Royalton Hideaway Saint Lucia

The cabana was a real treat. Having a private pool and room for the day made it feel extra special. Our room was spacious and comfortable, just right for winding down after long days in the sun. The pools, beach, and spa were all lovely, and I liked being able to buy the spa products afterward. We also took a dune buggy ride and a catamaran excursion. Both were incredible ways to see the island. The on-site shops were good, and it was nice that local vendors could come onto the property to sell their things. There was plenty to do at the resort, but it didn’t feel too big. You could spend time around families or find quieter areas for a more adult, relaxed atmosphere. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay, and we felt welcome from the start. The restaurants were beautiful and the food was very good overall. Desserts were only okay, though. One little thing we loved: the room keys were bracelets, so convenient and hard to lose. We had a wonderful stay at the Royalton in Saint Lucia and would absolutely return.

We really enjoyed the Mexican restaurant, and the Royalton dance team put on good evening entertainment. The vibe team were friendly and fun too, while the evening bar staff did an amazing job. There’s also a food truck by the pools, but during our 10 days it never had the daily specials listed on its board. The resort is nicely located, with a lovely beach. Some accommodation buildings could use refurbishment. One of our two rooms had a strong musty smell when we checked in. I asked right away to switch rooms, but that didn’t happen until the next evening, so I couldn’t relax and enjoy my first day. Reception staff were okay, though a few could have been friendlier and more helpful. A smile would go a long way.

St Lucia itself is beautiful, and the people there are amazing. I’ll go back, but I’d stay somewhere else. After talking to people on our excursions, it sounds like there are plenty of hotels to choose from. This place felt like an outdated motel calling itself five star, with all-you-can-eat food worse than a hometown buffet. Our swim-out room smelled awful and was in poor shape. We switched rooms, but the next one was much the same: old beds and furnishings, poor upkeep, and poor cleaning. The landscaping was excellent, though we learned an off-resort company handled it, which made sense. Hotel staff were hit or miss, while people off site were all amazing. I’m easy to please, but management service was awful. I spent hours calmly trying to sort things out with the manager for our side, then with a resort duty manager because the resort manager was away. I repeatedly asked for the resort manager’s card and was told they “couldn’t” give it to me. I was promised an email from the property manager after I got home so we could discuss our stay. They were on holiday at the time, but I’ve since sent a dozen emails and none have been answered. Steer clear of this hotel, but don’t let it put you off St Lucia.

We stayed in Diamond Club in building 1, looking out over the ocean, with mountains and the sunset right across from our room. Esther and Gavin were our butlers. Esther was especially helpful and made the trip feel extraordinary. Travis, who led the Olympics and Bingo, was funny and welcoming, and the entertainment staff brought lots of energy. Diamond Club amenities are a fair walk along the beach for guests staying in the hideaway. We didn’t feel we got many perks compared with others we spoke to: no beach bag, no priority room service, and dinner reservations had to be made through the app. Check-in was long and didn’t feel welcoming. Most staff members, though, were friendly and attentive. The resort was clean, although renovation work made some areas off limits to guests. It’s about a two-hour drive from the airport, so be ready for a long travel day. For us, the wait was worth it. Our trip to the Hideaway Royalton St. Lucia was one to remember, and we’d recommend the resort.