Royalton Negril

The former Grand Lido Negril was demolished in 2015 -- aside from the trees -- and rebuilt as three separate resorts: the family-friendly Royalton, adults-only Hideaway, and clothing-optional Grand Lido Negril Au Naturel All-Suite Resort. Opened in 2017, the design is modern and fresh, though many past guests have reported maintenance issues -- from power outages to roof leaks. Nevertheless, elegant furnishings and a soft, beachy palette are lovely, most evidenced in the swish rooms and huge lobby with lots of polished marble, contemporary seating topped by fabrics in varying shades of blue, and exposed wood beams. An open wall allows travelers to sit overlooking the ocean, and hallways from here lead to a coffee shop, tour operators, and a sports bar with a smoking deck -- only a few areas are designated for smokers. 

Several themed restaurants are sprinkled throughout, as are bars, though top-shelf liquor is only included for Diamond Club guests. Club guests also receive butler service, access to lounges with snacks and liquor, an exclusive pool, and private beach area. However, all beach and pool areas get packed. Daily activities, kids' and teens' clubs, a kiddy pool with waterslides keep the resort buzzing with families, though some have complained of a lack of or mediocre entertainment. 

The Royalton's affordable rates give it a great value, but travelers willing to spend a bit more should consider Beaches Negril, which has a prettier beach, water park, and free top-shelf liquor. Couples looking for something quieter may prefer the adults-only Couples Negril, which has a nude-friendly beach area. 

Royalton Negril sits along the southern section of Bloody Bay, a pleasant strip of sand, though not as impressive as the famous Seven Mile Beach farther south. To the resort's immediate left is Hideaway at Royalton Negril and to Hideaway's left is the Grand Lido property. The Royalton's beach is long and the water is calm, and this is a popular spot for snorkeling. There's little in the immediate area aside from other resorts, though the Kool Runnings Water Park is a 14-minute walk (two-minute drive) away. The famous Seven Mile Beach is a five-minute drive south, where there are ample restaurants, bars, and jerk shacks. Rick's Cafe, a popular spot for cliff-diving, music, and drinks, is 16 minutes away by car. Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is a 90-minute drive. 

The 407 spacious rooms are all decorated in the same elegant, contemporary style, and all have ocean vistas. Expect beige walls and floors, a mix of white- and dark-wood furniture, neutral-tone linens, and silver abstract wall hangings. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors let in lots of light and lead to furnished terraces -- some with swim-out access. Stand-alone jetted tubs and separate rainfall showers are swish, and room dividers allow for privacy in Family Suites. Other quality amenities consist of flat-screen TVs, desks, sitting areas with sofa beds, coffeemakers, electronic safes, Bluetooth speakers, and free Wi-Fi. Daily refilled minibars are stocked with Red Stripe beer and soda, while Diamond Club rooms add liquor. Royalton-branded toiletries, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and weight scales are provided in all units. 

On the downside, many past guests have complained of maintenance issues such as power outages, roof leaks, and broken knobs. 

As an all-inclusive property, all restaurants and bars are part of the package, except for the fine-dining C/X Culinary Experience Chef’s Table. The main all-day buffet restaurant is well-regarded for quality and variety, and it has both indoor and outdoor seating. A specific kids' section is available. Popular themed restaurants include Zen, a teppanyaki spot, Grazie Italian Trattoria, and Hunter Steakhouse. Tex-Mex and Caribbean eateries are also on-site, as is a tasty coffee shop that also serves pastries. Note that reservations are not required, but this can result in long wait times. Room service is provided 24/7.

A swim-up pool bar, beach bar, lobby bar, and SCORE Sports Bar are all on-site for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, top-shelf liquor is only included in Diamond Club rates. Diamond Club guests can also eat at the open-air Ocean Point Bistro on the Grand Lido property, which serves French fare.

Most visitors spend their days split between the pools and long stretch of beach. The latter is attractive, but because it's narrow and houses numerous cushioned loungers, it can feel crowded at times. Umbrellas are available, as are cabanas for a daily fee. Diamond Club members have a private section of the beach, as well as an exclusive ocean-view pool with a swim-up bar. Non-motorized water sports are free, and snorkeling is popular in this calm bay. The main pool is a decent size and has lovely ocean vistas, as well as a swim-up bar and adjacent loungers. Some past guests have noted that chairs around the pool get taken early. Behind the main pool is the shallow kiddy pool housing a play structure in the middle with waterslides and a fun bucket that fills with water and then dumps itself.

The full-service Royal Spa offers a variety of massage, body, and beauty treatments, and there are a salon, hydrotherapy circuit, sauna, and steam room. Diamond Club members get two hours of free access to the hydrotherapy circuit, while others must pay or get access with a spa treatment. Past guests often rave about the fitness facilities, which include a well-equipped fitness center with daily classes such as sunrise yoga and kickboxing. Fun aqua fit classes at the Hideaway pool are particularly popular.  

Families are well-catered to with kids' and teens' clubs, daily kid-friendly activities, and sports facilities that include tennis courts. Nightly entertainment is provided, consisting of dancing and singing, though some past guests have complained that shows can be mediocre or nighttime activities are limited.

Meeting and event space is on-site, and weddings are popular here. Tour operators, wedding planning services, and shops selling everything from jewelry to bottles of liquor are spread across the grounds. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property. Free parking is available for those with cars.