BlueBay Grand Esmeralda - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

17973 reviews

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  Awesome!

  Pamela was super nice and energetic. The whole entertainment team was awesome. Our service has been amazing so far. The beds are comfy, rooms stay cool and all amenities are greatly appreciated. This experience has been great so far. Would recommend to anyone looking for a safe vacation.

  Mar 26, 2025
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  An in depth of the Blu Bay

  First, the negatives. My friend and I arrived March 13th for a seven night stay and were greeted by our Westjet representative at the airport and waited for our shuttle to take us to the resort. The resort is about a half hour drive from the airport which is great, once you get to the resort if there are a lot of people like there were when we got there be prepared for a long wait in line. First off you are told there is a nightly fee added to the stay that was not included in the all-inclusive package which was about 18US per person if I remember correctly. We were driven to building number 7 which is at the other end of the resort if you compare distance to the beach. We were put on the main floor facing the pool but as soon as you walk into the hallway, which is open to the outdoors at the ends, the sewage smell was overwhelming. When the room was opened you were hit with the strongest, mustiest smell that nearly knocked you over. The deadbolt didn't work and had a screw hanging but we were told it was fine, the handle lock was all we needed. We asked for another room and were moved to the third floor. When the worker opened the door, the room was a mess, beds unmade and someone next to the room said they also had just painted in there. Another call to the main lobby and we were driven to building 8 and our room was now on the 4th floor facing the pool. The elevator at our end was out of service so unless you wanted to walk four flights you had to walk to the end of the building and use the elevator then walk back to your room. This room was fresh smelling and clean, deadbolt still didn't work but we were so tired that we didn't care. They said they would send someone but never did. The handle to the outside of the patio door was gone and what was left was two holes with sharp pieces of metal so you had to slide the door open by holding the glass. We kept the "do not disturb" on the door and just asked for clean supplies but someone came in anyways on the second day and I wasn't impressed considering the sign, it didn't happen again. The beds are firm, and the pillows...well don't expect soft and fluffy. The shower will be cold in the am and before dinner and hotter at night. If you want to eat at the restaurants, French, Italian etc. be advised to download the BluBay app and you can book every Sunday am for the following week, other wise most times are gone and you might get a 10pm dinner. The drivers on the carts speed down the walkways and they are electric so you can't hear them and they almost hit people without a horn or any warning, so be aware at all times. Do not go to the Welcome breakfast the first am in the "VIP" cart unless you want to sit for NINETY minutes to hear a salesperson try and sell a membership. We declined. I also noticed the resuseable cups given to people for drinks, coffee etc are "washed" in a drawer of water and restacked on the counters, noticed this at the bar.....lots of people bring their own insulated mugs etc and be prepared to see fingers touching the inside of the rim of your cup. Now the good. The resort grounds are beautiful and meticulously kept. Just be aware there is wildlife roaming around freely and ferrel cats which are everywhere and are fed by the workers. I am a cat lover so this was a bonus. The main pool is huge with walking bridges and shade underneath for a break from the sun, near the beach and all the loud action if you want games and VERY loud music playing all day. The main beach is beautiful but murky so if you don't like that you can walk a little ways to either side for clearer water. Jet skis for rent are 50 US for a half hour which was crazy. There are lots of palm trees for shade and hammocks and loungers but these are pretty well taken most of the time. A must, is walking about 10 min the left of the main beach to the lagoon, the water is clear and not as salty and cooler. You can swim against the current down through the trees and let the current float you back. Snorkeling there is fun, bring your own goggles and snorkel, it was a highlight. There is a huge breakfast and lunch buffet next to the pool and it was great for breakfast, the food is good, fresh fruit, eggs anyway you want them, juices , coffee, amazing views of the ocean and cats here and there. At night there was entertainment, a fire show and dancing on the beach with a DJ. The performers are top notch. Some rooms near the main pool have a long lap pool right out the patio door which would be a great spot if you don't mind the loud music. The other smaller pool by our end was quieter and also has a bar and lounge chairs but they are taken by 7am ( both pools). The French restaurant is modern and fancy but with one waiter the dinner took two hours, the food is mediocre and be aware that some items like Prime rib etc cost money, they are not part of the all inclusive. The Italian I felt was the best one, I had the lamb chops which were juicy and flavorful and a ravioli with bolognese sauce which was amazing and the restaurant was beautiful, the salad bar had an assortment of cheeses, meats, fresh buns etc. The Mexican restaurant was also good, ask for a side dish of their homemade hot green chili sauce, it's amazing. The a la carte buffet restaurant close to the lobby was also very good, huge selection but go before six or the line will be long. There is the Black and White building with pizza all day and nachos and cheese sauce which was ok. There is a bar in there and nightly entertainment every night and is very popular. Karaoke, live entertainment etc and there is lots of seating inside and out and dancing. This goes on until about 2am some nights. The coffee shop next to the Black and White is modern and efficient. Lattes, teas, ice cream fresh water with cucumber and fruit are just some of the options as well as pastries, cookies and such. Little tables outside are relaxing and welcoming. Attached to the coffee shop is a great gym with machines and free weights and is almost always empty. Next to the gym is a spa which I didn't try. The workers are friendly and really appreciate a "Bueno Dios, Buenos Tardes or Buenes Noches" and not to mention tips. They work hard so don't be cheap! There were lots of families with children and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Bring bug spray as there were bugs biting my lower legs at night and they look like mosquito bites and last awhile. I had to be treated by the doctor at the resort the last day for severe food poisoning and he came quickly and treated me and was very nice , not sure what I ate but my roommate was fine.The resort accommodated me an extra night (have travel insurance) because I was so sick and called me a few times to see if I needed anything as I had to have my flight rebooked for the next day. Diana the Concierge manager went out of her way and was the sweetest lady so I really appreciated her help. She arranged my pickup at my room the next morning and my shuttle to the airport was arranged through her and my travel agency. All in all I think this resort was very good for the deal we got and would recommend with a few tips for someone so they know what building not to get etc.

  Mar 24, 2025
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  would not return

  This resort is in need of an update. The food was poor to good depending on where you ate and the day's menu. The seafood restaurant was awful, but the Italian was very good. The buffet experience was mixed and not a lot of variation. The snack bar was closed for the full 10 days were were there, reducing our options. The drinks were poor. Some cocktails tasted like cough syrup. Some of the bartenders could use some training. We did find a couple of them that were good and returned to them when they were there. The rooms were clean but in need of repair. The person cleaning our room at first was excellent, but the last 2 days was poor, obviously a staff change as empty cans were not picked up the patio was not cleaned properly, left bird poop on the chairs. Definite lack of chairs at the pool and on the beach, lack of shady options on the beach and we have seen way better beaches in the Mayan. The staff were very friendly so that made up for some of the other issues we had but we would not return to this resort nor would we recommend it.

  Mar 24, 2025
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  ORLANDO BELL BOY

  I want to congratulate bellboy Orlando, who was very attentive when serving me, both upon my arrival at the hotel and upon my departure. He was very punctual at the time of my reservation for my departure. In my opinion, he was the only one worthwhile of all the drivers. I was in room 6242, and if he happens to read this comment, thank you very much, and congratulations, Orlando Bellboy.

  Mar 23, 2025
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  Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda

  Carlos and Kevin at consierge area were very helpful setting up dinner reservations. They took their time and dealing with my needs and were able to satisfy all request. Both of them were very friendly and outgoing and eager to help me. It was a pleasure dealing with it.

  Mar 23, 2025