A mix of guestrooms, suites and villas make up the inventory of 273 rooms at the Royalbay. All the regular rooms, despite different category names, are identical in their appearance, the only differences being the view and the presence or not of a terrace/balcony. The deep red themed rooms feature either a double bed or two singles dressed in fine linens, plaid, and, most importantly, Sofitel's ultra comfortable 'MyBed' mattress top. Traditionally carved furniture, in the form of bedside tables, desk and drawer unit, give the room charm, while the window seating covered in scatter cushions is a nice design feature. On the walls hang contemporary prints of Moroccan scenes while the opaque glass window which separates the room from the bathroom is another unique element of the room. Amenities include a flatscreen television, cordless telephones, safe, fully stocked minibar and air conditioning. The shining bathrooms have long double vanities, l'Occitane toiletries, a half separate loo and bidet and a bathtub/shower combination. They are not only spacious and spotless but the glass diving window allows natural light to flow in. Balconies, if present, feature comfortable outdoor furniture and pleasant views of the pool or the ocean, however the level of privacy is very low as other guests can see in from almost everywhere.
The prestige suite, which is the most requested room type at the hotel, is double the size of a regular guestroom, with the second half given over to a separate living space with a seating area and coffee table, second television and second bathroom with Hermès toiletries.
For the ultimate in comfort and luxury, go for one of the villas. Each one decorated in a different colour scheme, these duplex properties have several bedrooms, separate living and dining spaces with a fully equipped kitchenette, a home entertainment system, two bathrooms with both tub and walk-in shower, a private (although not at all intimate) terrace with pool and, best of all, an appointed butler who is the sole point of contact at the hotel for your every need. The decoration too is of a superior quality to that of the guestrooms with fine fabrics, lamps and objets d'art.
You should know that as well as the terraces not being at all shaded from the gaze of passers-by, some of the most expensive rooms are built in a dip in the ground, meaning you don't even have an ocean view, which seems a big disadvantage to have to pay for.
Amy Adejokun
Section editor
