El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma

We have been coming to this resort for over 20 years and this was our 2nd stay in Casitas and first visit since the property was purchased by Lomas. After some travel delays we arrived at 7pm to the resort. We were told our options for dinner were room service or the chef’s market in Generations. The food was terrible, cold, and it was not maintained well. The hardest part was making dinner reservations. We were there 4 nights and were told no reservations were available for us in the adults only side so we would have to eat in the Generations restaurants, even with reservations after 8:30pm. I did not pay for an adults only experience to eat meals with children and crying babies. The resort is very clean and the staff is great. The rooms are dated. Our indoor shower did not get hot water but the outdoor shower worked great. The casitas pool experience is fantastic and it’s a close walk to the beach. This is not an ocean swimming resort so if that’s a requirement for you look elsewhere. The resort is also quite large and finding shuttles during the day is a challenge. There are not many food options in the casitas section and it’s a far walk to get food. Also there is no poolside food service or wait staff in the casitas. Overall we won’t be back. The dinner experiences alone ruined it for us.

This was our 13th visit to this resort in the past 19 years, and it will not be our last. It is the staff, service, quality food, and amenities that keep us returning as happy Exotic members. After a week’s stay at intimate Eldorado Maroma (also owned by Lomas) for the incredible beach, we transferred to a ruby-member swim up at Casitas Royale for Dec 18-25. Complimentary Lomas transfer between the 2 resorts was included because of the length of our stays. We were situated in the member’s casitas section 32 at the North end of the resort, closest to Generations. This is about a 1km 12-15m walk to the main lobby or main entertainment stage. Shuttles appeared to have increased in frequency since our last visit and were very regular behind the casitas (10-15m), but not frequent on the ocean side. If you are looking for a swimmable beach, this is NOT the resort for you – book Eldorado Maroma instead! There are a few areas in front of section 32 where you can take a dip in the warm ocean on calm days. Otherwise, you will be spending most of your time in the pools. Most days you could find a bali beach bed at any time of the day, whereas pool chairs and pool beds were in high demand. We’ve suggested numerous times in our reviews that the hotel separate the bali beds from the beach chairs so more people can use the beach (ie. So two people can’t reserve 4 spots just for themselves) but this hasn’t been taken under advisement. This trip we saw one couple selfishly reserve a pool bed, beach bed, and beach chairs just for the 2 of them, and didn’t clear their towels when they were done. Of the changes we’ve seen in the past 2 years, the food quality and selection remain top-notch. The small shop close to the exotic check in behind building 32 is now an ice-creamery and cafe complimentary to all hotel guests, a beach bar has opened where Jo Jos used to be near the main pool on the Royale side, and a second private beach bed area has been opened on the Royale side for Exotic members near the main stage. Also new, at the beachside Gaviotas bar near Kampai, we were happy to experience evening Karaoke twice in the week we were there. The hostess was incredibly friendly and searched for music even if not in the song-list binder. With there being no other nightly entertainment on Christmas eve, Karaoke kept the party a-rockin! For restaurant options, we recommend using the GA Dorado app and booking dinners as quickly as possible because most become full 2-3 days in advance. Butlers and concierges can also assist with bookings. We did experience one glitch as we had used the app to book dinner at D’Italia casitas, only to be notified by our butler (not the app itself) the day before the reservation that the restaurant was closed that night. By that time, seating at other restaurants was limited. However, the Generations Chef’s market (buffet) is always available for walk in. Between the 3 resorts, there are so many dinner options that within a one week stay you will not need to repeat. Seating availability at the Generations restaurants are prioritized for Generations hotel guests and therefore reservations tend to be early (before 6pm) or later (after 8pm) for Royale or Casita patrons. The restaurant hosts and servers are diligent in asking if you have food allergies upon arrival and share this with the chef. We would like to extend appreciation to the following staff who provided notable service during our meals: Habb (Generations) – ANGEL. The Indian cuisine has plenty of spice and flavour and remains one of our favorites. Wine Kitchen (Generations) – LUIS. This young man knew the importance of serving a fresh martini in a GLASS martini glass versus a plastic one, and we watched him continue to politely and diligently serve three teenagers without judgement after their mother left them to dine alone due to feeling ill. They weren’t equipped with a tip, but we made up for it. Sante Fe (casitas) – VICTOR. We love the proximity of this restaurant and its options for both dinner and breakfast. The breakfast Brioche French toast is delectable. Mediterranean (Royale – formerly D'Italia Vilas) - RAUL was attentive and friendly, and complemented the wonderful food. For Christmas eve, a special buffet and outdoor entertainment complete with a mariachi and pinata were held at Cocotal restaurant. This is always a MUST if you are there for Christmas eve! No reservation needed. The musical entertainment in the lobby – the “Summers” trio and Dana Kennedy, were a pleasure to see for the second year in a row. #32 Restaurant – exclusive for Exotic members and Casita #31/32 guests – we miss you Chef Vicki and your famous guacamole! The menu has shifted from seafood only to other non- seafood options, and food is prepared fresh on the grill. We’ve never seen such large shrimp and fresh tuna tostada! Tipping – when the minimum wage in the Mayan Riviera is <$20 USD a DAY, and we are spending thousands of dollars to relax at this resort and be pampered, we choose to tip even though the resort is advertised as all-inclusive. The front desk will exchange large USD denominations to smaller USD or pesos. You will not be treated any differently if you choose not to tip, but it is incredibly appreciated. We have some “enhancements” we have mentioned in past reviews we would like to repeat to Lomas Hospitality that would have made our stay even better: -bring back a gym area to the Casitas sections -consider having Activity Team events in the Casitas section. ED Maroma had prizes for trivia contests and bingo, and even up-tempo dance lessons which are always so much fun! -if not at the pool bar, then at the main bars, offer some of the following: Cider, Gingerbeer and (please) gingerale -swap out Diet Coke for Coke Zero at all restaurants and in-suite mini-bar -always have Ice Tea available at the Pool bars -*separate the beach chairs (add beach umbrellas) from the Bali beds in section 31 and 32 so that more members can relax on the beach -Karisma had a complimentary “anniversary package” available for those who presented a valid marriage certificate and stayed in a dedicated room category. One of the best perks was a free one-night return stay voucher which could be used within the next 13 months. Please have Lomas offer a similar program. Lastly, we wanted to take the opportunity to thank the staff who made our return visit, for our 26th wedding anniversary, a vacation to remember. Superstar Butlers Mayordomos JORGE & IMELDA – Both butlers provided us with the ability to Whats-app them during their shifts, which made accessibility efficient. We were confused at the beginning of our stay about their availability (9-5) but this was only due to staff vacation coverage and soon returned to the 8am-10pm schedule we are used to and spoiled with. They proactively offered to help with any dinner reservations, in-room items (Imelda ensured we received the requested Nespresso maker and pods vs the traditional coffee maker), arrange for housekeeping to come at a specific time, daily ice, shuttle service for dinner etc. Imelda took it upon herself to locate restaurant options when our D’italia reservation was cancelled last minute, and shuffled our dining reservations so that the only decision we needed to make was Yes or No. Even items that were requested off shift were communicated between the two of them, and nothing was ever unactioned. A late checkout on our last day was accommodated and very appreciated, allowing us a full morning to spend on the beach on our last day. Thank you Mayordomos for making our stay so special and stress-free! Section 32 pool section – Beach butlers RAMON and JOSE kept us hydrated and happy; both pool and beachside. Thank you to RAMON who went out of his way to locate Ice Tea on several days for our Arnold Palmers! The sand art was sweet. The sign of a good vacation is upon returning home, immediately researching rates for the next return trip. We’ve yet to complete our booking but expect to see us in December! Thank you for an excellent vacation.

We first came here 9 years ago. Since then we have stayed at their sister resort Maroma and two more stays here at The Casitas. On all three occasions we have had a Beachfront Casita. The proximity to the beach, the layout of the accommodation and the shared pool are all great. I’m not into hanging around the pool with a couple of hundred others, music blasting and a range of activities. If that’s your thing, The Royale section excels, but for me, I want to lie by the pool, read, enjoy a cocktail and chill. This is not the place to stay if your into large swaths of sandy beachfront.There are a couple of small sandy sections but they are allocated to The Members. However what beach front there is has been equipped with Bali Beds and Loungers and the views of the ocean are unobstructed. There is never a problem securing beds both at the beach and or pool. There is always a beach attendant stopping by to offer a drink from the pool bar,and the towel supply never gets low. The grounds are not only beautiful but impeccably maintained. The resort is very Green focused and grow a large amount of the produce they use. This brings me to a major reason we keep coming back, The Restaurants. The food quality and variety offered here tops any other all inclusive we have stayed at in Mexico, Cuba, The DR and other hotels across the globe. I wouldn’t rate the food 5 Star but certainly 4 star with a few places excelling. Breakfast at their buffet restaurant is perfect. A vast array of fresh organic produce, pastries, breads, fresh egg station, omelettes, breakfast burritos, juices, fruits, full English fry ups, it’s all there with a side of Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Cappuccinos. Lunch can be a casual Burger or Pizza, or if you prefer to visit one of the restaurants for a more formal set up you can go for some Thai-Japanese food. Dinner offers several options. Our favourites were The Italian and The Mexican. The food in both these restaurants were equally as delicious as some of the better restaurants we have eaten in while travelling or at home in Toronto. The Beachfront Casita is spacious with an incredibly comfortable bed. The indoor and outdoor showers are high powered and the toiletries provided are perfect. The staff are incredible, truly one of the highlights of this resort is the team of people working to ensure you receive the best service possible. There are two reasons I gave 4 rather than 5 stars. There seems to be a lot more extra charges being set out. Several extras that were included for special events are no longer offered. In the past you were offered pillow menus, aromatherapy room fragrances, not anymore. When you look closer at the accommodations you notice chipped tiles etc. everything is spotlessly clean but it’s getting to look a bit jaded. In closing I will say in spite of the changes I would still find it difficult to choose an alternative Resort, as the intimate layout provided at the casitas is hard to beat. Will I be back ? I can’t say for certain but if I were going to this area again, I most likely would stay at El Dorado Casitas Royale in spite of the changes.

Booked Adults Only in Casitas Swim Up many months ago . Arrived Jan 15 for 2 weeks . Only to be told sorry we have maintenance issues with your room in Casitas. So you have to go to Family section at Generations for 3 nights!!! We were shocked, I said put us in Royale side for 3 nights ,,, at least it was adults only . We asked to speak to a manager , Francisco , promptly told us , no room available , only Generations ,,,, and here is a $250 credit to use while you are here. The reservations process for restaurants is poor , the app / link stopped working for guests and the concierge staff for a few days . I can understand the frustration guests experience ,,, especially arriving on first night and being told to go to Chefs market , with is mediocre, with crying babies , kids playing in food ,,,, this isn’t what we paid for . My husband ended up with NoroVirus or food poisoning lasting 4 days on our first night there. On day 4 we were moved to casitas section . The staff are lovely , the grounds are very clean . Don’t come here if you enjoy a beach. We lucked out with the shuttles . Definitely , glad we booked the swim up ,,, as the second level of casitas requires a steep lengthy , poorly maintained and slippery stairs . Elderly people struggling with their climb to their rooms . We wished the resort would have communicated to Sunwing that they had problems with rooms , it would have given us a chance to change resorts . We were concerned before we left Canada , reading reviews , as they seemed to be “ pretty negative “ the last 2-3 months . Members seem to be very defensive to negative comments,,, I guess I would be too, if I drank the Kool -Aid and bought into this property ! We declined the Lomas travel rep in the lobby ,,, selling his sales pitch for deals to return . No thanks .

Located on the beach Roberto gave us Great service at Kicks. Very attentive. The Tropical burrito was excellente and enjoyed by many of us. Lots of meat on beef burrito. Nachos were delicious with a creamy guacamole.