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.…
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