The hotel is just OK. Do not stay here if you use a wheelchair or have babies in strollers. Everything is a long walk away and if you use a wheelchair or a stroller you can't get on the golf cart type transportation. It is Ok if you do not like swimming in the beach because it is not the best beach in the area. The beach is good for sun bathing only.
The lobby floor was a little bit chipped and looked like it needed repair. The bathroom by the pool was missing a toilet seat.
I personally do not like to be offered time-shares at my hotel. They try to get you to attend a "complimentary breakfast and tour". You can decline but I would rather do not be bothered.

I've only just got back today but felt i had to write a review now because before coming here i read the bad reviews and was a bit put off. Don't believe them! There ridiculous and petty because i had an excellent stay and would go back in a heartbeat!

The only thing i would say they could do better is the entertainment in the sports bar. It was abit boring at night time so some nights ended up going back to our rooms. Other than that it was an excellent holiday. Also if you are looking to go on excursions i would bring quite alot of money as they range from about $70-$200 each depending on what you want to do. I would recommend the catamaran trip. It was amazing and one of the cheaper excursions.

Theres a swing bar next to the beach which was nice and was open till 1am. So if the sports bar is too boring i would go there. However, on the last night we found out about the beach parties they have in the vip area bar. Everyone can go here from 11-1am. I prefered this bar as it played music and the swing bar did not.

The food was great and there is always something there for everyone. It changes everyday so you won't get bored of it. The restaurants were good but because we wen't during low season they wernt all open all of the time. There was only ever 3 open in one day rather than all 6. We ate breakfast and dinner at jaal-ha and our teas at festival.

The rooms were great and also the showers in the bathrooms were good. Everyday we got towel art regardless wether we gave a tip or not to the maids. Also, there is a mini bar with 4 beers, waters, coke, fanta, etc.. You dont get charged for this. Don't worry!'

The beach is not to clever. Its sometimes looks dirty but on other days looks clear. This is because of a hurricane they had apprently and it ripped the beach up. Now they have had to put sandbags there to try and stop the beach from completley disappearing. If you want to go to a beach with crystal clear waters then i would go into playa del carmen. If you walk straight down 5th avenue its there. To get ther you have to get a taxi and it's 200 pesos each way.

The best part of the resort i would say is the staff. They are so welcoming and friendly and will do anything for you wether you give a tip or not. So people who are putting that they are rude in there reviews then you are crazy!

I would deffinatley recommend coming here in low season as its not crazy hot so you can sit in the sun and you can get the same sunbed everyday. Also, its not busy at lunch, dinner and tea in the buffets, which i liked.

Hope this review helps!!!

Just came back from the BBGE last night and our stay was wonderful! Here are some pro's:

Service: very good, the wait staff and the cleaning service were all there to help in the snap of a finger. We did tip the cleaning staff everyday, and received great service. Our room was cleaned everyday before 1-2 pm which was great because we were at the pool during this time. Bar staff was awesome and always there to suggest their fav drinks and shots!

Pool area: Very clean and I didn't find the pool to have many cracks. I know some people were complaining about the temp and it must have been the time of the year, because the temp was perfect!

Beach area: Again wonderful and really nice white sand. We found that the ocean was pretty clear about 2 days out of 7 days. We did go in on the clear days and enjoyed the warmth of the water. Other days, we took a stroll to the lagoon, which was to the left of the resort. Very nice!

My room tip: Be sure to email them if you have any specific wants. For instance, I emailed the hotel aboout a month before the trip and let them know that if possible I would like a higher level floor and I received it! The staff is really amazing, and I'm not sure why people complain so much.... .the vacation was pure paradise! Oh and food- never boring and the a la carte restaurants were superb!

Thanks for a great birthday stay Blue Bay!

I visited the BlueBay Esmeralda from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5. I found the service, cleanliness of room and pool area, grounds and friendliness of staff to be first rate. The Buffet foods were varied and plentiful but were average in flavor and type. Most of the dishes were rather bland and seemed to be "flavored/spiced down" in order to cater to tourists. The Mexican dishes, as example, were limted in number and not very tasty.
Other reviewers complained about the beach area being sandbagged and the water murkey. There was a certain amount of that, but the beach was still more than adequate in scope and the waters were somewhat stirred up from the currents, but a person can go to the pool. The lagoon/inlet that is a ten minute walk away is worth the walk.
The room was always well cleaned and the fridge stocked. The tub enclosure had an edge that was at least 1 1/2 feet high and would be impossibe to negotiate for any person with leg issues. Likewise the general architecture of the Sports Bar/Theater area is unattractive and poorly designed. The Theater is long and has a low ceiling, which is very unattractive. Speaking of evening shows, the quality is inferior to similar quality resorts.
In sum, the Esmeralda is a good resort for those who do not mind being six miles away from Playa del Carmen and who want to stay at a place that is low-keyed and relaxing. If you want to party, choose another resort or brace yourself for some hefty taxi fees. Day tours and excursions are available for booking at the resort. All in all, Esmeralda is a bargain with the limits in mind.