My family and I stayed at this run down hotel in August as part of a Discovery Cruise break and realised as soon as we stepped into our room that this was the poorest hotel that we have ever stayed in. To say that the rooms were outdated is an understatement, and although they were reasonably clean the bathroom fittings were so old that they looked permanently grubby.There was a clinging, musty smell that pervaded the room and we made sure that we spent as little time there as possible. We would never knowingly choose to stay in a hotel like this and wish to suggest to others contemplating a trip there that you might want to check out what you're getting before you get there, by which time it'll be too late! Beware the concierge also-she is clearly not there to provide any friendly customer service but primarily to sell trips!

This was my second time in Freeport. We stayed at the Xanadu the first go around, it was an all girls trip. The hotel was nice but it was just too far from all the happenings in Port Lucaya. Needless to say, the cab rides will cost you an arm and a leg.
Anyway, this time around I went for my daughters birthday. It would have been a great weekend, accept that someone at the Royal Islander went through my personal belongings and stole all of my cash, that I had allocated specifically for this trip. On top of that, once reported to the receptionist (she was at the time on the phone), she never cared, never hung up the phone, in fact, she turned around and acted as though she did not want to hear of it. After calling the police (which didn't help anyway), the hotel did not bother with providing vouchers for their restaurant, or extending apologies. I received dirty looks, as if I made up this accusation. This left a very bad taste in my mouth. I will never return to Freeport. This was enough for me! Also, the hotel doesn't look like a resort, I guess the people in Freeport would call it that, we would call it Motel 6!

My husband and I just returned from our vacation, and it was fantastic. The Island was wonderful. We enjoyed very much staying at the Royal Islander and are planning to stay again. The people were very friendly. We met some wonderful people from all over. We highly recommend the Bonfire............super fun!!!! and if you go buy a picture from Jay Browne and tell him, his frineds from Germany said HALLO....our vacation was nothing but fun. The Royal I slander is not a 5 star hotel, but it was just right for our needs. The bus will take you to the beach.and it was beautiful...if you make it to Xanadu Beach be sure and buy your necklaces form Mama Cynthia...............Hope you enjoy you stay as much as we did.

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.