Royal Hideaway Playacar

Vergil W.

This was our second trip to Royal Hideaway Playacar, and somehow it managed to be even better than our first. Returning felt like coming home — the staff remembered us, greeted us warmly, and made us feel just as welcome and cared for as the very first time. Once again, the service across the resort was outstanding. Every staff member we encountered was professional, friendly, and genuinely dedicated to making our stay perfect. The food continued to impress us — Spices, Las Ventanas, Grill were fantastic again — and the overall atmosphere of the resort remains one of the biggest reasons we came back. A very special shoutout to Alexa and Carlos, who truly elevated our trip. Their energy, kindness, and enthusiasm made each day memorable. Whether it was morning activities, poolside fun, or evening entertainment, they consistently went above and beyond. You can tell they care deeply about the guest experience, and their positive attitude made such a huge difference. We also want to recognize the rest of the entertainment and activities team — including several amazing staff whose names we didn’t catch — for creating an environment where we never felt the need to leave the resort. There was always something enjoyable to do. Pool chair management continued to be excellent, the beach was beautifully maintained with minimal seaweed, and the resort grounds were as stunning and peaceful as ever. Our room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, providing the perfect retreat at the end of each day. Overall, this second visit reaffirmed why Royal Hideaway Playacar has become one of our favorite places. Outstanding staff, amazing food, top-tier diving, and a welcoming environment that makes relaxation feel effortless. We’re already looking forward to our third trip — because once you experience this level of care, it’s hard to imagine going anywhere else.

Andrew Vander Weide

My wife and I booked Royal Hideaway Playacar via Costco as it was on the cheaper end for adults-only all-inclusive resorts, and we agree it was worth every dollar. In summary, everything met if not exceeded our expectations, especially being a more affordable resort. Food is generally good, often even fantastic. The rooms are large, comfortable (AC worked well), noise-insulated, well kept by daily housekeeping, and in good, accessible locations. The resort itself is very tidy with friendly workers all around constantly cleaning, fixing, and offering assistance and services, with a great overall layout and architecture. Pool varieties offer different types of experiences whether for the rowdier or more relaxed vacationers. The beach is unmistakably beautiful and conveniently at the base of the resort with more than enough chairs and shade if needed. It’s a fun but more so relaxing crowd. We will more than likely return to this resort soon, possibly regularly.

Barry Morehead

My wife and I stayed here last month for 8 nights. We will definitely be back. The price was very reasonable and some reviews were not great so we arrived expecting something average. I'm pretty high maintenance but we were pleasantly surprised! The staff and service was amazing. The grounds were beautiful (and constantly being groomed). The food was better than expected and plentiful. The drinks were also better than expected. I am impressed that there is a decent selection of nicer liquors included in the complimentary food and beverage. Our room was spacious and very nice. The view from our room was disappointing but we didn't pay for the grand view and we spent most of our time out by the pool and beach anyway. The view from the pool was outstanding. The Wifi worked well at the pool so we worked out there on days that we needed to get some work done. We hardly left the property during our time there. Everything we needed to relax and enjoy was right there. We're already looking at the calendar for when we might be back.

Tina

This was our 6th time returning to Royal Hideaway & the one thing that had us returning was the food quality & service. Unfortunately, we were really really disappointed & even spoke to the Operations Mgr on our 3rd day regarding our concerns but nothing changed. We waited on average 15 minutes EVERY day for EVERY breakfast & lunch! We once waited 30 minutes(!!!). We never had to wait more than 5 minutes in the past. Keep in mind this is the only buffet restaurant on the beach (outdoors) with a la carte options. You have the option to go upstairs to the a la carte restaurants for breakfast or lunch, but who wants to spend over an hour indoors waiting for food. The service at some of the other dinner restaurants were also really slow. E.g. waited more than once, over 10 minutes for the host to greet us; constantly asking servers for water or refilling wine, waited half an hour until the hibachi chef arrived for our 9:00 pm(!) dinner reservations (see pic below). We only made 9:00 pm dinner reservations since all other early seatings were already booked for the week! It would have been nice for us to enjoy the Mexican show with the dinner in the theatre but this only happens once a week & again was already booked before we could even make a reservation. I tried emailing ahead of our arrival to make dinner reservations as I've done in the past but the email responses were days slow & didn't get confirmed. For new guests, you're asked to make all dinner reservations with your concierge on the day that you arrive, however, all the ideal times & events are already booked before you even get there!!! We were beyond disappointed with our visit this time & unfortunately will not be returning nor recommending to our friends any more.

MARIA JEWEL PATTERSON

I will still give this resort a 5 perfect stars due to meeting all my finicky demands. I originally booked the ocean view suite but upon arrival I was told there’s issues with it (so they tried “selling” the presidential suite- which I don’t want due to its lack of privacy. Presidential suite (2726) is overlooking the swimming pool with a balcony that looks like you’re about to give a concert - lol) AND beaten by the sun). Any how, after 2-3 hours of waiting, the manager upgraded us to presidential suite since there’s really no other option and offered to give us the Balinese bed for the duration of our stay. Sounded great to me and we were really tired and just wanted to eat. Any how, the presidential suite they gave us also have water leak issue… I meant pouring like a waterfall issue- lol. We also didn’t have internet, water, and electricity of 2 days. On top of that, they called us at 8PM saying that we have to pay for the last night (since we have two bookings). They called at the time that they were fixing the water falls in our bedroom so I was really pissed at that time- I really should have the room for free. But despite all those mishaps, the Balinese bed, the view, and the beachfront restaurant made our stay a 5 star! This is the only resort I know that has a restaurant right on the beach. I also especially love the clam shell sunshade for every lounger on the beach. So, if you can’t get the Balinese bed, those beach loungers are plentiful and each pair gets a clamshell sunshade! As for the pool loungers, I am not sure though why some guests wakes up as early as 4:30 AM to save their spot. There’s plenty available BUT I guess they like the pool and the proximity to the restaurant and toilet - lol. Any how, another reason for my 5 star rating is the room service - especially the salmon dish! I really rather eat in my room than dress up and go to the restaurants. I didn’t really like any of those food in their a la carte restaurants. We mainly ate at the beachfront restaurant and room service. Finally, the water pressure and temperature in our shower is perfection! I look forward to showering - lol. Overall, despite the issues we’ve encountered , we ended up still having a great time. They tried everything they can to make our vacation a relaxing one. They tried to pamper us the best they can. Any resorts will have issues. And this sure has plenty. BUT, there’s something about this place that simply made my stress melted away. Everywhere I go smells so good. I already made a reservation for next year. Hopefully, the room I want- Ocean view Suite- will be ready to receive guests. I forgot to mention, I had the best massage by Guadalupe!!!! She unknotted years of stress building on my shoulder.