RIU Playa Blanca an All-Inclusive Resort in Panama
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Getting to the Resort
If you are flying into Panama City, you are in for a bit of a drive to get to this resort so just be aware!
We had arranged a shuttle ahead of time and after finding the correct person/company we were told we had to wait a few minutes because they were waiting on 1 other person. After about an hr of waiting, the person never showed so we were able to finally get on the road.
The drive was about 3 hours to get to the resort. There was a ton of traffic and construction, so it was very slow moving!
Thankfully our driver was super cool and stopped at a gas station for us on the way so we could grab some snacks and drinks to have on the ride. He also stopped along the way for us to use the restroom.
So all in all, just be aware that this resort is a bit out of the way, so it will be a long travel day if you are flying into Panama City!
Check In
The check-in process went pretty quick and smoothly. We did arrive around 6-630pm, so it wasn’t too crowded when we got there. Our rooms were ready and we were able to get our wristbands and keys and head to our rooms right then.
Accommodations
We had a group of 6 girls and were splitting 2 rooms between all of us, so 3 people per room. We were given 2 rooms next to each other which was great. The only thing is, we unfortunately had some issues with the room I was supposed to be staying in!
So the other 3 girls, their room was set up correctly with 3 beds (2 beds + 1 rollaway). We open our room and there were only 2 beds. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue and 2 of us could have shared a bed, but the beds at this resort are pretty tiny for grown adults to try to share.
They also had left out some cakes and sweets for us in the room, which was a really nice gesture!… but there were ants EVERYWHERE! And I mean everywhere! The dresser, walls, ceiling, beds, etc. So i don’t know about you, but I don’t want to sleep in a bed covered in ants LOL. So we had to go back to reception and they eventually agreed to switch us to another room.
The other room was ant free (YAY!) but still only had 2 beds and they told us they didn’t have anymore rollaways. They did end up finding us a roll away, but it was broken so we had to ask for a different one the following night.
Another thing to mention regarding the rooms/housekeeping. I want to start off by saying housekeeping and the staff were all super nice! But, we were a little confused by the daily services to our room. We had to ask for towels everyday, the would only leave 2 for the 3 of us or they would take our used towels but leave 0 in their place. We also had to keep asking for toilet paper, there was never any in our room. And lastly, they said the mini bar in the room would be restocked either every day or every other day, I can’t remember, but it was never restocked during the whole week we were there.
So we did get off to a rough start, but in the end got everything sorted out for the most part! Also, I don’t want to come off as a complainer! But as I always say, I like to be honest in my reviews and let you know our experience, good and bad!
To see a tour of the room we stayed in, check out the video below!
Dining/Bars
Balboa (Main Restaurant): Buffet, Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner
Breakfast: 7:00-11:30
Lunch: 12:30-14:30
Dinner: 18:30-22:00
Pacha Discotheque: Open 23:00-2:00
La Cumbia (Open 20:00-00:00) (RIU app shows this is temporarily closed)
Xian (Asian Restaurant): Open for dinner 18:30-21:00
Limon (Pool Bar)
Swim Up Bar (Open 1030am-18:00)
Sports Bar (Open 24hr)
Il Palazzo (Italian Restaurant): Open for dinner 18:30-21:00
Burbujas: Lobby Bar (Open 10am-Midnight)
La Rumba (Lounge Bar): Open 18:00-00:00
Chiriqui (Pool Restaurant/Steak House Dinner)
Open Lunchtime: 12:00-17:30
Dinner: 18:30-21:00
Pools
This resort has 4 different pools to choose from. One of them is an adult-only pool with a swim up bar. There is also a pool aimed towards the kids that features small slides.
Beach Area
The beach at RIU Playa Blanca was very large and had a lot of lounge chairs to choose from. During the day vendors also set up along the beach selling clothing and souvenirs (not associated with the resort).
Excursions
If you are interested in doing any excursions during your stay you can book them right at the resort. In the lobby near the entrance there is a table you can go to and see everything that is offered and book right there.
The group of us booked a trip to the Panama Canal & Monkey Island. They were very accommodating allowed us to add in stopping at a few souvenir shops during our trip.
Check out the video below for a bit more info on the excursion we did
Date of Travel: Sept 2023
All opinions/Photos/Videos are my own
