El Dorado Royale, Catamarán, Cenote & More Inclusive Aparthotel

The gardens were beautiful and very well kept, and there was plenty of room to get away from the crowds. We enjoyed the range of restaurants, and the buildings looked well maintained from the outside. The staff were generally cheerful, courteous, and helpful. Inside, the bedrooms felt dated, with old furniture and lighting that could have been brighter. Some beach loungers were also old and uncomfortable. Check-in took a long time, and we weren’t told clearly which facilities were available or which areas were off limits. We only learned during our stay at Dorado Royale that some loungers and pools, including those near the Casitas, weren’t for our use. That wasn’t on the maps or explained at check-in. It would be easier to find your way if restaurants and bars had signs with their names. Labels on the desks in the main lobby explaining who works where would help too. The attention to possible food allergies was admirable, but the questions got repetitive. Since evening meals had to be booked and the restaurants already had the reservation details, it seems simpler for the concierge to ask once, record the answer, and pass it along with the booking.

The people are what make El Dorado special. Our waiters Eleazer, Antonio Ku, don Victor, the young man named Francisco, Mauricio and Roberto were always smiling, welcoming, and attentive. They really cared that we were having a good time, and I’m grateful for that. I’m happy we keep seeing them when we come back. The facilities are beautiful, and the food and drinks are good too.

The staff were friendly and fun, and one waiter even taught us some Spanish, which made dinner more enjoyable. The food is amazing, the pools are great, and 24/7 room service was a real plus. I loved my stay and would come back. I do wish they managed the beach chairs more like Maroma. When chairs aren’t being used, they should be available for someone else who wants to lie out, and there needs to be somewhere to store belongings. It wasn’t enough to spoil the trip.

Our butlers Gabby and Hugo were fantastic, always quick to help with our requests. The staff overall are professional and attentive, the food is amazing, and the resort is beautifully manicured. The beach is nice, though some ocean entry spots are rocky, so water shoes are a good idea. We also enjoyed the entertainment, especially the "Cirque du Soleil" style act at Guacamayas. You can dine at the other resorts on the same property, which is nice. We stay here or at Casitas 2 to 3 times a year, and we’re returning in March and June. El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas never disappoint.