Before I continue with my personal review, keep in mind that I am a younger guy who hasn't traveled a lot or stayed in many 5-star resorts in my lifetime. If you a more experienced and critical traveler, you may disagree with my opinions.

Anyway, my wife and I decided to stay at the El Dorado Royale for our honeymoon in June, so we booked through AAA last January. We wanted a swim-up casita but found out that all the casitas were already booked up. Later I discovered that you don't stand much of a chance getting a casita unless you book at least 9-12 months in advance.

We wound up going during the week of June 27 and stayed through the 4th of July. It rained during the first day but was actually sunny for most of the week. However, we wanted the rain back after a couple days since it was very hot and neither of us are used to that amount of humidity. When we go back, we will definitely return during the winter months when the humidity level is down a little.

Ok, so the resort was absolutely beautiful and our Jr. Suite was great. The grounds are maintained by a staff of 600 and they are constantly grooming and pruning the grounds.

We were also pampered beyond belief. The dinners were some of the best meals I have had in my life. We especially loved the Candlelight Dinner on the beach. It was very romantic and wound up being the perfect way to celebrate our honeymoon. The waiter even brought us a "Happy Honeymoon" cake at the end of the dinner. Actually, all of the dinners were great and I'm going to miss the star treatment by the staff.

Oh, I should also mention that one night we got back late from a day tour and missed one of our dinner reservations. We went to the lobby and the concierge was able to fit us in at a later time at the same restaurant. We were very happy they took the time to squeeze us in even though it was our fault. They are very committed to making you happy there.

The only drawbacks were that during a couple meals they forgot to bring an entree or an appetizer we had ordered. A very small problem and we weren't that upset about it, but it was kind of odd sometimes that they'd bring my wife's entree and never come back with mine...so I would have to ask for it a couple times until they'd finally bring it, at which point my wife would already be done with her meal. It was kind of annoying but we felt that overall, most of our dining experiences were amazing.

Also, there really isn't a whole lot to do at the resort itself. If you plan to lay by the beach all day...this resort is for you. I just felt about halfway through the week that I'd like to do something a little more exciting like jetskiing or parasailing. The resort does not offer must in the way of this type of excitement. They do have deep sea fishing and you can also book some day time excursions through the travel office out front of the resort, but I was just looking for some quick fun type activities right at the resort. We also wished they have Pay-per-view movies and better shows at night.
Otherwise, this place is great. We would definitely go back. Great food, great staff, well-maintainted grounds, and a beautiful beach.

Just got back from our honeymoon on July 3 2005, we spent 1 week there and I have to say that it was a really nice resort. As others have said the food is great for a resort. I felt a few times that the presentation was a little too much for what ended up being an O.K meal. The fact that you need to book reservations in order to eat dinner every night started to get annoying. Book early or go hungry. Lol. Room service is always available, but I didnt pay that amount of money to end up eating in my room.

My one suggestion to the resort would be to provide a buffet style dinner
place where no reservations are required.

Service is great and everyone is very friendly. The entertainment is alright. We really enjoyed the Myan show. There is no real disco there. The bar where the entertainment takes place every night ends up being the disco. The music played after the shows is awful. I dont think they have up-dated the music selection since the mid 90's.

The beach is what I expected from reading post before we went. Myself and my wife are pool people so it worked out fine.

We had an ocean front room (# 4021) and the view was great. It was close to the disco and you could hear the music at night but it ended up not being that bad. After a day in the sun drinking and tanning you'll sleep like a baby. We wondered around the casita area and I wasnt all that impressed.
The casita area has about 4 or 5 smaller pools with swim up bars and lounge chairs all around. They do not have restrooms in the area, you would have to go to your own casita. I guesss this was done on purpose to cut down on the riff-raff hanging around their pools. LOL All in all I dont think that they would be worth the extra $$.

It rained the firat day and a half that we were there. The place is pretty dead when it rains. It is an adaults only resort and the majority of the people we met there were on their honeymoons as well. The only single people were there for weddings.

All in all I think I would return to the EDR. It was a ralaxing getaway and we enjoyed ourselves. We were by the end of the week ready to come home.

Not allot of helpful info here, just our opinions. Enjoy your selves.

We stayed at El Dorado during May 2005, we had a great time, so much so, we have booked to go back next year and get married. The staff were so friendly and the room was really nice. I have been to Mexico before and suffered from a very bad upset tum but El Dorado wash everything in mineral water and even the ice cubes are made from mineral water, so no worries there!

Most reviews didnt tell me crap about what to do or not do - so here is a little and I hope it helps you... I am a bar and restaurant owner in san marcos texas

When you get off the plane in Cancun you will walk outside and be met by all sorts of people trying to take your bags for money. Just keep walking straight ahead to the group of buses (aprox 35 meters). There you can ask one of the funjet guides which bus to get on for the El Dorado Royale. That should save you a dollar a bag.

Your bus trip will be the first stop on the way to 3 resorts. I would guess aprox 25 minutes.

When you arrive at the lobby dont bother trying to be first in line to check in or anything like that. I tried this, and the sheppard (fun jet Rep) made me return to the flock for a slow check in. The process will take 10-15 minutes.

During that 10-15 minutes I would suggest you slip out of the room and let your significant other fill out whatever paperwork you are given. Walk to the front desk to get a reservation for dinner at one of the restaurants and also make reservations for the rest of your dinners. Remember that breakfast and lunch are relaxed, dinner on the other hand is by reservation and if you have your stuff together why not get it done with in one shot... I was turned down a few nights because I did not give enough notice. What is enough notice?? Hell if I know. If you arrive sort of late room service is 24 hours and you can order 2 of everything if you really want to!! Room service will not deliver alcohol so set your drinking schedule accordingly.

They will escort you and your bags via golf cart to your room. a small tip wouldnt hurt...

beach socks are good if your feet are sensitive in the water. A lttle bit or corral lies beneath the water

Entertainment

The worst part of the resort is the lack of real entertainment. I read a review before I went of the trip about circus de solie performing their once a week. I wish I could shake that moron to the floor. What they have are a few performers that double as bartenders or foodservice people. And Im serious. The show was ok for a little bit and then it was just plain retarded. The only show that is worth anything is the Karaoke singing with a live band. The problem is they only have about 45 songs in the book so your pretty much screwed if you have a song that you would like to sing to your guy or girl. Bottom line is enjoy yourself and your guy/girls company-dont count on great entertainment to do that for you

DO NOT GO ON THE DEEP SEA FISHING TRIP. They bait it, drop the lines, set the hook and fight it, and then give you the rod. Worst 6 hours of my life! I was embarrased to be a fisherman that day.

Thats about all the advice I have. I had a wonderful time, and really enjoyed my ladies company. God bless and enjoy yourself.