Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort All Inclusive

Our kids are having a fantastic time, and the entertainment has been great. The staff deserve a big thank you for keeping them so happy. We’ve only just arrived and it’s our third day, but we already love the hotel, and we’re certain we’ll come back. My son had his birthday yesterday, and the complimentary cake sent to our room was such a thoughtful surprise. We were also impressed enough that my parents decided to join us, and they arrive tomorrow. The beach isn’t suitable for swimming, but everything else more than makes up for that. We highly recommend it. Room 18008. You’re the best!❤️

The family reunion was a very good time, and our stay was comfortable, though a few things could be better. The pools were appealing and well maintained, and our late-teen and young-adult grandkids liked the organized pool activities and being able to eat what they wanted, when they wanted. They also went snorkeling and biked into town. Our room was spacious, with a comfortable bed and a balcony with two chairs and a nice view, but it smelled very musty. There’s no exhaust fan in the shower or toilet room, and the soaker tub is right in the room, so using it sends humidity everywhere. The beach has narrowed since our last visit. There weren’t enough loungers by the pool or ocean, and guests left towels or belongings on chairs all day to hold them, despite the no-reserving rule. It’s frustrating to feel you have to claim a spot early. A parking-meter-style system might help. We arrived Wednesday and learned there were no restaurant bookings left for Friday or Saturday, and only a 9 p.m. Sunday slot. Reservations aren’t allowed before arrival. The food was generally fine, though few dishes stood out. Coffee quality varied by restaurant and day, and Ile de France was usually the best. The evening shows were hard to see for the first few days because the performers were at ground level in a courtyard with no stage. Unless you were in the first or second row, the magician was impossible to see. The dancers clearly put in a lot of effort, but much of the crowd couldn’t see them. One show used a raised platform and was much easier to watch.

The kids loved the pool slide, and the night shows, kayak outings, and bike tours added a lot to our stay. We even saw a crocodile and different kinds of iguanas, and the kids spotted dolphins through the kids club. The resort and its facilities were great, and this was one of our best all-inclusive vacations. Every restaurant was good, though getting reservations was difficult and could be improved. Our flight was after 10 p.m., but checkout was at noon. We were told we could keep using the resort facilities, yet we couldn’t go in the pool because there were no showers or changing rooms available. Adding those would help guests with late flights. I’d highly recommend the resort and would gladly book again.

We wanted a more active place with a party atmosphere, so after switching resorts we went to the Wyndham in Playa del Carmen. This resort is a good fit if you want somewhere quiet and relaxing, and overall it was a good resort, just not right for this trip. My friend and I came without our kids and quickly realized it felt very family-oriented, with lots of people who seemed to be over 55. I should’ve chosen an adults-only place. The staff were very friendly, the rooms had been updated and the bed was comfortable, and the food was really good. I appreciated the manager giving us credit for one night after we switched. It’s a huge resort, so it’s easy to get turned around and there’s a lot of walking. It seemed mostly suited to seniors or families with young children.