This may be a repeat, but....

[xunshyne]

I would like opinions on All-Inclusives. I have stayed at one and thought it was great. Now, this will be for my honeymoon (The Royal PDC) and I really just want to be pampered. I don't want to have to think about a single thing (including figuring out the currency stuff, I know it's not hard, but), nor do I want to have to do much (other than a couple tours....) So, opinions, please?

[ElainaM]

I've stayed at the Royal. Good place for couples. Best thing about it in my opinion is the location. If you have any questions, ask away.

[xunshyne]

Originally Posted by ElainaM

I've stayed at the Royal. Good place for couples. Best thing about it in my opinion is the location. If you have any questions, ask away.

What specifically did you like about the location? And how was the beach? Crowded? (I'll be there in September)

Originally Posted by xunshyne

What specifically did you like about the location? And how was the beach? Crowded? (I'll be there in September)

it's in town...can't ask for better
beach is very good
not crowded in September - it's low season
everyone loves the Royal - and no kids allowed

[Cosmo]

No problem, at least you're not packing drama...

[ElainaM]

The Royal is a block away from 5th Ave.
Lots of fun bars, shopping and good restaurants.
The beach is beautiful. Not crowded at all. Sundays, there are more people as a lot of locals come to the beach but still not crowded.

[ElainaM]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

it's in town...can't ask for better
beach is very good
not crowded in September - it's low season
everyone loves the Royal - and no kids allowed

I'll be honest and I know a lot of people will disagree with me.
I didn't love it.
I thought the food was just ok (but it is an AI).
The service at Spice, Maria Marie and Asiana was good. Bar service was not so good.

[Tlyn]

Originally Posted by xunshyne

What specifically did you like about the location? And how was the beach? Crowded? (I'll be there in September)

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We will be at the Royal in September, too, the 30th - Oct. 4.

[xunshyne]

Originally Posted by Tlyn

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We will be at the Royal in September, too, the 30th - Oct. 4.

Thank you! Looks like we will just miss eachother by a matter of hours!

[Tlyn]

Originally Posted by xunshyne

Thank you! Looks like we will just miss eachother by a matter of hours!

Oh, how funny! I wish we were going sooner - it's so long to wait.

[xunshyne]

Originally Posted by Tlyn

Oh, how funny! I wish we were going sooner - it's so long to wait.

No doubt! Not only am I waiting for a vacation, Im waiting for a wedding...... Im like a kid on Christmas Eve I tell ya!

[Karen in NYC]

My first visit to RPDC was Sept 07 (not overly crowded, still could get pool chairs!!!). I liked it so much the week I got back I reserved to go over Thanksgiving, and I am on my way back (3rd time in less than 9 months) on April 19-28. For me PERSONALLY, I havent had any issues so far, except the posts on another board about bumping and towel games.....

My fave restos: Pelicanos and Maria Marie. least fave: Asiana. (I used to like Asiana when it was still on the main complex, but now that its in a separate building (outside the front entrance) I dont enjoy it as much. In Nov they didnt have a show-cooking table. Buffet is great for breakfast. its not a huge buffet so not as large a selection, but more than adequate. They also do a decent lunch. Love the BEDS, my concierge Anna was the best. I had no service issues either time as some peeps have mentioned. Its Mexico, you gotta go with the flow . . .

A really nice feature is the 24-hr lounge in the main lobby. (food, drinks). I love it for coffee and pastry in the morning before the buffet opens for breakfast. (Speaking of Coffee, there's a Starbucks on 5th Avenue!)

Pool is generally chilly all the time.

Remember that you can use the facilities at the hotel across the street. Sometimes its a nice change...............They have a true Beach Bar.

My only real negative: There is a separate smaller pool with the swim-up bar, and there are no stairs in that pool. Otherwise.........its close to perfect there.

[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...

[maliasma]

Here are a few more pictures...

[ElainaM]

That reminds me, the beds are very comfortable.

[maliasma]

Originally Posted by ElainaM

That reminds me, the beds are very comfortable.

Yes they are. We spent a lot of time in them.

[chivashunter]

I am so excited about going back to the royal you will absolutly love it... A great location for an AI... I will be there on my honeymoon from 9/28 thru 10/6... I would love to meet up with fellow forum posters...