Guest User
June 27, 2024
It’s hard not to appreciate being away from home in Chicago but a getaway to Puerto Rico was just what the doctor ordered. With my partner and newborn (6 months), relaxation and minimizing efforts was key. Royal Isabela is well perched on top of the terrain with breathtaking views of the ocean and a manicured gold course to experience. The heat is to be expected with minimal time spent in the sun, where fighting for shade or the pool is a must. Not being a golfer was a disadvantage as I would have liked the course but much less the blazing hot sun. Our on-site resort excursion, as a result, was only limited to the long 177-step trek down to the ocean beach. Quite exhilarating to experience along with the feel for lots of foliage surrounding your descent and an amazing feeling of seclusion, like being in the deep forest. However, reaching the beach was a very desolate and seemingly uncharted zone. No chairs, or amenities to support this arrival (No water, chairs or towels) so you’re on your own to just experience the view and waves and trek back up. However, there are some things not to be desired at Royal Isabela. At this price point (+$500 paid), one of the most expensive around, housekeeping should happen more frequently, automatically and not after 12/1pm. We would wake up, have breakfast, head to the pool and then see housekeeping knocking on our door. Our response was always, come back, you had your chance all morning, it’s time for the baby’s afternoon nap. Similar resorts in Mexico have housekeeping multiple times a day voluntarily, and with staff that is overly friendly in greeting guests. Also, bringing the room towels, refreshments and water in a large plastic clear bag was also super low-class service that are found typically in a seedy cheap motels. Food at the Resort restaurant was very, very, tasty. My favorite was the Brioche French Toast, prepared to perfection along with the toppings for a new flavor experienced. However, the WAITING & WAITING around for service was simply absurd. While having breakfast, a coffee refill takes 15-20 minutes, and we were the only guests eating. How is that possible anywhere for a resort restaurant, and this lasted for our entire four-day stay. Even the memory of the same server to constantly ask for the same repeat request for coffee at the start. Asking and requesting everything is how they operate, nothing is proactive done on your behalf as a guest. I was told that it’s the Puerto Rican way, which in that case, save lots of money and find a decent hotel elsewhere with better service. The porters near registration were fantastic as they were alerted of your arrival at the parking lot, to provide pickup and drive you to the room in the cart. Quite helpful usually with a sleeping infant on the hilly terrain. Overall, An “A” Grade for the view, grounds, accommodations and experience of being away. An “F” Grade on the service, housekeeping, and interaction with the staff