You are here: > Cancun Smart > Cancun hotels > Riviera Maya hotels > H10 Hacienda Maya > Hotel reviews

Guest Reviews: 26 comments found for this hotel: 25 :: 1

Just sharing some photos from our recent visit - still enjoying a great hotel, new restaurant recently opened "el gaucho" offered a great flame grilled steak staff are so friendly, as always, and it's just so relaxing to be there....
Lisa Hall, leesahall2001@yahoo.com, 2008-01-25

I spent a week at this resort Jan. 07 and absolutely loved it. Room, staff, food, beach, activities, nightly shows and pools all were excellent! I highly recommend this resort to all couples and families. The tours offered were fun and the staff was friendly. Thank you to all who work there for making our holiday such a special one.
Anna Iredale, e-mail withheld, 2007-04-14

Just got back from another superb week at this hotel (14-22 jan) - the improvements have been well noted.... no more need to reserve sun beds - there were plenty to go round and that was with a full hotel - and all new ones as well! An extra swimming pool with a swim up bar - all the better for getting those margaritas!!!! all rooms updated with better satellite TV and new furnishings. Beautiful "mayan style" decorative features everywhere, an updated restaurant (food is still as good) and a great Japanese style restaurant that is definitely worth a visit - book early at that one! staff are still a wonderful team of really friendly people, and we really didn't want to leave!!!
Lisa, leesahall2001@yahoo.com, 2007-01-23

We had a very enjoyable stay 09-16 jan 2006 at El Mandarin. The accommodation was comfortable and spacious, the staff extremely friendly, and the choice of food excellent and varied. Menus are themed each day, with traditional Mexican food worth trying. We also took the advice on another visitor’s comments to try the grilled fish, and found the comments to be correct! We loved it! The a la carte restaurant was good as a more intimate option on one of our evenings. We found we could do as little or as much as we wanted, and the hotel wasn't overcrowded, whilst the weather was good - mixed, a couple of small showers during the wk, but they were gladly welcome as the heat was intense. Evenings were breezy & cool, light jackets are advisable. Our only recomm was to have 3rd bar on site as only the pool bar & lobby bar available (could be due to preps after storms to the beach disco, still partly destroyed) however, would return to the same hotel again.
Lisa, leesahall2001@yahoo.com, 2006-03-13

We have just got back from a lovely stay at El Mandarin from the 17th of February t the 24th of February. Everything was just perfect with me been a teen I am very choosy nut I seemed to like it a lot, especially the staff they were great always there to help and entertain us. 2 in particular, Erick and Israel they were great and we hope that one day we could go back there very soon and see them all again. The beach was stunning and the sea was very clear. I don’t agree with the people that said this hotel was a mess. We had our room done and cleaned every day it was so clean.
Vicki, vickiaeb@hotmail.co.uk, 2005-04-16

Just got back from a lovely week's stay at Club El Mandarin. We had an excellent trip--very relaxing. What I really liked about it was the beach, the food was good--the was fresh grilled fish was to die for. Grilled Grouper I can't quit thinking about. Have Corona, red & white wine on tap and many other tasty drinks. Caiprinia was the best! Room was nicest we've had when staying in Mexico. We were in Building 6, Room 620 and it was very centrally located. Tons of hot water & pressure. As others indicate the grounds are truly beautiful & the place is spotless. I didn't see a mark on the wall. Constantly polishing the floors. Staff was extremely pleasant and helpful--especially Antonio and Nora at the pool bar. Didn't see a lot of tipping. We tipped room service and bartenders frequently. 4 shops on premise, as well as an internet store. In the beauty salon, I had a massage, which was great. $60US for 1 Hr. Would definitely go back or recommend Mandarin to anyone. Very diverse group of guests--Canadian, French, Italian, German & American. Guests pleasant but not overly friendly. Most were traveling in groups. It is quiet hotel--mostly family & couple oriented. Definitely not one of the mega resorts. I think the hotel has about 200 rooms--which is nice sized. It never felt crowded, although I believe the hotel was full. If want specific beach/pool loungers, you will need to do the towel run & reserve in am before going to breakfast. If single & wanting some excitement, this wouldn't be the place--but we're past that point so everything suited us just fine. Tip: Do bring insulated cups. Negatives: 1) No swim up bar, and 2) the pool water was so cold that not many people used the pool. There is a smaller jetted pool, but I wouldn't say it is a "hot" tub, as the water is not heated. Even so, I wouldn't hesitate to go back. Unique Qualities: 1) Good Walking Beach 2) Beautiful Grounds. Comparative Price: less expensive than average.
Ivzmom, e-mail withheld, 2005-02-06

We just returned from a weeklong trip to El Mandarin and it was incredible! The staff were amazing, always around to help out and keep everyone entertained. The food was wonderful with huge varieties and everything tasted fantastic! Everyone on the staff did their best to show the visitors a great time and they succeeded. The Animation Team did a superb job of organizing activities and shows. I would go back in a heartbeat. Thanks for a great time you guys!
Julie Dirks, e-mail withheld, 2004-08-04

We recommend El Mandarin hotel to all people that are seeing this web site! It was a wonderful experience and we'll come back as soon as possible! Rogelio, Rodrigo, Ivan, Diego, we miss you a lot.
Francesca, mondodasia@virgilio.it, 2004-07-23

I just came back from Club El Mandarin and all about this hotel is good and the staff is awesome! (Sabana can you please write to me. I have some questions for you. Thank you)
Chanty, whats_up4610@hotmail.com, 2004-06-20

Club El Mandarin was awesome; I am a teen so of course I paid attention to the animation team who in the day were the pool boys Jerry and Rodrigo were definitely what made my trip.
Sabana, e-mail withheld, 2004-06-15

My time here was the best week of my life! I met tons of people, including lots of staff members, who were really cool. The food and the rooms and stuff were really good. The weather was perfect, and the ocean was great. The animation team is awesome! The entertainment at night was hilarious, the staff put on some great shows, and there was lots of audience participation, which was cool. And the disco was really fun too. I’m already planning my next trip back to Club El Mandarin!
Sophie, e-mail withheld, 2004-03-22

Spent 2 weeks at the Club El Mandarin resort. (2 adults,2 kids -3&7-) Had a great time. The food, the staff, the complex was great. Do not let the little things ruin your vacation, eg. cocking in the bathroom, waiting for hot water to kick in,...don't forget, it's Mexico. We had a great time, the kids did not want to leave.
Donna, e-mail withheld, 2004-03-17

This resort was excellent. The staff were incredibly accommodating, the rooms were clean, and the food was excellent. The entertainers were a lot of fun. The beach was beautiful, no seaweed at all, and the water was perfect for swimming. We all thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Club El Mandarin. We would definitely recommend it to anyone and plan to return next year!
Karen, e-mail withheld, 2004-01-19

Thank you for a memorable stay to bring in the New Year! Your staff was humorous and extremely pleasant. I look forward to another stay at Club El Mandarin resort.
Laurel Tator, ltator@nycap.rr.com, 2004-01-05

Thank-you for a great time spent at Club El Mandarin hotel. My family and I had a spectacular time and didnt want to leave! The staff was absolutely brilliant, especially the Animation Team. Thank you again for a wonderful time and making this Christmas a most memorable time. See you next year!
Tessa, t_tomlins@hotmail.com, 2003-12-31

I was at the Club El Mandarin for two weeks and everything was perfect. The food, the people and the service was really great. I would go back right away!
JoAnn, e-mail withheld, 2003-12-09

Club El Mandarin was great!!! The staff was so good and they had shows on every night!! I loved it there and if I could go back I would!
Nicole, lil_rockstar_76@yahoo.ca, 2003-06-01

I love it!!! I am a very fussy person but the food there was excellent!!! The beach was the best but the water was not what we were expecting but it was very nice, the pool was great! I fell in love with the staff! They are very friendly and very kind!.. I loved the bar good drinks! The barman was great. I loved the show at night and the disco was rocking it was my best vacation yet!!! … I love Mexico and now I miss the Club El Mandarin a lot!!
Louise Jaillet, Louise_Spike@hotmail.com, 2003-05-08

We stayed at the Club El Mandarin from March 1- 8, 2003 and really enjoyed our experience. The room and our view of the ocean were fabulous. The food was very good and because it was a smaller resort, we were not faced with long lineups each day. As well, the beach was not as crowded... I wish to offer a special thank you to the dining room staff for their honesty. On the first day, I left a small purse containing my ID on a table at breakfast. The very honest man covering our table returned it to the front desk later and we were very grateful. The only negative comment that I have is that the evening entertainment was disappointing compared to other resorts that we have visited. The band was very good but we were also expecting to see dancing shows & more sophisticated entertainment. Nevertheless, we enjoyed every minute of our stay.
Kay Fitzgerald, ackpfitz@nbnet.nb.ca, 2003-04-09

We went to the Club El Mandarin in September 2001 and found the weather to be perfect, it rained every night (night only) leaving the days beautifully cloudless. The hotel is spotless and amazingly beautiful. The service is great too. Bad things: water is NOT as clear as it can be (you may find mushy stuff once the water hits your shoulders) also the beach often has seaweed at the shore. I am not sure how it is there now, but most visitors were there from Europe. 60% Italians, 20% Germans, 8% Spanish, 8% French; 4% English-Speaking. (The wrist bands will let you know that). However, the staff does speak english and is pleasant. As long as you dont mind a little seaweed and a lot of pasta (although good tasting) you will enjoy your vacation, it is a beautiful resort.
Julie, e-mail withheld, 2003-03-11

Just returned from Club El Mandarin. Beautiful facilities, very clean, worth the money. Only objection was free bus to town always full and alternate restaurants always booked so you can get tired of buffet every meal. Great location on the beach - activities planned daily. Dancing in the main building nightly - drinks included but not a wide selection of brands but who cares. Had a great time.
M. Cox, coxmls@aol.com, 2003-02-08

THIS HOTEL IS PERFECT. Room, food , staff, beach, sea, everything was ok. The only problem is the shuttle to bring you to Playa Del Carmen is to small. Tks to the staff there talking english and french. Club El Mandarin is a very good place to go for one week.
Manie Lariviere, manielariviere@hotmail.com, 2003-02-07

Had a good time at the Club El Mandarin resort. Would not return only because of the expense. Beach was nice when we went but on very calm days the seaweed did not wash ashore for the staff to clean up so was a bit unpleasant. Most days the swimming was good. Food was moderate fare with similar menus daily. Rooms and resort was very clean. Animation team was pleasant and tried to get everyone active. A few evenings of professional shows. Would recommend this place with a 3 1/2 star rating.
Lynn, e-mail withheld, 2003-01-21

We brought a group of 100+ people to Club El Mandarin. The hotel was beautiful and the staff had non-stop energy. Every day held new surprises for us. If you like to stay off the beaten path, this is the place for you. If you dont have a great time here, its your own fault!!! 15 minutes from Playa, 45 minutes from Cancun.
Kimbo, freychick@hotmail.com, 2003-01-15

We had a blast! The staff are extremely energetic and friendly. Entertainment was a little lacking aside from the daily routine, however Playa and Cancun are not far away and there are plenty of excursions to go on. The food was good and the drinks never ended. I recommend Xel-Ha it was a life long experience. I would definitely return to Club El Mandarin for another visit
Tyson & Shanley Foerster, Puff-daddy@weedmail.com, 2002-12-18

Poor experience, would never go back to Club El Mandarin. Very clean however staff was rude, mainly catered to Italian guests, felt inferior being Canadian. Only 1 pool waist deep, which closed at dinner time. Evenings were spent sitting in the lobby, entertainment was basically just staff members dressed up. Beach was covered in seaweed and was not useable for swimming. Definitely do not recommend.
Mike, e-mail withheld, 2002-12-11

Have you been to this hotel?
Share your comments and pictures.

go to top of page

Copyright © 2002-2008 CancunSmart.com
Contact us at: info@cancunsmart.com
Calle 127 #198, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Visit our Lodging Directory

From past guests:

> Photo gallery
> Share your comments and pictures

click here to email this page