Small hotel with reasonable rooms, good service, happy people. Cruise ships dock next door at the International Pier and when they are in the area is bustling, but you can't get into the shops, Senor Frog's (whose music and partying fill the air), etc without a Ship pass ID. Seems like a tease to have all the activity so close and you can't access it, but the passengers and ship crews utilize the El Cid facilities (pool, restaurant, spa, beach) with day passes. The service doesn't seem to suffer and we only had minor problems with pool side chairs and the heightened activity is a change of pace and its nice in the evening when it all slows down. We enjoyed going for an afternoon snorkel and then having a drink in the bar side hot tub as the cruisers headed back aboard ship. The maid service didn't have bottled water to replace the one bottle provided for a 7 night stay, nor did they have coffee. Maids did a nice job with cleaning, but one was a little ambitious and threw away several days worth of receipts that were neatly stacked on the table. We selected this hotel becasue they didn't require all inclusive, since we wanted to eat and party in town. Check your reservation to be sure you get the buffet breakfast and not just a very limited continental. The buffet is an additional $5, but the breakfast was good. We had a couple of other simple afternoon meals..grilled fish and guac and they were quite good. Being next door to the pier, convenience stores and shopping (outside the Int;l area) are everywhere, but close early when the ships leave. Car rental is available at the pier which was very convenient for the few days we rented an Avis car to tour the island. Again, the staff is very friendly, the rooms reasonable, location convenient, easy ride into town and once we understood and got a feel for the activity levels (from the cruise ships), we had an enjoyable stay.

We love this place being going here for 25 years has changed liked it better when it was a hotel not time share to many buffets . Have gotten away from authentic food . Still the same staff tho doorman has been ther 30 years always carries r luggage . He is a good man. The owl is the best waiter likes to have fun . And thats what its about for us having fun .

Upon arrival I was informed the king size bed wasnt available.. The hotel was half empty the entire time. I later realized they were waiting for me to upgrade the room for an additional charge... Right...
The matresses are covered with water proof covers, tossing and turning will make a squicky sound. There is no coffee maker in the room, the restaurant's coffee is chewable. the marble tub is the only nice feature because there is no ceiling in the bathroom, instead there are bunch of wood sticks put together to form the ceiling but you can still see the plumbing, made me feel there are bugs lurking over me. The continental breakfast is consists of a toast, coffee, juice and a small fruit bowl brought by the waiter , the access to buffet will be an additional cost of atleast $5 per person. Very small variety on the menu. Dive shop on premises Biabeca is more interested in renting snorekling gear to cruise ship people. This place is tired, overrated, the staff is obviously hurting maybe by lack of business but they are trying...this place is a huge waste of money...

Small hotel on the water ,it has a man made beach with plenty of shade if you want it.No fighting for chairs and papalas(PLENTY) No early risers to secure chairs and palapas, they had plenty. 2 small walk in areas for access to beach.Snorkling is very good right in front of resort.Water is calm there. Cruise ships are parked in front of the resort most days. That did not bother me , i really enjoyed watching them come and go. Maybe 3 days of the week the resort gets crowded with cruise passengers but does not affect your vacation because the service is outstanding. They come around constantly checking to see if you need anything and you can get breakfast to dinner on the beach or by the pool without getting up all day!! Service was SPECIAL!! They work hard!! 1 pool and beach server I don't know her name worked NON STOP everyday by the pool and beach. She was outstanding. I went all -inclusive with family and for me it was fine. Food was good not to die for but good. SERVICE in restaurants was GREAT. Christo +Jose (foremen I think because of their jackets and the other waiters jumped when they told them something?) and Paul were Fantastic! Faulso was good. Everybody else fine. 2 types of all inclusive (regular- and elite. $70and $90 US per day but if you don't want it thats okay. No surcharges on some meals ,lobster 1 day and high end liquor if thats your thing.Rooms were very clean and big. If cooking is in your plans very limited, small frig,2 burner stove top . Views from rooms great. Beware of the timeshare people!! Luis was ours. Told him from the start I was not interested but tried to make you feel bad that he supplied transportation to the hotel even though I did it myself free on line 1 way. From that point on he would not even talk to me any time I saw him all week. I needed to ask him a question about Elcid and when I can come back and said I don't know the rules of the timeshare HELLO that is what he does!!!! Everybody else at the resort was more than helpful. Really good location next to cruise ship port shopping and the Brand New ROYAL VILLAGE shopping center across street. Spa was GREAT!!and cheap. Gym was tiny. Sidewalks to walk on for your exercises each direction. Very quiet and relaxful family vacation. ENJOY!!!!