Riu Palace Punta Cana - All Inclusive

“Another great time at the Riu!”

We enjoyed our time at the Riu Palace. We were there from May 13 to 20, 2026. We are not finicky people. We chat with everyone and simply just want to have an enjoyable time. Our room was #1146. It was a lovely and clean room. Our room maid kept our room impeccably clean. Towels were resto… more

We enjoyed our time at the Riu Palace. We were there from May 13 to 20, 2026. We are not finicky people. We chat with everyone and simply just want to have an enjoyable time. Our room was #1146. It was a lovely and clean room. Our room maid kept our room impeccably clean. Towels were restocked when necessary and toilet paper and toiletries were abundant. We had no issues. The bed was comfy. The shower has alot of hot water and the faucet was great. It was nice that there was a rack to hang your wet bathing suits on the balcony. The food in the main buffet was quite good. There were plenty of items and the items were always restocked. A big huge shout out to Arias, Castillo, and Francisca. They went out of the way to ensure we were taken care of. The lunch buffet at the beach was fabulous. There also was alot of variety and enough to suit everyone. A big shout out to Bicaury, Jimenez, and Juan. They made our experience a pleasure. The Steak Ala Carte was very good. The steak was well seasoned and ready in no time. Felix, the Supervisor of the lunch buffet as well as the Steak restaurant was very kind and attentive. He was adamant that everyone was having delicious food and a great experience. We also tried the Krystal Ala Carte - do not bother. Very unfriendly wait staff and Maitre de. Our waitress did not bother to even look at us or create any conversation. The Maitre de barked orders to all customers as they arrived. He would shout 'sit there'! and point to a table. No customer service skills at all at this restaurant. And, the food was just ok. So, really, don't bother. We love love love Punta Cana beach. The resort took very good care of the sargassum that washed up on the beach every day. There were plenty of chairs at the beach - we are not pool people, so I cannot comment on that. Our bartender at the beach was Emilio. He was very attentive and friendly. The beach bar was very busy always. When I went there to order drinks, a bartender named Alba was very very unfriendly, demeaning and rude. She should not be dealing with customers. That was the last time I went to the beach bar for a drink. Overall, this place was exceptional! We will go back.

less

“Relaxing Vacation”

Rooms were not getting cleaned in a timely manner one night they showed up at 6pm to clean. This was the only bad thing about this place

“May holiday 26”

Lovely break away, hotel was lovely, just needs a lot of updating/ upgrading for a RIU palace and entertainment needs a refresh.

“Eh”

I’ll start by saying that when we book an inclusive trips we go in with pretty reasonable expectations. We know it’s a tropical climate and we know that overall food is always repetitive and generally average. Location- was a quick trip from the airport. Atmosphere- great overall vibes. Never h… more

I’ll start by saying that when we book an inclusive trips we go in with pretty reasonable expectations. We know it’s a tropical climate and we know that overall food is always repetitive and generally average. Location- was a quick trip from the airport. Atmosphere- great overall vibes. Never had to fight for chairs at the beach or the pool. Party vibe at the adult pool and they promoted the RIU parties which is where you would find the biggest party atmosphere. There was a calmer “family pool” and an even calmer “volleyball pool.” Beach atmosphere- servers were attentive to drink refills, everyone was respectful of your space. There were many many beach vendors. Most you could tell the. No thank you and they would walk away, some were more persistent. They were just constant. We were there in part of peak sargassum period. There was A LOT of it. Minimal attempt to clear it. There were tractors that came by, but the majority of the time they weren’t even picking anything up. Water was beautiful though and times it was clear enough to float and hang out in the ocean. Rooms- I thought I had read somewhere they were recently updated. Not the case. They weren’t horrid, but def tired. There was what I assume was mold on the underside of the pull out couch. We didn’t use it, but it was in the room. Toilets didn’t flush well, we did figure out the trick to them though. Showers would unexpectedly lose pressure and heat, and seemed to affect the entire resort at the same time. Housekeeping- only changed sheets on one bed when we requested it for both. Lingering hairs In he bathtub and on towels. We resisted items from the app and they were eventually delivered, not really in a timely manner though. Food- no one got sick. Buffet food was ok, we all found things we liked and became our staples for the week. We always feel like food at all buffets at any resort are typically bland. Plenty of variety though. We did witness a server picking up utensils from dirty tables and visually decisively of the utensils went into the dirty pile or clean. This was disheartening and concerning. We thought that not needing reservations for dinners was going to be a plus, wrong. The capacity eas minimal and filled up quick. There were three time frames they would take a certain amount of guests. Food at the restaurants was ok. Staff- some were great and attentive, intially, that faded as soon as you were sat (we always tip well). There was one evening I asked whether free could order our dessert and I was met with an eye roll and when it was served I was left to eat it with my knife I had left from my dinner. Front desk was helpful. Gym- HOT! Nothing like strength training in a sauna. It was cooler outside. Very small. Many guests didn’t return their equipment. No staff around to keep the gym tidy. One day there was no water available in the gym or cleaner for the equipment. I did overhear a conversation with another guest at the desk that we could use the neighboring resorts gym and it was bigger and nicer. Unfortunately this was on my last day. It wasn’t a horrible time, we enjoyed our week. That being said, I think the overall vibe in Cancun is friendlier, staff and fellow travelers. I’m doubt we will return to DR at all.

less