Decameron Panaca - All Inclusive

We booked two nights and left after just one. After 6pm there’s nothing to do but go to your room and sleep: the pools, spa, table tennis, shop, and other facilities all close. If you return from a day at Parque del Café or Panaca, the hotel is basically just a bed and breakfast. The website doesn’t list these hours. The restaurant is also difficult to use: you have to book a table at 8am, which is impossible if you check in at 3pm, and the à la carte restaurant is closed Sundays. The breakfast buffet was poorly stocked, with lots of empty trays. They also won’t let anyone under 18 use the pool table, even with a parent there. Calling this “all inclusive” is very misleading.

The rooms could use renovation, and the food wasn’t as good on my recent return. I visited about two years ago and had a very positive experience, especially with the cuisine and the staff’s service. The service is still commendable, though. I’d still consider it a suitable place for families visiting Panaca Park, but I hope they make some improvements.

We drove more than three hours to get there, only to be turned away at reception. I was with my son, brother, and disabled mother. The staff said that because my son and I are American, we needed passports to enter, even though I showed my license. The website said a legal ID was enough, which is what I had. Leidy, the person helping us, was extremely rude and didn’t try to help at all. I’ll never go back.

Being so close to Panaca and getting to interact with the animals on site really made a difference for our family. The location is great, the gardens and landscape are well kept, and there are good entertainment options with great service. Our room was comfortable, though the soundproofing could be better. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs for the evening shows. The food was alright for an all-inclusive.