The Royal Blue Resort

The Royal Blue Resort, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled on the northern coast of Crete, Greece, consistently garners positive reviews for its serene atmosphere, extensive facilities, and dedicated staff. While praised for its luxurious offerings and beautiful design, some minor areas for improvement have been noted by guests.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Royal Blue Resort is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a beautiful, tranquil, and relaxing destination. On Booking.com, the resort has an "Excellent" rating of 9.1 based on staff performance, and a "Very Good" rating of 8.9 on Priceline.com based on 156 reviews. Many consider it a true haven of peace, ideal for those seeking relaxation.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of The Royal Blue Resort:

• Design & Setting: The resort's magnificent setting, designed like a small village on a hill, is highly appreciated, with stunning architecture, elegant interiors, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. The grounds are beautifully presented and well-kept, with colorful gardens extending throughout the property.
• Amenities & Pools: The abundance of pools is a major draw, with no fewer than 38 pools scattered across the 70-acre premises, including a large saltwater pool and numerous private and shared pools for various room types. The private bay and beach access, though sometimes described as man-made, are also valued.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives exceptional praise for being friendly, welcoming, attentive, helpful, and professional, going above and beyond to ensure an unforgettable stay.
• Dining: The varied and high-quality buffet breakfast and dinner options are frequently highlighted as a strong point.

Room Quality

The rooms, suites, and villas at The Royal Blue Resort are generally described as modern, spacious, and elegantly decorated in warm, soothing tones. They offer contemporary luxury while retaining the traditional character of Crete. Many rooms boast stunning sea or garden views and feature flat-screen TVs and spacious bathrooms, often with two wash basins. Some accommodations come with private pools, shared pools, or private outdoor whirlpools. However, a few guests have noted that some bathrooms may need updating, with occasional complaints of loose fittings or limited storage in some superior sea view rooms.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at The Royal Blue Resort is a significant highlight for many. The main buffet restaurant, Symposium, offers an extensive, varied, and delicious breakfast with a plethora of high-quality options, as well as a rich dinner buffet. Themed nights provide daily variation. Beyond the buffet, the resort features several à la carte restaurants, including Elia for traditional Cretan dishes, Alati for international classics with a Cretan twist and fresh grill items, and Asterias for fine dining with fresh seafood overlooking the marina. Guests appreciate the diverse culinary program, which sometimes receives guidance from Michelin-starred chefs. There are also multiple bars, including a lobby bar and a sunset bar with a DJ.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at The Royal Blue Resort consistently receive excellent feedback, often described as outstanding, attentive, and extremely kind. Guests report a warm welcome upon arrival, with staff offering welcome drinks and efficiently handling check-in. Staff members are praised for their professionalism and eagerness to satisfy guests' needs, with some even bringing bottles of water and fruit to those relaxing by the pools. Personalized touches, such as wet towels by the pool and a pillow menu, enhance the guest experience.

Location & Accessibility

The Royal Blue Resort is a tranquil, exclusive resort located on the northern coast of Crete, next to the small traditional village of Panormo. It boasts its own private bay. The resort is approximately 22 km (14 miles) from Rethymnon and 55 km (34 miles) from Heraklion, offering easy access to both Heraklion and Chania airports. Panormo village is about a 7-minute drive or a 30-minute walk away, offering tavernas and a port. While convenient for airport access, the immediate surroundings are somewhat isolated, and the approach road to the hotel has been described as dilapidated. The hotel relies on local taxi companies for transfers, as it does not have its own shuttle service. Bus transportation is available from Heraklion Airport and Rethymnon Port.

Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges vary, The Royal Blue Resort is generally considered to offer good value for a luxury 5-star property, especially when compared to the average hotel room price in Crete. Guests often feel that the luxurious amenities and world-class service justify the cost. Promotions or packages, such as half-board options, are available, though some guests note that drinks are often not included in dinner, even still water, which can add to the overall expense.

Common Complaints

Despite the high praise, some recurring issues have been mentioned:

• Half-Board Drinks Policy: A common criticism is that drinks, including water, are not included with dinner for guests on a half-board basis.
• Room Maintenance: While most rooms are highly rated, a few guests have reported issues with older bathrooms, non-functional safes, or limited storage in some superior rooms. Some reviews suggest that certain rooms could benefit from renovation.
• Spa Facilities: There have been a few instances where guests found the spa facilities, particularly the indoor pool, showers, and changing rooms, to be old or not maintained to a 5-star standard.
• Beach Quality: Although the resort has a private bay, some reviews describe the beach as man-made and not ideal for swimming, or at times, not well-maintained.
• Pool Crowding: During peak hours, the main pools can get crowded, with some guests reserving sun loungers early in the morning.
• Isolated Location: The resort's somewhat isolated location, accessible via a local road that has been described as dilapidated, means guests often need a car or taxi to explore beyond the immediate vicinity.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. priceline.com
3. voyage-prive.co.uk
4. booking.com
5. agoda.com
6. reserve-online.net
7. booking.com
8. oyster.com
9. michelin.com
10. eatweartravel.com
11. expedia.com
12. secretescapes.com
13. britishairways.com
14. voyage-prive.co.uk
15. luxurytraveldiary.com
16. reserve-online.net