Palace St. Martin: Nice vacation

Small, quiet resort. Clean and well maintained. Good food and pleasant staff. Road into the hotel is very steep and could be improved. We would have liked water sports including catamarans included. TV service very limited.

Riu Merengue: RIU MERENGUE Surprise

When we booked we did not know what to expect. From the moment we got out of the air port to the time we got to the hotel the experience was better than other trips we had gone on. The service at the hotel was unmatched by other resorts we have stayed at. The grounds where well maintained with no shortage of hounds keepers. The room was of a decent size and the house keepers kept our room extremely clean and both the fridge and the wall mounted bar where also stocked each day. The beach was alwa [... read more]ys clean and even thou it is not the white sand of some beachs you could easily walk with your toes in the sand (I would recommend water shoes in the water, it's a bit rocky). As far as food goes there was never a problem. Always something to eat no matter what time of day you could get a meal. The nightly shows where beyond what I expected. Some of them could have been Las Vegas style shows, with a bigger budget. The entertainment staff went out of the way to get people doing things all day long whether you where at the beach or hanging by the pool or you just felt like playing some fun bingo for prizes. The bars we had no complaints about at all and there was no shortage of the rum in the drinks. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone wishing to get away for either a quiet time away as a couple or as a group that wants to get away and party till the wee hours of the morning. You will find what you are looking for with this resort.

Riu Palace Tropical Bay: Very Nice Resort

Great staff they were very friendly and accommodating, the pool was clean as well as the beach which had tons of chairs so we always found a seat, the food was good, the room was always clean, nice grounds, well maintained.

Riu Caribe Cancun: Wonderful Resort

Service was excellent. Grounds and beach beautiful. All public areas and public washrooms very clean. Pools a little chilly in February and difficult to get in and out of. Rooms comfortable, beds good and decent pillows. Staff wonderful and accommodating. Food was plentiful and very good.

Grand Memories Varadero: Great resort!

This was a pretty big resort with a not so great layout in my opinion. The rooms were clean, but they have a towel problem. We were often given a number of small hand towels and or face clothes instead of bath towels in our room, or we would get the bath towels but no hand towels or face clothes. The food was better than I had experience at the previous resort we stayed at in Cuba, but it was still not the greatest! But it's Cuba, it is expected. They did have numerous condiments at this resort, [... read more] the previous did not! The beach was beautiful! Resort was very clean except for the dishes left in small metal bins throughout the evening which were sometimes broken by morning. As well as some problems with the dishes in the dining room, I would check them before using. We travelled with a group of approx.. 20 people and attended a wedding on site. The wedding was quick but nice! The wedding dinner, as expected it's Cuba, not so great but edible. None of our party experienced any stomach problems from the food or water at this resort! Staff was not overly friendly but it is a big resort. We were approached on our last night and several times before by some of the staff wanting to exchange Canadian dollars for pesos at par, which does not add up given the exchange on the American dollar right now! Beware! Overall we enjoyed our stay and would return! BTW I am not a picky traveler, I am just glad to get away and have some sun and sand. If you are picky you should not travel to Cuba!!

Sol Turquesa Beach: Memories Holguin

the rooms were amazing, the pool and beach were great, buffet not alot of options, food was always cold unless you had them grill it, i even saw them put new food out when running too make sure i got it hot, but it was stone cold from the kitchen. Food also ran out alot especially the dessert table and they always took too long to refill it, ice cream was always melted they don't have a proper freezer for it. The bars were good but always running out of things so they couldn't make your favorite [... read more] drinks, also didn't make the drinks properly as a pina coloda supposed to be served frozen, it never was. Banking was also a big issue, they say they open at 7:30am, we got there at 7:35 to change money into pesos, we stood outside for over half an hour, while the teller was doing some paperwork, she saw we were waiting, and still didn't open the doors, she didn't open til 8:15am. I thought this was a one time thing our friends she did the same thing the very next day, they waited over half an hour before she opened the door, and then said she had no pesos to give. How do we give tips to waiters and people who clean our room when their own bank won't give any pesos, How does a bank not have pesos for tourists? Ridicioulous!!!

Riu Emerald Bay: amazing resort

The resort itself is very nice. The front desk staff was extremely helpful, especially Elizabeth Vega and Alejando Zamudjo! Thanks for helping us! The entires stay was perfect. Only downside was the ocean conditions, too rough to swim, and we new that going in. Many thanks for the most relaxing holiday!

Riu Playacar: Fantastic Resort!

The RIU Playacar was a small beautiful resort. We were there from Jan 16th - 27th, 2016. The resort staff were outstanding, From the cleaning staff to bartender's and CSR staff. With this resort you can use 3 of the 5 other RIU's as well. The grounds were well maintained, food was outstanding, and being a $8 dollar ( US ) cab ride from downtown Playa Del Carmen ( 5min drive ) was a bonus! The rooms were very well cleaned. The hotel was renovated, I think for the better! I was very hesitant to go [... read more] to Mexico to begin with, but when I arrived I felt very safe even walking from resort to resort, as well as downtown at night. The wait staff especially " KEVIN " was outstanding. the bartender " ENRIQUE " and 3 other gentlemen sorry cant remember there names ( Lobby Bar ) were exceptional! we never had to wait for a drink. "EVER" the Coco Bongo Rep was awesome ( not sure if he was part of the resort ), but took great care of us when we went to Coco Bongo. As far as alacarte ( sorry for spelling ) there were pretty much dead, only because the buffet was so good. the pools were ok ( not a sitting by the pool person so ) the swim up bar was great! lots of room. Beach was amazing, water was bath tub warm. so Overall it was an amazing time at this Hotel! wish we didn't have to leave.

Riu Emerald Bay: Relaxing family retreat

Very well kept, great buffet with lots of food and great features every night, pools were clean with plenty of room to swim or lounge, kid pool was a bonus! Beach was huge and beautiful, drinks were fantastic... premium liquors at every bar. Great security always felt safe!

Riu Palace Punta Cana: 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.

Riu Cancun: Great Place to take a vacation

The hotel and grounds were top notch. Everyday the place was cleaned top to bottom. Food was plenty, fresh good and lots of options. Service was excellent from the bar to the dining areas to the maid service.

Riu Playacar: great resort

Very nice resort beautiful beach grounds are well maintained staff very cooperative the food was very good not too impressed with the steak house restaurant stakes weren't that great nightly entertainment and beach activities were excellent the one negative point about the restaurant was the vendors on the beach consistently day in and day out every hour of the day there were vendors on the beach walking right up to you asking if you wanted to buy silver sunglasses hats etc

Riu Santa Fe: A great week at Riu Sante Fe

This resort provides great value. The place is huge so there are lots of different areas to go to depending if you want quiet or lively. Nice to be able to take the bus to the marina without any worry. Will go back for sure.

Sol Turquesa Beach: A unique resort for active people

Our trip was in Jan 2016 trying to avoid a week of cold weather in Canada, unfortunately the weather in Holguin was a little bit cold and rainy accept for two days, being positive; we did not get burned by the sun but still got the tan The staff was amazing and they were trying their best to accommodate us and reduce the effect of weather which has nothing to do with the resort. The room always clean and in mint shape, thanks to our house keeper Gracy she did a marvelous. If you hate walking and [... read more] using a lot of stairs do not go to that resort If you are active and like to have fun this is the resort for you........ Plan in advance what you will do every day you will be fine The food was amazing and well presented despite some line waiting but it was worth it unless you go to the restaurant very hungry and that is your fault, the staff was very friendly even if you do not tip them just treat them with respect with nice words; they will go a mile to serve you and you can make a difference in solving any issue by talking to the management in a positive attitude... Try to avoid the Sand fleece it is worth than mosquitos they get you as high as your knee unless you are laying down on the sand or on a chair and you do not feel their bite until you go to bed, it is very itchy for 3 to 5 days, no matter what you spray your self with all kind of insect repellent they still bite you without your permission The best remedy is alcohol and smudge it with green papaya If you like to go around by your self to enjoy the nature and learn about the locals try to rent a scooter for a day for $30 CUC do not take Canadian bills just US and more than you need to avoid a lot of waiting If you like to enjoy your vacation you have to think positive. Finally, regarding management roll in making this resort an excellent place to go to is: efficiency there is a room for improvement and like to thank the management for trying their best.

Riu Santa Fe: good resort

Just returned from our vacation some quick notes Check in was easy done on the bus so all we had to do was get a room key and card towels. But there was no direction an getting to our rooms on the resort and we had to carry our own luggage to our rooms ( I have never had to do that ) grounds were extremely clean the cleaning staff were very good but not too friendly entertainment staff were great beds were a little uncomfortable and hard Front desk staff were horrible. very rarely answered the p [... read more]hone I think 2 out of 20 calls during the week , I had to go to the front desk and wait in line to ask for a pillow that never arrived. Beach was not really good as you were unable to swim in the water and the sand is very course Food was ok , it tasted better then it looked for the most part Buffet was ok but a lot of the time there was shortage of food. I do not think there is enough restaurant space to accommodate the resort I found myself waiting for food to be replenished at the buffet or wait in very long lines to get food. Bars were good but at times very long wait to get served , they would do better to have a few more bartenders overall I would say this resort has potential to be better based on the service overall I rate it 3 but it can easily get a 4 if they fix that issue

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Clean and friendly staff

We enjoyed our stay at the Riu Bachata. The staff were friendly and the check in and out process was easy and hassle free. The rooms were spacious and clean and the grounds were lovely. We enjoyed a couple nights of good entertainment. The food was ok and we certainly would not starve but there was nothing that I would say was extra special! We had a toilet that was broken and went unfixed for two days, a television that did not work properly and the smell of sewage was a bit overwhelming at tim [... read more]es! The floors in the downstairs hall became quite slippery when wet! As at all resorts the fight for chairs at the pool and beach were a daily occurrence and the usual 6 a.m line for reserving an a la carte restaurant was an annoyance! All those things aside we definitely enjoyed our vacation!

Riu Palace Mexico: Great resort---front office staff helpful

Grounds were immaculate ----public areas clean as staff was cleaning ongoing Staff friendly and very helpful ----good music and evening entertainment Food good---loved the linen table cloths and napkins.Housekeeping --super

Riu Palace Antillas: RuiAntillas

Great place to stay in Aruba, beautiful beach, food & service. Every room has a partial ocean view & comfy beds.great selection at the buffets and also get to use the Palace buffet and bars and pools.

Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas: Very clean good food

It was in the smaller side of resorts that I'd stayed at previous but I felt it lacked in activities and entertainment but overall like anywhere always room for improvement, and beach very clean, but not safe for swimming

Riu Palace Paradise Island: Heartless next door to Atlantis

More of a couples / family / destination wedding resort than a single's hookup, RIU Palace Paradise Island has beautiful multi-blue ocean views, very friendly service, clean grounds, an active and engaging entertainment staff with planned events that aim to pump up the howlies during the day and bring lulz to couples during the night. Literally steps away from Atlantis, there's no sense of listless boredom as there are also tables set up in the lobby with dozens of events and activities to choos [... read more]e from. Upon arrival to the Bahamas, there was a bus directly to the hotel, then an informative session which explained the exit accommodations and guided tours and activities so there was no sense of confusion or fear that the returning flight might be missed. All drinks were free, smoking was allowed everywhere except the Calypso Room (where the nightly entertainment was held). The rooms were cleaned daily, comfortable, contained a safe for valuables, and had its own liquor dispensers (Gin, Vodka, Rum, Whiskey) as well as a mini fridge that was also daily stocked with beer, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Club Soda, Tonic Water and of course 1L bottles of Water. The view of the ocean from the room's balcony was breathe taking - the ocean was also visible from the bed and chairs inside as well. The room keys were demagnetized by the rare-earth magnets in my pocket a couple of times, but they were quickly reflashed by the lobby. The rooms were quiet - no loud screaming drunks making a racket during the early hours of the morning - and had 50 channels of satellite TV, including HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax. Food-wise, all buffets and even the fancy restaurants were all free. The buffets were shifted everyday so it was different food all the time (excluding popular staples like French Fries, Pizza, Cheeseburgers, Eggs, Bacon, Salad Bar, Meat Sauce Pasta, Fried Chicken, etc). The Breakfast buffet had Champagne for Mimosas and fresh fruit smoothies. The Dinner buffet always had a specific theme (Italian, Mexican, Seafood). Even at the buffets, there was constantly service staff readily available to pour water and coffee and gets drinks. The fancy restaurants (Steakhouse, Japanese, Fusion) needed reservations, so it was encouraged to wait in line in the lobby at 7:30 to 8:00 AM to reserve tables up to 3 days in advance. Table for 1 was perfectly okay, though felt very obviously single and alone being surrounded by couples dressed to the 9s. The fitness centre in the resort was clean and machines that were broken were usually fixed the next day. There was a Sports-type bar with a pool table and several pub-type video games. The stores were pretty expensive, as to be really expected as the Bahamas is an island and the RIU is a resort, so expect to pay the same price for a bag of Doritos as for a package of Goody's headache powder. The beach was beautiful, though public (as opposed to the Atlantis having private beaches) so expect to be offered hard drugs within 30 seconds, very much like going through a back alley in Amsterdam...and getting attitude for refusing them. Other than that, the locals were fine on the Culture Tour, which included the Junkaroo heritage centre, the Graycliff Chocolate Factory, the art gallery, and the John Watling's (Rum) Distillery. Paradise Island itself is more private land and there's a $4 toll to cross the bridge over from Nassau, so that keeps out a lot of the more shady types that would try to rip someone off. In summary, a beautiful beach paradise that's all-you-care-to-eat and all-you-care-to-drink with great staff that's a little on the pricey side, but well worth it. PS. +$10 at the casino in Atlantis #winning