Originally Posted by
mkjr
I've been to the Bahia Esmeralda twice with my family. Great food, nice all inclusive booze selection and not very large. The bahia complex is large but not the Esmeralda. Went with my mom in Oct. she has been to man ais in Cuba, Mexico and many other places and was of the view it was the best all inclusive she has been too...now, we were there when it was slower so it may be different when you can go...
I actually suggested the Esmeralda since you can go to the adults only Ambar but I have heard that even with kids, it's quieter and less grouchy older people...and you can dine at the Ambar restaurants etc. if you want. At least my,mom was not impressed by the Ambar side.
Just got back from the Esmeralda on the 20th. I found it to be good for the price but I don't have anything to compare it to in the area. My only real complaint was inconsistency. For example: You could ask 5 people the same question and get 5 completely different answers. Different bars made Mojitos different ways with a lack of mint being the most common divergence although some were made without sugar or lime juice. The buffets had some good food and some really cold and rubbery meats
That said we enjoyed our time there and found the Restaurants you make reservations for the be very good. The rooms were very nice and the whole property was kept very clean.
If you end up going there and want some time at the beach I would suggest reserving a chair early. They tell you not to but no one listens and there seems to be no enforcement. The first three rows were taken by 8:30am and by 10:30 you'd be lucky to find a chair anywhere. It wasn't too crowded though. It was a rarity to see any of the chair claimants around us despite staying laying in the same spot for hours.
Some Spanish helps too