Palau Pacific Resort

The spa was the highlight for us. I wish we’d tried it before our last day, because we would have gone more than once. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly, and I don’t understand some of the other reviews. The property is clean and well maintained, with lush grounds. It’s the only hotel on this side of the island, and the only one with a sunset. The rooms could use updating, and they don’t feel like $500-a-night rooms. Since there aren’t other hotels on this side, food prices feel inflated. Eating elsewhere on the island can be $10.00 cheaper per menu item. The bar’s drink selection also feels dated and limited. They provide just one bottle of water and expect you to refill it, which feels tacky at this price. I’d stay again, but eat off the property more often. Some areas are dated, but they’ve been maintained well.

We went in for lunch as walk-ins and were the only diners, but the food took a while to arrive. When I went to the restroom, an employee waited outside, which felt weird and awkward. It was the same employee who later told us we couldn’t take pictures by the beach after we paid. At the start, we’d told them it was our first visit. When we finished eating, they brought the check in a way that made us feel rushed out. The service really needs to improve for a resort considered high-end. I don’t think I’ll come back.

The resort has a peaceful feel among the trees even when it’s busy, and it didn’t seem aimed at any particular nationality, which made it feel welcoming to everyone. Our room was a bit dated but comfortable and functional. There’s a snorkeling area away from boat traffic, though we didn’t use it, so I can’t speak to the reef quality. The food was the biggest disappointment. Compared with Palau Royal Resort (PRR), meals here didn’t measure up. The pizzas cost about the same, around $25, but at PPR they seemed like reheated frozen store-bought pizzas, while PRR’s tasted freshly made and were noticeably better. PRR also has more dining choices just outside the resort, which gives you useful flexibility on a longer stay. We found the service somewhat distant and less warm than in places like Hawaii, Fiji, and Tonga. Nobody helped with our luggage when we arrived at the lobby, so we had to take it from the taxi to reception ourselves. When I asked for chilli sauce with our food, the server went to other tables to take orders and make and serve drinks before coming back to ask which kind we wanted, then heading to the kitchen. Later I politely ordered a milkshake and got no acknowledgment. The gift shop also left a sour taste. An item had no price tag, and the price we were quoted differed from what was entered at the till. We chose not to argue. Check-in is at 3 p.m., while check-out is at noon. PRR had noon checkout too, but its 2 p.m. check-in seemed more reasonable. The setting is peaceful and rooms are comfortable, but food and service need improvement.

We loved our stay at the Palau Pacific, where we had a water view room. The resort is older but very well cared for, the bathroom was great, and the toilets were next level, haha. Staff friendliness and service were six star, everyone we met was helpful and warm. We didn’t feel we needed a beachfront room because the beach was about a one-minute walk away. I’d read about snorkeling from the beach and was skeptical, but it was really good. It was great being able to go whenever we wanted, especially if one of us wasn’t in the mood. We liked being a little out of town for that and the snorkeling, and although it cost more, it was worth it. The resort is out of town, but we didn’t find that a problem. The front desk called taxis, and we had a great driver named Dennis. Most tours pick you up and drop you off. We were on a my holiday Palau package. Big thanks to Joshua at the pool and activities desk. He was so helpful, even spinning my swimming togs so they’d dry faster. Octuo, the resident marine biologist, gave us a really interesting tour that was well worth doing. The restaurant staff were all lovely, so it’s hard to single anyone out. There was a lot of meal variety, but prices felt high, especially with everything in American dollars. We would’ve liked smaller, healthier lunch options. I understand it’s hard to cater to all the nationalities at the resort. The special dining cost too much for us to justify, even for our anniversary. The massage was lovely and relaxing, just what we expected. It rained a lot, but nothing we planned was cancelled. The weather changed constantly, sunny, rainy, then sunny again. One small thing we discovered, our clothes dried better indoors with the air conditioning than outside. I also would’ve liked a reading light for nighttime.