El Dorado Seaside Suites: Beautiful Resort!

This resort was spotless, well-maintained, friendly. The workers here were phenomenal; always assisting, greeting, cleaning, etc. The food was delicious and plentiful. The drinks were also delicious and so many to try! The beach on the Infinity side is still being built but it did not disappoint; there was always a place to lay and despite needing water shoes the water was lovely and refreshing. I wish I could remember every single name of every single person who took care of us: Juan and  [... read more]Guadaloupe on the beach, Antonio and the other bartenders at the swing bar on the Sensimar side ... so many lovely employees who were so friendly and helpful.

The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences Playa Del Carmen: Amazing resort

This place was absolutely beautiful and amazing one of the best trips we ever did cant wait to return The food was amazing the room was to die for ...so enjoyed this place so so much not enough words to say how beautiful it was

El Dorado Royale: Amazing Resort - Perfect for Couples!!

This was our second trip back - and won't be our last! We absolutely love everything about the El Dorado! Food: Is amazing and not any of your typical line-up buffet style, you are seated with a menu, and the quality and service is excellent! They also have 24 hour room service which is also - amazing! Drinks: All top shelf (you do have to request the brand you would like), however the bar is full of all the items you would drink at home, and they are happy to make you all kinds of del [... read more]icious cocktails Room: We decided to get a swim up this time - and I would HIGHLY recommend this, the pool butler brings you fresh towels, snacks and ice cream, and the servers even bring you drinks while you swim about in your room Conceirge: While we decided not to do the 'sales presentation', they were most welcome offering us a pillow menu and different aromatherapy sprays for the room. They also helped to find out about our return transportation for us. We were celebrating our Anniversary and they included a free romantic beach dinner, a HUGE breakfast in bed, along with all kinds of other things, including sparkling wine and flowers brought to the room (on a few occasions!!) Overall, the resort is just beautiful - it is large (you can use the restaurants etc at the adjoining hotel) but feels small and all the staff are so friendly. The only 'slightly' negative would be that the beach is not the greatest, however it is still not bad, and there are plenty of pools all over the resort that you would never be far away from water!

The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences Playa Del Carmen: Azul Fives never disappoints!!

This is an amazing resort and the staff are flawless. Second time at Azul Fives and we are heading back for two weeks in Feb/18. We would recommend this resort to anyone of any age. Lots of pools and they are continually expanding.

Selection Riviera Cancun: One of the best resorts i have been too

I have been all over Mexico - 12 times to be precise. This is one of the best I have been too. Food was excellent - top quality even at the buffet. Beds soft and great view from all rooms. 24hr room service available and food came fast and hot. Resort very small and intimate, everything was less than 3-5 minute walk. No need to book restaurants, you could go to as many as you want as often as you want. No arms bands. Only negatives where - beach very rocky need water shoes. Adult only restaura [... read more]nt you need to book early as you might not get in as we didn't. Purchased wine with dinner not worth it - however house wine was great. Coffee bar extra cost. However never pressured to buy anything. Staff were amazing - always helpful. Resort more suited for the 40+ crowd, quite and relaxing.

Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun: Resort was Excellent !!

The grounds, upkeep and cleanliness of the resort were fabulous. Service very attentive and top notch. Staff wonderful and Food excellent !! The beach staff and Concierge were very attentive and service on the beach was over the top. The only thing I would have asked to change was that the entertainment in the evenings should begin earlier - 8pm rather than 9pm

The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences Playa Del Carmen: Great resort!

Rooms could use some updating as there seems to be a lot of water damage, but we still had a wonderful time and the food was hands down the best we've had at any all inclusive. The pool right outside our room made it seem like we had our own private pool.

Selection Riviera Cancun: Really good resort

Room are clean , room service really quick and courteous really good restaurants with diverse food for pretty much any taste The pools are kept clean and easy access. Beach was not great. The water was a bit mucky. Due to season

The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences Playa Del Carmen: Best vacation !!

Pools are beautiful. The beach is small and rocky but the pools make up for it. Food is AMAZING !!! Rooms are beautiful Service is impeccable Cleanliness is on point! The only negative thing is the lobby very small

El Dorado Casitas Royale: Looks good in the picture...but

I was really looking forward to my week at El Dorado Casitas Royale. After having spent a week this summer at (Azul Sensatori also by Karisma) with a friend I thought my husband and I would have an even better time at El Dorado Casitas Royale, after all we were paying almost double to go there! Unfortunately this was not to be. After the worst check-in we have ever been through, after waiting five hours for our room we were sent to the wrong room, we got a swim-out when we booked an infin [... read more]ity pool on the second floor. So back on the shuttle we go for a ride back to the little lobby for Casitas guest for another long wait for room #2. Finally they tell us everything is ready to go, so we get back on the shuttle and off we go. We are hot and sweaty, been up since four in the morning and can't wait to jump in the pool. We open the door and can't believe it, they gave us a room already occupied, someone's purse and personal belonging's were everywhere, I had to enter their room to call the lobby and tell them the room was taken, I felt like I was invading their privacy. Yes folks we're off to the lobby again for our third attempt, by now we are ready to blow, but we have to wait our turn. there was a couple who were there at our first and second attempt at getting a room but now the "F" word is flying free their refusing to pay their bill their planes leaving voices are getting louder everyone in the little lobby is focused on them and no one else. We were asked to please wait. I asked for a wet towel to wash the sweat of my dripping face and the manager f inally after more waiting and having them repeat to us excactly what it was they were sorry for and what they were going to do about it, we finally got our room. It's now past 4:00 in the afternoon We really liked our room, the outdoor shower is great, my husband loved the jacuzzi and the inifity pool was our favorite part even though it was showing it's age, rust and old plaster everywhere. Like everyone said about the beach, it's bad, can't comment on the nighttime entertainment other then the show they put on for their country's birthday, which was just sad. The food here is not even close to what was at the sister hotel I was at in July. I wish I had taken my husband back there. From the food to the people who get you through the week this is not a 5 star by a long shot. If you want to feel you got what you paid for and leave happy and content save yourself a couple grand and go to Azul Sensatori where your will feel the food is 5 star and the service is too. I travel quite a bit and I always tip every one well from the gardener to the personal concierge. Just goes to show, you don't always get what you pay for. I left this resort with some wonderful memories,although it had nothing to do with this resort and everything to do with who I was with. El Dorado Casitas Royale is a weak 3 stars. Even though they gave us a dinner by the beach[ with a limited menu] and threw some rose petals on our bed to say sorry We had an all around Ok time but would never go back.

The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences Playa Del Carmen: So so

We've been here before I wouldn't go again. Our room was dirty, however they did come back after we asked and cleaned the floors. Service wasn't great. Food was good. Still waiting for our pictures that we paid for. They were supposed to be mailed a few days ago after we did a family photo shoot. Hopefully we get them, as we paid for them.

The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences Playa Del Carmen: No longer a five star resort

Unfortunately, I think when they changed the name from Azul Fives to Azul Beach Resort The Fives, there was a change in management and significant downgrade in service. We have been to multiple 5 star resorts in Mexico and spoken to families on this most recent visit who have been here before and everyone agrees, this is no longer a five star resort. Sadly, we won't be returning. I'll start with the positives: -They are pretty liberal with beach towels. You'll find plenty of new towels in bi [... read more]ns throughout the resort, no need to exchange with towel card. -Always plenty of cold water bottles at all the bars and tons restocked daily in your room. -Love the smoothie bar. They use fresh fruit and milk or yogurt so a good healthy option. We frequented this multiple times a day. -Wifi is available throughout the complex. -They still have kid supplies available: crib, extra bed, sound monitor, baby sterilizer, high chair, baby bath tub (note: non suite rooms are shower only, they do not have tubs). My issues: Day 1: -We arrived late in the evening and the usual welcome drink and cold towels were not offered. We got a grumpy front desk attendant who took forever to register us. We were in the building next door to the lobby so they didn't even offer a butler to help us to our room. Already, we noticed the service was off. -We get to the room and it's boiling hot. 30 Degrees. After 10 minutes of turning on the AC, we realized it wasn't working. I picked up the phone to call the front desk to discover the phone wasn't working. Had to walk back to the lobby. -They eventually moved us to another room and gave us an upgrade (we already booked a two bedroom suite, and now got a two bedroom sky suite) but it was almost midnight before we were settled. Day 2: -We go to the concierge to do the usual restaurant reservation bookings to find out two restaurants are closed and the others are closed various days of the week. -You can also only book restaurants one day in advance which meant we kept having to go back each morning to book. -The restaurants are also open at different times and the schedule is ridiculously hard to remember. Kept having to refer to the paper but on numerous occasions, we'd end up at the door and realized it wasn't open. -The kids club was closed the entire time we were there. One of the reasons we go to Azul Five is because it's a very kid oriented resort. This majorly sucked for my 1 and 3 year old. They moved the babysitters to the teen club but there is nothing for kids to do so we never left them there. Didn't have major issues on Days 3 and 4 Day 5: -The resort ran out of coconut cream!!! HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? This may seem like a minor point for most people but I love my pina coladas and other coconut flavoured drinks, especially from the smoothie bar so WTF! -Now, my biggest issue and the reason we will not be returning. There was renovations going on in the suite below us all week but on this day, it was particularly loud and very annoying. I called the front desk and they said the unit below was owned by a private owner and it was out of their control. If you didn't already know (which I did not), Azul resorts allow some units to be completely owned by people and they pay extra for food/drinks, etc. I spoke with the manager on duty and they said the owner would have to stop noise by 6pm. However, I had two kids who still needed to nap and could not. They were both also scared of the noise because it was loud banging and drilling. Totally not what you need for a vacation. -There is also not enough places open with AC during the day. All the lunch restaurants are open restaurants. The lobby is tiny and you can only go in and out of the shops so many times. Other negatives: -There is construction everywhere. It is annoying. -The only english speaking people are the front desk staff, waitstaff and the concierge. You no longer have a private butler who knows your name and helps you with things at the resort. Housekeeping and people working around the resort do not speak English and it is hard to ask for things you need. -This resort doesn't have designated nonsmoking areas like other resorts so maybe I'm used to Canada were you can't just smoke anywhere, but smoke everywhere bothered us. -There is no turn down service (i.e. house keeping only comes by once in the morning). That means no replenishment of fresh towels and when your kids drag in sand from the beach in the afternoon, you live with it until the next day. No chocolates or towel animals either this time. -We went in the heat of summer and were looking for ice cream during the day. They don't serve ice cream with room service. The only place that had it was at the Oriole outdoor restaurant by the beach. It is a long walk just for ice cream. And lastly, my thoughts on the accommodations. We opted to book a suite this time. Loved having the extra space and area for the kids to sleep with a closed door. We didn't use the kitchen at all. The kids liked the large living room couch. However, I don't love the open concept design. Some standard rooms have a divider between the bathroom and beds but some down. That means, your tub and sink are in the same area as the bed. The shower and toilet have glass doors but it all essentially one big room. Not a fan. Now, usually when I give a bad review, management will reply with a comment that said they wish I spoke to someone about my issues. Let me reassure you, I brought every single concern up with someone at the resort and with the exception of the room change, they were not resolved to my satisfaction. We barely got an apology for most of the issues.

Sensatori Resort Punta Cana: Sensatori Punta Cana Makes the Grade

Visited Sept 3-10/2017. Yes, more to follow about Hurricane Irma. This is the fourth time to a Karisma/Sensatori resort, most recently Sensatori in Mexico in 2015, and fourth time to Punta Cana. Thus, I think that is recent enough, and frequently enough, to provide a fair comparison of this resort to others in the Karisma family, and to its competition. The resort is just over a year old. It is clean and fresh and the grounds crew do an amazing job keeping it so. Nothing is amiss. Modern a [... read more]nd pristine comes to mind. It is easy to walk everywhere, and the centre piazza and restaurants is an interesting concept. Location is about a 35 minute drive from the airport. The beach has plenty of room and lots of chairs. Finding shade during the busy season may be a challenge. Due to weather conditions, the water was rough and pretty much red flag during our stay. Did play a bit in the waves, though pretty rough. The water this time of year is amazingly warm.Suffice to say that the location results in very few beach vendors bothering you (security staff also ensured that no one lingered). The beach is public space, however, any vendor didn't really move up to where the loungers/chairs and guests were. No doubt because security keeps a close eye. There is also not a lot of beach traffic, so if you like to people watch, well, bring a mirror. lol A plus to this location is the fact that vendors don't have boats tied up along the shore. Thus no boat noise and no boat fumes. Not like Bavaro beach that has lots of boat traffic and related fumes that go with it (yes, location dependent along Bavaro). The pools were pristine, with an infinity pool overlooking the beach. Very nice. The composite decking does get very hot. The staff are typical of a Karisma/Sensatori resort; amazing. Special shout out to Angel ! The food at Sensatori Punta Cana is not up to par with the Sensatori in Mexico that I visited in 2015 (second time there). Having been to other resorts in Punta Cana three other times, most recently 2016, I would say the resort has a challenge ahead of it. Not for lack of trying though. Due to the approaching hurricane, I was only able to dine at the Verdello twice, brgrs once, Lighthouse for breakfast, and buffet the balance. Each time I ordered the ossobuco at Verdello I was told they didn't have any, with no further explanation given. If you don't plan on ever having it, take it off the menu, or at least advise that it isn't available. The ossobuco served at the Sensatori in Mexico was one of our favourite meals. BRGRS was good with many choices. The Lighthouse restaurant is near the beach and provided decent breakfast and was adults only. Sugarcane was good. The room is plenty big. Mine was on the third floor and provided a nice view towards the water. Lots of space, high ceilings, large balcony with enough furniture to suit your desires. Along with a collapsible hanger to dry clothes on (not sure why guests ignore that and ignore the posted note that asks guests not to hang stuff from the glass railings). The mini bar was well maintained and stocked daily. Hurricane Irma Wow, what an event. This is where the Sensatori staff, management and TUI Team really stood out. On the Wednesday about 700 guests were evacuated to Santo Domingo for safety sake. Everything the team did was for the safety of their guests. While other resorts put guests in large rooms (think of 300 people sleeping on the floor and waiting out a storm of epic proportions and not knowing what to expect) Sensatori relocated their guests to a safer area. We all returned on the Friday and were greeted by a band, refreshing drinks, snacks, and staff singing a welcome back song. It was like returning home. While the resort and Punta Cana area were fortunate to miss the brunt of it, I can't imagine how a resort would take care of guests if restaurants and grounds were out of commission. In summary, I selected this resort because of what I like about the Karisma/Sensatori standard and level of excellence. From that perspective, I was not disappointed and say 5 Star. The only downfall was the food which I hope is something that can be addressed. The food would be a 3 Star.

Selection Riviera Cancun: Great Resort for a family vacation

Resort is beautiful, clean, friendly staff, lots of family activities. Kids enjoyed kids club and looked forward to going back. Food is excellent. Spa was excellent good RMT. Only negative on check in we did not get the ocean view room we booked. Only upon seeing our room we realized they give us the wrong room and had to go back to the main desk. They first told us only their honeymoon suites have ocean view . Eventually they upgraded us to a family suite with a partial ocean view. Another n [... read more]egative is the beach is covered with seaweed and staff is constantly cleaning. Understanding this is beyond human control. We stuck to the pool and did not swim in the ocean. Overall great experience.

Azul Beach Resort Negril: not a bad resort

good but could have some fans or air conditioning in the restaurants area as for the room,they could have being clean better they didn't change the sheets on the bed the whole time we were there all they did was just make the beds, the food was ok but it should have moer island food and after 10pm you weren't not able to get any form of meal

El Dorado Casitas Royale: Excellent Resort

Wonderful place to relax with amazing service. You could barely notice that a nasty tropical storm had passed by the day after. It does not have the best beach but it is good enough. It is not for you if your major interest is playing and enjoying being in the sea. However, you will certainly enjoy the many pools available which are everywhere and are quite good. We were very nicely surprised by the ecological friendly philosophy of the management in this resort

The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences Playa Del Carmen: Not bad not the best

This was my third time in Cancun and would have to say that this resort was more of a four-and-a-half than a 5 reason being the beach was beautiful rooms were clean service was great and everyone was super friendly however the food was okay very small buffets and very repetitive also there is absolutely no nightly entertainment or disco for people that want to go out at night or do anything at night to became extremely boring and would have to go off resort to the club area in order to do anythi [... read more]ng this Resort is great if you have a family or are in your 40s to 50s that just want to relax but anyone from their 20s to 30s would find this Resort boring.

El Dorado Seaside Suites: Great honeymoon resort!

The resort was beautiful! The food was even better! It was a great place for our honeymoon, a party in the pool and laid back at the beach. There was one bartender that really stood out at the big swing bar. He danced and sang all night long and kept you entertained. I loved the swing bar! However there was another smaller swing bar and one of the bartenders could get you drunk in two drinks and had a terrible attitude when you asked him to put less alcohol in... we avoided him! The other staff  [... read more]was great! Very friendly and they are all hard workers! The room and the view was beautiful. My only complaint would ve that the room service was either cold or the person in the kitchen had no idea how to make things... there was only 1 time where it was warm. The beach could also be a bit bigger but everything else madr up for it. We would definitely go again

The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences Playa Del Carmen: Good but not much fun

Service is great. However after 1 am its dead. Every bar is closed. Cant swim in the pool. No people outside. Great if you are looking for a quiet place. Not cool if you want parties. Close to lot of cool places. If you want to rent a car and go to places your self its nice.

Selection Riviera Cancun: Great Resort!

Good service, friendly staff, clean room, nice pools and restaurants. Always offering to serve drinks and quick service. No pressure to purchase a time share or purchase the prestige plan. Short transfer from the airport. Enjoyed our stay.