When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
El Cid
Why El Cid is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
El Cid represents a name associated with hospitality and vacation destinations, notably within Mexico and also as a dining establishment in Los Angeles. The El Cid properties, such as the Marina El Cid Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, offer an all-inclusive family-friendly environment with beautiful beachfront locations and accessibility features for guests with mobility needs. The resort caters well to families, with value propositions such as free stays for children under 12 when accompanied by paying adults, creating an attractive option for family travel. These resorts are also praised for their cleanliness, facility quality, and picturesque settings near marinas, enhancing the appeal for a relaxing social getaway with friends or family. In addition to accommodation, nearby activities such as dolphin experiences add recreational value. However, the El Cid name is also linked with a timeshare vacation club that has received mixed reviews from customers, mostly focusing on dissatisfaction with value, service transparency, and membership policies, which potential visitors should consider carefully. Separately, El Cid in Los Angeles operates as a longstanding restaurant offering local hospitality with a history of over six decades, though it currently lacks accredited reviews on consumer platforms. Overall, El Cid as a brand offers diverse hospitality experiences ranging from high-quality family resorts to complex vacation club memberships, warranting thorough research before committing to any services.
Here's what people think of El Cid
As of recent, El Cid holds a 4.4-star rating based on 824 reviews.
Reviews of El Cid properties demonstrate a wide range of customer experiences. Positive feedback highlights the beauty of the hotels and locations, the cleanliness of the facilities, and excellent staff service at the resorts, particularly praising the family-friendly atmosphere and accessibility features. Guests appreciated the beachfront settings and the additional amenities like dolphin experiences, noting great value especially for families due to free or discounted rates for children. Conversely, negative reviews focus predominantly on the El Cid Vacations Club timeshare program, where customers have expressed strong dissatisfaction with sales presentations, perceived misleading information, broken promises, and difficulties with exchange, refund, and cancellation policies. Several reviewers reported abrupt membership terminations and collections actions without adequate communication, which have severely impacted consumer trust. Some reviews suggest the problems arise when owners attempt to trade or sell timeshare weeks, and caution is advised. In summary, while El Cid's resort accommodations generally receive favorable comments for their quality and environment, the timeshare club division has faced notable criticism, indicating prospective customers should conduct due diligence and consider their personal usage and financial situation carefully before engaging with the vacation club.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Timothy L. Smith
Step into flavor heaven, because these Mexican tacos and that crunchy, golden sope shot me straight to the peak of authentic Mexican culture—¡olé! The service? Overflowing like a well-loved cup—refilling water with a smile and serving street-style charm that could go toe-to-toe with any taco truck in Tulum. But let me tell you what really hit me in the heart: my Momma been coming here for over 30 years, and one of the owners still remembered her. That’s not just customer service—that’s culinary legacy. That’s love on a plate. Now, the tacos? Flavor bombs wrapped in fresh tortillas—bold, savory, unforgettable. And the sope? Crispy on the outside, hearty on the inside. That crunch caught me off guard—in the best way. Gave the whole dish a texture remix that totally worked. And can we talk about the chips and salsa? Free. Fresh. Fabulous. In a world where they’re charging for air, that’s a classic touch that earns forever fans. I'll be back—probably with Momma in tow. This place doesn’t just serve food… it serves memories.
Megan Fredrickson
Great food, amazing atmosphere and very welcoming staff. I recommend trying the QuesaBirria it’s fantastic. Margs are strong which is always a good thing.
Tarajee Rayya
I found this place just by walking and using google for good places in the area as I was leaving the Sunday market in Logan square. It was deathly hot out. So food and something cold to drink to the rescue. Nancy was nice and very patient and helped me to pick some great options to eat. Hands down the cheese and cactus tamal was my favorite. I suggest everybody try it. I could’ve eaten like 5 of those. The salsa was good. I like spicy so it was on point. I would not mind a little more spicy but I understand provided for the masses is important. I also got the chicken chimichanga and side of rice. I loved that the chicken in the chimichanga was well seasoned. That’s important. Rice was moist and flavorful. Check out my photos below! Patio was nice. Tables come with umbrella or there are some that are shaded with trees. Either way it’s nice on the back patio. Some flies around but I think that’s warranted when you’re outside eating. Maybe the owner could spray every now and then to keep them away. But they weren’t too bothersome. I definitely enjoyed my meal and overall experience.
Lauren Halpern
El Cid is a top notch establishment. It has delicious food, but more importantly the friendliest people and an amazing patio. The owner, Juan, is so welcoming and goes out of his way for each of his customers. Every time we are there, we have an exceptional experience. It is the type of place you want to give your business to.
CarefullyPlated
The atmosphere is the way to go. I only wish yhe food was as good as the that. The waitress was surely nice but could've been a little bit more helpful with questions. All the food was greasy. I don't even understand why. All. Of. It. It's like they put oil in everything to stretch it? You could taste it. We didn't finish it or take it home. The margaritas were good. It's pre-mixed, I believe they order it. So there's really no making it different. They pack a punch! The guac was so bland and overpriced. Ridiculous. We had to add salt, I don't think it was seasoned at all. Overall, it's cute. Family friendly, good for any occasion. Won't be returning though.
How to reach El Cid
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Website: None
Why El Cid may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at El Cid with your friends?
El Cid, with its solid 4.4 star rating from over 800 reviews, stands out as a vibrant and welcoming destination perfect for gathering with friends. Whether you crave relaxation or spirited fun, El Cid offers a blend of social and leisure opportunities that make every meetup memorable. The staff’s warmth and attentiveness create a friendly atmosphere where you feel genuinely welcomed, ensuring your group’s needs are met with a smile. The quality of food and dining options impress guests, with some visitors calling the restaurants exquisite, encouraging groups to indulge together over delicious meals. The clean, comfortable accommodations serve as a cozy home base, fostering a shared space where friends can relax and reconnect. Moreover, El Cid's scenic and inviting beach locations set a picturesque backdrop ideal for socializing, taking photos, and making lasting memories. All these factors combine to make El Cid not just a place to stay, but a place to rally, reconnect, and celebrate friendship in a welcoming, enjoyable setting.
What activities are available at El Cid for group enjoyment?
El Cid offers an array of engaging activities that suit a wide variety of group interests, ensuring everyone in your circle finds something exciting to do. For water lovers, the pristine beaches provide opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and casual games on the sand. Pools with attentive lifeguards and staff create safe and fun zones where friends can linger, chat, and enjoy aqua-based leisure. Guests frequently praise the resort’s activities staff for organizing entertaining events, which may include evening shows, live music, and group games, perfect for gathering friends in a lively environment. The presence of well-equipped kitchenettes in some units allows groups to prepare meals or snacks together, adding a homey, interactive element to your stay. For those interested in exploring beyond the resort, local excursions and water sports often can be arranged, offering adventures like snorkeling, fishing, or boat tours that foster group bonding through shared discovery.
Why is El Cid the perfect place for a group meetup?
El Cid’s combination of features and environment tailors it excellently for group meetups. First, its staff are known to be exceptionally attentive and helpful, making organizing group activities stress-free. This helpfulness extends to personalized recommendations and accommodations of special requests, allowing groups a tailored experience. The resort’s restaurants are designed to cater to groups, offering diverse menus and inviting décor that enhance the social dining experience. Moreover, the resort’s spacious suites with kitchenettes give groups a comfortable and flexible living arrangement, ideal for casual hangouts or late-night chats after a day full of activities. For groups that appreciate entertainment, the resort hosts nightly events, allowing friends to enjoy music, dancing, or cultural performances together. Finally, the scenic beachfront and poolside venues provide a perfect blend of relaxation and interaction spaces suitable for groups wanting either calm downtime or lively gatherings.
What should groups know about the quality of service and atmosphere at El Cid?
Groups can expect a consistently welcoming and appreciative service atmosphere at El Cid thanks to its attentive staff. Multiple guests highlight the friendliness of employees, making stays feel personalized and warm rather than transactional. Housekeeping, in particular, receives praise for maintaining clean, comfortable rooms, contributing to an environment where groups feel taken care of. This respect for guest comfort helps cultivate a positive mood, essential when bringing together friends or family for a relaxing time. The resort’s balance of professional service and laid-back beach vibe means groups can enjoy a stress-free stay without sacrificing quality or attentiveness. Whether you’re meeting old friends or making new ones, the resort creates an environment conducive to enjoyment and camaraderie.
How does El Cid accommodate dining preferences for groups?
El Cid stands out for its diverse and impressive dining options that enhance group dining experiences. Guests frequently commend the exquisite quality of food available at its restaurants, reflecting a range of fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared dishes. The variety ensures that everyone in a group—whether seafood lovers, vegetarians, or those craving local specialties—finds something to enjoy. The atmosphere in the dining areas is stylish yet comfortable, encouraging long, leisurely meals perfect for catching up or celebrating. Many guests recommend booking meals in advance to take full advantage of the culinary offerings, which suggests a popular and vibrant dining scene. Additionally, some accommodations with kitchenettes allow groups the option of cooking together, which adds a personal and social dimension to mealtime.
What makes El Cid’s location ideal for hosting meetups with friends?
El Cid’s location is a major draw for group visitors due to its beautiful coastal setting, offering stunning ocean views and direct beach access—all perfect for casual hangouts or special celebrations. The setting provides ample space for outdoor socializing, whether by the ocean, poolside, or in common lounge areas. Groups can enjoy scenic walks along the beach, casual sports, and spontaneous photo sessions in an idyllic environment. Its proximity to local attractions and shopping areas also facilitates easy day trips and excursions to spice up the itinerary. Moreover, its well-maintained grounds and safety features make it a secure place for groups, something especially important for families or mixed-age gatherings. The ambiance of a sun-kissed beach combined with the resort’s hospitable environment creates an unbeatable setting for meaningful connections and joyful reunions.
Are there any important considerations groups should keep in mind about El Cid?
While El Cid largely receives positive feedback for guest experiences, some caution is advised regarding timeshare presentations associated with the resort, which some visitors have described as aggressive or misleading. Groups should be aware if invited to sales meetings and decide on participation carefully. This detail is important to consider for a stress-free and enjoyable stay without pressure. Otherwise, El Cid’s reputation for excellent hospitality, attractive amenities, and welcoming atmosphere more than compensates, making it a popular choice for groups looking to maximize their time together. Planning ahead with clear expectations, especially regarding bookings and activities, can help ensure the most rewarding experience for everyone involved.
By combining attentive service, diverse activities, delicious dining, and a magnificent seaside location, El Cid offers a rich and inviting environment for friends and families to gather, connect, and create lasting memories. It is this combination of qualities that makes El Cid a compelling choice to host your next meetup.