We spent a week with friends this month at El Dorado Royale. It was our 16th trip to a Karisma property and we are never disappointed. The property is beautiful and the food is amazing. This resort was hit by a tropical storm and two hurricanes in 2020, and they have worked diligently to bring it back to its original beauty. If you were a first-time traveler here you would hardly notice what it has been through. We love our trips here.
True the facilities are well maintained and the food is great, but the staff is the highlight! They work so hard to please their guests and the hospitality and desire to make your vacation wonderful, is unmatched. We stayed with member benefits this trip. Our butler team was the best we have ever had! Between Edgar and Candido, we were more spoiled than in any other trip. Honestly, what a fabulous team! They went above and beyond, providing service we didn't even know we wanted, needed or requested. They were amazing! There were our usual standouts that we seek out every time we visit: Amairani, for great beach drink service, Jovany for great drinks and a laugh and Tony who is the best beach butler! The waiters are great too, but honestly, we seek out Jose (Santa Fe and Kampai) every chance we get, he gives the best service and has an amazing memory. He always remembers us, and what we like and goes the extra mile. There are many travelers here; I am certain we are not the only ones he remembers, so clearly he is invested in giving great service to the guests. As I mentioned, we traveled as a member of ABEO travelers club and some of their staff also did everything they could to make this a fabulous trip: Angelita took care of our prearrival details, so that everything was in order when we got to our rooms, Marlene, did a midweek check to make sure things were going as planned, and as always, Frank Torres is there when we have any questions, no matter which office he is assigned to during our stay, he is fantastic! Thank you!
Traveling during COVID is a hard decision to make, especially when it is for pleasure. We all have our reasons why or why we won't travel and we need to make those decisions based on the information we are given at the time. At the resort, they take COVID seriously and have taken steps to minimize guest's exposure. The resort is allowed 50% occupancy right now. All staff wear masks, all of the time, down to a worker cleaning up the beach and nowhere near other people. They will limit room exposure and only come in as often or as little as you would like. They do ask (and is required, but not always adhered to) that guests wear masks in and out of restaurants, or while up walking to the restroom at the restaurants, riding in the shuttles and with bellmen, or in public spaces where you cannot distance. Obviously, you don't need it in your room, in the pools and on the beach where you can easily practice social distancing. We wore our masks as required and any time we interacted directly with staff, as a courtesy to them...it really was not a big deal at all. As of January 26th, COVID testing is required by the US to board the flight home. This could have been a deal breaker for many to travel, but Karisma stepped up and is offering free on-site COVID testing for guests traveling back to the US. you can visit their web-site for details. Before this requirement, we tested prior to going to Mexico and upon return, just for our own peace of mind.
We will definitely be back, we have several trips already scheduled!
