We stayed with friends of ours who own three weeks at the Sands. Having never been to Mexico we didn't know what to expect. Well, were we surprised!!! The Sands is so beautiful, so clean and so welcoming we never wanted to go home. The units were large and that outside balcony...let's just say I wanted to hang out there all the time. The pools were large and always clean and the ocean being just steps away was perfect. We were impressed with everything at the Royal Sands and are looking to rent a week next year and share a unit with our grown children and then stay the 2nd week with our friends again!!

My wife and I went to Cancun and stayed at the Royal Sands for a week. We traded a lockoff via II and were given a lockoff at Royal Sands. We had a very nice, relaxing week and truly enjoyed the pool areas at the resort. Some quick notes:

Room: Not all lockoffs are created equal. We traded one that has a mini-kitchen (fridge, microwave, oven, dishes, silverware, cookware, dishwasher, etc.) for essentially a hotel room. We had planned on eating most breakfasts and lunches in the room but that became much more difficult without any plates or silverware.

Beach: The water was beautiful and warm, and not too rough. A small area in front of Phase I was open all week and the last two days another small area in front of Phase II was also open. We walked the beach in both directions and didn't find much other areas open for swimming. It was somewhat difficult to walk due to the narrowness and steepness of the beach. I would say that if the beach is a very important part of your vacation, then you should go elsewhere.

Restaurants: We had the breakfast buffet once and it was very good. We ate a couple of lunches at the Phase II pool bar and they were very good. We ate one dinner at the Sports Bar and it was below average. In general, we found that better food and values could be had off site.

Grocery store: It was nice to have it available and in general the prices were not bad. They were out of bread one day.

Staff: Uniformly friendly and professional. Service was great at all times.

Crowds: Cancun was deserted. Royal Sands was at 55% capacity. No battles for chairs at the pool, or need for reservations at restaurants.

Summary: I understand why the people who have bought here rave about this place. The pool areas are great and the service is top notch. However, I think it will be some time before we return to Cancun mostly because there are so many other places we could trade and go to. If we do return to Cancun, we would certainly consider staying at the Royal Sands, although not in a lockoff.

Great hotel for families with large and active pool are for children.
One of the few hotels that actually have a beach with waves until the renourshment project is completed.

Personal disclaimer: I am a Royal Sands time share owner.
That being said, I am also in the restaurant/hotel business and have a critical eye when it comes to this business. I reviewed several trip advisor comments before our most recent trip and found most reassuring, however, I was concerned when I read the post from "Crazy Traveling Texan" concerning the poor beach conditions, and the rough hospitality from the personel. Most of all, I was concerned about the beach, which is what we go there for.
The "Crazy Texan" has grossly overstated the beach condition. True, the beach after Wilma is not as expansive and as deep-it had been picture perfect, but it was not full of rocks either. There is a sufficient area free of rocks where body surfing is completely safe and enjoyable. There are beach personel there to insure that swimmers do not go astray.
Our first encounter with the Royal Sands was on a vacation while staying at the Ritz Carlton (next door). The villas are self sufficient and very complete-especially for those wishing to dine in. It is not to be compared to a luxury hotel however, and it is owner oriented, which is to say, a higher level personal responsibility is expected of the guest and members. In short, it is not for "spring breakers". Our children now 18 and 19, accompanied us as usual. They connected with many kids their age and no doubt have expanded their facebook contacts. Having a place where your children want to vacation with you, is an added benefit which I did not consider years ago, but now appreciate.
When we purchased our time share about 10 years ago, our salesman pointed out the company was founded by former Marines. I took this to be a good thing. The management is cordial, professional, and consistantly helpful.
One of the best things about the Royal Sands is it's close proximity to truely fine restaurants-Harry's and Puerto Madera to name two. We did venture to another major hotel for lunch and found the huge and very beautiful facility deserted, and the food and service was the worst I have experienced in Cancun. The Royal Sands, even in hard times is consistently a good value and the food, while not stellar, more than fills the bill for what it is.

On a personal note, as a Texan from Fort Worth originally, I did not recognize this Crazy person to be a Texan. Just crazy.