The hype
Guests love the lush grounds and swim-up bars but consistently complain about the rocky beach and inconsistent room service.
El Dorado Royale A Spa Resort By Karisma - Adults
$220-450 / night
Book this if You want a massive, pool-centric playground with decent food and don't care about swimming in the ocean.
Why People Love It
- Endless pools (14 total) and swim-up bars
- Access to the superior Maroma Beach Club nearby
- Casitas section offers romantic privacy with open-air showers
Quick Take: A sprawling all-inclusive beast where the pools are fantastic, the food is ambitious, but the beach is a concrete-block graveyard.
Reviewed by @Sflook37: I spent my holidays here and honestly, the food stations stole the show. Nothing beats grabbing a fresh taco or warm crepe while surrounded by cozy Christmas lights. The staff made me feel so welcome—it’s the perfect spot for a festive foodie escape.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Gourmet Inclusive' food is better than average, but reservations are a nightmare to book via the glitchy app.
- You prefer pool hopping over ocean swimming
- You are a foodie who wants variety beyond the standard buffet
- You enjoy a lively, social atmosphere with active entertainment
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though towel restocking can be hit-or-miss.
- Bathroom hygiene: Grout is usually scrubbed, but older Jacuzzi tubs often have scratches and wear.
- Maintenance: The property is aging. Expect occasional peeling paint or flickering motion-sensor lights.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality; not luxury thread count, but clean. Beach towels can be ragged.
- Odors & scents: Ground floor rooms in the Royale section frequently struggle with a lingering musty/damp smell.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Main pool DJ/entertainment
- Thin connecting doors in some suites
- Golf carts zooming past ground floor patios
Before you book
Good to know
- Download the Karisma app immediately to book dinners, but expect it to crash.
- The 'More Inclusive' package includes transfers to Maroma Beach—use this for your beach day.
- Men need collared shirts and closed-toe shoes for some dinner restaurants.
What to pack
- Insulated tumbler (bartenders will fill it)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (strictly enforced at eco-parks)
- Small bills ($1s and $5s) for tipping staff
Room Genie
Best picks
- Casita Swim-Up Suites (Section 31 or 32) for relative quiet and lazy river access
- Royale Building 17 for newly remodeled 'Royale Suites' near La Isla
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor standard Royale rooms (can be musty and lack privacy)
- Rooms facing the main activity pool if you want to sleep before 11pm
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Requesting a second-floor Casita suite for vaulted ceilings and better light, or a remodeled room in Building 17 away from the main pool noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach really that bad?
Yes. It's rocky and lined with massive concrete blocks (an 'artificial reef') and sandbags to stop erosion. Not for swimming.
Can I use the facilities at the other resorts?
Royale guests can use Generations (family side) restaurants, but cannot use Casitas pools unless staying in a Casita. Casitas guests have full access to everything.
Is the Fuentes Culinary Theatre worth the extra cost?
It's about $39/person plus wine pairing. It's a fun 'Iron Chef' style show, but the food is often secondary to the theatrics.
How bad is the timeshare pitch?
Annoying. They will offer a 'free massage' or 'welcome breakfast' to get you into a 90-minute presentation. Just say 'No thank you' firmly at check-in.
Is the water in the rooms safe to drink?
No, stick to the bottled water provided daily. Use it for brushing teeth too if you have a sensitive stomach.
Do I need reservations for dinner?
Yes, for most à la carte restaurants. Book them with your concierge or the app the moment you arrive.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the main buffet and find the lady making fresh handmade tacos behind Rincón restaurant for breakfast.
- ✨
The 'Health Bar' near the main pool makes the best fresh fruit smoothies on the property.
- ✨
You can take a free shuttle to Maroma Beach Club (owned by the same company) for a vastly superior beach experience.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Artificial Reef' is just a nice name for ugly concrete blocks that ruin the ocean view.
💡The 'Secret' Breakfast Lady behind Rincón makes the best food on the resort, period.
💡The 'Prestige' sales reps wear different uniforms than the concierge—learn to spot them and walk away.
💡You can walk to the neighboring Generations resort for their Indian restaurant, which is surprisingly good.
💡The 'lazy river' in the Casitas section connects to the swim-up bars, so you can float your way to a drink.
Local Playbook
Map
See where El Dorado Royale A Spa Resort By Karisma - Adults is located and what's nearby.