Royal Hideaway Playacar

Our travel agent recommended this property and we couldn’t leave happier. Nice clean room, the food and service fantastic, one of the best couple massages we have experienced at the spa mid week. We really enjoyed walking the grounds- the landscape is so beautiful and serene. It has a very peaceful and relaxed vibe, respectful and accommodating.

RETURN VISIT CHECK IN - fast and effortless, done within ten minutes FOOD - evening meals all excellent. No issue getting time and restaurant choice, More organisation and thought needed to reduce lunch time queue problem. The issue is delay from kitchen due to very extensive menu options. People would turn a round quicker if was not for the kitchen wait. Solution would be buffet ONLY at Deck and improve the buffet layout and choice, Spices sit down option (which was very quick turnaround and would need open midday) or pool food (which was always prompt). Breakfast we alternated between Spices and Deck, only once had delay at Spices. One annoying thing, which did not happen so much this holiday is when guests want to personally see the chef I think it was (someone from kitchen), taking them away from their work, I get people like to thank in person / tip (which I would like to think shared amongst whole team) but I think it’s unnecessary and takes them away from their busy job and a team that needs them. Just pass on your thanks and tip. It’s felt like very much was for performative from the guests doing this, and was happening at lunch and in the evening. I would suggest Hideaway discourage this as chef/managers very busy supporting team and thanks / tip can be passed on. DRINKS - coffee machine in Deck good, beer options excellent five canned and two on draught, cocktails vast choice and always something to please everyone in every bar, ROOM - aircon no issues, clean and spacious. Fantastic housekeeping and fridge replenishment. Concierge we only had to use for meal reservation and this done using another villa as rarely present in 26, STAFF - in every department amazing. Friendly and personable. Not so many familiar faces in restaurants this year, SUNBEDS - this has been an ongoing issues over the years. It was never for me as I was always awake very early anyway. I counted 17 chairs with reserved signs on one morning….that is ridiculous. To get a sign it’s how many times you have been there, what room your in, or how you persuasive $$$ you are (confirmed with fellow guest). I think it should be reserved for guests only in more expensive rooms and those with disabilities and no other reason, The amount of people that do keep returning (us included) eventually they’ll be none without signs, Also, I think those who do want a sign, use the beds in line with any other a guest .,,.one day four beds not even used with signs. BEACH - is well maintained, team always out clearing this before sunrise normally. ENTERTAINMENT - great team, day and night. Try to get you involved and respect if you don’t want to. Loved the quiz time and Silent disco. COMMUNAL AREAS - the night team really need tidy these overnight. The villa had rooms service leftovers for excess 11hrs on a couple of occasions…much to the birds delight. Also, empty beakers and cups around pool and bandstand area early morning. Staff ? Night team could be seen sitting on table near pool area 6am most mornings, should be added to their jobs list overnight to check areas for rubbish. As I was up early I probably noticed this more than others. Special mention to Isis at Spices, Gerano at poolside and Oscar in Ventarnos. For the price point the Hideaway is excellent value for money. For me personally the staff, the food and location is what makes me return. Already booked my next trip there….

This is a beautiful resort. It is very well maintained in public areas.There are several pools. Two main pools and several secluded pools. One of the main pools is heated to the point of bathtub temperature. Even in the heat it was wonderful . The food overall was good . There needs to be an expanded buffet for breakfast and lunch. The wait can be extremely long. We went to Spices for breakfast most days. It's an al a cart above the buffet that is open daily without reservation for breakfast and lunch. There was never a lineup but on menu so had to wait for meals but worth the wait. The other al a carts for dinner are all booked by your concierge. The dress codes are strictly enforced for men but women can wear almost anything. Men will be turned away and made to change if not followed. Without a reservation at al a carts the only choice for dinner meal is room service. Ventannas and Italian are both very good but expect slow service between courses. We went to Ventana's twice and first time was 3 hours with all courses and 2 1/2 hours second time. The rooms are beyond tired.They are very run down. I requested a ground room from agent but they claimed they didn't receive the request. They said they could give us one that wouldn't be available for 2 days. When we changed rooms there was a horrible smell that was disguised by cleaning solution smell. The smell became very clear to us it was a methane smell. Our second to last day we heard a bubbling sound that was coming from toilet. It was definitely methane. We told our concierge and she was floored by the smell. We also had a water leak from the air conditioner. We came in from dinner and water was all over the floor. It was reported to the night manager and she accused us of turning the temperature very low and that was the cause. My husband turned it down 1 degree but not like she suggested. We felt insulted by her and were very offended by the way she spoke to us. She needs to learn how to treat her guests!!!! If you don't want people to touch put a cover over it. The location was within walking distance. It was a 30 min. walk in a gated area so it was very safe and straight forward to get to. There is a plaza just outside the hotel gate and prices are quite similar to 5th ave. we enjoyed ourselves overall but it is still up for debate if we would return.

The room was well equipped. Bed was Very comfy and room kept very clean everyday . The only drawback was its position , we had no natural light so the room seemed very dark and musty. For a spot by the pool one had to be up early … many are reserved by the hotel staff for customers who have been 15 times or more ( 😳 ) or the Presidential suite guests … this was an issue for some but as we were up early we always had a place. On the beach there were plenty of sun beds available at all times. All restaurants have to be pre booked in advance ( we did 2 weeks worth with our butler ) it’s not easy to do if you have yet to visit any of the restaurants, but you can reorganise if need be subsequently.. times are limited though. The only buffet is at breakfast and lunch on The Deck . There is also a pool menu available brought to your sunbed . Beach was beautiful sometimes a little too rough to venture in. Sargassum was an issue but was cleared everyday . The staff were all incredibly polite and attentive.

What a wonderful place for relaxing and escaping the winter! The location of the main dining, activities, and ease of access to the beautiful beach was perfect. I like that there was always a ramp as an alternative to stairs. The food was fresh with an endless variety. The restaurants were elegant. The staff was so accommodating. They keep this place immaculate. The grounds are manicured and well landscaped. Nice options of included daily and nightly activities. Other tours can be booked easily. Very little to complain about except sometimes happy people made noise at the pool and theatre. Yeah, and way too much delicious food. Just wish I had stayed longer than 8 full days!