My brother and I went the week of Feb 26/ March 5. After reading some of the reviews I went with an open mind. I was pleasantly surprised. If you can swing it, absolutely book Royal Club...I was in pod 2000 2nd floor facing the quiet pool. Room was large! Clean, with a full fridge of water, pop, Sol restocked everyday. I'd heard about the hard beds but we had foam toppers. Fresh beach towels delivered every night, and bath towels, chocolates, robes, schedule for the next days activities. In the Royal service, you get 2 room cards, on for your hydro/one for the door. Having said that, after the 3rd day I turned it off, and opted for the fresh air. My preference. Yes the birds can be quite noisy but I didn't notice after the 3rd day. Royal pool you get served beverages and lunch as well. met some folks who had breakfast every morning in their rooms...because of diving schedules we always ate at the breakfast buffet..which I thought was good. Omelette lady was always friendly...I did watch some people get ignorant with her...but I had no issues. Yes I watched the 100 yard dash every morning, people going to get their chairs...could the hotel spread out more on the beach and add some more chairs, yes they probably should. But listening to thumping disco music, and the like isn't my idea of fun. Put that's general the norm at these places...generally an older demographic-however the families, and a few groups of teens showed up...I went back in forth to the pool to the beach to the quiet pool. And you get served at the quiet pool...very nice touch. Met quite a few folks who had timeshares there who didn't get preferred rooms etc and had trouble booking restaurants...so West jet must have plenty of pull at this resort. Food sometimes can be hit and miss....this is true but the La Caretta/ Royal program was willing to add or subtract items at your request. I was very pleased. Great staff their too! Timeshare folks also said when it first opened you could see the ocean but the mangrove has grown in over the years....and yeah u could sometimes smell the sewage smell...I also watched people throw their crap into the mangrove, and throw their garbage on the beach. And the toilet paper thing, it's all over cozumel not just at this hotel. Oh and wi-if (another Royal perk) was included...however sketchy at best. Took a few tries to get in. Or u can used the computer offered on the 1st floor of each villa...
The pool restaurant could be quite crowded, burgs were good. Pool bar could be re configured
For a 2nd bartender...but I'd just wait until after the rush. Want a stronger drink..they're happy too oblige.
The grounds are quite beautiful...staff always cleaning , sweeping etc. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes...didn't see any shows, never up late enough to bother. Mardi Gras was on in town and I heard that was spectacular. All in all I'd give it a 7/10 but I'd definitely go back for the super friendly staff and the service...and tip if u can...staff works their butts off.