Family of 4 looking for recommendations – unsure if we should return to Sunscape or try something new

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Family Vacation Planning: Should We Return to Sunscape or Try a New Option?

Planning a Cancun getaway for a family of four, with kids aged 4 and 7, has us weighing our hotel options for a one-week stay in late January or early February. We’re looking to be in the hotel zone and want a resort that’s family-friendly and enjoyable for both adults and children.

Current considerations:
– Group: 2 adults, 2 kids (ages 4 and 7)
– Travel window: end of January to early February
– Trip duration: 7 days
– Preferred location: Cancun Hotel Zone

Past experiences:
– Moon Palace: We found the resort too large and sprawling. With kids in tow, the layout felt less manageable, and it didn’t feel ideal for a family trip.
– Sunscape (previous visit): We had a pleasant time last year. Highlights for the kids included the waterslides. However, we were disappointed by the absence of a swim-up bar and felt that several on-site dining options were below our expectations.

Potential options on the radar:
– Marriott Cancun: This option is notably more expensive — roughly 40% higher than Sunscape — which raises questions about whether the upgrade is worth it.
– Features my kids enjoyed at Marriott (based on initial research): Lazy river, arcade, splash pad and additional waterslides.

Current question:
– Are there mid-range resorts in the Cancun Hotel Zone that strike a balance between Sunscape and Marriott, offering strong family-friendly amenities (waterslides, splash pads, pools, kid-friendly dining) without the premium price of a luxury property?
– Alternatively, are there Sunscape-like properties that provide improved dining options or additional features (e.g., swim-up bars, better entertainment) at a reasonable price?

What would help us decide:
– Honest pros and cons for each option (Sunscape, Marriott, and any comparable mid-range resorts in the Cancun Hotel Zone) from a family-friendly perspective
– Insight into whether the added cost of a property like Marriott yields meaningful value for families with young children
– Recommendations for other resorts that offer child-friendly amenities (waterslides, lazy rivers, splash pads), convenient access to the hotel zone, and good dining without breaking the bank

Any experiences, tips, or suggestions for or against these choices would be greatly appreciated.