Just returned from 1 week at the Royal Sands. We traded our timeshare for a week here through II. Sight unseen we were pleasantly surprised. We had an ocean facing 1 bedroom. Though the room was nothing spectacular - it was clean and spacious. The best part was the large balcony and incredible ocean view - wouldn't have had it any other way. We spent all week on the beach- plenty available huts due to flu scare. The resort was not crowded - they stated about 40% capacity.. usually 85%. Only ate lunch in the restaurant… food was good not great. For a timeshare trade I would recommend. Staff was very nice and accommodating.. my only complaint was the person concierge. She was very persistent on trying to get us to meet with the sales guy about their resorts. Multiple times we said “no” and it continued. She called us very early one morning to see if we were attending an introduction meeting we had told her we would likely not attend. I can appreciate trying one time to get us to sit through their sales pitch- but after receiving a “no thanks”… move on! This was my only complaint of the week. Otherwise we kept to ourselves – relaxing and reading on the beach. Did use the spa for a couples massage – nice facilities and good services..

I was so disappointed with our stay despite all the wonderful reviews. We found this resort to be overcrowded, loud, and money hungry. Everytime you turned around, someone wanted another tip and wanted to sell you something else.

Beach was un-smimmable with big rocks so you were forced to hang out at the pool. Pool staff was less than responsive considering they have a single waiter trying to serve 200+ people. You are so close to your neighbors at the pool, their kids are practically screaming in your ear and kicking your bags (no personal space).

Food was extremely overpriced and drinks were also ($7 for a shot of cheap tequila!?!)

Room was disappointing because our key card had a mind of it's own and never worked. Front desk Mgmt refused to fix it and were very rude. Bare bones, nothing fancy, old school TV and outdated decor.

By the way, this resort is a towel Nazi. They will not give you any extra towels for your room; and the they will call like psychos if you don't turn in your pool towels the night before you leave!!

The timeshare people will call you every morning at 8AM to try to get you to come to one of their "parties". We avoided them the whole time, maybe that's why they were so rude at checkout?

I will never again return. This is not my idea of a vacation. We tried Club International one afternoon and really like it; it may be more our style. I think some of the reviews are exaggerated because they are owners and don't want their investment to decrease in value. As for me (12th time in Cancun), I will NEVER return to this big mega-resort nightmare!!

My family always stays at the sands. First class all the way. The staff is always there to help if you need anything. Location is perfect, because its away from the downtown mess, and you feel really safe. Cant say enough about this place. Dont stay at those all inclusive where you have to wait in line in the morning to get a voucher. Cancun has great restaurants to go to. Avoid food at Senior Frogs!!!!!!!!! but fun atmosphere. The Sands is great for families and adults. Not a spring breaker paradise though.

Overall our stay at the Royal Sands was a good one. The beach and pools were wonderful and the staff was friendly and helpful. It is located in the middle of the hotel strip so there are lots of places you can walk to from the resort. There are even two malls within walking distance. While it is a very nice resort, the restaurant prices are a little high. Try to stay away from the buffets, they are WAY over priced. I was also disappointed with the bathroom because it was not very clean. There was mold in the tub and the walls/floors looked very dirty. Also, don't be fooled...not every room has an ocean view. We could not see the ocean even if we leaned out on the balcony. Even though I sound like I hated the place, it is actually a very nice hotel and I would recommend it to anyone!