All You Need to Know About the Bar or Lounge
at BlueBay Grand Esmeralda
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Bar or Lounge review highlights
... This was a bit disappointing in the Black and White bar, which was also incredibly hot, but we chose the go to the...
... tasted like aspartame. It was so gross. There is no swim up bar. The beach was seaweed, and the view was ruined by the...
... plastic tables in fact I counted just 12 soft armchairs in a bar by the Mexican and French resturants in the whole complex .....
Most popular question about the bar or lounge
... deluxe room ? Looks like air Canada vacations doesn't offer on this date, only sunwing? Is VIP worth it? Anyone know if the lounge chair situation has improved since Christmas?
Answer from ModdyinVermont
Jan 2024 |
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I read some reviews on trip adviser after booking this holiday through Tui and I was a bit worried about what we would be met by but I have to say we could not fault our fantastic 11 nights at Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda.
Our room was perfectly located by the pool and we had views of the beach, sea, pool and gardens. All facilities were well maintained. The pool area was spotless. Restaurants and bars were well staffed and all staff were friendly and attentive. The beach is beautiful. There is a lot of seaweed at this time of year but you cannot blame the hotel for forces of nature, as some previous reviews have done.
The food in buffet restaurants was plentiful with variety to suit all dietary requirements. The specialist restaurants were easy to book and all meals were beautifully presented.
The daytime entertainment team were great with lots of fun activities going on. I took part in aqua fit, dance classes and even a foam party.
It was Mexican Independence day during our stay and the hotel put on a range of evening entertainment including mariachi band music, games, food and souvenir market stalls, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
The following day there was a traditional horse parade with music on the beach. It was fabulous.
The only think we would have liked was better adult evening entertainment. This was a bit disappointing in the Black and White bar, which was also incredibly hot, but we chose the go to the swing bar at the beach for the salsa vibes instead.
The hotel is about 25 mins away from Playa del Carmen which is a great half day out. We used the hotel shuttle for less than £10 each return.
Chichen Itza is definitely worth the 3 hour journey and along with a swim in a Cenote is a memorable experience not to be missed.
Overall we loved our stay and would certainly recommend this hotel to others.
Arrived home 2 days ago and really missing Mexico and looking forward to booking a return visit.
Our room was perfectly located by the pool and we had views of the beach, sea, pool and gardens. All facilities were well maintained. The pool area was spotless. Restaurants and bars were well staffed and all staff were friendly and attentive. The beach is beautiful. There is a lot of seaweed at this time of year but you cannot blame the hotel for forces of nature, as some previous reviews have done.
The food in buffet restaurants was plentiful with variety to suit all dietary requirements. The specialist restaurants were easy to book and all meals were beautifully presented.
The daytime entertainment team were great with lots of fun activities going on. I took part in aqua fit, dance classes and even a foam party.
It was Mexican Independence day during our stay and the hotel put on a range of evening entertainment including mariachi band music, games, food and souvenir market stalls, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
The following day there was a traditional horse parade with music on the beach. It was fabulous.
The only think we would have liked was better adult evening entertainment. This was a bit disappointing in the Black and White bar, which was also incredibly hot, but we chose the go to the swing bar at the beach for the salsa vibes instead.
The hotel is about 25 mins away from Playa del Carmen which is a great half day out. We used the hotel shuttle for less than £10 each return.
Chichen Itza is definitely worth the 3 hour journey and along with a swim in a Cenote is a memorable experience not to be missed.
Overall we loved our stay and would certainly recommend this hotel to others.
Arrived home 2 days ago and really missing Mexico and looking forward to booking a return visit.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from DIRECTOR GENERAL, Director General at BlueBay Grand Esmeralda
Responded Sep 22, 2022
Dear Friends, Thank you very much for sharing your lovely comments, We hope to have the opportunity to host you again soon, Sincerely, BlueBay Family
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We came here for a wedding, and so we did not pick this resort. I wouldn't have picked it to begin with because of their terrible, unhelpful, vague, website.
When we arrived, we were told that for 2 of us to use wifi on 2 different devices, it was an extra charge. We paid it, but wound up not even being able to access wifi more than half the time because of a bad connection.
The rooms were AWFUL! So dirty, outdated, and bland. The television was out of the 80s, and didn't have a single English speaking channel. First time I've ever encountered that in Mexico. Housekeeping knocked on our door EVERY FRIGGIN MORNING at 8am, whether we had the do not disturb sign up or not. And they would just walk in even when you shouted at them that you were in the room. Our partial ocean view room (which we paid almost $500 for the upgrade), was barely a partial ocean view.
The food was nasty at the buffet. There is nowhere at all to get food after 11pm, unless you want to go back to your room and PAY 120 pesos for room service, which includes your choice of about 4 items. Any drink containing juice was made with fake sugar, so they all tasted like aspartame. It was so gross.
There is no swim up bar. The beach was seaweed, and the view was ruined by the seaweed control barriers off the shore. It was just the worst place I've ever stayed! Thank goodness we had fun people with us.
AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!!
When we arrived, we were told that for 2 of us to use wifi on 2 different devices, it was an extra charge. We paid it, but wound up not even being able to access wifi more than half the time because of a bad connection.
The rooms were AWFUL! So dirty, outdated, and bland. The television was out of the 80s, and didn't have a single English speaking channel. First time I've ever encountered that in Mexico. Housekeeping knocked on our door EVERY FRIGGIN MORNING at 8am, whether we had the do not disturb sign up or not. And they would just walk in even when you shouted at them that you were in the room. Our partial ocean view room (which we paid almost $500 for the upgrade), was barely a partial ocean view.
The food was nasty at the buffet. There is nowhere at all to get food after 11pm, unless you want to go back to your room and PAY 120 pesos for room service, which includes your choice of about 4 items. Any drink containing juice was made with fake sugar, so they all tasted like aspartame. It was so gross.
There is no swim up bar. The beach was seaweed, and the view was ruined by the seaweed control barriers off the shore. It was just the worst place I've ever stayed! Thank goodness we had fun people with us.
AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Frederic C, Director General at BlueBay Grand Esmeralda
Responded Mar 4, 2020
Dear friends, On behalf of all the staff of BlueBay Grand Esmeralda I wish to thank you for your feedback and for your preference. We regret that your experience with us was not at the level of their expectations, we will share your comments with our executive team to improve our service and our resort. We are at your service anytime and thank you again for your comments, Best regards!!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just come back from 2 lovely weeks family holiday in Mexico . Wonderful sun sea and relaxation The Blue Bay grand was not at all what we expected it to be . The staff were so helpful and always carried our their duties with a smile and a Ola . The pool area was always spotless and cleaned throughout the day . The bars and resturants were of a good standard and always clean and tidy . We didn't join in around the pool entertainments much but there always seemed to be a game of some sort going on .. The Sunday foam party on the beach is a must . Also a special mention for the evening entertainment team very professional and highly entertaining . There is always enough space and sunbeds around the pool so no problem having to get up early . Our room was a little dated but clean and tidy and the air con worked a treat after a long day by the pool ....The beach area is ok but spoilt by the seaweed. problem that is all along the Carribean coast .
However ...
We felt that the 5* rating was a bit exaggerated more like 3* . Our daughter cut her foot in the pool on the first day on a sharp tile and was tended to by the medical team .The pool area is quite large there is not enough shade ,the only umbrellas are fixed on the beach .
As we are of a certain age we didn't like the fact that in the evening whilst watching the entertainment we had to sit on plastic garden chairs whilst having drinks in plastic glasses on plastic tables in fact I counted just 12 soft armchairs in a bar by the Mexican and French resturants in the whole complex .. The reception area looks all plush but has no air con and you can't get a drink there so don't see the point .. The 6 A La Carte resturants are difficult to book and finally the worst experience of our holiday ..
We booked a meal in the steak house for 21:30 ( the only time left ) and eagerly waited our dinner however when my wife's and daughters chicken arrived it was RAW .. Not just underdone BUT RAW . We called the waiter over and he looked horrified at how raw it was .the inside was still sloppy he showed it to the chefs who by the look of their faces knew it was bad .. We were offered a replacement dinner but it was 22:15 by then and we had lost our appetite .. The maitre de cam over and ask for our room number and I thought that we would at least get a apology letter .. But nothing ( why did they ask for our room number ).. Don't understand ?
Over all we made the best of our time in Mexico .. It's just a shame a few little things let the hotel down .
However ...
We felt that the 5* rating was a bit exaggerated more like 3* . Our daughter cut her foot in the pool on the first day on a sharp tile and was tended to by the medical team .The pool area is quite large there is not enough shade ,the only umbrellas are fixed on the beach .
As we are of a certain age we didn't like the fact that in the evening whilst watching the entertainment we had to sit on plastic garden chairs whilst having drinks in plastic glasses on plastic tables in fact I counted just 12 soft armchairs in a bar by the Mexican and French resturants in the whole complex .. The reception area looks all plush but has no air con and you can't get a drink there so don't see the point .. The 6 A La Carte resturants are difficult to book and finally the worst experience of our holiday ..
We booked a meal in the steak house for 21:30 ( the only time left ) and eagerly waited our dinner however when my wife's and daughters chicken arrived it was RAW .. Not just underdone BUT RAW . We called the waiter over and he looked horrified at how raw it was .the inside was still sloppy he showed it to the chefs who by the look of their faces knew it was bad .. We were offered a replacement dinner but it was 22:15 by then and we had lost our appetite .. The maitre de cam over and ask for our room number and I thought that we would at least get a apology letter .. But nothing ( why did they ask for our room number ).. Don't understand ?
Over all we made the best of our time in Mexico .. It's just a shame a few little things let the hotel down .
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from SOPHIEBBGE, Director de Relaciones Públicas at BlueBay Grand Esmeralda
Responded Sep 3, 2019
Dear teats100, Thank you for taking the time to write this review sharing these aspects of your stay, both positives and the ones that need improvement. We really appreciate your feedback and for bringing these matters to our attention as it means that there is an opportunity for us to improve ourselves and achieve our main goal, which is the customer satisfaction. We hope that you will allow us the chance to remedy these inconveniences and welcome you back in the near future. Kind regards,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Overall experience was great. We had been to a different place in Mexico before and it was almost the same. The maid service was great refilled everything daily. I really enjoyed the staff very friendly. We had Justino at the snack bar serve us all week and he was above and beyond!. Pool entertainment with Anna and Christin was awesome!!! always something to do!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from JOSE V, Gerente at BlueBay Grand Esmeralda
Responded Mar 12, 2019
Dear vanessah581: First of all let me thank you for having chosen us to spend your precious holidays in our wonderful Mayan Riviera. On behalf of the management team and our staff at Bluebay Grand Esmeralda, Thank you for sharing this great review of our hotel. We are very glad you enjoyed your stay, specially the service provided by our staff. I will share your your praises with my colleagues and will be looking forward to welcoming you again in a near future. Sincerely Jose Vargas
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Well what an hotel..
Upon arrival we were presented with champagne, check in was very quick and easy. We were taken to our rooms by the staff and our cases we there before we even got to the room.
Our room was amazing we didn’t have a beach view but the view was amazing. The room itself well we had a queen bed which was lovely and soft we had a mini bar that was refilled daily rooms were cleaned daily and our cleaner would make animals out of the towels left on the bed which was amazing.
The food absolutely nothing bad to say about any of it. The buffet restaurant had loads of choice for breakfast lunch and dinner. By the main pool there was also a buffet restaurant if you didn’t want to go to the main one. There’s 5 a la carte restaurants. We tried Mexican and the steak house both fantastic. In the buffet restaurant our waiter Elvis he could never do enough for us he knew us by name and would always look out for us. He recommended drinks and food he’s a credit to the hotel.
The entertainment was amazing always a show on at night and pool entertainment throught the day as well as live music in the black and white bar which is 24 hour.
Overall one of the best holidays we have ever had and would recommend this hotel to everyone and we will be returning in the future.
Upon arrival we were presented with champagne, check in was very quick and easy. We were taken to our rooms by the staff and our cases we there before we even got to the room.
Our room was amazing we didn’t have a beach view but the view was amazing. The room itself well we had a queen bed which was lovely and soft we had a mini bar that was refilled daily rooms were cleaned daily and our cleaner would make animals out of the towels left on the bed which was amazing.
The food absolutely nothing bad to say about any of it. The buffet restaurant had loads of choice for breakfast lunch and dinner. By the main pool there was also a buffet restaurant if you didn’t want to go to the main one. There’s 5 a la carte restaurants. We tried Mexican and the steak house both fantastic. In the buffet restaurant our waiter Elvis he could never do enough for us he knew us by name and would always look out for us. He recommended drinks and food he’s a credit to the hotel.
The entertainment was amazing always a show on at night and pool entertainment throught the day as well as live music in the black and white bar which is 24 hour.
Overall one of the best holidays we have ever had and would recommend this hotel to everyone and we will be returning in the future.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from JOSE V, Gerente at BlueBay Grand Esmeralda
Responded May 24, 2018
Dear kellylouisathomas15: On behalf of all the staff of BlueBay Grand Esmeralda I wish to thank you for your great comments and for your preference. We will make sure to share your lovely comments with all our staff specially with Elvis and it will be a privilege to serve you again in a near future. If you need any help for your future reservations please feel free to contact us anytime. See you soon, Best regards, Jose Vargas Room Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Questions & answers about the bar or lounge
Answer from ModdyinVermont
Jan 2024 |
I have stayed in buildings 3, 4 and 5. My preference is #5. Nice, big walk-in showers; close to the beach, larger pool and the swing bar. There is a good plan of the grounds and buildings at Resortmaps. Buildings 6, 7, 8 surround the quieter pool, if you want to avoid noise. Lounge chair hoarding is a result of rude people, and can't be controlled by the resort. You should be able to upgrade to VIP when you check in. I don't think it is worth the extra cost. Avoid timeshare salespeople. Go to the BlueBay Grand Esmeralda web site and at the bottom you will see a link, "contact us."
Answer from Duncan M
May 2023 |
There is a VIP beach bar, but there are also many other bars and restaurants both on the beach and near the swimming pools
Answer from Cam L
Apr 2023 |
I’ll assume that you haven’t read any of the recent reviews on BBGE (read mine), or you most certainly wouldn’t have booked your vacation here.
I don’t know if reasonably priced upgrades are available, but after a 10 day stint there in Feb/23, we did notice that most of the rooms were very similar if not identical. That said, the options available would more likely be the locations within the resort. Some closer to the beach. Some of these, which are ground level units have a swim up patio/balcony area. There is no charge mini bar fridges that are meagrely stocked for free, and pool towels are supplied.
Make no mistake here, this resort in its present condition is a 2star at best!!
Answer from ModdyinVermont
Mar 2023 |
There is a recipe at the web site "The Littlest Crumb"
Answer from George from Hamilton
Feb 2023 |
1. We found a lot of options at the buffets for breakfast and lunch. We never did the buffet at dinner
2. Snacks are available at the Black and White bar 34 hours
3 check in is quick if there aren’t a lot of people ( I guess that’s obvious)
4 for a La carted there is an app where you can reserve at midnight for the next day. We had a la cartes every night. Not all restaurants were open every day
5 not sure about the upgrading
6. Never had a problem with the time-share people. They will try to get you to an hours-long breakfast presentation. Just say “no thanks”
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