[CaptainYooh]

A few comments to OP's questions:

1) We've been to pretty much all (or nearly all) 4 and 5-star all-inclusive hotels on Riviera Maya. From our experiences, no other sun destination all-inclusive property in Dominican, Cuba, Bahamas etc. comes close to beating the value (cost vs. benefit) offered at those properties. There are many resorts elsewhere offering a much better overall level of service but at much higher prices; hence, the value argument.

2) There have been noticeable worsening of service levels across most Mexican resorts (and other resorts) due to the pandemic. I am sure this is not specific to Mexico only. Check recent Tripadvisor reviews specific to your time of travel. Avoid any all-inclusive hotels less than 4-star on WestJet rating.

3) Another factor to consider - seaweed. In the past 3-4 years, Riviera Maya beaches are attacked by sargassum seaweed from April to early August. It is overwhelming. Swimming at the beach is borderline disgusting and the stench of dead seaweed on shore is horrid. They do their best to remove it daily but it's just too much.

4) If traveling with kids of all ages, Iberostar chain of resorts is at the higher end of the all-inclusive and normally doesn't disappoint too much. Iberostar Grand Paraiso and Lindo are solid good bets. Bahia chain is also very good.

5) Christmas time is the most popular and most expensive, but not the best as the weather is not ideal. January to early March is the most sensible time to go there, both financially (good deals after New Year's) and from weather perspective.