent approach than the hotel zone in Cancun. Even though the beach is smaller, it feels private given location in the protected wetlands, etc. We would stay Rosewood, than Banyan Tree and probably even Fairmont before going back to Ritz (despite being a big fan of many RC hotels and resorts) if just looking at the resorts themselves, unless one wants to be in the middle of the action more at the Hotel Zone proper. Since my 11 year old can't really hang out til the wee hours at Senor Frogs, we will continue to go back to Mayakoba.
But, when your 11 year old turns 15 or 16, there is some benefit to being closer to the action (even if this does not yet involve alcohol).
We also stayed in an Oceanfront Suite at the Ritz - very nice room and we enjoyed sitting out on our large balcony looking out over the ocean...
For the (older) kids, the mall is a short walk away, more food choices in the nearby vicinity, and a lot more people around.
In my opinion, Fairmont (and Mayakoba) better for a quiet and peaceful getaway, primarily self-contained to the resort itself.
Ritz (and the other quality hotels on the strip) better if you do want more options, more people, more nightlife and action.