I am a 34-year-old female who traveled to Playa Del Carmen from Jan. 28-Feb. 11 (13 days) with my parents who are in their mid-50s. My husband was unable to get the time off from work, so he had to stay back in wintery Wisconsin while I caught some rays at Reef Playacar.

First of all, if you're in your early to mid-20s and you're looking for a mega resort with eight restaurants and five pools, this is not your resort. If you're looking for a fist-pumping "Jersey Shore" party atmosphere, this is not your resort. If you're looking for four-star dining, this is not your resort. But if you're looking for a good deal (while airfare is through the roof) and you just want somewhere to chill by the pool or on the pristine beach while you sip on foo-foo drinks, this is your resort.

The GOOD: This is the fifth time I've been to Mexico (once to Cancun, twice to Puerto Vallarta, once to Cozumel) and there is no doubt that this is a small, budget resort. Prices aren't what they used to be. It's difficult to find a decent hotel/air all-inclusive in Mexico for under $1,000 per person for one week. When we booked our trip (in October) the cost was $1,300 for one week, or $1,800 for two weeks (per person). We booked the two weeks because it made more sense. We learned while talked to other people at the resort that many were staying for two weeks because of the fantastic price.
That said, you get what you pay for. People who are complaining that the rooms are outdated should consider the cost of this resort and compare apples to apples. The rooms may be a bit outdated (think Best Western compared with The Hilton) but they are extremely clean and a good size, even for three adults.
I can't say enough good about the staff. These people work nearly 12 hours every day of the week. Every day. If I had to work 12 hours a day, seven days a week, I would be snippy and crabby and just a royal pain, but not these workers! I saw Humberto (pool bar bartender) deal with rude Americans (I am an American) and Canadians by being polite and smiling. And when he wasn't running his butt off making every blended drink under the sun, he was cleaning his work area or running around the pool collecting glasses. And it wasn't just Humberto ... nearly every worker I encountered was just as hard-working and friendly. Best service I've received anywhere, including my Midwestern hometown.
For the most part the breakfast buffet is delicious. There was one day where the hash browns were lukewarm, or as my dad joked, "Just the right amount of cold." But overall, the omelet station was great and there is definitely enough to choose from. Put your toast in the toaster before you get in line for your omelete and it will be ready for you when you return.
I was really impressed that you didn't have to pay more for the cabanas (like other resorts do) and that they were fairly easy to get. Typically we were early risers and were able to pick out chairs by 7 a.m. but on our last day we waited until 8:30 a.m. and still were able to get a cabana. Very nice.
Manuel, at the ceramics stand, saw way too much of my family. We probably kept him in business the whole two weeks we were there. Manuel has ceramic figures that you paint yourself and then he puts finishing touches on them and glazes them overnight. You get them back the next day. Manuel is so talented, and we had tons of fun with him. Prices range from $15-$25. They make great gifts.
The beach was wonderful! For someone who doesn't get to see the ocean on a normal basis, this is one of my favorite things to do. We walked down the beach and dug up sea shells. We swam in the water. My parents rented jet skis. There are no rocks on the beach, and although seaweed might make its way onto the beach because of wind, it didn't change my opinion of the wonderful beach and sand.

The BAD: Although I did go down to the beach almost every day to hang out for a while, the pool is really my stomping grounds. The two pools were very clean, and I saw a worker checking the chlorine levels every day, but the second day I was there I cut my big toe on the bottom of the pool and it hurt for a good part of the trip. A few days later I cut the ball of my foot on the bottom of the pool. It's not an isolated incident and those tiles should be fixed asap.
The pools are not very big, although that didn't bother me as much as not having a designated pool for the children. I love kids, but I wanted to be a little more relaxed on my vacation. Two times my mom and I were lounging in the pool (the swim-up bar pool and the other) and kids playing tag were almost running into us because they were so close. Not a big deal, but not really relaxing either.
Many people have complained about the hardness of the beds. I didn't have a problem. My parents also slept fine. I don't like really soft beds though, so maybe it's a personal comfort thing.
The lobby bar is a cash bar and it opens at 3 p.m. That's just silly. If you want a free drink you have to go either upstairs outside the dinner theater or to the swim-up bar. Again, silly. This bar should be open from noon until midnight and it should be free.
The "Premier" bar, where you can choose to pay $18 a day to drink top-shelf liquor, is also silly. No one was in the premier bar, and really it's just a waste of space. Take that out, put the kiddie pool/play area down there and call it a day.

The UGLY: I feel bad for this resort because it can't do a darn thing about people who drink 15 too many drinks and then stumble back to their rooms while screaming "YEE HAW" throughout the entire complex. Around 3 a.m. every morning we'd hear the drunks stumbling home. The "YEE HAW" lady sticks out in my mind. Every two minutes she would scream it while walking back. Dad heard commotion one night and saw a girl bend over on the walkway, and then dive head first into the concrete. The First Aid worker helped her out. It was kind of the entertainment for the night. I didn't mind it too much because I'm a good sleeper, but a light sleeper might have more to say.
Dinner at the buffet was horrible. I wouldn't say this if it weren't true. I'm not a picky eater, and I can always find something worth eating on a buffet. I've been to plenty of AI resorts and never has the food been this terrible. :( I truly believe it wouldn't take much to make it good -- make sure the food is hot while it's being served, add spices, etc. But those easy fixes were never made. We started going to town every night for dinner, which was fun but very spendy! Playa has it figured out ... tourists = lots of dinero. We never had a dinner that was under $70, and all but one was over $100 (with drinks). If the food at the resort was better, people would feel like they're getting a better deal.
Asking for things from the front desk is a waste of time. That's not to say that the front desk people are lazy or rude. In fact, they were very nice! But they're really not interested in helping out with amenities. Since we had three adults in one room, we needed three towels instead of two. It took three days until we started getting three towels instead of just two. We also wanted extra hangers and an extra chair for our third-floor balcony. And about half way through the trip the blow dryer in the bathroom stopped working. Mom made several requests for these things and accommodations never were made. Finally, while exchanging money mom asked if we ever were going to get what we asked for (chair/hangers/blow dryer) because if not, she would stop asking. He said no, and she stopped asking. Good thing I brought my blow dryer.

I do have a few things to say about the timeshare people. We never were bothered because both my mom and I have traveled so much that we can spot a timeshare person a mile away. Timeshares are the biggest waste of money. They are a horrible investment. Don't believe me? Put your faith in Clark Howard: http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/scams-rip-offs/major-hoteliers-getting-out-of-the-time-share-busi/nDqN/
Now, if you read that and you still want to waste four hours of your hard-earned vacation on timeshare people so you can get a free appetizer at Coco Bongo, then go right ahead, but don't complain to us about it. And don't assume that because you said "no" 47 times to the timeshare sellers and they got snippy with you, that all the workers at The Reef are jerks. If you haven't stayed at the resort, you hardly are qualified to write a review on it. I've said my peace.

OVERALL: I think this is a nice, budget resort with a great beach and fantastic staff. If you want to cure your winter blues at a comfortable, albeit small place, this is it.