Royalton Hideaway Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort - Adults Only

Stayed as a Diamond Club member, pleasant stay but didn’t meet the luxury and seamless experience we expected||### **Pros ✅** |- **Excellent hospitality:** Every staff member we interacted with was warm, polite, and genuinely appreciative when receiving tips never pushy or demanding. |- **Exceptional service from Mr. Ryan (Butler):** After a shift change, Mr. Ryan went above and beyond to handle our dinner reservations and organize our special occasion. His professionalism and attention to detail made the later part of our stay truly enjoyable. |- **Fun water park:** The on-site water park was well maintained and one of the highlights of our trip. |- **Caring kids center:** The kids center staff did an excellent job taking care of our 17-year-old special needs son ($25 per hour for children over 12). |- **Tropical touch:** On select days (such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays), the resort offers unlimited fresh coconuts — a refreshing perk worth checking out. ||### **Cons ❌** |- **Underwhelming Diamond Club experience:** The overall attention to detail and personalized service didn’t match Diamond Club standards. |- **Poor initial butler service:** Our first butler seemed rushed and inattentive, taking nearly two hours to assist with check-in. The in-room wine, spa amenities, and dinner reservations were not arranged as promised, and the butler left early that day without ensuring these were completed. |- **Extremely slow communication:** Email responses were delayed significantly — I received a reply to one of my questions only after returning home. |- **Food needs major improvement:** The food lacked spice, depth, and variety, which may not appeal to guests who enjoy flavorful or spicy meals. Definitely not ideal for spicy food lovers. |- **Room service delays:** Room service took over two hours on one occasion, and the order never arrived at all another time, forcing us to dine at the buffet instead. I recommend placing orders through your butler rather than calling room service directly. (Butler service hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.) |- **Repetitive buffet:** The buffet selection was decent but repetitive — roughly 90% of the dishes remained the same daily. |- **Limited virgin drink options:** Non-alcoholic beverage choices were quite limited. |- **Unclear amenity schedules:** Certain perks (like fresh coconuts) are only available on specific days, but this isn’t clearly communicated to guests. ||### **Diamond Club Amenities Not Provided Initially** |Upon check-in, we did not receive several Diamond Club inclusions, which were only provided after we brought them to the butler’s attention: |1. In-suite complimentary aromatherapy from The Royal Spa |2. Complimentary beach bag |3. Complimentary in-suite bottle of wine (I prefer sweet wines — hope there are options available) |4. One-hour hydrotherapy access (Unfortunately, the hydrotherapy area was partially broken; we could only use the steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzi.) ||### **Final Thoughts 💭** |The resort has wonderful staff and standout individuals like Mr. Ryan who truly elevated our stay. However, the overall service coordination, food quality, and response time need improvement, especially for Diamond Club guests who expect a premium experience.

Disappointed with The Hideaway at Royalton Negril I recently returned to The Hideaway at Royalton Negril in 2025 for my cousin’s wedding, after having an amazing experience here back in 2022 — I even made a YouTube video about it on my channel IAmDecinta. Whom received a lot of attention. Sadly, this time around was a complete disappointment. From the moment we arrived, the energy was completely different. The staff didn’t seem happy or motivated, and after speaking with a few of them, I understood why — they’re underpaid and frustrated. It really shows in the quality of service and overall mood of the resort. On top of that, staff constantly asked for tips, which made things uncomfortable and awkward. Most of the restaurants were closed, and the few that were open had very limited menus — many items listed weren’t even available. I understand it’s the off-season, but this level of unavailability is unacceptable for a resort in this price range. The food that was available was mediocre at best. The rooms were terrible — they smelled like mildew, our shower had standing water, and the toilet barely flushed. It honestly felt like zero effort was being made to maintain the rooms. While renovations are currently happening (which are much needed), guests shouldn’t have to pay full price to stay in such poor conditions. The only positive I can mention is that the property itself is well-kept — the landscaping and grounds are beautiful and clean. But that alone doesn’t make up for the overall decline in quality and service. I left feeling extremely disappointed and disheartened. I will never return to this resort and cannot recommend it to anyone. I see now why so many of the recent reviews have been so negative — they’re absolutely accurate. If you’re planning a trip to Jamaica, I would stick to the Montego Bay side of the island — the people there seem happier, and overall, it was such a better experience. For more about my travel stays and honest reviews, check out my YouTube channel IAmDecinta.

Dear Royalton Blue Waters Management, My husband and I stayed at the Royalton Blue Waters Hideaway from January 5, 2025, for one week to celebrate my 65th birthday. We were so impressed by the beautiful resort, its convenient layout, and especially the friendly and welcoming staff, including the Vibe Team Entertainment, who truly made us feel at home. Because of this wonderful experience, we decided to return to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, booking a two-week stay from September 30 to October 14, 2025. We also recommended the Royalton to our family and friends, who joined us during our second week — a total of seven additional guests, including children, staying at the family-friendly side of the resort. Upon arrival, I mentioned at the front desk that I was a repeat customer, staying for two weeks and bringing additional guests. I politely asked if any type of room upgrade or gesture could be offered for our loyalty. Unfortunately, I was told, “We don’t do anything for repeat customers, but we’re happy you chose us again.” That response left me extremely disappointed, as it made me feel that repeat guests are not valued or appreciated. Later during our stay, I had the opportunity to speak with General Manager Barbara and Alex, and I explained my disappointment. I also mentioned that our room phone was not working for over a week and a half, despite reporting it through the Royalton app multiple times. About 24 hours later, Alex reached out and offered us Diamond Club access for the last four days of our stay, which I declined as it felt too late to make a difference. He then offered a cabana on the beach, which I also declined, and finally agreed to a pool cabana for one day, noting that if my family wanted another, they would need to pay $80. While I appreciated the gesture, by that point it felt like too little, too late. It’s truly disappointing that despite my loyalty and the new business I brought to the resort, I was not recognized or appreciated as a returning guest. I had expected more from a brand that promotes luxury and exceptional hospitality. Sadly, this experience has made me reconsider booking future vacations with the Royalton chain or recommending it to others. I do want to sincerely thank the Vibe Team, who once again went above and beyond to make us feel special. They remain the highlight of our stay and the reason we enjoyed our time despite the hotel’s shortcomings.

My husband and I visited this resort for our anniversary! The staff were amazing the vibe team! Jaguar Adrian Eric and Ria!! Also big up chef Kevin always going above and beyond to get us the food we craved!! Teneil at the front desk and Cassandra at the concierge desk to ensure we got into the al la carte!! Keri Ann in the lobby bar was fantastic! I’m big on my morning coffee and she knocked it out of the park! To all staff at the Royalton thank you for making our experience more memorable then ever expected! The pool was always very clean and Michael the pool bartender always knew what we wanted and delivered! Thank you again and the beaches amazing Tamara served us and went out of her way for us thank you!

Cockroach warning! Our first room (3112) was infested with cockroaches. It took several hours before we were moved to another room in Building 4, which was thankfully much cleaner. Management promised to “do something” for the inconvenience, but no one ever followed up or checked in with us. The entertainment is very disappointing — they played the same “Guess the Song” game every day, which made the atmosphere dull and repetitive. Food is just average. The only standouts were the jerk chicken on the beach and the coffee shop. On our last day, at 4:15 p.m., I still couldn’t shower because there was only one maid working our entire floor. I’ve stayed at several Royalton resorts before, and this one was by far the worst experience. Definitely not worth the money.

The resort wasn’t terrible, but it had its flaws. The room was small, and the buffet? Straight up disappointing. We got there Friday and couldn’t book any of the on-site restaurants—everything was already full. No garden view either… just some old pipeline-looking setup outside our window. BUT listen— The DJ was 🔥! Had the whole vibe right with every track. Drinks were top-tier, pool scene was lit, and the beach? One of the best I’ve seen in Jamaica. Only downside—kids were roaming the adult side, which threw it off a bit. Lowkey, I’d book it again. Just gotta upgrade the room and lock in restaurant reservations early. Solid 6/10 stay.

Added update 13 September 2025 went to steak house again for last night meal once again seriously the food was outstanding including fabulous customer service skills from Shevelle hunter at steak house team leader . Made sure I was well looked after again including make sure all my needs meet . Outstanding and fully enjoy food . I came to this hotel following me being ill at RIU TROPICAL BAY . I wish I booked here in first place . The outstanding service been amazing from when I arrived Thursday 11 September 2025. From the moment I walked in the service has been amazing , food been amazing too entertaining and I had a laugh . It’s made up for fours where I was unwell due to RIU tropical bay . The bulter services outstanding they she helpful and willing to go out of their way too please guests . Both restaurants I attended defo 5 star class . It’s was my birthday today and what my bulter did this evening up on me returning too my room was she emotional and lovely didn’t expect it . The weather been great too and 99 % of staff been outstanding. The hotel in my view defo up in respect of 5 start class . My room outstanding. When I got checked the agent was so caring to me when I explained what happened too me perior to coming she was so amazing . Oh kitchen they been great with me making sure I don’t become ill again they couldn’t do anything else outstanding. I read some of review people put on this hotel I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH THEM THIS HOTEL FANATIC AND SERIOUSLY SERVICE 5 star class Only 2 not so great one rude member of staff when I came in to hotel asked her to help me she wouldn’t 2 no jerk chicken today

Came here for my sister's birthday celebration in August. 1st issue we booked a double bed and they put us in a king. Weren't going to change us saying the rooms weren't guaranteed 😕 we made a fuss and were told we could change but it wouldn't be until the next day at check in time. So we had to leave our room at 9 and just be out until 3 that afternoon. Other people with us changed rooms as well due to the beds, then again due to the bed being broken and issues with housekeeping. It was an adults only but everywhere that we ate there were children present due to a neighboring resort. Barely had Jamaican cuisine. I spent the enter trip eating salads and steak. I would expect more authentic Jamaican cuisine. 1st time in an all inclusive resort and I was not impressed 😐 our ocean view was being able to see a bit of water through all of the trees. Also we paid to have her room decorated but we didn't receive that. Very disappointed in this resort and as a travel agent this is not on my list for recommendations.