The Royal Playa del Carmen - An Honest Review

The Royal Playa del Carmen is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort located near Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It offers the same luxury and amenities as other high-end resorts in the area, but with the added benefit of being close to the popular nightlife. If you want to unwind, stay in the hotel. But if you’re in the mood to party, just take a short walk to Fifth Avenue.

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The Location

This all-inclusive hotel in Playa del Carmen has a great location near Fifth Avenue, making it convenient to explore the area on foot. However, if you want to visit other attractions like Xcaret or Xel-Ha, you may need to use a vehicle. The hotel also offers car rental services for easy transportation to Cancun International Airport, (Cancun map Internation Airport)  which is a 50-minute drive away. Playa del Carmen unfortuteny lacks an international airport.

The Ambience at the Royal Playa del Carmen

As soon as you enter The Royal Playa del Carmen resort, you’ll be impressed by its stunning lobby. Adorned with a magnificent stained glass ceiling and paintings showcasing Mayan culture, the lobby is thoughtfully designed. Additionally, there is ample seating available for a comfortable and relaxing check-in experience.

As soon as you arrive, a group of friendly staff members will welcome you with their hands over their hearts. This is a unique custom at The Royal, and every employee greets you meaningfully. The check-in process is fast, easy, and personable. After check-in, you’ll enter a large, circular lobby.

The luxurious environment you currently perceive is just the beginning of the amazing vacation experience that lies ahead. As you pass through the lobby towards your suite, prepare to be dazzled.

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The Room

The 507 suites at The Royal have a clear and fresh design, featuring white marble floors and dark-wood furniture. Each room has a private balcony or terrace and a jetted tub for two. The Swim-up and Beachfront Walkout suites are the most popular options. However, please note that not all suites offer ocean views, so make sure to request the appropriate room type when booking if that’s important to you.

Many people consider having a room with an ocean view to be an important part of a beach vacation. However, I personally don’t think it’s necessary, especially if you’re staying at a hotel that’s just a few steps away from a beautiful white sand beach. Nonetheless, there are different options available to suit everyone’s preferences. The important thing to note is that your suite at The Royal will be great, regardless of the view you choose.

Please note that the rooms facing the ocean directly provide an unobstructed view of the Caribbean Sea. However, the suites classified as “oceanview” only offer a partial view of the sea from the balcony. As you move west from the beach towards 5th Avenue, the sea may be quite far away or only partially visible due to the presence of gardens or the pool.

• The Royal has 513 suites that are categorized as follows:
• – 89 are Royal Junior Suites
• – 82 are Royal Junior Suites with Garden View
• – 60 are Royal Junior Suites with Central Garden View
• – 187 are Royal Junior Suites with Ocean View
• – 20 are Royal Junior Suites with Swim-Up Ocean View
• – 30 are Royal Junior Suites with Oceanfront View
• – 17 are Royal Master Suites
• – 6 are Royal Junior Suites with Beachfront Walk-Out
• – 10 are Royal Junior Suites with Swim-Up Beachfront Walk-Out
• – 4 are Royal Master One Bedroom Suites with Oceanfront View
• – 8 are Royal Presidential Suites

When booking your stay at The Royal, make sure to confirm the type of suite you want if an ocean view is important to you. Upgrades can be expensive. The hotel’s bathrooms have elegant pink-marble accents and include a big mirrored closet. Each suite has a double jetted tub, vanity mirror, and rainfall shower. Some suites even have a steam shower, while most have the tub located in the room instead of inside the bathroom.

The Pool

The pool area has many different options to choose from. There is an Olympic-sized pool with unique features such as a water volleyball court, a bridge, a swim-up bar, and two Jacuzzis. Additionally, there is a smaller pool for those who prefer a quieter experience. Guests in swim-up suites also have access to their own private pools. And if none of these options are to your liking, you can always take a dip in the Caribbean Sea.

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The Beach

I like The Royal’s beach area because it has a lively atmosphere and many activities, such as people swimming, interesting suntan lines, and children playing. I prefer having company, regardless of whether they are hotel guests or not. The presence of rocks on the beach depends on its location. The hotel is situated near the pier, so the water close to it might have some rocks. However, if you swim a few feet towards the north, you can avoid rocky areas.

Restaurants and Dining

The Royal has a great dining selection, consisting of seven restaurants and one coffee house. Each restaurant has its unique style and cuisine. Among them, you might find Maria Marie, which serves a delightful blend of Mexican and French cuisine, and Chef’s Plate, which serves international haute cuisine.

Although the hotel has seven restaurants, you may still be interested in nearby options. Within a 12-minute walk, La Cueva del Chango offers an impressive natural setting with Mexican cuisine, while NAU is known for their excellent fresh seafood and fish, which is not commonly found along the seafront in Playa del Carmen.

The Bars

Out of the five available bars, Tequileria seems to be the most interesting one as it offers high-quality tequila and imported cigars. Another great option is Trade Winds where you can unwind with a cold Mexican beer or drink either inside the pool or on one of the swings outdoors. Additionally, guests are welcome to explore the seven bars at the nearby Gran Porto Real hotel for more options.

The Living Garden Bar is a recommended bar, located just a 4-minute walk away. It has a relaxing lounge atmosphere, tasty cocktail food, and a view of Fifth Avenue’s bustling crowd. The bar also broadcasts important sports events. Alternatively, if you prefer a traditional pub with excellent beer, music, and ambiance, then McCarthy’s Irish Pub is the perfect place for you and is also conveniently located just a 4-minute walk away.

The Spa

The Spa provides typical services such as the Temazcal and Mayan massage, along with facilities like Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. However, the Spa may not have anything special that stands out.

The Fintness Center

The fitness center is a well-designed space with clearly defined sections for cardio, strength equipment, free weights, spinning, and stretching. It’s not a typical small gym found at many resorts that’s included just for the sake of having one. Therefore, you can enjoy working out during your vacation without any inconvenience.

What we Loved:

• The hotel provides exceptional service as the staff is always attentive and responsive regardless of who assists you.
• The food at The Royal is excellent. They use high-quality ingredients, everything is fresh, and there is a diverse range of delicious options.
• The location of The Royal Playa del Carmen hotel is excellent as it is situated right on the beach and just a few steps away from 5th Avenue, providing guests with the perfect combination of beach and city life.
• This is an exclusive area only for adults. No children are allowed in order to provide a peaceful environment for those who want to take a break from the noise and chaos of kids or prefer a quieter atmosphere.
• The hotel offers excellent quality in all areas, and you can expect to receive what you pay for.

What we didn’t like:

• Choosing to stay at an all-inclusive resort may deter you from visiting nearby restaurants and bars that have great quality but can’t compete with the all-inclusive amenities.
• Although the hotel’s location is a major advantage, it may not be suitable for those seeking solitude since it is in a busy area. Proximity to amenities also implies proximity to other people.
• The beach at The Royal is pleasant and tidy. The water is usually peaceful, but it may not be the best option if you’re seeking a secluded beach. Please refer to the additional comments about the beach below.
• The rooms at The Royal are impressive and offer all the amenities that you would anticipate from a hotel of this caliber. However, it’s important to note that although the hotel is located on the beach, there are varying costs and different levels of visibility of the Caribbean Sea depending on whether you book an oceanfront room or a room with a partial ocean view.

Bottom Line: The Royal Playa del Carmen

The Royal resort is suitable for guests who prefer to stay on-site or those who wish to explore activities outside of the property. For the latter, Asiana, an Asian-fusion restaurant located just outside the resort, is a great option that still falls under the all-inclusive plan. Additionally, guests may participate in a guided morning tour of Playa del Carmen by bike or take a walk to 5th Avenue to purchase souvenirs, try gelato, or enjoy the nightlife. The Royal offers a range of unique experiences, which is largely thanks to its excellent location. By the time my stay was over, I fully understood why so many people have a special fondness for this property.