Trip Report – El Dorado Royale – March 3-10, 2003

(I had my inhibitions when going to this resort due to the message boards even though my other half’s one of his co-workers went there last year and absolutely loved it, and looks forward to returning there. I know too would agree with the co-worker rather than the message boards. We met 3 couples that stayed at the Barcelo Maya Resort before, and they didn’t think it could get any better until they seen El Dorado Royale.)

The Cancun airport was a breeze to get through as our plane was the only one that arrived at that time. We then got on a bus, and headed to the resort. There was only one other couple that got off the bus, so our check in was no lines either. We arrived at the resort at 11:30 am, and greeted with a glass of champagne.

Our room was not ready due to check-in time being 3:00pm. They were very helpful with us by keeping our luggage, so we could enjoy our first day. We changed and headed to the main activity centre, and had a Banana Daiquiri. The layout of what we could see was absolutely gorgeous you could see the ocean from more less anywhere on the Resort.

We went back to the front desk later, and checked-in. The door man loaded our luggage onto a golf cart, and we sat on the back of the cart. They drove us to our room, and carried our luggage up to our room (they would not allow us to carry one bag even though it took them two trips). This allowed us time to check out our room ocean front room, and what a room it was. It consisted of a king size bed with a 2 man Jacuzzi out looking the ocean. The bathroom consisted of a walk in shower that was 3 times the usual shower stalls with a man-made bench. On our balcony you had your own hammock, and 2 patio chairs. The ocean was right in front of us. We enjoyed sitting on our deck and seeing and hearing the ocean. It was very mesmerizing.

The ocean had a rocky shore, which added character to it. They had man-made tide breakers that slowed the tide down when coming to the shore. There was a place to swim, and there was also a pier which was closed and under repair. It was recommended to bring your boat shoes. We did, but we didn’t need them. There was also a man-made pool attached to the ocean that had fish in it. The ocean consisted of 3kms that you could walk down; you could pick up different shells and coral. I found out the day before we left that if you go out at 5am that you can luck into a conk shell. That will be something that I remember the next time we go there.

The food was out of this world every morsel you thoroughly enjoyed. We usually eat only 2 meals per day when on vacation. The food was so good that we couldn’t resist it that it was 3 meals per day. All meals were a la carte, and they greeted you walked you to the table, and set your linen napkin on your lap each time. For breakfast you could have a champagne and orange juice, and I enjoyed this a few times. There are 6 restaurants that consisted of Mexican, Oriental, Italian, Steak House, International and buffet. We would recommend trying each of them out as all the food and service was wonderful along with the room service that was very good food, and delivered quickly too.

There were 7 swim up bars, 1 beach bar, and another bar where the entertainment took place at night. Unlike other resorts there was no waiting for drinks once again excellent service.

The entertainment was good too. They had a different night each night that consisted of Caribbean night, Mexican night, Iron man night, Casino night, etc. The Mexican night we highly recommend they do it to the 9s. They decorate the full activity centre in Mexican decorations, they put on 2 live performances of dancing, and they have a buffet of all different kinds of Mexican food – quite a spread laid out. This was the only buffet that we had during our stay, and it was very good.

The security is very good too for example they cannot accept any gifts in person without a note from you stating that you have given them this gift.

The service was excellent. They are constantly aiming to please you along with the grounds men constantly working to keep the place in a royal status.

In our mind, we felt like we died and went to heaven or as the name says El Dorado Royale you are treated like a Queen and King for the week. Overall, we loved this resort, look forward to returning to it, and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Liz, I planning on being at the Royal on April 13th for a week. Everything I read talks about a smell? Do you recall what room type you requested and also if you know, where the room was located? It sounds like the place to request.

Thank you

I forgot to include this in my prior email. Did you stay at the Royal or the Resort & Spa?

thanks

We had heard only good things about this resort and planned to go May 6-18, then we read that the main pool was going to be closed, and couldn't get any more reliable information about whether there was major or minor construction going on. Depending on when you are going, you might want to check to see how much will be "closed down".
If it wasn't for that, it sounded like Heaven!