It was our first time to the Dominican Republic and we were not disappointed. Great hotel, staff and the resort was fab with plenty to do. We will definitely be visiting Punta Cana again in the future. Jo and Russell White.

We arrived on Nov 24th and stayed in rm 0122 (they still use actual keys- not cards). No bugs, no musty smell, but the vodka was awful. Not sure what it was, certainly was NOT Stoli's. The food was okay, the service was good (staff was very nice). The entertainment committee was very involved with the guests which was great. They ate with you, danced with you - or left you alone, whatever you wanted.The specialty restaurants were good. Mostly all European - not many Americans. There were a LOT of kids there which at times was annoying (sceaming and splashing). I did like the fact the hotel was located in a gated Riu only community. The Macao is a short walk, but worth seeing as it is not the typical Riu Palace. Very mordern totally different structure. They have a casino (well, about 30 slots and a few tables) VERY small - open from 8pm to midnight. We were there for 15 minutes max. If you like casinos - get a taxi for 20 bucks and go to the Hard Rock Resort and Casino. Large casino very clean and nice. Make sure you say "Resort and Casino" or you will end up at the Hard Rock restaurant 45 minutes away (that is where the free shuttle takes you). Believe it or not- the Vodka was just as bad there. Not sure if it is how they distill in DR?

We spent Thanksgiving at Riu. The check in was disorganized and we were put in a room next to maids office and supposed to have forest view, which really was a parking lot with construction going on. After twice requesting new room and being told to come back the next morning, we took our bags to the front and spoke to the manager who moved us immediately. The room was clean and modern. The wait staff at the restaurants were very friendly. I found the buffet food to be the best with a nice selection. The pool was nice and big but the tiles are coming off throughout which needs to be addressed. Beach was nice and clean but not enough chairs, recommend getting up early to grab one before they are gone.
This particular hotel is great for kids and if you like kids. If not go to the Riu next door, its adults only and is really nice and updated. If we go back we will stay at that one for sure.
Overall for the price it was nice.

Just returned from second stay in 4 years, the room we got this time not quite as nice a view as the jr,suite supreme still lovely to use kept very clean and well appointed, no shortage of drinks in the room nice balcony good bed and very quite. Room make up varied each day but was done and turn down service at night which was a nice touch. Beautiful beach and lots of chairs and umberallas to use.Food generally very good, good selection in buffet for each meal. There are several ala carte restuarants of which we found the steak house the best. The Italian is ok but not genuine Italian and a little music would be nice. The gourmet was really nice but you need to be a bit of a gourmand to really like it.The drinks are good and plentiful in any of the 5 bars. The casino is a waste of time. A little entertainment on The Plaza would be good but it was mainly around the pool area, shows at night except Karaoke was fair to middling . In a party of 12 there were few complaints, would return again and would not hesitate to recommend it as a really really nice all inclusive.Found the staff very plesant and courteous language was a small bit of a problem but they have host and hostess's who can always help so it is easy to be understood. Again as I said before a really nice holiday.