Not A 4 1/2 Star

We just spent 14 days at the RIU Bachata in Puerto Plata . The first night was not good, our room was only set up for two people and there was three of us. I went to the front desk and explained to them that this would not work for us as my sister in law would not like to share her bed with the wife and I and that we needed another bed put into the room and that we had requested that when we booked our trip,The women on duty said that this is how Sun wing sets up the rooms. Then the manager tha [... read more]t night said he would get it done in the morning and they did.The next problem was the air condictioner . The room was always warm and even though they sent some one up to look at it never got any better they just put it off as being to hot out side and the equipment to old.I think this resort needs a magor up grade and should only be rated as a 3 ½ star. The next issue that we have is the beach in front of the Bachata it is very dirty and disgusting ! Their was garbage floating in the water and on the beach it self. My wife and I and another couple went walking on the beach and found a Sirenge and the Needle still in it , they took it to one off the shops on the beach and they just said no problem and put it in a hollow tree trunk, THIS is NOT EXCEPTLE.!!!!!!!! They need to do something with the intertamment . This is not good for a 4 star resort. We found the food to be excellent and the room maids excellent along with all the staff .

Awesome staff

We were returning guests to the Riu Bachata, after having enjoyed a week-long vacation at your resort February 16-23, 2016. We enjoyed our time at the Bachata so much that we are returned for two weeks this year, March 28 - April 11, 2017.The fantastic staff there, which included Whitney, Salami, Luis Pablo, Candy Crush, Kitty Kat, Hansel, Muriel just to name a few. We also went there purposely to seek out our favorite groundskeeper Ramon, who, last year, climbed trees to get us fresh coconuts [... read more]. Sadly, and with deep condolences, we've heard that he has since passed away. This news definitely was the only huge damper that we had during our stay at the Riu Bachata. We've recommended your resort as a perfect vacation getaway to our friends and family, and as a result, there is a couple heading your way for a week's stay on April 28th, 2017. The only recommendation would be to have an ATM in the lobby, as we had to take a $25 cab to Puerto Plata to get more cash for gifts, extra excursions etc. Last year, there was one at the entrance of the resort, that is no longer there. Sincerely, Ken

Amazing resort!!

Great hotel with amazing staff, the hotel itself could use some updating but all in all a great experience. Also don't expect great food but there were enough options to make it through the two weeks comfortably. They have a huge variety of activities and excursions for you to choose from at great prices and are willing to negotiate for groups. Will return in the future!!

First time in DR!

This was our first trip to the DR and believe the Riu Bachata was a great choice for us! Can't say enough good things about the staff, our accommodation, food was excellent and all services adequate. Can't comment on nightly entertainment as we did not attend any--not night hawks... The only disappointment was the beach itself as it tended to be rocky (gravelly) and not a white sandy type. Considering all the positives of the resort, this was trivial!

Would not go back to RIU Bachata

Ok were do I start, the beach was one of the worst I seen in all my travels, I have never seen so much garbage in the water, there were days when it was really bad you just stood there and looked and said to yourself do I really want to go in the water it was that bad, one party in our group found a needle on the beach and it was a big needle that really open our eyes. Next is the rooms, the A/C in our room was the worst that I have also seen in my travels, the room had a very bad smell of mi [... read more]ldew in it and my jacket that I worn home had the smell in it I had to wash it upon returning home, I spoke to a lot people who were staying here and had the same problem. I went to the front desk to complain and they sent the repair guy over many times two try to fix it but no luck so we put up with it with the rest of our trip . Problem number 2 my wife went to open a closet door and it fell onto her the whole side of the closet was eaten by Termites so back to the front desk to complain and this time I talk to the Sunwing rep. I had multiple phone calls from the rep. and also the front desk ask if the a/c worked and also if we would like to move to another room I thought about and agreed to it only if I saw the room first I got the key and had a look first thing I tried was the a/c and it was no better than our room so went back to the front desk and told that we would stay in our room, told them that we are on vacation and that were wanted a hassle free vacation no repacking luggage bags, no climbing stairs all our friends were in this building an would be a real inconvenience for us. The food was good and the staff were friendly Stan Riggs

Average

Pros: The staff are very friendly and hard working. Beautiful weather. Cons: Resort is isolated. Entertainment not very good. Most uncomfortable bed I've ever slept in. We been to a couple of other Rui hotels that were much, much better. Would rate as 3.5 star.

Very nice reort

We are coming regularly, this was our fifth stay. We are always satisfied. We like the place and the very friendly service. I like that there is a shadow on the beach. Entertainment in the evenings could be better but there are many competitions during the day.

Great!!

Our third time coming here. It would be nice to be acknowledged for being a repeat traveler like other resorts. The airport process is pretty quick. Porters will take your bags from the airport to the bus. Tip them. You can do it yourself though. The large cold beer just outside the airport went up in price now is 6.00usd. They have guides standing there With signs to tell you which bus to get on. The bus ride from the airport is about 40 minutes. We were on a large newer coach this time and hav [... read more]e been on a smaller 20 person. The bus ride was good, it was one of the quietest we've been on. They usually will tell jokes, teach a little Spanish and joke around with everyone but I'm finding it's less and less. The check in was fast. A cocktail is waiting for you when you get there. There's a large table with envelopes you wait your turn to sign for your room and are given your room key, safe key, towel cards, and coupons. The outside of the envelope has your internet user and pass word on it. A porter will take your bags to your room. The next morning they have a meeting to tell you about the resort and things to do and not do. They'll give you your blue departure papers that will need to be filled out before you get to the airport to go home. It helps speed up that part. My room was given away so we had to wait a few hours for another one. They were really good about it though. The rooms, grounds, beach, dining areas are very clean. The staff are working constantly always smiling, singing and say Hola!! You can use their room outlets for typical 110V but for a dslr camera or GoPro charger or certain hair dryers you'll need to get a special plug from the front desk for a 3.00 USD deposit. You get it back in peso. Or in one of the lobby shops at Riu Merengue in a basket you can buy one to keep its black for 85 peso. We had no problem getting a chair at the beach or pool by 9:30am. You can stay at our resort and spend time at the other two. Either watching shows or getting drinks. The early evening show with the little kids and giving out certificates to the people who won games during the day. They should just give them out at the time. It's very repetitive. For the night shows they have a different one each night. Some were outside entertainers and some were people from the audience with the animation staff. I saw the Michael Jackson and Rock shows at the Meregnue and they were top notch. They start around 9:30 and run til 11:00 or later some nights. They have a casino that's open til 2:00am. The lobby internet worked great at the Bachata and the far Meregnue but not the middle resort. You can pay a fee and get it around the resort. Six of us got a cab from riu Meregnue to La Serina (sp) and paid 18.00 usd a couple including tip. It's like a Canadian small scale department store with food, household, clothing, shoes, fridges. We got coffee, black pepper, vanilla and a few other things. You can pay there with peso, usd or a credit card. The food was really good!!The best we've ever had. We had no problem getting a seat to eat. We had to wait to get clean cutlery but they were fast to get it to you. For lunch and supper the staff are continually filling your glass with ice water and cleaning off dirty dishes.They have staff standing outside the buffets to give you hand sanitizer. The chefs work so hard!! For breakfast you can get cereal, smoothies, multiple fruits, bacon, ham, fresh made omelettes, eggs, waffles, pancakes, French toast, scrambled and boiled eggs. Fresh coffee. You make your own toast. Plus much more!! At supper We always had some kind of meat, rice, potatoes, French fries, pizza. We had turkey, pulled pork, beef, liver. Yummy ice cream!! The animation team at all three resorts work really hard. We spent time at all three in the evening. They work from 10:00am-11:00pm!! There's volleyball, darks, horse shoes, bocce ball, bingo, table tennis all going on thru the day. You can relax and do nothing or perticipate in all of it. The beach is well shaded with plam trees or full sun the closer you get to the water. On the beach they do come around once in awhile asking if you want your hair braided, go on an excursion. You can get a massage on the beach in a hut. There's a beautiful gazebo on the point that's beautiful for pictures and a look off. Your fridge is restocked every two days with 2 lg water, Diet Pepsi, reg Pepsi and 2 beer, tonic water. If you tip you'll get more of what you want. The maid always left a beautiful towel decoration, bedsheet fan with flowers. We had no issues with theft. We kept things Locked up though. I brought room spray to help spray our room and belongings and we left sachets in our luggage to keep things smelling ok. i brought snacks, gum and candy to snack on because it's very costly there. I found the duty free prices at the air port were higher this year than last. year. A 1L of raspberry vodka was 38.00 USD. You can barter with the shops on Carabena Street and in the huts on the far side of the beach but not in the lobby shops. They don't take Canadian money. They post the exchange rate at the lobby for peso to other currencies. They post the weather as well. travel reps are in the lobby. They give you a survey to fill out about your stay towards the end of your stay during supper. We found the beds hard and we took throw blankets to sleep under us and over us as the sheets are very thin. To each his own with bed and sheet preference. They do have a thicker blanket in the closet. If you don't have own just ask at the front desk. There's a huge umbrella in your room as well. We needed it a lot during our week. Block 800 is really close to the main stage, bar, lobby, main buffet. Last time you did have to make reservations for the a la carte but this year was first come first serve. As a nonsmoker I did find the smoke bothersome. On the beach there were some cigarette butts, and when you're watching the shows it's very prominent. Check out was fast. We had to be out of our room 1 HR before the bus left. We left for the airport 4 hrs before our flight. The airport was fast. You can get your own water, pop juice at the buffets. It was a great relaxing vacation with family! That part you cant beat and is priceless!!

Great time!

This hotel is happening. Clean rooms, good service and food. Good entertainment... can be a bit tacky at times but fun overall! I would return...weather did not cooperate on some days but beautiful on others!

Average Resort

The hotel is a little run down and could use a good overhaul. The grounds are immaculate. The food is very repetitive even for a one week stay and we were there two weeks. The beach is large and you never feel cramped. Plenty of loungers available although it's time to replace several of them that are damaged. No need to get up at at dawn to reserve a lounger. There are very few places to escape from the smokers and when you find a rare no smoking area there will be someone smoking nearby and st [... read more]aff just ignor it unless you point it out to them. That being said the best part of this whole resort are the staff. The staff from all departments seem to go out of their way to be helpful and friendly. The frozen so called fruitie drinks at the bar are of poor quality compared to what I have come to expect from RIU hotels over the many years I have stayed at RIU hotels.

Lots of Fun

Beautiful place, everything was kept very clean and the entertainment was very enjoyable. The food was very good and I was always able to find something different to eat. The room had a bit of a musty smell to it but the beds were very comfortable and the room was clean, had a beautiful view and the fridge was kept full.

Awesome Times

When we arrived at the Riu Bachata check in went smoothly ,they only give u 1 room key 2 would be great. The room was clean and comfortable with daily housekeeping .The food was good a large Buffet at scheduled times then another buffet for in between hours for I between hours .The A la Cart is crazy busy the line ups are long .The beach is beautiful with lots of shade could use a few more beach chairs there .The pool is a busy place during the day but,the grounds are Beautiful and we'll tak [... read more]en care of and the Bar service and entertainment are great I would definately recommend this place to others .

What a beautiful resort

Another great vacation. We have been coming to the Riu for years and have never been disappointed. This time with a group of six, one couple being newbee’s to the Caribbean. They loved this experience and could not get over the wonderful way the Riu staff treated them. The Ocean was choppy that week but there was a lot of fun action at the pool put on by the Animation Team, and a lot of chat to people from all over the world at the pool bar. I talked to our group and no one had anything [... read more] bad to say about their stay. See you next year Riu

Awesome resort

The hotel is kept very clean, everywhere you look there are employees working on the gardens and every part of the resort. Very nice. The views of the pool and the ocean are amazing. Beautiful palm trees everywhere along the beach.

Awesome resort

I would highly recommend this resort to anyone. The food was excellent with a wide variety of different foods. Rooms and room service and housekeeping was excellent. The staff was amazing, always happy and willing to please. The goundkeepers were great too, always working hard to keep everything looking neat. I will definately be returning to this resort.

Wonderful first time experience in Puerto Plata area

We thoroughly enjoyed our 7 day stay at this resort, we were totally amazed at the entire experience from booking our resort to our stay. Cannot say how much we were pleased with resort, staff, food amazing, service of the entire resort, we have nothing but compliments for the whole place......never encountered any problems at all....would definitely come back again

Great Food, No Disco or Pre-booked a la carte

Great resort! The food was hot, fresh, and well seasoned. The staff were very attentive and energetic. The swim up bar is a plus, and their two pools allows for multiple seats around the pool. Tip: avoid the shops on Caribbean street (pushy vendors, overpriced merchandise). Take a 5 minute walk down the beach and you'll see the craft huts. Beautiful wood carvings, coffee, alcohol, water shoes, etc are available there! Cons: for the a la carte, they do not accept reservations. It is served [... read more] based on the first 100 people in line. The restaurant opens at 6:30pm, and people advised that to ensure seating that we be in line by 5:30pm. Cons: no disco on site. You have access to the disco at the neighbouring RIU, however your drinks will not be all inclusive.

Riu Bachata

grounds; well kept, clean and tidy public areas: washrooms clean. WI FI only available in lobby. smoking in lobby and entertainment area was overpowering for us non-smokers rooms; clean and tidy dining: except for first day raw hamburger and tough steak at the buffet, food was good. Unfortunately, fruit was tasteless unlike what one would find on a cruise or home for that matter. entertainment. good for the most part. the "Mister" program and "Married couples" program were both raunchy and i [... read more]n poor taste. Glad didn't have children there. No swearing just very suggestive actions.

Not what it used to be

This was our fifth time at the resort and unfortunately our last. From the rats running through the lobby to the roachs on the buffet the resort has gone downhill. Room smelled musty with a large critter included. We had to switch rooms. I wil say the entertainment staff was excellent as always. It's too bad it has gone downhill as this was one of our favourite resorts.

Great Resort, Amazing People

The Riu Bachata is a wonderful Resort, beautiful views, from the beach to the mountains to watching the cruise ships come in. We had a terrific time. Fabulous people, everyone there worked extremely hard to make our trip incredible. Loved the entertainment staff.