Here is our trip report for our first RP trip 7th - 14th Nov

Hi all,

This is my first trip report so please bear with me.

First off we were on the old AI package which we had no problems with signing for anything, or with Room service and were not charged. We also went to Dunns river for free and went to Sandals next door for free. None of this caused a problem.

We eventually got to RP at about midnight after a 23 hour day on the 7th November our AJ flights were delayed by 2 hours on the outbound flight from London. We then took the 2 hour transfer to the resort + we had to stop at other resorts on route as the transfer was arranged by our travel agent. I cant believe how bad the roads are, and some people on this site say they have got better !!!! They are are horrific.... Anyway we got to RP and filled out the form not much fun at 12am, plus we had no welcome drink or cold towel.

Anyway we went to our suite 161, were we so impressed, it was very nice and had some of the best views in my opinion. The room has been redecorated and had the new bedding. We actually got a 1 category upgrade which was nice. For the first couple of days the resort was empty. By 10pm everyone had gone to bed it seemed.

We stayed on the West beach most days we often found that you had to request a flag. I was hugely impressed that they were constantly cleaning the hotel, raking the beach , tidying gardens etc.

We had breakfast at the Bayside except for 1 day when we had it in room. The food was excellent and fresh. My only complaint was the time it took to get drinks e.g. Tea coffee juices, sometimes up to 3 staff would ask you if you wanted them and then no one would bring them. We found that this got worse over the week at the resort went to between 90 - 100 % occupation. We had dinner at the bayside one night and we asked for Champagne as our first drink and it took nearly 20 minutes to get it. Also one night in Papillion we ordered an Irish coffee and a baileys, the coffee came over and the bill but no Baileys which we had to ask for. I am not sure of the cause of this issue but it was a regular occurrence especially an number of different staff asking you if you want a drink but not actually getting it. The food was excellent through the week in fact it really is gourmet. I personally think there should be a little more choice because if you stay there for a week you can end up having a few repeat meals maybe a menu change mid week, the specials did improve this.

We also went to the BBQ/Buffet which we were not overly impressed with to be honest, we did get there a little late but the food was not particularly good, compared to other nights. One morning we had breakfast delivered to the room and had some lovely food but the hot food had got a little cold.

We thought that the pool would be too small for us, but in reality we never went in it not even once. We swam in the ocean which was lovely and warm. We did go in the Jacuzzi which made a change it was a little hot for my liking though.

On Wednesday we went to Dunns River Falls which was an experience, it was a lovely thing to do, but what was annoying that at the end you are forced to walk through a section of stalls where you are near on forced to purchase something, then the person who took us round followed us when we were getting our bags asking for a TIP!!!!!!

The next night we went round to Sandals to have a drink and possibly have dinner, we went to the 3 restaurants and looked a the menu and decided we would not be eating there as it would be a waste of a night where we could be eating fantastic food at RP so we were clock watching waiting for the shuttle back to RP.

We went to the Flambé one night and the food was out of this world, we both really enjoyed this, I highly recommend it.

On Wednesday or Thursday they started replacing all the furniture at the Royal Cafe, with furniture which is of a similar style to the new pool furniture.

On the Friday we went to the SPA and had a couples massage which was excellent and both thoroughly enjoyed this, the steam room in the ladies changing are was broken through. 

On the last night we ate at Papillion and the food was superb again, both had lobster which was yummy. After this we ventured down to the Appleton bar where we met Peter Frasier, in the end we had about an hour and a half conversation with him. He had been in London to a Hotel expo. We advised him that we were members of this website and he was amazed that we knew of Debbie and the site and could not believe that we were from the UK and knew all about the site. We were discussing the new rooms and we told peter we like the new duvets more exclusive in our opinion, We also discussed with peter the new furniture at the Cafe and, he was explaining how he stopped it opening in the evening because it got rained off a couple of nights which spoilt food. They are going to be installing some sort of awning at the Royal Cafe which was going to be done a couple of days after we left. Also the plastic beach furniture will be replaced shortly with new wooden Teak furniture. He said it that he had not told the beach staff yet as they are going to hate the new furniture because it does not stack and is very heavy, but is much nicer than the existing plastic stuff which Peter hates. Peter also told us of a new treatment that will be offered in the Spa which involves Caviar being put on your face and you get to drink very expensive champagne. He said that this would be a hugely expensive treatment. We also asking if any expansion was planed and he said they may expand in the direction of the Managers villa but no further restaurants would be created. We also told Peter how much we loved the place and how we went next door and could not wait to get back and said it was like turning left into an aircraft into Business class or First once you have done it nothing else will do. That's what we thought RP was like a cut above the rest. Peter was also explaining that he wants to completely separate Sandals and RP so the only thing that will be the same is the owner. Also that night there had been a male singer performing opposite bayside and when he came in to say by to peter, Peter asked him to serenade my partner Emma and he sang Monalisa. This really finished our night off perfectly. We also blame Peter for Emma having a rather big hangover the next day because as you can imaging the staff kept the drinks flowing, also I dreamt up a new drink which is a Cranberry Daiquiri which is rather nice.  We thanked peter for his time told him we would be back for sure and went to bed.

A few hours later I had to get up to do the AJ check in, which I must say is a real pain compared to other resorts we have been to EG St Lucia and Virgin Atlantic check in at the hotel. Our bags were searched which took a lot of time but saying that I would prefer to do it at the Hotel rather than the airport.

Spent our last day 14th Nov on the beach, Peter said good bye (He was rather busy as he had a number of guest with lost luggage, Air Jamaica's fault not RP.) Then when we got to the airport the flight was delayed by about 45 minutes and the transfer company had got us to the airport about 1:30 minutes too early. The flight was cold, the plane was falling apart my seat was broken, no other seats available and the food left a lot to be desired. I will never fly AJ ever again.

Overall we had a superb holiday and will be going back to RP, its just a shame that the travelling to and from RP is such a difficult trip.

Regards

Jason and Emma