Royal Islander Club la Plage Reviews

It's a nice resort but a word of caution, don't buy a timeshare anywhere in St Martin. Rent or Exchange in. BTW as far as my review is concerned, it's accurate but they didn't ask all of the questions that they should have.

First thing to understand are that Timeshare Owners own nothing, your status is that of a long term lessee (a tenant), look at the contract. The owner of the resort (usually a numbered company) owns the land, buildings and is recognized by the government. Timeshare "Owners" have No legal rights to speak of, no voting rights on resort issues, no right to audit books. The real owners also take pains to not let other tenants network and organize, supply a members section on their web site etc.

We have an 80 year lease for 1week at Belair Beach, previously we had one with the Royal Islander Group, we are sent a newsletter once a year, it's most important function is to present a list of expenses (unsupported by any detail) which they claim justifies their ridiculous maintenance fees. We bought in 1995 with a yearly fee of $305.00, today it has risen to $932.00 (add the $50 tax to it and your near a cool $1,000), an average yearly increase of 8.5% compounded. It's actually higher if I included the occasional special assessment. They charge those fees because they can get them (you have no recourse) and also they inhibit your ability to sell (they claim they have resale programs but they are typically shams) Consequently, as maintenance has climbed, purchase value of the week has dropped (it's an inverse relationship). The week we bought for $14,000 in 1995, I can get for $1,200 - $2,000 from a number of sources, people who own a mid-summer week are at $500 - $1,000. So your left with a decision, pay this years maintenance or walk and start taking advantage of deals around the world. Every time I'm called an owner at the resort, I get annoyed.

This is still one of the nicest resorts on the Island 4 1/2 stars. Just to sit on the veranda watching the sun go down with a fresh Pina Colda overlooking the beautiful pool and grounds is worth the trip! As an owner since pre-construction to now I have allways been pleased with the Resort, management and friendly staff. I even had a 60 year old friend buy his first timeshare here just two years ago! I own weeks 50 and 51 my only regret is not being able to go every year. Bill

This is one of the most beautiful resorts on St. Maarten Island. This by fare is the only place my family and I will stay. that is why we've decied to buy our time share here. After looking a many others on the Island this is the one we choice. Their is so much to do with in walking distance and of course you can rent a car or take a taxie if you choice to go sight seeing. For more imformation go to www.royalislander.com their you can get the big picture. We hope you enjoy what you see.

Marble countertops, great pool, convenient location, well-trained staff, and perfect weather make this place a winner every time we visit.

We just returned from another 2 week visit in April 2004. We own here and really like the atmosphere at this resort. It is very friendly and feels like coming home. This was our 5th visit and for the second year in a row, we were here for Easter. Both years they had a visit from the Easter bunny and a free egg/prize hunt for the kids. There are many owners that return here every year so it is great to see our St Maarten friends each time we visit. The staff is pleasant and eager to please. The resort owner lives on site and is often seen around the pool during the day or on the main street during the evening.

For the amount of time that we spend in the unit, the 1 bedroom is perfect for the 2 of us and our 5 year old. I would rate it as average in size compared to others that we have traded for and it is a bit larger than the 1 bedrooms across the street at the new Royal Islander La Terrase. A tempermental television in our unit was replaced within an hour of reporting it. Staff was performing various cleaning and routine maintenance jobs around the resort including painting, landscaping and power washing of the pool deck and sidewalks.

All of the rooms overlook the beach and pool. This resort boasts the largest pool on the island. The expertly landscaped pool area overlooks the ocean and is really nice. There is an ample supply of chaise lounges and umbrellas surounding the pool deck and also a sandy area with shady palms. It never feels crowded. There is also a baby pool and jungle gym for the little ones to enjoy. The beach is just steps away from the pool but ocean swimming can be a bit rough for young or inexperienced swimmers although shell seakers will have plenty to pick up. We would recommend that if you have young children who want to swim in the ocean, rent a car and go to Galion Beach on the French side. It is a protected bay with shallow water and no waves.

The new supermarket across the street from the resort has a great selection and reasonable prices. Two casinos, stores and plenty of places to eat are within a short walking distance. Try Pizza Pasta behind Casino Royale for an inexpensive place great for the kids and adults too. Be sure to check out the free dance show on the main street most nights around 9PM.

The resort is in the process of installing internet access within the rooms (they estimated that unlimited access will be $10.00 per week) but we were told that you would still need to have your own laptop with you to use it. There is a reasonably priced internet cafe behind Cheri's so this might still be a better option if you don't want to bring your own laptop. Day trips to Marigot, Phillipsburg, and Orient Beach are available from the resort for $5.00 - $8.00 per person so there is no need for a rental car unless you want to do more extensive sightseeing or visit the less traveled areas. A parking garage is now available. The resort is very close to the airport, in fact adjacent to the end of the runway. You will either love it or hate it. Watching the planes land and take off has a certain novelty to it but be warned - don't try to get too close by standing at the fence or on the beach at the end of the runway when the big ones leave or you might end up missing some clothing or skin or both! Seeing the huge double- decker Air France planes take off is really a sight to behold! We haven't noticed airport activity before 8AM and most of the large planes have gone by dinner time. The majority of the activity seems to be late morning and early afternoon.

We hope you enjoy this resort as much as we do.

Just spent a week at this resort. It is ok, but not wonderful. Location in Maho Beach (which has lots of restaurants & nightlife) is good, however this resort is RIGHT NEXT TO THE AIRPORT.

It is noisy from 7 am - midnight, daily. So, if you are looking for peace & quiet, while sitting at the pool or beach, this is NOT the resort to do it.

In its favor, the staff was great. The rooms were smaller than expected for a 1 bedroom with sofa bed, however, we brought an inflatable bed as well to accommodate 4 people. Nice pools.

You DO have to pay for parking, but at the discounted rate of $25 for the week, which is much better than trying to find a place to squeeze into along the roadside. There is NO other FREE public parking other than along the road (which is common throughout the entire island.)

If you don't need a car the whole time, I suggest renting a car for the days you really want one and taking a taxi or hotel bus the other times. The hotel has arranged trips for a small fee - shopping in Phillipsburg, swimming at Orient Beach, etc. - usually for under $5 per person - cheap!

Right now, the resort does NOT have internet access and local calls cost $.25 per minute - DON'T bring a laptop! Instead, walk across the street, behind Cheri's Cafe, to Direct Way. You can get internet access for $30 for the week or $55 for 2 weeks, unlimited. They are open from 7:30 am - 10 pm every day, including Sundays.

Also, check with your home cell phone carrier as to the charges to call to and from St.Maarten. I ended up renting a cell phone here through Cellular One at $65 for 3 weeks with paid phone cards at $1.52 per minute to the US & $.82 per minute local. Incoming calls from anywhere in the world are free.

This was a cheaper rate that paying $1.62 on ATT PLUS .$99 per minute for access charges (using my own cell phone)

Have fun in St.Maarten!

We have owned since 1987 and have since purchased an additional week. The view of the Carribean from all except ground level units is spectacular. The Maho area of ST Maarteen is it's own small town with many shops , fine resturants and night life. The facilities of the adjacent Maho Hotel (at least 4 stars) are free to Royal Islander owners and guests. This is the best located timeshare on the island.

Very nice resort. Fun to watch the airplanes landing. Beach is nice but the water is very rough. 1 Bdrm is roomy. Not a lot of activities. Charged for parking at the resort. Nice large pool.

Outstanding resort. spent a week. Hope to buy a timeshare.

the resort is very very nice, service is good only thing is you have to pay for parking for the week the last time I was down there because there is no where to park around there but in the garage