Royal Decameron Salinitas

The hotel is celebrated for its expansive pool areas and unique natural saltwater pool, offering a refreshing escape and direct access to the ocean. It provides a vibrant tropical environment that helps guests unwind and enjoy their stay. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking diverse activities and dedicated children's facilities, as well as couples looking for a relaxing getaway with beautiful sunsets and tranquil spots. Sightseers and explorers will also find it convenient due to the availability of various tours. Guests frequently commend the generally friendly staff and the wide array of dining options, though the check-in process is a recurring point of frustration. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to bring water shoes for beach access and be prepared for potential delays during check-in.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers an impressive array of facilities designed to keep guests entertained and comfortable. Guests consistently praise the numerous swimming pools, including a distinctive natural saltwater pool that provides a unique swimming experience, and several jacuzzis for relaxation. A lively pool bar is available for refreshing drinks, and a nightclub or disco provides evening entertainment, though some note it can get very warm inside. While a fitness center is present, some guests have reported issues with the equipment. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally available in common areas like the lobby, but its performance in guest rooms is often described as poor or non-existent. The convenience of ice machines and vending machines is also appreciated by many visitors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. While many rooms are generally found to be clean and spacious, some guests have reported issues such as a persistent humidity or mold smell, particularly in older sections. The beds receive mixed reviews, with some finding them comfortable while others describe them as too firm or the pillows as flat. Common concerns include dated room decor, holes in walls, broken doors, and old vanity units. Plumbing issues, such as showers that cause water to spill onto the bathroom floor due to inadequate doors, are also mentioned. Some rooms lack basic amenities like a hair dryer or iron, requiring guests to request them. Noise from hallways or evening entertainment can also be a concern for some.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining experiences at the hotel receive mixed but detailed feedback. The buffet restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes, with some guests praising the food quality and balanced meals, including local options. However, many find the buffet offerings to be repetitive, cold, or lacking in flavor, especially for longer stays. The a la carte restaurants, such as the Steak House, Oliva, La Mar, Bambú, and Chack Balam, are frequently highlighted for their excellent service and delicious food, with the ceviche and steak often receiving special mention. A significant point of contention is the reservation system for these specialty restaurants, which requires guests to wake up very early (often by 6 AM) and queue to secure a spot, as availability is extremely limited and the online system is unreliable. Drinks are often described as watered down or made with cheap liquor, and coffee quality varies. Snack options outside main meal times are limited to basic items like hot dogs and burgers, with strict serving hours.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a key feature, offering direct beach access and a sense of seclusion. However, its remote setting means it is quite far from the airport, typically requiring a two to three-hour transfer. Guests note that the resort is also distant from local towns and major attractions, necessitating organized tours for exploration. The large size of the property means guests should be prepared for extensive walking between rooms, restaurants, and facilities, as internal transportation is not consistently available. Parking is provided, but it can be a considerable distance from guest rooms, and the process of entering the property, especially during peak check-in times, can involve long waits in car lines.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service, particularly in the restaurants and bars. Many guests highlight the dedication of the service team in ensuring a pleasant stay. However, the check-in process is a consistent source of frustration, described as slow, disorganized, and involving long waiting times in a crowded area, often delaying room access well past the official check-in hour. Some guests have encountered unfriendly or rude staff members, particularly at the front desk or in certain service areas, and a language barrier can exist as most staff primarily speak Spanish. Housekeeping is generally efficient, maintaining clean rooms daily.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details to enhance their stay. Due to the nature of the beach, water shoes are highly recommended for comfortable access to the ocean. Some hotel blocks do not have elevators, which can be a challenge for guests with mobility issues or those assigned to higher floors. The hotel actively promotes its membership programs, and guests may experience sales pressure to attend presentations. Furthermore, Wi-Fi connectivity is often limited to common areas and can be unreliable in guest rooms, so guests should not rely on in-room internet access. The resort's policy of strict dining hours and the need for reservations even for buffets can be inconvenient, and the availability of snacks outside these times is very limited.