Occidental Royal Hideaway Playacar Hotel

Firstly, THANKS to all who helped us with information on the PDC and Riviera Maya area. Just got back from a week at the RH. It was Wonderful!! A few clarification though inregards to some other posts by people on this board. The resort is not "stuffy" at all. EVERYONE treated us with warmth and kindness while we were there. The workers make more than $3 a day and are actually rathar well paid vs. other resort employees, with typically one day off per week in busy season. Any additional tips are GREATLY appreciated but are truly not... more

We loved this place. We were on our honeymoon. The staff was so nice and the food was great. The pools were not crowed at all even though for a couple of nights the whole place was booked. The restaurants were not crowded at all either which was nice. It was so relaxing. We had such a wonderful time and wish we could go back right now. I suggest it. It was worth every penny!

No other all-inclusive touches the Royal Hideaway. No wrist band, no smuck, no buffets, just class and quality. The beach is the best in Playa, the resort immaculate, and the food excellent. We ended up here by accident the first year and what a blessing. It is expensive, but 1) no extras other than the spa (even tips and taxes are included) and 2) it's worth EVER PENNY!!!

The Royal Hideaway was just perfect from the time we arrived to the time we left. The staff was friendly, the food was outrageous and the service was amazing!! Tips were included but we found the need to tip anyway because they were so great!!! I would recommend this spa to anyone that enjoys being completely pampered!!! I cannot wait to go back!!!

We enjoyed our stay and we're glad we wen to that area, but not necessarily the resort. The place's beach was very crowded and there are barely any pools in which to swim. The resort does not at all celebrate the ocean or water activities (older crowd, or so we'd have thought--see below). This resort caters to people who don't mind being crammed together, sipping drinks, in side-by-side lounge chairs. If this resort existed where the Barcelo Maya is.... it would be perfect. Barcelo Maya has a much better beach, for example, and is a... more

My wife and I have traveled many places around the globe and put this resort as one of the best. The service and attention to detail was terrific. The personal concierge for the villa was a nice touch. Just outside the door of the room all our questions, reservations, and request were taken care of. The food was fabulous. The grounds, pools, and walking paths immerse you into a world of tropical forgetfullness. The beach is fabulous! Soft white sand, great swimming, scuba, and water sports. Tip your waiter and the drinks never... more

All I have to say is 5 star all the way. This resort makes Sandals look like 2 star. From the moment we got there, until we left, was nothing but perfect. I did request via email (about 2 weeks prior to our arrival) a king size bed and villa 24, 27, or 31. When we checked in, we were told we got villa 27 with a king size bed. We arrived early on a Sat. morning, about 10:30am. Being that our room wasn't going to be ready until 2:30, we were able to use a hospitality room with access to our luggage to change, etc. We were off to the beach and... more

My wife and I stayed at the RH in mid august of 2002. Almost every aspect of our stay was better than we could have ever hoped for. I will break my opinions into categories. Greeting: The entry was majestic. The person who checked us in was more than accomodating to our needs and requests. As promised a cool towel and champagne was provided. The bell boys were gentlemen and graciuos guides to our room. Our Villa's concierge was gracious and planned for our every needs (dinner reservations, VHS movies from the hotel library... more

It is a nice place, but so much more expensive than elswhere in that area. Riu Palace, for example, is considerably less. Royal H wants $1700 per person for 3 nights, whereas other resorts average $1100 (the upscale ones)--peak time of year. The beach is shared with too many other resorts, including an Allegro next-door... the food is good, but no better than other resorts in the area, service as well. In the end, we felt people who go there must not know better, or must believe because you pay more $$$$, it MUST be better. It is not so, in... more

My husband and I were married at this resort last year, and I have to say that it truly is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The food was amazing, and the rooms were incredible. The beaches are beautiful, the water is bright blue, and it's a very relaxing place. The only problem we ran into was with the staff. We had relatives staying at the Allegro resort next door, and we had to pay $100 per person just so they could come on the property to the wedding. Also, after paying the steep price, we had guests who were turned... more