cpfstich EDSS/PDC Trip Report

[cpfstich]

Originally Posted by bemarshall

Great report!! We are looking to book an all inclusive resort next summer with a bunch of friends, all couples in their 40's and based on your report/pictures, EDSS looks like it might be a place we'd really like consider. We could get a little loud tho ... is EDSS more of a "couples" only type resort? While we aren't entirely obnoxious (most of the time ), we do like to have fun! Thanks, Beth

EDSS is pretty laid back. A friend of mine who stayed at El Dorado Royale a few weeks before we were at EDSS, told me that a group of peeps who had been "asked to leave EDSS" because they were too rowdy, stayed at EDR while my friend was there. I dont know what "too rowdy" means though.

Great trip report. I liked how you had pictures within the report.

[Big Kahuna]

Originally Posted by cpfstich

EDSS is pretty laid back. A friend of mine who stayed at El Dorado Royale a few weeks before we were at EDSS, told me that a group of peeps who had been "asked to leave EDSS" because they were too rowdy, stayed at EDR while my friend was there. I dont know what "too rowdy" means though.

They must have been REAL bad because they didn't ask us to leave.

[cpfstich]

Originally Posted by Big Kahuna

They must have been REAL bad because they didn't ask us to leave.

Oh so YOU'RE the ones everyone was talking about?!

jk!

[Tonys]

cpfstich
How would you compare the meals with EDR. We've been to EDR 2 years in row and keep going back because of the quality of meals and the service!
Plan on returning again in 2006.

[cpfstich]

Originally Posted by Tonys

cpfstich How would you compare the meals with EDR. We've been to EDR 2 years in row and keep going back because of the quality of meals and the service! Plan on returning again in 2006.

I agree the meals & service at EDR are top notch! I'd rate both at EDSS a notch less though. Although both were very good, they were inconsistant at times. EDSS is in an improvement phase so I feel they will get better.

[Keenashelby]

Thanks for the Report Craig, and thanks for addressing my EDR and EDSS comparison questions. I think we can finally rest assured that we have made the right decision on going to EDSS and let any negative reviews I see just roll off my back. Now I can enjoy my summer and IMPATIENTLY wait for our December trip.
Vicki

[Tonys]

Originally Posted by cpfstich

I agree the meals & service at EDR are top notch! I'd rate both at EDSS a notch less though. Although both were very good, they were inconsistant at times. EDSS is in an improvement phase so I feel they will get better.

Great report, I really enjoyed the pictures.
Thanks for your reply to the meals and service. I think we will stick to EDR another year and see what shapes up for EDSS in another year. Thanks again
cpfstich

[Banzoomba]

Hey man....great job....as slow as things seem to move in Playa...time to go home does come way to fast

[cpfstich]

Thanks everyone for the compliments on my report. It does seem like forever before we'll be back there!

Bravo! I'm so glad you got lots of pix of the main pool area. We got home and realized we never took a single shot there. I'd agree with everything Craig says about the resort, although I don't have the perspective of having been somewhere else in the area previously.

To the folks considering a group trip to EDSS, I think you'll have a blast! The staff really seemed to want all of us to do more but it was just so darned relaxing to lay back and vegetate.

As far as the food goes, the only lapses we found noteworthy were canned mushrooms when fresh would really were necessary (like on a shrimp and mushroom salad); obviously instant mashed potatoes for garnishes at the International and, as I had read about in other reports, imitation crab used in anything described as "seafood". If it said lobster, it seemed to be lobster. The shrimp was outstanding. But we learned to avoid "seafood" anything just because of the fake stuff. Otherwise, all meals were terrific.

So how exactly did you get those pictures into your report?

Great Report, My fiance and I will be there on June 11, I have done my best on doing research on the resort and rooms and everything else, I have narrowed it down to buildings 28-32, tell me if that is a good choice, also you said your second room was remodeled; was it on the first floor or second and if you can remember what room # was it.. thanks, and if anyone else has any more info it would be appreciated, ohhh I cant wait

[Big Kahuna]

I highly recommend room 3211, 2nd floor. Zero noise problems. We absolutely loved the location and the room, perfect beach access. Jacuzzi on the balcony. Check out my pics (link below) to see the room and the jacuzzi.

[bmar]

Anyone know where I can find a map of the resort with room numbers? We have reservations for a ocean front room, the jacuzzi rooms were all booked. Do you make room request ahead of time or wait until checkin? We will be there in August for our honeymoon...can't wait!

Thanks

Yes I have a map of the resort, e-mail me and I can send you more info on the resort, I have compiled reports from numerous people who have been there, I will try to put it as an attachment but if that does not work, I will e-mail you. and if anyone knows any diferent then this, post it. thanks

The rooms<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

1. If you get room service it is great and was served fast and is available all the time.<o:p></o:p>

2. You need to run the shower for a few minutes before you get hot water<o:p></o:p>

3. If you get a Jacuzzi suite with the Jacuzzi outside be warned that it will constantly be dirty from the wind<o:p></o:p>

4. The bed was like everybody’s fantasy, with four poles, a nice canopy<o:p></o:p>

5. Make sure to ask for a clock in the room<o:p></o:p>

6. The rooms are equipped with a DVD player, and a flat screen TV, so bring some of your own DVD’s if you want.<o:p></o:p>

7. If you change rooms, do not give up your keys until your other room is ready, some people were left without a room for 8 hrs.<o:p></o:p>

8. Drink only the bottled water as you are in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region><st1:place>Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region>, even for brushing your teeth<o:p></o:p>

9. If you request a room on the first floor with a Jacuzzi, they all have the Jacuzzi inside the room.<o:p></o:p>

10. If you want for a nice gesture leave a candy bar and a couple of dollars for the made, it goes along way, You can also tip the bellman and the waiters<o:p></o:p>

11. Building 31-34 are on the south end of the resort and they all seem to be remolded<o:p></o:p>

12. Room 2802 is a great room<o:p></o:p>

13. From the info I got all the oceanfront Jacuzzi suites are in buildings 28 and up.<o:p></o:p>

14. Also buildings 27, 28, and 32 seem to be the remodeled rooms and the ones in 34 are apparently a bit older.<o:p></o:p>

15. Most people have said that the sewer smell is not evident in buildings 30 and up.<o:p></o:p>

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Food and drinks at EDSS<o:p></o:p>

1. Order two of some appetizers<o:p></o:p>

2. Ask for the Mexican coffee or Mayan coffee.<o:p></o:p>

3. The vanilla ice cream is great.<o:p></o:p>

4. Pablo makes the best drinks.<o:p></o:p>

5. Make sure to order a Kukamanga.<o:p></o:p>

6. The service is kind of slow, allow 2hours for dinner.<o:p></o:p>

7. Crème burley is to die for, its in the Mexican restaurant.<o:p></o:p>

8. You can eat seafood every day if you chose.<o:p></o:p>

9. All water is from the bottle and all ice is from a purified company.<o:p></o:p>

10. There are 3 restaurants on the premises<o:p></o:p>

11. You have to make reservations every day for the restaurant you want.<o:p></o:p>

12. Try a bahama mama, it is a sweet drink like a margarita with bananas.<o:p></o:p>

13. The Asian restaurant is mostly Thai and Japanese, try the tempura desert it is great.<o:p></o:p>

14. For lunch you can order burger and fries, wood fired pizza and fish and ribs etc.<o:p></o:p>

15. When you go to any of the bars just specify Bacardi’s or Absolute or your favorite booze otherwise you will get the cheap stuff.<o:p></o:p>

16. At dinner make sure you review the menu because it changes every two days.<o:p></o:p>

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<st1:City><st1:place>Tours</st1:place></st1:City>, and things to do<o:p></o:p>

1. Snorkeling is highly recommended.<o:p></o:p>

2. Make sure to feed the fish of the end of the pier. Every day at <st1:time Hour="11" Minute="30">11:30 am</st1:time> Bring a underwater camera and your own snorkeling gear<o:p></o:p>

3. If taking a trip off the property, the best thing to do is take the Collecto from the main road, it is cheap and a good way to get around, it cost $2 per person.<o:p></o:p>

4. Take a trip to Tulum Ruins it is highly recommended, there is a incredible beach there, the sand is like powder.<o:p></o:p>

5. Take a trip to <st1:Street><st1:address>5<SUP>th</SUP> avenue</st1:address></st1:Street> for shopping; drinking or eating, they have great restaurants there.<o:p></o:p>

6. Take a walk down the beach to the west about a ½ a mile,if you do this take some money with you, because you will have to pay for your drinks.<o:p></o:p>

7. The Massages are amazing.<o:p></o:p>

8. Try xel-ha it is a really cool water park with snorkeling and it cost about $100.00 well worth it.<o:p></o:p>

9. On Wednesdays the hotel features a Mexican night.<o:p></o:p>

10. Each evening they have a show or some type of activity.<o:p></o:p>

11. The resort is about 40 minutes from the <st1:place>Cancun</st1:place> airport; it is located virtually half way between playa del Carmen and Tulum.<o:p></o:p>

12. I would suggest doing the “Bar Leaping” at least one night it cost $50.00 per person but includes all your drinks, transportation to and from Playa to Sr.frogs, Carlos-n-Charlie’s and Mambo café with reserved seating at each location.<o:p></o:p>

13. You could also try going to Adventuras and swim with the dolphins.<o:p></o:p>

14. We also went to Coba and Pacchen ruins they were terrific and Pac Chen was great, you run a zip line through the jungle and repel into a underwater cave.<o:p></o:p>

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Miscellaneous things to know<o:p></o:p>

1. Bring your own swim shoes.<o:p></o:p>

2. Put a towel down on some chairs or bed at about <st1:time Hour="7" Minute="30">7:30 am</st1:time><o:p></o:p>

3. Most of the staff is bilingual.<o:p></o:p>

4. Bring Lots of single one dollar bills for tips.<o:p></o:p>

5. You are driven to your room by a golf cart.<o:p></o:p>

6. Paco is a pro and he knows how to get everyone involved.<o:p></o:p>

7. There is chef there named Petro and he is wonderful.<o:p></o:p>

8. In the water the sand is very rocky in certain parts and does not get very deep.<o:p></o:p>

9. Take a fish ID book so you will know what you are looking at.<o:p></o:p>

10. At the airport: do NOT stop to chat with those “friendly” folks inside the airport offering transportation, immediately exit the airport and look for your tour host who will be holding a sign for you to see.<o:p></o:p>

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Here are some links<o:p></o:p>

1. http://www.goawaytravel.com/html/el_dorado_seaside_suites_21.html here is a map of the resort<o:p></o:p>

2. Check the forums on www.Playa.info go to the forums called Big/AI resorts.<o:p></o:p>

3. infodoradoseaside@eldorado-resort.com.mx<o:p></o:p>

5. www.bermanvacations.com/el_dorado_seaside_suites_photos.htm<o:p></o:p>