El Dorado Royale
Adults-only resort in Playa del Carmen. Bay View, Great View.
Things to Know
Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(1,220 discussions)
El Dorado Royale is the OG romantic all-inclusive in the Riviera Maya, and despite newer competitors, it still delivers an experience that's hard to replicate. The resort is built around natural beauty rather than architectural showmanship - think swim-out casitas nestled in tropical gardens, hammocks strung between beachfront palms, and jungle paths winding through mangroves. The Gourmet Inclusive concept was ahead of its time, with chef-driven restaurants that genuinely try to elevate beyond typical all-inclusive food. The overwater bungalows on the lagoon add a unique option that channels Maldives vibes at Caribbean prices.
The food is a genuine differentiator. Under the Gourmet Inclusive banner, restaurants serve meals with actual plating, fresh ingredients, and creative menus that change seasonally. The Barefoot Grill on the beach is a signature experience - grilled seafood and steaks with your toes in the sand and the Caribbean as your backdrop. The spa takes a holistic approach with treatments that incorporate local ingredients and a beautiful jungle setting. Rooms range from standard suites to those famous swim-out casitas, which are the room category that built El Dorado's reputation.
El Dorado Royale is best for couples in their 30s-50s who prioritize romance, natural beauty, and food quality over modern aesthetics and amenity count. It's the anti-Hard Rock - quiet, organic, and designed for couples who want to disconnect. If you want a trendy, photo-perfect resort, newer options like Moxche or Cap Cana will appeal more. If you want to lie in a beach hammock reading a book while your partner gets a jungle spa treatment, then meet for a gourmet dinner, El Dorado Royale is exactly your speed. Price-wise it sits in the upper-mid range and delivers excellent value for couples who appreciate its specific charm.
Pros
- +Stunning beachfront casitas with swim-out pools create an incredibly romantic, secluded experience for couples
- +Gourmet Inclusive concept delivers noticeably better food than standard all-inclusives, with real chef-driven menus
- +Overwater bungalows on the resort's lagoon offer a unique, Maldives-like experience at a fraction of the price
- +Adults-only property with a mature, romantic atmosphere that's ideal for honeymoons and anniversaries
- +Beautiful mangrove and jungle integration gives the property a natural, organic feel unlike manicured resort competitors
- +Hammocks between palm trees on the beach are iconic and beloved - the resort's signature relaxation experience
- +Spa is excellent with a holistic approach, cenote-inspired circuits, and genuinely skilled therapists
- +The resort's signature Barefoot Grill on the beach serves excellent grilled seafood and steaks in a toes-in-the-sand setting
Cons
- −The resort is aging and some rooms have maintenance issues - mold, plumbing problems, and outdated fixtures reported
- −Mosquitoes and sand fleas can be aggressive, especially near the mangroves and during rainy season
- −The swim-out pools in the casitas are not heated and can be too cold to enjoy November through March
- −Timeshare sales pressure from Karisma Hotels is persistent, though less aggressive than Palace Resorts
- −Beach can have significant sargassum seaweed issues during summer months that the staff can't always keep up with
- −Some room categories are far from the beach and restaurants, requiring long walks through the jungle paths
- −The resort doesn't have the modern, contemporary design that newer competitors like Moxche or Cap Cana offer
- −WiFi is poor throughout the property and essentially unusable for anything beyond basic messaging
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“The food was very good at most places, and the bars were great. Why are the pools so freaking cold??? That's a huge downfall. Room was outdated but not awful. We were happy with our stay but I'm not sure if we would come back because of how cold the...”
“My husband and I just finished our stay on the Royale adults only side and had the most relaxing week. I was nervous coming to a new resort as we were accustomed to very high quality food and service at our previous spot. We wanted to try a more affo...”