Riu Playa Blanca - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5778 reviews

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  HOT SAND, COOL Place

  We had an AMAZING stay at RIU Playa Blanca this past February celebrating my husband’s 55th birthday with a group of 12—and it did not disappoint! The drive from Panama City (about 1.5 hours) was perfect for us. By the time we finished chatting and relaxing, we were already pulling up to the resort. The entrance alone sets the tone—very grand, beautifully landscaped, and clearly designed with attention to detail. Check-in was quick, smooth, and very organized. We booked through a third party, but because we also checked in ahead of time using the RIU app, everything (documents and payment method) was already set—super seamless experience. Food options were just right for our 4-day stay. With 4 restaurants available, we had plenty of variety. I can see how a longer stay might feel a bit repetitive, but for us, it worked perfectly. Breakfast had a great assortment, and the lunch at the adults-only pool was consistently delicious—and always beautifully presented. The activities team did a fantastic job keeping things lively at the family pool. If you enjoy being active and entertained, there’s no shortage of things to do. Nightlife was also fun! We didn’t go into the club due to flashing lights (my husband can’t be exposed to that), but from what we could tell, the DJ played a great mix of music. One of the BEST parts of our trip? The people. Everyone was incredibly friendly—we especially connected with a group from Canada, and by the end of the trip, we were like family. We even hosted our own goodbye dance party one night, vibing to 80s and 90s music—such a fun, unforgettable moment! If I had to give any feedback, it would be the rooms. While they were clean, they are definitely dated. Some dresser handles were broken, and overall, the rooms could use a refresh. When you compare RIU Playa Blanca to the RIU in Panama City, it’s like night and day. If Playa Blanca updated their rooms to match that level, this resort would be booked nonstop. Pro tip: The sand gets VERY hot, so bring beach shoes! That said, I personally loved the black volcanic ash sand—it literally sparkled like black diamonds. Absolutely beautiful. Overall, this was a fantastic group getaway and birthday celebration. Great vibes, great people, and great memories. We would definitely return!

  Mar 23, 2026
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  Havent even gone yet and im already scared

  Im visiting soon and im already getting the run around about requests and getting assistance before i arrive. I hope this isnt my whole trip.

  Mar 17, 2026
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  Why I will not go back to Riu Playa Blanca

  1. Black beach that gets very hot as day goes on, you need shoes to walk but also water shoes to go swimming because there are some rocky areas when getting into the water. 2. Jellyfish in the ocean. 3. Very few shaded areas on the beach. 4. Black feet and black/dirty shoes all the time due to black sand. 5. Lots of people around the pools, chairs with shade usually reserved very early. Noisy. 6. First come first served system for a la cart restaurants. People lining up 20-30 min before 6pm to eat, sweating in 30degrees C to hopefully get the table. Ridiculous! 7. Rooms very basic, pillows were horrible; old and lumpy. 8. This hotel requires quite a bit of walking if your room is closer to the beach. The elevators are only in the middle of the buildings. Long and winding hallways. 9. Lots of birds in the buffet area. 10. 2 hour drive from Panama City airport. 11. The stuff is nice but management of little help; young and unexperienced, doesn't care much. For the same money, there are much better places to go and enjoy your vacation!

  Mar 15, 2026
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  Not a 4-star experience, but still a lovely one

  We got a good deal on this Riu location, and were excited to start our trip to Panama here for a few days before heading further out. The first impression was that this property is a poor reflection of Riu standards. Although rated a 4-star hotel, it was much closer to 3-star. As others have mentioned, the room needs a refresh (old beds, stained bedding, old furniture, mold in bathroom, old shower), the à la carte restaurants weren't anything terribly special, the beach is lovely but the chairs are sunbleached and haphazard, there's no poolside/beach drinks service, and the location is very isolated along a strip of similar hotels and a strip mall in the middle of nowhere. That said, the towels were always clean and fresh, the buffet was plentiful and had something for everyone (nothing extraordinary, but always tasty), the pools were clean, the grounds well kept, and the staff were friendly and so helpful. Daily activities were fun and engaging. It was quiet and the sunrises were just superb. We used boogieboards which was a fun afternoon! Go in expecting a nice 3-star place and you won't be disappointed.

  Mar 15, 2026
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  Not good enough…

  Was there on a day pass and must say we were not impressed. Although the hotel looks good and clean the food and beverage level is below average even for all inclusive standards. Buffet options are limited and was hard pressed to fill my plate with anything that looked remotely tasty… No water bottles on site, one towel per person etc… Beach is relatively quiet as the hotel is somewhat isolated but pool was noisy and very crowded. Must say Julio Cesar at front was very ice and competent. We will unfortunately never see him again as we will not be returning.

  Mar 10, 2026