Monday 15 May 2017

Review of The Royal in Playa Del Carmen - Mexico


After a trip to Mexico feasting on pancake breakfasts and drowning in booze I’m back home in sunny Scotland and thought I would share my favourite hotel with you guys, The Royal Playa Del Carmen.  If you don’t want to read my ramblings then scroll down to the end for a quick review.

The Royal used to be located at the end of 5th Avenue (the place to be) but after years of expansion in Playa Del Carmen it’s now right in the middle (down a quiet street of course). So forget about those fancy hotels where your isolated from the world (unless that’s what you’re after) and check out the best 5* hotel for those who want to explore.


Rooms

Every room is a suite and at The Royal even the entry level ones have a hot tub. You get an included mini bar with optics and even room service which can be delivered to a drop box removing the need to interact with other humans. If you like to have a view then ask for a garden room or a partial ocean view suite to make the most of the huge balconies.   


Pools

The Royal has three pools, the quiet one, the main one (Olympic length) and most importantly the one with the swim up bar! We spend most of our time at the lively pools but it’s worth a visit to the quiet pool for a more relaxed feel. Bar service starts at 10AM and the staff are always about to keep your drinks topped up.  The main pool has some activities through the day to keep you entertained and some nice loungers in a shallow ledge around the pool to frazzle your skin on. Is it busy? It depends what time of year, in the three times we have been there June was quiet, December was moderately busy and April was heaving. One annoying fact is you have to play the towel game here and reserve your favourite sun lounger early, there are signs to deter you from doing this but unfortunately everyone is at it so you end up just joining them (staff were not removing towels or items left by any patrons).


Food

With 7 Restaurants to choose from theres no lack of choice, there is an extra charge for lobster or to dine at the Chefs Plate (unless you’re in a master suite) but all other restaurants are included. Only Chefs Plate and Maria Marie require reservations, everywhere else allows walk-ins where the most you will wait is 30mins. Pre-dinner tequila anyone? The food is awesome and with Asian, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean and French restaurants on offer there is enough to keep everyone happy. 


Drink

From optics in your room to top shelf booze at the 7 restaurants and 5 bars there is no staying sober here. Even when the bars close and you want to party-on there is a 24/7 snack room where you can make your own drinks, grab some snacks and play some ping pong. Or you could venture out onto 5th avenue to one of the many insta friendly bars!





Beach 

Every hotel has its weakness and The Royal is no different, unfortunately if you’re looking for a quiet tropical beach you may be best at one of the secluded resorts further up the coast as the beach here is quite rocky and sometimes does have a problem with seaweed. That being said it’s not exactly an ugly beach and since its all public land you can walk for miles and miles along the coast (there is also a swimmable area but its quite small). 

The People


I couldn’t have a review without mentioning the Mexican people and the staff at The Royal, these guys are probably the friendliest and most helpful people you will ever meet! They will make sure that you’re having the best time and never without a drink (it must be a policy to keep everyone well intoxicated)




Quick Review




If you want a luxury Caribbean holiday but don’t want to be confined to your resort then The Royal is the choice for you. Being just 5 min walk to the local bars and restaurants of 5th Avenue yet still having the feel of a quiet resort gives this place the edge over the competition. All-inclusive at The Royal really means all-inclusive - top shelf alcohol, cocktails and enough food to feed an elephant.  they've got you covered.

Distance to Airport = 40 mins by private transfer
The Royal private transfer = £170 return for 2-6 people
Other transfer (Canadian transfer) = £80 return
Target Price = £200-350 per night (depending on high or low season)

Book here 

(remember and sign up to hotel.com reward nights and receive a reward night after 10 nights stay)
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