Royal Villas Resort

This spot might have been a gem 30 years ago, but it is lagging behind now. The Junior suite is spacious but ill-equipped with no dishcloth, spices (empty salt/pepper/sugar containers), limited access to ice (1 of 3 machines in the complex not working at all), and no drinkable water (we had to purchase from the convenience store ourselves). Lighting is dim and we had no hot water for over 12 hours on one day. We made a few calls to the front desk but none were answered. Hotel staff gave conflicting advice and several front desk staff had limited/poor English. There is noise every night until at least 11pm (later on weekends) from a bar across the street. If a wedding or other event is taking place on site, the open concept floor plan of the building causes the main floor entertainment to travel up and throughout the building. Having said all of that, it is decently clean, the views from the balcony are spectacular, and the beach is lovely and long.

With help from a paid travel agent, we booked what we were told was an upscale hotel in the golden zone. This was sooo disappointing. It was very outdated and in need of repair. The rooms were awful. Unless your room is at the very front you won't have much of a view. The elevators take 10 or 15 minutes to get to your floor no matter what time of day. We checked in and immediately checked out. We did not stay. It seemed the air in the rooms would be a hazard to our health with the dank smell of mold and musty air coming from the air conditioners. I would never return and I could never recommend. We are still waiting for a refund which we will likely never see. Very disappointing. They offered us an updated room which was exactly the same as the original only it was smaller. Same decor. Same everything.

We were truly heartbroken by our recent experience with Royal Villas Resort. My family had been looking forward to this trip for years, and we saved for just as long to make it happen. Unfortunately, just five days before our scheduled check-in, my mother was unexpectedly scheduled for emergency surgery — the same day we were supposed to fly to Mexico. As soon as I found out, I immediately tried to cancel through Expedia but didn’t receive any confirmation. I then contacted the resort directly and spoke with a manager, explaining the medical emergency. Sadly, I was told there was nothing they could do — no refund, no credit, not even the option to change our reservation to a later date. I understand this is their busy season, but given the circumstances, I was hoping for a little more compassion and flexibility. Now, not only are we dealing with the emotional stress of a family medical emergency, but also the devastating loss of a trip we’d long dreamed of and planned for. I’m sharing this experience so others are aware that this resort does not make exceptions, even for medical emergencies, and that their policy is rigid regardless of the situation.