Palafitos Overwater Bungalows El Dorado Maroma - All Inclusive - Adults Only

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1242 reviews

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  Third visit even better

  Each visit gets better! The unique location, picturesque views, and delicious food are all top notch, but it’s the personal and over-the-top service that separates Palafitos from other resorts. Can’t say enough great things about the staff at Palafitos. Alberto, Yasser, Enrique, William, Arturo, Patricia, and Bladmir are GREAT! Everyone was always so welcoming and dedicated to ensuring our stay was perfect. We had a minor safety issue with our room this trip (and we were completely OK with remaining in our room for the rest of our stay) but a special thank you to Yasser who went well above and beyond to put us in a different room and ensure the remainder of our trip was even more spectacular. All our butlers (Yasser, William, and Enrique) were great and always taking care of our needs, often before we even thought of them! Arturo was never far, making sure we did not run out of food or drink while enjoying our deck. And Patricia and Bladmir always took great care of us in the restaurant. Last but not least, our resort favorite Alberto—always smiling, always chatting us up, and always available to take us around in his cart. Can’t wait to go back again!

  Jan 23, 2026
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  Disappointing service for the cost

  My husband and I spent 5 days at the Palafitos overwater bungalows for our 25th anniversary. We chose it largely based on the amazing reviews. However, our experience did not match what other reviewers said. The vacation is “all inclusive” and costs a little over $2,000 per day. You are supposed to have 1 or 2 (consistent) butlers. We had 5 and one afternoon/evening we did not have any specific butler. We assumed the butler would be bringing food or drinks or helping with any other requests. It took a minimum of 1 hour to get a drink delivered. One day it took over 4 hours. The last 2 days we didn’t even bother. We tipped the people who brought food and drinks but these were not the butlers. We also tipped the person who brought us new towels (again not the butler). I ordered my favorite drink on the 2nd day and the next day was told they can’t make that drink (didn’t have the ingredients). We ordered food from one of the restaurants and were told we can’t have that food (pizza). Everything seemed difficult. We found a buffet brunch but were told we needed a reservation and couldn’t just go eat there. One of the robes had a disgusting brown stain on it. We left it out for housekeeping to take. They did but never replaced or returned it clean. The robe is important because staff will randomly show up on the deck outside the large windows. You need to close the curtains and be aware when changing clothes or showering. I got a stain on my beach coverup and was told laundry service wasn’t available that day. I left my sunglasses behind at the restaurant and was told no sunglasses were returned. The resort is huge so this is hard to believe! Our deck chair broke and they didn’t come until 9pm to fix it. After they left our float was gone. The positive things were: the bungalow far exceeded our expectations- it was so beautiful! Alberto greeted us upon arrival and at departure and he is delightful! The water and beach are amazing. The catamaran snorkeling (in the afternoon) was very fun! Sadly, we felt disappointed by the service- especially considering the cost.

  Jan 23, 2026
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  Relaxing winter retreat

  We had a fantastic stay at Palafitos! The service was top notch - never had to ask twice for anything, and every ask was delivered right away. Staff went above and beyond to make the stay enjoyable. Alberto, Pilar, and Janet in particular helped us throughout our stay. Restaurant staff were very friendly and attentive. Turndown service, housekeeping, and room service also extremely friendly and helpful. The room was beautiful, the highlight being the views and sounds of the ocean right from the bed. Food was delicious, definitely a step up from the other resorts. Cannot wait to come back!

  Jan 21, 2026
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  Overwater bungalows

  Best place we’ve been to. The overwater bungalows are amazing. Staff and service is great. Really makes you feel at home. Pilar and Janet were our butlers. Alberto was amazing. So fun! We are already talking about booking again next year. This was our 2nd time here, the last being 2 years ago. They remembered us and the service really made it feel like coming home.

  Jan 20, 2026
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  The most amazing resort with mind-blowing service, all only a 4 hour flight away!

  I was unsure about this resort because we had previously traveled to Bora Bora where we stayed at the St Regis which was off the scale amazing, so I wondered if this could even compare. Well, it took about 5 seconds to realize the Palafitos was on a completely different level. We travel frequently, and always stay at a top resort, but the overwater bungalow, the food and OMG, the service at Palafitos was the best we have ever experienced!!! We stayed in the 2 bedroom presidential bungalow and our friends stayed in an elite bungalow. The presidential bungalow was mind blowing…two HUGE bedrooms, 2 huge jacuzzi tubs, a large shared living space, full kitchen and two level deck with a large plunge pool. It also came with a special chef prepared meal, an in room private cooking class and both day and night butler service. The very best part of our experience was having Liz and Fernanda as our butlers. What a team they make!! No matter our request, day or night, the answer was always “absolutely” or “it’s a pleasure”. We were able to have dinners set up and served on our large deck while we watched the beautiful sunset. Breakfasts were delivered at our requested times and they even prepared bubble baths with choc covered strawberries! Liz and Fernanda got to know each of us, anticipated our requests and exceeded our expectations in every way imaginable! If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience, this is the place!!! (And with less than a 4 hour flight from the east coast). You will make memories that last a lifetime!!!

  Jan 19, 2026