Ask 10 people and you will get 10 different answers. Personally I prefer the resorts that are made up of multiple "hotels" all within walking distance - it usually means there is more to do, more pool choice, 10+ different resturants etc.
Ive only been to the Grand Palladiam in Cancun, which was great for my large family for 2 weeks, great adults only piano bar which did some great cocktails, it was a chance to get away from my rug rats, albeit for a short time.
We going again this year to Barcello I think its called, again its multiple hotels in one large resort.