The Truth About El Dorado Seaside Suites: What I Loved (and What I Didn’t)

For my most recent getaway to the Riviera Maya, I wanted to check out a resort I’ve heard tons of great feedback about — and see for myself what all the buzz was about! As a travel advisor, I know my clients always have amazing experiences at our favorite luxury properties, but I’ve been craving more firsthand insight into some of the mid-range options I often recommend.

Since I’ve sent plenty of couples to El Dorado resorts over the years, I was so excited to finally experience El Dorado Seaside Suites in person — and it did not disappoint!

One of the standout features here? Every single room is oceanfront and comes with a swim-up pool — seriously, it doesn’t get much better than that for the price point. If you’ve been dreaming of an affordable, adults-only all-inclusive with a little extra luxury, this one deserves a spot on your list.

Another huge perk: El Dorado’s “More Inclusive” concept. Guests can enjoy extras like roundtrip airport transfers, a catamaran and reef snorkeling excursion, wave runners, a day trip to Maroma Beach, access to a themed water park, an eco-adventure ranch, and even a cenote and underground expedition. Curious what other drink, food and excursions we recommend while staying here? Get our FREE “perfect itinerary” here.

Let’s dive into the full resort ratings & reviews.

A reminder that our rating system is 1 – 10:

1 = HORRIBLE

5 = average

10 = the best possible experience ever

Food: 4/10

The resort complex — which includes full access to both El Dorado Seaside Palms and El Dorado Seaside Suites — features 10 different restaurants, offering plenty of variety during your stay.

When we first arrived and started chatting with a couple about dinner options, they warned us that the food was “inedible,” which honestly had us a little nervous. Thankfully, that wasn’t our experience — but I’d still say the dining overall leaned a bit below average compared to other resorts in this category.

There were definitely some highlights (the ribs at the Beach BBQ were out of this world!), but also a few misses — like the Italian and sushi restaurants, which just didn’t hit the mark for us.

Rooms: 5/10

All of the rooms at El Dorado Seaside Suites share the same sleek, modern design — the main difference lies in the location and pool access. There are three room categories to choose from:

• Oceanfront Swim-Up Suites (floors 2–5): Direct pool access with stunning ocean views.
• Oceanfront Pool Swim-Up Suites (1st floor): Perfect for easy access to the main swim-up bar, though privacy is limited.
• Oceanfront Honeymoon Suites (top floors): The most private and romantic option, ideal for couples.

The room itself felt modern, clean, and thoughtfully designed with a spacious rain shower (though I did find myself wishing for a bench or stool!), a jacuzzi tub, a super comfy bed, and a cozy round lounger for relaxing.

But the real showstopper? The balcony. Every morning, I sipped my coffee while watching the sunrise over the ocean — absolute perfection. The private patio comes with chairs, a daybed, and direct access to the swim-up pool, making it one of my favorite parts of the entire stay.

Spa: n/a

Sorry guys. I didn’t have the chance to visit the spa this time.

Beach: 4/10

Let’s talk about the beach — because there’s a lot to love and a few things worth noting.

First, the size of the beach is a major win. It’s large, spacious, and never felt crowded during our stay. There were bali beds and loungers everywhere, and we never had trouble finding the perfect spot to relax for the day. Plus, the beachside wait service made it easy to settle in and stay awhile.

On the Suites side, the beach is quite rocky, so it’s not ideal for swimming — but the good news is that you have full access to the Palms side, which offers a much smoother entry and gorgeous views.

Unfortunately, one downside I have to mention was the presence of broken glass in some areas. I actually stepped on a small piece and had to have it removed (thankfully, it wasn’t serious!). It seems the resort uses glassware at their tiki-style bars, even in outdoor beach areas, which isn’t something I’ve seen at other all-inclusives. It’s a small detail, but one I think is worth mentioning for safety awareness.

Overall, the beach itself is beautiful and spacious — just be cautious when walking barefoot.

Drinks: 5/10

Drinks were average…nothing to write home about. I tried a variety of drinks but ended up sticking with my favorite–the margarita! The Mezcalito bar in the lobby had EXCELLENT drinks that were made with Mezcal which is a traditional Mexican liquor.

Service: 8/10

From the moment we arrived, every staff member went out of their way to make us feel welcome. The team was friendly, upbeat, and always willing to help — whether it was chatting with us during meals, greeting us with a smile, or making sure we had everything we needed.

Every single person we encountered seemed truly appreciative and proud of their work, and that positive energy made a big difference in our stay.

Grounds: 5/10

Short of the glass on the beach, the grounds were well kept. I really enjoyed the palm-studded paths and beach. They had life-size chess & checkers as well as “orchid” gardens and ping pong located around the resort.

Pools: 6/10

Giving this a bit higher than average rating because of the SWIM UP ROOMS. Everyone loves a good swim up room. There are 4 swim up bars on site as well. There were plenty of chairs around the pool throughout the day.

Overall, El Dorado Seaside Suites offers a great balance of relaxation and value for couples seeking an adults-only all-inclusive in Riviera Maya. Between the attentive staff, oceanfront swim-up suites, and access to two distinct resort sections, it’s easy to see why so many travelers love it.

Want help deciding if this is the right resort for your next trip? Contact me for a personalized recommendation!

P.S. We put together a FREE vacation guide for this resort. Food & drinks to try, things to do, etc. Get it here.