Riu Playa Blanca - All Inclusive

Italian restaurant was good. Buffet was good. Shows were ok.

Steak house was horrible I found hair in my main dish and sent it back then found another hair in my desert. No joke. I also think they should have white party.

We found it was easy commute by knowledgeable to the facility. We live part time in Panama City, Panama

The only thing I was surprised about was that the lobby does not have air conditioning which could be uncomfortable several large groups at check in time. Guests waiting to be checked in were served cold drinks to keep cool. Tip: Arrive about 30-45 minutes early, if possible

Everything was okay inside of the hotel itself

The horses going through the beach, there were 4-5 horses that were filling the beach with poop that was then taken by the ocean water…

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!