Playa Blanca Resort: Had a great time!

Booked at the right time, as we received an upgrade to the new Town Centre. Gorgeous room, beautiful view of the large/HUGE pool! Had read mixed reviews but the place was such an excellent value, and the airport is literally 7 minutes away! As a Canadian, it was a little bit tricky considering that most of the people who worked at the resort didn't speak ANY English....but as intelligent human beings, we figured it out. The staff were excellent, even despite the language barrier. Food was delici [... read more]ous, highly recommend the Oriental, right on the beach. My husband loved the steak there, and that's saying a lot! :) We took a million wonderful memories home with us, and we have already considered going back. The only drawback were the sales people trying to get us to consider looking at the new properties. Kind of annoying. Overall, a trip of a lifetime!

Grand Decameron Panama: Will be back for sure!

We recently returned from the Royal Decameron in Panama and really only have good things to say about our experience. The food was good, the people were friendly, the resort itself was absolutely beautiful (but very, very large with tons of stairs and huge ramps to scale). If you do not have mobility issues and are up for the challenge of walking 10,000 + steps a day then this is the place for you! The only downside is the commute from the airport in Panama city (2 1/2 almost 3 hours on a bus) b [... read more]ut there is a airport 10 minutes away from the resort that is set to open shortly.

Grand Decameron Panama: Wonderful Resort for the Money

Me and my daughter went over the March Break (March 16th to 23rd) This is a great value for the money resort, room are very clean as are the entire grounds. Make sure you get a beachfront room or you will be doing lots of stair climbing. The food and entertainment were adequate at best, if you are looking for great food this is not the place for you. The buffet for breakfast and dinner was constantly empty of many items and what was available was bland and not very appetizing to look at. They hi [... read more]de the bacon and you need to ask for it from the ladies who do the eggs and omelettes and they treat it likes it's gold. Nightly entertainment is pretty much the same every night, kids games, followed by karaoke, followed by dancers (same dancers each night). Beach and pools were fantastic, lots of loungers around the pool and on the beach. The drive from the airport is 2 hours but, the time goes by quickly and they do stop for a bathroom and drink half way there.

Grand Decameron Panama: Great place! Enjoyed my trip and stay at Decameron

Good value for your money, No complains really, good service, bus service to different locations at the resort. Lots of restaurant, good food. Took a trip to Panama canal and the city, interesting! Did not know that Panama city was that big, love the old colonial city which is currently under restoration.

Riu Playa Blanca: 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.

Grand Decameron Panama: A Panamanian Paradise

The hotel was beautifully laid out and the grounds were immaculately kept. There was great attention to detail and cleanliness. The food was amazing and the variety mind-boggling! It was such a bonus to get the a la carte restaurants included in the price .The food was delicious and the meals at The Catch of the Day and the Fusion del Mar were our favourites. The staff were so pleasant, courteous and extremely helpful. The only issue was that the resort was so far away from the airport and the t [... read more]ours so expensive and took time away our stay at the resort.

Grand Decameron Panama: Large resort, good food, clean

Excellent resort, a little older but well traken care of, staff are great, very clean, lots of activities available, food was good, large resort, lots of walking, staff were nice. Had a great time. Entertainment was good, Late night is more quiet, alot of bars and restaurants.

Grand Decameron Panama: Good Resort

My suggestion is that you fly into Scarlett Martinez Airport which is five minutes away as opposed to Tucomen Airport which is about 2 to 2-1/2 hours away. As well, there was nothing close to the resort. Our Beachfront room location was good with a lovely view of the garden and ocean. Garden view rooms were far away from restaurants and beach. Meals were ok but inferior compared to other places we've stayed. Huge inconvenience was dinner. Only one buffet restaurant was open with reservations r [... read more]equired for all other restaurants. This was totally unacceptable as when on holiday I do not want to think about making reservations for dinner three days in advance. Since this is a large resort, management should think of having at least two restaurants open for dinner with no required reservations. If the resort would like to run a lacart restaurants, staff should be trained to provide such service. Most times we had hardly touch our salads before our dinner arrived. By the time we got to the dinner, it was cold. The scheduled time between sittings were adequate, but for some reason, the staff just rushed the diners through to get them out ASAP. The beach was nice, however, more shelter should be provided. We were never able to locate an umbrella or cabana and therefore had to limit our time outside as it is extremely hot. Staff spoke limited English, therefore there was no interaction. Even smiles and gestures of appreciation in our limited Spanish often failed to even raise a smile from most of them. The most efficient were the housekeeping staff. We feel that the resort catered primarily to Spanish and French speaking visitors. There were few employees who spoke even limited English. I feel that there should be at least one English speaking employee at reception at all times to cater for emergency situations, e.g., illnesses, etc. Again I reiterate that this is a very large resort and many visitors spoke English in addition to other languages.

Grand Decameron Panama: Great resort

Great resort. However everything was catered to people speaking french. Beginning with resort Information, the welcome information and excursion info was in French, being addressed in French, shows at night (in fact a stage was educated to frebch shows) and a beach party entirely in french. Very disappointing.

Grand Decameron Panama: Nice resort

The hotel was nice. The rooms were simple and there is no stocked fridge. There were not as many shops but the variety was still okay. The food at the buffet was okay but the restaurants were excellent.

Grand Decameron Panama: our get away

Check in was so organized, easy and fast and your luggage was taken directly to your room. Simply put the trip was sensational. Beach great, pools fantastic with no shortage of chairs and you could always find a pool to suit your needs( quiet for reading, games to play, lounges inside one pool or adult only), food great, rooms good, beds fantastic-very comfortable, very well maintained and staff eager to help, although some have very limited English. All the signage is in Spanish and English tho [... read more]ugh. We seen iguanas and peacocks just walking around, It was amazing. It is a fairly big complex and if you are not beach front prepare to walk up and down hills daily to eat. The only negatives were the 2 hour bus ride to get here and the limited English speaking so if that does not bother you, what are you waiting for book it.

Riu Playa Blanca: 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.

Dreams Playa Bonita Panama: very nice and relaxing resort

Intercontinental Playa Bonita is a beautiful resort located near the entrance to the Panama Canal. The panoramic view from the hotel is almost breathtaking. The beach is sandy but the water is not great for swimming.The pools make up for it. This resort is the most relaxing one that we have ever been to. We've been to a few. The food is fine and the desserts were the greatest we have ever had. If you are looking for a late night party atmosphere, this is not the place. Never had to worry about f [... read more]inding a comfortable place to sit or lay around the pool or beach. We went on the last week of February and thought it would be busy. We never had to wait in lines. Service in some areas are slow but there is no need to be in a hurry anyways. Definitely one of the top three places we've been. Behind Hawaii and Costa Rica.

Grand Decameron Panama: Amazing Resort!

The hotel, grounds and BEACH FRONT rooms are clean, well maintained and beautiful. The weather was 30c or more the entire time we stayed (end of feb) with sunshine and no rain. There are many pools to choose from depending on your mood- busier pools with great house music and quieter pools for chilling. Despite being a larger resort it had a friendly intimate vibe. I went with my partner looking for a low key romantic getaway and got just that! That being said, anyone could go to this hotel and  [... read more]be happy: families with kids, older, younger, gay or straight. The only people it would not suit would be peoe looking for more of a club atmosphere- it's too chill for that though the music at the pool was current and diverse. The food got repetitive (but doesn't it always?!) decent selection of salad and meats but they could kick it up a few notches. It did not ruin our trip though- not even close! Service was a little slow sometimes but just make good friends with the good ones and they will treat you like gold :)

Grand Decameron Panama: Overall great trip

Very nice resort. Quite big (lots of walking) although we were right in the middle. Good food, Nice and quiet resort. Lots of pools, restaurants, activities, Palapas (shade on the beach). Bus ride is long ! (Sunwing lands at the new airport across the street...)

Dreams Playa Bonita Panama: Very Good Resort

Just returned from Panama it was a good experience beautiful grounds nice and friendly staff very good food, weather was excellent in February shopping is great . I would definitely return to Panama and bring my family.

Grand Decameron Panama: Decent place

This hotel is a big operation so there are few drawbacks. Services are decent except for mediocre night entertainment. Panama is interesting, but for less money you get better value in Mexico or Cuba.

Riu Playa Blanca: Great. Resort

The beach is very nice and long perfect for walking. The staff we're really helpful. Food is excellent. The Resort is very close to the Rio Hato airport but they need more vending machine or kiosk while waiting for plane. The weather was the best I would go back very satisfied

Grand Decameron Panama: Beautiful Resort

The hotel grounds are beautiful. Staff are friendly/helpful. Food is average, the Sushi was our favorite. Snacks are available at anytime. Activities and nightly preformances are fun. The The beach is beautiful but it was difficult to find a spot in the shade unless you are up early in the AM. Our room was nice, the view of the beach/ocean was fantastic. The resort is a little bit of a drive away from the airport (1.5-2hours) but the guide was very friendly and knowledgable, pointing out landmar [... read more]ks and sharing history. *We travel often, always booking online. This was our first time booking with TripCentral.ca. We were impressed with the helpfulness and professionalism of the staff. Thank you for helping ensure our honeymoon was a beautiful/memorable trip. We will definitely be using TripCentral.ca for booking future travels.

Grand Decameron Panama: Very good

Resort is very well laid out along the ocean shore. All amenities are easily accessible. Very hot in Panama & the resort could therefore use more shaded areas on the beach. The location is a long way from the airport.