Our stay May 21-26 Trip Goal: Relax, no excursions Riu's visited previously Riu Palace Costa Rica 3x Riu Palace Ocho Rios Jamaica 1x Riu Palace Bavaro Punta Cana 3x Riu Palace Rivera Maya 1x We had an amazing trip, and absolutely loved this property. We made the decision prior to our arrival to just stay on property for this trip vs including any of the excursions. Everyone's vacation priorities are going to be different, I thought I would share our experience. Facilities- Everything was meticulous, clean, and crisp. I loved the renovations, every area of the hotel and property were beautiful. We asked for a first floor room, and got it (yay) I have a bad knee. The reception area, cappuccino coffee bar, Italian Restaurant and the 24/7 lounge are all the second level. There is a large, beautiful staircase to get up there, or you can take 1 of the 2 elevators. Elevators are a hike around to get to, so I did the stairs a few times. Lots of ramps and open space for wheelchair or strollers. We missed the sports bar, the snacks and drinks in the 24/7 lounge were ehhh Beach- We had the brown waters and sargasso starting at the shore, and went in about 10-20 feet depending on the day. We just swam/walked until we were able to reach to the clear beautiful waters. The sand was white and powdery and clean, no seaweed or stink. We had no trouble finding lounge chairs, and spent each day enjoying the beach , having bar staff serving drinks was really nice. ( Punta Cana does not have servers on the beach). The vendors will get annoying very quickly. I am not a "Karen" and I know they are just trying to make a living, but some of them push it. We were pretty far out in the ocean one day, I I am looking up at our chairs, and it looks like there is someone sitting on our chair. I have my towel and hat on the chair, we have our beach bag with our phones and some pocket change, so both my husband and I treck out of the water to see what is going on. We finally get up to the chairs, and there is a vendor, with all of his jewelry spread out on top of my towel etc. and he is sitting on the end of the chair. I said what are you doing? He jumped up and said he was sorry, and picked up all of his products. There were tons of chairs available. Staff- Every single staff member was amazing, and made us feel welcome From the minute we walked in the door, to the bartenders, evening entertainment staff, housekeeping, spa all of them, awesome! Drinks- They have a huge assortment, I am not a big drinker, and do not like the majority of cocktails offered, lots of sugary options. They have Patron tequila, which was great as it's my favorite, shots 🙂 I also fell in love with the passionfruit margarita, and many many mimosas throughout the day. Bartenders will make just about any drink you ask for. Food- Similar to most of the Riu's I have been to, but overall the quality felt better. Desserts were much better for sure. The buffet was were we usually landed. They either knocked it out of the park, or it was bad ( from a selection perspective). The fish was super fresh, salmon, Mahi, Tuna, but it was grilled the same way every day, they didn't switch it up. There was ceviche, octopus, scallops, and shrimp one night that was amazing, and the other nights, minimal seafood. We loved the Mexican options at every meal. Taco stations, tamales, burritos, etc. delicious. Paella, Roast duck, lamb chops, filet mignon. Breakfast was amazing everyday. People raved over the steakhouse, I gave it a shot ( not impressed at other Riu's). We ordered a NY strip and a Rib eye. We received overcooked fatty chuck steak. The Italian restaurant had a nice appetizer bar, salad, pastas, prosciutto eggplant parm, lemon chicken medalions. The entrees were horrible. Chili's by the beach for lunch was pretty solid every day, lot's of selections from burgers & pizza to full entrees, sushi, ceviche. Entertainment- This is not Broadway or Vegas, but they did a very nice job. There was Abba night, Karaoke another, Michael Jackson night and my favorite, the Mariachi's. Mariachi night was so colorful, they set up a tequila bar, and a taco stand, it was so much fun. We enjoyed sitting in the open air entertainment area having drinks, just enjoying the evenings. Spa- We had amazing hot stone massages, probably the best that I have had at any RIU, they were pricey though. We will absolutely be back to this location, probably add some excursions next trip.

The majestic looking 5-star hotel has been reopened at the end of 2019 – as RIU says: following a thorough overhaul of all its facilities and now features redesigned outdoor areas, common areas and bedrooms. It is really beautiful. The huge gleaming-white building-complex has a magnificent Oriental style, a feeling of a charming mix of the modern architecture and the outside appearance of an wealthy Indian rajah’s palace. Its court is large, providing space and comfort for a large lot of guests, and contains three swimming pool. On its large beach, with favourable sunlight, the shades of the colours of the sea are almost unbelievably rich – were it on picture, one would be sure it can only be made with photoshop. Sunbeds are plenty. It is, however, up to one’s requirements or physical conditions, how comfortable they feel. Their fabric is thin and tight, somewhat hard, and in two parts with a gap towards one’s hip – it may be a good idea to use some inflatable cushion to cover the gap and thus make it more comfortable. Food and drinks plenty and good. WiFi is good but some may find hard to log in. The reception helps really kindly. Warning! In the suits, only one or two electric socket are of European standard, the other ones, including that for electric razor is US one. Asked the reception for an adapter and been told to buy it in the giftshop. The main restaurant is comfortably large, but its inner decor is a bit neutral, even cold – significantly less warm and friendly than, e.g., that in the RIU Palace Mexico. Strange it is, but RIU seems to have some ongoing nonsense in the inner design of the suits. There is no bathroom in the conventional meaning, i.e. a separated one. There is a shower cabin, a WC, and part of the room is equipped with a counter of twin washbasins, and a tub. Sweet and nice one would say, but between the room proper with the beds and this part there is no curtain, at least not in the suit we had, or anything else to separate at least visually, although in such places one usually prefers privacy. The shower and the toilet mercifully have a door to it, but absolutely penetrable to all sounds and smells. And true idiocy of a design: the toilet has no forced ventilation at all. Air conditioning set so than the maximum cannot be higher than 23 Celsius grade. Getting in from the outside heat feels not really comfortable. Suite of utmost nonsense: there is a difference in level between the part of the room where the beds are and where the table and the sofa, so one has to go down on steps. The steps are built so into the floor that if one goes around the bed, the steps form a pit in the walkway, invisibly black in the night, and it is easy to fall down on them. In night I put a large suitcase on them so as to block the way into such a mishap. It was good to stay there!

Despite our worldly travels; Mexico is a must for us! Upon our arrival, our luggages were disinfected and our temperatures were taken. Each area in which you have to order a drink or a meal had signs that remind you to wear a mask. The employees were all wearing a mask and hand sanitizer stations were available throughout the resort. First and foremost, the rooms do not have liquor but have a stocked refrigerator. Our room was completely remodeled and brand new. Housekeeping came every morning to check if we needed anything. All the restaurants are open however they rotate operations therefore it's important to review the schedule so you can get the most for your money. We ate at every single restaurant and felt the Steak House was our favorite. There is no room service, however if you need to take your meal to your room, they will accommodate you. The resort was at 30% capacity and we enjoyed it! We had the amenities all to ourselves. We were treated like royalty and every staff member was eager to assist. German or Marcos work at the bar area and will make sure all of your drinks are on point! The rooms do not have coffee makers, however ask for Maideli, she makes the best cappuccinos and superb customer service! Juan C, at the buffet will go out of their way to make sure your meal experience was delightful! Staff were serving you at all of the restaurants including the buffet. In the end, we felt lucky to experience this high end resort at a two star price!