Escape to Paradise: Cancun's Royal Sands Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Cancun's Royal Sands Awaits! - A Review That's Almost as Good as the Margaritas
Okay, so I was planning a review. A straight-laced, bullet-point kind of thing, all about the Royal Sands in Cancun. But let's be real, that's boring. This is Cancun! This is vacation! So buckle up, because here's the honest lowdown, warts and all, about my recent escape. Prepare for a lot of bullet points, but trust me, there's more chaos and tequila-fueled musings mixed in.
(Metadata - Just in case the bots are watching…):
- Keywords: Royal Sands Cancun, Cancun Resorts, Accessible Hotel Cancun, Family-Friendly Cancun, All-Inclusive Cancun, Spa Cancun, Beachfront Hotel Cancun, Wheelchair Accessible Cancun, Cancun Vacation, Luxury Cancun, Free WiFi Cancun, Royal Sands Review
- Description: Unfiltered review of the Royal Sands Cancun: accessibility, dining, activities, cleanliness, and whether it's worth the trip (spoiler: mostly yes!). Expect honest opinions, personal anecdotes, and a whole lot of sunshine-fueled rambling.
First Impressions - The Arrival Saga (Getting Around)
Alright, landing in Cancun… jet lag city! Luckily, the pre-arranged Airport Transfer whisked us straight to the hotel. Smooth. Efficient. And crucially, air-conditioned. Car park [free of charge] is a bonus, but honestly, if you're not renting a car, the hotel is a hub of accessibility.
Accessibility – Does the Royal Sands Keep its Promise?
Accessibility is a big one for me and my partner. We need to know we can get around with our wheelchair without hassle. The Royal Sands… they mostly deliver.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yup, ramps galore, wide doorways, and elevators. The main areas are definitely doable. But… and there’s always a but, isn't there? Getting to some of the Pool with view spots, the Sauna, and the Spa/sauna required a bit of navigating (more on that later). Some paths were a little tight, and a couple of lifts were a bit…slow. I had one incident. I had to roll back and forth to make this accessible (at least, that’s how it felt). Then, just as I was enjoying the view, the lift stopped, meaning I had to ring for service. I’m not sure if it was me, or the lift, but it was not the most comfortable experience.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They absolutely have it! They had a lot of the stuff, from accessibility toilets to a wet room in our guest room.
- Facilities for disabled guests: The wet rooms are great, shower seating, grab rails.
- Doorman - They seemed to anticipate our every need because of the wheelchair.
Rooms - Our Cozy Chaos (Available in All Rooms!)
Our room? Pretty good. Spacious enough and with a balcony that looked out at…the ocean! (Insert dreamy sigh here).
- Air conditioning: A lifesaver, especially in the humid afternoons. The air felt cold.
- Wi-Fi [free], Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN – and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Worked like a charm. My partner enjoyed this; there was no getting her away from the laptop.
- Air conditioning - Fantastic. I was freezing in the room at night.
- Additional toilet - Very useful, especially because of my partner’s condition.
- Bathroom phone - No, I didn’t use it.
- Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub, and Shower. - Very well designed.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea - Crucial for my morning sanity.
- Extra long bed – Fantastic.
- In-room safe box - Used it, felt safe.
- Laptop workspace – Ideal for my partner.
- Mini bar – Stocked with exactly what we needed: cold drinks and some (small) snacks.
- Non-smoking – A relief, because I hate the smell of smoke.
- Reading light - Excellent!
- Refrigerator – Great for cold drinks and snacks
- Satellite/cable channels – Excellent for a night in.
- Seating area - Comfortable.
- Slippers - Comfy! Excellent
- Soundproofing - I did not wake up at any point. Fabulous!
- Wake-up service - Didn’t use it!
- Window that opens – Needed!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Personal Paradise (and Why I Gained 5 Pounds)
Oh, the food. Where to start?
- Restaurants: The Royal Sands boasts a handful of restaurants with varied cuisines.
- A la carte in restaurants & Buffet in restaurant: There's a buffet. There's A la carte.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes!
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Yes!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: The buffets were the heart of it.
- Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: The selection was excellent, especially at the buffet. Fresh, healthy, and oh-so-tempting. The soup? Delicious for the first few days. By the end of the week, I was ready to eat a salad.
- Poolside bar: Essential. Because, you know, vacations.
- Happy hour: Even more essential.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Needed!
- Desserts in restaurant: OMG, don't get me started. The cake was good!
- Snack bar: The Snack Bar on the beach offers sandwiches, nachos, and other great snacks.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for those late-night cravings.
- Bar: The bars were brilliant. Drinks came quickly and cheerfully. They were the best.
- Bottle of water: Absolutely.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They can adjust the food to whatever you desire.
- Vegetarian restaurant: I didn't see a vegetarian-only restaurant, but there were plenty of vegetarian options.
- Safe dining setup: I felt very safe, and I think this is one of the many reasons why I enjoyed Royal Sands.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: They were very keen on cleanliness at Royal Sands.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Great.
- Breakfast takeaway service: I didn't know that they offered that, but I would welcome it.
The Spa – A Mixed Bag of Bliss (Ways to Relax)
- Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom: The spa looked fantastic, but it was a bit of a hike from our room. I found it difficult to get to the spa, which was a shame.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Foot bath: The Massage was divine. That was one experience I won't be forgetting anytime soon. Just… pure, unadulterated relaxation. The Body scrub was also on point, leaving my skin feeling silky smooth. I would have liked the Body wrap and the Foot bath to be accessible too, but there you go!
Things to Do - More than Just Lounging (…But Mostly Lounging)
- Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool: The main pool area was the heart of the resort. Plenty of sunbeds, a swim-up bar (because, priorities), and generally, a good vibe. This area was accessible.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: They have a gym. Honestly, I saw a gym. I did not use a gym.
- Beach: The beach was beautiful. But getting there… a bit of a challenge. The sand is loose! I definitely needed some assistance. I’m not sure what the accessibility is for the Proposal spot to be honest.
- Kids facilities: I didn't require the Babysitting service, however, they have one.
- Things to do: If you want a quieter vacation, then the Royal Sands is for you.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe and Sound?
- Cleanliness and safety was a high priority for me.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, and Hygiene certification: They were constantly wiping things down, and there were hand sanitizer stations everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: This was great.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They all seemed very well trained.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Wonderful.
- Cashless payment service: Very convenient.
- Safe dining setup: I felt safe.
- Smoking area: Several.
- CCTV in common areas, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher: I felt safe.
- Non-smoking rooms: Great.
**Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
St. Louis Getaway: Unbeatable Downtown Days Inn Deal!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, 'cause this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… my Cancun diary, Royal Sands edition. Prepare for a bumpy ride, emotionally speaking. And maybe, just maybe, some sand in your metaphorical swimsuit.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Ceviche Coma
(11:00 AM) Arrival at Cancun Airport (CUN). Oh. My. God. The humidity slapped me in the face like a wet fish. I hate humidity. Instant frizz, guaranteed. Dragging my suitcase through what felt like a swamp, I managed to find my transfer. Which, thankfully, wasn't a rusty pickup truck.
(12:00 PM) Check-in at The Royal Sands. Okay, the lobby? Stunning. All that pristine marble and the scent of… well, I don't know what, probably a fancy blend of ocean air and expensive air freshener. I’m already questioning if I belong here. My luggage and I don't exactly scream "luxury."
(1:00 PM) Room Review & Initial Panic. The room! Beautiful. Ocean view! Then the panic set in. Did I pack enough sunscreen? Did I remember my passport? Did I accidentally bring my "I Love Kittens" t-shirt? (I did. Ugh.) Also, the air conditioning is so good, I fully expect to get a seasonal cold.
(2:00 PM) Poolside Exploration & Ceviche Intervention. Spent a solid hour trying to navigate the pool area without looking like a complete tourist. Failed. Miserably. Found the swim-up bar, which is basically my heaven. Ordered a margarita. Two margaritas. Then the ceviche. And, well, that was the beginning of my ceviche coma. I swear, I had three plates. Three! The lime, the cilantro, that perfect balance of fish… I'm pretty sure I saw God.
(4:00 PM) Sunburn Incident/Nap Time. The sun is no joke. I'm now a lobster. This is why you listen to your mother. Napped for an hour under the dubious shade of a palm tree that probably judged my sunburn.
(7:00 PM) Dinner at The Grill. The grill was ok. I got the steak. It was a steak. My emotional reaction? Neutral. I need more ceviche.
(8:00 PM) Evening Stroll & Existential Dread (Slightly Ceviche-Induced). Walked along the beach at sunset. Gorgeous, naturally. Also, reminded me of how small I am in the grand scheme of things. Followed by a craving for a snack.
Day 2: The Beach, Bottled Water, and Regret… Maybe Not?
(8:00 AM) The Great Bottled Water Quest. Woke up parched. The water in the room? Not to be trusted. Embarked on a mission to find the nearest convenience store. This involved a lot of embarrassing hand gestures and a near-death experience with a golf cart. Success! Bottles of water acquired. Relief washed over me. Like a wave? Nope. More like a dribble.
(9:00 AM) Beach Bumming & People Watching. Okay, this is the life. Sand, sun, a book I'll probably never finish. The beach is its own universe. So many people-watching opportunities! I see a couple making out like they're the only people on the planet. A family building a sandcastle that's destined to be destroyed by a single wave (classic). The sheer variety of swimwear is truly something to behold. My own bikini? It might be slightly too tight.
(12:00 PM) Lunch at the Beach Bar. More tacos. More beer. More bliss. Someone, please, roll me back to my room.
(2:00 PM) The Spa Saga: A Deep Dive into Relaxation (Almost). Decided to be responsible and booked a massage. The spa was all smooth surfaces and hushed tones. I'm awkward in spas. The masseuse was lovely, but I kept giggling. I’m not sure what was going on, but I’m pretty sure it wasn't the relaxation I was aiming for.
(3:30 PM) Pool Time & Observation of the Extremely Tan. Back to the pool. Now, this is living. Watching the super tan crowd strut their stuff. They all look like they've been bronzed in a factory – I need whatever they're having.
(6:00 PM) Sunset Drinks & Emotional Catharsis. Found the perfect spot for the sunset, armed with a cocktail. The sky painted itself in fiery hues. Overthinking everything. Life, love, ceviche… it all came tumbling out. Maybe Cancun needed my emotional baggage.
(8:00 PM) Dinner at the Italian Restaurant (Food, Fine, Feelings, Mixed). Pasta. Wine. The ambience was alright. I'm still craving ceviche.
Day 3: Cenotes, Cultural Confusion, and the Truth About Souvenirs
(9:00 AM) The Cenote Adventure. Booked a day trip to a cenote. I have NO idea what to expect. This is the real Mexico, right? Not the all-inclusive bubble. I'm both terrified and excited.
(10:00 AM) Road Trip Blues. The bus was hot. And the driver kept playing reggaeton at maximum volume. My attempt at a peaceful meditation journey was met with a massive headache.
(11:30 AM) Cenote Exploration: A Spiritual Experience (Perhaps?). Holy. Crap. The cenote. Magical. Crystal-clear water. Sunlight filtering through the cavern roof. I’m not entirely sure what I expected, but this exceeded every expectation. I jumped in, ignoring my crippling fear of deep water. I actually swam! Took a deep breath and, for a brief moment, felt genuinely connected to something bigger than myself. Amazing.
(1:00 PM) Lunch at the Tourist-Trap Mexican Restaurant. Oh, joy. Tacos. Again. They were fine. But the music was awful, and the atmosphere was manufactured. I'm starting to get irritable.
(2:00 PM) Culture Shock Re-entry. Back on the bus. More reggaeton. Contemplated taking the bus back to the hotel. The bus driver was probably enjoying the music.
(4:00 PM) Souvenir Shopping: The Bargaining Battleground. The quest for souvenirs begins! I hate bargaining, but I’ll give it a shot. This is going to be terrible. I ended up buying a ridiculously overpriced sombrero. The guy on the street took my money and ran, but I'm pretty sure he would have done that with a little less haggling.
(6:00 PM) Pool Bar Recovery & Self-Reflection. Back to the pool bar for some much-needed hydration. Thinking about everything and nothing at the same time. Feeling that weird post-trip funk settling in.
(8:00 PM) “Farewell” Dinner - The Ceviche Redemption! I FINALLY found ceviche. Not just any ceviche, but the ceviche. The one that sent me to heaven on day one. I had every right to be melancholy. I had the best ceviche, and I'm going home tomorrow.
(9:30 PM) The Beach Stroll of “We’ll See.” One last walk on the beach. Saying goodbye to the waves. Mexico, you made me laugh, you made me cry, and you made me a little sunburnt. Thanks.
Day 4: Departure…and the Ceviche Withdrawal
(6:00 AM) Wake Up & Pack. Sobbed when I saw that all my clean clothes were covered with sunscreen. The suitcase is a mess. I hope I don't forget anything.
(7:00 AM) Final Breakfast & Ceviche Longing. One last plate. The best plate. I’m not going to be able to get out of Mexico. I need to arrange a permanent solution.
(9:00 AM) Check Out. The hotel staff are nice enough. They're probably used to the messes of tourists like me.
(10:00 AM) Airport Chaos & Goodbye. The airport is utter madness. My flight is delayed. I'm surrounded by crying children and stressed-out families. I miss the pool already.
(1:00 PM) Flight Departure. The plane takes off. I'm leaving Cancun.
(2:00 PM) Ceviche Withdrawal. I swear, my mouth is watering. It's not just a craving; it's a full-blown addiction. I've already started planning my return trip.
There you have it. My Cancun saga. Flawed, slightly sweaty, and perpetually longing for ceviche. But hey, that's life, right? And maybe, just maybe, that was the perfect trip.
Escape to Paradise: Your Columbia, SC Oasis Awaits at Residence Inn!
Escape to Paradise: Cancun's Royal Sands Awaits! - ...Or Does It? (A Messy FAQ)
Okay, Okay, Royal Sands. Sounds fancy. What's the *real* deal? Like, is it actually worth the hype?
So, about the beach... how's the *actual* beach? Is it crowded? Are the vendors relentless? Should I bring a beach blanket?
What about the rooms? Clean, spacious? Like a prison cell, or what? Gimme the details!
Food. Important. What are the food options *really* like? Is it all just bland buffet food? And how expensive is it?
The Pools! What's the pool scene *really* like? Is it crazy loud? Are there enough chairs? Any hidden gems?
Is it a good place for kids? Or is it a couples-only vibe? (I have... *kids*.)
Activities? Beyond the beach and the pool, what is there *to do*?
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