Hideaway at Royalton St Lucia, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort - Adults Only

So if you're like me, you'll be anxious about a few things before you arrive to see if you made a mistake in booking or not but after reading many negative things about the hotel I can assure you that whilst there are some, it was perhaps one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in with very few problems. Arriving in St Lucia, mid November, for a one week stay it was raining for a short period and was more of a shower, but we then only had one bad night with all of the days rain free. The journey to the North of the island to the Royalton wasn't exactly great, especially after an 8 hour flight but there's not much you can do about it so you can either moan or just try to enjoy the tour/commentary that the driver was happy to give. Arriving at a separate reception for Hideaway guests we were checked in within 10 minutes as we arrived with other guests, away from the main entrance/reception. We were then shown to our room by a bellboy who took our bags and he showed us our room. A tip was given for thanks which he greatly appreciated. The room (2309) had a view of the entire resort and the beach, it had two king sized beds for me and my friend with a bath tub in the room and separate showers and toilet. There was plenty of room for both of our clothes, it had a minibar which was stocked daily with beer, water, Coca Cola and Sprite. The last two days we even had some Coke Zero which was a surprise. It seemed quite hard getting diet drinks at any bars outside of the resort so was a nice surprise. The room was cleaned daily, sheets were changed and new towels provided. Room had a steamer, no iron or ironing board and it also had a haridryer. The room had an awesome balcony with great view and it also had a digital safe for your valuables. The room also did have a slight musty smell which seems to be the case with the majority of the rooms judging by the comments but do appreciate that this goes after a couple of days and you either get used to it or you can let it get to you but for me it wasn't much of an issue. The resort had plenty of restaurants, we used the main buffet restaurant which you don't have to book and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The buffet had plenty of options and is good quality and they also cook fresh meat, fish and omelettes at your request. They can cook the basics like burgers but also Italian food, pork, beef, chicken and local cuisine. For the most part, this does everything it says on the tin but the biggest gripe of mine for the entire stay was the drinks service. Considering we used this restaurant the most because of its vast options, trying to get a beer/wine/tea/coffee/soft drinks at breakfast/lunch/dinner was just for some reason a real difficult task. I thought it may have just been me but chatting to other guests throughout the week, this seemed to be consistent. Either it took an age (20 mins some nights) or the drink didn't arrive at all. If you're a manager from the resort and you're reading this, it really does need addressing. Other restaurants were the Italian, the tex Mex, and the steakhouse. We didn't try the asian cuisine but we did try the Dorada for lunch. All were very good but my favourite was probably the steakhouse. Shout out to Delon who was extremely attentive and couldn't so enough for you. For anyone who likes to use the gym, it probably has the best hotel gym I have ever used. They have a cardio section with treadmills and bikes, it has an area where you can do yoga, warmup/warmdown, but can also be used for things like HIIT and any classes which they also do throughout the day. It also has punching bags. Weights wise, they have a good selection of dumbbells anything unto 25kg (ish) or 50Ibs. Two squat racks which can also double as pull up bars or a rack you can use for shoulder pressing/bench pressing. It has some cables, various machines for chest, arms and back as well as a pull down machine which you can also use for triceps. It also has some barbells. Opening times were 6am-8pm. For the pool, Hideaway guests have their own infinity pool which has a bar and a swim up bar. They serve cocktails, beer and shorts. It wasn't a problem getting a subbed, although I did read some comments that it was a problem, but it wasn't in November when we were there. It also has some larger cabanas/loungers and a jacuzzi. There is the main pool which is also infinity and looks out onto the beach, this also has bar and swim up bar. Then there is a pool and bars at the far end of the resort which I'm not sure what its called but there is also the Dips pool and bars which is quieter and generally for the older guests who don't want loud music and members of staff asking them to partake in activities. The beach was nice and clean with plenty of sunbeams although this can get quite busy. The water was nice and warm but it also has the non resort vendors asking you to buy things and asking you if you want excursions and watersports. I did find the guys at the excursion building to be friendly until you told them you didn't want an excursion, then they just get a little, lets say....bored of you!! Generally, most of the staff will say hi and are friendly and some I think just don't want to be there but they're few and far between to be honest. For the bars, there are plenty, and in the evening the busiest is the bar next to the evening entertainment. It can be quite difficult to get served but that's because it is very busy but there is another bar upstairs and another in the score bar which shows all the sports, both American and British. We were lucky enough to chat to and have photos with members of the West Indies cricket team who were staying at the resort during the one dayers against England. The score bar stops serving at 2am but will be open until 3am. We went off resort a few times for the evening mainly because I'm not to sit and watch the entertainment kind so we went into Rodney bay most nights. 8-9pm most nights we asked for a taxi and we generally got one within 10 mins. Sometimes they are on resort but some nights they won't be there so the bellboys will call you one. The bellboys and resort tell you that a taxi will cost 50 East Carribean dollar or $20 US but they'll accept either. The taxi driver will then give you their number and you can call or WhatsApp but 5 out of 6 times (all different drivers) they don't answer after midnight. We ended up asking one of the bars in Rodney bay to call us a cab and it wasn't a problem but the price did go up to 80 East Caribbean dollars so be warned and ensure you get the price before they leave, not that you have much choice. I saw some reviews on here that moaned about some minor things like the lift being a bit wobbly. If you keep an open mind, generally you'll be fine. Most people had good things to say but on the whole its. a very good experience and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Weather, beer and nothing to worry about except what food your having. It has some rough sides to it, some of the furniture could do with replacing but the experience and the food together with good service were all enjoyable. Read less

My husband and I came to the hideaway for our anniversary and it did not disappoint. The hotel was well maintained but the highlight were the staff. All of them were friendly but Sam and Kisha from the vibe team made our trip. They kept the party going and gave us recommendations for on and off the resort. We had a great time but Sam and Kisha are the reason we will return. Read less

This was my first trip to beautiful St. Lucia and it will not be the last. My mother purchased this holiday as a gift to me for graduating from nursing school and I am so grateful. The staff was amazing, the facilities were pristine, and the vibes were relaxing. I’m so appreciative for Jeanif, Dario, Joshua, Sari, Bryan, Sadia, Dell, Reana, Merkel, and Benjamin for enhancing our stay. I will recommend this resort to others and be back soon! Read less

For starters, I'd like to give a HUGE shout out and THANK YOU to our butlers Dell and Reana with providing us stella service!! You guys are exceptional!!! My husband and I came here to celebrate our wedding anniversary and this place exceed our expectations from the Vibe team, shout out to Sam and Keisha for always keeping things entertaining:). Thank you, Brendon for keeping those drinks flowing at the Hideaway bar 😊 ❤️ and Kurdisha. The food did not disappoint. Thank you to all the waiters and waitresses. Took a boat tour and had an amazing time. Huge thank you to Knotty Boat tour!! Brad Pitt, Garth,Noah,Clyde. This is definitely going to be a place to come again! Read less