2nd time around

We came back for a second visit with our 3 boys and again had a blast! We found the new ventus addition to the el cid very nice and the new buffet area excellent. We were impressed last year and even more so this year seeing little things being maintained and upgraded. Marina El Cid is a fantastic family resort and we're looking forward to coming back next year again!

Entertaining

The entertainment was top notch , food was really good most of the times. I found the Mexican restaurant and seafood was not a favourite on my list. The drinks l felt were not high quality drinks, l felt if l asked for a Mia Tia l can honestly say it was never the same drink twice. The entertainment group were wondering and warm and very interactive. I was a little put off when l could not have food by the pool or brought out of the restaurant, l have never had that in any resort. My husband and [... read more] l are not big breakfast eaters so l always liked the option of getting something and bringing it back to the room. ( the room service for breakfast was very limited and not appealing). I enjoyed myself but would probably never go back only because l never go to the same place twice.

Wonderful Staff

Hotel was very nice. Wonderful friendly staff. Avoid timeshare people in front lobby...some can be very pushy. I asked at front desk which one was the concierge to book dinners. We loved the pools and to walk abit around the grounds. The beach is to be desired...has alot of seaweed and was a bit rocky in water...wear water shoes. But plenty of chairs on beach and cabanas. Plenty different foods at buffet at every meal...something for eveyone. We ate at to a la cart dinners....was not to ex [... read more]cited about meals....mexican and the marina (seafood) thought there would be more variety. We tipped just about everyone so bring alot of small bills. They are adding on many new bulidings so it will be much bigger resort. We do enjoy smaller resorts so we may not go back but we did have a good time. Also wanted to add the small town of puerto morelos, a small fishing town, is good for a walk or bike ride in to do a bit of shopping. We walked the beach but didnt enjoy it..too much seaweed and difficult to walk on.

Great quaint family resort

Great family friendly resort with attentive staff and good restaurants. The kids had a blast in the pool with the waterslide, the jump, and the spinning climbing ball and the kayak races. My son also liked the basketball net in the water and had fun playing with other kids.

First Family Vacation!

We stayed here for 2 weeks in December with our 3, 6 and 8 year old boys and were very impressed with this resort. We upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite ocean view which was nice. Rooms were nice and cleaned very well. Fridge was always stocked with water, pop, and beer. Resort grounds were extremely clean and very well maintained. Food at the resort was excellent. Always something different each day. The a la carts were very good, especially the Mediterranean and the Italian. Pool activities  [... read more]were great for the kids and they also enjoyed the kids club a couple of times. There was no outdoor snack bar which almost all other places I've stayed at have, which at first I thought that would have been a down side but soon after I really liked that aspect as there are no bugs and birds trying to eat food around the pool area, etc. The cliff and water slide were excellent for the kids and adults alike. Absolutely bring water shoes for the ocean, fun to play in but very rocky. Great service from everyone working at the resort. We will definitely be returning with our kids!

Why go elsewhere?

This was our 9th visit to this resort. The courteous staff, amazing food, finely appointed rooms, immaculate grounds keep us coming back. The service at this resort is unmatched. Going our 10th time in April.

Amazing Staff !

Beautiful, clean and elegant resort. Very professional management. Courteous, friendly staff. Great grounds and location. Perfect for families and couples alike. We were impressed from the start of our stay. The entertainment staff are very hard working and talented but do not force the guests to participate.....there is always peace and quiet available in scenic, glorious locations throughout the resort. Restaurants are first class with five to choose from: The Alhambra is buffet style  [... read more]and requires no reservation (open for 3 means daily and almost totally accessible except for one hour between breakfast and lunch, and lunch and dinner). Reservations are required for the Italian, Medditeranian, Mexican and Seafood. All are fabulous. Would highly recommend this resort ! Tips are gracefully accepted from the staff but not expected, however, they all deserve a show of appreciation.

Great clean resort with a semi good time

This is my family's second year at El Cid, the third year for the friends we were with.. All was awesome last year, but this year started out less then great.. I had booked two rooms(connecting) for my two teenage daughters and us(confirmed before arrival)!! When we got there it was not at all what we had booked, the rooms they had for us were not even in the same building!!! I ended up having to cancel one room and stay all together in one!! Then there was the "no beer" for three days and on th [... read more]e third day "no more Vodka/cranberry"!!! The pools are great.. Not so much for the beach. Other then that it has great service... And if you have the honour of having Julio Ceaser as your butler it will make all the difference in the world... Awesome guy...

Fun and relaxing resort!

A fun family resort. Staff were friendly, helpful and accommodating. The resort was very clean, food was great. Nice beach. With four a la carte to dine at, our favorite was the seafood dinner. We would go back.

Better each year!

this resort has it all, great food, great service and excellent entertainment. The new infinity pool area is like its own little resort, 7th visit and looking forward to our 8th! A short 20 minute ride from the airport puts this resort on the top of the list for us!!

Excellent Stay!

The grounds are kept very well - 5 star. The food was just excellent - I have a family of 6 and everyone loved the variety. The 2 room suite we had suited us perfectly. The entertainment was very good compared to other resorts! The pool area was spectacular for adults and kids -- great water slide ;)

Another great experience and Stay !

This was our third stay at El Cid, this time we booked a one bedroom suite which was amazing and lost of room for all four of us. As usual the food was great and the staff very friendly and helpful. We upgraded to Platinum which I don't think was worth it , this was our only negative.

Great Family Resort

This is a very good family resort. The service everywhere was excellent and they work really hard non stop to keep all areas of the resort very clean. This resort was at full capacity during our March Break stay and there was never any shortage of great service that we saw. We did not encounter any Timeshare issues. The beach is not that great due to the sea grass that is washed up each day. This is of no fault of the resorts and they work all day at clearing it up. We did see some good night en [... read more]tertainment as well as all the entertainment during the day around the pool. Was never an issue to get a lounger by the pool or beach. Maid service was good and our fridge was restocked each day. The commute between the airport and resort was very efficient and only about 30 minues away from airport. The town is very close and a very safe and nice spot to check out. We did not have any problems getting the reservations for dinner and the Italian was very good. The resort is a great size for a family wanting to give the kids some freedom yet still keep an eye on them. Would return.

Great Resort

The grounds at this resort are beautiful with lots of flowering trees and shrubs. Although requests as per room are not guaranteed, the hotel moved us to another room to accomodate us as per a view of the water. Family Suite was very comfortable and clean. Staff are very friendly. We did struggle with communiction. Many staff on resort do not speak or understand English. We went the first week of March and it was windy all week. Minimal use of water sports and water was rough. Lots of seaweed wa [... read more]shes up on beach all day long. Food was very good. Lots of choice of restaurants and menu selection.

Relaxing small resort

Small and friendly best describes Marina El Cid on the Mexican Riviera. We visited in early April & enjoyed great weather, great people & great food. However, the resort is expanding with new buildings scheduled to open this summer. The only negative we found was the aggressive approach of "concierges" as soon as we arrived at the lobby pushing timeshares, They offered great discounts on excursions & features at the resort if you attend an information session. Fortunately we did not attend and d [... read more]iscovered that our carrier (WestJet) offered great discounts as well and really attentive service.