Review by Bob & Lindsey, 7/26/2017
Dave, Kim and the Love to Travel gang,
Yes, we loved the resort and the vacation, really a great recommendation. Thank you!
Did not go on any excursions, just relaxed and enjoyed the scenery and the resort.
Very pleased, we will talk to you next time we take a trip.
Thanks you again!
Bob & Lindsey
Review by Tara, 7/25/2017
We LOVED it! The resort was beautiful and the staff was extremely nice. They had free entertainment each night which was fun and gave us something to do after eventful days.
Aside from the excursions we did, our favorite part was swimming in the pool and on the beach. We also enjoyed the delicious restaurants and the 24/7 snack bar and game area. We took the time to get a Couples Massage which was amazing! We got deep massages, so we were a little sore after it, but it was much needed. The resort has professional photographers walking around taking pictures, so one day we took pictures by the beach and were able to purchase the photos as a gift to ourselves. We also really liked exploring and shopping on 5th Avenue, which is right around the corner from the resort. On our last full day, we did a Bike Tour and rode bikes through 5th Ave and learned some history about Playa del Carmen, it was so cool!
We did two excursions. The first one we did was called ATV Xtreme. We traveled to Tulum and did a bunch of things in the jungle. We zip lined, went swimming in a cenote, had an authentic lunch, then drove ATV's through the jungle and stopped at a sink hole. The sink hole is filled with the clearest water I've ever seen! There, they have a zip line cord and you can hold on and jump into the water. That was my favorite part about the excursion.
The second excursion we did was also really cool. I forgot what it's called, but we got to go snorkeling and swim with sea turtles. This took place at Akumal Bay. During that excursion we also went swimming in another cenote and ate lunch. There were also some animals we got to look at such as monkeys, deer, talking birds, and more.
Here are some photos of the resort and some photos of us having a good time!
Review by Michelle, 6/13/2017
We had a wonderful time!! Have nice tans too. The weather was great, on the contrary to what the forecast predicted... We got really lucky!
When we got to the airport a Fun-Jet rep asked us if we wanted to upgrade to first class for $100, and we wanted to do that. But there was some confusion as to where to pay for it. Delta didn't know anything about it. By the time we figured it out, the seats were all taken. But it was ok, Delta was a class act. They handed out little hot lemon scented cloths to everyone on the plane, then gave snacks/drinks and free alcohol. The leg room was good too.
The hotel was very nice, and the food was ok. The best restaurant was the IL Pescatore, across the street (affiliated with the hotel). For our last night, we paid $89.00 extra to eat at the Chef's Plate, but it wasn't as good as IL Pescatore. We liked the Asiana restaurant too.
The hotel was right across the street from 5th Avenue (the shopping district), so that was nice. We went over there after dinner a few nights to shop and sight see. The beach kinda sucked though. It was right next to an old pier, and was too rocky to go in the water. So we walked down the beach a bit, to go swimming.
The service at the hotel was really good. All the people were really nice. We should have read the tips you included before we left. (I read the packet on the plane). We got $100 cash before we left, and they were all twenties. Gave a few people a $20 tip, because that's all we had. haha! We were able to get some change from the bell boys on day 3.
Overall, we had a fun time and would love to go back!
Thanks for all your help.
~ Michelle
Review by Tricia, 3/31/2017
Was an absolutely amazing trip and by far my favorite resort so far, it was beautiful!! I will fill out the review link for you also. We did excursions and to be honest I can’t remember through who, but no, I would not do that selection of excursions again; it was not “relaxing” at all, but that is probably the only thing negative I could possibly say about the trip. The swim up rooms will be a staple for us, from now on, they were fantastic, service was great and everything was just wonderful.
Thank you for checking in.
Review by Brent, 2/20/2017
We had an absolute AMAZING time at The Royal in Playa Del Carmen. Our entire group was blown away. As you may know Lindsay and I have been going to that area for the last 10 years and we always choose to go to a different resort each time as we like to see different places. It is going to be VERY hard not to go back to The Royal next year. It was that great. The layout is fantastic. The food was top notch. The service and friendliness was amazing. It was AWESOME!!!
Sincerely,
Brent
Review by Rick & Boni, 11/28/2016
Kim,
Thanks for asking about our trip. We had a wonderful time in beautiful Playa! So much so, that neither of us wanted to return home.
Here are the answers to your questions:
1. We loved the food, service, the in-resort activities and people that ran them, our room was beautiful but kind of loud, the pools and beach were beautiful.
2. We went to Tulum and to Xel Ha. And yes, we loved each of them and would strongly recommend them if you head to the area. Boni was a trooper and snorkeled for her first time! If one is planning a trip to Xel Ha, make sure they pack biodegradable sun block. The ruins at Tulum are incredible and it was great to see how much care the government is putting into their preservation.
One note to pass along, if someone is considering booking at The Royal, if they are looking for a quiet experience, make sure they do not stay near the pool. The activities are loud and all day long. The guest can also get a bit rowdy by the pool.
Lomos Travel was also excellent!
Thanks again for the recommendation and the help!
We look forward to booking with you again,
Rick & Boni