Since Lindo and Maya are more expensive, their guests can utilize all services at all hotels. Del Mar and beach guests have access only to their own. Although they can use the beach and pools at Maya and Lindo, they will not be served food or drinks.

Paraiso Maya has a vast lobby for a check-in that is quick and efficient, done while sitting at a receptionist’s desk. A map and brief introduction to the highlights of the resort and you're off to enjoy your vacation.

The lobby is surrounded by specialty restaurants, shops, an Internet room, an excursion desk, a small showroom, and a very large bar that is made into a replica of the Mayan Temple at Chitzen-Itza. There is glass everywhere overlooking landscaped gardens and fountains, all sorts of sculptures and art, luxurious restrooms with flower arrangements, marble, and subtle lighting throughout. Everything is spotless, and the staff is friendly, eager to please, and speak English in varying degrees of expertise.

Maya's seven three- story buildings follow along the right-hand side of the pool down to the beach. Lindo's buildings are on the left of the pools. Maya's rooms are spacious, well designed with designer-type furniture. All are junior suites with balconies. Marble bathrooms have twin sinks, a Jacuzzi tub, and a separate glass-enclosed shower. A stocked minibar, refilled daily; coffeemaker; and 24-hour room service all enhance your stay.

The beach and pools are fantastic, with five pools with waterfalls, a lazy river, bridges, a swim-up bar, and wave pool. The beach is about a third mile long, with soft sand; clear, warm water; and day-long planned activities.

Buffets and snack bars are the only venue for breakfast and lunch, but they have a very varied selection. Dinner offers buffets without reservations or á la carte menus via reservations made through the concierge in each individual building.

Evening activities are entertaining but not outstanding

Summertime is filled with families - the pools and beach alone can make everyone happy, but there is also a kid’s club pool with a slide and animals spurting a waterfall, Ping Pong, pool and beach volleyball, soccer, and ceramic painting. Kayaks and catamarans also attracted a good crowd.

This is a good, upscale choice for families, not luxury for the discriminating, but high-end for the mass market, mostly because of its size. Think of it as a large cruise ship catering to a couple thousand guests. There is a lot to do and it is quite nicely presented.

Lindo and Maya are the two newer hotels catering to mostly Americans - these guests wear gray-and-brown bracelets and have access to the entire Paraiso compound. They can make nightly reservations in any of the restaurants and will be served at all bars.

We had reservations at Maya, the most luxurious and expensive of the four hotels, and had access to all facilities. We walked through the grounds of Delmar and Beach, but did not avail ourselves of any services because of the distance involved and the fact that all was offered on our side.

The lobbies are vast and opulent and the grounds beautifully landscaped, with pools meandering from the lobby toward the beach between Lindo and Maya. Delmar and Beach are similarly designed, but in a slightly older fashion. Specialty restaurants, lounges, shops, and showrooms encircle the lobby, so it's easy to get from Maya to Lindo.

Rooms are spacious junior suites, all with a balcony, marble floors, quality furnishings, plenty of storage space, a safe, a TV with many channels, DVD, separate Jacuzzi tub, glass-enclosed shower, twin sinks, and mood lighting. You have a choice of a king-size or two queen-size beds, and there is a pullout sofa in the step down living area.

The beach is beautiful - about a third of a mile long - with soft sand, warm water, and plenty of lounge chairs and palapas. Vendors along the beach are few and non-intrusive. Lots of activities take place in the central area, but there is a quiet section at the southern end.

The food is good, varied, and well presented. It reminds me of a cruise ship. With thousands to feed, it is not even truly gourmet, but certainly above average in quality, presentation, and service.

Nightly entertainment is hit-or-miss, but since there are lots of interactive-type shows, it depends on the crowd. You all know what I mean with karaoke. The staff does do a good job of getting people to participate. The musical groups are good for both listening and dancing - and the disco, again, depends on the crowd.

Iberostar Paraiso Maya is definitely a good choice for a family or group vacation - lots is offered for everyone. It is not as highly recommended for couples or honeymooners, but if you do go, you can certainly find a quiet romantic spot both day and evening.

I've devoted an entire journal to Iberostar Paraiso Maya, describing the restaurants, beach, and pool areas in more detail.