compare Tucan to Del Mar (please!)

[travmagic]

We went to the Tucan last summer with a group of 12 (ages from 14-55). Everyone loved it but we want to try some place new. It is a must that it be an Iberostar so I thought the next choice would be the Del Mar. I am assuming the food and the service would pretty much be the same. Can anyone that has been to both tell me your favorite of the 2 and why?

[CoralReef]

I've stayed at the Del Mar and visited the Tucan for a day. They are both great, and offer good value for the cost. Service, and what we saw of the Tucan rooms, seemed pretty comparable between the two.

The Tucan has an excellent location close to town. I love the jungle-y grounds and the pretty beach there. We ate at their lunch buffet and thought it was slightly fresher and tastier than the Del Mar or Lindo lunch buffets.

The Del Mar has more manicured, landscaped grounds, which some people prefer and others don't. It has a tremendous, gorgeous pool. The Tucan pool is very nice, but the Del Mar pool is even better! The Del Mar beach may not be quite as pretty as the Tucan's, but it's nice, and there is less foot traffic because there are no adjoining resorts except the other Iberostar ones. The distance from town could be a drawback if you spend a lot of time in town, but if you just want to go once or twice, it's only 20 minutes on the free shuttle.

The Del Mar is part of the large Paraiso complex, making it a bigger resort with more going on. More restaurant choices, more activities, more walking. I think you get 2 a la carte reservations at the Tucan? At the Del Mar you get 3. But what I don't like about the larger complex is that Del Mar/Beach guests are not allowed to use the Maya/Lindo facilities. I stayed there before the Lindo opened, when it wasn't an issue. Of course, the Del Mar/Beach costs less, so the policy does make sense... I just think it's a little awkward.

Personally, I would stay at the Del Mar again before the Tucan, because I don't mind walking and I like the fantastic pool and the larger facilities. But I know of people who prefer the Tucan. I think it comes down to what's most important to you.

[MikeOKC]

CoralReef hit the nail on the head.  I have stayed at both and the only downfall to the Tucan/Quetzal is the "towel game" at the beach and pool.  It has been raised to a high art form.  There is much less seating on the beach at the T/Q so you need to get out early to get a spot you want.

MikeOKC