This forum is fantastic! Thank you to everyone that replied!!
Ok! I THINK I have made my final decision. I was going between the Iberostar Lindo and THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen and I have chosen....THE ROYAL!
They both have very good positives: Iberostar (great reviews, a lot of activities for all ages, free shuttle to Playa, adults night club, beautiful tropical grounds); ROYAL (great reviews, short walk to 5th street; responsive WC, adults only, etc.). Negatives: Iberostar (caters to families and we are a group of 25-35 year old partiers, huge resort complex so pretty spread out, you have to book a wedding date one year out to ensure you get your date-my finance in military so we need more flexibility); ROYAL (crowded beach so ceremony might not be as private, rooms look a bit tacky)
The something that scares me about the ROYAL is that I have to wait until November to set the time and place of the ceremony. I want a sunset wedding so hope I don’t get an 8am start time!
Thanks again for all of your wonderful comments!