Let me start off by saying prior to and after booking this trip I read reviews on a regular basis. Some people really slam this place for no reason. If you want to stay at the Ritz then pay for it!

We are a family of four that travel annually. Children are 16 and 14.

After reading reviews you can expect certain things. A healthy ocean will produce seaweed deal with it. You are in Mexico some staff may have trouble with English deal with it.

The resort is very well maintained. The food was good. The food choices somewhat limited but expect that from a smaller resort. The pool is large and fun. It could be cleaner if people didn't leave thier trash in it.

We stayed in building 15 in a one bedroom suite platinum. The room was great. It very clean and modern. The maids were great. The view was fantastic. The mini bar was always stocked. The beds were fine.

The entertainment was fair. That is to be expected in a smaller resort. If you want broadway shows go to New York.

The resort is a value for your vacation dollar.

I read the reviews and yet took my chances to go for a week in mid August-Pay attention to the negatives, if you really want value out of your TIME and money. I should have done that. Overall, will never stay there again, unless they improve significantly on many aspects.
Here is the breakdown of why it is not worth your precious time, when you plan to have quality vacation: Service- C-, Quality of Food- B, Availability of resources (restaurant reservations, beach towels, breakfast area in the AM)- F, "The buffet area can only handle up to 200 people and the hotel staff had to deal with 500+ guests one morning"- This is according to one of their Supervisor staff. One night, the water smelled like sewage-- called in the front desk, and they said they were working on it- However, there was no notification of the guests- from that point onwards, used bottled water for mouth wash, hand wash, and so on. As there are stagnant water pools around the property, which also smells as if mixed with sewage, when walking down the lobby to the rooms. Dont be fooled by the Platinum Club-- We complained about the room(standard room has no bath tubs), and got upgraded to ocean front suite with Jacuzzi in the Balcony. Rooms cleanliness is OK, but towels may have dust stains. Beach had sea weed problems, and pool was slippery due to tiles/cleanliness? Nightly entertainment was sub-par overall. Restaurant reservations are critical, if you show up late the staff shows attitude. I did not see smiles on most staff's faces, either because they were overworked or because they only seem to care for their jobs asignments where you could tip them. For example: some waiters smiled when serving, but no cooks were pleased to see you stand for food. Too many chiefs-- worker bees were either running around or, pretending to be busy. Site was not managed well. A long road (unpaved) leads to the Hotel front, which makes it less impressive. Marina restaurant closed due to mosquito problem- Lame excuse. Restaurants with reservations required only, take request from 6 - 9 PM. If you still prefer to stay there-Good Luck- you may experience better quality/service.

We went to El cid for are honeymon and stayed two weeks. The resort, staff and facilities are all top notch. The food was overall ok the best place to eat is in the alcazar and the best place to eat in puerto morales was john grays. The pool was awesome but could have been cleaner the beach was amazing and overall a great relaxing getaway. So in closing if you looking for a great honeymoon or family getaway then this place is for you its not a party place like cancun

We went to the MARINA EL CID from JULY 22-29, 2008. We are a family of 3 myself, my husband and my 11 year old son. This was our second time iin mexico, first time we stayed in Cancun, this time here. Check in was a breeze until the bellboy took us to our room, our room was in the 16 building which we loved one problem It had only 1 king bed, We went back down to the front desk, Aldo was at the desk he said the computer only read that there was only a need for one bed he even showed me the computer screen, but after about a 1/2 hr. We were back in building 16 in the Luxury suite we paid for and it was beautiful and spacious. No one approached us about time shares until about the 3rd day there because we were in the lobby wainting for the Rep. from OLYMPOUS TOURS, so we could schedule our transfer back to the airport. We sat through the time share meeting which took about 90 minutes, we said no thank you, and we received 2 free snorkel trip 2 for 1 massage at there beautiful spa, which I highly recommend & 1 discount coupon for a tour of your choice. The beach was cleaned everyday & seaweed taken away. My son loved the p[ool and the cliff diving. One thing he said the slide is made out of concrete, alittle rough coming down & yes with a pool that size it does get dirty with the cups but they were always cleaning the pool at night and very early in the mornings, I think they should restrict swimming during this time. We never had a problem getting a lounge chair and hut at the beach actually we had the same spot everyday, which we had a great spot so we coulod see our some at the pool and slide at all times. Alberto and Estephan were great beach bartenders very attentative to our needs they deserve a raise for as hard as they work, but being AMERICAN I believe in tipping for great service. The food at the buffets were good,I preferred having my breakfast down by the pool buffet better service and closer to our building and we went straight the beach. The food at ALKAZAR was great and if you stay for a week don't mis the dinner at the marina restaurant 4 stars all the way! We did not like the mexican restaurant at night by the pool, but trust me we did not starve or lose weight on this vacation. Water in the ocean was very warm, there are rocks so Please bring water shoes with you because yu don't want to miss out in swimming in that wonderful water. We never had a problem making reservations and if you travel agant doesn;t tell and you don't read the reviews the road leading to the resort is bumpy they are still under construction, this should not be such a complaint one you see this wonderful resort. Can't wait to go back to see the completion of the 5 star resort. one more thing i forgot t mention the water from the bathroom faucet as well as the shower does have a strong sewage smell, when this happens just go to the front desk and explain your concerns it will be remenied just remember your in Mexico! and have fun