Riu Playa Blanca: Nice resort great for family

It was great only the entertainment for adults at night needs some changes more diversity.the beach needs cleaning dirty leaves the beach close by was very clean. One night lots of people got sick Sunday night. The view was great the people were great the room was clean

Riu Playa Blanca: Great Resort

The ocean front room was spectacular. We were on the 6th floor overlooking the pools. Meals were better than most all inclusive resorts. Fruits were in season. The ocean could not be enjoyed due to possibility of stingrays but there was plenty of room in the pools and ample chairs for everyone.

Riu Playa Blanca: We liked it

We really liked it. Everything was good: food, drinks, our room, service, night entertainment for four nights of seven was good. Nice that you don't have to book a restaurant in advance if you want to go for a steak or Italian.

Riu Playa Blanca: Amazing resort!

Food was amazing, it was hot not humid which was great! The drinks were good, and restaurants great. Rooms were clean, friendly staff, amazing shows. The only problem we had was that the pool closed at around 6 or 7, and thats when we wanted to swim because we got sunburnt. Also the beach for most days had the red flag (which means water is dangerous dont swim). When we looked at the water, it wasn't bad, but what do we know we're only tourists. But all in all it is an amazing resort, and w [... read more]e had an amazing experience, and yes it deserves the 5 stars.

Riu Playa Blanca: Great trip!

Overall a great experience! I traveled with my husband 6yo son and 8 month old baby and another couple with their 8month old baby. Resort was clean and hospitable food was great no issues. Im not one to expect 1st class treatment on a beer budget but I always felt safe everything was cleaned well and I didn't have high in the sky expectations. The big issue I read about was the washrooms so I timed how long it took to walk to them it took me 60 seconds to get from the pool to one washroom an [... read more]d 90 seconds to the other one just leave yourself a minute to go to the washroom and you will be fine!

Riu Playa Blanca: Beach is NOT swimmable

The hotel was infested with bugs. The food was ok. They had the same selection of food everyday. The beach was the biggest disappointment because it was not swimmable. The water is brown and the beach has all black debris in the sand and at no point over the 7days did they clean it. Overall this is a 3 1/2 start hotel. The best part is the fruit selection an the staff.

Westin Playa Bonita: Satisfactory.

The hotel itself was clean, grounds well kept. As an all inclusive there was not much choice for food other than buffet three times a day. Had I known that the a la carte restaurants were not included I would have gone somewhere else. That was not specified anywhere prior to booking. It gets very boring eating at the buffet three times a day for 7 days.

Riu Playa Blanca: So glad we decided on Panama!

The Riu Playa Blanca Panama was an amazing resort! So peaceful and beautiful. Very well maintained resort with amazing food! Bartenders were all very friendly and always on the ball. Beach was spectacular! The beautiful black and white sand sparkled in the neverending sunlight. Accommodations were great. Hotel design and decor was fabulous! Some room for improvement with a la carte restaurants. Felt more like additional buffet restaurants instead. Would have also been nice to have washroom facil [... read more]ities closer to the beach. Bar service on the beach would be a welcome addition. All in all, would recommend this resort to anyone.

Grand Decameron Panama: Home away from Home

Our family has been coming to the Royal Decameron for about 11 years sometimes 3 times a year and it has become our home away from home. This trip I came down with my 84 year old mother who has never been to Panama and she loved it. Right from booking with Eliana Anton, who was most helpful, friendly, and efficient, through to our departure at the other end, with caring airport personnel (as my mother uses a walker), our trip was a delight. Treatment by airport and customs personnel on arri [... read more]val back in Canada was another story - harsh and unhelpful - but that's beyond the scope of this review. Riu Hat airport arrival: very long wait to get through customs and be processed for the buses to the hotel. Perhaps more personnel would alleviate this problem. I had requested an Ocean front room in the 1400 block on the first floor due to infirmities and was please to get exactly what I asked for. The rooms are fairly basis, but I knew this from past visits and they were kept very clean. My only complaints about the rooms are 1) there should be grab bars in the bathrooms by the toilet or at least in the shower. It made it difficult for my mother. A bathtub would be nice as well. 2) We had a room that was adjoining to 1415 and you could hear everything being said in the next room through the adjoining door. They played their music so loud we had to call security. Security was very efficient and rectified the situation immediately. Unfortunately, you could hear even a pin drop in the next room - need sound proofing. We visited El Canal, Café Mediterranean, Atlantico, Pacifico, and Mezcal during our stay. All were lovely, but Mezcal needs to work on ambience and service. We were seated under a speaker which blared music, so bad I asked if they could turn it down. The music came in crackley as well and made for an unpleasant dining experience. The chairs were plastic and uncomfortable and the service was so slow - we had to ask for coffee 3 times before getting it. Otherwise all our dining experience were very good. We enjoyed beautiful restful days on the beach and mainly the Pacifico pool area. My only comment about the pool areas now is that they have crammed so many lounge chairs together in all of the pool areas that it actually very uncomfortable wedging in somewhere. The pool at Sushi Samba used to be my favourite, but it has way too many loungers with no room in between so unfortunately I spent no time there this time. Even along what we called the lagoon area with the very shallow water was lined with loungers which I felt was unnecessary. This is a big change from previous visits. One observation my mother made was how clean and well-maintained the property was. She was so impressed with its beauty and how hard the personnel worked to keep it that way. Her only complaint was the constant loud music - she would have enjoyed some quiet moments with only the sound of the birds and the waves. From guest services to the jitney drivers, they were extremely helpful - especially with my mother and her walker - and very friendly. We were delighted with everyone at the hotel. We went on one excursion, the half Panama Canal cruise from Gamboa to Panama City, and the tour desk with very efficient and helpful. We had one of the best tour guides I've ever had, Juventino Juarez, who was extremely knowledge about his country and others. His fluency in Spanish, French, and English was impressive. The cruise was a highlight - very interesting and exciting. The day of our departure the bus driver came to our door and asked when we'd like to be picked up and came right on the dot. We were sad to leave. My mother is usually ready to get home from vacation after a week, but really had the desire to stay on. Thank you Nolitours for an excellent vacation experience (again!).

Grand Decameron Panama: Great resort

This was a great resort for what we paid. Do not go here if you are unable to walk. Tons of walking up and down hills. We loved our excursions and the guides were all amazing Joanne, Manuel, is what, Andreas. Our bar tender Felix was the best .The only complaint I would have is I did not like booking my dinners for the buffet. I have never had to do that before.

Playa Blanca Resort: Perfect Vacation

Twitter As you know I was there two weeks before at PlayaBlanca and had a great time. This trip was like the last a great time amazing people there and very friendly guests. They even stepped up and made this trip even better I was very happy to be there again and sad to leave after the two weeks. My future trips will always include Playa Blanca that's again for helping choose a great destination and take soon.

Grand Decameron Panama: Beautiful Resort!

The grounds were beautiful! It was so hot but the weather was perfect everyday! Buffets were great but didn't like the restaurants. Nice clean rooms friendly staff! Lots and lots of stairs but not a problem for us at all but seemed people weren't made aware of this.

Grand Decameron Panama: !!Marvellous Family Vacation!!

We were there Apr 17-24. Fantastic that it's only a 5 min drive from the airport to the hotel! Beautiful location! Spacious and lovely room! We were in condo 43, we loved being next to lobby 3! Fantastic variety of swimming pools. Pacific Ocean is not kid-friendly most days, but our family of four (2 adults + kids ages 10 + 12) still enjoyed long walks on the beach, and playing in the surf. We are vegetarian so mostly stuck to buffets; tried the Italian restaurant and loved it! The Sushi Bar is  [... read more]great for day time snack ie delicious potato wedges, veggie fried rice and make your own sandwiches or burgers. Have never eaten such delicious pineapple and papaya!!!! Would move there just to eat those fruits!!! Panama is **very** hot and sunny - took what we thought was extra sunscreen and ended up buying 2 more bottles!! Please take note: this is an EXCEPTIONALLY large property, you will need to walk A LOT --- which we love. But, we would not recommend this location for people in wheelchairs or solo travellers with a stroller. 'Ramps' are steep and only saw one wheelchair ramp. Serge the transat rep described the Panamanian people as 'shy', which I would agree with. Don't go here if you expect VIP/hoity toity service. Friendly and kind staff, but not over the top attentive in the dining room -- we often waited long periods to order coffee or dinner drinks. We started calling it the Bermuda Triangle drink experience. But the bar service at pools and at towel service was kind and quick. We did the one day Panama Canal and city trip. Was well worth the money. Dream come true for us! The Panama Canal viewing deck is packed -- make sure to pack an extra dose of patience waiting to take pics there. We went off the resort a few times to check out the local gift shops and supermercados - good prices and interesting to see the area. On beach side we enjoyed having drinks at "Pipa's Beach". We would definitely return to this resort, next time for a 10 day stay! If you like walking, beautiful birds, iguanas, beautifully groomed walkways etc etc ignore the bad reviews and try this special place!

Riu Playa Blanca: Great time!

Our trip to riu playa Blanca panama was great. The resort was clean and very modern. The staff were very friendly and felt like family at the end of the week. Drinks were great, food was decent- though was hoping for some more seafood selection. Pools were beautiful, beach wasn't as nice as other places I have been but the view from our ocean view room was gorgeous. My only complaint is the lack of bathrooms throughout the resort. When drinking, once you break the seal, ya gotta go often, and ba [... read more]throoms were scarce. Otherwise great vacation!

Grand Decameron Panama: Good resort once you get a hang of it

The resort is huge, with many hills. Many restaurants and pools. The drinks were great, the food was decent. The rooms were great. 5 mins away from the airport. The beach is not the best, but good enough. Would stay again.

Riu Playa Blanca: Absolutely Wonderful Resort & Experience

We went with a group of 8 and we were all very happy with our experience. Our check in and check out was seamless. The hotel was extremely clean. The staff was very kind, the food was delicious, the pools were clean, the ocean was clean with no seaweed and the entertainers work very hard at their routines - great shows every night - even for children. We travel often and I would definitely go back to this resort and recommend this location.

Riu Playa Blanca: Amazing resort

This is our first time to Panama and we will definitely be going back. The Riu Playa Blanca is an absolutely beautiful resort. No matter what room you have, you can see the Pacific. The whole facility was immaculate. The staff were very friendly and always polite. The rooms are new and spacious. We love the beach and never had a problem finding chairs and a shady palm when necessary. Enjoyed the food, the drinks and entertainment. They make amazing Caesars - very important for us Canad [... read more]ians you know. The Nexus Reps were extremely helpful and always available. Like I said, we definitely will be back.

Riu Playa Blanca: Perfect Resort

RIU Playa Blanca is located just 10 minutes from the Rio Hato airport. The food was excellent both in the buffet area and A la Carte restaurants. The entertainment staff kept the kids busy with various games as well as entertaining the adults (volleyball, bocce, darts, Aquafitness, etc) The night shows were good. Beware that the Tour operators mainly cater to the hotels in Panama City (2 hours away). Book your excursion either at the hotel or on your flight.

Dreams Playa Bonita Panama: Nice and clean

Everything was great the grounds looked beautiful and the dining rooms were good food. We wish the resort staff told us about the Mosquitos upon arrival after 5:30pm it would of been nice.the wine and cocktails were great. We loved Elvis the pool waiter

Dreams Playa Bonita Panama: Beautiful resort but terrible bugs!!!

The grounds are beautifully maintained and the pictures on line do not do it justice. The pools are very nice with plenty of room and no chair issues. The beach is definitely not Punta Cana and the ocean is not safe unless you want to swim with sting rays and jelly fish. It would be nice if this hotel offered nightly entertainment. Having live music in the hotel lobby does not cut it for 6 days. The 1 Panamian show held on Saturday along with a themed buffet was good but not enough for the w [... read more]eek. I wish there was more information provided about the nasty bugs. The hotel did provide bug wipes on the first day to repel the bugs but we needed to continuously make requests for more as well as restocking of the fridge, robes and fresh towels. Needless to say for this resort being rated 4.5 to 5 I would not rate it more than a 4