El Dorado Seaside Suites

December 2005, We have just returned from a week at the EDSS and had a fabulous time. Our room was upgraded to 3524 (ocean view) likely due to a number of rooms not in use because of Wilma. It was obvious that the grounds/trees took a major beating from Wilma but it is the tropics so everything will grow back soon. The beach beds were very comfortable.

The food was amazing and there were lots of it. Portion sizes were good when you consider that you will most likely be ordering an appetizer, salad/soup, main course and dessert. Evening menus are changed monthly at the 3 restaurants. The international restaurant has 2 lunch menus that are rotated. For lunch the Sandwicherie is ok but why have a burger when you can have a wonderful 3 course meal in the restaurant? Liquor was top shelf all of the time.

Snorkeling was good in front of the resort though the water is quite shallow. We would usually go out first thing in the morning before the winds picked up.

What makes this resort so special is the staff. They all went out of their way to make this a wonderful holiday. They were very courteous and friendly at all times; and were always enquiring about our room/meal etc.. We witnessed an extremely rude man from Toronto waiting to check in and giving the staff a very hard time and they were very polite to him.

Most of the guests were couples and were of all ages but there were some non-couples and individuals. This would be a safe resort for a single female to vacation at.

This was a wonderful resort and we will definitely be coming back next year.

February 2005

My husband and I stayed at the El Dorado Seaside Suites from January 7 -21, 2005. I am writing this review because I had a hard time finding reviews that gave this resort the justice that it needs.

We will DEFINITELY RETURN to this wonderful resort! It touched our hearts and we had the best time!

The food is well prepared and presentation excellent at all three restaurants. My Husband liked the Mexican best, my favorite was the Asian (but all were great)! Sometimes the portions can be small – so don’t feel guilty to order a lot. Make sure to order the Philadelphia rolls at the Asian – so good! When eating at the Mexican, order a Mexican coffee – the waiter used fire to make it – very cool! Plus . .if you like desserts, eat the tequila honey pyramid at the Mexican, definitely try the cheesecake – and don’t forget to order some vanilla or chocolate ice cream (it’s worth it)! A little secret for you . . .order the ice cream even if it’s not on the menu . . do the same with bacon at the breakfast buffet. Make sure to eat lunch at the sandwich place by the swing bar, the mediterainian vegetable pizza was my favorite - and DON”T FEEL GUILTY about feeding the cats! (It’s the only time when it’ll be acceptable).

Our room was beautiful! Tip the housekeepers for the towel critters, don’t use the air conditioner (if you don’t have to) and sleep with just the screen door shut – the breeze and ocean sounds are great. Make sure to let the hot water run for a bit (it will get hot) and enjoy your Jacuzzi tub! We loved the hammock as well! Awesome king sized bed with plenty of pillows! I had no problems sleeping! The gardens around the resort are beautiful was well – take many walks and enjoy them! If you can, catch a gecko for me – I always tried, just so I could hold one, but they’re quick!

The beach was also beautiful! The sand was soft and there were plenty of beach chairs to go around. Make sure to bring water shoes because of the coral reef (it’ll hurt if you don’t) and be prepared to snorkel! The water does not get real deep – but it was warm and full of fish! My hubby and I strolled along the beach many times! The day beds are a nice feature as well! In fact, we spent so much time at the beach, we didn’t need the pools (except for my hubbies morning laps). Maybe I’d have used them if it was a different time of year.

The entertainment is better than I had expected. I read so many posts about how boring this resort is – and I didn’t think it was. I mean sure, there was no drinking and partying until four a.m. – but the people staying there weren’t big partiers! We were all past that stage in our lives (I’m 29 and my husband’s 31). The main hub was the swing bar which we stayed at many of nights until 1:00 a.m. All the guests staying there mingled with each other and even danced in large circles – it was like one big party. Just remember, most are couples. We met some awesome people whom we hope to keep in contact with. Oh, and order a Mama Sita (sp) drink at the bar- not on the menu but very yummy! Yes – shoot that tequila!!

There’s plenty if activities as well – from volleyball to boche ball, to swing lessons, pool aerobics, Spanish lessons, etc. You could definitely stay busy! The animation crew was awesome in getting people involved and getting real personal with the guests. They felt like buddies you’d had for years! These young people work really hard at what they do & I can not say enough positive things about them.

DO FEED THE FISH! Finally, the staff. The staff was so amazing I was literally holding back tears when we left. These people did everything possible to make our stay enjoyable. They are incredibly friendly, helpful and will treat you like a king! Also, because the resort is smaller, you’ll get to know quite a few of the staff which really adds to that feeling of “home”. This resort is TOPS in that category!

Remember . . . .you are in Mexico so you can expect some glitches here and there. Your on holidays though, just relax and go with the flow – nothing’s that bad! Have fun!

DO TIP THE STAFF!!!! They deserve it! Plus, you’ll be amazed at how much harder they’ll work (even though they don’t have to). If you can, bring some things from home (sports caps, crayons, care packages, etc). The staff loves stuff that they can’t get in Mexico.