Great Resort!

Awesome and clean resort with nice luxury touches in rooms. Great food options and friendly staff. Small pools and nice beach area. Yoga near the beach and small but fine gym near the lobby. Love the cafe and dessert bar in the Lobby.

Rip Palace Punta Cana

Greetings: We were very pleased to revisit the Rio Palace Punta Cana which has been beautifully renovated. The 3 new pools were amazing. We were very pleased to reconnect with staff we got to know during 5 previous visits. The facility overall is extremely well maintained and all staff wonderfully helpful. Looking forward to a future visit.

Average resort

Was excited coming into the hotel. Lobby was nicely decorated and airy, check-in staff was great. Disappointed in our room. Although it was spacious, cleanliness could have been better. Floor needed to be swept, bed only had one sheet (stains) and four pillows. It took 4 days and many requests before we got extra blankets. The bathroom had been recently renovated but looked rushed. Good thing about bath was great water pressure, rain shower and double vanity. Our balcony faced the parking lo [... read more]t which was a disappointment. Don't rely on cleaning staff, not very good. The grounds well kept, beach / pool fantastic (wake up early and reserve a chair with your towel). Buffet was good, didn't care for the a la carte Steakhouse. No entertainment unless your a child. They played kid games and videos on the stage / big screen until 930pm every night. Then a two person singing group played..no English music. It was annoying being constantly disturbed by people trying to sell their wares on the grounds. Do not take the Santo Domingo bus tour..it cost 106.00 per person and was a 13hr bus trip from hell. This was our first and last trip to the Dominican.

OK resort, nothing special

The hotel is clean, friendly, however we don’t think is a 5 star hotel. Second time to Riu (previously went to Riu Palace Los Cabo), but we will never go to any Riu chain again. I would rate this a 4 star hotel. Other than most of the staff don’t speak English, we found there is only a few drinks and food to choose from. Unless you don’t care what you eat and drink, this resort is probably would be a god choice. There is nothing special or bad about this resort! All specialty restaurant [... read more]s is not worth to try, the main buffet is better. Don’t waste your time, go to the buffet (breakfast and dinner) and find Sandy. He will be your best friend and he will make you stay memorable, he will do the best to feel you home. Also, many thanks for the bartenders working around the pool and theatre area! They are working really hard to serve you a drink! Maybe because of the management pushing them too hard, but it is amazing to see them running around. They will serve you in no time! It is not the bartenders fault, not to serve you a nice brandy or cognac, or a good drink after dinner. Riu just doesn’t have it. We been places in Mexico and Cuba, and we always had premium drinks, even in 4 or 4.5 star hotels. Unless you are whiskey lover, and all you care is to get hammered, don’t go to Riu. It is a 4 star nothing special resort! Again, thanks to Sandy at main buffet!

Very good resort

All was very good except room wasn't replenished with bottled water, consequently got travellers sickness on 2nd last day of vacation. Other than that it was very good. Would only recommend if assurance of safe water was made.

Great place!

Riu Palace Punta Cana is a fabulous resort! Everything about the Resort is first class. The most amazing part, was the service which I have not seen at other resorts for many years now. Apart from the weather which nobody can control, we had a great time at Riu Palace.

Riu Palace Punta Cana

I selected this resort as had been to one in Jamaica as was pleased. While the hotel is older it was majestic. The rooms were older looking but everything was very clean. The first room was musty but moved to another room facing pool and was happy with that. The Jacuzzi didnt work but with in minutes of mentioning this to Sunwing rep it was repaired immediately. Pool small but spent most time on beach. Ocean rough most days but the beach spectacular. Food was great and presentation amazing. [... read more] Never got sick. Lots of choices. Only down side too much salt used in everything. I would definitely book with Riu again. Perhaps next time adults only. When looking at other hotels I think this was by far one of the best choices and other guests agreed.

Amazing Resort

This is one of the best resorts I've been too in Punta Cana the resort is very well layed out for a compact resort .The food was excellent with a very good variety every night.The service was by far the best service i have ever had on any other resort I've been too .The staff was very friendly and went out of their way too make everyone happy. The grounds were very clean . Entertainment was very good Rooms were very clean and every thing worked well beach was very nice lots of beach loungers

Good resort

Good hotel for the money. Good beach area great staff. The pool is terrible way to small for the amount of people. Water is never crystal clear in any of the riu ressot pools I have stayed at. Construction was our view from the room. This should have been mentioned.

Not bad but likely won't be returning

Travellers info: Me, 40's female traveling with parents who are in late 70's. Parents have been here many times in past but due to some health problems could not go last 2 years. We flew out of Toronto. Flight (Sunwing): We flew with Elite Plus and sat in first row. I know the review is for the resort but I thought this was important to note. The plane's seats are the most narrow seats I have ever encountered and I have travelled a lot. I could not believe it. Elite Plus and regular se [... read more]ats were all the same. I don't know if you are a bigger person if it would be big enough and we could not lift the center 'arms' either. Food is purchase only. They did provide a drink (soft drink, water...). Resort: The set up of the Riu Palace Punta Cana is very nice! the grounds are lovely as well. Most staff are very friendly but you can tell they all want your tips. It adds up, so just something to be aware of. There are a few souvenir shops behind the towel pickup location. Wifi reception was a bonus. Could connect almost anywhere most of the time. The main negative was the NOISE. I could not believe how noisy people are, kids and adults yelling through the halls, moving furniture etc in the unit above us.. just at the wrong times for us.. but just no respect for others. Parents cannot sleep well and so this was very annoying especially at 2 in the morning! One night two ladies were chatting up a storm on the balcony next to us for hours and we were inside, all doors closed and we could hear everything. The music by the pool is EXTREMELY loud in the afternoon when the entertainment staff go full force with activities by the pool. Pool: as noted, very loud and very crowded. I never went in because people seem to be in there all the time with their drinks and never leave. No thanks! There is no quiet pool location at this resort like some others. Lots of kids at this resort as well so be prepared. Beach: Natural shade created by the beautiful Palm Trees, no huts. Didn't have a problem finding chairs on the beach. The water itself was not for me. But that's just me. LOL. It was wavy, murky and COLD. I much preferred the crystal clear calm waters of Varadero or St. Maarten. Food: Lots of variety but none of us found the food to have any flavour. But we may not have chosen the right things? At lunch we ate at the restaurant by the beach which is beautiful however the food is outside around the flies etc... I did not like that but it seems to be the way these resorts are. I wish they would come up with covered clear glass cabinets for the food like they have the ice cream in. Ice cream by the way is delicious in the Caribbean! the orange/pineapple is my fav! had it everyday. Can't comment on the other restaurants as we only ate in the buffetts. Overall - I doubt I would go back here.

Excellent resort

Hand down the best resort ive been to in the Dominican Republic. The buffet had a great selection of foods for all Entertainment and staff were very friendly and entertaining . I would highly recommend RIU to all my friends and family

Great Resort with some

Our vacation at this resort was great! We had a great vacation -- amazing service, the people are friendly, and lots of food and drink.....you didn't even have to get off your lawn chair (either at the beach or the pool), and you were served! For such a big resort, it was well maintained, kept clean (dining, lounging, and bathroom areas, including the grounds). The food was excellent.....there is something for all types, so try all the restaurants. We went to the Japanese, Italian, the Ste [... read more]akhouse, and the buffet. We didn't have to reserve to go to the a la carte restaurants and we could go as many times as we wanted....so we took advantage of that. We have no complaints in that regard. Our room was not up to our standard (for what we paid) - it had a very bad smell and we overlooked the next resort and street and parking lot and the noise (evening entertainment) from the other resort was annoying. And, horns blowing early in the morning (4:00ish). And, when we asked to be moved, they wanted to charge us another $35 US / night (that's $245.00 US or $318.5 CAN)....for something we thought we had already paid for. We felt our demands were not met by Trip Central and doubt we will book a trip through them again. As we spoke to several other couples, everyone had a cheaper rate and they all had the nicer rooms. One thing you will find at this resort, is that the rooms have a very bad smell - like a musky basement smell and you can't seem to get rid of it. But, the rooms were otherwise roomy, very clean, and up-to-date. The nightly entertainment was not the greatest. In fact, one night people were walking out.....we didn't go to two of them. The daily activities were only around the pool from what we could see or understand. We had 3 days of severe wind, etc., and no activities were planned because of it -- there should be an alternate plan (due to weather) -- these could be planned in the main lounge area or something so that we (the guests) have something to do (take it indoors). I didn't want to go up to my room because I had no view and it smelled. There was also the smell of sewer backup from outside in our room. One thing I would recommend with this resort is get rid of the vendors on the beach.....every two minutes they were bugging you. When I want to relax, I don't need someone coming up to me, whistling and trying to sell me stuff. For such a big resort and such a great distance on the beach, I recommend the Riu create a 'beach shop area' - set up tables, etc., for these 'outside' vendors.....they are walking around in that heat with all of their products/materials - unreal, and not pleasant to see when I want to relax! Put them all in one area, let the guests go to them if they want to buy something - quit bugging the guests. As for me, I just let on I was sleeping or something.....I was there to simply relax and unwind. There was never a shortage of beach lounge chairs on the beach or at the pool. And, no shortage of towels either.

Phenomenal Resort

I can't say enough about our Hotel and Resort. The travel agent had put in the comments when booking that it was our 25 year anniversary and they upgraded us to a beautiful honeymoon suite. Stellar service and staff all around. The hotel grounds and rooms were extremely clean.....never any garbage anywhere. I can honestly say one of the best vacations... Oh ya,food was out of this world. There were always a huge variety all the time.

Riu Palace Punta Cana - Quite Nice!!!

Although not as modern as other Riu hotels, this hotel is quite nice, very clean and well maintained. The food at the buffets was excellent with a great variety to chose from. The 'à la carte' restaurants were also excellent with no need to make reservations which is often a problem with other hotels. We managed to eat at all 5 restaurants during our stay. I would highly recommend other hotels to follow suit i.e. no reservations. The reservation process is often problematic and, as a result, tr [... read more]avellers are limited to one or two restaurants during their stay. Thank you to Riu Palace Punta Cana for making this change. The grounds, public areas, the beach ... all very very good. Bravo to the Riu Palace Punta Cana for an enjoyable week.

Absolutely fun!

The hotel was immaculate and the service staff were all friendly and welcoming! The food was good especially the buffet. Love the beach activities and nightlife entertainment. Would definitely return with family/friends!

Not that great

It was ok smelly rooms no towels half the time no water bottles in room had to ask them everyday. Carpets dirty people were very friendly all of them can,t say nothing about them food was terrable no taste about fifty of us got sick from the fish we talked to someone on the resort told us that they go fishing leave the fish in the boat not on ice in the sun all day that is why people get sick.

Great resort with outstanding service.

Although as many people have stated the rooms could do with an update especially bedding and furniture. I thought the size and amenities of the room was grest. We were in room 2127 which was close to the beach as we had requested. The room was always spotless with beautiful towel art every day. The beach was gorgeous lots of chairs. The pool was loud and really not our style but we were happy to be at the beach anyway. The staff at this resort is it's best asset.

Wonderful Resort

You want to go on vacation to a High Class Resort without breaking the bank, this is the resort of your dreams. Best resort thus far since our history of travels. The people, the service, all impeccable, awesome and amazing. Everyone is always eager to assist you, especially the servers at the Main and Beach buffets's were awesome and attentive. The food, what can I say, Awesome and the cocktails, whatever you heart desires. My favorite place was the Bavaro Beach with the turquoise / blue ocean  [... read more]water, this was sanctuary. Have to say there was wind at the beach everyday, but this did not bother me because when you are seeking the attention of the sun, you definitely need some cooling off. The rooms were good and very clean. The only thing that I found negative was the week we were there, the hotel was booked solid and the availabilty of seats in the dining room and out in the La Plaza, were very limited. I must say, everyone has to visit the El La Carte Krystial, the best ever Beef Tender Loin you will ever eat, every bite was mouth watering. Loved the Resort! Sandra & Carlos Reis

Wonderful experience!

Riu Palace Punta Cana is a very beautiful resort. Its grounds and main lobby are fantastic. Rooms are a bit dated, but clean and nicely decorated. I would say that moldy smell can be sensed at first when one goes into the room, but it is not strong and quickly disappears once the air conditioner turned on. There is very good Internet connection in the lobby, and even at times in rooms! Mainly late at night. Staff, in general, is accommodating and polite. Food is very good. Also, this resort offe [... read more]rs very nice entertaining at night.

From 4 1/2* to 3 1/2* resort

The Riu Palace is a very nice resort with a fantastic spanish architecture and decor. Our room was facing the pool side. It was very nice with just a tad of smell in our room which was very clean on a daily basis. Plenty of bottle of water, pops and beer in our fridge. The buffet food was very very repetitive. The pools are small (Easter crowd) and have started to show their wear and tear; as the resort. The Italian restaurant was excellent, Sushi were great at the Japanese restaurant but the se [... read more]rvice was horrible for the main course. Beach is awesome ! Overall it is a good resort !