Great times👍

We had a grest week at Riu Republica Very good food Good service, people very nice! Organisation is good We would go back! The hotel doesn't have a bank or places to exchange money 25 minures to go to bank But next time we woyld bring morei guess Also the little shopping mall 5 mins from there, free transportation but they really push for you to buy so be careful!

Horrible resort

I am writing to you to inform you that our honeymoon trip was a horrible experience. My wife and I were very sick from Wednesday and still sick from it. The hotel was dirty and there were lots of flies and ants in the hotel. The food was not cooked, like for example raw chicken. The pools were very dirty. The room was not what we were told. There were a lot of people sick that we spoke with there. Over all this place was horrible. Also the resort smelt very foul all the time. I would be ashamed  [... read more]to call this resort. Riu and a Five star resort, cause it is not even a 2 star resort.

Beautiful resort!

Lovely resort, rooms were very modern, grounds were well kept. The two pools were a nice feature as one was a party pool and one was a quiet pool. Restaurants and service was quite good. Beach area had plenty of loungers and cover when needed.

Had a wonderful time!

I really enjoyed the resort. I think it is a four star not five star. I would have preferred good alcohol. I did enjoy the staff and entertainment group The food was okay but I did not find any seafood. The beach was beautiful but you could not see it from the resort until you walked to it.

New Resort and Worth the Trip!

6 adult travelers; aged 27-38. We booked our trip to the Riu Republica before the resort construction had been completed. The hotel was being billed as a 5-Star resort, and at a cost of $1100 CAD per person, we thought that was a great deal. We read LOTS of reviews -- a lot negative -- before we left, and were a little hesitant as the days passed on toward our departure date. If you don't read any further, just take this away --- DO NOT LET THE BAD REVIEWS DETER YOU FROM TRAVELING TO THE R [... read more]IU REPUBLICA!!! We found a lot of them were unwarranted. CHECK IN went smoothly. Two couples in our party were roomed near each other, but one was placed on the other side of the hotel ... and was given two single beds. We arrived around 12:30pm and our rooms weren't to be ready until 3pm; we left our luggage and had lunch before returning to get our room keys. The ROOMS are modern, spacious and clean. There are showers only (no bathtubs) in the washrooms. Everyone we traveled with found the beds to be quite hard. The water pressure is fantastic. The TURN DOWN SERVICE in the rooms was great -- always done when requested, floors mopped, flowers left and adorable towel or blanket designs on the bed. There is a ROOM BAR on the wall, four locked bottles inclusive of rum, gin, vodka and rye. It was advertised that the BAR FRIDGE would be replenished every other day (water, soda, beer) -- we arrived on a Friday; our fridge was stocked Saturday and then again on Monday, but never again after that. That would be my only real complaint of our whole week -- not that you can't get soda or beer elsewhere, but the tap water is not potable, so in the heat it is important to always have fresh bottled water at the ready. I was able to get more from the front desk any time I asked, but I feel the hotel can improve in this area. RESTAURANTS are easily accessible and always have plenty of food. The main buffet always seemed to have a strong odor of seafood. We also ate at the Italian, Asian and Steakhouse restaurants. Reservations cannot be made days in advance to any of the specialty restaurants -- you have to go at 6 or 6:30pm the evening of and make a reservation for that day. They are all buffet-style, except for the Steakhouse. They do, however, serve different foods than at the buffet ... so it's worth the reservation if you're looking to switch things up! There were always ACTIVITIES available to participate in. Yoga, aqua fit, dancing, bar games (golf, discs, etc.) were always being initiated by the Riu FUN staff. These were inclusive of anyone who wanted to participate. There are two POOLS available to the Republica resort guests. A quiet pool, without swim up bar; and a more active pool, with activities and a swim up bar. We spent all of our time at the more active pool. We were still able to read and relax quite comfortably. There is a separate third pool, but that is only available to the European Sensimar guests. The glasses are sturdier and larger than any other resort we have been to. My only improvement for the pool bar would be a better clean up of the soiled drinking glasses, as they attract LOTS of bees ... half of our party was stung at one point or another. The BEACH is gorgeous. We were vacationing over the touch down of Hurricane Matthew and, still, everything was wonderful. With the exception of a day of rain and two days of a red/yellow flagged beach, you wouldn't have known what was happening on the other side of the island. We read lots of complaints in other reviews before we left about the "massive sand dune" blocking the beach --- to put this to rest, it is a mound of sand, yes. It obstructs the view of the ocean from the pool, yes. But is it something you have to climb to get to the beach? No. There is a completely manageable sand walkway from the resort to the beach. This is not unique -- we have been many places where this is the case. It also blocked some of the wind from the ocean during hurricane season. Zero complaints about the beach, or the "sand dune." There are lots of events thrown -- beach party and foam party were two of our favourites. The number of rooms at the resort seems like it has the potential to overwhelm the size of the actual resort -- that is, if it were filled to capacity, the amenities may seem overwhelmed. I utilized the SPA one day for a massage. There are credits available at the front desk for the Spa, so be sure to ask for them if you are going to use any of the facilities! This is an adults only resort. Again, we read reviews either citing this was a "young 20s party resort" or a "50+ relaxation resort" -- honestly, neither are true. Or, perhaps both are true ... we traveled during the first week of October and met people from their mid 20s all the way through to their 60s/70s. There was no-one group catered to -- and, those that seemed to be "partying like it was spring break" were in their mid 40s; not 19-year old kids on their first trip away from home. This is a resort you can let a little loose at as well as one you can relax at. YOU determine the vacation you will have ... Riu Republica lets you do that! STAFF were friendly, fun and accommodating. The reviews that said staff were unfriendly and miserable ... I'm not sure where they stayed, but it couldn't have been here! Most staff did speak reasonable-enough English. We always had a table waiting for us in the buffet thanks to Remy, and always received quick service at any bar or restaurant we attended. Overall, we had a great, relaxing, FUN vacation here. We'd recommend it to others wishing to travel to a modern, adults-only resort. I would NOT advertise this as a true, 5-Star resort, and only because of the lack of true a la carte restaurants, and some of the service that needs to be brought up to a 5-Star level. 4 to 4.5 Stars, sure. The only other disappointment was the lack of infinity pool that was advertised to us when booking, before construction had been completed.

Fantastic hotel!

Just came from the resort, we loved it! Beautiful beach, great food, tons of entertainment options. The place is new, so everything is still in good shape. The rooms are lovely, big and bed is huge. Air conditioner works perfectly. Overall had a great time, value for the money.

Great Hotel, Beach and Food!!

The beach was amazing, I could walk for a long time along the shore. The water was the most beautiful colour and clear. The selection and quality of the food was wonderful and the hotel was clean and beautiful. The staff are hardworking and friendly. Unfortunately I became very ill on vacation, possibly a parasite due to the symptoms. But these things can happen in a foreign country, a chance we take when vacationing in the caribbean.

Wonderful resort!

Great staff, beautiful grounds and so many options! We spent a week there without leaving the hotel once and had a blast. The restaurants were much better than your typical resort with great food and friendly service. I've never gone to the same resort twice but might just have to come back some day!

Riu Republica

This resort just opened in June, however, it already is starting to look worn. There is cracking and peeling pain, the tiles appear dirty - especially the grout. It is touted as a 5 star but, realistically, it is only a 4 star. The food is good but not spectacular. There is a nice variety of fish in the buffet but nothing really jumped out at us. The bread wasn't great as it was quite hard - usually if all else fails, the bread is usually quite good. The floors in the dining room were very [... read more] slippery, they should have had someone dry mopping the floors as we saw several guest slipping on the tiles. The Japanese was our favourite. The rooms were nice, however there were no chairs in the room. There was a perfect spot for a small table and a couple of chairs. When asked for an additional one or two chairs for the room but we were refused. The housekeeping was somewhat absent. We had the rooms cleaned twice in the week we were there. One day they arrived at 07:50 to clean the room - we hadn't even showered yet so we asked them to return later - they never did. Another day they arrived after 5:00 pm when we were getting ready for dinner - again we turned them away. They really need to work this out. The front desk staff were quite friendly - no complaints there, however, we had booked a courtyard view room but were assigned a room at the very back of the hotel - the farthest away from anything - beach, restaurants etc. When I inquired about obtaining the correct room we were advised, as expected, that they were full and to come back the next day. I suggested they have guests leaving each day so there should definitely be a room available. By the end of the day, the Sunwing rep was able to obtain a lovely courtyard view room for us. I'm sure they count on most guests just accepting what they are given because it is such a PIA to move rooms. The pools we used were fine. The one with the swim up bar was a bit murky - but still packed. The salt water pool we were in was too warm to be considered refreshing but it was clean. The beach was nice but because of the man-made sand dune, it was not visible from the resort. It was definitely not handicap accessible. Because of the hurricane passing through, the waves were incredible - possibly even dangerous at times. We had a blast in the ocean. The sandy beach, as always in Punta Cana, was great. If you walk to the left, the beach is much flatter for walking and you can walk for ages. All in all, the resort was nice but not a 5 star as advertised.

Lovely Resort

We recently returned from a week at Riu Republica in Punta Cana. The hotel is huge, with lots of shady seating near the gorgeous pools. The trip to the beach is a bit of a hike over a sand dune, and there are no washrooms on or near the beach. There are very few washrooms period, which was a bit of an issue, as I was travelling with my mentally disabled brother. The elevators are also few and far between, and in out of the way areas. Hotel is built like a rounded W, so there is lots of walking t [... read more]o get to your room. Staff were lovely, but few spoke much English. Food was awesome, as were the drinks! The lobby area and bar are gorgeous, with tons of couches and chairs to relax in or meet with friends. The sports bar is 24 HR, and is usually hopping. Had a great week, and would recommend the hotel. My only complaints are too few bathrooms in public areas, and too small elevators in out of the way places.

Fantastic vacation

we had a fantastic vacation, resort was beautiful, staff was fantastic, great food selections. Always something to do while we were there. daily entertainment at the pool was a lot of fun. Beach was beautiful

Nice resort

Very modern, clean resort. Enjoyed the daily entertainment. Food was good but not great. The hotel staff was very accommodating and provided good service. Enjoyed the pool and bars. Sammy was great for booking day excursions.

Riu Republica

Not a 5 star resort but a great place to enjoy! Beautiful beach, decent food and accommodations. Only a few small complaints. No room service and you had to pay $3.00 US for a game of pool in the sports bar. Overall, we had a great time!

Excellent resort

The resort was great. I was expecting a few glitches since it's fairly new but can't say I can complain on anything that wasn't dealt with immediately. Our first room was a king bed and I was there on a girl's trip and required two beds. No problems ... fixed and upgraded to Ocean View. All the staff - cleaning, reception, restaurant, bar, beach waiters, animators were so friendly and quick to serve and help you. Tip or no tip the service was phenomenal. The beach is beautiful, quiet  [... read more]and although there's no beach bar close by, there is a waiter that comes by and takes your order (if you're in a hurry you may need to get your own or have a large bubba). :) Rooms, cleaned daily, fridge always filled with beer, pop and lots of water. Food - no complaints. I actually gained a few pounds and that might be a combo of the food and the beverages. lol Activities - it was windy so we didn't take advantage of any of the water sports, but the nightly entertainement was good. Daily fun was had at the pool (bar). I'd go back. CD

Generally very good

Staff service was incredible! Very fast and efficient. Bars were fast with service. Although advertised as an "adults only" the swim up portion of the pool area got extremely loud and crowded with people standing and sliding on the tables along with other dangerous activities. No staff stepped in. Room were very clean and nice. Main Buffet was great. Italian Restaurant was a disappointment. It was just a small version of a buffet with the same menu every night. No traditional pasta availabl [... read more]e. Asian restaurant, although another buffet, was good. Steak House was not really a traditional stake house but service was good. This was the only eating area where you got served. All others were buffet set ups. Lack of elevators was hard to believe. The one in the middle area was always appallingly dirty. Relax pool was nice but actually too warm, probably because it was shallow. Generally the two weeks spent there were nice. Nice grounds. Upgraded to ocean view room because the "garden view" (room 4404 area) was very noisy on the balcony and not a great view. Towel facility was fantastic and in good supply. Once again, the staff was the best we have seen.

Perfect holiday

I haven't got a negative thing to say about this location! The service and people on staff were so friendly and accommodating. Everything was as promised re: inclusive features. The food/buffets were first-class, the entertainment on the beach at noon and in the theatre in the evening were both top-drawer. Loved it. Felt sad to leave.

Amazing Resort

I have to say that I think the entire staff, no matter what position, were very friendly and eager to please.... no matter what!!! Food and drinks were good. I enjoyed the "all inclusive" part of my trip, as I've never gone on one before. I can't wait to go again. As for the swimming pool, I loved the table and stools in the pool itself. What a way to enjoy some drinks in the hot sun! As for the beach, I found there were plenty of chairs and huts, so very easy to find one. The beach  [... read more]was beautiful! I would definitely recommend this place to my friends and I will be definitely be returning. Thanks for such an awesome vacation. Dianne Rice

Amazing Resort

Just returning from a weeks vacation in Punta Cana. We stayed at Riu Republica Adults only that just opened in June of this year. Cannot say enough as It was simply an amazing vacation. The hotel is beautiful. The beach was just great breathtaking. The rooms were huge, large bathroom, no tub In our unit. But they do have jacuzzi rooms. We had a courtyard view. We did ask for king bed but got 2 doubles. That was my only thing that disappointed me. Maids did a great job cleaning our rooms d [... read more]aily. We were treated from staff like family. They were such friendly hard working people. Grounds were always cleaned and gardens kept beautiful. They catered to us from morning to night, from the beach to the pools to dining to entertainment. We even had fruit daily delivered on the beach and by pool and some awesome pineapple drinks made by the pool. A Shout out to Evelyn in the the sports bar, and Wandy at the pool bar for your awesome drinks you made us. Also to Ramy at the morning Buffet. Such great workers with great hospitality. Just always made us feel so welcome and catered to our needs. We left them great tips as they worked so hard to make our stay awesome. The food was plentiful and Delicious. The entertainment was non stop around the pool daily, to daily exercise classes to night time shows and parties. I have 2 timeshares that are 5* in Mexico and in Orlando and this stay at Rui Republica was as comparable as to our stay there. We loved the Rui Sante Fe in Cabo and took a gamble on this new resort. Glad we did. Not a bad thing to say, I would highly recommend this place, we have made some amazing memories and we will definitely be returning. A special thank you to Debbie Macguire at trip central for her excellent care and work helping us with the booking, your patience in answering all our questions and finding us all the ins and the outs of this new resort before booking and making this vacation a memorable one.

Nice resort

Overall I enjoyed my stay. The resort was clean and well maintained. No surprise as it had been open less than a month. Great service with friendly staff and people. Great food at both the daily buffet and the 3 restaurants. Good design to have the restaurants all together so we didn't have to search. Room was nice with one exceptional element - poor design with the wall with the shower being a smoked glass. Anyone in the bedroom area could see the outlines of those taking a shower! The beach wa [... read more]s lovely as well as the two pools - one was quiet with the other having music and a sit down bar in the pool. The entertainment was somewhat lame - live band playing slow music most nights. Very generous with alcoholic drinks.

Amazing trip!

My friend and I really enjoyed the activities the Riu Republica had to offer. This was the highlight for us! Of course the hotel was beautiful and clean. The food was ok but everything else was great. Can't wait to come back next year!