Royalton Grenada was a bust. I have traveled extensively and I mean extensively in the Caribbean. It was my first experience with this brand.
The island itself is amazing, as are the people. On more than one occasion while in St Georges we asked for help and received it with a smile. Asked for directions to a specific restaurant and the woman clearly busy stopped. thought about it and even called a friend to assist. On another occasion a lawyer brought us up to his office to print off a list of realtors in the area. Unbelievably gracious. The sites are great, the restaurants are plentiful, but maybe touristy as far as prices go. Overall very liveable, but not that cheap compared to Canada and the US. Housing is where you would save money though quite a bit cheaper. The island feels safe, and is clean. Would return without issue, just not to the Royalton.
The resort - clean, mid size, but no elevators except maybe the diamond club building. Many stairs so if you have any issues, it's not for you.
Pools - Diamond club which I heard was not worth it, as the only real perk is the diamond club building rooms proximity to the pool and were larger. The pool itself was small and is right next to 1 of the 2 other pools. The pools in general are small and not very deep, especially the one by the Italian restaurant which is supposed to be the main pool. There wasn't an issue with chairs as it was obviously the down season. This was reflective in the number of staff. No waitresses near the pool and no bartenders at the pool bars. 15 days of having to get out to get a drink. Imagine a pool bar with no bartender ? Talk about quiet.....the staff advised that the music and activities rotate between the pools, so if you aren't at the right pool it is DEAD quiet....Great for some, but most I've spoken to were bored. The crowd was not that young either. Ages varied, but mostly 50 ish. Very limited activities even if you were at the right pool. The team were kind and friendly, but were not given what they needed to increase participation. Clearly a corporate issue. No bean bag toss or horse shoes, no volleyball, or games of any kind....Boredom set in quickly.
The beach - stunning but bring water shoes as the first 6 feet is rocky. The snorkeling excellent. Water clear, no seaweed, and warm and swimmable. It was walkable but not long. No vendors but for a couple who do not harass you.
Restaurants - Only 3 A la Cartes, not always open though. Reservations required 2 days in advance mostly. Quality was hit and miss with small portions so order two entrees. The Taj....not for me. The French mediocre, and the Italian Good, but changes with the Chef working that night. Buffets, breakfast was ok it's breakfast after all. Lunch and Dinner was limited and not very good. People please remember to use the tongs or spoons that come with the dish there are people with serious food allergies that worry about cross contamination. That is a resort issue too, despite them always asking if you have allergies. The beach side restaurant NIBBLES offers typical food, again ask for 2. Burgers, wings, tacos, wraps etc.....BUT they often run out of items daily as does the pool bar with beer and ice....can you imagine it's 35 plus Celsius or 90 plus Fahrenheit and no beer or ice....Terrible. Not the Staff's fault as most are awesome....friendly and helpful.
Rooms - Clean and relatively modern But very small. If you have any issues with walking ask for ground floor the resort has enough hills as it is.
Gym - went daily. Has everything that you need. Large enough and modern enough and empty most of the day.
Bars - okay so pool bar closes at 5pm !!!!! and anywhere else on the resort 11 pm !!!! really. I have never seen that in my life....way too early and there isn't really a lobby bar. It's the bar next to what I would call the theatre. The worse part, all eating and entertainment areas are open air and scorching hot with NO airflow or FANS......I mean hot. On this subject, something absolutely has to get done. You will have the people say well you are in the Caribbean so what do you expect....haha, wait and see it's NOT at all comfortable ever.
Entertainment - they try at night, but it ends way too early. The entire resort is shut down by 11 -12. BORING BORING BORING. Sorry I get the lack of Staff being the off season, but those who go pay good money and you have no options in the immediate area. Taxis or cabs are expensive on the island. If you do get night time drinks go see Shanika (think I spelled it right) she is a real bartender who will most likely get snapped up by Sandals shortly, she's that good.
I have heard that corporate are trying to make Royalton's a much older crowd so hence the quiet pools and lack of night time entertainment. Like a 65 plus crowd. The CHIC brand might be where you have to go to get some lively music etc....Don't know, but won't find out either. 15 days and a lot of money for a resort that was of poor quality if I am honest. They had better hope that RIU doesn't get to Grenada because they will end up closing. Of course you have Sandals which as we know is expensive and in most cases overrated.
Well that's it.....nice island, nice people, nice staff and for an old REX resort this Royalton was unique in its layout, but really not worth visiting, SORRY . On a positive note there is a super resort being built in the north end of the island, maybe wait for that. LOVE GRENADA THOUGH :)
