Reat place for a rest and peace of mind

Not to big and not to small , got all youneed Good food , great beach , lots of pools and about a hour ride to canal . Panana a great city to see, the people are not hanging on to your coat tails . had a great time . safe place to go, air port next door.

Good resort

Service was excellent. The grounds where well maintained. Rooms are pretty good size and well kept. Food was great, specially all the sweets and fruits:) will come back next year again for two weeks...

Great holiday

The Riu was a fantastic resort. The food was great, rooms were clean. The grounds were kept nicely. The only draw back was no washroom close to the pool. Staff were very friendly and understood English pretty well. They tried very hard to understand and respond to our requests. Food was plentiful, lots of variety and all in all tasted surprisingly good. Being on the pacific the ocean was pretty rough and made it hard to swim there, not to worry there are 3 large pools + one kids pool so not real [... read more]ly a loss that the ocean was not inviting.

Truly Wonderful

Fabulous time here, all staff welcoming and very friendly. Food plentiful and good variety. Grounds, restaurants, washrooms etc are kept very clean. Staff always cleaning and wiping. Bar staff terrific, as is restaurant staff. Room very spacious, kept immaculate and lovely big bathroom with huge walk-in shower. lovely resort to relax but nothing much going on as far as activities are concerned and too far from town. Only beach vendors to shop at as plaza is not yet opened.

Good resort

Great view 75% or more had a good view of ocean and pools, food was excellent good variety, most of the staff spoke English. Hotel was clean, we were greeted with drinks with Rum as soon as we got off the bus, The airport was 10 minutes away and very small, almost perfect, on the return trip we could not hear the person calling out the row numbers to board the plane . They need to invest in a PA system at the airport. On our excursion to the Panama canal it was good but we spent too much time on [... read more] the bus and not enough time at our actual destinations, Oh well so its not a perfect world . The shows at night were 90% Spanish, its to be expected being in Central America.

Very nice resort

This is my very first review. We travelled in Nov (13-20) - the rainy season so we didn't have great weather. Rainy and overcast most of the 7 days. We still had a good time. We travel in a group of six so we were able to keep entertained when the weather was bad. The hotel was modern and most of the ladies would using the facilities would say that they decor was very nice (great pics of handsome men in the rest rooms) (Many women commented on this heehee :) They do not have may water sports. M [... read more]y husband is a diver and they wouldn’t go diving the second or third day we were there due to the tides, the next few days they wouldn't go because they only do shallow dives and the water was too churned up so visibility would be very low. He was extremely disappointed. They do not have windsurfing or sailboards - very few water sports. They are still new with the all-inclusive resorts in Panama so I suspect this will get better. The rooms were very nice and very clean. We had no issues. The in room bar was full, fridge was full. They only refill every second day but if you ran out of water, reception gave you what you needed. Rooms were completed early each morning although there was one day that the cleaner hadn’t been to our room by 2:30pm. I used the gym everyday - everything was in working order and there were multiples of the equipment so you didn't have to wait long for a machine. (Three treadmills) It was clean and tidy. I only coded the beach and pools as average but really - the pools were great - the beach was average. It was a lovely long walking beach but the water - when we were there- was all dark and murky due to the weather. We never swam in the ocean on this trip. The sand was marble - black volcanic sand and brown sand. It was pretty on some occasions – sometimes it just looked dirty. We were there in what they call low season – so there were plenty of chairs around the pools – mind you – we were at the pool early each morning (7am-ish) We didn't see people wandering looking for a place to sit. The food was good – basically, I was told to expect "Cuba" type foods - bland etc. We were all quite surprised and pleased. The only disappointment was that dessert was the same everyday even in the a la carte restaurants - no specialties. We were disappointed with the fact that the hotels catered to many local Panamanian people on weekends. Unfortunately – we struggled at the pool with them. There were multiple groups and each of them felt they had to compete with their music. The pool bar played music and three other groups thought theirs was better. It was quite annoying and very loud. On the Wed (our trip ended on Friday) there were approx. 900 people that came in for a reunion – they were not as loud as the Panamanian people were. One evening we were having dinner at the Steakhouse – after dark - and one group was still in the pool hooting and hollering while we were all trying to have a nice dinner (7-8pm). We struggled to get a late check out – you have to be out of your room by noon but your bus to the airport doesn’t leave till 3. They really need to plan better for those situations – we were finally able to get one but only after insisting. We were given 1:30pm. We took one excursion – to see the Panama Canal. It was a very long day – left at 4am and took 3 hrs with traffic to arrive at the boat. We arrived back at the resort about 5:30pm. To me it was exciting – I love the history of it all. To some others – it was boring and long. Bring some snacks – the breakfast they offer is terrible (bun with butter, banana and cut up pineapple – they call is continental – of course this is not how we know it!) Lunch was very good. They had lots of water and pop (soda). Recommendation: -- not sure if I would recommend anyone to go to the pacific side – I think I would go back but this time I would look for a resort on the Caribbean side. I would go back again in Nov – but you take the chance of the weather – the week before us – the temps were in the 40s and it was all sun. You never know. Overall we had a great trip – relaxing. This is what we were going for!

Lovely resort

Everything was very clean and staff very friendly, only bad thing was the entertainment was terrible and the lack of things to do. Ideal location for just relaxing. Beach was not very good but you have to consider where we were.

Solid 3.5 star

Overall we had a great time st the resort. Some things to note; Rooms are big and very nicely decorated, if u plan on watching tv, there is only 2 English Chanel's, we didn't, so didn't care. Bars are great, with a lot of different options, they even make Canadian Caesars! Pools are spacious and nice, lots of availability of loungers and spots with shade. Beach is not white sand and the water is murky so not great for swimming, lots of jellyfish. we traveled during their Independence Day, so the [... read more] resort was absolutely packed with locals, and quite loud and crazy... Wouldn't recommend traveling there during this time (Nov 3). Good was decent, you won't starve, but not as good or as much variety as other Riu's we have stayed at. Would rate a 3.5. We have stayed at 4 stars that were much better. Was worth the money we paid.

Nice clean resort

Generally good.food was not the greatest but there was always something one could eat. Very clean. Staff friendly. Check in and out quick and efficient. Beach not the best, sand black and brown. Pools enjoyable. Entertainment okay.

Nice hotel but too many children in adult pool

too many children in the adult swim up pool bar area--no one would control them-there should be an area for adults only--the evening enterainment was mediocre--the staff was very friendly, polite and helpful--our oceanfront room was clean and comfortable

This hotel is good

first of all too many locals waiting in line for drinks to be served, also if you smoke like it do and many others their is only one place to smoke which is down towards the ocean.youy cant even smoke off your balcony for if you get caught its a $500.00 fine. would not recomend this to any one. also it is too hot theirs no place to cool down in the pools they are hotter than a bath tub. over all it was ok the food was good.the alla carts were never opened only one through the week.

Good Value .. Lots to do ..

New Resort.. very well kept .. clean .. rooms were cleaned every day. Beach good .. black sand.. .. Lots to do at this resort .. also great day trips .. Food was plentiful and a wide variety at every meal Smoke Free resort although when we were there .. many inconsiderate smokers did not adhere to the NO SMOKING signs and I had to report it four times. Great Artisans on the beach and very reasonable prices ... Gift shop .. far TOO EXPENSIVE .. you can purchase the same items on the beach for  [... read more]less than half the price We felt very safe here and went off the resort many times to go to the local village. Panamanians are friendly hardworking people and very helpful.. when there was a language barrier (which wasn't often) they would go out of the way to find someone that could speak English. The only negative I would say is that on the weekends you can hardly get in the pools as the resort is full of locals .. This was especially in the kids area .. Other than that we had a great time and the price is right. WE had a garden view room but every room has a view of the ocean. I would rate it as a 4 star not 5

Amazing resort

Very clean, friendly staff, food everyday different. pool really nice and clean. Wifi free. erery night different shows but as there are lots of tourist, suggesting that have to speak more English.Love the place.

Very Good Resort

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this resort. The rooms were spotlessly cleaned and maintained. The grounds were beautifully kept even with continuous changes and modifications going on. The speciality restaurants and the buffet were a delight!! So many different choices to please the pallet!! And the staff went above and beyond what was expected of them. We are planning on returning here in the very near future.

Great resort and staff

I went with my best friend, it was beautiful and fun. The weather was amazing and we spent most of our days by the pool meeting people and playing games during the day or at the shows and disco in the evening. The staff was amazing and maintenance was great. The only thing we didn't like was the beach but besides that it was a great place to stay.

Fantastic Resort!

I had always heard amazing things about RIU resorts, but had never stayed at one. Playa Blanca lived up to and exceeded my expectations! The grounds are beautifully landscaped: flowering shrubs, manicured hedges. The outside was clean, bright and always had an energy about it. Our room was tastefully appointed and always clean. Which was no small feat with two teenagers! Staff, from the front desk, to servers, room attendants were friendly and very attentive. The food was varied and delicious. W [... read more]e especially enjoyed the Italian restaurant.

Great Family Vacation

Panama people are amazing. Very friendly and helpful. We only speak English and this was not a problem. Beach was amazing (except for the dark sand that is very hot on the feet). Pools were great, food was great, drinks were great. Hotel was bright and clean.

Great Resort...Pleasantly Surprised

After reading some of the other reviews regarding this resort, once we arrived and had a chance to get to know the place we were quite pleasantly surprised at how truly nice this resort actually is. Even thought the hotel idicates it is a 5 star it would propably be fair to say more of a 4 or 4.5 star. Not all the services that come along with a 5 star property were offered here. The hotel itself is truly modern and quite simplistic in its design, not your traditional RIU hotel if that is what  [... read more]you are looking for than this is not it, this hotel is quite modern with everything about it, from your room to the restaurants to the entire design of the hotel. I found it to be a refreshing change and quite liked it myself for a change of pace from the ordinary of what you normally expect. We stayed in a standard room which was quite fine in size, had all the typical amenties that RIU is quite famous for. The room was very clean and staff were amazing and very helpful if you needed anything. All rooms that face inward to the garden/courtyard/pool area have somewhat off a view of the ocean from the balcony which is an added bonus. I found the lobby to be a bit on the hot side, the natural breeze just didn't seem to flow through very easy, now the lounge area just off the lobby has an amazing breeze. The check in was truly great, I was with Sunwing, so we had our own check in line and everything was prepared and ready to go. Because this resort is quite new, the grounds still have a lot of growth to go but they really do keep it very clean and well maintained....still so young since the hotel has only been open for a little over a year now to the best of my knowledge. I found the food to be quite good, above average considering it is an all inclusive. Each restaurant I found to be equally good, Steak House, Asian, Italian and the Buffett...each were equally as good. Note: At the Steak House make sure you ask for the special or they may not offer it to you. Found this out afterwards that they sometimes forget to offer the special, but just ask and they will offer it. The service was very good and there was always something good to eat and let me tell you I am a very picky eater...so if I could eat then just about anyone would enjoy. Also you do have unlimited access to all the restuarants here, but again you do have to book early in the morning to get the place you want to eat at with the exception of the buffett of course. The beach area is a little different, the red flag was up the entire week for us, so didn't really get a chance to swim in the ocean, but we did a lot of walking along the shoreline letting the water cascade over our feet...which is really nice. You can quite literally walk forever it seems along this beach...amazing! If you are looking for a very laid back place to enjoy music, sun and sand then I think you will enjoy yourself here.

A few shortcomings

Nice hotel, but being new there is no reason for some of the design flaws: only one set of elevators for the entire 7 storey hotel, which are located way at the front of the resort. This could be a major challenge for anyone who does not like 140 stairs to top floor.. Another major design is there is only one washroom at the 4 pools and it is a far as way possible from the swim up bar! Food and entertainment were good.

Very nice but obvious growing pais

First off, I was shocked and dismayed to learn that there was no coffee maker in the room as my husband and I are huge morning coffee drinkers. The only place to get caffeine prior to the buffet opening at 7:00 was the sports bar, where you could wait in line for half a hour to get a latte. That was our biggest complaint, oh and the way you have to make reservations for the a la carte restaurants. Although IMO the a la cartes were not worth getting up stupid early to stand in line to make a rese [... read more]rvation. Hubby did this once and we got steak house. Went to buffet afterwards. Food was good and for the food complainers, I don't know whats wrong with you as there was always an extremely wide variety to please every palate. Shade is at a premium and the search for umbrellas is always a game. We never had a problem, but we're early risers. Yes, contrary to the "rules" people save chairs, etc. We never saved but always got shade and an umbrella. Rooms were sterile, but who's there for the room? They were functional and I must say the shower was great. Staff were awesome, never found any problems communicating and they were all very friendly. The one thing about Panama that disappointed me was the garbage all along the road. So much garbage. Glad to have experienced Panama and this resort, but time to move on.