I stayed at the Royal Palms for five nights in mid-April 2008 while on a business trip and while I agree with many of the previous reviews, I must admit that I was relieved when my stay was over.

First, the highlights: The grounds are beautiful, with many tropical trees and flowers. Second, the rooms are clean, modern and well-appointed. Each room seems to have an individuality which makes the hotel seem like a large, luxurious cottage. The halls and common areas are very nicely decorated. The staff was generally friendly and helpful. Breakfast is included with the room and is served in a nice parlour on the ground floor. The selection and quality is good for a continental breakfast and may either be eaten in the comfortable rooms next to the parlour or in a nice enclosed porch area. (However, if eating in the porch and you leave your table to get something from the buffet, cover your food with a napkin. I returned to find a bird munching in my cereal bowl!)

With all this, why was I disappointed? My main problem related to the noise in my room. I was in room 105, which, I eventually discovered is above the kitchen area of the hotel's restaurant, Ascot's. As the week went on, the noise from below kept getting louder and I found it very difficult to sleep. This disturbance seemed to begin around 8:00 p.m. and would go until after midnight. On my last night, further noise woke me at 4:00 a.m. and kept going until breakfast. Early in my stay, I called the front desk to ask what this noise was. While the person at the desk was polite, I received no answer or reduction in the noise. The next night, when I called again, a gentleman was sent to my room who listened and informed me that the sounds were coming from the kitchen. However, as the hotel was full, I could not be moved to another room. Only on my last night was I offered a chance to change rooms. As I was leaving the next morning, I did not want that inconvenience. I find it hard to believe that I am the first person to experience this problem and the lack of sleep made my stay much less pleasant.

Finally, a warning about the restaurant itself. It has the reputation (and price level) of one of Bermuda's best restaurants. As the weather was rainy during my stay, I decided to stay in the hotel to eat one night and made a reservation. I arrived neatly dressed in a golf shirt and khaki trousers but was told that I could not enter as I was wearing sneakers. I was asked if I could change into a pair of sandals instead. As I could not understand how looking at someone's feet were preferable to my clean, white sneakers, I scratched my head for a moment, then went somewhere else to eat.

Royal Palms is a nice place and, I understand, reasonably priced for Bermuda. However, as with any hotel, do not go expecting everything to be perfect - and by all means, do not stay in room 105.

Where do I start......Back in July 2006 I was looking for a hotel for a business visit and Royal Palms popped up. I figured, it was an island what the heck. Why not stay in an un-conventional hotel (guesthouse feel). Unbeknownst to me I was very satisfied with my choice. The project I was working on lasted 2 years and I have stayed here for all my trips except for when the hotel was fully booked. Then I stayed at the big hotels which felt impersonal and I didn't see the same staff all the time. I think I broke a record for the most stays at this Hotel. At Royal Palms I get that 'Cheers' feeling where everybody knows your name. From the time I arrive 'til the day I leave I am seeing the same staff (we are on a first name basis) although some choose to remain formal and you feel like you are part of their close-knit family. I absolutely love the staff. The continental breakfast is a quick pick me up with varieties of fruit, cereal, muffins and juices. When you come to the main commons area (for 'breakfast) you almost feel that Big Mama was in the kitchen cooking breakfast for your large family of 12 and visiting cousins. I think I have stayed in almost every room or type and the rooms are very roomy and stylish (classic/modern). The beds are comfortable and there's a flat screen for your viewing pleasure. They all have a little kitchenette equipped with microwaves and sinks. It is about a 10 minute walk to the Downtown/Hamilton area which you do not have to rely on a ferry or taxi. Over the summer I stayed over during the weekends and you can soak at the pool or you can catch a bus to the beach. After the day come back to the quiet room wind down and go back out to the town (again walking distance) to get something to eat....Or better yet visit the Award-winning restaurant adjacent to the hotel - Ascots. I can't complain about one thing. The only incident I ever had was one afternoon my room had not been made up by the time I got back from the office and I grabbed a towel went to the pool and when I got back not only was the room made up, but I received a card apologizing and there was a bottle of wine waiting for. Now, I didn't need all of that, but it was the thought that count. And that stayed with me as I tell my stories to friends and colleagues who asks me why do I stay at the Royal Palms hotel. I could probably go on forever, but you would get tired of reading as this is already long and I would like for you to see for yourself. Also, I am currently in the office as I am getting ready to retire for the day and head to my room at The Royal Palms......
Craig signing off 4/16/08 @6:10pm

This wonderful guesthouse saved our vacation in Bermuda! We had booked iinto the nearby Rosedon Hotel but were so disappointed that we left the next day. The Royal Palms was literally just around the corner and some $60 per night cheaper for a superior room to that provided by the Rosedon. The staff were welcoming and charming, and always willing to advise on things to do and places to visit. They even recommended restaurants to eat at, despite the fact that they have by far the best restaurant on the island within their own premises, namely the superb Oscars. Yes, it's a top end restaurant with service and prices to match, but don't stay here without at least once eating here! The continental breakfasts provided by the guesthouse were perfectly adequate, in fact above expectation and set up the day nicely. The rooms were well equipped and spotlessly clean - no wonder so many business-users and holiday-makers choose to stay here. All in all, a great place to stay when in Hamilton.

This is a wonderfully run, very friendly, family hotel. All of the staff are pleasant and helpful and go out of their way to accomodate their guests and ensure everyone has a great vacation. Wonderful breakfast each day, beautiful, well kept hotel a short walk from restaurants in downtown Hamilton. Lovely grounds, very restful environment. Would highly recommend this hotel and look forward to returning.