Riu Guanacaste: Amazing Resort

Excellent service, the grounds are lush and exceptionally clean. Huge pool with hot tub. The resort has a nice layout, very breezy, the staff are very nice and helpful. The food is excellent! The beach is a little dangerous because of the waves, bring watershoes!

Riu Tequila: Nice resort

Rooms are very Clean and good service on site , Lots of good selection for the food, but no Italian Restaurant on site. Please note that they need to have sharper knifes for the BBQ night at the Buffet.

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Good resort for the money

The resort was clean, and the food was as good as we expected for the money. The beach was OK, although there was a day or two that there was some seaweed that came in with the tide, but since we don't really go into the water, it didn't bother us. Staff was friendly and most spoke good English.

Grand Memories Varadero: big resort - needs management review

We stayed at the Riu Varadero from January 28th to February 4th, 2015(family group of 8 including 9 yr old twins). Our flight and check-in at hotel were flawless. My husband and I stayed in the Adults Only section so our 3 à la carte dinners were already reserved for us. We used 2 choosing to eat our other meals with our group. The seafood one was the better of the two. This is a very big resort and was filled almost to capacity. The pools are great with 3 to choose from. The beach and water we [... read more]re beautiful but busy.The grounds are very well maintained and very clean. We chose to return to Varadero (last year Melia Marina...fantastic but did not return there because prices had increased significantly) because of the Cuban people who are so welcoming, helpful and always smiling. Unfortunately this is where the problem also exists: The employees in all areas are understaffed, do not have the necessary equipment to perform their tasks efficiently and in many instances, the equipment is outdated or not fully functional. This is a management fault not staff! ( Apparently this hotel has been sold to another chain but the Riu logo is still everywhere). Nothing has been done to update this huge facility. One prime example is the coffee stations. There was always long line-ups for coffee in the main bar and often only one attendant working alone. One morning in one of the main buffets, the coffee machine broke and the waitresses had to run to an outside coffee bar, wait in line with guests and then run back to serve their tables. Other reviews mention having to wait for plates at the buffet, food to be refilled, etc. This is true but again management fault! Unfortunately many guests were outright rude and disrespectful of staff. The rooms are adequate - yes linen and towels are dingy grey, food is not the greatest but we always managed to find something, and all in all,we made the best of our situation. We were treated very well by staff and yes we do tip generously. These people work for such low wages and are so appreciative of anything you leave them...a few pesos go a long way and never did we feel it was expected of us! As a group we have travelled extensively and would probably not return to this hotel until some serious changes and updates are made.

Riu Playa Blanca: Great. Resort

The beach is very nice and long perfect for walking. The staff we're really helpful. Food is excellent. The Resort is very close to the Rio Hato airport but they need more vending machine or kiosk while waiting for plane. The weather was the best I would go back very satisfied

Grand Memories Varadero: Welcome to the devils play ground

They will not let me comment, don't stay at this hotel. trust me when I say it was the worst experiance in all my trips. Mexico was by far a better place to vaction. The people of Cuba were awesome but this hotel is a 3 star at best and unless you want to saty in a dump I would think twice.

Riu Palace Antillas: AMAZING TIME!

I went to the Riu Antillas 01FEB-08FEB with my boyfriend, my sister and her boyfriend. We had an AMAZING time! We had heard before going that the rooms were not totally up-to-date since the hotel was the former Westin and that is true to some extent but they were CLEAN - that's what mattered most! We had a partial oceanview which was great. The staff was very friendly and the pool/beach area was very clean. The food was excellent - we went to the Steakhouse restaurant and the other one called KR [... read more]YSTAL - both very good food. The rest of the time we did the buffet which was just as good. Overall, this was a really fun trip and we have no real complaints. I would recommend anyone go to this resort. We will be going back!

Riu Ocho Rios: Amazing Resort

I loved this resort! The grounds were so beautifully groomed and clean, the staff are "top notch", the food was excellent especially the Main Buffet, the beach was so clean and inviting, the room was spacious and clean, the entertainment was so much fun. Cool Runnings tour was amazing! Next time I will try swimming with the Dolphins.

Riu Palace Antillas: I will go back to this hotel

I really enjoyed my stay here last week. I have been to the Riu Palace twice before and wanted to check out the Antillas. It was great being at a adult only resort. The rooms were satisfactory. Comfortable beds. The rug was dated but clean and we had a good view of the ocean from our room. It was nice to be able to go over to the Riu Palace for some meals. We enjoyed going there for lunch to the Nautilus and to their buffet some evenings. At the Palace you could eat outside which was nice. There [... read more] was great selection at the buffets. I enjoy Chilean wine which is what was served so I was happy. There was free Wi-Fi. Nice big pool. The pool bar had a large sitting area that was lovely. Nice staff. Beautiful beach. If you enjoy walking there is a great boardwalk outside the hotel.

Riu Playacar: Excellent Service

Stayed the week of February 9th. I would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a clean, and well run resort. The beach is one of the best I have been to the water is shallow quite a way out and the sand is white and soft. Lots of lounge chairs and many Palm trees offer shade if you want it. The swim up bar was a lot of fun, the bartenders work hard to make sure you have a good time. The food was always good, hot and fresh and here again you can see the level of care the staff takes, the wait st [... read more]aff makes you feel right at home and take care of your every need. The rooms are spacious, the beds comfortable and there is plenty of hot water and nice clean towels everyday! This is the smallest of the Riu's in this area but I think that adds to it's charm and personal touches. We walked twice into Playa de Carmen to check out the shop etc. It is an easy 30 minute walk past some beautiful homes and other resorts. Plus added bonus there is a Starbucks right across the road!

Riu Negril: excellent resort

People friendly and very helpful the lay out is perfect the beach is clean both on the beach and in the water rooms clean and safe easy to walk from one area to another the pool was alot of fun at all times

Riu Ocho Rios: Fun in the sun

The hotel was very clean, the people were friendly and hard working. Entertainment was great. Food was fabulous!! The grounds were kept beautifully. No problem getting chairs at the beach. No complaints.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Very nice place

flowers, pools, food and the service were all amazing ! A good selection of restaurants to chose from for each supper. Dress code was reasonable for both male and female .Rooms were very clean and the 24 hour snack stop was a good thing to have. Only negative things that I would say is that I wished there were washrooms closer to the pool area and more benches around the resort to stop and rest ! Overall, I would rate a 10

Riu Ocho Rios: Great staff, great food, good rooms

One week stay was wonderful. Food was excellent at all meals. The resort is very big and kept very clean. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful with any needs. We attended a wedding and were with quite a big group. A few people did say beds were uncomfortable, mine was fine. If funds are not an issue it may be smart to upgrade room as basic one is just that. Overall was a great trip and would definitely recommend to friends.

Palace St. Martin: Very nice resort

Really enjoyed this resort small, clean, staff was very nice except for the reception not smiling made you feel like you are bothering them, food was excellent room spacious and clean, nice beach, entertainment needs a bit of fine tooning

Grand Memories Varadero: Great resort but larger than what we like

So went to Riu Varadero feb 7-14 2015. We had a really nice stay. This resort is very nice. We usually pic smaller resort under 500 rooms but an enjoyable stay. The rooms and resort were very clean and maintained at all times. You always see them cleaning up. It is rated a 5 star but remember this his not a Canadian 5 star, remember when you go to Cuba they don't have all the luxuries we do here. Things will change now that the USA and Cuba are getting along. The food is bland as they don't have [... read more] the luxury of all the spices we have here. The meat is sometimes not chewable and I don't have dentures, I have all my original teeth so not sure how people with them chewed some of the meat. This is not just at this resort it is at everyone we have been to which is 4 all over. Chicken was always very good as well as the roasted pork. They do serve some bacon at breakfast but really need to seperate it before cooking as some is on the raw side and others way over cooked. They do try to please you and you do feel bad for them as they have no idea how spoiled we are here at home. But this is to no fault of the overall resort as that is what they have there. I'm sure they must think people are so wasteful with the food. But our overall stay was wonderful and are planing to go back again but to a different area. Just remember Cuba is like going back in time right now. So go with an open mind and you will Have a great time.

Riu Palace Costa Rica: Amazing Vacation

This was an amazing trip. The room, beach, pool, bars, restaurants, and people were all perfect! A excellent choice for all looking to travel to Costa Rica. The weather was 30-35 degrees and we couldn't have asked for a better trip.

Riu Palace Paradise Island: Nice resort and hotel

The Riu is a nice and friendly resort, not too far from the airport which was nice and right next door to Atlantis where there are many activities and things to see. The hotel is small with only one pool, which gets no sun after 3-4pm due to where the building is located vs where the sun would set - get down there early if you want a beach chair. The beach is beautiful, with turquoise waters but the weather was not cooperating with us and we were not able to swim and enjoy it as much as we would [... read more] have hoped. I would recommend this resort because it is all inclusive and the Bahamas is very expensive when you do leave the resort in comparison to other Caribbean countries. If you have a late flight inquire for a room extension early as you may not get lucky if you wait and have to spend the entire day without a place to shower/keep your stuff. But overall the food was pretty good, usually, the hotel was kept clean and the staff was nice and helpful and the location of the hotel is great. Great to get away for a few days especially when you live somewhere where the winter months feel endless.

Riu Palace Antillas: Great Relaxing Holiday!

The trip was fantastic! Over all the hotel was great and lived up to my expectations. The rooms was slightly outdated, however they are clean, the water in the shower is extremely hot and the towels are refreshed twice daily. Let's face it, we do not travel all that way to stay in our room. There was only really one A la Carte that was of interest as we could not access the ones at the Riu Palace, nonetheless, the buffet had a huge selection with changes made every day. If you cannot find somet [... read more]hing to your taste at the buffet you are too picky. The service at the hotel was one of the best that I have experienced. Everyone was always happy, always friendly and you did not get the sense that they are waiting for a tip in order to go above and beyond. There is no language barrier whatsoever. Many speak English and French with no accent. Aruba itself was excellent, the weather was perfect (a little too windy - could not sit on the beach because of it) but the pool was super and we dipped in the ocean when we felt like it. I like the location. You can leave the resort for a short walk to the markets or local restaurants at night which is nice. Kinda had a Cancun feel without the spring break kids. :) We hired a local guide named Howard Folkes to tour us to the local sights. He did a great job and his price was more than reasonable for a private tour. I would definitely go back to this same resort and recommend it to anyone!

Grand Memories Varadero: Good value!

Overall, my experience was good. The room was OK, it needed some new paint. The hotel needs a renovation soon. My bathroom had some mold, that is really my only complaint. It was really clean and our room was made up every day. In Canadian terms, the hotel is really a 3 star. The food was good (I recommend BBQ by the beach for lunch and a la carte restaurants for dinner) and better than most people told me. Make sure you exchange cash in the airport, otherwise you have to wait about an hour in l [... read more]ine at the currency exchange office in the resort. Also, for the a la carte restaurants, only 2 can be booked in a week (and it has to be reserved a day in advance) and the queue is also about an hour. So take these into account before heading to the beach! I highly recommend to book the Deluxe room - Adults only. There is really a difference in service and amenities: separate pool and bar & restaurant just for the Deluxe guests. You can also go to the Deluxe only restaurant every evening, no restrictions. The buffet is also a lot better (salmon, blue cheese, etc.). It's definitely worth it and the price difference is not big. Thanks.