We got what we expected! The food wasn’t the greatest but wasn’t the worst, we ate it everyday but didn’t feel the greatest. The beach is nice but there are rocks at the shore making it difficult to get in and out. It was impossible to find a chair after 9am but after laying on our towels at the beach for an hour we usually got a chair as people left. It will be like that anywhere you go though. Our phones ended up getting stolen, we left our bags unwatched while we swam so it’s our own fault. The next day we over heard two other conversations about their phones getting stolen. So just make sure you don’t bring anything valuable if you plan on leaving your chairs to go swimming. The service was excellent, everyone was very friendly! The last day it rained and the buffet was packed not sure what happened but you could barely get any food as there were line ups every where and no where to sit. Everything was always very clean. We most likely won’t go back but overall it was a good trip.

We traveled the end of January,first of February. Very first time at this resort. We were a group of six.
Check in was pleasant with Michele helping us. Our room was very nice and clean with a terrace. There was rum in our room and pop and water in our little fridge. The lady who looked after our room was named Alexandra,and she would leave us flowers every day in a cute little arrangement.
The buffet was good and the selection each day was good. The wait staff were very pleasant and accomodating. The only problem is the shortage of staff. Would like to see new toasters in the buffet. If you don't mind standing and putting your bread through about a dozen times to even to get it to toast. The plates could be put up where they could be more accessable ,didn't like having to reach down in front of other people to get a plate.
The beach was lovely but short on loungers and the same goes for at the pool. We had someone come and take one of our loungers while we were in swimming. Just cleared our stuff off it and dragged it away.
The entertainment staff around the pool was great and the best one was Mr. Skinny. Evening entertainment was boring, or even scary to little kids. Need something very lively and more to do with their culture.
While we were there they held a Superbowl party with a large screen outside.
We might come back. Hats off to the entire staff who put in some long and exhausting hours. Thank you for making our stay an enjoyable one.

We had been to this resort twice before, but at that time it was called Riu Bachata. Staying at this resort you could also use the facilities at Riu Merengue and Riu Mambo. The resort had changed owners and the resort had been updated. The only fault I found was it was very modern, the other two resorts had stayed the same.
When we go to the Dominican which we have at least 9 times, we go because we love the island and love the Carribean look of the resorts. But the food was good, the resort was very clean and the staff were excellent.
The staff in the dining area were amazing, always helpful and extremely polite. The other great feature was the street with the Pizzeria, Ice Cream Shop, Cafe etc. which were also included in the price. Great addition.
We did also go to the Riu Merengue for lunch and spent some time at their bar as well and there is the great little bar on the beach at Riu Mambo. We experienced a great deal of rain while we were there, but we still had a great time. I would recommend this resort to other people.