Just back From Royal Hideaway (2/26)

[Moxie]

We just returned from a fabulous week at the Royal Hideaway. This place is truly a gem. Everything was fabulous, especially the wonderful service. We never wanted for a thing. Everything we asked for was done cheerfully and gracefully. We lost our luggage on the way down (thanks to USAIR and Logan Airport). I asked if there was a place that we could go to buy toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. Within ten minutes, a bellman had brought up everything we had requested, free of charge. That's just a sampling of the service we received all week.

The resort is beautiful. Everything is so well maintained. We loved the green grass and all of the blooming flowers, something we don't see in the Northeast this time of year. The beach has suffered MAJOR EROSION. It was my first trip to the resort, so I don't have a comparison, but now there's only room for 3 rows of lounge chairs, placed very close together. Once I download my pictures from my camera, I'll post a picture. A group of local men spent the week stuffing sandbags and building a retaining wall of sorts in front of the hotel. We were very bummed about the beach on the first day there, but we got used to it. As long as the beach stays as it was this past week, it won't keep us from returning again.

The food was good. Breakfasts and lunches were generally excellent. We really enjoyed having breakfast at Ventanas. They had really good eggs benedict and they always had a nice sampling of fresh from the oven pastries. We had lunch at the beach bar 6 out of 7 days and always enjoyed it. The sandwiches were quite good, as was the fried calamari. Dinners were generally just good. We're picky eaters from the snooty Northeast, so it does take a lot to impress us. Our favorite restaurant was the Grille. They had a really good goat cheese salad and beef filet. We also really liked Azia which was a surprise for us, since we thought it was odd eating Japanese food in Mexico. The sushi was just okay, but everything else was excellent. We loved how elegant everything was at every meal. It was formal without being stuffy. Everything was presented so nicely.

The drinks were awesome! I tried so many different drinks and everything was great. They were flavorful and strong. I liked that they always used top-shelf liquor without having to be told. The mojitos, mango margaritas, and Mexican lemonades were especially good. I learned that I like tequila, but I only like the good stuff!! I bought a couple of bottles to bring home.

Soooo . . . the bottom line on the Royal Hideaway? Awesome resort with a badly eroding beach! We absolutely loved Mexico. The people, the food, the tequila . . . Everything. We will definitely return sometime soon. I'll be happy to anser any questions that you might have.

[tdev]

thanks for the report. I'll be interested in seeing your pix ... I hear the erosion problem is significant this year ... I'll add that when I was next door at the Riu Playacar last year there was a ton of beach available all along the Playacar strip ... so give it some time then head back and you'll be pleasantly suprised I'm sure.

Hi -- Thanks for the update on the erosion -- going to RH April 11th/05

so looking to 2nd time back to RH -- Can't say enough about it and Mexico.
As long as the drinks,food and the pools are great and you can still walk the beach
SO BE IT !!!!!

Let mother nature do her work at the restoration.

Howie

I am going on my honeymoon in June and we will be staying at the Royal Hideaway. It is reassuring to hear that the beach situation doesn't ruin the whole experiance. I too would like to the the pics from your trip.

[Moxie]

I'll try to post the pictures tomorrow. I've been so busy at work. I'll probably put up a gallery on Yahoo or something.

[jillie]

Moxie,

Did you get those pics up? I'm excited to see them!
Thanks!

[Moxie]

Soorrryyyy . . . my boss had me working all day on a PowerPoint for a presentation on Tuesday. I hate when that happens. I'll try this weekend!