Palau Royal Resort: A Complete Guide to Staying in Palau

Palau Royal Resort sits on the southern tip of Koror, a place I first saw on a flight map and then discovered in person last summer. The whole experience feels like a private island that still answers to a schedule, a calendar, and a few unexpected hiccups.

Getting There

The easiest way to reach the resort is to fly into Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR). From most U.S. cities you’ll connect in Manila, then a 2‑hour flight on a regional carrier. The airline drops you off on the main runway and a short 15‑minute drive follows.

Taxi service is provided by the airport for a flat fee of $25 USD. The driver will meet you at arrivals, load your luggage, and head straight to the resort gate. Expect the road to be a bit bumpy; the pavement is still being repaired in places.

• Flight from Manila to Palau: about $300‑$400 round‑trip economy.
• Airport taxi: $25 flat fee, cash only.
• Travel time from runway to resort: roughly 15 minutes.
• Bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer; the taxi driver does not have one.

Check‑in and First Impressions

Check‑in starts at 3 p.m., but the front desk is flexible if you arrive early. I showed up at 1 p.m., and after a brief chat about my arrival time they offered a lounge chair and a cold drink while my room was being prepared.

The lobby is a high ceiling space with a mix of stone and bamboo. The staff wear bright shirts and greet you with a smile that feels rehearsed but genuine. Their English is good enough for most questions, though a few local phrases slip in.

• Standard check‑in time: 3 p.m.; early check‑in may be possible for a $30 fee.
• Reception desk opens at 7 a.m. and stays open until 10 p.m.
• Free bottled water is provided upon arrival.
• Wi‑Fi password is printed on the welcome card; speed averages 12 Mbps.

Rooms and Rates

I booked a Deluxe Ocean View for $210 per night, which includes breakfast and a small reef‑side balcony. The room size is 32 square meters, enough for two adults and a small suitcase.

The bed is a king‑size mattress with a pillow menu that surprised me; they actually let you pick from soft, firm, or a hybrid. The bathroom has a rain‑shower head, but the water temperature fluctuates when the resort runs the pool pump.

• Deluxe Ocean View: $210/night, includes breakfast.
• Family Suite: $350/night, sleeps up to four, private plunge pool.
• All rooms have a mini‑fridge, coffee maker, and in‑room safe.
• Extra‑bed charge: $45 per night.

Food and Drink

The main restaurant serves a buffet from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and a la carte dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. I tried the taro chips and a grilled manta ray that arrived on a banana leaf.

Bar service is located near the pool and offers a decent selection of local beers, a few imported wines, and a signature cocktail called the Palau Sunset. The cocktail is made with fresh pineapple juice, a splash of rum, and a dash of lime; it’s sweet but not cloying.

• Breakfast buffet cost: included in room rate.
• A la carte dinner average price: $18‑$25 per main.
• Bar minimum: $20 per person after 8 p.m.
• Room service available 24 h, delivery fee $5.

Activities on Site

The resort offers a dive center with daily trips to the famous Blue Corner. A two‑hour introductory dive costs $120 and includes gear, guide, and a light snack.

If you prefer staying dry, the kayak rental is $15 for a half‑day and $25 for a full day. I paddled around the lagoon at sunset; the water turned a deep indigo and the sky reflected like a mirror.

• Dive trip to Blue Corner: $120 per person, 2‑hour intro.
• Kayak rental: $15 (4 hrs), $25 (full day).
• Guided night snorkel: $30 per person, starts at 7 p.m.
• Fitness center: open 6 a.m.-10 p.m., free for guests.

Leaving and What to Remember

Check‑out is at 11 a.m., and the staff will store your luggage if you have a later flight. I left a day early and asked for a taxi to the airport; they charged $30, which includes a brief stop at a souvenir shop.

One small annoyance was the resort’s recycling program; they only accept plastic bottles and cans, and the bins are tucked away near the pool. I ended up packing a few extra bags to bring home.

• Check‑out time: 11 a.m.; late check‑out possible for $20.
• Airport transfer: $30 flat fee, includes one stop.
• Currency: US dollars accepted everywhere on the property.
• Tip guidelines: $5‑$10 per night for housekeeping, $2 per meal for servers.

Palau Royal Resort feels like a place that knows how to balance luxury with the occasional rough edge. If you’re willing to work around the schedule and keep an eye on the small details, the island’s natural beauty and the resort’s hospitality make for a memorable stay.