Royal Islander

Boulevard Kukulcan Km 17
Lote 51 Zona Hotelera
Cancun 77500
Mexico

Description: 179 rooms

"Two to the Royal - how we outplayed Wilma"
Nov 19-Nov 26 2005

Royal Islander Villa #4832 - Beachfront
We had the use of one whole suite excluding the lock-off – which we were able to view, but did not use.

The room was in the 4 story low-rise directly on the beach. The suite is around 1000 sq ft and includes a kitchen with full size stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, blender, toaster, coffeemaker (you supply coffee and filters) completely stocked cabinets with dishes, glasses, wine glasses, silver, baking dishes, pots and pans, you name it, they have it. The dining room has a table with 6 chairs.

The living room has a couch that makes into a bed, two chairs, end tables lamps, coffee table, 2 single Murphy beds in the wall that pull out – decorative finish on the outside so they look as if they are part of the wall unit. The wall unit has a cd/am/fm radio player and a new Sony 21” TV with about 20 channels – mostly American –NBC, CBS, ABC, with all the others TNT, Nickelodeon, CNN, HBO – lots of channels – no worries for the sports or news buffs, along with a few Spanish channels for those who want to practice their Spanish. 
Through a door from the living room is the “lockout room” – another 300 sq ft or so, which has its own separate entrance. It has twin beds, a couple of easy chairs, a mini fridge and a small balcony – big enough for standing – maybe you could take a chair out there to sit.

There is a separate hallway from the living room that takes you to a huge walk-in closet with a big safe (you put in the numbers), iron and board and plenty of hangers, along with extra blankets, pillows and sheets for the extra beds.
Further down the hall is a long countertop with sink (mirror above), a makeup mirror and a built in hairdryer. They supply soap, Kleenex and TP, no shampoo or conditioner – lots of good quality towels, hand towels, face cloths.

Bathroom is entered by a separate door off the hall and has a commode, with a tub and a shower with good water pressure and one of those pulsating shower heads.
Off that hall is another door into the bedroom – large dresser, king-size bed (comfy) with end tables, lamps, and another 13” TV on the dresser. A very nice set up.

But, the piece de resistance is the balcony! It is huge with a large round table and 4 chairs and 2 easy chairs with foot stools, all good quality Brown and Williamson, comfortable clean and nice.
Each day the maid would clean the whole suite and sweep and wash the tiles on the balcony – spotless.

Beach
We were there less than a month after Hurricane Wilma – Wilma struck on 10/23 and we arrived 11/19.
I have been an active member on Trip Advisor since July 05 when I started planning my trip, so I was well aware of the destruction of Wilma. Thanks to the updates from the Royal Resorts on their website and pictures posted on Trip Advisor, I knew that the beach at the Islander was ok.

They had plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas to go around (sand was still too unstable for the rebuilding of the palapas). The beach was wide enough – not deep, deep wide, but you certainly weren’t pushed up against the walls to escape the waves. The water had a lot of rocks in places, and we took to going down by the Royal Mayan (a very short walk) if we wanted to swim, otherwise we just paddled around the edges – this was fine for us.

Dining
Each day we would go to the breakfast buffet at the Islander - great selection of food - omelet and waffle stations - plus many other choices, pastries, Mexican food, eggs, sausage etc. - LOTS of food - very inexpensive - around $10.00 each.

Our first evening, we went to El Conquistador restaurant at the Royal Mayan. What a beautiful restaurant, lovely décor, and tableware, with excellent service and an unobtrusive piano player. The maitre de “Jesus” greeted us as if we were long lost friends. I had made the reservation in the afternoon and was lucky to get in at 8pm - the place was full, and I can see why - melt in your mouth food, at ridiculous prices. I had a shrimp almandine which they cooked tableside and my husband had a snapper stuffed with lobster, shrimp and scallops, we had two salads a Tangueray martini and a bottle of wine and the bill was $75.00 - it would be double that in Las Vegas. Throughout, the service was gracious and attentive without being cloying; a very memorable evening.

Monday afternoon - “Paco’s Taco’s” at the Islander - They have happy hour from 4-7 - drinks are ½ price - 4 margarita’s, a big bowl of chips with 3 different kinds of dips, all for a total of $9.62 - another ridiculous price.

Monday night we went to the Lobby Bar at the Royal Caribbean, we ordered pizza, a cheeseburger, chicken sticks, and mozzarella cheese sticks to go, and had two drinks while we were waiting – total bill $36.00 – plus tip.

Tuesday night, we went to Puerto Madero - we took a cab - $8.00 each way.
Puerto Madero was crowded. It is a warm inviting restaurant, with brick walls, copper accents and a well designed layout; heavy furniture, very well done.

I had a fish which the waiter called “Escolet” - I had never heard of that fish - it was a white fish, grilled with garlic and capers and a medley of vegetables - very good, and Pete had a NY Strip which came with onions and peppers. He said it had good flavor, but in typical NY fashion was chewy - why he thought it would be different here is beyond me.

They had a wonderful bread basket with dipping sauce, and we shared a Puerto Madero salad - huge- with hearts of palms, avocado, lettuce, goat cheese - way too much, and the soufflé potatoes - those were quite unique - puffy french fries - light and crisp, there was way too much food and they packed up the leftovers for us to take home. $98.00 plus tip.


Wed night, I had made a reservation via email with Susan from Cancunmenus for Laguna Grill, I had heard so many positive things about it, and was really looking forward to that dinner, however that was not to be - I understand they will be open by December 15th 2005 and if I was going, that would be first on my list, I wish them the best of luck.

I had emailed Susan with all my dinner requests and she got back to me promptly with each confirmation - I was so happy to hear that they came through Wilma without too much damage – this is the way to go to make dinner reservations during busy season. We ended up at La Dolce Vita downtown; we took a cab ($13 each way).

This was a great restaurant - very lovely inside with soft hues of peach and good quality tableware and tablecloths and many plants and trees throughout the space.
That one of our best meals, I had the spinach linguini with lobster medallions in a light alfredo sauce - just think melt in your mouth with the pasta cooked to perfect al dente, and the lobster pieces sweet and succulent and a Caesars salad. Pete had the seafood medley and a spinach salad and we both had this out of the world garlic cheese bread - you know the kind that is dripping in butter and cheese and garlic - I’m drooling right now just thinking about it.
Anyway, once again, there was way too much food, and they packed it up for our lunch the next day. After dinner they came around with the aperitif cart “compliments of the house” - I could not eat or drink one more thing, but DH had a Bailey’s, I didn’t want to hurt their feelings, but I was just too stuffed.

Wonderful food service and ambiance at a minimal price - highly highly recommend. 64.00 plus tip.

The Royals had special buffets and dinners on for Thanksgiving, but I wanted to go out, I really wanted to help the local economy as much as we could, so that night we went to La Palapa located inside/outside the Imperial Laguna Hotel - we took a cab - $10.00 each way.
This was our best meal bar none.

Strange set up - when the cab driver dropped us off - we couldn’t tell where to go - so he got out and went and scouted for us, and then came back and showed us the way - you walk through the hotel courtyard and then you enter this palapa roof open air restaurant that is situated right on the lagoon, small, only about 10 tables - when we walked in, the waiters started clapping! The décor is very simple, just a real casual beach restaurant, but oh the food.

Once again, we had fantastic service and food - I had the roast pork loin, and DH had a white fish - don’t know the name, but both were just melt in your mouth - they had this fabulous bread and instead of butter, they had a spread comprised of garlic, parsley and mayo - really really good!
They only take cash right now, and we knew that when we made the reservation, so we were prepared. If you get the chance, do try this place, it is worth it. $55.00 plus tip.

Friday night - last night, we went to Hacienda Sisal at the Royal Sands. I understand this used to be the Royal Bandstand but now it is a Mexican/Steak/Seafood restaurant, very very good. I guess they are open to the public because he didn’t want the Royal card up front, and told us we could pay with a credit card if we wanted - I saw signs around the resorts that said the buffets from Captains Cove were now being served at the Hacienda.
3 Tanqueray martini’s – 3 wines, a tortilla soup, grilled stuffed fish and sizzling chicken fajitas - $68.00 plus tip.

More great food and service - we NEVER had bad food or service at any of the restaurants, either in or out of the Royals, every place was top notch.

Hacienda had a wonderful instrumental guitar player - “Juan Duran” who played with a video of nature scenes/ seascapes on a big screen behind him - it was lovely and I wanted to buy two of his cd’s, but they wouldn’t take a credit card and I was nearly out of cash, so I had to pass them up. He is really good - I looked for him on the internet, but could find nothing - if anyone knows where I could buy his cd’s, I would appreciate the info.

We had a 7:30am flight and our pickup was at 5:00am – I had hired a private car through Besttransfers – they had the best prices I found on the internet, they were good and reliable, met us at 11:30pm at night and were waiting for us in the morning when we staggered down at 4:45am.

I had also purchased a two for one discount card from Brant at Entertainment-Plus. This is a wonderful card which offers many dining discounts, but due to Wilma, many of the places on the card were closed, and because we couldn’t use it, Brant refunded our money without my asking.
I would have preferred he keep the money, as he has gone out of his way to post pictures and walk the beaches to give visitor updates everyday, but he insisted on the refund. I highly recommend his services.

Cancun is down, but she is not out. Each day when we were there we could see the beaches coming back. As I write this, they have announced the beach restoration program has started at three of the hotels. The city in itself is clean and safe. Many of the hotels and restaurants are open, with an anticipated grand opening of 70% by December 15.

I can’t say enough about the Royal Resorts; without exception they are top notch in terms of food, service, amenities and cleanliness. I think it is a testament to their quality that they were only shut down for one week after the hurricane and then were right back in business.

I don’t think I have left anything out, but if you have any questions, please feel free to write to me voh2ox2@aol.com

Thanks for reading,
Ellen

"Top Notch Resort"
This report is a bit late because I was at the Islander August 5-13 2005. I went with my wife and her family (brother, sister-in law and their two kids ages 5 & 7). Originally we were all supposed to stay in the Mayan Riviera, but due to hurricane Emily our hotel was closed for repairs. With all hotels booked full or closed in the Mayan Riviera we ended up in Cancun at the Islander because my sister in-law has family members that are owners.

We had a large two bedroom suite with kitchen and living area which worked out great. We arrived
to the hotel at noon and check in was fine, very friendly & professional receptionist. Our room had not been cleaned but they let us put our bags in the room, so we changed into our swim suits and hit the pool and beach. We were on the 10th floor center resort and
had a great ocean view which was nice and all rooms in the resort have an ocean view.

The pool and swim up bar was great, never seemed too crowded and had great margaritas with plenty of booze. Happy hour was the best with half price drinks and free chips and salsa. The bar food was good, and I recommend the pizza. Kids had a great time at the pool and it
was very relaxing and refreshing but the cement around the pool got extremely hot.

The beach was nice and had quite a few Palapas for shade, you could find an open Palapa most of the time or go down early in the morning to reserve one with your towel. My only complaint about the beach was
the rough-ocean and rocks. Thanks to Hurricane Emily some of the beach eroded and exposed big rocks. You had to be careful and swim in between the rocks which was not that big of a deal for adults. With small children it was probably too rough at most spots, but all you
have to do is go up the beach a bit and find a yellow flag zone.

We had dinner at the hotel restaurant twice and found that to be pretty good and reasonably priced, plus the wait staff and manager were nice. The manager loved the kids and did several small magic tricks for them which they loved.

The hotel also has a nice sized grocery store with just about everything and prices not too much higher than a normal grocery store in Cancun. We did go into town to Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club one day but that was pretty far away and it did save money but I would rather have the convenience and buy food at the hotel.

It was also very convenient to pay all your incidental charges using your room card and then settling up at the end of the week at checkout. I was never bothered by anyone to buy a time share nor had any problems with any staff member and house keeping did an impeccable job. This is a 5 star resort and has pretty much everything you need, I even rented a car at the hotel for a day for $60. I would recommend the resort for families, and a nice getaway, but probably not a honeymoon type of place. Overall the kids loved the place and the resort has activities just for kids, and also has a great open bar welcome party on Sunday afternoon.