Stayed here on a cheap weekend break. I only checked in with tripadvisor after booking and was prepared for the worst given the recent negative posts. I couldn't see what all the negativity was about. 3 Star hotels in Ireland are basically a small step above B&B accommodation, so perhaps people are judging this hotel a bit harshly.

My experience was perfectly adequate. Check-in was effortless, with the girl on reception being perfectly polite and helpful. The lift was a little shaky on stopping, but nothing too be worried about. The room was nice, not much of a view out the window, but given that the Hotel is in the town and not on the seafront it's not really an issue. Decor was perhaps a little dated, but the bed was really comfortable.

Made use of the Leisure Centre in the morning- this was great! It was lovely to have a swim and a jacuzzi before checking out. You will either need to bring a swimming cap with you or buy one from reception though.

The only real negative I found was that there was no free parking within the Hotel. I just parked on a nearby street though as it was free to do so from Saturday evening, so it wasn't too much of a hassle.

All in all- this Hotel does exactly as it says on the tin. If you are looking for a greater customer experience, then perhaps you should pay a bit more and go to a 4 Star Hotel. If, however, you are looking for a relatively cheap spot to lay your head- then the Royal should be right up your street.

Myself and my wife and children. Went down to bray.
We got a deal. And what a deal. .For a room which i have to say
was great.Big rooom with a good size bathroom..looking out the front part of the
hotel.The bed was king size. We got a meal with the deal. which i have to say it was
so nice.Better than the meal we went for a few days earlier in Dublin.
and the show that was on that night . Which we were on the guest list which was a nice touch.Was great it was a band called the fureys and Davy Arthur.The staff at the hotel were so nice and friendly . We will be going back soon. the children had a ball in the pool and the kids club and play room is excellent

I stay in quite a few hotels with my job so ill be honest about this place, finding the car park was a mission as very poorly signed for it, then you have to pay for parking (this was a first for me!)checking up the receptionist to busy talking to other staff member only thing i was asked was for my name and credit card number, then into lift and it does not feel safe so never used it again, into the room and a fusty smell hits you straight away, then a leaking radiator (stepping on the wet carpet with socks on was fun!!!), draughty window and 2 singles together although booked as a double, then during night room next left on their extratcor in bathroom and they went out, well the sound of the humming drove me mad and reception couldnt do anything as said they not allowed to go in room when guests there even though they were out! Then the bathroom was a mess, rust stains around most screws, big gap under door, and scummy stuff around the bath hence the reason I didnt even bother showering there...complained to reception on check out and girl didnt give a damn i could have been giving her the lotto numbers and she still wouldnt have heard me! Hence I wasnt offered anything as a good will gesture! Place needs to be closed down and a complete revamp as the pictures of the hotel is what it probaly looked like 20 years ago!

I treated my 2 grandchildren (aged 3 & 4) to a weekend in the Royal Hotel. We were allocated a very nice spacious room with a double bed, and a single. There was also a comfortable looking camp bed made up which we didn't use. The beds were extremely comfortable. The staff were really very pleasant especially the dining room staff. We dined in the bar on the first night and we enjoyed our meal. The second night we went to the dining room, where the children really enjoyed the atmosphere. Our meal was very good and our waitress Emma very attentive. (The children asked her name!).
On the negative side.. Entrance to the hotel is from the car park and it's a good long walk from the lobby to reception with kids and bags. While our bedroom was lovely, the bathroom was a bit disappointing, as it was cold and there was a big cold looking window. It wouldn't take much to make it more comfortable. The tv was just mainstream with no kids' channels, so that was a bit of a loss when I wanted to shower ect.
Overall we enjoyed the weekend there and the kids didn't complain.