[maliasma]

The Royal is lovely. We stayed there in April 2006...when it was called the Royal Porto Real and they still allowed children. We didn't take ours, but other family members did travel with theirs.

The food was good, but the options were there...we ordered "take-out" one night and ate filet in bed. After a week, the food choices at the hotel did get a little, um, boring (IMO), but 5th is just a block away and we were also able to eat at the Gran Porto across the street, too.

The beach was awesome...the pool was a bit chilly, but we were still able to get out and get chairs with no problems. We had an oceanfront room that was to die for. We didn't use the in-room jacuzzi at all nor did the television get turned on very often. The staff was very friendly & helpful and always glad to see you. The hubby and I really enjoyed our stay there. I'll see if I can find some pictures to post...