Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda All Inclusive - Playa del Carmen

very old and and huge resort.. needs major renovation and better restaurant arrangement. The only thing that stood out was the service by their employees. they all were very nice and accommodating...

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

For what we paid, we really enjoyed this resort. The friendliness of the staff, the beautiful grounds, the rooms and bathrooms (we were in the newer section, further from the beach) were very nice. The only reason we will go elsewhere next is to be near the clear blue water. The beach was really nice, but the water was dark. Unfortunate for such a wonderful […] resort. The buffets were as good as could be expected. Walk to the lagoon - it's beautiful and fun (and the only place you'll find shells in the area.) there is pretty much no night life at this resort. Actually, we were told that some beach parties start at 11pm, but we never made it that late. Slow "put you to sleep" music is played at night, and rap, rock, pop, etc. is played at breakfast. We found that interesting. Overall, we had a great time. And, walking by the other resort's beaches nearby, this one was the largest and nicest. They do a great job. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

There was no way to book an exact room so if you get there late you get whats left. they have rooms up by the pool, dining and beach and then ones waaaaaay back on the property. No way to book room together so if traveling with a group good luck!

Genuine Expedia guest review

We, my boyfriend and I had the most fantastic time(s) at the hotel. The staff was so friendly, always willing to help with any of your needs and always anticipating the next thing you might need. The food was incredible with amazing tastes. The first few nights we did the all a cart, a variety of food to pick from that was amazing, always fresh and […] they had everything you could think of/want. The waiter (Luis), from the snack shack, was the BEST!! He is the greatest waiter, server and just over all excellent!! They are always anticipating what you would need ahead of time. The bathrooms in the pool areas were always clean and always had people maintaining there cleanliness. The shows were also anotherthing that was amazing... Our stay was just an overall GREAT!! We'd recommend this to our friends and family. We would go back again. Please don't listen to the bad reviews. This place is Amazing!! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The food was amazing with so much detail to presentation. We were treated so very well and the staff was happy and attentive. The resort is well maintained and each building had its own 'host' to make sure all your needs were met. We are coming back!!

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was my first experience with an "all inclusive". Also my first trip to the area, so I really have no basis for comparison. However, I paid what I though was a reasonable price and got what I felt was good value in return.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We stayed in building 5 which is close to the beach and pools. The one disappointing thing about the hotel is that they don't fix things when they get broken. The one bathroom by the pool had only 2 stalls working in the women's restroom, the other one didn't have any toilet seats on it and the ice machine on our floor (2) was broken all week. The restaurants […] are great. Would highly recommend the steak house and Mexican ones. The buffets are good too! The staff was GREAT!! The wait staff & bartenders are great! I would recommend staying here. Just make sure you are aware that there are a lot of topless and thongs on the beach and at the pool. To each his own! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The room looked as if it hasn't been maintained in a while. The caulking was moldy in the bathroom and the housekeeping was horrible. I stepped into a shower that full of the previous persons hair. The best thing about the room was just the view of the beach. There was also another hotel next to this one which had their guest walking into this one. […] That had me question the security of this hotel. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Beach very disappointing. Staff were great but service slow in fine dining. Grounds were great. Rooms not well sound proofed.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is a story of a good resort. The food was good, the pool was good, the beach was good. In this price range you have to expect that you aren't going to have everything be perfect, but I've stayed at better resorts for less money. I want to be clear, there wasn't anything that was bad. The rooms were clean and well appointed. Bathrooms were very […] nice with a terrific shower. The pools (although about 6" shallow# were very nice.The beach was even pretty good considering the location. There isn't anything I would say is a "stay away". But the details...the finer details...that is where you start to notice things. Service #comparitively speaking# was average at best. They had a few superstars around the pool, but overall it was average. I have stayed at the Occidental Xcaret, Ocean Corel y Turquesa and Moon Palace #another price stratosphere# and all were better. The food was good, but there wasn't a knock em dead meal here. The drinks were good, not great. Tequila was bad, they need to get at least Sauza Hornitos. But they do have Bacardi, you just need to ask for it. If you are travelling on a budget and this resort fits, then go. Don't say no because it isn't perfect. We had a great time, enjoyed sunshine and a ton...a ton of drinks. Also, if you go, check out the lagoon. Its a 10 minute walk down the beach and is really very pretty. I enjoyed my vacation, but generally don't stay at the same place twice. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Pleasant environment. Nice beach. Friendly staff. Food ok. Restaurants pretty. Clean rooms and pool areas. Public bathrooms ok. Internet in lobby not good.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The resort was beautiful and the staff was great. The staff were gracious and always willing to help. The facilities were excellent, food was available all day. The food was not the best as far as flavor and quality, however they had huge variety all day long. The drinks were not that great, it was easy to tell that alcoholic beverages were of inferior […] quality. Regardless of the food and drinks our family still had a great vacation. I would definately recommend booking for the evening dinners by reservation at the French, Asian or Italian restaurants. The quality of the food and drinks were definately of superior quality. We did have a bad experience on an excursion that we booked at the hotel, called Dive X, they promised us an air conditioned catamaran, with 2 snorkling and parasailing for all of us. However when we got to the dock they put us on a catamaran that had no a/c, no parasailing and only 1 snorkeling. Be aware when you book anything, get it in writing before you pay. Overall, we had a great time at this resort, and I would recommend this for any family. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The staff was not interested in providing quality customer service.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We had great time only front desk staff need to be more polite to the tourist

Genuine Expedia guest review

excellent place to relax with great food and drinks.

Genuine Expedia guest review

My original impression started upon arrival at about 2pm. The restroom in the lobby was dirty and not clean at all. That same night we called because the room AC wasn't working well at all. The next day we asked for a extra pillow and blanket which required 4 phone calls before it was delivered over a 3 hr period. Unfortunately, 3 of the restaurants […] required long pants for guys. There were women in swimsuit coverups in the same restaurant go figure. They would not allow you to make reservations until 24 hrs before which was frequently inconvenient. On the 5th day there late I tried to make reservations for the 7th night but was refused I knew the next day I was going to be busy all day but came back on the 6th day around 5 pm and was told there weren't any available reservations for the 7th night because of a private event occupying 2 restaurants and the 3 others were booked. Finally, many of the staff who come directly in contact with the customer could hardly speak or comprehend English. I would not recommend this hotel at all. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Overall this hotel was great. The food and the staff were excellent. My only complaints are that there is no dinner buffet, all dinners must be made by reservation, so for those that like to "fly by the seat of their pants" you must remember when dinner is or you go hungry. Last year we were in Jamaica and the entertainment at this hotel doesnt compare […] at all!! It was the same 4 dancers doing pretty much the same routine for a week. Location was good, can go either to Playa del Carmen or Cancun in very little time. I would go back:) Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was my third time at this resort and will be going back again in February, so I would say that it is a great hotel. The staff are wonderful and the food is amazing. Yes the water in front of the beach has some brown spots but so so other hotels beach fronts, this would not deter me from choosing a hotel.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Food mediocre, Beach Dirty, Sewage smell all around resort, Rooms musky smelling.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Staff and location were absolutely wonderful. Room was very loud. Disappointed in unprofessional and deceptive tactics used by Circle One to try to get us to attend a 90 minute "time-share type" presentation.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We stay in this resort second time and was happy for 10 days!

Genuine Expedia guest review

Amazing vacation! beautiful beach, very clean pool and rooms, good quality food in buffets as well as in 6 a la carte restaurants, staff is very friendly and helpful, we brought like 100 dollars in ones and tipped the maid and servers etc it was great!!! would highly recommend

Genuine Expedia guest review

I really enjoyed staying there. But, I think because I wanted to get out of the city and just relax. For those who are looking for nightlife entertainment this is not a best option.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Our 2nd Trip to BBGE. Couldn't be happier with the service, the food, drinks & activities. Last trip was last year for our wedding with 30 guests, this year just us two. We enjoyed the resort just as much. We will return again in the future.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is a very nice hotel. The staff are very friendly. The swimming pool is very large and never seemed over crowded. They have a nice beach area also. They are lacking in the entertainment area in the evenings, not much going on at all. Also they have amazing food in the restaurants if you can get a reservation and they seem to be booked before 7:30 […] a.m., but when you go by them they are never filled. We found if you tip the guy out front, you'll always get a table, so we started thinking it was a way for them to make more tips. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was the most enjoyed vacation I've. Ever had. Everything was absolutely perfect .. the. Food, the service, the entertainment, the staff, Just simply amazing. The resort was spotless and well managed. The crew for the entertainment was very. professional and fun. The bartenders and waitresses were very good and pleasant. just all around great place […] for a great vacation . Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great place to enjoy a vacation. Very nice grounds and fun activities

Genuine Expedia guest review

Hotel is good for relaxing if you do not mind hearing the fire alarm ringing throughout the night. Rooms are not sound proof. You can hear the phone in the next room ringing, people walking thru the halls and down the steps, and kids crying at 6am. They need to designate certain areas as smoking areas, people smoking stand at all doorways and openings […] non smokers must pass thru. As a non smoker inhaled too much smoke no matter where we were at the resort. If you spoke Spanish you could get anything definitely a language barrier for English. A charge of $5.00 is charged for an hour of internet connection. You can also hear the people walking back and forth in rooms next to you and beneath you. I picked this particular hotel because I first saw it as all inclusive and adults only. What a surprise kids everywhere only to be told it is only all inclusive, wont be going back to this resort. The property is appealing and well kept and food is ok. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

First time visitor. Very nice property for a relaxing stay. Good fit for a destination wedding. Helpful staff. Ok food. Weak drinks.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel was nice but it was to loud and we could not sleep. The food sucked. Will never go there again.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great staff, amazing food, excellent service. Specialty restaurants were fantastic.

Genuine Expedia guest review

I wanted to leave within 5 minutes of arriving. They told us to sit on a golf cart and wait for a driver. After 10 min they told us there was no driver. After staring at us while we were wating for more info they just left. My wife and i carried our bags to our room which felt like 500 yards away. The staff is rude and the whole place smells like sewage. […] Food is horrible. If you try to get a reservation to the "decent" resturants they tell you they are booked. When you walk by at 8:00 there are only 2 or three tables. Bad place. I have been to all inclusives before and this is by far the worst. Pay a little more and go to a better place. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review