El Dorado Seaside Palms reviews
6277 TripAdvisor reviews
Very Good All Inclusive - Some things keep it from 5 stars
Joe E (Denver, Colorado) on Dec 19, 2024
Went on a couples trip (honeymoon) for 7 nights. Overall we had a great experience and would recommend. Things that made this place 5 star: Service (VERY good service everywhere you went), grounds (one of the more immaculate grounds we have experienced - very well kept up and clean) and rooms (spacious large, and clean). Things that could be improved: The hotel map is has issues (one restaurant not listed, a bar listed under services and not bars) - minor but a 5 star would not have this. Gym equipment is very outdated. Food is just OK. Not bad, not great. Just good enough were you don't leave disppointed - but don't think you are getting 5 star meals. An annoying thing - happened three times where they ran out of Kettle One (which we drink) and when asked when will it be re-stocked the answer is "tomorrow". Talking with one of the bartenders - they stock for the day and when out of a bottle they are out. Seems you would have a plentiful stock at all times at all bars at an all inclusive. Mexican Fiesta night was very disappointing - same thing as the lunch buffet. Been to all inclusives where the Mexican Fiesta is an extravengent event - not here. Finally - the fire alarms were beeping (like in your house when the battery is dead) in the three restaurants and the fitness center for 5 days straight. Talked to a manager - I guess it was not a battery issue and they had no idea how to fix. Was super annoying eating - and everyone would ask what it was and be annoyed in the restaurant. Again - not something that would happen at a 5 star. This place though is a good solid 4 star option. The grounds, service and rooms certainly keep it at that level. The beach is nice on the Palms side - not spectacular but nice. Always a day bed or lounge to be found - which is a huge plus compared to others I have been where it is cut throat to get a chair. For the price point I would recommend.
Fantastic Vacation
Benjamin E on Dec 14, 2024
We visited another El Dorado property back in 2018, but were a little hesitant after seeing some of the reviews upon changing ownership. I will absolutely be returning to Seaside Suites in the next few years as we had a wonderful experience. The food and liquor quality is definitely a step down from our previous visit, but every other aspect remained top notch. The setting, views, entertainment, and service were wonderful. Ivan, Leslie, and Carlos provided great butler service, Alejandro in the Driftwood bar was a real one, and Veronica kept the drinks coming as we spent 8 hours a day on a Bali Bed. If you are questioning coming after reading some of the reviews, just book it. Eat the tacos by the Guacamyas bar at night, hands down the best food on property.
PROS and CONS for our 1 week stay
Oleg S (Toronto, Canada) on Dec 13, 2024
PROS and CONS for our 1 week stay (travelled as couple) PROS -Firstly, staff were excellent, very hard-working and attentive, always with an "Hola!" -The rooms were nice and updated. They had a large shower, a Jacuzzi tub and comfy beds. -Towels changed daily and more than enough for the two of us. -We stayed on the 4th floor so we had a view of the ocean over the palm trees. -The grounds are maintained to a very high standard and everywhere is very clean and tidy. -The beach is beautiful and the sea was very warm. you will always find a sun bed and waiter service is a plus! -Snorkelling by the beach was great, and we saw a few stingrays. -We also enjoyed our meals, with one or two exceptions. We recommend La Caretta, Klay Talay and the Mexican. CONS -Keep your room away from the Guacamayas bar if you don't want Dj music until late. -Our room offered a beautiful view, but the air blowing from the AC was pretty stinky. That’s why we always bring Travel Air Filters AC vent cover to clear the air flow from AC. It really worked wonders! -Irritatingly, smoke detectors in every restaurant we visited were beeping, needing new batteries. That said, everything about this trip was wonderful. The setting, service, beach, and festive atmosphere make this resort a fantastic destination, and we wouldn’t hesitate to return. Eldorado Seaside Suites remains a slice of paradise, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit!
Amazing stay clouded by a horrible experience
J H on Dec 10, 2024
We had an overall amazing 2-week stay for our Honeymoon at the El Dorado. The food was amazing, the staff were fantastic and the entertainment was brilliant. However, unfortunately on our last night a male guest a couple of rooms away photographed and/or filmed me (33F) while I was in the shower, by holding his phone at the window that was facing the communal balcony that anyone could access. My husband and I confronted him and he denied it, but I called security who arrived promptly. Long story short, nothing was done to remove him from his room as there was no CCTV that could prove his actions. We were given a free table at the event that evening for "our trouble", but was later harassed on 2 occasions by the man's wife who told me I was lying and to stop spreading false information. We were told on the morning of our departure that another guest had also accused the same man of photographing them in the shower and they were waiting for them to make a full statement. We were told that we would be updated on the outcome, but it has been 1 month since are departure and despite chasing on email, we have heard nothing. It is a shame that this happened, but it definitely case a shadow on our stay at the resort. CCTV must be improved for guests' safety and I certainly would not return until this kind of security was put in place.
Good reviews Vs Bad reviews - don't be put off
ali1965 (Birmingham, United Kingdom) on Dec 06, 2024
I have to start by saying, I was so conflicted reading the reviews before I went. Tui need to make it clear that they occupy the Palms side. Having the names of each resort as "El Dorado Suites" and "Tui Blu Eldorado suites" adds to the confusion. Once you arrive everyone from bellboy to cleaners to reception staff to ground workers and waiters/waitresses, they could not be more friendly or more helpful. The room, yes a little dated, but exceptionally clean. Towels changed daily and more than enough for the two of us. The beds are enormous and very comfy. There was so much storage and a very large bathroom. The mini bar is stocked daily. The only disappointment was the water pressure in the shower. We booked a premier room (514) this gave us a pool exclusive to Premier guests with really comfy loungers and a swim up bar with the best staff ever!!! We had read the reviews about having to wait for hours to get served for dinner. I can only speak for us but we did not experience this. Yes when we went in were told there could be a wait, but we never waited more than 15 minutes at the bar of each restaurant. If they tell you it could be up to an hours wait, do not be put off, you wont wait very long. I think they air on the side of caution. There are only two restaurants to book the Italian and Asian, but they are both really good and worth booking. If you like wine, the Rose is awful, White acceptable with ice and the Red hit and miss. Maybe stick to the cocktails. The grounds are maintained to a very high standard and everywhere is very clean and tidy. The way the resort is set up sometimes it felt like we were the only ones there. The beach is beautiful and the sea was very warm. you will always find a sun bed and waiter service is a plus! One of my highlights was the Racoons on the resort. They are really friendly and will take food offered to them (very gentle) To sum up, do not be put off by negative reviews and TUI take note, I'm sure if I had read the reviews before booking, I wouldn't have bothered. You need to sell it as "The Palms"