Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana

This is not a 5 star hotel! When we got to the hotel we were “upgraded” to the adults only area of the hide away. This was initially very exciting until we found out that most adult only people were being put there meaning that there was no space at all ever at the pool. The room we were on was the third floor and there’s no lifts at all so when I sprained my ankle it became a struggle. The beach hideaway area was great but it seemed that the only place we could actually get a sun bed a little away from the crowds was in the sister hotel (splash). We paid for this hotel, we shouldn’t have had to go to the sister hotel to be able to get a sun bed. Especially one in the shade. We downloaded the hotel’s app which didn’t ever work for us and meant that unless you were in the diamond club you couldn’t book any of the restaurants. When we asked to do things at reception, we were always sent back to the app that didn’t ever work for us. We met people that had food poising from the Italian and the steak place so we just stuck to the buffet. The buffet was good! It has a rage of salads fruits and diffident cuisines, but nothing really local. However, I was served gone off milk in the morning one day. Also got food poisoning from something on the breakfast buffet another day. We suspect it was the eggs because my husband ate everything I did apart from that. We asked for room service about 6 or 7 times over two days and we were told it was coming and it never did. It seemed like the hotel were saying yes for everyone and not performing at all. I will say the staff were all apologetic about the things we were experiencing but apologies aren’t enough when you’ve paid the money we did for a holiday. The hotel had no water at all for an entire day meaning we had to go to the sister hotel for the entire day just to be able to go to the bathroom. Then in the evening we couldn’t shower before dinner. Then we booked an excursion with the hotel…. Recommend by your agent. (The two islands one) nexus tours Told to be awake at 5. Picked up at 6am to spend an hour and a half in a petrol station. Before making our way to the actual dock at 9 where there was a lovely dock that would have been fine to wait in. The communication was shocking. Snorkelling was underwhelming to say the least, forced to wear a safety vest even though I am a confident swimmer, everyone squashed in a small area of the sea and you get shouted at if you try and find a bit of space, was kicked multiple times and accidentally kicked others. Not much marine life unfortunately so just bobbing about with a life vest getting kicked. There was some fish but nothing special. Other snorkelling trips I have been on you can actually have some fun jumping off the boat and you don’t have to be so close to others you are kicked. I got out after 5 minutes as it wasnt fun at all and I was getting frustrated by it all. First island stop was 40 minutes on a small beach, not much to do and not there long enough to relax. Covered in flies and people asking for money because they were struggling to feed their kids. Whilst I understand that’s not your problem it’s something that made it very stressful. Then a ‘buffet’ consisting of some cold meats and crisps. Next stop Saona island, there for about 1.5 hours. 10 minute walk from the boat to the section of beach we had. Had lunch there consisting of salad, pasta, fruit, rice some veg and some meat cooked on the BBQ. There wasn’t enough options for vegetarians or people with allergies. Covered in wasps (which I’m allergic to) so just spent the whole time worried I didn’t have my epi pen with me. Whilst I understand you can’t control the bugs- it should have been something that people were warned about. Next stop at the “pool” essentially a shallow bit of warm sea, the sea wasn’t deep so luckily your not forced to wear a life jacket. We were then due to have champagne and watch the sunset….. they did not stop the boat to watch the sun set because it was cloudy so they decided no one wanted to see it. Yes we did! There was a highlight was on the way as we saw some dolphins, I’m guessing this isn’t something that happens often as it wasn’t mentioned and I’m sure they will love to add that as a selling point. Didn’t really see the sunset, we were not in the best position for it as we were on our way back. Had the champagne still. Then a 1.5 hour bus trip back to the hotel. Within 5 minutes of the journey all the lights were turned off. Each island requires you to board a smaller boat each time to get to the beach, the same boat had to come back multiple times to collect everyone, getting in and out of the boats might be difficult for some if your not confident on your feet although the staff do try and help where possible. This is not accessible in any way. There were older people that just couldn’t do the drop between the two boats. Unfortunately this didn’t feel like value for money overall so we tried to make the most of it by drinking beers to get as much of our monies worth as possible. Not something I would recommend even for half the price. Would have been happier and had a better day at the hotel. Still don’t know why you are picked up so early to sit in a petrol station carpark. It put a lot of people in a bad mood before the day had started. The staff in the hotel were only good to you if you tipped. For the most part. This should have been an all inclusive hotel that we choose to tip rather than being begged to. Some people said unless you give a US dollar per drink then they won’t give you the service. The mini bar was only topped up twice the whole time we were there. For the 12 days we didn’t have our sheets changed. They changed the pillows and made the bed to make it look like they were keeping things clean but they didn’t actually change the bedding. There was a lot of entertainment but some of it wasn’t for us. All the nights were busy. I don’t think this is the right place to experience the Dominican as a country. You’re confined to the hotel unless you go on an excursion and they are so expensive. There is no local culture around in walking distance. Pros Room was large and overall clean Lobby bar was a great place to relax Hideaway beach bar had very good staff that were attentive but there were other great staff too. Big selection in buffet Sands bar is better for couples in the evening but kids are welcome. The walk between this hotel and the splash has a lot of ducks and iguanas. Splash being available as an alternative venue means you have a bit of variety if wanted and it’s a short walk away. Cons A day without any water in the room Being asked for tips No lifts and the ramps seem small for a wheelchair. Very inconsistent with the mini bar top ups Very expensive shops on site The spa prices were excessive Being hounded for massages and to buy things on the beach The price of anything not included in your all inclusive package did not feel like value for money.

Jean Paul aka Jp papi was so helpful!! This guys is the best vibe team looking for him ❤️

Jeanpaul aka jp papi was the best entertainment in the Hideway!!! We will be back just for Jp

Jean Paul was one of the highlights of our stay! He was always around the pool with a huge smile, making sure everyone was having a great time. He was so friendly, approachable and genuinely seemed to enjoy getting to know the guests. He always took the time to say hello and have a chat, creating such a fun and welcoming atmosphere around the pool. His enthusiasm and positive attitude really stood out and made our holiday even more enjoyable. Thank you, Jean Paul, for your fantastic service and for helping make our trip so memorable!

Absolutely Amazing from the moment we arrived! Everything exceeded our expectations once again our 3rd time returning. Lenny Butler the best of the best. Juan and Ojitos Verdes from Bar attentive and making us feel welcoming per usual. Molina and Cleyvi from Buffet absolutely the best as well. Always making us feel right home. Food was delicious with plenty of options. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a perfect getaway.