Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Great resort!

Amazing housekeeping staff! Some issues with our room but maintenance fixed them within an hour of our arrival. Wait staff were awesome and remembered your coffee/tea order from day to day. Buffet food could be hotter but great variety of food. Trolleys rarely run so be prepared to do some walking from the lobby to the beach and back, not a long walk but could be very hot at times. Lots of wildlife visible, deer, iguanas and coatimundi, thankfully didn't run into any crocodiles but there was a w [... read more]arning sign posted behind the BBQ area. If you're taking an excursion early in the am, the buffet doesn't open until 7:00 am(our pick-up was for 06:30. There were no exterior lights on for half the resort or around the pool area, when we walked up to the lobby on the early day. Fortunately we had a flashlight as we almost ran into a deer on the sidewalk

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Left to be desired

Reception: Chaotic. Got taken care by a really nice guy...who turned out to be a time share's guy that was trying to sell something. Room: Great. Got what I asked for, higher floor with an amazing gardenview (Building 8). Fridge restocked daily with 4 beers and 2x 1L water. Maid was great. Food: Not too impressed. We found the buffet limited and not very tasty. We tried 4 a la carte (Oriental, seafood, steakhouse and Italian) and none were satisfying. Beach: Didn't use it enough. Lots of weed [... read more]s though, didn't find it inviting. Pools: Big pool is fun and lively, and the beer cart guy is a good thing. Small pool by our room was great for the more quiet time. Entertainment: Adequate. Wasn't really there for that. Drinks: Beer is good. Hard liquor is perfectly fine. But you have to be a "special" member to have access to the premium stuff Staff: Depends. Bar staff, maid, cart drivers were great. Spa and time share people, just plain annoying. Sports bar: Not a sports bar, just a bar next to the theater. All in all, we overpaid for this vacation for a friends wedding. We went to much better resorts for way less money so unless you get a really good deal, I wouldn't recommend it.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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

Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Good ROI (return on investment)

This resort never fails to satisfy. Very consistent in their service, food, security and entertainment. We were pleased to see ongoing maintenance being done-painting, repairs, deep cleaning. We left comments for food to be updated in terms of health value-more zoodles, lower calorie, more nutritious with less cream sauces. Rooms could stand updating but overall well-worth the money. This was our 4th visit and we are going back.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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: 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.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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!

Blue Bay 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!

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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 :)

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 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.

Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Amazing Family vacation

Our 3rd time at this resort. Food-The steak house, (a la carte) amazing, 5 stars here. Oriental Fusion (a la carte) amazing, 5 stars also We did not do the seafood a la carte. The buffet was just okay. My husband and I agree that it was just okay. Love fish, however it was seemed to be under cooked at times. As well as some of the red meats. Yes I like my meat well done, personal preference perhaps. The beach-Beautiful warm water. Plenty of space. No need to come early to claim a sp [... read more]ot. Private beach bar. Downside, the vendors. Although there were quite a few, on the first approach from vendor I would say no thank you loud enough that I was not approached by other vendors. (That's all it took). The bridge-had to say something about this. This bridge(on the property) takes you to the beach. Look carefully and you will see turtles , chucks, and amazing birds.This bridge goes through what appears to be natural jungle. Truly amazing. The staff-Amazing, go beyond to make their guests comfortable. The animation staff, 5 stars here. We were a family of 6 travelers, as the parents of middle age adult children, the animation kept them busy, always came over to us, (parents,) just to say hi and do the High 5.

Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Never again!

The resort needs some major work done such as tile in the pool is missing and also on the decking. The mattresses need to be replaced as ours was rock hard. Door keys were probably fixed daily which was aggravating. The food was not good, there wasn't a variety. The worst we the 2 cockroaches we found in our room. Because of this we would not go back.