Hotel Riu Playa Blanca 5*

I was one of a group of 135 people who booked this hotel, Riu @ El Farallon del Chiru, Panama l. I paid for an oceanfront room and got a room with a huge palm tree blocking my view. When I complained, the front desk employee, Domingo took me to other oceanfront rooms with a different tree blocking my ocean view. I advised him I paid for oceanfront and not tree-front. He pretty much didn't see a problem and said he would stay there. I'm sure he would since I'm the one who paid and he did not. He stated he would work at getting me another room once people checked out. I NEVER heard from him again. He pretty much told me if i didn't like my room, I could go elsewhere but later denied it. I then spoke to Mr. Martinez, the Customer Service Manager about my situation and he was very apologetic but nothing was done. I advised him after I checked out, I will be staying at the Riu in Panama City for a few more days. He said he would contact them to see if they can compensate me. I believe his idea of compensation was two beers, two sodas and water. That will not compensate me for the money I spent for an oceanfront room. I stayed in my non-oceanfront room, upset I couldn't watch the sunset from my room. I expressed my grievance to our travel group coordinator and our large group will not be staying there again. There were others with complaints by others in our group. As I stated, our group was 135 people. Other problems with this hotel, for it to be twelve years old, you would think it was 50. The iron boards were so rusted at the legs and underneath and the walls in the rooms had dirt stains and tables, night stands and bathroom were not clean. I bought Clorox wipes and had to clean them as well as the light switches which were supposed to be silver but were black. The rooms were spacious but that was because it was missing the loveseat sofa shown on the website. Also, on my floor by the ice machine, there was a large chunk of wall with was either pulled or fell off and not repaired. I wish I took a picture. I was huge eye sore. I couldn't understand why it was never reported and fixed. They need to touch up the rooms with paint and their hallways as well. PLEASE FIX THE PIECE OF WALL BY THE ICE MACHINE ON THE SECOND FLOOR AND CLEAN THE ICE MACHINES WHO WERE FILTHY. The positives, they keep the grounds and the hallways mopped and clean and the restaurant staff and bartenders were very attentive and professional. There was one woman in the main restaurant, who was such a joy to see in the morning. I didn't get her name but she should get a raise. Her customer service was impeccable and she took care of me at breakfast when I was there. The food was good and the Italian restaurant was the best out of the three they had. No issues with any of the restaurants. Another negative, it's a two hour ride outside of Panama City and nothing to sight-see in the area.

All-inclusive resort, so really everything is included around the clock. All meals, snacks, drinks, minibar, etc. The quality is good and the service staff very friendly. In contrast to the all-inclusive hotels in Spain and Italy, there is no crowding at the buffet. Large selection and if something is missing, it is replenished immediately. In addition to the buffet restaurant, an Italian, an Asian, and a local restaurant are also available at no extra charge. Unfortunately, the infrastructure (furnishings and swimming pools) is in need of renovation. At least our rooms were clean and equipped with everything necessary.