El Dorado Seaside Palms, a Spa Resort - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

14317 reviews

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  Incredible honeymoon

  We have just returned from our second trip to this resort. First time back in 2017 and then this time we returned for our honeymoon/ one year anniversary after falling in love with the place so much first time around. We were a little apprehensive that things may have changed a lot over the years and it wouldn't be quite as magical as the first time but it definitely lived up to our expectations! On arrival to the resort, check in staff had no idea about any TUI honeymoon/anniversary offers noted on our account which we were told were included at the time of booking, which was initially a little disappointing. However, upon speaking to concierge the next day, they were very helpful and went above and beyond to make our stay so special. Shout out to our concierge Marilyn for making sure we were so well looked after. She arranged a romantic breakfast to our room on our anniversary, a bottle of sparkling wine delivered to the room, our room was decorated, sweet treats on three different occasions, sorted a great spa offer for us both and a special anniversary dessert in the restaurant on the last night of our holiday. It was made so special for us and we're so grateful for that. The resort itself and the grounds are beautiful. It really is a paradise and such a gorgeous setting to wake up to and walk around every day. It's quite intimate yet still lots to walk around and see. Buggys are on hand everywhere to take you wherever you want to go too. The beach is stunning. Sadly sargassum season is in full force so we weren't able to go in the sea very much. But the guys on the beach work so hard all day long trying to clear it up! We had a swim up junior suite which we absolutely loved. Our room, 4006, was right near to the swim up bar and got fantastic sun all day long. The rooms are authentically Mexican themed, which we liked. They do look a little dated and could probably do with a freshen up and painted brighter but we were told this was in progress. Housekeeping is fantastic. They do such a great job, room is cleaned and refreshed with new towels daily. Mini bar and water bottles are constantly stocked up. And had lots of different towel art on the bed throughout our stay which was lovely. Food is great, there's a good selection of choice. Buffet breakfasts were a little repetitive but good food. Klay Talay and Mia Casa you will need reservations for, via concierge, but are so worth it. Klay Talay was our favourite meal during our stay. Seaside market has a good choice and different themes for evening food. The only disappointment was La Carratera (the mexican) which we absolutely loved last time. For some reason this was closed and temporarily moved into the buffet place at night. Nobody told us this and theres no signage anywhere to say it was closed/ moved. The menu is also nowhere near as good as it used to be which was such a shame. The themed dinner nights on the beach (Mexican fiesta) are amazing, such great food. No need to pay extortionate amounts for a 'private table' which they tried to push, just eat at the shared table and then move to the chairs at the front after to watch the entertainment. There's also a brilliant choice for lunch. Sandwicherie has the best wood fired pizzas, burritos, burgers and all the nachos you could want. Driftwood was also lovely. Although we loved the beach bbq right at the end of the resort, chicken skewers were so yummy! Drinks are plentiful and so much choice. My only gripe is they have got rid of the cocktail menus so I didn't have a clue what I was asking for. I found myself asking what other people had or just telling the bartender what sort of thing we liked and they'd make something up. Within a few days, we'd discovered some fantastic cocktails though. There's a great choice of entertainment. Lots of daytime activities if thats your thing. We did a tequila testing session which was fun. We enjoyed the evening performances (mexican fiesta, fire show, glow night, acrobatic performances). The white party was a little pointless, there wasn't much of a party, just lots of people sitting around listening to some live music. However, the silent disco that followed was so much fun! The foam party on Saturday afternoon is also fantastic. It is definitely not a party resort, there is a dj in the evening at Guacamayas each night but it's a much more chilled vibe. Some party animals there for sure but if that's something that is important to you, this probably isn't the place for you. We think there's a good mix of a peaceful resort and the chance to let your hair down a bit. The app was a bit of an issue. TUI push you to use their TUI Blue app, which is very informative. However, the resort also has its own app/ website which lists activities and info etc. Which we only know about from being on a resort facebook group, nobody actually told us about it. There is also a list of activities on the tv in the rooms. Now the problem with this was they all didnt match up. There were activities listed that didn't happen. Eg, TUI app said a cabaret show one night which we, along with a few others, sat waiting for and wasn't until we asked the bar man who said there was no show. There were a few instances we noticed things not matching up, so we were never really sure what was right. This really needs to be sorted out. There used to be screens dotted around the resort listing activities which were better. Not everyone uses the apps. The choices of excursions are great. We went to Xcaret - a very very long day but worth every second. We also did the Cenote swim and swimming with turtles which was incredible. And also the $1 shopping trip via TUI. The jewellery and tequila factory shops they take you to first are great, we really enjoyed this. However, the shopping trip to Playa Del Carmen... never again. They drop you so far away from the fifth avenue shopping area. Then strip itself is just hundreds of shops selling the same stuff. And scammers EVERYWHERE and we unfortunately were scammed. It did not feel very safe and sadly put a real dampener on the trip. We booked our excursions via the TUI reps at the resort. Marcelo was fantastic and so informative. We had a slight hiccup with a booking error on their part and he got this sorted with no fuss at all. We visited the spa twice during our stay. We had a hydrotherapy and massage offer via concierge for our anniversary. The spa is beautiful and my massage was dreamy. We loved the hydrotherapy treatment so much that we booked it again for the final morning of our stay to relax us for the veryyy long flight home. Don't be fooled by the 'today only' offers though, there's a deal to be had every day. Spa reps everywhere, they're lovely but trying to get commission and actually we got our best offer through concierge. There's lots of wildlife and animals around the resort - lizards, racoons, coatis, capybaras, snakes.. which is really cool even though i'm slightly terrified! The staff are wonderful, every person you walk past says hola with a smile. Tipping is highly encouraged. Being from the UK, its not really our culture to tip so don't feel pressured to do it just because the Americans are because the staff don't expect it. However, we did tip lots of the staff purely because they deserve it, they work so hard to make the stay so special. The vibe of the resort is lovely, everyone talks to everyone and it's super friendly around the pool areas/ bars. Almost everyone we spoke to had been to the resort before, and so many people come year after year. And there's a reason. This place is special and will capture your heart, just like it has for us. Sadly, i'm not sure we will be back (at least for a long time) as we have a little one and with this resort being adults only, it will be difficult. But we remain hopeful to be back one day. We have fallen in love with El Dorado all over again. We can't thank you enough for making our honeymoon so special.

  Jun 12, 2025
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  Amazing holiday, staff and location superb

  El Dorado – Nearly Perfect in Every Way! I booked this trip as a surprise 50th birthday celebration for my wonderful wife, and she was absolutely thrilled. We arranged private transfers through Canada Transfers, and I can’t recommend them enough—smooth, professional service all the way. The hotel, located on the Palms side, is a true gem. Nestled in a lush, rainforest-like setting, with birds, Komodo dragons, and raccoons roaming the grounds, it felt like a paradise. The entire property is meticulously maintained, creating a tranquil and immersive environment. We stayed in the Premium Section, which is a 6-story building complete with its own pool and swim-up bar—perfect for a romantic getaway. With six à la carte restaurants to choose from (two of which can be booked through the concierge), the dining options were excellent. Each meal was delicious, and the staff were a standout—polite, helpful, and always smiling. A special shout-out to Andrea, the TUI representative, who went above and beyond. She surprised us by decorating our room for my wife’s birthday, and it was beautifully done. The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and lovely. A small tip for future visitors: if you're staying for an extended period, bring a dehumidifier bag for the wardrobe. The humidity can cause clothes to dampen, and I found mine about a quarter full after 10 nights. There were a few minor improvements I’d suggest: It would be nice to have some light snacks available while enjoying an afternoon drink before dinner, and the quality of both red and white wines could use some enhancement. Wine lovers might be a little disappointed with what’s on offer. Overall, though, I can’t fault the experience. It was 10/10 all the way. We’ll definitely be returning in the future!

  Jun 11, 2025
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  Make friends with these guys ASAP!

  We had an unforgettable time at El Dorado, my first trip to Mexico and a huge part of that was thanks to Jose Angel and Maria! They were full of energy and made every activity, from volleyball and kayak races to painting and fun new games - so much fun. A top tip: make friends with them as soon as you arrive. They’ll get you involved, keep you laughing, and make your whole stay way more enjoyable. Can’t recommend them enough!

  Jun 08, 2025
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  Eldorado seaside suites.

  So my wife and I had a great 2 weeks at this hotel but each day was more special by the magnificent entertainment team comprising of Jose, Angel, Andrea, Maria, Luis, Benjamin , Launa and mike. Every day they ensured we had lot's of activities to keep us entertained. Well done guys 👌

  Jun 05, 2025
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  SEAWEED

  The food is fantastic , the grounds of the complex are beautiful, rooms i would say are somewhat dated , the staff are friendly but like a tip , I guess that's the American influence, if you like the beach and the sea you'd better avoid this hotel , it was like a building site with the JCB up and down all day clearing the seaweed, in all honesty I've never seen anything quite like it.

  Jun 05, 2025