Very Nice resort!

Great Hotel!!would definately recommend it. Great value for the money. Panama city and canal tour were amazing. Really close to airport, checkin was very fast. Weather was great, just becareful to wear sunscreen.

Objective Review

This will be an extensive review so I will break it down into a few headings. 1. Hotel Grounds - The resort is huge!!! I say that because if you have any mobility issues or health issues which hinder walking or climbing stairs, avoid this resort at all costs. There are approximately 65 - 75 stairs to climb to get from beach level to the lobby and some rooms. After a few drinks or in the heat it is almost dangerous and at the very least exhausting. From one end of the resort to the other is ab [... read more]out a 7 - 10 minute walk. The hotel is kept clean and the gardens are well maintained. There are numerous pools and bars to satisfy all. Once again, BEWARE OF ALL THE STAIRS!!! 2. Rooms - The rooms are the typical resort room, we had 2 double beds plus a single futon in the room. We had no problems with hot water at any time. There is a fridge in the room to keep water which is provided but any other drinks have to be purchased. The air conditioning worked which is a godsend after all the stairs and walking in the heat. 3. Food - The best way to describe the food is that it's a step above Cuba but by no means Mexico or what Canadians are accustomed to. The buffets are typical all inclusive resort buffets, you won't go hungry, but don't expect 5 star food. The a la cartes are worth it, we sampled the grill, Mexican and seafood restaurants and they were good except for the Mexican one. The biggest drawback to the food is the reservation system at the hotel. You must reserve 3 days of meals (including buffet) at a time. This means you have to get up early twice during your stay to go to one of the lobbies and get a number. When they call your number you go and reserve your dinners for the next 3 days. I understand reserving the a la cartes, but the buffet??? 4. Weather - The weather in late February was fantastic!! Sunny and hot!!! In the 7 days we were there, not a drop of rain. 30+ degrees each day. 5. Service - I will start by saying this isn't Cuba so don't expect everyone to be fluent in English. Most of the staff speaks Spanish and it is not uncommon to find difficulty communicating with staff. They understand the usual... beer, rum, bathrooms and please and thank you, but don't expect much more. Unlike Cuba where they seem to charge after you looking for tips, you are more likely to have to call them over for assistance. The staff don't smile very much either which I am told is a way of life there, not a rude attitude. 6. Beach - The beach is huge, excellent for those who like to walk along the beach. It is almost a 10 minute walk from one end to the other. The sand is very hot so wear water shoes or sandals when not in the water. There is a very strong undertow and can be extremely dangerous. We went with excellent swimmers and only went out about 20 feet from shore. Every day was a yellow or red flag day (warning or danger). Two people in our group were stung by jellyfish, close to shore. Because of the undertow and no coral or such, snorkeling is a waste of time (Travel rep's words) 7. Check In / Out - Rio Hato airport is just a 5 minute drive away from the Resort and the check in is done at the airport. You are given a package that includes: your room key (yes an actual key!!!), a voucher for the dinner buffet, your towel cards and a map of the hotel. Once the bus arrives at the hotel you can go straight to your room and start your vacation. Extra room key requires a $15 deposit and a safe key costs $22 dollars for the week. When leaving, check which bus you are on to the airport and hand in your key and off you go. The airport has no food except for vending machines (pop and chips etc.) and no duty free. If you want to bring some rum or such back it will have to go into your checked luggage. 8. Other - The drinks are fabulous, never had a bad drink anywhere on site. We took the Aerial Tram and Canal Excursion and had a real good time. Bring water with you, they supplied water but didn't tell us and one man came down with heat stroke. The washrooms leave something to be desired and it is not uncommon to have no running water in them. There is a small store and some vendors off site about 5 minute walk from the resort. Leave lobby 3 and turn left and it is a nice walk to a grocery store and many souvenirs (much less expensive that the gift shop at the resort). There is a restaurant called "La Fogata" on the way to the stores, I never ate there but was told the food was excellent and reasonably priced. 9. Conclusion - I was glad I went there and had a really good time but, and I mean but!!! If walking long distances or climbing stairs is an issue, avoid this place!

Its a well geographical positioned resort!

we had a 5 days of amazing weather, plus a very cordial people who made us feel great. Overall management was very we'll organized and willing to help us in anyway we needed. Would help to have at hand drinks facilities so it would be no struggle to a drink when you arrive, specially when its very warm.

Hot and Hilly resort

Large resort with well kept grounds. Service was slow in the restraunts. Could be because of not enough employees. Maid service was excellent. Loved our room. The pools were excellent. Food was typical buffet style. If your fussy the hamburgers were great.Good selection.VERY CLEAN. Lots to do. Great entertainment night and day. Weather was great. Excursions were excellent variety. If you are bored then that's your fault!?Our group of 16 had a blast!!

Royal Decameron Panama

Excellent location. Air Transat staff had booth set up at airport, provided us with Hotel package with everything we needed for arrival at hotel. 5 minutes to hotel, porters had our luggage to room and we were enjoying our holiday within one hour of clearing security at airport. We did have a problem with our in room safe. Once reported to front desk, they promised to send maintenance to our room within 20 minutes. Within described time...problem was solved. Huge hotel, lots of pools,  [... read more]bars, restaurants. However, weekends became busy as local families arrived. Seemed to take over main pool areas and kids overwhelmed bar staff with requests for soft drinks etc. We retreated to adult only pools... so everything was good. Room was clean, comfortable beds, food was good, beer/drinks excellent.

RESORT REVIEW

OVERALL GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH RESORT. DEFINITELY NOT A 4 STAR. ROOMS SEEM A BIT RUN DOWN WITH NO AMENITIES IN ROOM LIKE IRON, IRONING BOARD, CLOCK, FEE FOR SAFE, FEE FOR STOCKED FRIDGE ETC. BOTH A-LA-CARTE RESTAURANTS SERVED SAME MENU. THE FACT THAT ALL RESTAURANTS NEEDED A RESERVATION FOR DINNER INCLUDING A-LA-CARTE WAS A BIT ANNOYING AND THE FACT THAT THEY ONLY OPEN AT 7:00 A.M. FOR BREAKFAST WHEN EXCURSIONS OCCASIONALLY WERE EARLY DEPARTURES. STAFF WERE ATTENTIVE AND FRIENDLY. EXCURSIO [... read more]NS WERE AWESOME. GUIDES NOT NECESSARILY SO - HEAVY ACCENTS AND BILINGUAL TOURS LONG TO LISTEN TO. FOOD WAS OKAY BUT NOT AWESOME. MORE SHADED "HUTS" WOULD BE NICE ALONG THE BEACH. TRANSAT ORGANIZATION PHENOMENAL ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE.

Nice Resort

Rooms are nice. Grounds nicely kept. Pools are clean. Service is friendly. Beach is beautiful. A little wildlife ( iguana ). Get ready to walk. Lots of stairs. But it's a good workout. Would go back again. You can't ask for much more for the money. Good value.

Wonderful resort

This is a very spacious resort. Our ocean view room was very clean.Food was good with many choices for the picky eater. Pools were clean and the staff were friendly. There are lots stairs which many people used to their advantage for their morning workout. Have your cameras at the ready for the local wild life.

Alright resort

Clean. Rooms were clean. Really liked the shower. Lots of steps and hills. Food was nothing great. Booking all your suppers even for buffet at night was stupid. Booking for el carts was mostly impossible

Poor

I've never been to a worse resort for food it sucked The rest of the trip was fine best I can say ??????!!?????????????????????????????)??))???????????????????????????????????????!!??????? Vvvvvvvvbbbbbvbbbbbv. Cfhgh

Very disappointed

after fourth time at this resort, will never return! Management has apparently changed , food was not good , restaurant booking procedure was medieval, not enough lounge chairs in the shade, entertainment not english, customer service from hotel staff very poor English, too many steps from beach to room ( that didnt change but we are getting older!) very few english guests, hard to make friends., felt very isolated

Beautiful resort

Hotel rooms very nice, beds very comfortable, rooms located very well for access to lobbies, restaurants, bars ,pools , beaches and entertainment. Transportation was very convenient and drivers were very polite and friendly and helpful because I have a disability. All staff were also very helpful and cheerful and were very accommodating at all times. Internet was not the best but not a big deal. Didn't care for the selection of food but there was lots to eat. Car rental was amazing and the weat [... read more]her was exceptional and location to airport was unbelievable.

Great Resort! Amazing Vacation!

The rooms were spacious and clean. The grounds were constantly being cleaned. Food was great, especially at the Italian and Mediterranean restaurants. Many pools to choose from although had to get there early if wanted chairs under umbrellas for shade. Would definitely return to this resort.

Great resort

the plush grounds are well kept,a great array of food choices and very curteous staff.This resort is super clean inside and out,stayd ten days in feb 2017 would recommend this to anyone,i would go back in a heartbeat.

NOT RECOMMENDED

BEAUTIFUL RESORT, EXCELLENT LOCATION - 10 MINUTES FROM THE AIRPORT, CLEAN, NICE POOLS, COLD BEER, EXCELLENT GOLF COURSE OKAY, THAT'S THE GOOD STUFF TERRIBLE FOOD, CLAIMS THAT A LA CARTE'S WERE BOOKED SOLID - WHEN THEY WERE AT LESS THAN HALF CAPACITY, ALMOST NO ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF, IT TOOK 6 HOURS TO HAVE SOMEONE COME AND FIX OUR ROOM SAFE (YOU PAY FOR USE), OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES FOR BUFFET RESTRAUNTS HAVE YOU WONDERING THE HUGE SPRALLING COMPLEX, AND MANY MORE LITTLE THINGS TOO TRIV [... read more]IAL TO MENTION BUT WHEN ADDED TO THE ABOVE MADE THE PLACE THE WORST RESORT I HAVE EVER BEEN AT. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND THE RESORT AND I WOULDN'T RETURN

Never Again Royal Decameron

The hotel grounds were nice, the rooms were older could here neighbours quiet clearly, but the biggest disappointment was the food, and the service. When we got there they sent us to a spot to eat as we where very hungary, they fried burgers that had been sitting there for who knows how long, buns were stale, had to shoo away the birds from the salad bar, the food at the buffet was not much better. When they finally arranged a super bowl party at a conference hall they had no food there as well, [... read more] we ended going off the resort twice for dinner, I could go on and on about all the problems . Very disappointing. The food in Cuba is much better. Would not recommend this place to anyone. Yours truly Bob Lane

Decameron Resort

Good day, my husband and I spent 8 days at your resort. We do not speak Spanish and everyday we had difficulty communicating with your staff. We used Lobby 3 for all our communications. Only one person spook good English so we tried to talk to him when he was on duty. I would think that a resort as large as yours you would hire persons who spoke English fluently. My husband required assistance ever day we left our building for transportation to the dining room. We had a difficult time  [... read more]talking to the transportation man to tell him where we needed to go.,,,always to a dining room three times a day. My husband always tipped the driver, a custom in our country. We never could go swimming in the ocean as reaching it was impossible. Our room was always clean, the grounds keeper kept the property neatly groomed. We could not talk to any of these people as they did not understand English. My husband had to see the doctor. Dr. Fletcher spoke excellent English and he helped my husband with his problem. Signing up for a dining room was a waste of our time. We could only book 3 evenings at a time. Then when we went back to order other dining rooms, those restaurants were closed. Why? The food in the dining room was always good, fresh although you ran out of salad an fresh food rather regularly. Staff was slow replenishing the bowls, We will never be back and will not encourage our friends to attend your resort. Sincerely, Jean

Worst Resort Ever!!!

Let me begin by stating that this resort serves the worst food I have ever eaten at any resort or restaurant anywhere. It’s incredible the lengths Royal DeCRAPeron goes to save a buck. We were a group of 13 men aged 50+ on our annual golf vacation getaway. We have been doing this for years at different resorts each year. Until this experience we have had nothing but good/great things to say about each of our past experiences elsewhere. Check in was very fast and efficient which they did  [... read more]at the airport. They had everything ready for us. Check out as well was very good. That’s the extent of the good experiences at Royal DeCRAPeron They are old school at this resort by issuing keys instead of cards to open your door and they give you only one key per room. As such if you want another key they ask for a $15 refundable deposit. If you want use of the safe, it works out to just under $3 per day. A WASTE OF MONEY!! 3 times we had to call down to have it opened because it broke. A few of our friends experienced the same. We called and called and called to have them come to fix it. They might as well throw their phone system out because they don’t answer it. If by chance they do, no one speaks English. To get any service we had to walk to the lobby to ask at the front desk to have someone fix it. They ask that we go to our room to wait for them; that wait was anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes on each occasion. My advice, save your money, time and aggravation and leave your valuables at home. Carry a money belt and carry your passport with you. Or just stash it somewhere. The rooms were not well cleaned. Everything we touched was greasy. We’ll assume, sunscreen lotion from past guests. We spent the first hour scrubbing down as much as we could with soap and water. In the bathroom they would only leave us one roll of toilet paper – the one on the roll. We asked that they leave a second one but they did not all week. Again, they most likely did not understand or this was another means of Royal DeCRAPeron cutting costs. The FOOD. Or what they may call food. The buffet offered a very small selection. There was a selection of 5-6 items in the hot tables. The grill offered 2-3 choices. That’s pretty much it. Breakfast would offer scrabbled eggs at the hot table. NO BACON. NO SAUSAGES. You had to go the to grill where people were lining up to have an omelette made which was generally a big line to ask for bacon which they kept behind the counter. If you figured out where the bacon was kept, more often than not they didn’t have any. They served the strangest things at breakfast. On different days they served; chicken wings, ribs, chicken legs and wings in a sauce, quesadillas jerk pork. What we think it was, leftovers from previous dinners. Not sure but it was weird. Wings, ribs etc. YES. Bacon and sausages NO. I had cereal 5 of the 7 days. Hard to screw that up but they did on the 2 days I didn’t have it. Milk was frozen on one occasion and it was empty the on the other. Yogurt they leave for self serve in a giant bowl. No ice under it. It was very warm and likely someone was going to get ill eating it. Dinner and lunches weren’t much better. Often the food was cold, overcooked and dry. Thought we try the salad bar, but it was generally picked clean. They did a very poor job of replenishing the dishes. And again, very few selections. On one occasion I thought I would go a safe route and make myself a tomato and cheese sandwich. No cheese, no tomatoes. The bread often very stale. The orange juice is not orange juice, it’s TANG. On one occasion one of our friends was not feeling well and decided to nap. He asked that we prepare and bring him back a sandwich but they prevented us from taking food out of the restaurant. They said they have a policy of no food was to be taken out the restaurant. Our friend had to go without that day. While we fully understand that they have opening and closing hours, if you’re hungry through non-lunch or dinner hours, on one occasion it was quite the challenge to get something to eat. They have snack bars throughout but most of them were closed, the ones they keep open are open at opposite ends of the resort. And it’s a very big resort. The a la carte restaurants are waste of time. You can only book reservations 2 days in advance. But you had to book early in the day as they booked up. We got there at 8 am and it was too late. In turn we just turned up one eve. We were turned away from the Italian restaurant and yet the place was 80% empty. We did get in a few nights later. I have to give credit where it’s due. The ravioli was good. But the portions are small and they will refuse you a second serving. They told us they have a limit of one entre per person. “All inclusive”??? While we don’t blame the people who worked there that they didn’t speak English (managements fault) it was very frustrating throughout. The staff was friendly and tried. No complaints of the golf course. Well kept, very reasonably priced and challenging. And great staff (that’ doesn’t speak English but very friendly and helpful) But it was clear how management went to great lengths to cut back on the little things we take for granted when we vacation at a resort. Among the 13 of us, we figured we have stayed at almost 80 resorts between us and we all agreed that Royal DeCRAPeron was the WORST. Can’t emphasise enough how bad the food was. If the food were decent, we would have overlooked the other little things we didn’t like. But the food was that bad. We ate off site on 4 occasions to get a decent meal. In summary, definitely would NOT RECOMMEND this resort.

Worst trip in our 5 years as a group

Where do I start. We went to Cuba on our second year and the food was 3 times better than whatever we had here. No plans to do anything for the Super Bowl had to supply own food to enjoy the game. The best meal we had we had to go off the resort to a restaurant. I understand we're in a different country but you have to have someone who can communicate when there's a problem. Little things like having to pay for a second key when they're two people in the room having to pay for a safe at an all- [... read more]inclusive resort is unacceptable. Spoke to people there who told me they have been coming here for years and it has been going downhill and they would never come back, I hope you take a good look before you recommend anybody else to come to this Resort. Saying that the rooms were fine and the grounds are very nice. I read some negative reviews before we came here but we had to see it for ourselves and I would rate this 3 out of 10.

Excellent Resort

We had an amazing stay at the royal Decameron in Panama. The only thing I can say is next time I will book a ocean front. the stairs and paths leading to our unit was very difficult especially when you have health issues. Very efficient check in and all staff was very helpful. Disappointing that you had to make a reservation for the buffet and when you went to book the special restaurants a lot of nights they were either closed or booked for special parties. Over all we would go back again [... read more]. Thanks Maria Harris for your great service at Trip Central