I was a bit skeptical about the Royal Islander after reading some of the reviews, but now I've been able to form my own opinions.

Check-in was delayed for us because we had an entire family in front of us that was staying for a family reunion, so I can't time that one. Once we got in, the rooms were very clean (although we were placed into smoking rooms and we are not smokers.) The room was extremely basic: 2 double beds, a small table with 2 chairs, a dresser with a color cable tv (no remote...have to ask the front desk I heard?), it's true the iron isn't in the room but asking for one is no big deal, phone, and a bathroom. As far as service goes...on my 3rd out of 4 days staying at the Royal Islander, I came into the bathroom to find the toliet seat covered in water. I looked above and saw the ceiling leakng from a crack that I had seen when I first came. I came up to the front desk and was taken care of immediately. I was offered twice to switch rooms and apologized to over & over. I didn't switch since I was checking out in 15 hours. I was told that if they had known that room was in that condition, they would have never put someone in it. I was fine with it. As for maid service...you might want to bring your own beach towels for swimming. The towels came in the late afternoon each day, yet they take away the used towels several hours before, thus you have nothing to dry off with at the pool. The pool was gorgeous & clean.

As for location, the Royal Islander has it all. The International Bizzare was across the street. McDonalds, Papa Johns, Subway, and Burger King were all in walking distance. Taxi drivers seem to hang out in front of the International Bizzare so it's never a problem trying to get a ride. Port Lucaya is only a public bus ride away, a dollar per person. You can purchase & plan trips straight from the trip specialists in the lobby. Hattie was extemely helpful and even waited outside with us while we were waiting for our guided tour. Only downside of the location as others mentioned was the club next door. I didn't seem to have much trouble sleeping though (and I'm a light sleeper.)

The gift shop was lacking...no necessities such as batteries availible. There is, however, a drug store in walking distance. The hotel restaurant wasn't terribly overpriced from what I saw. I only ate breakfast there (twice) and thought the food was great and came to me in about 3 minutes. I got a breakfast special for $3.50 and $1.50 for coffee.

Overall I found the hotel pleasant. I would stay at the Royal Islander again.

My friends and I stayed at the Royal Islander for a week and had an amazing time. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the staff were very friendly and made you feel welcome,and The pool and hot tub were so nice, we went in them everyday. The Royal Islander is in a great location, just across the street from the International Bazaar, and close to a lot of food. Even though the hotel is right next to a club that stays open until 2AM it shouldn't bother you because you're so tired for doing stuff all day that you fall asleep soundly. The hotel has a bus that will take you to a beach for free or you can pay $1 to take a bus to another beach. Also, when you arrive, there is someone there to help set you up with all kinds of fun activites. We went on a 4 hour bus tour, a glass bottom boat, and snorkeling. We had so much fun we are going back next year. I recommend the Royal Islander to everyone!!!
Hello to our new friends from Georgia, Texas, and the Bahamas. From two Canadians and one Iowan.

Make the best of it. Its not the hilton. Its a 2 - 3 star hotel. Rooms are what you expect for around $75.00 a night. They are clean as well. Drinks were cheap compared to the rest of the island and my room was cleaned every day. I rated it above average because for the price you get what you pay for. I never had to complain to the staff so im not sure how they would treat you if you had to do so. It was just me and my girlfriend. Now for the negatives: Pushy time share and entertainment sales. I told them flat out no and would talk to them later that week. They were not happy at all. There is a table in the lobby and they sit there like ducks wating for you. BUT, its like that at all the 2-3 star hotels in freeport according to other travelers. Freeport is still recovering from the hurricanes and they have always thrived on our tourisim. Freeport itself: At the international Bazzar and the resort where we purchased a time share, "which we though we could get out of and are having a hard time doing so with in 7 so called days". You will get solicitated for drugs and poverty stories for a buck or two. Thats the real world in someplaces Even the private resorts. Look out for undercover cops i heard. All in all the Bahamian people were very nice. The bazar had a nice native show on night we where there. If you looking for night life or clubs in freeport forget it. ITs a laid back place. The Royal Islander was fine and the island was nice. Please submit vacation reviews on trip advisor to help other people make better decisions.

It was our first trip to the Bahamas and our travel agent recommended the Royal Islander. I took my hole family, ten people. What a mistake we made listening to her. It was a total night mare. No running water in our dressing area sink. they said they would fix it as soon as we left. Thank you very much.
The staff acted like they wished we weren't there and they treated us so. They refused to fix any problems and wouldn't help with any shuttle or taxi scheduling. When we were having trouble with an excursion shuttle they wouldn't even make a phone call to see were the shuttle was so they wouldn't forget us. Well when after seven requests they finally decided to make the call 20 minutes before the excursion was set to sail they told us if we hurried and caught a taxi we might be able to get to the ship in time. and that was a prepaid excursion. the good news is I paid for it with a master card so i will get my money back.
We had many other things that a friendly staff could have helped alleviate but since the staff din't really care It was a night mare. When i told them that I was totally disgusted their response was that they didn't need us. This is their home. Whatever that means.

Take a word of caution and if you do decide to go to the Bahamas, stay away from the Royal Isander.
Terrible isn't even close to how bad they are.