Royalton Negril Resort

Great

I will be honest I usually take reviews with a pinch of salt, due to exceptional hotels we have stayed at and bad reviews. However I do not want the same families having the same experience we had so wanted to share my honest, unpleasant experience. We’ve just returned from a two-week family stay, and sadly, the experience fell far short of expectations. This is marketed as a 5-star resort, but in reality, it’s closer to a 3-star at best! Entertainment: Evening entertainment for children was very poor—boring and repetitive. The hotel runs on a one-week rotation, so if you're staying for two weeks, you're watching the same acts again. There was very little to keep call engaged in the evenings. Service and Staff: Service was one of the most disappointing aspects. On multiple occasions, staff told us they had run out of items, only to serve the same things to other guests straight after. Around 80% of the staff were extremely rude, unfriendly, and at times intimidating. We would be ignored often, or drinks orders taken and they would just walk off and not return. My husband and I genuinely dreaded going to the pool and sports bar in particular due to the atmosphere created by staff. Food and Drink: There were frequent shortages throughout our stay. Drinks at the pool bar were often unavailable and, when they were, tasted like dishwater. The mini bar was rarely restocked unless chased, and room service regularly arrived with missing items. If you're hoping to dine at a speciality restaurant, the only times available were after 9pm — far too late for families with young children. The hotel’s app, used for booking restaurants and services, never worked during our stay, forcing us to make bookings in person which again were no good after 9pm. Cleanliness and Maintenance: Chicken bones were found at the bottom of the pool on several occasions — a serious hygiene concern. We also experienced sewage smells from our room and noticed several leaks throughout Building 3. Pros: The only positives were the beautiful beach and the spacious, well-designed rooms. Overall: This hotel is nowhere near a 5-star standard. Poor service, lack of cleanliness, limited food and drink options, and an overall lack of care make this feel more like a 3-star resort, at a push. We would not return or recommend this hotel in its current condition and will certainly not be returning. This is not the usual standard for a Royalton.

Our stay at the Royalton Negril was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. The entire resort is exceptionally well-maintained—clean, polished, and thoughtfully designed to give you that true luxury experience the moment you arrive. Our room was incredibly spacious and exceeded expectations. It featured high-quality fixtures, stylish decor, and a very comfortable bed. The daily restocked mini-bar was a nice touch, always filled with snacks, water, and beverages. The rainfall shower and sleek bathroom setup added to the comfort and elegance of our stay. Dining at the resort was a major highlight. With multiple à la carte restaurants and a large international buffet, there was always something delicious to enjoy. The Asian restaurant in particular was a standout, offering flavorful dishes and a beautifully themed atmosphere. The buffet had an impressive selection at every meal—fresh fruit, made-to-order omelets, Jamaican specialties, and international favorites. And if you’re in a rush or craving something sweet, the café near the lobby serves up great coffee and tasty pastries. The beach at Royalton Negril is stunning—clean, soft white sand and calm, clear water that’s perfect for swimming or just lounging in the sun. The beach bar was a welcome convenience, offering tropical cocktails and cold drinks just steps from the ocean. Whether you were relaxing in a beach lounger or joining in on a game of volleyball, there was always something happening by the shore. What also stood out was the friendly and attentive service. Staff throughout the resort—from housekeeping to servers to entertainment—were always smiling, helpful, and genuinely eager to make sure we were enjoying our stay. We also took part in some of the resort’s daily activities and entertainment, which ranged from poolside games and live music to evening shows and themed parties. The vibe was fun without being overwhelming—you can be as relaxed or as active as you like. While we didn’t use the spa during this trip, we toured the facilities and it looked amazing—definitely something we’ll book next time. And for families traveling with children, the kids’ and teens’ clubs seemed well-organized, safe, and full of engaging activities. All in all, Royalton Negril delivered a true 5-star experience in every way. From the beautiful beachfront setting and variety of dining options to the spacious accommodations and outstanding service, it’s a resort we’re already looking forward to visiting again. Highly recommended for couples, families, or anyone looking for a perfect slice of paradise in Jamaica!