Fun Royale Beach Resort Hotel, Playa Dorada, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
The hotel is situated in the tourist area of Puerto Plata, just a short walk from the beach and 5 Km away from the resort centre, with bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife. Not far from the 18 hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Services provided are of the highest standard.Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Fun Royale Beach Resort Hotel Reviews
" Firstly the hotel was beautiful. I... "
Submitted By: Miss EVT TuckerThe main restaraunt was great with lovely food and a great variety, different every day, it had many tastes like dominican food, salad, typical english food, different pastas, omlettes for breakfast and lots of variety for dessert with cakes, biscuits and ice cream etc. It has a lovely atmosphere and all the staff eat with guests which i think is great. They also have a brazilian and an italian. I never managed to go to the italian but i did go to the brazilian however i preferred the main restaraunt but many other people really like it.
The staff were amazing! Firstly the daytime staff were so great trying to involve everyone in activities. The 3 that stood out the most were Macho man, Victor and spagetti. Spagetti was always getting in funky outfits for water aerobics and Victor was always flirting with all the woman and trying to get everyone involved in the games. Macho man was the sweetest man i have ever met, he was lovely and caring and not only towards my age group (16) he also got along really well with little ones and adults. They made my stay very fun and exciting and if the staff wernt there it wouldnt be half as good!
Then there were the lovely dancers, they were amazing at dancing. It was so fascinating watching their dances every night and they seemed to get better however my favourite show overall was one were Candyman and another bloke blew fire, it was amazing.
Brittany was a wonderful dancer, she was always smiling and always knew the words to the songs, she also got along with the children very well and was very understanding when i wasnt well.
Candyman was a good dancer and had an amazing body and smile! He was sooo friendly and was great at doing salsa lessons, you must try them.
There was another female dancer with curly blonde hair but i dont know her name, she was a great dancer but she didnt believe in herself even though she was beautiful and great at her job.
And finally there was another amazing dancer who did a few solos and duets with Brittany but i dont know his name, he was the best male dancer and if you go you will know who i mean as he is so great at what he does.
The main pool is very nice and is the one that i spent all my time at, it was a great size and lots to do in and out of the pool. The pool bar was very lovely however some of the barman were kind of pervy but i could deal with them. In the pool they have a water volleyball net which is really good. I have never been to a hotel with one like this one. It is very good as anytime during the day you can use it and they always have a volleyball kicking around somewhere. At a certain time of the day they have an arranged water volleyball game which is really fun as everyone gets involved including the staff.
Evenings were lovely as there was quite a bit to do for everyone. They have an organised show which starts at about half 8 for the children and then the actual show starts around 9 with certificates, maranga and an ice breaker before an amazing dance show every night except a sunday in which they have a great beach party with lots of fun games. Then afterwards they have organised free taxis to places every night like coco bongo club which i didnt enjoy but a lot of people i know did, roadway which was really good and Hemmingways karaoke every thursday i think which i never went to but wish i had as i heard it was good. On thursday, fridays and saturdays they have there own manana disco above the buffet restaraunt which was a really good disco and i definetly had the best nights when i went there. You can request any song and they will put it on and they have plenty of english music. If you would rather just have a quiet drink you can just go to the 24 hour bar were you can chill and have relaxing music or sit in the restaraunt which i liked to do as it was comfortable and a nice atmosphere.
I would definetly recommend this hotel to anyone especially families and youngsters. However it is for anyone i would say, you can even get married there if you like and i have heard they have a lovely ceremony. I hope i have helped and i can assure you if you go to fun royale i am sure you will have a great time, i am going to return hopefully next year! =D xxx
" THIS HOLIDAY WAS THE BEST HOLIDAY I... "
Submitted By: Mr A Jones-Roberts" After reading alot of mixed reviews... "
Submitted By: Ms M BakerThe animation team are brilliant infact I would give this hotel another star and a half just for them the shows are very good and they put alot of effort into them one night even though the dancers were on day off we had only four staff who had been on since ten that morning and they put on one of the funniest shows of the fourtnight.
The food was very good there was always somthing to eat even for people who did not want to try anything new. And not many hotels offer a 24 hour all inclusive you can come down at 3am and still get chicken and chips or a burger the chef would russle you up somthing. overall we had a great stay and at the airport the group from our hotel were the only ones still laughing so it must have somthing going for it.
" I went on holiday with my Mum, Dad... "
Submitted By: Miss J Byersit was the first holiday with only 4 (we usually have another 4 siblings with us) and it was amazing.
The rooms were very well air conditioned, clean (they were cleaned by loverly ladies everyday), the food was great and me and my mum are very fussy eaters, the drinks were yummy not sure about the beer though but the cocktails were great.
The entertainment staff were all great! They were friendly and talkative, and the shows on a night were spectacular. During the day there was lots to do, vollyball, water aerobics. There is a adult pool which is quite and no kids allowed, it where the parents spent most there time.
On a night there is the kinds mini disco, even i took part in that it was so good, Then there are the awards for all the games of the day, then the show :) a diffrent one every night for two weeks.
The entertainment usually ended about 11, but there was a night club above the reasturant open untill two in the morning for all the people wanting a dance.
One day a week there was a beach party, it was amazing.
Im hoping to go back next year i was very impressed and im only 18 :)
" We feel that overall the holiday was... "
Submitted By: halThe rooms are in need of an upgrade. Whilst our room was large some of the plaster was flaking off, and we did have tiny insects on the bedside cabinet and all the work surfaces.
These may well have been responsible for the numerous bites we had. Staff did spray/fumigate once in the two week holiday, but in other hotels this is a daily procedure, and really, it needs to be! Cleaning maid service and mini bar replenishment was faultless.
Food is very good, with the Italian restaurant being exceptional. (Don’t miss it. You can usually book at breakfast).
Entertainment during the day is centred around the family pool and is none stop, but if you want it a bit quieter go to the adults only pool ( next to the 24hr. bar) You will be left in peace to read your book.
Evening entertainment is dancing in different costumes, but to a very high standard.
The gym was a real letdown. As a competing masters athlete I was hoping to do some useful training, but there are only 3 exercise bikes and only one of those was operational. No treadmills or barbells and an old multi-gym in the middle of the floor space.
Beach has oodles of sun chairs and it's a nice stroll (40mins) round the bay to the flea market, but if you stop to sunbathe, be prepared for a constant succession of salespeople.
I had a problem with the Vacation club sales people. They are located in the hotel and you feel as though you are running the gauntlet every time you go to dine. THERE ARE AT LEAST 8 OF THEM and sometimes more.
" The resort itself is lovely the staff... "
Submitted By: Mrs J GavanThe entertainment crew work very hard throughout the day the only thing is they could do with more variety entertainment they could do with a bit more British entertainment as there is plenty of room to expand.
My only down fall to this holiday was there food!! I spent a lot of time in bathroom my first week then I found it was easier not to eat, my children wouldn’t eat either. There selection was a great choice but I felt the food was very undercooked, very sweet and very americanised. The cleanliness was top as they cleared away plates all the time they were always busy cleaning.
It’s a shame they didn’t do more for British, especially noticing a lot of British there my first week.
Thomas Cook flight was horrendous, no room to do anything and the cabin crew on way were very rude and impolite yet on way home after a 9hr delay with so many reasons being given the crew were lovely but I would never fly with this group again.
My sister got married here they made it a lovely day, thanks Nicholas. The only thing I say is watch out with the photographer they rip you off. Photos great but lack of info before hand can cause a lot of upset as you have to buy a £400 package to get your beach photos. Please check this out with photographer and ask your Thomas cook rep if they have heard anything as we were told people didn’t complain but we spoke to other wedding groups who also complained about the package deal.
Loved the ocean world and kids too, paradise island well if you blink you will miss it but the speed boat ride to it was great.
Visited an orphanage our tour guide Amanda/ Bev took us as this is her project, staff and children were lovely, took clothes and towels there and they really appreciated it. When I was going home I left all clothes my kids wouldn’t need next year, left teddies, creams, shampoo, toothpaste and tablets for Amanda to give to orphanage.
Yes my suitcases were so light coming home! Overall the holiday was fab it was just the food, and you had to give constant tips as soon as you leave your resort. I would go back if the food was of better standard.
" Great place for all the family! We... "
Submitted By: Mrs L HaleAll the staff are really friendly and made such a fuss of my little baby boy they all loved him.
They will go out of there way for you and try to help you in whatever way possible.
The Brazilian & Italian restaurants were really good the food was lovely and you could go to these as many times you wanted as long as you booked up in a morning.
The beach is very nice but the only down side was the sand fleas. I got eaten alive as we went to the beach party one night and there were hundreds of them, if I had known I think I would have worn my trainers.
Ocean world is a definite must to go and see it's brill I swam with the dolphins and had the time of my life!
There are plenty of day time activities to wear the whole family out and the animation team give you a real good laugh at the same time.
The rooms are ok but very basic but considering all we used the room for was sleeping and getting changed it was more that fine.
We will definitely be going back soon as we had a really good time.
" I came here for my 22nd birthday last... "
Submitted By: Miss L RoachWe met some great friends over there that we are still in touch with now!! Weather was amazing, it rained at night, but was lovely!!
The animation staff take you out of the hotel every evening, whether it be to Hemmingways for a karaoke, or Roadway for a hula party, or even a Sosua disco tour, which I recommend!! I cannot tell you How great this holiday was!! It was so great that we returned In Feb for another 2weeks!! I love it and the people!!
Cant wait to get my mum and sister out there now!!
Highly recommend it!!
And as for the comments about loud larger louts and staying up all night at the 24hr bar, this bar is situated well away from all of the apartments so you cannot hear any noise!!
" Out of this world. Food available... "
Submitted By: Mrs D GrayChildren and wheelchair friendly. Childrens pool, activity pool and quiet adult only pool. Bar and restaurant on beach, 2 bars, 3 restaurants on complex. Rooms cleaned every day. Entertainment great with a show each night. Daily activities to keep everyone happy. Nightclub till 2am. Bar 24hrs. Staff very friendly. Definitely worth another visit.
" This was my 3rd year at the hotel and... "
Submitted By: Miss V L SinclairThe atmosphere there is excellent and there is always something to do. It is perfect for all ages as there is something for everyone. The animation team are fabulous are will go out of their way to make sure you enjoy yourself.
The dancers who perform at the evening show are excellent and full of energy. They put their all into these shows from performance to costumes.
The rooms are basic but clean and if you don't want to be bothered by the maids in the morning you just simply leave a do not disturb sign on your door and they will clean your room once you are ready.
The maids are very polite and friendly, plus even though their English can be limited they try very hard to introduce themselves and talk to you.
There are plenty of cats and peacocks around but they don't bother you and if they get to close you just simply shoo them away and they will leave you alone. In the three years I have been staying at this hotel, I have only encountered one cockroach which was outside so I was very impressed that I never had to face one in my room.
I can't wait to go back for my 4th time as I have feel in love with the place and me and my family also have made many friendships with the workers at the hotel, you can’t help it they are just such laid back friendly people. Dominican Republic here I come.
My only downfall to my holiday this year was Thomas cook as the plans are still extremely small and could do with following first choice. The flight crew going out were excellent and funny but coming back we had a different crew, which seemed quite rude and were bothered about their conversations rather than the passengers.
On a whole though I loved it once again!
" We were a bit dubious as we had just... "
Submitted By: kbissellSo we were very pleasantly surprised. Definitely no cockroaches - there are lots of cats and peacocks so they probably eat any that are there. The food was very good - varied, sometimes unusual but never boring!
As name suggests, great place to have fun - the staff always trying to get you to join in some activity or other. You may be a bit reluctant at first but the games really are quite fun.
The staff were the best we have ever had on this type of holiday - they were very friendly, couldn't do enough for you and always cracking jokes. They were very good with our daughter, Charlotte, who has Down Syndrome. They encouraged her to join in with everything and really looked out for her.
Avoid the local women braiding hair on the beach - they will rip you off, even when you think you've got a good deal! I eventually settled on $100 for my hair as I was fed up haggling with her!
This place is great for families as the kids will have lots of fun. The parents can choose to join in like we did or just relax whilst the kids do it all.
Accommodation clean, spacious and comfortable; not pristine but that didn't matter as so much other stuff going for it. Tractor to and from beach - about 25 minute walk otherwise. We didn't go to beach much anyway 'cause of the sand flies.
The people who did were covered in bites on the backs of their legs - looked horrible.
Pools clean and nicely tepid, not too much chlorine.
The only thing that spoiled this holiday for us was the weather - lots of rain. Would definitely go back though.
" I went Apr 27 to May4th 2007 with my... "
Submitted By: Mrs Jackie CorkumOur room was clean, the food and drink was plentiful. The Staff were excellent. As for being harassed by the people trying to sell you time share, just say no thanks. After that, they are just pleasant greeters.
I am 40 years old; I loved the party atmosphere... (which is why I chose FUN Royale...duh...).
I found the meat that was not in gravy tough, so I didn’t eat it. Always a lot other to chose from. But I would have never even tried the meat if it was not well cooked, because I would have been nervous in a foreign country eating anything but well done meat.
All I can say is, if you’re a stick in the mud...don’t go. My mother travelled with us as well. She is a definite 5 star only vacationer. Where will she go next year? Fun Royale!
Plane ride was uncomfortable, but with the price we paid...how can you complain?
" A holiday from hell.
We... "
We were looking forward to a rest and booked this hotel. When we arrived we were told by the rep that the hotel was overbooked and we would have to stay elsewhere until there were rooms available.
We lived out of a suitcase for three days in a hotel with very poor facilities until we were given a room at the Fun Royale.
It has a 24hr bar which wasn't mentioned in the brochure. The drunks that hadn't tried to kick open their room doors after shouting and swearing at 4.00am in the morning, were shouting and swearing round the bar (which was next to the restaurant) while we had our breakfast.
They then went for a lie down before another session starting in the afternoon and lasting till breakfast time.
We were given a green wrist band, this meant we were first timers and as a result we were harassed every day when going to breakfast by people wanting us to buy into the vacation club. (If you did you got a pink band).
The hotel was overrun with stray cats and the noise from them and the peacocks that also reside there was terrible.
We managed to book into the Italian a la carte restaurant after standing in a queue from 6.45am. The food we were served was cold, the waiter was very pleased I had told him this and came back with another one which was a little warmer.
The beach was filthy, covered with rubbish, bottles, shoes, paper, a fridge etc. and was never cleaned up.
I would not recommend this hotel and we will not be going back again.
" Spent Christmas and new year at the... "
Submitted By: cerilouiseEven when medical support was needed they ripped you off costing of injections and tablets where £160 be aware they keep you in the room until you pay up. The food well what can we say tepid waiting for bugs to thrive. Any one wanting a holiday from hell this is the perfect place to be.
I felt so sorry for the people booking in as we where leaving knowing that they would be the same as us by the end of a fortnight. The rep I felt sorry for with over 50 people complaining at the same time was harrowing stefan and lisa deserved better. The only good thing on the site was the entertainment staff well done too you all spaghetti we will miss you.








On booking our holiday to the Caribbean we were dead excited and couldn’t wait to go as we have never been to the Caribbean before plus I had heard only of good reports from friends how they have enjoyed it there and would go back there, the lady in Fist Choice looked through the holidays with us we looked at a couple of holidays in the Dominican there where 4stars and this 3 star hotel but we both agreed the 3 star had more to offer then the 4 star ,the 3star had a 24hr bar and more entertainment then the 4star as the 4 star only had a 12hour bar and hardly any entertainment I was apprehensive as it was only a 3star and we normal go into 4-5 star hotels , so we booked in to the Fun Royale & Tropircale Playa Dorada Dominican Republic, when we arrived the porter show us to are room on the Fun Royale side ,he open the door and I just wanted to cry , it was dirty, we had dead fly’s and mosquitoes on the window ledges and lying dead in the sink which the sink looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in ages as it had grime on it ,we had a wasps which kept on coming in after my husband had put them out through the patio door which we couldn’t understand we then noticed we had a wasp nest in the roof ,the toilet handle was broken ,and the bath was dirty ,at this stage I really just wanted to get the next fight home that was in matter of say 1hour after we got there ,as we had not much money to up grade to another hotel which could have been the same as this one so we decided not to ,after I had good cry we decided to go and complain about are room in which they moved us to another room on Tropircale side which was 50 % better, least only the sink had a leak in which they did fix, the shower the taps turned in the wall as you switched them on , there was no sealed bottle water only a big bottle in which the maid filled up for us suppose to be from a tap in another part of the building but when they where cleaning I never saw no one bring water in so I suspected they used the water from are room in which we ended up with the stomach bug in which most people in our hotel did which was not pleasant , there were ants going in the fridge walking up and down the seal of the door I glad we only had water in the fridge .I also notice staff using the toilets on adults side of the building by the 24 hour bar then going back to server people in which the was no soap for you to wash your hand and toilets hardly ever flushed defiantly a hygiene issue.
2 days before we left I saw a baby cockroach walking over the salad bar but most days the where a load of fly’s crawling and flying over the salad, on speaking also to other people staying at this hotel 1 person had moved 5 times other people at least 2 or 3 times which complaints where toilets when flushing excrement came up over the top of the toilet in stand of going down ,or the toilet not working at all ,roof leaking, bed bugs .no hot water ,we where eaten alive by mosquitoes and sand fleas like most people there. I left people crying wishing it was them that was going home
We also got utterly fed up with time share people trying to get you to buy time share in this hotel they be waiting on the corner for you , on going to breakfast lunch dinner it also put us off going for meals
But saying all this the Dominican people where friendly, and the 2 excursions we went on where good its just a shame about the hotel hygiene stranded ,the hotel could do with knocking down and rebuilding it or defiantly updating ,
I would not recommend this hotel to no one not sure if I would go back to the Dominican from the experience we had from this hotel.
Please do not recommend this hotel to anyone