
Royal Decameron Salinitas
Family-friendly resort in Acajutla.
Amenities
Traveler Insights(48 discussions)
Royal Decameron Salinitas holds an unusual position: it's essentially the only real all-inclusive option in El Salvador, which makes it both irreplaceable and difficult to evaluate fairly against competitors. The property sits on the Pacific coast at Acajutla, about 90 minutes from San Salvador, and its signature feature is a stunning saltwater pool that fills with ocean water through the tides. That pool is the resort's genuine selling point - it's a legitimate spectacle. The surrounding grounds have that classic Decameron energy: colorful, social, loud in the best way, with enough pool space for large groups and families.
Be realistic about what you're getting here. The food sits firmly at budget all-inclusive level - think adequate buffet food rather than anything you'd write home about. Rooms are clean but dated, and the actual ocean swimming situation is a letdown: a wave breaker prevents meaningful beach access, and the Pacific swell means the water is murky and choppy at the shoreline. Where the resort delivers is in its entertainment program and its sociable, family-friendly atmosphere. The staff are warm and the evenings have genuine energy with shows and music.
This resort makes the most sense for two specific traveler types: Salvadoran families wanting a convenient domestic getaway, and adventurous travelers who specifically want to experience El Salvador and need a comfortable base. If you're comparing it to Decameron properties in Mexico or Colombia, temper expectations significantly - but as a standalone experience within El Salvador, it delivers what's available. The Pacific side of Central America is genuinely underexplored, and combining this resort with day trips to the Mayan ruins at Joya de Cerén or the surf beaches at El Zonte and El Tunco makes for an interesting itinerary.
Pros
- +One of the only true all-inclusive resorts in El Salvador, making it the default choice for a beach vacation in the country
- +Spectacular saltwater pool filled daily by Pacific Ocean tides - genuinely unlike anything you'll find at Caribbean resorts
- +Four additional freshwater pools give families plenty of space to spread out without fighting for chairs
- +Strong value proposition for the region - El Salvador is far cheaper than Mexico or Costa Rica, and the resort price reflects that
- +Lively evening entertainment program keeps the energy up after dark with shows, music, and activities
- +Friendly staff who are consistently praised for being warm and well-organized across guest reviews
- +Convenient location 90 km from San Salvador, making it accessible as a quick domestic getaway for Salvadoran families
- +Unique Pacific Coast setting with dramatic wave action and raw, uncrowded beach atmosphere compared to manicured Caribbean properties
Cons
- −No usable beach for swimming - a seawall and wave breaker means the ocean is cloudy and rough at high tide, unsuitable for most guests
- −Food quality is at the low end of the all-inclusive spectrum - overcooked proteins, cold scrambled eggs, and generic desserts are recurring complaints
- −Rooms are dated and showing their age, with cleanliness inconsistencies reported across multiple stays
- −No salt or pepper at dining tables and limited condiments - a small detail that reflects the overall bare-bones approach to dining
- −Primarily attracts local Salvadoran families rather than international travelers, which affects the resort culture and service expectations
- −Limited off-resort excursion infrastructure - El Salvador is still building its tourism ecosystem compared to Mexico or Costa Rica
- −Drink selection is basic and limited compared to other Decameron properties
- −Slow service pace, particularly at restaurants during peak hours
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Had a really great experiences from checking in to leaving the restaurant. The staff was really nice they treated us very well and had an amazing service. The food was really good and fresh had lots of variety. I highly recommend chalk Balam and our...”
“Restaurante Maya Steakhouse was really good. La Parillada was delicious! I encourage you to give it a try. The churrasco was goid too, the meat was tender. Our mesera was Rosa Ramos and she was very pleasant. Jacqueline Martinez was extremely nice an...”
“Restaurante Steak was excellent! Their signature cheeseburger and lomito were great. The desserts weren’t too sugary or sweet which was a perfect ending to an excellent meal. Special shoutout to Rosa Ramos, our waters and drinks were always topped...”