Royalton Hicacos

The most outstanding thing for us is that since the beach was so hot, the folk at the Royalton built an ocean next to the beach for people to cool down, brilliant. We spent the extra money for the Diamond Club and felt it was worth the money for the special dinner, snorkeling trip and butler to make the reservations for us. We arrived and were immediately greeted, offered champagne and shown to our room which was spacious, clean and well maintained. It even had a dehumidifier which is important in a tropical environment. Room safe, mini-bar, and a toilet tree.(yes, a tree that toilets grew on, spectacular really) Minor complaint: we met someone from London and was confused by the fact that it was London Canada. Having a typically American education, I am still working out how they moved the city from England to Canada. Now obviously a Cuban 5 star is not an international 5 star hotel, but I am keeping within the rating system with a qualified all-inclusive Caribbean 5-star rating. To me that means excellent service, clean grounds, and people who try to make your stay the best it can be. The food was as good as any Caribbean all-inclusive and some of the dishes were really excellent. I found out I am a fan of chorizo, which is pretty cool. Tastes a bit like pepperoni and was excellent on the pizza, the corn pizza I was not a fan of. The drinks! The first time we went drink quality was a bit uneven with some bartenders using the wrong glass or even the wrong ingredients. This visit was much better and mojitos were in mojito glasses, daiquiris in daiquiri glasses and made with the proper amounts of alcohol. They do not pour lightly at the Royalton and in the event they did, all one has to do is ask and they will make the drinks stronger. The cigar bar sells cigars at fair prices and will give you straight whisky or rum, exactly how a cigar should be enjoyed. Little known fact, Cuba has rum and cigars. When we went to the beach we were greeted and show to our beach bed which was brushed and made up for us. A man came by a few times to take our drink orders and the beach had a grill stand for lunch and beach bar. The water was warm and even on the windiest day was not very rough. A couple days the sea was as smooth as wavy glass. Idea for improvement: Peak burning time in the sun is noon to 2pm, which is when it is busiest on the beach. Why can't the Royalton move peak burning time to midnight when the beach is empty? No kids and the electrical outlets were not the standard two blade American outlets.

Great staff, lots to do on the resort, entertainment staff is excellent, food in the buffet is first rate. We especially liked dining at the new updated beach grill, enjoyed a fabulous sunset and great meal.

I have been to many, many resorts in Cuba as well as other countries. The Royalton is by far, my favourite !! The staff are so friendly, the resort and rooms are SO clean!! Such a variety of choices for food. Not busy at all, and just overall beautiful. Not a place to party, as it is an older crowd. But you will also find a small party crowd. Overall, please take me back!!!