Excellent resort

The grounds and public areas were well maintained and very clean, the buffet restaurants offered a large variety of choices, our room was clean and comfortable and the staff responded quickly and effectively when we phoned to say we had no hot water in the shower. Check-in and check-out were efficient. The a la carte restaurants gave us an opportunity to try some different menus - we liked all of them. The staff throughout the resort were unfailingly friendly and helpful. There were some ver [... read more]y loud young guests in neighbouring rooms but after complaints from some other guests, security dealt with the issue by encouraging them to party at the 24 hour bar instead of their rooms. From my perspective, this solved the problem. No complaints about this resort at all.

2 weeks in paradise

We stayed from Feb 3 to Feb 17 for the second time. What can I say beautiful weather in a wonderful resort we enjoyed it even more this time. Great food great rooms and a lot of new friends. Service was excellent rooms were spotless and a bed as comfy as home. We can't wait to go back and are planning a week in November. Thanks Blue Bay and everyone that works there.

Fantastic stay!!

Easy booking with no issues through Tripcentral. Hotel and grounds were nicely kept and staff was very accommodating. We booked a few excursions through the hotel..Ricardo,our Westjet rep., was very helpful and a genuinely great guy.

Sub Par Experience

The resort itself was nothing spectacular, the rooms were average; we had an ocean view room where you had to hang off the balcony to actually see the ocean. There was also a VERY strong sewage smell in the bathroom a few mornings and we requested a king and ended up with two doubles instead with no chance of changing as "nothing was available" despite them not even looking through their system to verify. The food was hit and miss. All the buffets were pretty terrible but most buffets are so  [... read more]I wasn't really surprised. And for the most part the a la carte restaurants were good. It's worth noting that despite this being an all inclusive resort, they put big restrictions on what you are actually allowed to consume. Alcohols are very specific and anything above average is for "VIP only". I can't tell you how many times I was told this on our short stay. Also, there isn't much to do at night at this resort, and the main bar has a number of pool tables and air hockey tables that you have to pay for, so be prepared to spend extra money while you're at this resort. The staff were the most surprising part about this vacation. 90% of the staff we interacted with were rude and arrogant and were quick to dismiss you so as not to have to do anything additional. I must say however the cleaning staff were incredibly sweet and down to earth. Lastly, this next part goes towards Sunquest Vacations and not the resort itself. I would NEVER book another trip through this travel agency again. The airport shuttle both to and from the airport were a nightmare. When we arrived, it took about 15 minutes just to locate the gentleman who was to drive us and then we waited another 30 minutes before he passed us on to another driver to take us to the resort. On the way back, we had to confirm our transportation with a representative at the resort. After having an appointment, we waited around for 25 minutes before she arrived. And after finding out our departure date and realizing she couldn't sell us any excursions she was brisk and snappy and quick to stop waisting her time. Now for the morning of our return flight home. Our shuttle NEVER even showed up to take us to the airport, despite being 30 minutes early. We waited an additional hour before deciding to take a $70 cab ride to the airport ourselves ... deciding that was cheaper than missing our flight. We continuously asked the staff at the resort if there were any delays with our shuttle and they all kept saying "it's coming, don't worry". Finally we asked another shuttle driver from a different travel agency and they told us "to promptly make other arrangements or we'd miss our flight". So much stress for such an expensive trip. I feel like there are plenty of other nicer resorts, with lovely people at a more affordable rate than this place. I can't say I would ever recommend this resort, and I guess it goes without saying I would never return.

Amazing Resort

We stayed at the Blue Bay about 4 years ago and were impressed then and this time was even better. The food was fantastic the service was amazing they are constantly cleaning and doing whatever they can to please their guests. The resort is always clean and fresh and the ambiance is fabulous. I didnt want to go home and will definitely be back People said the beach wasnt so good but I thought it was fine no different than any other beach in Mexico maybe a little shorter in depth but nice al [... read more]l the same

Great Resort for a wonderful vacation

Was a little hesitant to stay with all the mixed reviews; however our stay was wonderful! We ended up in block 6( away from the beach) had a pool and a snack shack there, so it was quite (mostly). Large rooms, good beds, great patios, large bathrooms with huge showers. Grounds were well maintained, the staff was friendly and attentive. The unlimited a-la-carts was a nice bonus the food was good, the drinks were just as good. Spent many evenings at the swing bar on the beach (our favourite  [... read more]spot) Now the negative: Yes there is some maintenance needed on the pools as tiles are missing, and perhaps a little more attention to morning skimming. At the beach bar they don’t wash the glasses, but rather they are soaked (in what I am not sure) and you are never given a straw at this side of the resort (I get why but gross!!) Events on the beach are not alway posted if you have a pool day you don’t know what’s going on... Beach is not private so beware of venders

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda

Overall the resort is very good. Clean, tidy and generally well kept. The staff are very friendly and helpful. More attention and expedience could be spent on maintenance. For example the one elevator was out of order all the time we were there as was the only ice machine on our floor. The day we arrived we reported that a face plate had fallen off an electrical outlet and that the rod to close the drapes was not actually connected to the drapes, These minor items were not fixed during our stay. [... read more] On our last night we were denied the opportunity to reserve for dinner at one of the on site restaurants we were told that we had only the choice to use the buffet or go to a "special BBQ" for Air transat passengers which they called a promo for "long term accommodation" ( read time share). We do not care for BBQs but they would not budge. The resort blamed Air transat and the air transit rep blamed to resort.

Relaxing Good Time

Very spacious, well groomed and maintained resort. Staff is super friendly and accommodating. They go out of their way to serve you. No complaints about the food, it is abundant and always fresh. Pool areas are neat and tidy, lounge chairs and palaps are comfortable and relaxing. Beach area needs a little work, primarily more beach and less rocks. In fairness to the resort, it can not control the ocean and sea or its currents. I particularly liked the five dollar taxi shuttle service fares [... read more] into Playa del Carmen 5th avenue this resort offered three different times daily. What an excellent way to see how old and new Mexico meet and mingle. This is one hot holiday well worth the investment. Thanks again Trip Central, your still top shelve.

Great resort!

The grounds are very lush and it was great to see Caoti every day, deer and some iguana. Service and drinks were excellent as was the food. The steak a la carte was really good. The beach is disappointing but the quiet pool made up for that. Buildings 6,7 and 8 were close to the quiet pool and there is a restaurant right there as well. Beware of Circle One timeshare people. They are a bit much when you first arrive.

Very noisy room

We stayed in building 8. At end on ground floor, by the stairwell and elevator. It was noisy from 8 am until 5 from staff and carts with virtually no break in the noise level. Combined with coming and going by guests, not at all restful. It was the worst hotel room I’ve ever had. The grounds are extensive, walking to beach, main buffet and bar average step count was 10,000 a day. The nightly entertainment was poor other than circus night. Food is good, only got sick last day there. Ocean  [... read more]is mirky with a lot of seaweed etc.

Perfect week and wedding

We stayed here for a week and were married here. This resort is beautiful, the rooms are so clean and big and jacuzzi fit 3 comfortably(emerald jacuzzi suit)the food is delicious and fresh, the staff is amazing and so accommodating! I would definitely go back. As for our wedding, it was perfect and they went above and beyond for it. It was a dream come true wedding. Thank you BlueBay Grand Esmeralda!

Good Resort

Service was great..everyone was so friendly and helpful, pools were nice..bar tenders were fast and very friendly , ocean wasn't the greatest..lots of rocks but the view was great! Food was average..breakfast buffet was great, rooms were nice, well kept!

Great resort!

This resort is beautiful!! It's clean, the food was great, the staff was super friendly and helpful! There is lots to do right on the resort which was great! The pools are amazing! All over super impressed with this resort and I would definitely go back :)

Nothing not to like

Well maintained grounds, very clean with great food. Have visited this hotel before and nothing has changed, consistently good service. Very friendly staff, nothing was too much trouble, they really want to please their guests. I would recommend this hotel for an all inclusive stay.

A nice stay

The resort was very nice and visually pleasing! The rooms need a bit of maintanance but they do just nicely. The food and drinks were great, overall very good service. Shout out to Obed who was very helpful and friendly. The only downfall is the beach, but you can always go to a nicer beach not to far off the resort.

Love every minute!

Traveled to Blue Bay Grand Esmerelda for a last minute vacation in early January 2018. Overall we were very happy with the resort and would recommend visiting! Our room was near the back of the resort which meant we had about 10 mins walk to the beach but the plus side is that we were very close to the quieter pool, main buffet, front desk, booking excursions, gym, and a smaller buffet. We requested to move to closer to the beach and the staff was very accommodating, but we ultimately decided to [... read more] stay where we were. The food was amazing and there was no shortage of fresh guac which won me over! We had no trouble getting into any of the a la cartes, very easy to book and all were pretty good. The drinks were great, tons of selection with the option to ask for premium booze. Would highly recommend making the 10 min walk on the beach (to the left) as it leads to a beautiful cenote.

Our fun in the sun

We had a wonderful time at this resort. The room, grounds, washrooms, restaurants all kept very clean. Staff was very friendly, even those that kept trying to get us to sign up for circle one (that part was a little annoying). We had previously been to gourmet resorts so we're determined not to do food comparisons. There was plenty to choose from in the buffets and we enjoyed the A la Carte restaurants. The only thing we didn't like was the inconsistency of the "drinks" and the inconsistency of  [... read more]what their "dress code" was. Example being, my husband wouldn't be accepted in dress shorts, dress shirt, closed toed shoes and had to buy long pants but it was acceptable for others to arrive in torn jeans, tshirts and ball caps! No exaggeration!!! That being said, it would not stop us from returning to this resort. We had so much fun and met a lot of wonderful people!

WARNING!! Mexico is DANGEROUS!

I travelled with my 22 yr old daughter to Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda from Dec.24-29. On our second last day she was drugged and taken from our room in the middle of the night! I woke up and she was gone. I believe hotel security tried to cover it up and offered no help. The USA government has posted warning for tourists but the Canadian Government has not. Trip Advisor removes posted reviews that reflect any of the tainted alcohol and drugging incidents. Stay safe and avoid this count [... read more]ry! The drug cartels run the country and law enforcement, so you have no protection. We were lucky and made it out alive and now how safe. I will never travel to Mexico again.

BB has exceeded my expectations

Having only 10 days of my vacation left after a very tumultuous November I wanted some piece of mind to relax alone on a decent and affordable Mayan Riviera resort. It was pretty much the last minute choice through my fave Tripcentral gate. The flight by Air Canada Rouge was smooth, transfer included and short, check in and bell service professional. The layout of the resort is hard to apprehend at first, depends which building you stay at and how late your flight was and how tiered you are. Adv [... read more]ice, just sit down and relax at Black&White bar, pick up your frequent train to the beach area to get acquainted to the resort and the next day you'll walk the rout in 5 min with close eyes. When they finish renovation of a small pull with a bar close to the buildings remote from the beach area (it's almost done) the resort will gain another half of the star. The beach is nice, the bay is a bit shallow, but I've seen much more shallow on PEI :) To cut it up, just wanted to say Thank You Very Much to Martin, who was taking care of my room service, Irma a concierge at Bonampak who has changed my a la Carte reservation in a flip like a magic to SeeFood and have always had a smile I won't forget, and of course Willy, in Di Rossi restaurant - try his grilled mid-rare salmon in cranberry souse prep in red wine. Delicious! Mexican a la carte was awesome too, I forgot the name of the guy, probably too many Don Julios :)... Don't miss Grand Parade on Thursdays, it's like Rio in Mexico! Show cast was awesome, they have some great dancers. I already miss you, guys! Lexa

Pros and cons

My husband and I travelled November 7 - 17, 2017. Like any resort - there are pros and cons - depending upon what's important to you. Food - 10/10 - amazing food!!! Unlimited a la carte - there are 5 to choose from. The main buffet is clean, great staff service, lots to choose from - even a small gluten free section. Lounge - the a la carte lounge outside the restaurants - lovely to sit out side for a pre or post dinner drink and listen to live music. Great jazz!! Room - 9/10  [... read more]- clean and updated, bed linens changed daily - which feels like a bit of overkill - but I can tell you we appreciated it. Again great staff. Mini fridge restocked daily. Building concierge - 10/10 - Javier - what a great guy - remembered our names from day 1, spoke to us each day in passing - checked in to make sure all was ok. Free Wifi - 8/10 - spotty service, wifi code needed to be renewed about every 3-4 days, not a big deal - they gave out a new one without any questions. Only one free wifi pass per room. There is additional wifi available if needed for I think $3.00 USD/day. Pools - 8/10 - ongoing maintenance. The quiet pool for the first 5 days was awesome - then it went down for maintenance, but by that time another pool was re-opened. The spa and onsite gym looked great - we didn't partake in either. CONS Onsite timeshare sales - they will tell you they aren't timeshare - but they are. We went for the free spa pass - finally walked out after about 3 hours - never did get the free spa pass - didn't really care at that point. I recommend if you are not interested - just say no right up front - waste of a good portion of your day otherwise - and you've already paid for the 'free' breakfast they offer. Beach - 3/10 - not a great beach at all. We didn't go in the water at all. Hotel website - don't take anything on this site as gospel - they advertised free steam sauna - it's $50 USD per visit when you get to the resort. Overall - for us the pros outweighed the cons, we had a relaxing time and ate far too much!