Riu Palace Bavaro

Very disappointed with check-in timing and service. Resort website states it has a shuttle service as part of its perks, yet when a flight is changed or cancelled, tourists are left to fend for themselves. I have never felt more alone or scared in a foreign country before today. I've stayed at a Riu 6-7x in the past three years alone, but this experience will make me think twice when booking my next vacation abroad. It's almost comical how 'helpful' they are when taking your money but know nothing when you actually need help. I am disgusted by the service.

I will never spend my money with this resort I’m actually happy I didn’t go through with them . They don’t accept the LGBTQ community . And before I even knew I called them to set up a proposal and the lady took it personal like “ oh this is a catholic country so we don’t accept “ and then hung up on me . okay and what the hell does that have to do with the event planning ? Because other resorts accepts the lgbtq community in Punta Cana . You know how many gays are in Dominican Republic ? I’m Dominican myself & no one cares about that . They’re rude and nasty .

Place was great . Room was not ready for 3pm checkin but at 5pm. Doesnot have halal food and could not cater for halal food. Plenty of beach space and chairs. No need to wake up early and save chairs.

So the hotel grounds are second to none, amazing venue and aesthetically one of the best hotels i’ve stayed at, However, 90% of the staff cannot speak English including the staff at the kids club which was a nightmare for us as English speaking people, that’s probably why most days the club was empty, they change closing times whenever they want to to suit them which was annoying 😖 food was good, overall a good hotel. Evening entertainment was just ok but the biggest issue was the daytime fun & entertainment / vibes which i can say was pretty none existent! I think 1 day out of the 7 i was there they had pool games at the main pool which was very disappointing. The food court was good in the day, lots of options for picky eaters, the alcoholic drinks again weren’t the best but were just ok, i found my drink and just stuck to it during my stay. If you are looking for that blue tropical water with no sea weed this is not the place for you! The water colour reminded we of Western Super-mare in the UK riddled with seaweed, brown water, not the crystal blue n turquoise water I expected. Outside of this I enjoyed myself, lots of activities and excursions to book in the DR.

Amazing experience excellent service big thanks to all the staffs love the activities everyone felt included will definitely visit again