El Cid is one of the best kept secrets in Cozumel. I go there for diving. It is always clean, inviting and I trust Luis and Carlos at the dive shop completely. They are as professional as i have ever found.
The resort is small but immaculate and the room had everything you could need. We booked a studio and got a double bed and sofa bed with kitchenette. We tried to use the sofa bed last night but it's very hard where you would sit, so I just laid sideways on the soft part. It was fine but I don't recommend it for two people. If more than 2 are going, book a larger room. Also don't plan to sleep in much past 6am if you are a light sleeper. There were loud birds calling in the open hallway outside and it echoed. We called them the clackers because they were so loud. The food & service was good albeit a little slow. But we were in no hurry so it wasn't a big deal. They serve you at the pool and on the beaches. 4:00pm to 6:00pm is happy hour and they bring you two of whatever you ordered. Everything is calculated in pesos but the dollar amount is there. You put everything to your room number and then sign the ticket before you go to your room or they will hunt you down (we forgot our first night). They have room service all day, as well as a spa area and sauna. They also have a trattoria which we never saw anyone use. It had a wood-fired oven and a few tables and chairs. The 3-story side is Wyndham/RCI and the tower side is hotel rooms. All are oceanfront. Only the hotel side has elevators. We were in 2315 and had to hoof it up three short flights. The all-inclusive is an option but we didn't do it. It was $99/day pp, but even though we are heavy drinkers, used room service, and ate all meals at the restaurant except one breakfast (we had walked down to Casa del Mar and it was subpar in our opinion, not much selection and small portions), it was only $250 for us both for four days, and two of those were travel days, and we'd have had to pay for those two days in full with the AI option. So that's $800 vs $250. Right next door to the hotel is the cruise ship terminal. Lots of shops and restaurants there. We had fun at Señor Frog's and Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Cozumel once the cruise ship came in. Saturday there were four military ships, Sunday there were none. Monday there was one ship. Tuesday there were four. El Cid is used as an all-inclusive beach club excursion so we are glad we are leaving today and won't have to deal with that kind of crowd. Not very many kids. They only have a ping pong table and oversized chess set for games that we saw. They have a dive shop connected to the resort that has good reviews. We don't SCUBA though. Originally I wanted to book a side trip to Xel-Ha or Xcaret but I didn't check soon enough (2 months out) and everything was booked. Also the jaunt back to town, ferry to PDC, and then getting a ride to either park seemed pretty daunting, not to mention the return trip. that makes for a very very long day and we weren't up for it. We will be back!…
The rooms are awful. But, in a place like Mexico you do not spent much time in the rooms. Rooms are dated and dirty. Better communication upon check in would be nice. Did not know about room service menu, or amenities. Did not know about 1 hour of snorkeling or activities. Massage chairs are torn. Staff is amazing. EXCEPT the snorkel guy. He was irritated and never wanted to work. Food was okay. Same stuff. Nothing for kids to eat really. Served my 8 year old alcohol. NO BEACH ACCESS!! Must know this. There is NO beach for walking or swimming. Have to travel a few miles to get one. Front desk staff did not inform me about one device wifi and why are we paying for wifi on an all inclusive resort? I would neve rrecommend this resort. Paid for double bed. Got sofa bed. Asked for blankets and pillows and they got irritated. BEST thing about this place was Emilio and Victor in the dining area. Oh, yeah. AND Jose! NOT kid friendly at all. Do not bring kids. Only one restaurant open. Same menu every breakfast. When ordering omelets and stuff the staff was always irritated and slow. Food takes over 1.5 hours when ordered off menu. Just a total failure. I usually stay in 5 star resorts and THIS is why i do!…
We always have a great time at El Cid La Ceiba and have been staying here to scuba dive for many years. The accommodations are perfect for us. The dive shop is excellent and their is no better dive master than Louise. To come in and relax on the beach and have our meals at El Cid make the trip most enjoyable.
Great time spent with friendly staff and great service. Would recommend to friends and family. Everything went well with no complaints. Enjoyed my stay to the fullest. The weather for our stay was Perfect.
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