Review of The Royal Palms Resort and Spa

3 years ago

Hassle and Hustle...

Hassle and Hustle...
Since I posted my harsh review below, I made a discovery today as I prepared my expense report. Although I had pre-paid my stay through a third party, I discovered today that I had been charged double by Royal Palms.
Credit to them... they recognized it quickly and corrected it, but it was a hassle. The error could not be solved at the local level in Phoenix as it required corporate intervention to reverse the charge.
So, they took care of it, and the accounting folks were very nice; but this was a HASSLE. And, that hassle was on top of the hustle I detailed in my earlier post. I just can't imagine how Royal Palms maintains their rating.

This is a beautiful property!
It's a shame, however, that you feel like the hustle is on from the moment you pull onto the property. The valet parkers are on you like rabid dogs. Once they have captured your car keys and your luggage, you're trapped, and they know it. Get read to be exploited for a pricey on-site meal while your room is "being prepared". I've been to the Royal Palms three times, thanks to deals on an opaque booking site. Every experience has proven the same. It's the hustle.
Don't expect your in-room toiletries to be replenished. This is a spa. Expect to buy them.
Rooms are radically inconsistent. Some are very nice, and some are very ordinary.
And, don't expect 5 star turn down service. Expect to request it, only to be disappointed by a minimalist effort.
Nickel and dime. Nickel and dime. This is a pretty place to die by a thousand paper cuts.
HUSTLE, HUSTLE, HUSTLE.