We just returned from the Eldorado Resort and Spa. We just loved it. It is small only 155 rooms, however the ground are very spread out and are practically on the ocean. The service was fast and friendly, the food was very good, and there was snorkeling right on the property with a reef to swim out to. The ground were very clean and well kept up. I did smell a little septic on the back of some of the buildings, but it wasn't that bad. I got a awesome massage. I had read some peoples comments about safety, I walked by myself way South of the resort and felt perfectly safe. The resort has plenty of bars, but I would like to see one that is not a beach bar to go to before dinner to relax in a little fancier atomosphere. We have been down in the Rivera Maya area over 10 times, and I would go back to the Eldordo Resort and Spa in a heartbeat. We have stayed at fanicer places, but this one has a lot of charm.

I am going to the Riviera Maya with a friend the end of April and staying at the El Dorodo Resort. I guess I'm alittle concerned because a friend of mine just returned from there and said the food wasn't all that great and the beach was very windy and the water rough and it was mostly couples. I've stayed the the Rui Palace and the food and the beaches were just wonderful. Am I going to be dissappointed? Are the beaches nicer and calmer closer to Playa Del Carman. The other choice was the Occidental Caribbean Village Playacar. Has anyone stayed there? Is that within short walking distance to the beach? The Rui Tequila was across the street from the beach but the walk wasn't that bad. Anyone who can help with our decision or give up imput please reply.

We were at the Eldorado Resort and Spa March 24-April 1. Yes,it was almost all couples.The few singles who were there did not realize there would be so few other singles there. It is an adults only resort. There will be a clothing optional resort opening right next door in early May.

We thought the food was quite good as did most people we talked to. You order off the menu which we thought was a plus as opposed to buffet style. We enjoyed the resort. It is a quiet, well maintained smaller resort. Everyone was friendly (workers and tourists).

We thought there would be more foreign tourists there who typically wear thongs and go topless. But,there were no thongs and few topless. Not much nightlife, Which was fine with the majority of vacationers. I am not familiar with the other resort you mentioned.

Just got back from the Eldorado Resort & Spa 8/6/03. Their sister resort the Eldorado Royale is having a huge Time Share promotion, so they were really recruiting people in weird ways to go over there for their 1-1/2 hour hi-pressure sales pitch. They were telling people that rooms weren't available or that they would have to stay there. Definitely a wasted day of vacation. Resort had a terrible smell of sewage most nights. Rooms were full of bugs due to screens not fitting properly.. Restaurants were very HOT< no air cond, or ceiling fans, and NO top shelf or call brands of liquor...Beach, very rocky, and unswimable most days... However, the entertainment staff was very friendly and fun....I am sure there are many other "nicer" resorts there, I would not go back there again..