



Not for those seeking a quality resort experience. Our room was visibly dirty from the moment we arrived. There was urine splatter on the bathroom door, a toilet that wouldn’t flush, general filth throughout, and a half-consumed bottle already in the mini bar (which was never restocked unless we specifically asked). The bed was uncomfortably firm, and the overall condition of the room felt well below what you’d expect for the price. The food was mediocre at best. The beach, while pretty, was small and overcrowded, leaving little room to actually relax. The overall vibe felt chaotic and impersonal, like they were more focused on volume than experience. If you’re not there to drink heavily, there’s genuinely not much to do. This place caters to a party crowd, and if that’s not your scene, you’ll likely feel out of place. We ended up leaving early and staying at another resort. The one bright spot was the staff, who were consistently friendly and attentive throughout our stay. They’re the only reason this isn’t a one-star review. Bottom line: Great for spring breakers or those looking for a rowdy all-inclusive. Not the right choice for travelers seeking a clean, relaxing, quality experience.
Fantastic resort for the price. Lovely beach. Beautiful property. Food was solid. Drinks were kept flowing. While this is not a perfect resort (minor things like a wonky toilet and a bit of a mildew smell in our room), the staff truly makes the place 5 stars. I’ve been to way more expensive resorts, and none of the staff at those resorts came close to the experience we had with the lovely folks in Punta Cana. The hospitality was fantastic, and most of them were so funny and brought an amazingly positive energy to our stay. They were attentive and accommodating. They were the kind of staff that makes you want to make a second visit to the resort. Gracias to the staff for making our trip so much fun and so memorable.
We just returned home from an unforgettable stay in the Dominican Republic, and while our trip had a few bumps (a little illness in the group and a minor bathroom issue in one of the rooms), what truly made this vacation extraordinary was the PEOPLE. From the moment we arrived, the staff affectionately called our group of 13 “La Familia”, and they meant it. Every single day, we felt welcomed, cared for and genuinely appreciated. Traveling with kids can be chaotic, but the team was incredible with them - patient, playful and kind in ways that went far beyond their job descriptions. Rubiella and Jose at the main buffet were absolute gems. They greeted us like old friends every morning and night, always making sure our big crew was taken care of. Jensy at the lunch buffet was just as awesome - kind, attentive and always smiling. Salomon and Isaias brought the energy all week long. Their entertainment was fun, engaging and inclusive. They made sure “La Familia” was part of everything. We laughed a lot because of those two. And Osirus and Alfredo? Legends. They kept our drinks cold, our spirits high, and made every pool and beach day feel like a celebration. Service like that turned a good vacation into a great one. By the end of the week, these weren’t just staff members - they were friends. We hugged them goodbye. There were tears. That says everything. Travel isn’t always perfect, but when you’re surrounded by kind people who truly care, the hiccups don’t matter. We will absolutely come back, not just for the beautiful location, but to see our new extended family again. “La Familia” will be back! Thank you.
We recently returned from Riu Palace Punta Cana, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Riu Palace Punta Cana offers the perfect combination of comfort, luxury, good cuisine, and outstanding hospitality. I highly recommend this resort and would happily return again. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional — warm smiles, professional staff, and attention to every detail made us feel welcome and cared for throughout our stay. The room was spacious, beautifully maintained, and very comfortable, with excellent housekeeping service every day The food at buffet was very good , offering a wide variety of fresh and delicious options for every taste. Each restaurant on the side delivered different meals ( steak house, Japanese, Spanish & Italian resturant ) . The presentation was very impressive & the food was good ( different ) . . Every night the entertainment was lively and enjoyable, with daily activities ( dance at pool bar ) , evening shows ( Riu party , don’t miss it ) some in the afternoon & few at night . , the music they play created a unforgettable vacation atmosphere. There was always something fun happening at the beach ( different activities ) , yet the resort offered peaceful areas to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Definitely we will go back . Thank you for making our vacation so enjoyable & fun . xoxoxo
This Riu is way more updated compared to Riu Bávaro — unless Bávaro was renovated recently, the difference is huge. The only thing keeping this from being a true five-star stay is the rooms. Upgrade all the rooms and it would be perfect! Service was absolutely top-notch from the bar, to the pool, to the buffet — the staff really pays attention. The buffet food was great with tons of options, and not once did I get sick. (Pro tip: take probiotics for a few weeks before your trip!) The pool was excellent with great service, and we were still able to find empty chairs around 11 a.m. The beach, though, was definitely more popular — no chairs left unless you wake up early. But the beach itself was perfect. Everything was kept very clean, even the outdoor bathrooms. The only downside for me was the alarms going off randomly throughout the night. Overall, we had a great stay. The only major fix needed is the rooms — the beds are two fulls pushed together, which is fine for two people but could be an issue for a family of four. Update the rooms and you’ve got a solid, repeat customer!