Cindy B.
Yelp
3 Stars Are Generous
Villa Royale was recommend to me by another desert loving friend. We have similar tastes in that we love adult only, small, boutique hotels that have an amazing vibe.
I was very excited when a Black Friday deal popped up! I took advantage of the offer and planned my spring break. Well, I rolled in by myself on my birthday and they didn't have my resie. Horrors!! But actually, my bad, I put it in my calendar on the wrong date and there I was a day early, on my birthday. But who's complaining? An extra day in PS sounded amaze!!
The only drawback was that the girl at check in didn't make me feel particularly great about my mistake, and actually said, "Luckily, we have a room available tonight." I looked at her and thought so many different things...but mostly I thought I wish I was at my fave other place in PS. They would have made me felt welcomed and special. They would have even wished me HBD & probably sent a bottle of wine to my room or a small token of thanks for staying 4 nights. They even hand write thoughtful little notes. And all of that is lovely and appreciated, but honestly, I would've accepted, "Thank you for choosing to stay with us." Every boutique hotel I've ever stayed at in PS has always been warm, inviting, and welcoming. For me, first impressions are everything. I'm an easy to please person, I'm solo, I do not over talk, I'm "delightful" as my husband says, and I stay in my hula hoop.
The stars are for the front desk guys, Aldo and Chris, who I mistook for the managers, because they were welcoming, kind and gracious, but were each only at the front desk one of the days. The bartenders out at the pool were rockstars, pleasant and hardworking. The cleaning crew was also kind and accommodating, but again, it's just me and I don't have my room serviced daily. I also loved the grounds, fountains, fire pits, rooftop deck and the three pools to choose from. Do not miss the pool across the street! It is fantastic with mountain views that are not to be missed. And I am a big fan of misters. If you've been to PS in the HEAT, then you know these are important! I happened to be here when they were running maintenance on them and trust me, they work great!
Another thing, I read the reviews here and I'm wondering what all the stars are for? When I arrived on Sunday 3/20 I spoke to a bride who had just had her wedding, and she was disappointed that several things had not happened as planned. She said she wasn't upset, but is that the point? When someone pays for a service and it's agreed upon, shouldn't it come to fruition? I would expect so. Especially when all the money was spent.
After 4 days here, I am underwhelmed. The texting of orders and services is not effective nor efficient and while it seems it would be, my order for tapas at the restaurant was missed altogether. I met another single traveler and she experienced something similar.
On my last night there I did meet 3 wonderful couples who were visiting from out of state. It was there second trip to Villa Royale. They loved it and can't wait to come back.
There was another couple from Chicago out by the pool one day. It was their second trip, too.
I find it interesting that Villa Royale text me once was I was home and asked me to rate my stay from 1-5, 5 being the best. I rated them a 4 which was generous. Then it was crickets. I heard nothing back.
Maybe I'm missing something. Maybe I've been spoiled at other places. Or maybe first impressions are important