I got to first say that after reading some previous negative posts, I wonder just what the expectations were for some people, for a 5 star resort in a third world country??
Having travelled extensively to the Caribbean and staying at 5 Star resorts, this equals most of my experiences.

Food at the buffet was outstanding. We ate breakfast there everyday and there is enough variety to please everyone.
Why some IDIOTS choose to wear wet bathing suits and T-shirts to dinner at El Patio (same place as breakfast) boggles me.

Specialty restaurants have limited main dishes to choose from but the food is OK. Missed the Japanese restaurant, and I found Krystal a little to out there for me.

Pools are great as is the beach. No drink service at beach and it's a hike to grab a couple to take to the beach.

Rooms are really nice and refreshed. There were no issues with the room only one day we did not get maid service before 4pm and we just put the red sign on the door. No big deal.
AC needed a service call but was completed that day and was great the rest of the week.

Bring your own haidryer - the ones provided are lame.

Too many smokers. My oh my - I thought smoking was a thing of the past. One lady chose to light up a cigarette at diner. Then she had a mouthful of salad, then another drag on the cigarette.
All of this at the table next to us.

The resort should offer a smoking or non smoking section during meals. Brutal!!

Recently revamped and now 18+ Rui hotel. Clean & fresh. Good pool. Steps to beautiful beach. 30 mins from Punta Cana airport. Rui Macau sits in middle of riu resort area. El Patio buffet is expansive and full compliment of foods for breakfast and dinner. A la carte must be booked after 7am on same day you wish to go. We found them below average.
Only barrier at times was staff who only spoke Spanish and limited French or English.
Wifi is free but you need to ask at front desk for codes/password.
Good for couples and older crowd.

I have just got back from a 2 week stay at the Riu Macao with my partner and had one of the best holidays ever.... How anyone can fault or complain about this hotel is beyond me... The newly renovated rooms are perfect which are cleaned every day along with fresh towels and fridges freshly stocked... The pool and bar staff are constant making sure every person around the pool is seen to ..... We spent a lot of our time on the beach which is perfect and guaranteed a sun tan due to the lovely breeze... Food is brilliant and my main piece of advice is to try the steak house at least once the steaks are always cooked to perfection.... Overall this is an excellent hotel and the staff are all amazing!!!!! A lot of people we noticed didn't choose to tip which I think is a little unfair due to the amount of effort all staff give to all holiday makers the odd dollar here and there is muchly appreciated... Will DEFINITELY be returning

And one last thank you to JC our Thomson holiday rep

This is a beautiful adult only hotel. I only say this as we have previously stayed in a palace. The rooms, whilst rennovated are not as large. When we arrived we were given a room that had not been made up and smelt of fresh paint. The hotel director was very helpful and arranged for us to be moved next day. The food is top notch and the staff helpful, though some did not understand English very well. This palace has a coffee shop which is very good and was a hit with the guests. The grounds and the walkways to the beach are well kept and a pleasure to stroll through. The beach goes for miles in either direction and a very pleasant walk.