FAQ's
1. Do you have an iron and ironing board?
Yes, in every suite and condo.
2. Do you have a hair dryer in the room?
Yes, in every suite and condo.
3. Do you have an outdoor pool?
No, we have an Olympic sized indoor heated pool and tropical atrium.
4. Do you receive maid service daily in the suites and condos?
Yes, we are a full service hotel and daily maid service with linens is provided. Or, you can choose to be a part of Project Planet to save our Earth's valuable resources as well as reduce chemical use and waste. Simply place the bath towels back on the rack if you would like to use again. And, linens will be changed daily unless you direct otherwise by placing your Project Planet card on the bed(s).
5. Is there a coffee maker and complimentary coffee, cream and sugar?
Yes, these are located in your suite upon arrival and are replaced in your suite daily as well.
6. Are there dishes and pots and pans in the rooms?
Yes, as well as utensils for basic cooking. Please note that basic items include those necessary to prepare quick meals. For example, baking sheets, mixing bowls, over-sized pans etc; are not included.
7. Is a toaster in the room?
No, there is a two burner stove top and microwave oven in the suites and a full oven as well in the two and three bedroom condos.
8. Do you have umbrellas and beach chairs on the beach?
No, but there is a rental stand directly in front of the hotel where you can rent umbrellas, beach chairs, boogie boards, rafts and more.
9. Do you have free parking?
Yes, we have a five story parking garage and self parking is free. We also offer valet parking in season at $4.95 per day.
10. Do you have a tennis court?
No, but there are free tennis and basketball courts located nearby at 94th street. Please note as well that we unfortunately no longer offer roof-top miniature golf due to golf balls that were sent over the roof and onto parked cars below. We are sorry for any inconvenience and assure you that there are many great mini golf courses to enjoy throughout Ocean City.
11. Is your beach private?
No, beaches in Ocean City are not private.
12. Can you smoke on the beach?
Yes, smoking is permitted on the beach in Ocean City but please leave only your foot prints in the sand!
13. Can you smoke on the balcony?
No, we are a 100% smoke free property and there is a $200.00 fee if guests smoke anywhere in the hotel. While we diligently attempted to accomdate guests who prefer to smoke until 2007, we unfortunately still found that smoke complaints from other guests on nearby balconies was our #1 complaint. In addition, all too often burn holes in our carpets, bedding and countertops became an issue for concern.
14. If I am a smoker where should I smoke?
Our guests who smoke may do so off the hotel grounds by going to the public areas on 91st street, 92nd street, Coastal Highway or the beach in front of the hotel.
15. Are you pet friendly?
While we love pets, kindly make other vacation arrangements for your furry family members as pets are not permitted on the hotel property.
16. How deep is your Olympic size swimming pool?
5FT deep
17. How far are you from the boardwalk?
3.5 to 5 miles
18. Are you on the beach?
Yes, we are a beach front hotel; located on the Atlantic Ocean but we are not located on the boardwalk which ends at 28th Street.
19. Do you have a Jacuzzi in the suites?
We do have 9 suites with heart shaped Jacuzzis for two with king bed and kitchen that are oceanfront with corner balconies.
20. Can we arrive early?
You may arrive early and obtain a parking pass and enjoy any of the hotel amenities until your suite is available. Check in is after 4pm. Check out is by 11am. Your luggage will need to remain in your vehicle until your suite is available so we suggest you pack one small bag with anything that you may need to enjoy the day before your suite is available. Showers and changing rooms are available in the South Lobby. Please note that during peak times, it is necessary for our staff to clean all 340 units. While we very much would like to accomodate all requests for early arrival it simply is not possible.
21. Can we check out late?
During times of increased occupancy both in the summer and weekends in the off season, this is at the complete discretion of the Front Office staff and will be determined ONLY after 8am on the morning of check out based on availability. If available, check out will be extended as a courtesy until 12 or, rarely 1pm. If available, a 6pm check out may be arranged at half the previous night's rate. Please note that we weclome our guests to check out of their suites by 11am so that we can prepare the suite for the next guests however guests that are checking out are welcome to leave their car parked at the hotel until 4pm and use the beach, facilities, showers and changing rooms for the remainder of the day.
After you check out you many keep your vehicle parked until 4pm and use all the amenities of the hotel. Showers and changing rooms are available in the South Lobby.
22. Is there a fee for beach towels?
We do not provide beach towels; we do provide pool towels at the pool for that area only. PLEASE do not take linen and towels from the suite to the beach.
23. Do you have any government discounts?
No. Group rates for 10 or more suites may be arranged with our Sales Office in advance. The hotel offers AAA rate with a valid AAA is only. Occasionally, coupons are offered as well. ALL discounts are based on availability, only one discount/coupon per stay may be used. Discounts/coupons are not valid on already special and discounted rates.
24. Does Ocean City have public transportation?
Yes, we have a bus that runs every 15 minutes in the prime season and every half hour in the off season. It is $2 per day per person.
25. Do you have adjoining rooms?
We do not have connecting rooms. However, guests traveling together may request suites near one another at the time of making the reservation. While we do our absolute best honor all requests we cannot guarantee this.
26. What time does Schooners open and close?
The hours of operation are from 7am to 11pm. The bar may stay open later then 11pm if busy.
27. When do you have buffets and what are the prices?
We have a Breakfast Buffet for $9.95, Brunch on Sunday for $12.95. In July & August we have an All-You-Care-to-Eat Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet, Sunday through Wednesday in the Palmetto Ballroom for $17.95, with coupon. On Thursdays we have a Family Fun Buffet for $9.95 for adults and $6.95 for children. On Fridays and Saturdays we have Surf & Turf Weekends for $33.95. Off season our Thursday Buffet is Ribs and Chicken for $14.95 and the Friday and Saturday Buffet features Prime Rib and Chicken for $16.95. Coupons are available to all hotel guests upon arrival.
28. Where can we park if you come to the restaurant?
We have side street parking and also a five story parking garage. Parking is free of charge. In July and August, valet parking is available at a nominal fee.
29. Which days do you have entertainment?
Last week of June until Labor Day outside on the Beach daily weather permitting and in Schooners, our oceanfront restaurant, we feature live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Call or click for current entertainment schedule.
30. Is the information on the website correct?
We make every effort to ensure that all information on our site is updated on a regular basis.
31. What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that no guest ever "plans" on canceling their reservations. And, we understand no guest ever desires to pay a fee. However, cancellation policies are a standard practice throughout the travel industry.
Reservations that are made as part of a group of 10 or more rooms and made via our Sales Office must cancel their reservations at least 72 hours prior to arrival.
Reservations for the one bedroom suites for guests not staying as part of a group booked via our Sales office are considered transient reservations and must be canceled at least 7 days prior to arrival.
Reservations for the two and three bedroom condos for reservations in July and August must cancel at least 30 days prior to arrival. Reservations for the two and three bedroom condo all other times of the year must be canceled 7 days prior to arrial.
PLEASE note that there IS a cancelation fee even if the reservation is cancelled within the timeframes above. This cost is $25.00 plus tax for suites and condos for all times of the year with the exception of resevations for the two and three bedroom condos in July and August for which the cancelation fee is $100.00. We ask our guests to understand that this is not a "penalty". Unfortunately, the hotel must pay a fee to the credit card companies when we process a credit card for an advance deposit. Then, when a reservation is cancelled we are not only not refunded that fee we, in fact, incur a second transaction fee to refund an advance deposit. Accordingly, the cancellation fees are simply to offset the charges the hotel incurs from the credit card companies.
Please note that the policies above are not able to be waived under any circumstances. Thank you.
32. What if I have to leave earlier than my reserved departure date?
We understand that no guest ever plans on canceling all or part of their reservation. However, requests are received daily, many in the event of emergencies, and we are unable to make exceptions to the no refund for early departure policy. We understand that no guest desires to be held accountable to cancellation fees however such fees are a standard part of the travel industry. It is important to note that just as guests have the right to expect the hotel to hold the room for the number of nights confirmed, the hotel has the same reasonable right to expect the reservation will be paid in full since while we were holding that reservation other guests were turned away for the suite or condo in question.
33. What if there is a storm?
As is also standard in the travel industry, inclement weather is not a valid reason for cancellation. The only exception made to this policy is if/when the Town of Ocean City implements a Hurricane evacuation plan for our area. Only in the case of an actual hurricane evacuation plan by the Town of Ocean City will reservations will be rescheduled (not refunded) based on availability and without penalty.
34. Are you a chain hotel?
No, we are privately owned and independently operated. We have a sister property; Princess Bayside on 48th Street and the Bay in Ocean City.
35. Where may comments, compliments or concerns be directed?
Our Front Desk staff will be more than happy to assist you during your stay within the guidelines of the policies stated on your confirmation and on this web site. Please note, however, all staff and department managers are required to enforce the same policies and procedures.
Additional comments, compliments or concerns may be emailed to the Executive Offices at manager@princessroyale.com. All email received will be reviewed by the General Manager. Please allow 72 hours for a response if requested. Thank you.
36. What is your smoking policy?
For the comfort and safety of all guests as well as staff, the Princess Royale is a 100% smoke free environment. Smoking is not permitted in any suite or condo nor on balconies nor any other area of our hotel. We ask that all guests respect this policy. Please note that there is a $200.00 fee charged if any evidence of smoke, including odor, is noticed by staff and/or called to our attention by other guests.
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Free Family Fun
The Reviews Are In
"“Mother's Day Getaway”
I had taken my Mother, sister, my sisters 2 kids, and my 2 girls. We had problems trying to find a place that could accommodate the 7 of us and then we found the Princess Royale Resort. They had a 2 bedroom condo that worked perfect for our family. It was much nicer than have to find a hotel that had 2 rooms side by side that had a door in between and it was cheaper. We had a wonderful stay and the room was very, very clean.."
- GS Frederick, Maryland , May 16, 2013
I had taken my Mother, sister, my sisters 2 kids, and my 2 girls. We had problems trying to find a place that could accommodate the 7 of us and then we found the Princess Royale Resort. They had a 2 bedroom condo that worked perfect for our family. It was much nicer than have to find a hotel that had 2 rooms side by side that had a door in between and it was cheaper. We had a wonderful stay and the room was very, very clean.."
- GS Frederick, Maryland , May 16, 2013
"“Very Nice Stay”
This was my first overnight stay in Ocean City and I found my room in the Hotel spacious and the bed was extremely comfortable. The people who worked there are friendly and the food was good. The only minor issue I had was the wire-fi signal was not strong and it was hard to log-in sometimes."
- Jesse D. Hanover, Pennsylvania , May 13, 2013
This was my first overnight stay in Ocean City and I found my room in the Hotel spacious and the bed was extremely comfortable. The people who worked there are friendly and the food was good. The only minor issue I had was the wire-fi signal was not strong and it was hard to log-in sometimes."
- Jesse D. Hanover, Pennsylvania , May 13, 2013
"“Loyal to Princess Royale!”
As frequent visitors to Ocean City, Maryland, over the past 25 years, my husband and I made the mistake of generally staying at the same hotel ranked in Trip Advisor’s top #20. Due to problems associated with that hotel, I finally decided to search the Internet to find a different O.C. hotel. Low and behold, I hit the jackpot in finding Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort located on 91st Street and Coastal Highway. Around 3 years ago we stayed at Princess Royale for the first time. Since then, we have been “Loyal to Princess Royale!”
We tried a few other O.C. hotels over the years also rated in the top #20, but always defaulted back to our same past hotel. So, I know whereof I speak in writing this Five Star review for Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort. As a native Marylander, I’m no stranger to Ocean City. My first visit was back in the late 1960’s when I was in high school. I’ve been going to O.C. for long weekends, holidays and special events ever since.
To give you a snapshot, this is no “Mom and Pop” hotel. Princess Royale is the real-deal and largest resort in Ocean City, with over 300 suites and 30 condominiums. The hotel can also accommodate very large conventions, functions and wedding receptions in one of over a dozen meeting rooms including ballrooms and Atrium. Note that Princess Royale is a 100%-no smoking resort.
There is a large 6-story parking garage with elevator just across the driveway from the hotel lobby entrance. Some side parking is available along the street of the second hotel entranceway. Bell Captain service is available and they eagerly await loading your luggage onto a cart and taking to your hotel room.
Honestly, we would prefer to use a cart without Bell Captain service, but that is generally not an option. Reason being, we bring a number of electronics when traveling (laptop computer, cameras, 3D-video camera, high-end binoculars, metal detectors, etc.). We would like to be responsible for our own valuables and breakables. So, we just make several trips from the parking garage to our hotel room carrying our gear. I understand the Bell Captain concept because guests sometimes leave their carts in the hallways or on elevators creating a shortage.
Schooners Restaurant and lounge are located within the hotel. Nice art-deco decorum, soft lighting and beautiful view of the ocean and palm trees. Breakfast and dinner buffets are available (or you can order from a menu). There, you will be serenated by live music in the form of an acoustic guitar player/singer. I must confess that we’ve never done the buffets, but have ordered these small steak subs from the lunch menu which are pretty good, along with the French Fries. My husband loves the French Onion Soup and I love the Potato Cheese Soup.
There is an Olympic-size heated swimming pool, large 8+ person Jacuzzi and two sauna’s in the 4-story Atrium. Complimentary towels are available. There are also two smaller 4-person hot tubs on the oceanfront sun deck just outside the Atrium. Also in the Atrium are a wide variety of arcades games, claw machines, pool table and foosball. What more could you ask for in hotel pool facilities? I would like to add that the hotel pool is the cleanest I’ve ever seen. You never see scum on the ceramic tiles in the pool or Jacuzzi. The pool and Jacuzzi water is always crystal clear with no debris, film or floaties. From a health standpoint, this is very important to me.
This hotel has all the bells and whistles such as a free health club on the premises; business center; ATM; gift shop and convenience store. You can also arrange for spa treatment (massage, facial, mani/pedi), etc.
All hotel rooms are suites comprising either two Queen beds or one King. Some rooms have a Jacuzzi. You can book an oceanfront room with spectacular view or a side oceanview room. You can also book a room overlooking the Atrium and pool. Some reviewers complain about the humidity, chlorine smell and noise experienced in the rooms overlooking the Atrium. Since I always stay oceanfront, I cannot address these issues. Each suite has a living room with pull-out sofa, side chair, coffee table and end tables with lamps. There are two TV’s in each suite (bedroom and 32” flat screen in the living room).
All suites and condominiums are furnished with Tempur-Pedic mattresses (“The #1 most highly recommended bed in America”). I liked the mattress so much first time we stayed at Princess Royale, I went out and bought one. Love it! You are guaranteed a good night’s sleep (although a relatively few don’t like the Tempur-Pedic developed by NASA). Whatever. You can’t please everyone. One hotel we used to stay at in Cape May, NJ, has not changed their mattresses in 20 years! Needless to say, we stopped staying at that hotel. Now, if I could only get the Princess Royale management to purchase Tempur-Pedic pillows throughout the hotel. Hey, a girl can dream.
The hotel has complimentary wireless Internet, along with cable HBO and Disney Channel . We always travel with our laptop computer and only on one occasion did we have an issue with Internet connectivity. Other than that, the Internet service works great at Princess Royale.
The bathrooms have a large granite counter for all your toiletries. The towels are better than average. There is a full kitchen with coffee maker (complimentary coffee), dishware, silverware, glassware, cooking pots/pans and utensils. A small granite counter separates the kitchen from the living room which serves as a dining space with two chairs. You can also book one of the amazing two or three-bedroom condominiums. That’s a whole other story. Treat yourself for a special occasion.
Of course, no hotel is perfect. Trust me. I’ve stayed at most in O.C., including the #1 top rated hotel. There is always room for improvement. During one of our stays at Princess Royale we noted new hallway carpeting and cove base being installed throughout the hotel. All of the 300+ hotel room front doors were recently replaced including new hardware. Renovations were also undertaken in the parking garage and numerous other areas inside and outside of the hotel. The management sinks a great deal of money into maintaining the hotel. From what I understand, even more improvements will soon be underway such as upgrading the elevators.
Prior to writing this review, I looked over some Trip Advisor reviews for Princess Royale. It never ceases to amaze me just how critical some people can be. For example, one reviewer went on a rant because the suites were not equipped with a “pizza slicer.” Seriously? You can’t expect a hotel kitchen to have each and every utensil as with the comforts of home. If you want a pizza slicer that bad, just go across Coastal Highway and buy one at Rose’s for 99 cents. Last time I checked, you can also slice a pizza with a knife furnished in the hotel suite kitchens.
Another reviewer complained about the “small pool and Jacuzzi.” Are you kidding me? Princess Royale has an Olympic-size swimming pool and 8+ person Jacuzzi, plus two hot tubs on the sun deck. I can tell you first hand there is no other hotel in O.C. with a pool and Jacuzzi that large. Not even the highest-rated O.C. hotels.
One other reviewer complained about the towels in the hotel rooms at Princess Royale. I can tell you these towels are somewhat plush compared to most other hotels. The O.C. hotel in which we stayed mostly over the past 20 years (prior to finding Princess Royale) used the same towels. Management was too tight (cheap) and never purchased new towels. They were as thin and worn out as a very used dishtowel.
Others complain about the “long walk” to the oceanfront suites. What do you expect? This is the largest resort in O.C. Of course you have to walk down a hallway to access the oceanfront suites. What’s the big deal? If you want a no-tell motel room where you can park your car right outside the front door, then Princess Royale is not for you.
A few Trip Advisor reviewers complain about the parking garage. Excuse me? For one thing, the garage is enclosed meaning your vehicle is protected from the elements. There is one elevator and stairwell. The 6-story parking garage is located directly across the entrance driveway from the hotel lobby. It’s a hop, skip and a jump from the garage to the front lobby where you check-in at the hotel.
I’ve stayed at hotels such as in Cape May, NJ, wherein if you come back to your room late, there are no parking spaces and you have to park on the street with parking meters (if you can find a space). Another hotel in Myrtle Beach, SC, has a parking lot across the main highway and several blocks from the hotel. You have to walk, carrying your luggage 1/8-mile to the hotel and hope you don’t get run down by a vehicle. The parking garage at Princess Royale is very convenient. Sure, it’s tight quarters but what do you expect? It’s a parking garage, people.
You have to take some negative Trip Advisor reviews with a grain of salt. Some people vent because they may have been charged a cancellation fee for checking out a day or two early, or canceling their reservations beyond the cancellation period. Read the information regarding cancellations on the hotel website before your make your reservation, or ask the Front Desk staff when you call. Don’t take it out on the hotel because you broke the rules. I have seen this happen time and time again in hotel reviews. Play fair.
Last, but certainly not least, are the incredible specials and package deals at Princess Royale. Hey, I’m giving away my best secrets. Examples are Internet Specials; Coupons; Vacation Packages; Super Saver (meals included); Rodney (the Lifeguard) Summer of 2013 (free night or discount); Golf Packages; and Special Events. My favorite is the “Welcome Back” coupon wherein, “Stay any Friday night & receive the previous Thursday night free, or stay any Saturday night & receive Sunday night free.”
I can tell you that the hotel in which we used to stay never offered any types of savings. There are also Early Bird discounts (10-15% off booking early). I was recently given a coupon by the Front Desk Clerk at Princess Royale wherein if you book your room on the Internet and present the coupon upon check-in, you get a 5% discount. I will be using this coupon for our next stay.
The hotel offers other discounts such as Princess Bucks (stay for a certain number of nights in designated room types and receive $100-$75 off the rate). Note some of these specials and package deals are only available during certain times of the year. You can wheel and deal your savings or package deals. Any way you slice it, you’re saving money. Don’t take my word for all these package deals. Just check the Princess Royale website under “Deals” and see for yourself. http://www.princessroyale.com/
While I’m at it, the rates at Princess Royale are extremely competitive. Remember, all rooms are “suites.” Not all O.C. hotels can boast this type of floor plan (living room, full kitchen, dining nook, large bathroom and bedroom with glass sliding doors and balcony). Instead, other hotels/motels just comprise one-room (bed/one chair), small bathroom with little counter space, small microwave and tiny 3.0-cu. ft. fridge (no kitchen). If you’re lucky, you might have a window or balcony.
Okay, he’s my very best-kept secret. When booking a room on the Princess Royale website, use the drop-down menu under “Choose your package and room type” for discounts such as AAA, AARP. There you will find the “Lucky 13 Promotion” (representing 2013). Click on that drop-down menu and you will receive a 13% discount on booking your room! Top that. I’ve never seen such cost-savings deals at any O.C. hotel or elsewhere – ever!
So, I’ve given this Trip Advisor review of Princess Royale my all. Not because I’m affiliated with the hotel in any way. I’m not. It’s just that I’ve been there, done that having stayed at numerous other top-rated O.C. hotels -- and Princess Royale all things inclusive comes out on top. Oh, I’m not saying this could become a reality, but if the planets are in alignment your room-type accommodations might be upgraded during the off-season. If six planets are aligned during your stay, who knows you might be upgraded to one of the fabulous condominiums!"
- Earthy Barbara Hyattsville, MD , May 09, 2013
As frequent visitors to Ocean City, Maryland, over the past 25 years, my husband and I made the mistake of generally staying at the same hotel ranked in Trip Advisor’s top #20. Due to problems associated with that hotel, I finally decided to search the Internet to find a different O.C. hotel. Low and behold, I hit the jackpot in finding Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort located on 91st Street and Coastal Highway. Around 3 years ago we stayed at Princess Royale for the first time. Since then, we have been “Loyal to Princess Royale!”
We tried a few other O.C. hotels over the years also rated in the top #20, but always defaulted back to our same past hotel. So, I know whereof I speak in writing this Five Star review for Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort. As a native Marylander, I’m no stranger to Ocean City. My first visit was back in the late 1960’s when I was in high school. I’ve been going to O.C. for long weekends, holidays and special events ever since.
To give you a snapshot, this is no “Mom and Pop” hotel. Princess Royale is the real-deal and largest resort in Ocean City, with over 300 suites and 30 condominiums. The hotel can also accommodate very large conventions, functions and wedding receptions in one of over a dozen meeting rooms including ballrooms and Atrium. Note that Princess Royale is a 100%-no smoking resort.
There is a large 6-story parking garage with elevator just across the driveway from the hotel lobby entrance. Some side parking is available along the street of the second hotel entranceway. Bell Captain service is available and they eagerly await loading your luggage onto a cart and taking to your hotel room.
Honestly, we would prefer to use a cart without Bell Captain service, but that is generally not an option. Reason being, we bring a number of electronics when traveling (laptop computer, cameras, 3D-video camera, high-end binoculars, metal detectors, etc.). We would like to be responsible for our own valuables and breakables. So, we just make several trips from the parking garage to our hotel room carrying our gear. I understand the Bell Captain concept because guests sometimes leave their carts in the hallways or on elevators creating a shortage.
Schooners Restaurant and lounge are located within the hotel. Nice art-deco decorum, soft lighting and beautiful view of the ocean and palm trees. Breakfast and dinner buffets are available (or you can order from a menu). There, you will be serenated by live music in the form of an acoustic guitar player/singer. I must confess that we’ve never done the buffets, but have ordered these small steak subs from the lunch menu which are pretty good, along with the French Fries. My husband loves the French Onion Soup and I love the Potato Cheese Soup.
There is an Olympic-size heated swimming pool, large 8+ person Jacuzzi and two sauna’s in the 4-story Atrium. Complimentary towels are available. There are also two smaller 4-person hot tubs on the oceanfront sun deck just outside the Atrium. Also in the Atrium are a wide variety of arcades games, claw machines, pool table and foosball. What more could you ask for in hotel pool facilities? I would like to add that the hotel pool is the cleanest I’ve ever seen. You never see scum on the ceramic tiles in the pool or Jacuzzi. The pool and Jacuzzi water is always crystal clear with no debris, film or floaties. From a health standpoint, this is very important to me.
This hotel has all the bells and whistles such as a free health club on the premises; business center; ATM; gift shop and convenience store. You can also arrange for spa treatment (massage, facial, mani/pedi), etc.
All hotel rooms are suites comprising either two Queen beds or one King. Some rooms have a Jacuzzi. You can book an oceanfront room with spectacular view or a side oceanview room. You can also book a room overlooking the Atrium and pool. Some reviewers complain about the humidity, chlorine smell and noise experienced in the rooms overlooking the Atrium. Since I always stay oceanfront, I cannot address these issues. Each suite has a living room with pull-out sofa, side chair, coffee table and end tables with lamps. There are two TV’s in each suite (bedroom and 32” flat screen in the living room).
All suites and condominiums are furnished with Tempur-Pedic mattresses (“The #1 most highly recommended bed in America”). I liked the mattress so much first time we stayed at Princess Royale, I went out and bought one. Love it! You are guaranteed a good night’s sleep (although a relatively few don’t like the Tempur-Pedic developed by NASA). Whatever. You can’t please everyone. One hotel we used to stay at in Cape May, NJ, has not changed their mattresses in 20 years! Needless to say, we stopped staying at that hotel. Now, if I could only get the Princess Royale management to purchase Tempur-Pedic pillows throughout the hotel. Hey, a girl can dream.
The hotel has complimentary wireless Internet, along with cable HBO and Disney Channel . We always travel with our laptop computer and only on one occasion did we have an issue with Internet connectivity. Other than that, the Internet service works great at Princess Royale.
The bathrooms have a large granite counter for all your toiletries. The towels are better than average. There is a full kitchen with coffee maker (complimentary coffee), dishware, silverware, glassware, cooking pots/pans and utensils. A small granite counter separates the kitchen from the living room which serves as a dining space with two chairs. You can also book one of the amazing two or three-bedroom condominiums. That’s a whole other story. Treat yourself for a special occasion.
Of course, no hotel is perfect. Trust me. I’ve stayed at most in O.C., including the #1 top rated hotel. There is always room for improvement. During one of our stays at Princess Royale we noted new hallway carpeting and cove base being installed throughout the hotel. All of the 300+ hotel room front doors were recently replaced including new hardware. Renovations were also undertaken in the parking garage and numerous other areas inside and outside of the hotel. The management sinks a great deal of money into maintaining the hotel. From what I understand, even more improvements will soon be underway such as upgrading the elevators.
Prior to writing this review, I looked over some Trip Advisor reviews for Princess Royale. It never ceases to amaze me just how critical some people can be. For example, one reviewer went on a rant because the suites were not equipped with a “pizza slicer.” Seriously? You can’t expect a hotel kitchen to have each and every utensil as with the comforts of home. If you want a pizza slicer that bad, just go across Coastal Highway and buy one at Rose’s for 99 cents. Last time I checked, you can also slice a pizza with a knife furnished in the hotel suite kitchens.
Another reviewer complained about the “small pool and Jacuzzi.” Are you kidding me? Princess Royale has an Olympic-size swimming pool and 8+ person Jacuzzi, plus two hot tubs on the sun deck. I can tell you first hand there is no other hotel in O.C. with a pool and Jacuzzi that large. Not even the highest-rated O.C. hotels.
One other reviewer complained about the towels in the hotel rooms at Princess Royale. I can tell you these towels are somewhat plush compared to most other hotels. The O.C. hotel in which we stayed mostly over the past 20 years (prior to finding Princess Royale) used the same towels. Management was too tight (cheap) and never purchased new towels. They were as thin and worn out as a very used dishtowel.
Others complain about the “long walk” to the oceanfront suites. What do you expect? This is the largest resort in O.C. Of course you have to walk down a hallway to access the oceanfront suites. What’s the big deal? If you want a no-tell motel room where you can park your car right outside the front door, then Princess Royale is not for you.
A few Trip Advisor reviewers complain about the parking garage. Excuse me? For one thing, the garage is enclosed meaning your vehicle is protected from the elements. There is one elevator and stairwell. The 6-story parking garage is located directly across the entrance driveway from the hotel lobby. It’s a hop, skip and a jump from the garage to the front lobby where you check-in at the hotel.
I’ve stayed at hotels such as in Cape May, NJ, wherein if you come back to your room late, there are no parking spaces and you have to park on the street with parking meters (if you can find a space). Another hotel in Myrtle Beach, SC, has a parking lot across the main highway and several blocks from the hotel. You have to walk, carrying your luggage 1/8-mile to the hotel and hope you don’t get run down by a vehicle. The parking garage at Princess Royale is very convenient. Sure, it’s tight quarters but what do you expect? It’s a parking garage, people.
You have to take some negative Trip Advisor reviews with a grain of salt. Some people vent because they may have been charged a cancellation fee for checking out a day or two early, or canceling their reservations beyond the cancellation period. Read the information regarding cancellations on the hotel website before your make your reservation, or ask the Front Desk staff when you call. Don’t take it out on the hotel because you broke the rules. I have seen this happen time and time again in hotel reviews. Play fair.
Last, but certainly not least, are the incredible specials and package deals at Princess Royale. Hey, I’m giving away my best secrets. Examples are Internet Specials; Coupons; Vacation Packages; Super Saver (meals included); Rodney (the Lifeguard) Summer of 2013 (free night or discount); Golf Packages; and Special Events. My favorite is the “Welcome Back” coupon wherein, “Stay any Friday night & receive the previous Thursday night free, or stay any Saturday night & receive Sunday night free.”
I can tell you that the hotel in which we used to stay never offered any types of savings. There are also Early Bird discounts (10-15% off booking early). I was recently given a coupon by the Front Desk Clerk at Princess Royale wherein if you book your room on the Internet and present the coupon upon check-in, you get a 5% discount. I will be using this coupon for our next stay.
The hotel offers other discounts such as Princess Bucks (stay for a certain number of nights in designated room types and receive $100-$75 off the rate). Note some of these specials and package deals are only available during certain times of the year. You can wheel and deal your savings or package deals. Any way you slice it, you’re saving money. Don’t take my word for all these package deals. Just check the Princess Royale website under “Deals” and see for yourself. http://www.princessroyale.com/
While I’m at it, the rates at Princess Royale are extremely competitive. Remember, all rooms are “suites.” Not all O.C. hotels can boast this type of floor plan (living room, full kitchen, dining nook, large bathroom and bedroom with glass sliding doors and balcony). Instead, other hotels/motels just comprise one-room (bed/one chair), small bathroom with little counter space, small microwave and tiny 3.0-cu. ft. fridge (no kitchen). If you’re lucky, you might have a window or balcony.
Okay, he’s my very best-kept secret. When booking a room on the Princess Royale website, use the drop-down menu under “Choose your package and room type” for discounts such as AAA, AARP. There you will find the “Lucky 13 Promotion” (representing 2013). Click on that drop-down menu and you will receive a 13% discount on booking your room! Top that. I’ve never seen such cost-savings deals at any O.C. hotel or elsewhere – ever!
So, I’ve given this Trip Advisor review of Princess Royale my all. Not because I’m affiliated with the hotel in any way. I’m not. It’s just that I’ve been there, done that having stayed at numerous other top-rated O.C. hotels -- and Princess Royale all things inclusive comes out on top. Oh, I’m not saying this could become a reality, but if the planets are in alignment your room-type accommodations might be upgraded during the off-season. If six planets are aligned during your stay, who knows you might be upgraded to one of the fabulous condominiums!"
- Earthy Barbara Hyattsville, MD , May 09, 2013
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