Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort

I definitely recommend using cheap Caribbean. Everything packed in one. Above and beyond in helping people out to find the best package.

This review is long overdue, as I visited Marina El Cid last year, the week before Christmas. I spoke to Stephen, a Cheap Caribbean rep, and he suggested Ventus El Cid for an amazing rate. Not being familiar with that part of Cancun, I told him I'd need a few days to research the place. Stephen cautioned me that rooms were going fast. He was absolutely right, as I called 2 days later, and the rates went up. As an aside, due to a mixup on my part, I didn't book with Stephen, but another rep. I was booked at Marina El Cid, not Ventus. It turns out they are sister resorts, sharing the same amenities. I booked the Amster shuttle from, and to the airport. I believe it cost $20. It makes stops at other resorts along the way. If you're in a rush, I believe a cab costs about $40ish US. With the stops, the ride from the airport is roughly an hour. Upon arrival, you get a wrist band, that allows you entry to the many restaurants and facilities. I received a password for wi-fi. For a fee, you can get faster wi-fi, but I had absolutely no problems connecting with the laptop I brought along. I had the smallest room available. There was a king sized bed, and in the small sitting area, there was a Murphy bed, that could be pulled down. The room was absolutely beautiful, and I believe all rooms have a balcony, where you can sit and chill. There was cable TV, and I was able to get English language channels, but who goes on vacation to watch tv? There was a small safe where you could secure your valuables, passport, etc. The AC was excellent. There's a mini fridge stocked with bottled water, soft drinks, and beer. There was a double-sink, and soap, shampoo, mosquito repellent and body lotion is provided. This room is more than sufficient for a couple, or small family. The resort is sprawling with the restaurants, gym, teen center, Jacuzzi, and pools scattered about. There's about 7 restaurants scattered about. I didn't bother with the "nice" restaurants, where you need a reservation (and I believe, long pants and shirts are required). I'm on vacation, so I live in my shorts and t-shirts. The food was absolutely fantastic. Breakfast could be cereal, made to order omelettes, yogurt, fresh fruit- just name it, they had it. Lunch could be burgers, grilled steak, again, you name it. I had most of my dinners at the buffet style Mercado de Delores, where a fairly wide array of food was available from Italian to crepes. You can go back again and again. NOTE: please tip your wait servers! I noticed that no one tipped these hard working people! There's a coffee shop where you can get coffee to go, along with pastries and ice cream. The staff, from maintenance people, to waiters/waitresses, to gift shop cashier- ALL were astoundingly polite, and friendly. In the very large main pool, activities are held daily, with loud music. Keep this in mind, when booking a room. You may not want to be blasted with music. My room was a bit out of the way, and overlooked a lagoon. This isn't a complaint, just an observation. Kids, and young teens tend to gravitate to this area. Towards the Ventus side, things are quieter, and I believe there's an "adults only" pool on that side. Oh, you have wait service while at the pool beach. The beaches are not much to speak about, as it's very rocky. Get water shoes if you wish to venture out. There's water sports, like kayaking, etc. available. If you're strictly a beach lover, you won't be happy. Other reviewers complained about the smell from the seawood that was washed up daily, but I didn't smell anything. There's a crew that cleans up the beach daily. There's nightly shows outdoors, and music in the main bar areas. I don't drink, so I can't say whether drinks are free. I've stayed in nicer resorts, but none that was all-inclusive the way this place is. "All inclusive" means just that- you don't need to spend a dime, outside of gifts, or tips. It's fair to say this is a family resort, and very kid friendly. I don't have young kids, but I still found this to be a very relaxing, very affordable getaway from the winter cold. This is away from the Hotel Zone, so if you're looking to party, you'll have to rent a car. I was more than comfortable, so I never left the resort- a first for me, as I normally rent a car to go exploring. This was a perfect getaway for me, and I'm deciding whether to go back again, as I need to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city living. This was the perfect get away for me. Highly, highly recommended! Lastly, I had no problems in drinking the ice water with meals!

We would've given the beach and pool 5 palm trees but the "seaweed" is awful on the beach. The workers are out there with shovels, rakes, dump trucks and tractors trying to clean it up. We also realize that the resort has no control over what is happening in the ocean and on the beaches. It is an ongoing issue that several of the resorts along Cancun, Riviera Maya and Tulum are facing. It is sad to see the clear blue and turquoise water slowly turn brown. The pools were amazing and a lot of fun! We will definitely stay at this resort again regardless of the "seaweed". Overall, I would give the location, room, staff, restaurants and resort 5 palm trees!!

If you are a beach lover please don't go to this hotel. You will get upset when you see the beach. If you love the pools this is the place to go. The food was good. Nothing spectacular. After 3rd-day food becomes so boring. We did go back home with stomach issues???? The rooms are very clean and the room service is great. The entertainment was good every night. Mosquitos will bite in the evening so bring spray. It is not that far from Cancun airport but Amstar will pick up and drop off other people from different resorts so be ready for a long trip to the airport and hotel. Overall this place is ok. Very expensive souvenirs, my family will not return because of the beach and not a pleasant smell around the resort. I am still looking for a perfect vacation location...