Riu Palace Bavaro All Inclusive - Punta Cana

The hotel itself is immaculate. Extremely well maintained and its new. There is no doubt that the facility is nice. Service was also excellent but dont expect personal service with a 600 room hotel. Be nice to the staff you encounter and they will remember you and treat you well. The biggest issue we had was the food. I probably shouldnt have expected […] much with such a big hotel but for the pice we paid, it definitely wasnt worth it. The amount of food recycling is way too obvious. I understand that they cant waste so much food and I agree with the idea behind recycling but they need to be more creative. In addition, the speciality restaurants are absolutely not special. Geisha was horrible. I'd give it a 1 star. The italian was about a 3...nothing special, Krystal was very good...Id give it a 4 and the steak restaurant was not bad either...Id give it a 3.5. Of course all this left over food ended up on the lunch buffet the next day in an obvious manner as I stated before. The breakfast buffet gets a 5 for sure, lunch is a 3.5 to 4 and dinner a 2.5 to 3. All in all, the facility is awesome, pools were great (not heated), pool bars were well staffed and easy to get a drink, beach was very nice and right next dooor too Iberostar Grand. Hope this helped! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We had a great time at the hotel. The food was great, staff was wonderful and the beach was awesome. Also enjoyed the nighttime entertainment. Only complaint was the bed was a little hard. I would not only recommend it but we will definitely be returning. This is my family's new favorite vacation spot and is way better than Mexico.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

the food was not very good at all was a little disapointed with it I think it was to much money for what we got at the resort over all would not go back !!!!

Genuine Expedia guest review

It was great. The only issue we had, was that a lot of the staff did not speak English very well. All of the staff was friendly and courteous and eager to please. The food was great with a large variety. They didn't water down their alcoholic beverages. Very upscale place.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is a five star resort that sees to your every need. Facilities are outstanding and new. Staff works very hard, are very attentive and give great service. Knowing some Spanish would be helpful. Food was excellent and abundant. Liked the Steakhouse the best of the four speciality restaurants. Loved the Cappaccino cafe for after dinner tea.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We paid for an ocean front jacuzzi suite and were given a resort view standard room complete with an argument from Enrique who checked us in that he didn't know the difference in value for the room and basically didn't care. He couldn't have been more shocking in his behavior. He realized that we weren't going to accept his room and called the neighboring […] Macao which had a pool view suite for two nights then we would go back to the Bavaro for the last night which may have our room. They shuttled us to Macao and we got the same egregious treatment from Manny at reception. We were beyond angry at this point but accepted the room. Manny had us wait in reception for two hours then shuttled us back to Bavaro because a room had opened up. The room was not ocean front. You can see the ocean in the horizon but first you have the kiddy pool, the regular pool, the steak house, the pool bar and then the ocean. The room was above the big buffet room which is incredibly noisy and the kitchen smells penetrated our room. We could hear chairs scraping the floor through the concrete building during buffet hours. could see the ocean in the horizon but after Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great experience at the Riu Palace Bavaro. The staff there is outstanding and very friendly. One of the bartenders (Edwin) was awesome. Each night he remembered what we were drinking and for the busier bars at night, was awesome. The beach was very clean and pristine. Lots of options for shade if you need it. One thing we noticed is there was little […] to no seaweed on this beach compared to other resorts around. The food was very good for an all inclusive and all the restaurants were good except for the steakhouse. Room was clean and the Villas portion was nice. Our fridge didn't work and that has apparently been an issue so beware. Would recommend this resort to anyone thinking of going to Punta Cana. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We stayed at this hotel January 13-20, 2013. Everything was great. Service, staff, food, entertainment - we liked everything. My daughter, she is 9, loved the entertainment team - lots of energy. We are still singing the songs from kids mini disco. On about day 4 even my husband and i began to participate in different games. I was worried about the […] food for my 1 year old son, but we found many suitable things, like oatmeal and yogurt for breakfast, puree soup for lunch, mashed potatoes and meat or fish for dinner. His favorite were long bread sticks. Fruits were best i ever tried - especially mango and pineapple. We tried 3 restaurants of 4, but the was so many choices in the main one, so we stoped there for most of the time. The hotel is close to the ocean. I've herd from other people how are from other hotels, that our beach is the best of others. We didn't walk around, so didn't check that. But the beach is very beautiful. Restaurants, bars, pools are in couple minutes walk from each other. So I can say just good things about our stay, there was nothing negative for us. I am very happy that we went to this exactly hotel. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel overall was nice and clean. Scuba Caribe was the company that did excursions, we actually took the snorkel / scuba diving trip to Catalina Island, that was GREAT! The bus ride was safe, huge clean bus with a movie to and from, the service on the boat to and from the island was very good! The knowledge of the scuba team was helpful during our […] dives and the overall diving was really good! I would recommend this day trip to divers and snorkelers. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Very friendly and helpful staff. They offered quality alcohol beverages and meals. Beautiful rooms and beach. The only thing we weren't very happy with was the nightly shows. It was repetitious and not very good quality. The sound wasn't the greatest either. We normally look forward to these shows but not at this resort. We would still recommend it […] as long as you're not planning on quality evening entertaintment. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Excellent hotel with a very nice beach and amenities.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Room was great. Clean and comfy. No complaints there. Most of the staff was super friendly. Food left a bit to be desired (and I am FAR from a picky eater). In both the main Buffet and the specialty restaurants the food was VERY average for the most part and just not very good in some instances. Breakfast was particularly unimpressive. Edible but not […] anything to look forward to. All bottom of the line liquor with no upgrade options available. Pool and beach were great! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Hotel it's self did a great job! The lobby decor is funky purple and yellow but no big deal. Food: It's a buffet don't expect the best. Food is fair. It is repetitive. Taino Buffet by pool is good for lunch. We ate at Montecristo buffet for breakfast and dinner. Ala carte restaurants available but did not try. Room: Clean, comfortable. Bed is comfortable. […] Minibar at no additional cost. Room service 24hrs is fair. Beach: Beautiful but water is aggressive. Pool: Plenty of space for all and very clean. Gift shop pricey! Capuchinno cafe by lobby is great milk shakes, teas, coffee and etc Coco loco is like a piña colada but better tasting! Spa not expensive. Don't leave resort you have everything on grounds unless you have booked an outing with a guide. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

My overall experience was great. The resort grounds was very nice and well kept.

Genuine Expedia guest review

A location of the bathtub is not convinient. There is no privacy in the bath/shows area. A door from the restroom should not be opened toward the balcony door. When you are taking shower, the water is changing from very hot to very cold every few seconds.

Genuine Expedia guest review

nice hotel, but service is odd. some people need to call every day to make their room clean, it happens to our friends.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Resort is new, just one year old. Rooms are modern, spacious, nice, and clean. Food is great as always at RIU hotels. Pool area is big, no problems with the chairs at all. Nice beach area. Entertainment team works really hard to keep everybody happy. We had enjoyable vacation.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The staff were nice, courteous and lively to talk to. The hotel decors were nice and elegant. We had fun taking pictures everywhere. The food was great too. We were so amused with the all you can eat big lobsters with no limit unlike in other hotels. No crab legs but the lobsters were abundant even in their paella. Food were fresh and clean. We liked […] the abundance of papaya too tho we never had mango. But that's alright. The nightly entertainment too were nicer compared to the other 2 Rius we've been to. There were few hitches during our 6 day stay but they were negligible. Overall we all liked it there. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel was very beautiful. Everything looked just like it did from the pictures on the website. The food was amazing! The beach was nice, but my wife didn't like the large amount of seaweed that would wash up on the sand. The weather was great the whole week (upper 80's to lower 90's in Oct) despite the predictions for rain. We want to go back.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Loved the resort! It's very new and very clean. It's MASSIVE and would recommend they provide a "tour" of the facility so folks can learn more about what's available. The color schemes are very "hip" contemporary. If you're expecting a typical Caribbean resort, you're NOT going to find it here. You're going to think someone dropped a Vegas style resport […] on the beaches of DR. The people were friendly and while english is VERY MUCH a second language there, they do their best to communicate. Most of the staff you will interact with do speak moderate english - but not all. The food is good - albeit we didn't get to try any of the other resturants while we were there but the buffets were good. Water sports (like snorkeling) as NOT included! A "sunset snorkel" was $39USD each. Fun, but most resorts include this as part of their package. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel is very nice, elegant and well kept. the food is excellent and fresh, a great variety of meals, very tasty with lots of choices. Because of the humidity... sometimes may be a slight smell in the room but everything is very clean, the room service is very efficient. The personnel helpful.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We throughly enjoyed our stay. Everything and everyone was great and the food was outstanding.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel is exactly what you see in pictures. Staff was friendly and was constantly working, many had trouble with English, brush up on your Spanish before going, it will make things easier for you and them.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Hotel was very nice and always someone around cleaning or asking if you needed anything.

Genuine Expedia guest review

friendly,good food,great beach,pool bar..the staff is friendly and want everyone to be happy

Genuine Expedia guest review

Very beautiful architecture and overall look. Food was amazingly good. Tennis courts and equipment are in very poor conditions. Waitors and waitresses showed lack of optimism as if they were not appreciated by the guests in form of tips. Rooms are very spacious and comfortable.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Resort is beautiful, great pool, great beach but all that beauty doesn't make up for some of the issues. It says its a family resort - and it is in a way - there are children and families and activities for everyone, but the rooms aren't family friendly. They are romantic for couples with an open style bathroom and a not so private shower. It's definitely […] weird when rooming with family. Staff aren't nice except for a few people. They talk so fast when you check in it's like they can't wait to get you away from the desk. When I called the front desk to ask for things they were always rude, and a few times hung up on me before I was even done talking. Most of the staff doesn't speak English, which is fine to a certain extent, we are in their Spanish speaking country, but they don't really care if you understand them or not so make sure you have some basic vocab down. It's nice that they have activities at the beach/pool, but the activity people come around and harass you all day to join games or dance or whatever and sometimes they get pushy. The ocean isn't as clear as other islands I've been to and they do not serve you drinks on the beach, but the bar is a few steps behind you if you need anything. The fridge is well stocked but not cold. The maid service was good but we never got washcloths and had to keep calling the front desk each day. Main buffet great presentation but food is so so. We had a good time but I would choose a different resort if I went back.. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

It was a great, relaxing experience. I wasn't too crazy with the food options for lunch or dinner.

Genuine Expedia guest review

we stayed from 8-14 thru 8-21, great place ,grounds well kept, very clean , great food ,drinks were excellent ,we enjoyed our vacation ,definely going back again ,the staff r bilingual , they r so active always keep u busy with their activities, august was a little slow season perfect not to crowed it , 24 hr room service ,mini bar at ur room all inclusive,the […] a/c was great always nice and cold ,we had to turn it off several times ,the beds r a little hard but comfortable pillows,all rooms have balconies and hot tub dont' upgrade ,has 5 restaurants very fancy ,unlimited u reserved as many times u want ,we loved the italian and the japanese ones , the shows r ok , but they treat u with drinks always to make sure u r enjoying their shows, overall great vacation ever ,,, for a great price Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

what a great hotel this is.and we had a super time there.everything was just great!we will be back for sure.thanks riu and staff.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Words can not describe this place! What an amazing staff and resor t! The staff is very nice and accomdiating as well, they make it like a home away from home. Make sure Angel is at the pool when you are there .he is an amazing waiter. Tips are always a great way to say thanks as well.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The stay was great, it is one that I will be going back to...

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I requested upgrade information from the hotel via email. I was quoted one price but then told it would be twice as much at check in. The liquor was subpar. The different brands of vodka all tasted the same. I am pretty sure they are refilled with the same cheap stuff. Food was what I had expected for an all inclusive, not great but good enough. The […] staff was very nice and where there to assist. The entertainers were extremely nice and energetic. The rooms were odd. The bathroom is open to the rest of the room, so the only privace for changing was in the toilet stall or the shower stall which made it a little difficult for a family of four staying in one room. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Once you step in the hotel all what you receive is a very charming atmosphere. Everyone is ready to help you with a big smile in their faces. Hotel conditions are excellent. Entertainment is throughout the whole day full of different activities and amenities. The night shows are of very good quality. I really enjoyed my stay with my partner and my parents. […] I recommend you with closed eyes. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel is very clean,stuff are nice and really helpful.Food is good!

Genuine Expedia guest review

My husband and I stayed here for 5 days, 4 nights. We had such and amazing time! The staff is wonderful and they want to make your stay the best! Our room was very clean and they do a great job of making sure it is kept clean. We never had an problems at all during out stay. The beds were nice and comfy. The room is kept very cold, but it's no big deal, […] just turn the temp up. The grounds are so beautiful and are kept very well manicured. It was such a perfect stay! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Very good experience! Tried all of the restaurants and the buffet food was surprisingly excellent. Beach was amazing and pool was nice but very warm. This hotel is very clean and modern. Fun entertainment and live music at night but continues late at night (at least midnight). We didn't have kids with us but it was loud so I imagine this could be a […] problem for some families. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I booked a snorkling trip and called for a wake up call at 5:30am, did not get the call and did not get a refund from to hotel or an reason for not gettting the call, that's just what happened. Then for 2 days had no water, and on the morning I was scheduled to leave had no water at all for 30 minutes.

Genuine Expedia guest review

on my first night there i noticed that some of the employees there were not very polite. one of them even disrespected me with no reason, just becuase of my nationality. I even had a little argument with some of the bar-tenders at entertaintment area. overall some of the employees are not really good hosts.

Genuine Expedia guest review

My husband and I have been to many hotels all over the world and this is one of the best.

Genuine Expedia guest review

hotel is OK. But sat in the steakhouse (9 o'clock reservation) untill 10 after 10 without receiving food. Manager said, sorry and shrugged, and walked away. Refridgerator in room didnot work, so the beer & sodas were hot. No music playing anywhere.

Genuine Expedia guest review

enjoyed this hotel. food was excellent. service excellent. entertainment excellent. the beach with white sand & cool brezze from the sea.the staff was excellent. I wish I was still there. This the third time we have stayed at a RIU hotel & I will stay at a Riu in the future

Genuine Expedia guest review

Just came back and it was amazing. Went to Riu Bahamas last year and its not even close. Punta Cana is great, bahamas has better water but the resort is huge, service is great, resturants at resort are good, and the rooms are amazing. I recommend this place for everyone but especially couples. There plenty of pool space, eating space, drinks are great. […] and you meet awesome people. Wife took photos of room but still on her camera. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel like the RIU name, awesome! Had a awesome time on holiday! Clean, friendly, and what I have had in the past with RIU. To make it short, I will come back on holiday. CHEERS, C CORNS

Genuine Expedia guest review

Love this place. The food was amazing! Waiting for the day I can go back!

Genuine Expedia guest review

We just returned from the RIU Palace Bavaro. We had an awesome time. The hotel is beautiful, the food is great, and the staff is really nice. We ate at the buffet and all the restaurants. The food was great except the Italian restaurant. Food there was hit and miss, my husband missed, my fish was good, and the staff was not very friendly. Maybe they […] all had a bad day. The drinks overall were good and strong! The hotel and hotel grounds really are beautiful and people are working hard every day to keep it that way. Entertainment during the day was varied, something for everyone, if not, just hangout on the beach or the pool. At night, the entertainment was ok, but they were trying. Rooms are beautiful and clean. We have stayed at other RIUs before and we were not disappointed. We just may have found THE vacation spot! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Me and my husband went for our 3 year anniversary and we had an amazing time! The Animation team made our stay a very memorable one! When we arrived, we were greeted with nice cold cocktails. We were upgraded to a better view of the grounds. The rooms were very clean and modern. The staff was very friendly. The food was ok. Make sure you make reservations […] for the restaurants when u arrive. The Japanese restaurant was the best. The steakhouse was really good too. Overall I would stay here again. Also all of the RIU's were connected on the same grounds so you can walk over and dine at their restaurants too! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Hotel was beautiful but did not like the layout....staff was great...food was just ok

Genuine Expedia guest review

The beach was great. Lots of palm trees, which provided great shade. Buffet food was OK; I've had better at other resorts and on cruise ships. Dinners (reservations needed) were awsome. The staff was VERY friendly. Note: it seems like more Europeans than Americans visit Punta Cana. So English is not spoken by all the hotel staff. Bring sunblock, it […] is $40 USD a bottle in that area. We got some great deals on souveniers at the local vendors, you just have to haggle with them. Overall a very nice, relaxing resort. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review