We arrive at The Royal Maya Resort after 9 glorious days in San Pedro, Ambergis Caye, Belize. The Royal Mayan was a pleasant extension to our vacation. Having been recommended by my brother, I expected it to be of very high standard and it was!
Traveling with my Canadian Mother-in-Law, my wife and 2 very pumped up teens my expectation was nothing but the best.
The Resort is designed in such a way that as you enter you either take the elevators to the lobby or you jaunt up a small flight of stairs to the lobby. On the way to the lobby, the first counter you meet is the Thomas More Travel counter. These folks are poorly situated and offer some of the worst service I have ever gotten. They represent the Resort poorly. Having not read the sign, the lady at the counter grunted I was in the wrong place and sent me to the lobby up another 3 or so stairs. OK, first impressions, get rid of Thomas More Travel. Put them in the back, somewhere where they don't represent the hotel. We later used their services to book our parasailing trip. These folks communication and services skills need improvement.
The staff at the front desk was accommodating, pleasant, charming and knowledgeable. Our vacation now began on a high note. Each one was given a room key that acted like a charge card, everything you purchase at the resort and it's partner shops, resorts, bars, restaurant would be put on the card and paid on the way out. My teens were charged. They were about to go to town. I love watching them get spoiled! And spoiled we were.
From breakfast at the Palapa to my afternoon rum and coke at the pool bar to the best Filet Mignon and Banana Foster at El Conquistador Restaurant, we were spoiled. I want to note that there is a musician at the EL Conquistador name Jorge Duran. A self-taught classical guitarist who charmed and delighted our evening with his songs. My teens, who both play the guitar wanted to buy all his CD's, we stopped at three.
There is a very nice shuttle that takes you from the Royal Mayan to the other Royal Resorts and a number of affiliate restaurants including the Hacienda Sisal, Captain's Cove and other venues. We loved the Sisal and enjoyed our dinner at Captain's Cove, huge steak and best fish in Cancun as per the Mother-in-law.
On our last day in Cancun, the ladies wanted to shop. Since I had taken them to the market both downtown and on the strip, I decided to take them to the Royal Sands to shop in their boutique. A pleasant shopping experience for the ladies and I, since I was able to pick up a few gifts for my workmates in Austin and also walked around the resort, while they shopped. The Royal Sands has a spectacular pool that appears never to end. I like the atmosphere and so at dinnertime I decided to take the family to La Veranda at the Royal Sands. Big mistake! Food was so-so. Salad bar was unappealing. Coffee was served with cream that had gone bad. This stuff happens so it did not seem harmful. My wife insisted on desert and she ordered Tres Leches Cake (Pastry with 3 types of milk). It was disgustingly sour and bitter. We send it back and it was promptly replaced with a fresh piece that was not spoiled. It concerned us that the management of this restaurant would serve food unfit for human consumption. Watch out for the food here, too bad, the Royal Sands looks awesome.
We departed Cancun early the next morning and it was not until we arrived at the airport that my daughter realized she had forgotten her cell phone. After some discussion we decided that we would call the resort from home and have it sent to us. Again, the staff was very helpful. They immediately located the telephone. The front desk manager on duty, Mr. EMMANUEL NOVA PACHECO and his team did everything to make sure this experience was pleasant. The Cell phone arrive within 5 days and I have one very happy daughter. My thanks go out to the management and staff of the Royal Mayan Resort. We will be back. I give this Resort a five.
