We were in Bermuda a year ago and stopped by the Royal Palms to check out the property. We were shown some recently renovated rooms and were impressed. Based on what we saw, we decided to stay there on our next visit – which we just did. We reserved their most expensive accommodations for our stay – a deluxe suite. Upon our arrival, we were taken to a large 2 room suite with nice furnishings and a clean appearance. However, when we entered the room we were overwhelmed by the strong smell of mildew. We just assumed that the room had been closed up for a while and that it would air out shortly. We proceeded to open all of the windows and doors and turn on the fans. The mildew smell never abated. Every time we entered the room the smell took our breath away. We had a miserable night’s sleep – the smell of the mildew permeated everything and made breathing difficult. We addressed the issue first thing in the morning with the staff and were told that they could move us to a new room that day. Their only reaction was to comment that Room 25 was a “bit humid.” The issue is not that the room is humid – it is that the humidity, or a leak, or some other water issue has created a serious mildew/mold problem that has not been addressed. It is inconceivable that the management and staff are not aware of the mold/mildew problem in Room 25. We feel as though we were just put in there to see if we could take it.

In fairness, our replacement room was well kept, nicely furnished, and was freshly painted. The continental breakfast is good, the property is conveniently situated close to town, and the grounds are well maintained.

Had we been put in a decent room the first night, we would probably rate the experience a 4 out of 5 and would probably return. However, given that they put us in such an awful environment the first night, putting us in the situation of having a very bad first night’s stay, then having to pack up, move, unpack, etc. we would have to say that we would neither recommend this place nor stay there again.

This was our first trip to Bermuda with 2 adults and 2 teens. We decided to stay in Hamilton as a home base to see all the sights and to be handy to local restaurants. The Royal Palms turned out to be the perfect place.

We booked a suite which gave us our own bedroom and a pull out coach for the kids in the living room. A kitchenette was handy for beverages or heating up some take-out dinners when we we too tired to go out again. The room was beautifully decorated in the manner of a inn more than a hotel room. Lovely curtains, pictures, good quality sheets etc. Every thing was spotlessly clean and the staff always provided fresh towels for all 4 of us plus pool towels. The grounds were very beautiful and the pool was a great spot to relax after a day of sight-seeing. The self-serve continental breakfast (with waffle maker) was offered in a gorgeous garden breakfast room. The restaurant (Ascots) was a treat for a fancy dinner. The staff were very friendly and took an interest in every guest and their plans for the day.

It is a pleasant 10 minute walk to Hamilton from the Royal Palms which we had no trouble with, even with tired feet. The only caveat being that a very short portion of the trip does not have a sidewalk which means a cautious walk on the side of a narrow road. If you are looking at a map of Hamilton, you should not expect to walk back and forth on Rosemount Ave because this route does not have sidewalks and has poor sights lines for on coming traffic.

We never second guessed our choice of the Royal Palms. It was a first rate place to stay on every count.

Having just returned from a 4 night, 5 day stay, I can only say thank you, thank you - what an amazing place. From our first "Hello" when we arrived to our last "Good-bye" when we left, we felt at home, relaxed and just wonderful. A quiet hideaway in Hamilton within easy distance of the docks and marvelous restaurants (not to mention the Ascots restaurant on premise) - we just loved it. We had to leave my mother behind for a day as she wasn't feeling well - and came back to know that she had been carefully watched over - a great relief to us. Friendly and more friendly - that is the only adjective to say - Sonya, Theresa, Richard, Victor - and the entire staff were amazing. This is the island of love and manners - so nice to see in this rush, rush world of ours. The colours were of the rainbow - the air like no other - thanks Royal Palms - we'll be back. (PS: we already gave away our brochure to a lady at the airport who really didn't want to go back to the larger hotel down the way one more time). M & G - Uxbridge, Ontario

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.