We stayed at the Royal Islander 6/6-6/13, were impressed with the staff attention to cleanliness and groundskeeping. Disappointed that the beach was unusable, but they have a free shuttle that goes to the other family resorts, and the beach at the Royal Sands was great. They also had transportation (free) to a sister resort in Playa Del Carmen, which was excellent, and they had a great beach too. Xcaret was fair--but the day was too long, and they are slow in getting their evening entertainment going. The day was long enough already.
We've travelled quite a bit, and found Mexico the most agressive in requesting tips. I realize the current circumstances have cut into everyones' revenue, but the tipping thing is just a little over the line in Cancun.
The busses were convienient, but figuring where to get off on the return is tricky, as the drivers nod yes to everything but I doubt the really understand much English. Maybe they shouldn't. For Airport transportation we used USA Transfers, and they worked well, and relatively inexpensively.
While my cellphone worked, the rated caused me to try out Skype, which means using a laptop computer and an internet connection. Made over a dozen calls that cost less than a dollar for all of 'em. I put $10 in a Skype account, and I still have $9 left. In the Bahamas T-Mobile nailed me for $3/minute.
Had a great time in Cancun, played some tennis, had great weather. Can't really complain.

My husband and I stayed at the Royal Islander from May 9th - May 16th and I must say it was a great experience. We first arrived at noon time on the 9th and we were greated by our concierge Dante and he was fantastic. Check in time usually isn't until 4pm, however, we were able to check in once we arrived, which we were happy about that because we had a wedding to get ready for as our friend s were getting married that evening. We stayed in a two bedroom villa and it was very spacious and very clean. We had maid service everyday and they did a great job. Our concierge Dante called us everyday to make sure we didn't need anything.

The Royal resorts have a shuttle bus that is able to take you to between the resorts ( so the you can use the other resorts ammenities), which is very convenient and they come every 30 minutes. The pools at the Islander were very nice. There was hardly any beach because of the hurricane's however, we knew that before we arrived, therefore it was no surpirse.

We were able to take the R1 or R2 bus to many restaurants, clubs and even Walmart and they run every few minutes 24 hrs a day, which made it very convenient.

We even used the laundry facilities, which was very convenient. The resort also has a convenient store, which has just about any and everything you could want.

Staying at the Royal Islander was a great experience and my husband and I would definitely stay there again.

We stayed at Royal Islander and the place was great. The service was excellent and all I saw were smiling faces that wanted to help find whatever you needed or wanted. The room was excellent with a great view of the ocean. The room was serviced everyday and it was great. The location was excellent. It wasn't far from downtown and malls were close. They always had taxis outside but the city bus service was very accessible, easy, and inexpensive to use. They had a great spa and access to a gym which was great. The restaurants were great and inexpensive

Other than the Swine Flu scare (which forced a shortened time in Cancun and at the Islander) and absolutely no beach the Royal Islander is a good value. The staff is extremely helpful and go out of their way to help. Compared to other time shares seen this gives you lots of room, especially if you take both the A and B portions of the villa.

One word of caution --- don't ask for extra towels unless you are willing to pay. For the first time in a number of years traveling I was told that to give more than one towel per person in the room would add $5 per day to the bill!!!!

Also, another downer is there is no broadband internet connection in the rooms. You have to go to a common area, i.e. restaurant or lobby, to get a connection. The upside is the connection is free.

Overall, putting all things in balance, it is a good place.