Description: Our return visit to the Adults Only all-Inclusive found it to be much larger than it was on our first visit. many improvements - still great food and service. A few things could be "tweeked", but all in all still a great vacation resort in Playa del Carmen.
ROOMS: What used to be considered a "great" room 7 - 10 years ago with large marble bathrooms and in room jacuzzi tubs has become somewhat dated in comparison to the newly built resorts. the rooms are basically well maintained - a bit dark - plenty of storage space, comfortable beds, no musty odors and A/C that cools the room although a bit noisy.
SPA: A new spa has opened in the Casitas area - the usual welcoming aroma as you enter - efficient and on time check-in for services and US prices ($110 for 50 minute massage plus 10% gratuity), but they do offer specials almost daily. Locker rooms have robes, slippers, towels, sauna, steam and rain showers. Lots of amenities for hair and skin, but I did miss a hair dryer. We had a
"Sky Massage" outdoors overlooking the sea. A great breeze, the sound of the ocean and the relaxing aroma therapy made it very special. There is a beautiful serene pool area with lounges and quiet music - great for relaxing both before or after your massage.
POOLS: There's something for everyone here. an activity pool, a main pool with swim-up bar and fountains surrounded by beds. We liked the 7nor8nCasitas pools best - they are quiet with a swim-up bar, lounge music playing and cushioned lounges. The newer section of casitas even have a swim out river that connects to the pool. the beach along the Casitas Section has both beds and lounges - lots of palm trees and waiters provide water bottles, drinks, and even sandwiches and juice at lunchtime and ice cream later in the afternoon. You really do feel pampered. We were even offered tanning lotion and a cooling mist spray.
BARS: Our favorite is the lobby
"Martini Bar" staffed by waiters who call you be name and remember your favorite drink. The only thing missing.......it would be nice to have a quiet musician playing either before or after dinner. the pool bars all close by 5PM but the beach bar, showroom bar and a bar in the Casitas area, near the Asian restaurant "Kampai"stay open late. All have top shelf liquor. We missed the "show" of making flamimng coffees after dinner provided by some of the other resorts in the area.
BEACH: You don't come to Eldorado Royale for it's beach - Unfortunately it's on a stretch of Riviera Maya that has lots of coral. Sand bags were brought in to attempt to replenish the beach, but it has not improved at all since our last visit a few years ago. You can manage to enter the water in a few areas and swim beyond the sand bags. At one time you could stand or lounge on the bags, but they have become loaded with barnacles making that impossible now. The beach is great for walking.
They have enlarged the number of Casitas and they are beautiful - some are directly on the water with their own jacuzzi on deck. A new area has
swim-up suites. We did hear that this area was more noisy, because of the activity pool - but that may appeal to others. There are also Presidential Suites with connecting rooms that are great for groups or wedding parties.
We did see a number of functions - from weddings to incentive groups and afternoon luncheons.......all were beautifully set up, whether on the beach, in the gazebo by the pool or in a new courtyard behind the oceanview rooms. They do a great job with both casual and elegant gatherings.
The staff is very courteous, speak English very well and best of all no wrist bands here......Don't hesitate to make vacation plans at Eldorado Royale.
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