Well it's one year on since my last review, and YES we did go back.!
The hotel is still as impressive as ever, still the same high standards and still most of the same happy staff.!
We were upgraded to a swim up suite with free international phone calls, upgraded bar, bvlgari toiletries.
EXCELLENT.

We arrived at this stunning hotel after an uneventful 10 hour flight from Manchester.
HOTEL; The hotel which is adults only is in a stunning location, right on a beautiful white sand beach, almost in the centre of Playa del Carmen. The hotel itself is three years old and looks wonderful, even from the outside. The hotel is set in lovely gardens that go down to the sea. The bellboys take your luggage off the transfer coach and that is the last you see of it until it arrives promptly in your room. You are greeted with a glass of champagne and an iced towel. Check in was very efficient and quick and then you are taken up to your room by a concierge.
ROOMS; the lowest priced room here is a junior suite, which is excellent. We had two large double beds (which can be pushed together if requested), a large 2 seater in room jacuzzi, small table and two chairs, a lovely large chaise lounge, large dressing area with wardrobes, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and sink area, plush bathroom with large walk in shower, toilet and another sink area, complete with lovely complimentary toletries, which were replaced constantly. 29in flat screen TV in a cabinet that houses the all inclusive mini bar, an optics bar - both fully stocked with snacks as well as drinks. A coffee maker, cups, glasses, wine cooler etc. Large balcony, two chairs and table and a hammock, with lovely views of the immaculate gardens and a side sea view. The beds must be the most comfortable we have ever slept in and the sheets are changed every three days, although there is a card to place on the bed if you want them changed more often. There are 6 pillows on each bed rangeing from soft to orthopaedic. The air conditioning is excellent and there is a ceiling fan as well - all controlled, along with the lights, from the comfort of your bed. There is 24 hr room service, and you can ask for anything and they will make it for you!! The rooms are spotless and remain that way all through your stay, there is a turndown service everynight, a chocolate left on your pillow, the lights turned down low,an aromatherapy candle lit and romantic music left playing on your TV. The bathroom is also cleaned again and all wet towels replaced. The maids even wash the patio doors everyday!
STAFF; We have never met such happy, hardworking staff. They were exceptional. Everytime you see a member of staff, they greet you with a cheerful Hola and a smile. Gardeners, maids alike. Nothing is too much trouble for them and you are made to feel like a VIP. There is waiter service everywhere - even at the pool and on the beach. There are also pool and beach butlers with carts with books, magazines, suntan lotions all free of charge. They also come around regularly with frozen grapes and melon and other fresh fruits. The entertainment staff are excellent and encourage to take part in the activities around the pool - bracelet making,bar-tending lessons, poker tables, aqua aerobics, pool volleyball, cycle rides etc. Plenty of sunbeds for all and available all day. 3 lovely pools, all with jaccuzzis and swim-up bar and pool bar. At the beach there are cabanas and sunbeds available.The sea is a lovely blue colour and as warm as a bath. Some days it was calm and other days (especially after hurricane Ike ) the sea was a little rough. Lovely views over to Cozumel and you often see cruise ships sailing passed. There are plenty of watersports available. And a lifeguard in attendance at all times.
RESTAURANTS; The Royal Playa del Carmen was the first hotel in this region of Mexico to have non-reservation dining. You simply choose which restaurant you would like to dine in, no booking is needed and go along to the restaurant of your choice. There are 4 to choose from plus a buffet restaurant and then another 2 over the road at the sister hotel the Gran Porto ( you can use all their hotel facilities, but they cannot use the Royals) there is also unlimited 24hr room service available. Breakfast is served in Spice, the buffet restaurant or at Pelicanos for al a carte breakfast. All restaurants were open for lunch and dinner. The presentation of the food was out of this world - it was like eating at a high class restaurant every night. There is also a 24hr all inclusive lounge with spirits, coffee,soft drinks, beer and finger foods avaliable. Even bottles of wine available to take up to your room.
ENTERTAINMENT; There was not a lot of entertainment (a one hour show each night)at night as most people prefered to go to 5th Ave, just around the corner, or sit at one of the many bars available and just chat.
DRINKS; All the drinks are top shelf and any drink is available. There a lovely cocktails available too. All waiter service - with a smile!
5th AVENUE; just around the corner from the hotel is a mile or so long road of mixed quaint little shops,bars,restaurants and designer shops. This road leads to the ferry where for 12 dollars you can go over to Cozumel. Cozumel is older than Playa del Carmen, has loads of shops and of course excellent diving. The bus depot is also here.
At the Royal Playa del Carmen,you are able to trade nights at their other adults only hotel in Cancun - the Royal Cancun. You do have to make your own way there though (cost for 4 adults and luggage = 80 dollars) We decided to do this for the last 3 days, to get a feel of Cancun. It was an excellent idea.! The Royal at Cancun was an even more upmarket hotel than the Royal at Playa, with the same excellent service. It was like a city break added on to a lovely beach holiday. The best of both worlds!
The motto of the hotel chain is 'expect the exceptional' and that was certainly true. Just can't wait to go back next year!!