My two sisters and I just returned (5/13 to 5/18)from 5 nights at the Tucan. We are all in our late 40s and early 50s and were looking forward to a very relaxing hoilday without family--just ourselves to think of for a change. We weren't disappointed. I had done a lot of research before booking the Tucan, looking for the best setting for what we wanted. It was perfect. We loved the jungle in the center of the property. Although it is clearly a controlled environment, it seemed like we were in the wild with monkeys in the trees and iguanas everywhere--and those little rabbity looking animals who are shy but very cute and appealing and always around.
The ocean at the Tucan is the most beautiful tourquoise color and the beach is sandy --unlike some of the other resorts we heard about where there is seaweed and rocks and the swimming is not good. The Tucan beach is perfect for swimming. The pool is also huge and picturesque and we had no trouble getting lounges at either the pool of the beach.
We also found the rooms and service to be great. The food was OK--not anything to write home about, there were many choices so we were happy. We especially enjoyed the Italian resturant.
The resort is spacious, but not so big as to require a shuttle. Nothing is very far away.
We took the Tulum/ Xel Ha excursion which was fun. We didn't see a lot of fish at XelHa. Actually we took the snorkling excursion for one and a half hours from the Tucan and saw many more fish. It cost $26 if you pay in cash and they take you along the coast for about 15 minutes to a beautiful reef. The guide knows where the fish are and where the reef is most beautiful and takes you there. We bought our underwater cameras at Sam's Club in the States--two for $15--down there they are $15 to $20 each so get them before you go. It was just long enough for us, but they also have longer excursions available.
The resort is very close to Playa del Carmen where we went to shop. I would advise people to take cash as you get a better deal if you pay in US dollars. Plus it's easier to get your purchase at the lowest price it you show them the cash.
We hope to retrun to the Tucan. It's paradise on earth!

I will be short and sweet.

STAFF - Great. Friendly and accomodating. They never expect tips but appreciate them when given. If you bother, they will have a nice conversation with you and appreciate respect. Our transportation going home was late and they were very helpful in calling the company for us.

FOOD - Buffet has so much selection, there shouldn't be anyone who can't find something to eat and the food is good. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all good. Late night snacks until 4:00 a.m. - comes in handy! We ate at the Mexican and Steakhouse. Mexican was good, a little salty - I had snapper. Steakhouse was really good. Desserts overall were good, not great.

Plenty of fresh fruit, salads, vegetables. We are fussy in that we do not eat any pork or shellfish and always had plenty of food to eat.

ROOMS - Paid for a Junior Suite, well worth it, oceanview, right on the beach and near the pool and buffets. Will always pay for it in the future, it is a spectacular view and extremely convenient.

Ladies - BRING YOUR OWN BLOW DRYER - the one in the room doesn't get the job done if you have medium to long hair.

Plenty of shampoo, soap and drinks (beer, soda and water). NO hair conditioner so bring some. A/C worked great but we never used it, we opened our balcony door and the constant breeze was perfect.

POOL - Never used but it is beautiful, huge and clean. People reserve chairs as early as 5-6 a.m. with towels. There is a swim up bar pool, the large pool and a smaller pool for aqua volleyball/basketball.

BEACH - The best. Never had trouble getting lounge chairs or a comfortable spot. If you want a palapa/hut for shade you must get up early and break the rules by putting your towel on the chairs.

My favorite part is the beach, if you are a beach person you will love it. This is why I never even got in the pool. Good walking or relaxing beach.

Beach is clean, water is clear and there are waves for fun. During a 7 night stay we had one day with red flags - which was a blast for use because we love waves. Beach is topless.

Not a rowdy resort at all, which is what we were looking for (35 and 32 yr. old hubby and wife), not too many kids and the ones that were there we never really saw because they tend to be at the pool.

Would absolutely return and recommend to friends and family.

Just returned from the iberostar tucan ( May 6-11 )and it was fantastic. This was the second trip to the tucan for my husband and myself , but this time we brought our two sons 11& 16 with us and they loved it as well.
It is about a 50 min. trip from the airport to the resort. All went very smoothly. We arrived at the tucan about 1p.m. Our room was not ready but we changed into our swim suits had lunch at the buffet and by then our room was ready.
I requested by e-mail to have a room in building 11 or 12 FACING the pool and thats what we got. Our room had two double beds and a small couch big enough for my younger son to sleep on. The weather was beautiful not a drop of rain but it is very hot so plan on it and make sure you lotion covers every inch -you'll get burned in unexpected places feet, inner arms etc.
Bring floats from home they will blow them up for free . They are expensive in the gift shop and you won't want to bring them home with you.
Food is good- make reservations right away and also get on a waiting list.
A massage by Clemente is well worth getting but I recommend having it inside the spa. You can use the sauna and jacuzzi first and shower off right there after your massage and its not hot like out by the pool.
The safe is a combo in your closet.
Bring baggies to take wet suits home with you also to pack a snack in for your trip home. They pick you up about 3 hours before your flight and you might get hungry and I don't reccommend airport food ..Also your room fridge has soft drinks in it you might like to have a little beverage on your journey home so bring a little thermo bag.
Pool is the best
Ocean is beautiful
Room is nice-very clean with fridge , safe, hair dryer, our shampoo/soap dispenser was missing off the wall but was supplied with little bottles daily.
Star staff is very friendly they get to know alot of peple by name especially if you participate.
Evenings are a little dull they have a show but....
PLaya plaza is a small shopping center 5 min walk from the resort
The town of playa del carmen is just a 5-10 min cab ride( $5.00)
Did not do any trips this time but last time went to Tulum and loved it
Try to tip- its not expected but surely appreciated.
Overall this is a great place to go thats why I went back a second time with my kids.
I chose to bring them here over other places I've been such as Negril Jamacia, Bahamas because The Tucan is clean, freindly, & safe.

We just returned from a 6 night trip at the Iberostar Tucan / Quetzal and was very impressed. We had such a wonderful time. The resort is absolutely amazing and the staff was soooo friendly. We can't wait to go back. I truly cant say enough!!

I have two children ages 8 and 5 and they had a blast. The animals were so much fun. My kids had a great time seeing the monkeys, birds, flamingos and most of all the peacock. We woke up every morning with the peacock on our patio. The other great thing was how each day you can take a picture with different animals around the pool or beach.I have pictures of my kids holding the monkey, parrot and tucan. They loved that! Not only was that a great thing for the kids, but the kids club staff and the nightly kids shows were so much fun. My kids are still singing the songs. They even have a kiddie disco every night. My children did go to the kids club one day and loved it...they had a blast.

Besides all the fun for the kids, my husband and I had a great time. The pool was nice, food was great, the service was fast and friendly and the shows were very entertaining. The staff at Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal were unbelievable. They made our stay extremely enjoyable. We just returned and are already planning next years vacation. Except next year..we are going to take more family members with us so that they can experience a wonderful vacation like we did :-)