Guests consistently rave about the resort's beautiful private beach and the well-maintained, inviting pools, which are major draws for relaxation and recreation.
Exceptional Staff Service
The kindness, attentiveness, and helpfulness of the resort's staff across all departments—from reception to entertainment—receive widespread commendation.
Quality À La Carte Dining
The à la carte restaurants are highly praised for their excellent food quality and more refined dining experiences, contrasting with the buffet offerings.
Tranquil & Organized Atmosphere
Many guests appreciate the resort's overall peaceful environment and the well-organized events and entertainment that contribute to a pleasant stay.
Unique Whale Watching
The resort's location provides a special opportunity for whale watching between June and October, adding a unique natural attraction to the stay.
Guests Warn
Buffet Dining Quality
A significant recurring concern is the inconsistent quality and limited variety of food offered at the buffet restaurant, often described as below expectations.
À La Carte Reservation Challenges
Guests frequently report difficulties in securing reservations for the popular à la carte restaurants due to limited booking windows and rapid filling of slots.
Beverage Quality
Some visitors note that the alcoholic beverages, particularly pre-made frozen drinks, may have a minimal alcohol content, suggesting a preference for stronger mixes.
Remote Location & Amenities
The resort's somewhat remote location and certain outdated facilities (like room keys) are points of consideration, along with limited gym hours.
Perceived Value
A number of guests feel the overall value, particularly concerning the buffet quality, doesn't always align with the price point, leading to mixed sentiment on value.
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Royal Decameron Punta Centinela occupies a headland position on Ecuador's Santa Elena coast where the Pacific offers something most Caribbean all-inclusives can't: humpback whale sightings from shore between June and October, when the whales migrate through Ecuadorian waters. The resort's location on the Punta Centinela promontory means some rooms get genuinely good Pacific views. The private beach is natural sand rather than imported fill, which the coast here supports naturally.
Who this suits: budget-conscious travelers who want an all-inclusive base for exploring Ecuador's Pacific coast and can work around some limitations. The à la carte restaurants — particularly the Mediterranean and Ecuadorian-Peruvian seafood options — get consistently strong reviews that punch above the property's price tier. Who should look elsewhere: guests who prioritize nightlife variety, fine dining spread, or hotel modernity. The property uses physical keys rather than key cards and has limited gym hours (11am–6pm), small signals of a property that hasn't been fully modernized.
The direct issue is the main buffet. Multiple guests across different visit periods describe it as inconsistent — some nights adequate, some nights poor. Securing à la carte reservations becomes the main logistical challenge: the property uses an app or QR code booking system for specialty restaurants, and slots fill within hours of opening each morning. Guests who don't check the app early miss out.
The resort operates 197 rooms across two 3-to-4 story buildings with garden or ocean view orientations. The closest airport is José Joaquín de Olmedo in Guayaquil (GYE), approximately 2.5 hours by road. Transfers are not included. Price tier is budget-all-inclusive, generally 30–40% below comparable Caribbean properties, which is the core value proposition.
June–October captures both whale season and the drier, cooler period on Ecuador's coast. The wet season (January–April) brings higher humidity and heavier rain but also lower prices and calmer ocean conditions for swimming.
Pros
+Humpback whale sightings possible from shore or beach June–October — a genuinely rare all-inclusive feature
+À la carte restaurants (especially El Muelle seafood) significantly outperform the price tier
+Natural sand beach in a headland cove position provides some wave protection
Cons
−Main buffet is inconsistent — securing à la carte reservations via the app each morning is the workaround but requires vigilance
−Gym hours (11am–6pm only) are inconveniently limited for morning exercisers
−Remote location with limited outside exploration options; the destination itself is the resort, not a gateway to a lively town
Tips
Check the à la carte reservation app or QR system first thing each morning — slots open daily and fill within hours; El Muelle specifically books out
During June–October, ask the excursions desk about whale watching boat options early in your stay — this is one of the few all-inclusives where the marine wildlife is genuinely worth a paid add-on
For stronger cocktails, ask the bartender directly rather than accepting the default pre-mixed versions — multiple guests report this works
The Dos Mangas Cascades tour gets specific mentions from guests as the best local excursion — ask the front desk or Decameron Explorer desk about current pricing and transport
FAQ
Is Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive all-inclusive?
Yes, Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive is an all-inclusive resort. Most dining, drinks, and activities are included in your stay.
Is Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive adults-only?
No, Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive is family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages.
How many restaurants does Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive have?
Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive has 3 restaurants and dining venues.
How many pools does Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive have?
Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive has 4 swimming pools.
How many rooms does Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive have?
Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive has 197 rooms and suites.
What is the star rating of Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive?
Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive is a 4.0-star resort.
Where is Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive located?
Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive is located in Ballenita, Santa Elena Province (Punta Centinela), Ecuador.
What resort chain is Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive part of?
Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive is part of Royal Decameron.
Does Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive have a spa?
What's Included
Included in Your Stay
Accommodation
All buffet-style meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Snacks
À la carte dinners (with prior reservation)
Open bar with national liquors
Unlimited consumption of soft drinks
Classic cocktails
Non-motorized water sports (e.g., kayaking)
Daytime activities
Nighttime activities
Shows and live entertainment
Access to the gym
Access to all pools (2 outdoor, 1 children's, 1 whirlpool)
Access to the private beach facilities
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Available at Extra Cost
Spa services (massages, treatments, reflexology)
Beachside massage sessions
Gift shop purchases
Laundry services
Wedding packages
Romantic dinners
Motorized water sports
Excursions and tours booked through the Decameron Explorer Tour Desk
Bicycle rental
Fishing trips
Safety deposit boxes
Airport shuttle services (USD 30 per person roundtrip)
Wi-Fi in rooms (may incur a fee)
Explore More on Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive
Yes, Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive has an on-site spa. Basic spa services — massage menu, reflexology, and wellness packages.
Does Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive have beach access?
Yes, Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive has beach access.
Does Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive have a kids club?
No, Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive does not have a kids club.
Is Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive good for families?
Yes, Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive is family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. The resort has 4 pools.
What's included at Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive?
Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive includes Accommodation, All buffet-style meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), Snacks, À la carte dinners (with prior reservation), Open bar with national liquors, and more.
What is the best room at Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive?
The top room category at Royal Decameron Punta Centinela - All Inclusive is the Junior Suite Room – Garden or Ocean View. A spacious and comfortable room designed for a peaceful and relaxing stay, with a private terrace or balcony offering views of lush gardens or the ocean.
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