We have just returned from a week's stay at the Royal Reef, and it was a wonderful experience. The staff was very warm and friendly and made us feel comfortable from the very beginning. The room was lovely with a nice panoramic view of the ocean and the lush mountainous landscape just across the road. The bathroom was huge, and the small balcony was also a treat. It was exhilarating to go onto the balcony and watch the sunrise each morning.
The included continental breakfast was an added bonus, but the other meals were a bit pricey with a very limited menu. We found a restaurant just across the roadway in a small shopping center with great prices, much better than the hotel's and with more menu choices. We learned from an older staff member that there were many restaurants, bars and clubs in the immediate area; no one told us that upon our arrival. There was also an absence of brochures and activity information in the lobby, but reading material in the room was helpful in planning our outings. We learned from others staying at the hotel, those who went scouting around a few blocks, that there was a lot to offer in the immediate area, and we discovered that the locals were very friendly. We only went out in groups, though no individual encountered any problems when going to the nearby stores.
There was no complimentary shuttle service, and the arranged shuttle was pricey, but we were able to bargain with the driver for great group rates for all of our excursions and he was extremely prompt and very protective of us, not letting the locals overwhelm us to buy things. He drove us around and gave us history lessons while on the way to our chosen destinations. He also guided us to the best shops and restaurants with the best prices, and suggested the best meals. He made our trip much more enjoyable and memorable than we ever could. Forming a relationship with our guide (Dwight) is what made our trip so wonderful. Others who stayed at the hotel gave similar stories about their guides.
We didn't swim in the hotel's pools or beach, but one of the people we met there told us that the water in both pools was fantastic (we stayed gone all the time). She also told us that she went out in the beach, guided by a staff member, and the water remained knee-deep for an "astonishing" distance. We did need insect repellent while on the patio at night.
I would recommend staying at the Royal Reef if you want to be away from the larger resorts and want a bit more privacy. It's 19 rooms offer a more quiet atmosphere, and being 15 minutes from Sangsters Airport gave us more interaction with the local culture. Though local bus transportation is available, I would recommend paying the extra money and using a guide for a more enhanced travel experience while you venture out.