Any thoughts on the best All Inclusive

We have friends coming down in April with 3 small children. They want to stay at an A.I. so they don't have to cook meals. They are also hoping the hotel might have something like a kids club for the children. Since my wife and I have never stayed at an A.I. or even in Ixtapa we are not much help so any thoughts (nice ones) would be appreciated. Thanks.

We've been owners at the Pacifica since 1986. For the last 6 years or so, we've been doing a non-AI for the first 5 days & AI for the next 9 of our vacation. Their AI gives you a choice of restaurants, with a show nightly. During the daytime they have activities going on from about 9:00am till 5:00pm, They also have special programs & activities for the smaller kids during the day where the parents need not be there.
Is the AI good? Breakfast definitely! Dinners, some nights yes, other nights it's just a regular buffet. They do have certain nights during the week where they'll have special dinners at some of their restaurants (bar-b-ques, Italian night, Mexican fiesta on Mondays. etc.), these nights are good. Lunch can be had in either the restaurant (buffet) and/or beach (off a menu), your choice. Lunches are good.

We have stayed at the El Presidente (now Holiday Inn) in the past & utilized their AI. I think the Pacifica is better. Other places in the area, I cannot comment on.

I would go to Barceló, more convenient. Also the beach at Azul is mud.
Spent some time at Sunscape visiting in Nov and pool is gross, full of black mold.

I second the Barcelo............ great place for kids

The Barcelo is very nice.
The Emporio in my opinion is even nicer having stayed at both over the years.
The Emporio is less crowded and in my opinion more economical.

I agree on the Barcelo. Although it's been many years since we've done the AI, the breakfast at the Barcelo I still regard as the best I've had.

I 2nd, the Emporio and Barcelo. Although the Emporio is on a much smaller basis they seem to do a good job. It has been many years so not sure about the changes. Our daughter loved both of the hotels when she was little. They only draw back for both is when it gets really crowded on weekends I found both the pool and surrounding area are a mess...

Your question is a bit tricky to answer as one main component is missing, ie what kind of budget are you looking at? It makes a huge difference as your best bet with 3 young children is by far Club Med in Ixtapa. I don't know the age of the kids, which makes a difference but they have a baby club, mini club and can handle all ages from babies to teenagers with better options than anybody else. Food wise, they are also the best by a long shot for an AI. Azul would be my second recommendation but they are nowhere close to Club Med...For the record I worked for Club Med for several years and went back to visit the facility in the last few years...

Thanks so much for all the replies everyone. I'm sure it will help them in their decision. They have only been to the east side of Mexico so this should be a bit different. I don't think they are on too much of a budget although he is a geologist from Calgary so maybe he should be on one. Thanks again for this great board Rob and your wonderful pics.

Our son was the same. Sent them to Barcelo, more like what they are accustomed to
Palms on the beach etc

We do the A/I at Pacifica. Some evenings, the kids are part of the entertainment which is always cute. Pacifica has a staff dedicated to the kids. Depending on the unit you are staying, thank the kids would enjoy going up and down the hill on the cable cars- the view is beautiful day and night. We will be doing a week at the Pacifica Spa checking in Jan 10 and then going to the Grand for 2 weeks. We love the Spa because it is quieter - just no ocean view, a beautiful manicured area with beautiful pool.

They have a good AI and they have a nice kids club. Centered perfectly in the middle of town.

We don't have kids or go all inclusive but several friends do and rave about Club Med. Apparently the kids love it and it really does cater to the children with its dining, activities and entertainment. It is very well reviewed (in terms of children) on trip advisor so I guess if your friends want a thumbs up from their kids it might be an option.