Fun Royale / Fun Tropicale Resort - 2004 - photos of lodging & accomodations in Dominican Republic on Worldisround

Fun Royale / Fun Tropicale Resort - 2004

We just returned from our fourth trip to Fun Royale / Fun Tropicale Beach Resort in Puerto Plata, DR. Since it was a return trip, we were not expecting any surprises, but there were a few, mostly improvements. The previous trip was almost exactly 12 months ago in January 2003.

The hotel is Dominican owned. The executive manager is Italian, and we could see his touches almost everywhere. There are a surprising number of women on the executive staff. Bravo!

It's still 'only' a 3 and a half star hotel and the rooms are a ... (more)

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Our room - This photo was taken from bathroom.

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Our room - this photo was taken from the entrance to the room.

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Our room - this photo was taken from the balcony. The two large...

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Ready to party! Rum, glasses and mix.

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Towels made into a swan sculpture - the arrangement and flowers were changed...

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Our bathroom - note the towel swan, the basket of amenities (shampoo,...

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Our bathroom - note the towel swan and the wall mounted hair dryer.

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Balcony - right side, activity pool area in background.

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Balcony - left side, football pitch and shuffleboard courts in background.

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View from balcony. The shuffleboard court, volleyball court and activity pool...

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View from balcony. This photo is facing left toward the football pitch.

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Another shot of the balcony. We brought the candles from home.

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View from balcony - You can just see Mt. Isabel de Torres in the background.

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Shuffleboard and volleyball courts, activity pool and lobby area in background.

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Manager's cocktail party. The executive staff are in the line-up....

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Manager's cocktail party. More to drink!

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Manager's cocktail party (yummy).

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Manager's cocktail party. More to eat!!!

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Manager's cocktail party.

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Repeater's party. More drinks! Do you see a pattern here?

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Repeater's party. More nice treats from the kitchen.

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Entrance to Brazilian Restaurant. This is a long view, taken during daylight...

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Entrance to Brazilian Restaurant. This is a close view, taken during daylight...

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Entrance to Brazilian Restaurant. Photo was taken at nightime, just before...

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Entrance to Brazilian Restaurant.

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article published 2/9/2004

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jen
well just got back had great time place is clean people are caring food was awfull!! my sister had awedding there it was great the only thing is watch out for the photographers scam to get your beach photos you have to buy the whole package which is £400. entertainment staff a great they work really hard could do with a mixture of entertainment for different ages otherwise 8 out of ten.
— jennifer, October 11, 2007

weather
Well, weather is weather. That said, it "should be" good in early May. And, it's a fun place and easy to meet people. My son. coincidently named Mike, went there alone a few years ago. He met tons of people and came home with an email address list as long as your arm ....
— robert dungan, May 2, 2007

any help re weather and whats it like for single traveller first time ever alone
— mike, May 2, 2007

hi i am going to hotel on may 7 2007 whats weather like and i am single traveller first time any hints plz
— mike, May 1, 2007

Well, we're returning for trip number 9 in two weeks. See the photos I posted in the January 2007 review. I took the bed apart and there wasn't a bed bug in sight. I've heard the stories about bed bugs while staying there, and confronted the individual. He had sand flea bites from the knee down and barely a mark above the knee. Bed bugs are NOT that selective. My wife reacts to them (every island we have visited) and I don't. I suspect I get bitten but don't react. Whatever they are, I think the term "no-see-ums" applies.
— robert dungan, March 11, 2007

me and my boyfriend are going on the 27th march-10th april. been reading some of the reviews,bit worried about what people are saying about the bed bugs, dirty rooms etc? anyone been this time of year as dont know what weather 2 expect?nicola
— nicola daniels, March 11, 2007

Fun Royale/Tropicale
It's the same property. It used to be two separate hotels, about 15 years ago. There's a resort map at http://www.worldisround.com/articles/304320/index.html
— robert dungan, March 7, 2007

how far is the royal from the tropical
— jennifer, March 7, 2007

Jennifer
There is a safe in the room. You rent the lock and the key from the front desk. $20/week. There's a large jug of purified water in the room. The maid will either refill it for you or you can take it to any of the bars. If you've booked Royale, then there should also be bottled water in the fridge.
— robert dungan, February 19, 2007

thanks place really does look nice bedding too, is their a safe in the room and bottled water is this all in or do we buy seperatley.
— jennifer, February 19, 2007

2007 photo set posted
Jennifer. Photo set (2007) has been posted on this site, complete with pic of the bedding. There are also photo sets for 2005 and 2006.
— robert dungan, February 14, 2007

thank you for reassuring me
— jennifer, February 14, 2007

Clean - YES
I just returned from this resort today. As far as I'm concerned, you could darn near eat off the floors. As far as the bed is concerned, I took ours down to the clean mattress. The mattress was covered with a protective pad (also clean) followed by a sheet, a blanket and another sheet. On top of this was a comforter. The sheets were changed daily. I marked them three days in a row and each day the marked sheet disappeared. There wasn't a bed bug in sight ....

I took photos and plan to post them with my 2007 photo set.
— robert dungan, February 2, 2007

worried
im going to tropical sept 07 i have read lots on bed bugs here is this true is this hotel clean
— jennifer, January 27, 2007

To Carrie:

I got married there in October 2006 (thanks to Bob's help)

I've got tons and tons of photos of my wedding. I'll email them to Bob and he can post them or forward them if you wish. It was a wonderful day, fantastic. I loved every minute of it.
— John Calderwood, January 24, 2007

Best holiday ever
i went to fun royale in 2005, it was the most amazing experience of my life! it was hot, and we never got bored. you have to visit Fun Royale or Fun Tropicale soon! Guaranteed an experience of a life time! thank you for reading this and i hope you take it upon yourself to visit!
— James Wilson, January 20, 2007

weather
I hope not. We'll be there then. Maybe we'll run into you.
— robert dungan, December 22, 2006

I'm just wondering about the weather in late Jan start of Feb. If there will be much rain??
— mary lawless, December 22, 2006

We'll just miss you
Looks like we'll miss the wedding by a few weeks. We'll be there Jan 18 to Feb 1. By the way, there are other photo sets for years 2005 and 2006 on this site, and some slide shows with sound at www.bobfromcanada.com
— robert dungan, November 21, 2006

just have to say i have enjoyed all your pics very much. it helped with our decision on where to stay. we will be staying at the fun royale feb24-march3 2007 and we will be getting married there as well. would love to see some pics of weddings taken there especially if anyone was to have any pics of the gazebo during the ceremonyso i could get an idea of how they decorate it.getting excited !
— carrie, November 21, 2006

Liz, Scotland
Are the Taxi's/cab's safe? Yes

Does the Hotel provide transportation? Nope

Just pick up a taxi at the airport. The rates are clearly posted.
— robert dungan, September 4, 2006

Transfers
Hi, could any help me with some info on what is the best transport from airport-Fun Royale? We have booked a flight & Hotel only Through Travel agent. Are the Taxi's/cab's safe? Does the Hotel provide transportation? Thank's to anyone who can help. Liz, Scotland. Sep 2006
— Liz, Scotland, September 4, 2006

ive been reading comments on funroyale/tropicale im also going there on the 25th september 06 my partner has been there 4 times but it will my first holiday abroad flying from the uk looking forward to it but not the 9 and ahalf hour flight lol see you out there
— steve, August 30, 2006

Traveler
I will be going back to Fun Roayl on Sept 25th, 2006. We went there in Sept 2003 & 2005 This will be my 3rd. time here in 2005 we went to Camiso Pariso Del Sol (DONT GO THERE)safer in the Play Dorado Complex. I always go on the sell off's I've paid as little as $1205 cnn/ couple inc taxes, best time is September www.selloffvacations.com
— Alex Grundie, August 24, 2006

Students
Good question.... There's usually a few around, but no guarantees. The disco was not normally a happening place, but there are a few good night spots at the plaza a short distance away.
— robert dungan, August 20, 2006

Students
I am thinkin about going with a few buddies this coming week... is this a good place for 18-20 yr olds to go... lots of teenagers and good disco at night.. please let me know... thanks
— Julian, August 19, 2006

fun tropicale
this hotel is amazing everyone is so nice and smiley. the kids and adults can have fun with the massive pool and loads of sunbeds. and if you want to get rid of the kids for a day then there is a kids club where kids can go on trips go karting, banana boating and lots more. if you like rum or any alcohol then you will love the bars each one has loads of different cocktails to choose from like run punche, coco loco, crazy parrot and loads more cocktails. so it is for all ages and you will love it.
— toby, June 17, 2006

Wedding
Robert, you're swifter than a swift thing in swiftland. They've emailed me and it looks like you've saved the day. I owe you a beer my friend!!
— John Calderwood, June 15, 2006

wedding
John. Management assures me that things will be taken care of. Please let me know what happens.
— robert dungan, June 14, 2006

wedding
we'll see what I can do ......
— robert dungan, June 14, 2006

Robert, email sent. Hope you are able to help, i'm starting to panic.
— John Calderwood, June 14, 2006

wedding
John - drop me an email and I'll see if I can help.
— robert dungan, June 13, 2006

Wedding at Fun Royale _URGENT HELP
I am booked to go on 3rd October. I have emailed them 5 times to book my wedding, but no reply. I need to get this booked or i am screwed......, anyone had any joy contacting these people??
— John Calderwood, June 12, 2006

re: single person holiday
There shouldn't be any problem. It's a very easy hotel to make friends at. My son went by himself a few years back. He had a great time and returned with a long list of email addresses.
— robert dungan, June 9, 2006

Single person Holiday
Hi All, I am going for 2 weeks at the beginning of September by myself, was just wondering if anyone else has been to this hotel that was in the same sitution and if they had a good time.
— Darryl, June 5, 2006

i would have to say fun royal was the best experience ever the staff was funny and good food the pool was amazing i recoment it like crazy so if you had a rough day at work head to the carribean and get loaded chea
— leo papadopoulos, March 28, 2006

Me too
That's about what I would have said; I might have been a bit more suave about it, but I can't disagree with it. We've been travelling to the Caribbean for many years, and those little ants have been in every hotel we've stayed in. They seem to love the cracks in the grout in the bathroom. My wife also reacts to the sand fleas. We like to call them 'no-see-ums' because we never see what's biting us. Hey, we are returning to the hotel, tomorrow as a matter of fact. I expect friendly smiling service as usual. Maybe we'll run into you down there. When are you going?
— robert dungan, March 18, 2006

Nothing Much To Do???
Nothing much to do? You can't be serious? Are you expecting someone to entertain you 24/7? Our experiences at this resort are diametrically opposite; so much so that we will be returning for a second trip this year. And I would be willing to bet that those 'bed bug' bytes you describe are from the knee down (sand fleas and they are NOT in the bedding). And, those little ants are everywhere in the Caribbean, but that hotel is pretty clean and I would be really surprised if there were critters in the bedding. And, as for the unfriendly staff, if you came off like your posting ..... You get back what you put out. We've never had anything but smiles.
— Karen, March 18, 2006

Just returned from Fun Royale and would not reccomend.Worst ever holiday,poor accomadation,poor food,rude staff.Should only be a 2star.Went for niece's wedding which was actually lovely, although they charged over £200 for copy of DVD and further £30 for 14 photo's. Resort snided in ants,had bed bugs too so bit to death.Overall very disappointed and couldn't wait to come home.Very basic, nothing much to do.
— karen, March 17, 2006

oops
oh, email me anything on weddings there to: bydevineright@yahoo.com
— rachel, February 13, 2006

weddings
Hi, my fiance and I are looking to get married at the tropical/fun royale, and I was wondering is someone could send me some pictures, or tell me about their expiriences. By the way, is it just as nice there in august??
— Rachel, February 13, 2006

RE: need info from Kerry
Al - See the comment I made to Kerry about Debbie's site or email me. Perhaps I can help you. My screen name on Debbies is bobfromcanada.
— robert dungan, November 27, 2005

Need information from Kerry
Hi We are going to Fun Royale for Christmas this years with 2 children and we want to know if someone have some experiences to share with us. Kerry if you got some answers, we will aprreciate to hear from you. We will be there at the same time in december. Thanks
— Al Navaro, November 27, 2005

Don & Bon, I don't think you will have much trouble getting around this property. It's pretty flat, but a little spread out. You might want to consider a room on the first floor, just to avoid the stairs issue. Email me and I can give you the name of a contact or do it for you.
— robert dungan, November 3, 2005

Fun Royale / Fun Tropicale
Thanks for all the pics - you helped us make up our minds about where we planned to go in the DR. My wife is just recuperating from knee surgery so we were looking for a resort that wouldn't be to challenging to get around. We plan to go Nov 19-26 and we'll write a review when we get back. Anyway, thx again. Don & Bon
— Don & Bonnie Bisset, October 29, 2005

Kerry I would try posting your question on the travel forum on DebbiesDominicanTravel 'debsdrtravels.proboards47.com/index.cgi'. You will have to add the http part in front of the address of course. You'll also have to register (it's free). There's a lot of good reviews and assistance on that site. In general, I have found that well behaved young children are really catered to.
— robert dungan, September 28, 2005

I am thinking of booking into the fun royale over christmas and new year with my husband and my 2 children. Has anyone had an expoerience here during this time of year if so what was it like? I also would like to hear from any families who have taken young children - are they well catered for?
— kerry, September 28, 2005

Hmm? Honeymoon
luxurious.

Then, I realised there was no walkway to the beach which was advertised on the brochure we were given my Just Go, in North wales wrexham. I was very upset as when you are on honeymoon moonlight walks just around the corner is a must. It was a five min tractor journey, which in our opinion was not acceptable!

I then remembered, that there was no fruit basket or champagne given to us, although it was promised on arrival.

The first night, we went to sleep only to be awoken by a large Peacock roosting in the tree outside our room. So, from then on at four in the morning, we were awake! We moved into the Tropicale section to get away, only to find its brother!! Still sqwalking away.
— Nina Robinson, July 21, 2005

Fantastic wedding!
I put a letter on this page in February with my concerns that there was not any comments about the weddings at Fun Royale. I can say that i was married 1st June 2005,and it was so perfect.Monica (hotel wedding co-ordinator)is so lovely and was so helpful, along with the friendly welcoming staff.Thanks for a perfect day!
— Emma Richards, June 8, 2005

Booking Excursions
From most expensive to least - tour rep at the hotel (you'll pay posted price), tour reps at Playa Dorada plaza (price likely negociable), licenced beach vendor (price definitely negociable, especially if you can form a larger group of people). Two years ago, a group bought a tour from the beach vendor and the price worked out to about half the price of booking from the tour rep for the same tour. Sorry, I can't remember the vendor's name.
— robert dungan, May 16, 2005

going to fun royal in june and just wanted to know if its best to bye the excursions from the holiday rep or if we can get them cheaper from the complex or somthing?
— JOHN STORR, May 16, 2005

Had a ball. Met great people. Staff is wonderful. Food is 5 star. Bars are open 24hrs.
— Grrr, April 27, 2005

Really good place to stay!
Hello! I was travelling home on the 17th of march... Please... If anyone has some staff pictures of fun royale/Tropicale.. please let me know and send them to me!!! Really really important! thanks! and rob, big big thanks for this great page! -> nelly@vr-web.de
— Nelly, March 27, 2005

Amazing place!!!
I got back from the D.R about two weeks ago, it was amazing. We stayed at the fun royale and had a blast. Awesome animation team, very friendly and willing to show you what fun is all about. We had no problem with Mosquitos but the sand flies were horrible. Two weeks later and I still have some of them. We were told that repellent does not work but to try suntan oil not lotion, supposed to help. Or try the 151 proof at the bar, suppoed to stop the itch. The different tours are great, recommend to anyone to visit this resort.
— Michelle, March 18, 2005

Emma - Weddings at Fun Royale
We just got back from two weeks at Fun Royal. During that time, there were at least 3 weddings. They all looked happy! Relax!
— robert dungan, February 4, 2005

Great
gud site i rly enjoyed it at the tropical part of the complez i cant wait to get my pics developed n the staff wher great plz if ne1 has ne pics of the staff at the hotel could you plz plz send them to me thankz bex69_blue@hotmail.com
— Beckie, February 1, 2005

we went to dr last may-june was incredible, we went just after the rain! i wud recommened it to anyone everyone is lovely there especially safi!
— sophie, January 28, 2005

Still no response!
Please Please Please, can somebody tell me of their wedding day at Fun Royale, would love to hear some fab reports!e-mail me on, emmaleeze@yahoo.com
— Emma, January 26, 2005

We went in 1996 it was first class and looking at your excellent photos it still is but want to know if you can rod fish there and if Royale still provide beech towels.Your email address keeps returning.Can you email me a.pulford@ntlworld .com
— Albert Pulford, January 22, 2005

Do you have a photo, or good comments?
Looking for reasurance of the perfect wedding, e-mail me.emmaleeze@yahoo.com. x
— Emma Richards, January 14, 2005

Miss.
My partner and i are to be married here in May, can anyone send a picture of their wedding or comment about it?
— Emma Richards, January 14, 2005

Going soon too
Tim - we are going back for our fifth trip next week. Hopefully, I'll be able to get updated photos and review posted before your trip.
— robert dungan, January 13, 2005

going soon
We are an english couple who are going for the first time in late february 2005. I really appreciate all the info and photo,s. We are now looking forward even more to going and we will be sure to post our "story" on our return. Many thanks in advance. T & J.
— Tim O'Reilly, January 7, 2005

DÉCEMBER 2004
I have a lot of fun there, but just 2 days of sun and the rest of the week juste raining. but the staff was great, the waiter too. Nice place to drink :o))))
— jeff gag, December 20, 2004

Great pictures Robert, looks just like I remembered it from my previous 2 visits, obviously service is still top notch.
— wud "Debbies", September 24, 2004

Hey, I went on holiday to the DR, Fun Tropicale a month ago, it's an amazing place, great photos!
— Sophie, September 11, 2004

We travelled to the DR on 3rd May for two weeks. We had a fantastic time and I would recommend it to anyone. The food was first class with a vast choice available on each and every sitting. I did hear some people complaining and saw others arriving in the resort with 'pizza hut'pizza's. I found this amzing with the quality and choice on offer. I suppose you'll always get people like this. The two pools main pools were clean and never too busy. Although they biggest pool is noisy with sports and exercise classes, if you want peace and quiet the other pool is the place to be. Hotel rooms were good and clean. The air con is superb. For those about to go have no fear and enjoy.

By the way, what a lovely surprise we got during the holiday - bottle of bubbly and some fruit delivered to the room. Thanks for that. Rating 10/10

John
— John Philip, July 11, 2004

re: repellent, rain and stomach problems
Casper & Whitey You're right. I didn't say anything about insect repellent. It's sort of standard required equipment and I probably should have stated this. They have had a LOT of rain this year, and the weather patterns seem to be changing. And, the mozzies really come out after the showers. As for the weight loss, all I can say is that we ate everything in sight and had no stomach problems. Bob
— robert dungan, May 18, 2004

my girlfriend and i have just returned from "FUNS" and what you didnt say robert was to take a raincoat and also fill your suitcase with mosquito repellent! we have came back whiter than when we left and our legs covered in bites 220 was the last count! we lost two stone because we were never off the toilet!
— casper & whitey, May 17, 2004

re: golf
Try posting that question on the 'North Coast' or 'Questions, Questions, Questions' travel forum at www.debbiesdominicantravel.com (the bulletin board). I'm sure someone will answer that one.
— robert dungan, April 16, 2004

golf
Great site. My girlfriend and I are travelling to the Fun Royale on 3rd May 2004. It has been heartening being able to view and read about the resort in such a comprehensive manner. We just can't wait to get there. Anyone out there played a round on the Trent designed golf course? What's it like / cost / how easy is it to get on / what's the standard of and how much to hired golf equipment? Any information would be appreciated.

Cheers

John from Edinburgh in Scotland
— John Philip, April 16, 2004

Every helpfull hotel description and pictures. We go to this hotel in 2 days for 14 days (I hope everybody is jalous!), and we could not get as many info from our travel agent or from official web sites. Our travel agent even said us there was no hair dryer in the rooms, and I was close to buy one and try to fit it in our suitcase that is already more than full. You save me the money and the packology dilemma. Now we know exactly what to expect, thanks again for your good job!
— Lena, April 8, 2004

pictures very helpful as I am visiting FUN in the summer thanks again as I did not know what to expect keep thoso photos coming Robert
— Charlene Scotland, March 24, 2004

Good pictures Robert, my husband and I just got back from a great week at Fun Royale. I found your site and have been showing your pictures to friends as your pictures are better than mine. :)
— julie, February 26, 2004

Thanks Robert
You don't relise how much i am grateful for your pictures!!! I have read up about Fun Royale and i thought i had made a big mistake,,plus i have booked my wedding over there in June. Now i have seen your pictures, i can relax!! Thanx again!
— mindy, February 23, 2004

This will be our second time to the dominican, first was six months ago at the Villas Dorada,enough said about that place. Were of to the Fun tropical in June, and judging by your excellent report, i think we made a good choice.
— Jim Conway, February 19, 2004

thank you !!
thank you very much for these very beautiful photos.I am going to fun Royale/trop.the 24 february .
— olimaude, February 18, 2004

Correctional Officer
With the for-sight that we have been given makes this first trip to the DR that much more exciting.

Thanks
— mike, February 17, 2004

The hotel looked nice!
It is good to have this direct insight about potential places to stay, so travelers don't have to rely on adds where too many times it is hard to discriminate the reality factor. Here we see what we get with the input of a fellow vacationer, so thanks!
— Monte Petersen, February 9, 2004

The best photo = IM001085 :-)
— Jan Sidorowicz, February 9, 2004