Beautiful resort

Beautiful resort our second time in 2 years, gorgeous grounds very peaceful we really enjoyed the beach it's breath taking beautiful , food was good too except for the Mexican restaurant which should stand out more than the others simply because it's mexico..

A very beautiful and restful resort.

Our room was very nice and comfortable. The staff were very nice, especially the breakfast staff. Elena always greeted us with a lovely smile and got to know us as we entered for breakfast and lunch. I would like to send a note to Isidore, our concierge for building 23. We left him a tip, but unfortunately we left only around $1.00 in American dollars. We were under the impression we left more. Please pass on our apologies to him. We did not mean to insult him. Isidore was very helpful and so [... read more] kind to us. Thanks.

Nice resort

Nice resort overall. It is the perfect size and is generally quiet. Does not cater to a party type of crowd. That being said, the evening entertainment is almost non-existent. Main buildings, restaurants and grounds are kept very well - clean and inviting. Food was very good. Service was very good. All employees were helpful, warm and friendly. Beach was very good. The villas and rooms are showing their age and are in need of renovation. They are adequate at the moment but are in a st [... read more]ate of decline. Purchased the Resort view room (1 upgrade from basic level). Did not see the difference between this level and the basic level. I believe I paid extra for no value.

Exceptional Food Selection & Presentation

The resort is in need of some updating. The rooms are spacious but tired. The bathtub was in need of repair and there were areas where paint was peeling on the windowsill. The linen should be replaced....no longer white, definitely not fluffy and very worn. Beach and pools excellent.

Beautiful resort

Wow, what an unexpected pleasure this resort was. Our room was on the second level first villa closest to the hotel. Very quiet and a garden view that was tranquil and serene. What can I say about the restaurants other than all were absolutely fabulous. Presentation, taste, wide choices and wonderful service were sure to please any palate. The beach was lovely and clean. There were always chaises available on the beach and some Bali beds as well that my partner being the early riser acqui [... read more]red for us. The grounds and landscaping were beautiful and there are several quiet pools throughout. The staff were amazing and friendly and always courteous. My only complaint for this resort is that dinner reservations had to be made for all. Your concierge is more than happy to walk you through this and make suggestions. Book early for the Asian cuisine as it is popular and was so amazing. The good presentation was gorgeous and delicious. Offsite excursions were booked with Carlos our AirTransit representative. It was the first time for all of us (two couples) at this hotel and we would definitely reconsider returning.

Luxurious resort

Very satisfied with the hotel and service there. We were pleasantly surprised by the beach - though there was algae, we were still able to swim and the water, once past that initial width of algae, was beautiful and clear. Not having been able to travel because of COVID, the vacation was wonderful. Thank you.

Big Disappointment

Our second visit to this resort proved very disappointing. Still a beautiful setting and stunning to look at, the resort has deteriorated physically lacking even minimum expectations of hot water and functioning mini-fridges. Our room, particularly the bathroom was very tired. The food at The Grill, where we ate dinner several times, was uninspired with very small portions. The lunch buffet and poolside fare provided few choices. The Room Service food was inedible. Service was inconsistent  [... read more]and the overall impression was of a food service staff that is severely overworked. The resort is very clean and maid service was efficient and friendly. All staff were masked at all times and there were hand sanitizing stations throughout. This resort is definitely not what it used to be and we will not return.

This resort is NOT a 5 star, very dated, not very clean!

I would not recommend this resort to anyone. There was no concierge, my phone did not work all week, asked 4 times to have it repaired. Had to asked for products. Patio door did not lock. Rooms not very clean…. Very dated. Grounds need A lot of TLC and to be cleaned. Pool was never cleaned, a lot of build up on the sides, needs a major clean. Beach was not cleaned, a lot of garbage. Chairs on the beach old, torn, dirty. Rooms, lobby, chair's, restaurants need a deep cleaning an [... read more]d a lot of TLC. Beach shower dirty, falling a part. Service in restaurants was good, the food was good, very limited seafood. I would consider this resort a 3 star only! Victoria, I was not happy at all with your recommendation and the price we paid for the week for this resort!

Amazing Resort

This was our 5th visit to the Royal Hideaway. Yes the rooms are a little tired but they are spotlessly clean. The grounds are immaculate. The people make the resort. They are so kind and work so very hard. The food was fantastic. All staff wore masks and we did too. We would go back in a heartbeat.

Third time at this resort, only one complaint

This was our third time staying at the Royal Hideaway Playacar (we've gone each February for the past 3 years). The food, drinks, rooms, grounds, and staff are all amazing, and the resort has such a charming, intimate feel to it because it is so small (about 200 rooms). My only complaint is about the canvas sun shades/canopies on the beach. This hotel is distinct because it has one of these for each set of chairs on the beach (most other resorts don't have this). When we first came here in Febru [... read more]ary 2018, every single set of chairs on the beech had one. When we returned in February 2019 we noticed that some of the canopies were not in working order and had not been replaced, and some chairs were missing canopies altogether. On our recent return trip in February 2020, I was shocked that there were hardly any canopies at all. I estimate that only 20% of the chairs had them, which meant you needed to get up before the sun to reserve your chairs on the beach if you wanted one. This luxury resort is doing itself a disservice by not replacing the canopies. We want to return in February 2021, but I'm worried that there will be no canopies on the beach at all. In order to enjoy a relaxing and comfortable day at the beach, there has to be shade options for every chair.

Exceptional resort!!

This resort is absolutely gorgeous. The rooms are very spacious and beautifully appointed. The grounds are well - kept and there is so much greenery. The big pools offer amazing views of the ocean, and the small pools are so private you are often the only ones there. The beach is spectacular, the food at the restaurants is exceptional, and the staff go out of their way to be friendly and helpful. I have only 2 small criticisms. It is unfortunate that smoking is allowed in the one outdoor bar w [... read more]ith evening entertainment. Most nights we couldn't sit there because of all the smoke. The second is the culture of snagging pool chairs in the wee hours of the morning (by laying towels or books on them). Many days we saw chairs with towels on them with no one sitting in them for hours on end. Something needs to be done to make the pool chairs more equitably available to all guests.

Perfect size and location

This is a beautiful, well maintained, very clean resort. Our room was beautiful and well appointed. The decor throughout the resort was old Spanish influenced and furniture everywhere was very fine quality. The staff were excellent, polite and very accommodating. The best part was the magnificent swimming pool with plenty of comfortable seating and shade for everyone. The food was very good although I personally do not like having to make reservations. The beach is beautiful but the distance  [... read more]from the pool to the ocean is too far with no shade closer to the water. Check in time is rigidly monitored at 3:00 pm. Period. No exceptions. Not acceptable for a five star resort. However, having said that it was a lovely experience and we would return.

Paradise!

This was my first ever trip to Mexico, and from the moment I got off the airplane it was just magical! First off, the people are incredibly kind and helpful. Arriving at the resort was like walking into a slice of heaven. The Royal Hideaway Playacar is absolutely breathtaking. The grounds are consistently and beautifully manicured. The room was spectacular! Very comfortable bed and luxurious washroom. It also had a lovely balcony with a view of the pool and ocean. Who could ask for more! The foo [... read more]d was unreal! I have never eaten so decadently for 7 days straight. The service was absolutely 5 star. Everyone was extremely kind and very accommodating. I’ve never been so sad to leave a resort as I was The Royal Hideaway Playacar ❤️

Good Resort. Not Great

This resort was good, not great. The beach was amazing although very little shade and canopies over the chairs were often broken so had to jury rig up a way to make it work. All pools were amazing especially the pool by the spa. Always quiet and bar service was close by although sometimes no one there to serve. Food was good. A couple of lunch choices were horrible. Don't get the pork rib burger for lunch. Really weird consistency and taste. Wings and spring rolls at lunch really good. L [... read more]imited selection of restaurants and food choices made some meals feel less than expected. Some meals also incredibly rich. Overdone with sauces but might be my personal choice. Got room service one night. Burger was ok. Keylime pie was the size of a small petrie dish and ordered a bottle of wine. He forgot the bottle of wine so had to run back for it. Although a concierge at every building sounded like a good idea, they were completely useless. That was the opinion of everyone I talked to. Most of that was unsolicited opinion and was from other buildings as well. We met with Erik the first day and he promised to get us into all restaurants starting the next day and we asked for a bottle of white wine in the mini bar everyday. All was promised, shook hands and we went on our way. We were to have reservations the next day at one of the restaurants. Looked all over for him that next day and was no where to be found. Finally went to another building concierge and they called Erik so he came running from who knows where. Guess what??? No reservations made, no bottle of wine. Next day no water in the mini fridge. I helped myself to water behind concierge desk because he wasn't there again. One final thing. One day I had to go up to the room before the maid got in there. Had left money on the bed and separate money in the fridge. Got in the room, found mini fridge full again (thankfully) , money gone from fridge and money also gone from the bed. I was disturbed by this as the maid hadn't been in the room. Looks like fridge guy took the money off the bed. So, left money in the bathroom next day so fridge guy wouldn't see it and was only gone after the maid was in there. Now maybe it's the same person so have to give them the benefit of the doubt but none the less disturbing. If they really want to make this a luxury resort, hire new concierges that do actual work. I will say that at all restaurants greeting and wait staff were amazing. Thank you to all of you for your great service. If it weren't for them, I rate this hotel much lower.Overall experience was satisfactory but not wowed like I should've been.

Pretty good resort

If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, this is the perfect place , with the exception that the management should look into the doors of the rooms slamming shut and making a loud noise , very difficult trying to sleep with guests room doors making such loud noises . The service was very good and they really appreciated the service. The age group is majority 50 and over , so it worked out ok for me. I felt very safe at this resort , little disappointed with the food, would give it 7 out of 10 [... read more]. Overall I expected a little more for the price

Stunning Resort

This resort is truly a 5 star. The rooms are beautiful and large. The beach has white sands and the water is different shades of turquoise. I have never seen and been in such clear and clean water. The service is outstanding, very polite and helpful. We did tip a lot but it never seemed expected. The infinity pool was a lot of fun and we participated in the water fit held at noon which was so fun and the music was peppy and made you want to dance in the water. The meals were so delicious, espe [... read more]cially at Spices, an authentic Mexican Caribbean restaurant. Try the chicken tortilla soup and the fresh fish options. Everything was so good. Be sure to go to the Allegro bar for the live music and delicious margaritas.We definitely recommend this resort.I would love to go again.

Spectacular resort and service

We loved the property, the service, the staff, the food.....all of it! It was so well maintained, staff always cleaning the property. We actually had no idea it was one of the Leading Hotels in the World, and were very pleasantly surprised. It was a perfect vacation, and we intend to come back soon! Thank you so very much.

Excellent stay at Royal Hideaway Playacar

Five star all inclusive resort. Excellent accommodation. Rooms are large and very new. Clean and well maintained. There are six restaurants to choose from. And can be reserved when you check in on the first day. Gourmet food. Great staff.

A True 5 Star

Stunning grounds with perfect pools and beach area... there are so many quality areas to enjoy the grounds and the sun for hours and hours. And when you do the service will be consistently helpful. The Grill overlooking the beach has a million-dollar view... which is a good thing because the food in this all-inclusive is what sets it apart... every restaurant is delicious. But The Grill was special... the Manager and the Wait Staff were amazing. The Royal Hideaway rooms were spacious and the kin [... read more]g bed was top quality for a great sleep. This review is not an exaggeration at all... my wife and I had a really great 9 days... and we travel a lot. The only thing that could be improved... heat the pools a bit more. We will return.

Good Low Key Hideaway

If you’re looking for noise, activity and action, this is NOT the resort for you. We wanted a quiet, laid back and classier retreat for a few days, and this was a good choice. Strong points are the food, beach and rooms. Weak points are inconsistent service, limited food and alcohol choices and price. Overall, this is well worth a try, but it needs some improvement to really justify its five star rating.