We stayed at the Sands the 3rd week in June after staying the 2nd week in a huge resort outside of Playa. Thank goodness we chose the Sands. What a wonderful resort. Side by side comparison to the mega resort our first week, the Sands wins hands down. We did not exchange in, but rented online from an owner. Upon check in the clerk indicated that the owner had not paid his maintenance fee yet. I thought we were going to be stuck with either paying or not being able to check in. I provided her with the owners name and confirmation papers and she proceeded to check us in. Our room was on the 8th floor in phase 2. The personal concierge was wonderful, thank you to Gina. Your personal concierge will go above and beyond for you, please use them. Gina even handled hotel reservations for a teenager that ended up flying in and arriving on Monday but not flying home until 2 days after we left. A spontanious decision on his part and although he was not well planned out, Gina saved him!! Gina also arranged our activities, although cancelled because of weather. She also arranged our transportation back to the airport for only $40 for 6.

The resort and rooms were very clean. If we were just looking for a fabulous room, we would have chose to stay again in the first resort. However, the location of the Sands is awesome. A wonderful balcony overlooking the pool and beach!! Always cleaning, always friendly. The cost of food at the resort compared to the first was inexpensive. The Pico De Gallo and Guacamole ordered poolside and room service was not only delicious, but inexpensive. We ordered it every day!! We did not eat at the resort restaurant because we had been stuck in the "compound" at the first resort and hence tired of resort food.

The fact that you can take the bus anywhere in Cancun can't be beat....only 65 pesos. We went to Costco and Sam's as well as Mercado 28....a must for the shoppers. The store is expensive, as an example, a case of water at Costco was less than $5, but at the store on site it was over $18. Our 5 teenagers had a blast at the resort and free to run around town because of the proximity.

We did go to the Haciendas with Edwin for the day to check it out. A little pressure, but not intense. Edwin was wonderful and even bought me a birthday cake at the Haciendas, which was the best cake I have ever had...and I have had a bit over 45!!

The staff at this resort is wonderful. Security is tight and everyone is helpful. They speak much better english than our experience the first week. Complaint, if you are not a guest, they don't want you there. Since our teenagers had numerous friends in town, some wanted to come visit or just meet up before going out for the night. They were always stopped at the front and required to sign a waiver and we were called in the room to sign as well. Also, because one teenager showed up at the last minute to stay with us, we were required to pay $25 per night for him to stay. Although this put us at 7 per room instead of 6, there was plenty of room and don't feel the charge is justified.

Did find that we were missing pesos from our pockets one of the days. Not all pesos were taken, but several from 3 different pockets of ours. We only had the maid come in 3 of the days as the teenagers slept a bit longer.

I would not only stay at this resort again, I will keep a look out to purchase a week from an owner. We will be sending my eldest son on his honeymoon next year and will try to transfer into here for him as well as he could not make this trip.

This Place was awesome. We hated to leave. We had an age group from 4 month old to 84 years old and everyone was happy. The cleanest place in Cancun. The workers clean all day long. They treat all guests very nice and the service is unmatched! No detail is forgotten when it comes to the Royal Sands. We had two Villas in phase 2 that were side by side that was great. Phase 2 seems quieter then phase 1. Prices were reasonable for Cancun in general. They have a grocery store on site. I have a family of 5 that are all older then 12, the adult age in Cancun. I saved $4000.00 staying at the Sands as compared to Dreams. The Dreams is all-inclusive though. I had a 1500 square foot villa with a full kitchen and a huge patio over looking the beautiful water. I spent around $900.00 for all the food, drink and souviners for the week. So actually I saved only $3200.00 for the week. But, there was no comparison to the two resorts! We can't wait to go back!! A great family resort. I would recommend The Royal Sands to everyone!

We stayed @ The Royal Sands from June 7th through the 14th 2008--We had a wonderful time. There is nothing I can say that is bad about the resort. Upon arriving at the resort we were greeted with-"Welcome Home!!! - cool washclothes to cool us and a bottle of water. The greeter was very nice! The front desk was helpful and gave us a wonderful room. I think we had the best location--Rm#5814. We were greeted w/our own personal conciere(sp?) Chio. She took us up to our room and explained the in's and out's of the resort. We received a welcome gift as well!! The room is spectacular-the view WOW amazing!!! The room was VERY clean and spacious. This was our 2nd trip to Cancun. We stayed at the Fiesta American Coral on our last trip-but we loved The Royal Sands even more!!! There is a Market in the resort that has everything you need-groceries-beer-wine coolers-cigars-medicine-ice-cream!! everything! There is a car rental on site as well as Thomas Moore travel-Everyday there are activities-like arts and crafts-water arobics-parties-face-painting--and beautiful birds and Iguanas that you can have your picture taken with!! But if you just want to veg out at the pool(massive)very clean pool!!-or the beach-you can. That's what we did-they have 2 pool bars,and great food. The food is very affordable-nothing too expensive. They cook the hamburgers.hot-dogs right there on the grill. Yum!! I wish I was there right now.!!! They have wonderful shuttle buses(FREE!!) that will take you to the sister properties, as well as our fav restarant Captain's Cove! Try the meal for 2-- $74 and you get 2 lobster tails several scallops and shrimp and calamari, and 2 pieces of fish and muscles and veggies-on a sizzeling platter. You may also get to see Panch o and Willie--the 2 croc's in the lagoon--yes they are REAL and they are BIG!!! Go to the Kareoke @ Pancho and Willies--it's so much fun. They also have bands there-it's not too rowdy-just fun! As you can tell we had a blast! We will definatly go back to the Royal Sands!

4th time staying at the Royal Sands. Excellent very time- just seems to improve stay after stay! Captain Cove's Resturant is GREAT seafood as well as other food items. CoCo Bongo show is a must see-great for any age adults! Hacienda Sisal -food is great-show is a little cheesy. Seems to be for 65+ crowd. Tour recommendations-Sea Passion Catamaran snorkel trip & Altournative Tours. I LOVE CANCUN and the ROYAL SANDS!