TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

We were at El Cid La Castilla with a group of about 60 gringo geeks for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. Our overall experience was wonderful. The staff was friendly and helpful. The housekeeping was amazing: quick and they did a terrific job at getting rid of the sand we kept trekking inside on our shoes or feet. And, the clouds parted enough for us to get a memorable view and feeling of totality. We were booked in the resort at the highest level. Almost everything was included and we had the freedom to go anywhere. We felt relaxing permissions whatever we did. However… the property and restaurants make the resort only “Good”. First, the Internet was the worst I have ever experienced in a hotel. The speed was as slow as back in the day of noisy modem. Seriously. Even though we paid for the regular Wi-FI internet service we instead had to rely on our cell phone data. Then there was the wait for hot water. The day I timed it, we had to let the shower hot water run on full for 8 minutes 45 seconds before the water in the shower was genuinely hot, not just tepid. Our friends one floor down and two doors toward the center of the building had instant (but not reliable) hot water. I have no idea why we had such different experiences. Our room was in the tower and far enough away to feel unmolested by the frequent announcement of poolside games and shows. And, our building was not subjected to spotlights shining around on the poolside to highlight the evening shows as were those at the near by El Cid El Moro. I gotta say having a spotlight shine into my room would not feel resort-like to me, but those pool rooms next door were chronically “highlighted”. Finally, the food was edible but not tasty at all. Maybe they felt they were catering to the overwhelmingly gringo crowd, but the buffets, sit-down restaurants, and even the alleged Mexican restaurant used no spice on anything. To be honest, it was the worst “Mexican” restaurant I can recall ever eating in. Also, the buffet scrambled eggs were dry and flaky and there was precious little cheese on the buffet to put in eggs or eat by itself. Really disappointing food. We enjoyed our stay, the staff, the location. But, the property managers could really improve the maintenance and buy some spices for the restaurants.

We came as an excursion with carnival cruise line. We were greeted with smiles and hellos. The grounds were beautiful and well taken care of. When we got to the deeper pool we were taken care of by Eduardo. Eduardo immediately asked what we wanted and was very quick to get our drinks. Our cups were never empty. He continued to check in on us and made sure we were satisfied with our experience. The bathrooms were clean and well maintained. My daughter loved jumping off the rock and into the pool. This was our second visit, and it was just as wonderful. Highly recommend visiting or staying!

We paid for an ocean view room and we’re given a less desirable room location. With so many excuses and apologies. There’s going some updating on those rooms, the power… the paint….etc After trying to get in touch with our travel agent, miraculously a room with partial ocean view was available

Constant upsells and extra charges (room coffee and selling the house tequila). Very strict towel service. Inflexible policies and unexpected charges. Beach was not very accessible due to strong currents and wind.

We booked a week all inclusive to take in the total solar eclipse....seemed over-priced for the room type, it's location, overall quality of the food and the $15 USD/day resort fee (clearly a cash grab for what you get for it...gym/courts access, use of the shuttle to cross the street to the gym / courts, access to wifi for 4 devices...decent coverage around the resort) The hotel is very clean with lots of staff, we found the buffets fairly basic for their 3 meal servings (breakfast, lunch, dinner). we were told at check in we had access to limited a la carte...Mexican (never found it) , Italian (basic, not as flavorful as expected) or Japanse (a great restaurant with wonderful meal offerings, great flavours...the 3 chefs do a great job, even roll the sushi per order) Thru my communication with the hotel before arriving, as a week-long guest at the hotel I was provided golfing fees at an exceptional rate ...to which I golfed 4 round over the 7 days. The El Cid Golf Course clubhouse staff honored the price, ansd while the caddy is mandatory ($20USD + tip), I was fortunate to have a wonderful caddy (Aurelio) and walked the course all 4 rounds. We had a pool-view room in the "north" wing that runs towards the beach, on the ground floor level, though the view was towards the Moro pool along the backside of the slide/island play area. I'd suggest level 2 or 3 or nicer views and in that wing....facing the Moro pool (to the north), these rooms are "odd numbered and start in early 60's (1063 is first floor room 63) to about 75. Or top face the main Castille Pool seek the even numbered rooms from low 70'w (xx72) to the 80's. We'd asked for a king size bed but were assigned the 2 x doubles....beds are decently comfortable but a king with a couch for sitting would be nicer. Patio has a couple of decent chairs, the room was clean and everything worked as it should. Housekeeping did a good job and we got 2 water bottles every day. Note: there are no mini-fridges in the rooms, and while there is a coffee maker, there's an extra charge ($15 peso) per coffee pack...2 things a "4-star" hotel would never charge for. Location is good, an easy walk either along the beach or on the streets (go south) for shopping or local dining. Take a pulmonia when possible...a very relaxing and economical means of travel and a great way to view the sights from street level.