So I am a little late on this review. We were not sure about going here after reading some of the reviews. Glad we did. We took another couple for the first time on vacation and we all had a blast here.
*Pros:
- Location,location,location. Yes it is right by the airport, but THAT is an expierience you
HAVE to have! It has even been on Travel channels "things to expierience" list. It's
true, you really don't notice the plane noise after the first day.....
- Views are terrific!
-Rooms were spacious, with 2 balconies.
-Can literally "step" across to the neighboring pool to change it up, and they have a
waterfall and swim up bar.
*Cons:
-Customer service. Except for the ladies that checked us in and "spiked" our welcome
punch......the other requests were bad. Like when the smoke detector went all
crazy on us @ 2 am so we took the battery out and the next morning asked to have
it fixed. It went off again in the middle of the next night (they never fixed it...) After 3
more request and a total off 3 interupted nights sleep....it got fixed. I am sure this is
an isolated incodent, but annoying just the same.
-Not the friendliest staff. Staff changes all the time, so I wouldn't base your stay on
this, but it needs to be said that every time we asked for tips, or directions, we seem
to get a smart alec response.

All in all we had a blast, and many fun memories!

We stayed here last winter, and the one before, and the one before that x22. That is because we have a timeshare here, so we are quite experienced with this hotel. There are positives and negatives to staying here, but overall, it is a solid place to stay.

Positive: the rooms are spacious, clean, and well-equipped with everything you'd need for a week, whether you hardly spend any time in the room or you stay all the time. And the furniture is reupholstered every few years. Second, the pool is large enough to accommodate all guests, even during high season. Third, if you like being "in the middle of it all," this Maho Beach location is quite literally in the middle of what the Dutch side has to offer. Over the years, this hotel has had the good fortune of the Maho Strip with its Casino Royale and many good restaurants growing up around it. For this reason, it's a great hotel to go to with family.

Negative: if you don't like being "in the middle of it all," then this is not the place for you. The noise, the traffic, and the constant action can be a bit too much for those looking for a relaxing beach vacation. Speakingif relaxing beach vacations, 20 years ago, this hotel actually had a beach! Sadly, this is no more. Erosion has gotten the better of the swimming section of Maho Beach. All that is left is a strip that lies under the path of the jumbo jet takeoff spot. And the waves are usually very rough.

So my recommendation would be that if you would like to stay in an "urban" area but still want a beach vacation, stay here, but rent a car. But if you go during high season, don't stay out too late with your car, because you will have trouble finding a parking spot in the inadequate garage space.

We have been timeshare owners here for the past 17 years. I am writing this review as part of a reaction to the Palm Beach person who stayed in Sept. 2011 and complained about everything there was to complain about and I'm sure it's a normal occurance anywhere they stay.
First of all, please believe that this place is not a 5 star resort, it's a very decent, clean middle of the road place to stay in a great location. It is next to the airport but the runway is laid out in a way that the noise really isn't a problem. The planes are usually done landing and taking off by 9pm with most of the activity in the early afternoon through 7pm. They are entertaining to watch, especially the big jets.
The grounds have always been well maintained and the beach can go from average size to very small depending on the sand levels at different times of the year. Usually there is enough to sit out, spread out and enjoy the beach. The water is pleasant to swim in and I have not heard of anyone drowning, it's always a possibility as in any beach but I haven't heard anything so far.
The rooms are kept clean, they do vary between being already updated and really nice to "needing" an update but still looking pretty good but a little "tired". We have a one bedroom unit which is very large and comfortable for a family up to 4 people. There is a king size bed in the bedroom with a couch in the living room that converts to a single bed with a 2nd single bed that pulls out from underneath the couch. The kitchen is adequate and has a large refrigerator.

We recommend staying on a high floor (3,4, 5 or 6) so the view of the sea is unobstructed and I'll tell you, it's incredible.

The front desk, housekeeping, security and others working there have always been friendly. We have witnessed "rude" guests and sad to say "timeshare" owners who think that they should be treated like royalty and get upset when they are treated well but their feet aren't kissed everytime they walk through the lobby. That said, many timeshare owners are great but we've noticed several who should really stay at home.

This place is located in the "Maho" area of the island. Many restaurants, a casino, shops, a small grocery store are within easy walking distance.

We would recommend renting a car, there are many beaches on the island that go from being crowded and busy to having a beach all by yourself.

Enjoy!

We have been traveling to st. martin for 10+ years and have made the Royal Islander our second home. We first went as a time share exchange and now it is a regular request. The location is on the water overlooking the Maho Bay and airport. It has the Casino right across the street and the night life is great. All the shops and Maho are friendly and accomedating.
The staff at the Royal Islanded treat us like extended family and work to make our visit special each time.
The facilities are well kept and even after the hurricane they were in good shape.
Highly recommended.