Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Puerto Morelos

The ultimate family getaway, the all-inclusive 438-room Azul Sensatori mega-resort offers a fabulous kids' club, with fairly modern amenities, lots of fun colors and spaces, and even a life-size Dora the Explorer running around. For the adults, the spa is airy and luxurious with soothing decor. On the hotel's website, the beach looks stunning, but in reality it is full of seaweed and rocks, making it not the greatest place to swim. It is, however, still a great place to rent some kayaks, play beach sports, and get a golden Mexico tan. Fortunately for those looking to swim, the winding lazy river pool weaves around the property, which many swim-up rooms border. Rooms are large, bright, and luxurious, some with private balconies or large Jacuzzis. Although there are hardly any restaurants or non-beach activities in the immediate area, on-site restaurants (including the 12-course, exclusive Le Chique, and Mojito Lounge, with 31 specialty mojitos) and hotel-oriented activities offer plenty to keep vacationers busy

This 97-room all-inclusive resort feels more like an upscale beach community -- complete with thatched roofs and quaintseaside cabanas. Rooms are spacious, with airy island-style designs and lots of luxurious touches, like deep-dish sinks, flat-screen TVs, and private patios or balconies. Some suites are swim-up, which border the gorgeous pool linking a group of suites at ground level. The four on-site restaurants offer a decent variety to guests, including a bar dedicated solely to tequila, though those staying for more than an extended weekend may find the options a bit limited. But families will appreciate that the restaurants offer kid-friendly options, and the daily kids' club -- a bright, fun space with tons of games and toys -- is a great place for children to hang out while adults dine or visit the spa.

This stunning, all-suite luxury property in Puerto Morelos has 103 incredibly spacious rooms with huge balconies or patios. Though many have full kitchens, there is only one on-site restaurant, El Faro, which serves international and Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- but the menu can get repetitive, especially for those on the all-inclusive plan. There are three beautiful pools, including one for children and one for adults that has a swim-up bar. The beach is superior to many in the area, with soft white sand, calm waters, and a lack of seaweed. The hotel offers free parking and Wi-Fi, and has an excellent on-site gym, but the tiny spa is a bit of a letdown. 

Perhaps the most luxurious of the Dreams hotels in southern Mexico, this 486-room resort attracts families with its numerouspools, kids' club, daily activities, and white-sand beach with calm waters. But couples will not feel out of place, as the attractive, airy guest rooms are downright romantic. Teak wood and marble floors create an ambience of understated elegance, and the massive bathrooms (all with separate showers and Jacuzzi tubs) are a real treat. Plus, the indoor/outdoorspa has small plunge pools, Jacuzzis, and numerous treatment rooms. Some of the restaurants can get loud during peak hours, but other than that, Dreams Riviera Cancun is a tranquil resort for its size.

The 496-room Now Sapphire is a sprawling complex directly on a white-sand beach outside Puerto Morelos. The property features the standard Cancun resort amenities -- free non-motorized water sports, a wide array of dining options, a pleasant spa with various treatment options, and an impressive pool. Suites are massive (starting at 520 square feet) and feature elegant, contemporary decor, marble floors, and up-to-date amenities such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. However, it’s far from tourist attractions, and Wi-Fi fees can leave guests feeling nickel-and-dimed.

The Now Jade Riviera Cancun is a 550-room megaresort that manages to be both family-friendly and romantic. The hotel's location in low-key Puerto Morelos helps, while its chic spa and unique decor distinguish the resort from its competitors in nearby Cancun. Also, the adults-only pool here is not restricted to Preferred Club guests, which sets this hotel apart from sister property Now Sapphire. All units are suites with ample space (especially the bathrooms), and the use of a vibrant color palette helps avoid the dreaded "generic hotel" vibe. The private Jacuzzi tubs are also a nice touch, with many located on outdoorbalconies. The biggest drawback is the beach, which is smaller and less impressive than many others in the area.