We stayed at the Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort Riviera Maya from November 22 nd to November 27th 2008, Thanksgiving week.
There were 18 of us, all on the same flight coming from Philadelphia and the first time for our group visiting the Riviera Maya. I booked us all through US Airways Vacations and got the best price from them.
The Cancun Airport was quick, friendly, and clean. From the time we got off the plane, went to the bathroom, went through immigrations, got our bags, went through customs, got on our Best Day Travel transfers van, it was maybe an hour. Not bad for 18 people. It only took 15-20 minutes to get to the resort.
Check-in was a little hectic trying to get all of us in the same building together (this was supposed to have been taken care of prior to arrival). The men got drinks, brought the women drinks, took the kids and went exploring while we were checking in. The time checking in was a blessing in disguise because no one attempted to come over to us about timeshares what-so-ever! After we got what we wanted, we were on our way.
Our Jr. Suite was in building 18, 3rd. floor. It had a great view of the pool and partial view of the ocean. The pool has a huge rock formation that has steps you climb to a "cliff" jump and slide. It also has waterfalls all around to play in. The room had double raised bowl sinks with modern fixtures and large marble shower. The fridge had 2 Modelos, water, and sodas. We left our room by 7am everyday and came back by 5 everyday and was always done, and very clean. We did leave a few bucks a couple of days for cleaning ladies and the fridge guy, even asked for extra water and beers, never a problem. My only two complaints were the bed was very hard so I asked for a mattress topper and the next day the bed was made with the topper on it and it was much better. Secondly----at 5 am every morning a flock of white birds came to the logoon behind the building and woke us up. Since we were awake, we got up, got ready for our day, went to breakfast, and was ready for the beach by 7:45 everday. This was also a blessing in disguise since the sun set @ 5.
We spent our days laying on the beach, playing at the pool, and hanging out at the swim up bar. There were plenty of chairs at the beach and pool. Even some beach beds were empty. They also had hammocks, eight total. The beach was beautiful and raked every morning of seaweed from the reef. There are some rocks and coral about 10-15 ft. in, so don't go running right into the water, I hurt my feet a couple of times, but didn't cut them. Just so you know they are there! Once past that little part, smooth again! It was very windy first two days there, so plenty of waves for boogie boarding. We did get the handsome water activity guy, with the six-pack abs, to take us out on the hobie-cat. That was a nice little ride, he doesn't keep you out there for long, maybe 15 minutes. There are kayaks to take out also.
We walked over to the marina from the beach and there are alot of iguanas laying on the rocks there sunning themselves. They do have laundry facilities over there also. Did not get to go to the Marina restaurant, (seafood) so I can't say how it was personally, but 4 people from our group went and they liked it.
The Pool was a little chilly but refreshing. The tiles are slippery so be careful, especially after you've had a few. The cliff jump was alot of fun. Watch out for the slide, I hit my head on both sides going down and skinned both elbows. The kids didn't complain about the slide so I think the bigger you are, the faster you go, so watch out....you have been warned!! They have water arobics everyday and we did it the last day we were there and it was a blast! Of course the swim up bar was our hangout spot and the bartenders there are awesome and fun! They will make your drink as strong as you want, just ask! Our favorite was a pina colada with an extra floater of dark Bacardi on the top.
The Food----The Alhambra was the breakfast buffet, we went everyday @7:15. Anything you could imagine, fresh, and tasty. Fresh eggs made to order at the omelet station, was the best. As soon as you walk in go directly to the right and you will sit @ Alfonso's tables...he is THE BEST with professional service. Even though it is a buffet, he pays attention and is right on top of your every need. This is where we went most nights for dinner also. Every night was a different theme with lots of variety.
The Alcazar-----Wonderful food, professional service again!! They also paid close attention to detail and seemed liked they have always worked in a 5 star restaurant. We had 14 people eating together on this night, I made the reservation for 6pm the day before, no problem.
The Hacienda---- Lunch buffet. Great food, alot of variety, no problems here either. They open @ 12.
Lobby Bar---They had a band every night we were there. One night they did bingo and gave away prizes. It was fun for adults and kids. The bar tenders here took good care of us as soon as we arrived and when we were waiting for our shuttle to leave.
We did the snorkel tour through Prontotours. They took us out to the Meso- American Reef (second largest reef in the world). They had a special 2for1, so it only cost $22.50 per person. This is a MUST DO. Especially if you have kids. Mine are 10&11 and had no problems out there on the reef. We saw alot of fish. It is a quick 2 hrs, so it doesn't take alot of your day, and only 15 minutes on the boat to get there. We were almost right in front of where the lighthouse is in Puerto Morelos.
We went to Xcaret one day and the kids swam with the dophins, saw some wildlife, swam in the river, and left. It is the Disney World of Mexico with alot to do and see and wish we would have went earlier and stayed later to get the most of our money, but we didn't. If I didn't have my kids with me, I would not have went here, I would have went to a cenote or Chitzen Itza instead, but this was their day.
My only regret was not booking 2 more days to be able to fit it all in!
We had a girls day at the El Cocay Spa, myself, daughter, sister, and mother. We had energizing messages $ 95 each out on the beach under huts. AWESOME!! First you go into the sauna, then the steam room, then the cold plunge pool, message, and finally hot tub. My daughter fell asleep during the message, I had to wake her up by hitting her with a towel because she wasn't answering me when I called her name!
My kids didn't do the kids club, but I noticed everyday there was a line of kids waiting to get in, so it must have been fun. A couple of days they had painting by the pool, which my kids did and enjoyed. They also did games out on the beach with the kids and volleyball, which our group played a game of (and paid for it dearly the next day, not as young as they thought they were).
The grounds are beautifully maintained, as was the pool. I saw a couple of cups floating here or there in the 5 nights I was there, but the pool is HUGE, (22,000 gallon pool) of course cups will be blown in sometimes. Oh, there were signs all around the lagoons on the property warning of crocodiles. We finally saw one down the embankment and I got a picture of it.
All of us had a blast here at El Cid. The people here are very courteous, helpful, and friendly. They work hard for their money, so please tip them, they absolutely deserve it!
I know there are so many more resorts to stay at in Mexico, but after the experience we had here I'm afraid I'll be disappointed. At least I can have confidence in recommending this resort to my clients!
Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have or with help planning your next vacation at HOTEL MARINA EL CID SPA AND BEACH RESORT RIVIERA MAYA.
Sherri Hall
SHERRI@TRIPGUY.COM