Royal Porto Real Review March 16-23rd Part 2

Conard10 · 03-24-2006

POOL: As other’s have said, the areas with shade are saved very early in the morning. But overall there were plenty of chairs. Many people have complained about the pool being cold…I actually found it to be very refreshing. Right next to the main (HUGE) pool was a hot tub and kiddie pool. Then there was a separate pool for activities and where the swim-up bar is located. There was this one couple who "owned" the hot tub...I think everyone around the pull wanted to yell "get a room"...I was laughing so hard at them, but children seemed to be quite amazed at what was going on, and you would see their parents dragging them away from the hilarious display of "affection".

BEACH: The reason we love Cancun is because of the beautiful beaches and water, I was very nervous that we would be disappointed, but we were NOT. The water near the pier, to the right, was rocky…but the left side of the beach had the clear beautiful water we have always enjoyed in Cancun. The only difference was it was much calmer. On a couple days there were hardly any waves, and others just mild waves. If you walk to the right you go over the pier and to the Gran Porto Real….this area was a little difficult to walk. To the left you could walk for miles! But, be aware…walking to the left there are several public beaches and there were several topless women (we don’t care, but I know some do). Even after seeing several topless women, my husband still felt the need to giggle and say "boobies". I guess the new look for men are the extremely tight boxer brief type of speedos...I begged my husband to wear a pair for just one day, I would have laughed the entire day....but of course he refused.
On our actual beach there were very few topless women and none at the pool. Beach chairs were always available, it seemed like most people stayed in the pool area. This area is a public beach, but it really doesn't seem crowded, and people not staying at the resort could not use the chairs

One note: The first 5 days there was not any beach or pool service, meaning no one going around asking if you would like a drink. But, the last 2 days there was a ton of beach/pool service and it was great...I don't know why it was not available the first few days.

GUEST: I would say a very diverse crowd. About 50% were European…speedos first clue, language the second

. About 30% Canadian, and 20% American. There were lots of families with kids, couples, and people of all ages. There was one large group of high school kids with a few parents and they did drive us a little crazy. It was strange seeing someone who looked 13 years old ordering a Crown and Coke while smoking a cigar…I would have hated to be the parents responsible. Of course they were the ones ordering the fancy drinks with 10 different colors...all I wanted was a Sol and these little buggers were ordering drinks that took 10 minutes to make

.

LOCATION: This was the primary reason we chose this resort and we were NOT disappointed. You are steps away from 5th avenue and we made several trips into Playa Del Carmen. If you are worried that it is unsafe, do not be!!! I am a female and went for a long run down 5th avenue and into Playacar at 8am and felt very safe. This of coruse was the first morning and I was up early and full of energy...this was the last atempt at exersize....I guess my motivation ended after SEVERAL beers and a late night snack...I mean after all of that, what's the point

. Even though we did all-inclusive, we did eat on 5th a few times and it was GREAT. The restaurants are not “Americanized” and may look a little dingy, but they were so fun and you got a true feel that you would in Mexico. Walking down 5th avenue was awesome….it is a brick street closed to traffic that is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. You could walk up and down all night. We found a favorite bar, Tequila Barrel (of course we read several recommendatios from this site) and we sat there for hours drinking and people watching.

If you are trying to choose between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, I would highly recommend Playa. Cancun was our annual vacation, now it is Playa. Directly in Playa you will not see many large resorts (really there are only the Royal and Gran Porto Real)…and they do look a little out of place. We did find there was more of a language barrier in Playa, than in Cancun, but it really wasn’t a problem...I took several years of Spanish in HS and College and can hold a VERY limited conversation, but my husband always seems so confused...it makes me laugh! My husband is kind of a muscular guy and the workers from the shops would yell "hey Rambo, happy honeymoon, we cheaper than Wal-Mart

...I thought it was hilarious.

We walked into Playacar one day, where most of the other AI resorts are located….and it would be quite a walk to 5th if you are staying at these other resorts. It is walkable, but maybe 20-40 minutes depending on what resort you stay. If you want an AI and want to be near Playa, than the Royal is the place for you!! The Gran looked nice, but I thought their beach was horrible.

After reading reviews and now having stayed at the Royal, I think that some people are not meant to visit Mexico. We stayed at a 4 star in Maui and had a good time…but it was not the laid-back, fun time that Mexico provides. They do speak another language, their hamburgers don’t taste like McDonald’s, they don’t serve Bud Light (with the exception of a few bars)…but that’s what I like. I want to disregard makeup for a week, wear flip flops to dinner, and still get great service.

Tommygurl · 03-24-2006

Great review....This will be very helpful to people going there...Can't wait until I can get back there..

Melissa

debk · 03-25-2006

Thanks for taking the time to write such a great report! We leave April 27th for a week and you've just made the wait harder!!!!! I really do appreciate all the details, especially about the layout and rooms. After reading your report and Tommygurl's - I am all set and ready to party! (or at least hang on the beach and drink

) I wish someone would write a really lousy trip report right before I get back so mine will look good by comparison!

Glad you had such a great time!

CORONA · 03-26-2006

Thanks for the awesome trip report Conard10!

I will be at the RPR April 23-30 and your report just made me look forward to my trip even more ( something I didn't think was possible

)
Thanks!

tdub · 03-26-2006

Ditto to Corona's comment....Great review!!

maliasma · 03-27-2006

Thanks for sharing this info...we'll be at the RPR on the 13th of April. Our first time at an AI and our first vacation in Playa (we've been to Playa before, but only for day trips).

beachgirl23 · 03-27-2006

Gosh, we are going April 19-24 and I can't wait!! I love great reviews

maliasma · 03-27-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachgirl23

Gosh, we are going April 19-24 and I can't wait!! I love great reviews

See you there...for a few days at least!

We'll be there April 13-22.

debk · 03-27-2006

Looks like we'll just miss you, but Corona will be there the same time as Karenkel and us -(both the beer and the gal!) Hope we see you gals!

Hopefully you two will have time for a *quick* trip report before we leave on the 27th of April........ Please....... Pretty please! I love reading about this resort!

maliasma · 03-27-2006

I'll do my best, debk!!!

CORONA · 03-27-2006

Quote:

Originally posted by debk
Looks like we'll just miss you, but Corona will be there the same time as Karenkel and us -(both the beer and the gal!) Hope we see you gals!

I hope to see you too.

I will have my Nerak bracelet and anklet. Check out the general thread. There is a Peep Meet in the works for the last week in April.

Dmxinc · 03-27-2006

Awesome! The review was just what we needed. Nicely done. We are going April 8th - 13th.

We thank you.... and Tommygurl for setting our minds at ease.

bighairgrl7 · 03-27-2006

Thanks for this report! I'll be there the 26th - 29th April so I guess we'll be seeing some other bead wearers too! can't wait

Conard10 · 03-27-2006

I'm happy that you've enjoyed my review

I tried to include all the little things that I had questions about....like beer selection, gotta have my Sol.

Also, their coffee was GREAT. They had coffee in the Lobby area in the morning and I would bring our big mug down and filler up!

debk · 03-27-2006

Just ordered my beads! Can't wait - hope to see you too Bighairgrl7!

03-24-2006	#1 (permalink)
Conard10 toe in water Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 42	Royal Porto Real Review March 16-23rd Part 2 POOL: As other’s have said, the areas with shade are saved very early in the morning. But overall there were plenty of chairs. Many people have complained about the pool being cold…I actually found it to be very refreshing. Right next to the main (HUGE) pool was a hot tub and kiddie pool. Then there was a separate pool for activities and where the swim-up bar is located. There was this one couple who "owned" the hot tub...I think everyone around the pull wanted to yell "get a room"...I was laughing so hard at them, but children seemed to be quite amazed at what was going on, and you would see their parents dragging them away from the hilarious display of "affection". BEACH: The reason we love Cancun is because of the beautiful beaches and water, I was very nervous that we would be disappointed, but we were NOT. The water near the pier, to the right, was rocky…but the left side of the beach had the clear beautiful water we have always enjoyed in Cancun. The only difference was it was much calmer. On a couple days there were hardly any waves, and others just mild waves. If you walk to the right you go over the pier and to the Gran Porto Real….this area was a little difficult to walk. To the left you could walk for miles! But, be aware…walking to the left there are several public beaches and there were several topless women (we don’t care, but I know some do). Even after seeing several topless women, my husband still felt the need to giggle and say "boobies". I guess the new look for men are the extremely tight boxer brief type of speedos...I begged my husband to wear a pair for just one day, I would have laughed the entire day....but of course he refused. On our actual beach there were very few topless women and none at the pool. Beach chairs were always available, it seemed like most people stayed in the pool area. This area is a public beach, but it really doesn't seem crowded, and people not staying at the resort could not use the chairs One note: The first 5 days there was not any beach or pool service, meaning no one going around asking if you would like a drink. But, the last 2 days there was a ton of beach/pool service and it was great...I don't know why it was not available the first few days. GUEST: I would say a very diverse crowd. About 50% were European…speedos first clue, language the second . About 30% Canadian, and 20% American. There were lots of families with kids, couples, and people of all ages. There was one large group of high school kids with a few parents and they did drive us a little crazy. It was strange seeing someone who looked 13 years old ordering a Crown and Coke while smoking a cigar…I would have hated to be the parents responsible. Of course they were the ones ordering the fancy drinks with 10 different colors...all I wanted was a Sol and these little buggers were ordering drinks that took 10 minutes to make . LOCATION: This was the primary reason we chose this resort and we were NOT disappointed. You are steps away from 5th avenue and we made several trips into Playa Del Carmen. If you are worried that it is unsafe, do not be!!! I am a female and went for a long run down 5th avenue and into Playacar at 8am and felt very safe. This of coruse was the first morning and I was up early and full of energy...this was the last atempt at exersize....I guess my motivation ended after SEVERAL beers and a late night snack...I mean after all of that, what's the point . Even though we did all-inclusive, we did eat on 5th a few times and it was GREAT. The restaurants are not “Americanized” and may look a little dingy, but they were so fun and you got a true feel that you would in Mexico. Walking down 5th avenue was awesome….it is a brick street closed to traffic that is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. You could walk up and down all night. We found a favorite bar, Tequila Barrel (of course we read several recommendatios from this site) and we sat there for hours drinking and people watching. If you are trying to choose between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, I would highly recommend Playa. Cancun was our annual vacation, now it is Playa. Directly in Playa you will not see many large resorts (really there are only the Royal and Gran Porto Real)…and they do look a little out of place. We did find there was more of a language barrier in Playa, than in Cancun, but it really wasn’t a problem...I took several years of Spanish in HS and College and can hold a VERY limited conversation, but my husband always seems so confused...it makes me laugh! My husband is kind of a muscular guy and the workers from the shops would yell "hey Rambo, happy honeymoon, we cheaper than Wal-Mart...I thought it was hilarious. We walked into Playacar one day, where most of the other AI resorts are located….and it would be quite a walk to 5th if you are staying at these other resorts. It is walkable, but maybe 20-40 minutes depending on what resort you stay. If you want an AI and want to be near Playa, than the Royal is the place for you!! The Gran looked nice, but I thought their beach was horrible. After reading reviews and now having stayed at the Royal, I think that some people are not meant to visit Mexico. We stayed at a 4 star in Maui and had a good time…but it was not the laid-back, fun time that Mexico provides. They do speak another language, their hamburgers don’t taste like McDonald’s, they don’t serve Bud Light (with the exception of a few bars)…but that’s what I like. I want to disregard makeup for a week, wear flip flops to dinner, and still get great service.

03-27-2006	#13 (permalink)
bighairgrl7 very sparkly Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 38	Great Report Thanks for this report! I'll be there the 26th - 29th April so I guess we'll be seeing some other bead wearers too! can't wait

03-24-2006	#2 (permalink)
Tommygurl crab killer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: I am Canadian!! Posts: 14,308	Great review....This will be very helpful to people going there...Can't wait until I can get back there.. Melissa

03-25-2006	#3 (permalink)
debk beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 437	Thanks for taking the time to write such a great report! We leave April 27th for a week and you've just made the wait harder!!!!! I really do appreciate all the details, especially about the layout and rooms. After reading your report and Tommygurl's - I am all set and ready to party! (or at least hang on the beach and drink ) I wish someone would write a really lousy trip report right before I get back so mine will look good by comparison! Glad you had such a great time!

03-26-2006	#4 (permalink)
CORONA way into it Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 133	Thanks for the awesome trip report Conard10! I will be at the RPR April 23-30 and your report just made me look forward to my trip even more ( something I didn't think was possible ) Thanks!

03-26-2006	#5 (permalink)
tdub lost on fifth Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 12	Ditto to Corona's comment....Great review!!

03-27-2006	#6 (permalink)
maliasma reposado Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,048	Thanks for sharing this info...we'll be at the RPR on the 13th of April. Our first time at an AI and our first vacation in Playa (we've been to Playa before, but only for day trips).

03-27-2006	#7 (permalink)
beachgirl23 very sparkly Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 39	Gosh, we are going April 19-24 and I can't wait!! I love great reviews

03-27-2006	#9 (permalink)
debk beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 437	Looks like we'll just miss you, but Corona will be there the same time as Karenkel and us -(both the beer and the gal!) Hope we see you gals! Hopefully you two will have time for a quick trip report before we leave on the 27th of April........ Please....... Pretty please! I love reading about this resort!

03-27-2006	#10 (permalink)
maliasma reposado Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,048	I'll do my best, debk!!!

03-27-2006	#12 (permalink)
Dmxinc very sparkly Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 30	Awesome! The review was just what we needed. Nicely done. We are going April 8th - 13th. We thank you.... and Tommygurl for setting our minds at ease.

03-27-2006	#14 (permalink)
Conard10 toe in water Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 42	I'm happy that you've enjoyed my review I tried to include all the little things that I had questions about....like beer selection, gotta have my Sol. Also, their coffee was GREAT. They had coffee in the Lobby area in the morning and I would bring our big mug down and filler up!

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03-27-2006	#15 (permalink)
debk beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 437	Just ordered my beads! Can't wait - hope to see you too Bighairgrl7!