El Dorado Seaside Suites

Had great expectations as have holidayed at other TUI BLUE Hotels in past. Expected a great beach and sea location, found a beach covered in thick seaweed, JCB diggers everyday trying to remove it. The brochure said a choice of 7 restaurants, only 3 open every evening. Food quality on whole poor. One restaurant was called " The Gourmet Pub" , only 6 dishes on menu , didn't travel all the way to Mexico to get pub grub ( not great quality either). Service from rep not the best. Sports bar, had one pool table, one table tennis table and loads of cinema style chairs. Tui Blue rep on site said it wasn't a fully TUI Blu hotel, didn't say that in brochure . Not worth the money .

Couldn't select the date back far enough, it was March 2024. Flew Sunwing from YVR (departed over 2 hours late). Fantastic hotel, we had a swim up suite (worth it - it was like 300 more for 12 days). Great room, great bathroom with a ton of space, lots of storage. Rooms were lovely in our block. Great that you can go between hotels for events & restaurants. Food was absolutely top notch everywhere we went. (The only disappointing restaurant was the one at the pool on the Palms side - breakfast choices were dismal and lunch - we left and went elsewhere). Drinks were good; typical for AIs with lower quality house brands and not great premium selections. The Concierge concept for buildings is great, but be sure you double check everything with them (reservations) as we had some minor kinks with one of ours. We first went to this resort in 2000 and again in 2001, and although the property is massively improved, the beach has been destroyed. The snorkellng here is non existent. As we're big on that activity, it was the disappointment in our stay. The other thing is that if you want a cabana you have to reserve it at 530 AM or be rpepared to be enraged all day as you watch most of them never have a person show up to utilize them. The swim area is incredibly shallow, the deepest part is about 5' deep, tops. Now - Sunwing Vacations - THAT was the nightmare. From busted luggage to missing luggage (4 days of 12 it didn't make it to the hotel), and a complete runaround when the CanadaDirect Shuttle didn't show and Sunwing refused to reimburse us. Thank god for excellent travel insurance and a boatload (5 months) of patience. Recommend this hotel for the experience & the incredible food (can't express that enough, our faves were the Pub and the Mexican). There was something to do every single day & evening and considering the size of the 3 resorts, it's not terribly loud all night like some are. Would have been a 5 star recommendation but for the poor beach/swim area. Amazing staff, very friendly, very helpful, and very gracious. Bring your own sunscreen or be prepared to pay a fortune for it. We brought dish soap and a scrub brush for our Yeti cups - they got a workout for sure!! (Saves you waking up to ant infestations) Also read on here to bring a moisture wicking bag - BEST advice ever; clothes didn't have the musty smell they always get in Mexico!

Transportation lomas We were greeted by Adrian from lomas travel at the airport, he stayed with us at every moment. The driver provided a regular service (it was a private direct service) ... He didn't feel like having a conversation, therefore was a quiet drive for an hour. we suggest they could have their transportation clean as our wasn't, they had exposed their cleaning products and had a strong smell in the back to gasoline or something which made us feel dizzy upon our arrival to the hotel. The transportation on our way back to the airport was way much better, cleaner and the driver was very sociable with everyone Rooms Nice room,perfect for a small family, they did their best to accommodate us and we highly appreciate it. The housekeeper Carlos always left the place spotless! Entertainment First day we didn't see anyone, except for the DJ during the evening. The live music (singers) play and sing nicely, however somehow they don't manage to attract the public or engage much, somehow it's needed a bit more of thrill and excitement. Fire show; the guys did a great job, specially one of them who definitely controls every move he makes, on the other hand the ladies need to work on their synchronization, balance and flexibility to provide a good act, overall it was okay. Jose and Luis from the palms entertainment team, they did their job, Luis was always dancing and prancing around and Luis communicative and inviting your to their activities in a kind way. They both were great, hope to see "Petunia" one day with the staffs t-shirt. The duo that played and sang on Thursday evening at the bar we simply enjoyed it, on the other hand during the live Mariachi, it was a group of 15 people with not that big of a crown and didn't seem very excited, we will pass on that. The catrina show was very well executed, good technique by all of them, they each had their moment to showcase their skills and tell the story, probably they could use a bit of more promotion as it's a nice show to watch,I would say the best of the whole week, one can appreciate and see they do train hard to give a great act. Pool waiters and bartenders; Most of them need to take a customer service course or learn how to be nice and provide an equal service for everyone instead of picking their favorites due to the tips. Once again I insist that one must not judge for someone's appearance, as flashy money doesn't buy you kindness or education. Therefore I will not mentioned who actually did stand out from this department. Restaurants The beach dinner was quite nice, good variety, all the proteins were cooked nicely, except for the desserts they offered that evening, could have been better. There's good lighting on one side, the other lacks, also it would be great if the stage would be fully visible for everyone and not just the ones who have a "reserved" table in front. Sheila the hostess was one the first ones who welcomed us with a nice smile and very sweet during our whole stay, we appreciated that from her, she always made it possible to arrange something small for a celebration we had, she made sure it was received and she even was there for that special moment, thank you Sheila! Arrecife Breakfast during the buffet it's not the best, has good Variety and the cooks are quite nice, however the consistency is not the best. The champurrado and the whole milk is mixed with water as it loses its original flavor and consistency, the juices they offer are not good at all,they can consider putting a top of the abandoned waffle and pancake station (non gluten free) so I guess it's one thing for another. Ubaldo the cook was always smiling and provided a fast and efficient service every time we saw him. On the other hand arrecifes dinner "Caribbean night" was superb! Every single dish was just amazing, the flavours , the smell and the portions was more than amazing. Just one small thing, it's important to have every meal and section labeled and placed before opening hours as some guests don't know what they will be choosing... Just to avoid any complaints . Driftwood; esthetically it's vibrant but not modern as the whole suite side. The whole menu was quite good, very good portions, delicious, one can't ask more of that place. Seaside market; was way much better than the arrecifes morning buffet, definitely tastier and you can actually find natural juice, warmer dishes and better quality. However the quality should be everywhere... The only bad side, the floor is slippery and while they have and leave water splattered around the floor, one can call and this will definitely cause some accident... At least place the "careful yellow cone. Gourmet pub; very nice decor, sound and dimmed lights make it standout for sure. Servers same as the Mia casa, they give you an express service, no warm greeting or anything, it's more interesting for them to chat between them, other than getting to know the guest. Food in overall was bland, the highlight would be the ribs, and case closed. Suites side the beach area was not as nice as the palms... Definitely could see and smell the seaweed there, but it's not anyone's fault for sure as we saw every morning and during out the day the staff removing what was possible for them, which kuddos for them! Thinking there would be more action on the suites side, there wasn't, maybe a bit more out louder guests, but that was all. What we did notice was that the staff on the suites side were a bit more non talkative. Culinarium Breakfast was good, small portions every single dish is made in the moment... The only bad side they take too long. Being the first ones to arrive at 7:00am sharp we received our main breakfast meal at 7:46am, there were 6 other tables which arrived later on and they were all served first... So waiting over 40min for your main dish is just not fun (most of us ordered the same basics like yogurt and oatmeal, but we were served last) Dinner at the same place didn't exceed any expectations, the cream's they offer seemed more like water with orange paint, extremely small portions, hard dry duck, salads are fine I guess and just didn't feel like having dessert. Enjoyed more being at the lobby with what they have to offer with tea, and cookies. Casa mia; apparently reservations were not needed, the whole structure, decor and lighting were wonderful, you definitely feel in Venice, in Portofino, Food was delicious, prepared at the moment where you can actually see the chefs in actions, drinks were good and the whole setting we would say. The only bad thing would be the servers, they are way into a hurry that they forget some things and they are not quite interested in providing a good service, just to get the job done "in and out" . Klay talay; It's an absolute yes! You have to reserve to go here, and it's worth it, you just want to keep eating, every single appetizer, main dish, dessert etc is very very good. Antonio the captain and Daniel our server did a good job, not only with us but with every single guest they provided a good service as it should be. You actually feel in Japan while eating there. All the dinner menus could and should be improved, as providing a standard white paper with the menu printed out doesn't seem very fancy. Mini bars; requests a slight change with concierge on the arrival date, however it was not done... Until 3 days later with concierge reporting and informing them every time and day. The absolute best; Evelyn reservations; what a lovely lady we met, she was the only one who went beyond her job to help us as we didn't have any response from anyone else, 100 percent for sure our family vacation would have been a disaster and nightmare if it weren't for her and her follow-up. Her attention, service and empathy say a lot. Hopefully they will have more staff like her rather than people who insist in being around with the phones and faking a smile just to get tips... Congrats Aimeri public areas, Jose (tall slim) waiter, Juan concierge, Sheila hostes, Alejandro concierge, Humberto and Francisco bellboys. All the guys cleaning the sargassum did and do an awesome job, daily and constantly cleaning up, it's a very exhausting job, mostly with the heat and they do it, it would be quite nice and kind of the hotel for the GM to provide them with a special place with shade and water for them to rest and keep hydrated, maybe a bonus would be nice as well. Lucia who was located at the seaside market area (outside) she is a very sweet lady who makes very delicious tacos with the handmade tortillas like the authentic ones, lots of the guest don't know about it, but it's worth to go outside and ask for tacos with her. Cons We saw during our whole stay many employees with the phone in every area, a few bartenders in the middle of the grounds texting while we pass through greeting them, they are too busy answering their phone instead of greeting back. Something I didn't like at all was the constant use of foul language between them in front of the guests. Some of us do know what they are saying, and even though it might be used a a joke between them, I don't think it's professional to be talking like that during working hours inside the property. It's not very wheelchair accessible, if you are fully disabled it's not the best place. Even though they all did what they could from their side to make us feel comfortable. We don't like the fact of having sales people on the suites side just shouting to purchases whatever they are selling in the middle of when ones resting. Not sure if the suites side entertainment team identifies which guests are from their side but we were never invited to any of their activities, they didn't even care to approach us as we actually enjoy doing the activities, basically they scan you and if they think you are a party person they will smile... Otherwise your simply a "next" to them. Bellboys; they have a lot of work to do, we insist that they should help and provide service to all not only those who flash the dollars, seems more like a big hassle to them when you are not the big bucks at the moment, it reflects with their face gestures and comments. There was a day where we are guessing there were around 12 employees due to an employee's beach volleyball tournament which I find it great for them to do. What I disliked was the fact that we were struggling very much to open and place the sun umbrellas and none of them decided to help out, until 2 guests approached us offering their help. Not sure at what time the actual bar (drink service) opens as you don't see any servers around till 11am, but oddly they do appear when it comes to foreigners... If your a local or national basically you're ghosted. The golf cart of trolleys that they use to transfer you from one side to another they seem to not care about having guest walk through and by as most if them are using them as go karts and speeding around. They have to take in count that there is seniors or anyone in general that can be taken by surprise and might injure them, but seem they don't care and they keep going. Wondering why is there cameras if they don't actually tell the staff to please slow down or it's simply not allowed to do so. Overall we did have a nice stay, just those "minor" situations that can definitely be improved to avoid any future incidents and complaints. I do hope they recognize the employees who are genuinely nice, who provide a great service no matter how the guest looks like and to those who their job because they really enjoy it, Management should see that it's not only about the profit but also the loyalty.

The resort was lovely, and the staff were friendly and helpful----BUT BEWARE! I purchased a tube of Autralian Gold sunscreen at one of the on-site shops, and they charged me $78 USD! I mean the place was nice, but not the Four Seasons nice! It was my fault for not being more aware, but who would have ever thought they would have such a huge markup!

My partner and i didn't have the best experience in this hotel but that was nothing to do with the staff or hotel itself more TUI who we had booked through. Thankfully the hotel, staff, food, facilities made it a lovely holiday. Where do we start. This resort really does have something for everyone. The hotel has a number of pools and restaurants which really does mean it has something for everyone. The food in the hotel is 5 star, can't fault it one bit. During the lunch time hours on the beach the hotel run a bbq, the lunch they offer is not overly extensive at the bbq bar but it really is soo good. The prawns, and meat they cook is lovely. Our favourite restaurant was the mexican, when in mexico you really should embrace the food and when it's cooked well it's delicious. During our time at the resort we figured out a 5k running route which is marked out across the resort. The gym at the resort is very good, well equipped and very clean. The beach is kept very clean, the staff work so hard to clear any sea weed or debris off the beach. The sea doesn't get deep so it is ideal for lounging about and gives you a bit of confidence in the water. You can hire a kayak for free on the beach. would definitely return just wouldnt book through TUI