RIU Bambu

We went for 2 wks. Our hotel experience was awful, have to say the place is clean but they can't control the overall of the place. Customer service is disgusting food is awful, Locals come every weekend and they take everything and are more catered for then genuine tourist. The hotel is over run they cannot cope with the amount of people it is so disorganized. There is no supervision around the pool and people swim in the pool at anytime morning noon or night. The country is over run if you tip your good to go if you don't then your on your own. Our holiday was ruined from day 1. Beach and weather excellent but if your looking for a relaxing time Bambu is not the place to come. All they care about is making money out of you.We stayed at Riu hotel in Costa Rica last year and it was excellent. I would not recommend going here. Also Tui ruined a lot of our trips and the rep there simply could not cope with the demands from the people i kinda felt sorry for her. Entertainment was somewhat average .In all honesty don't waste your money. We are by far the type of people to expect gold but this hotel is a no, even the receptionist was awful they just wasn't interested in anything you had to say also they claim to have 6 or 7 restaurants only 3 was available the steak house was meant to be the best but they don't even have pepper corn sauce for your steak they don't even no wht rare means, better not go on as i would never finish. My advise stay clear of this hotel.

This was my 2nd Visit to the Bambu, 1st was a few yrs back before the refurb with a friend, this one was Sept 13th to Sept 27th 2019 with my Mum. Booked with Tui and had no issues with flight or transfers, although they need to revamp their inflight meals, as had the same meal outbound and inbound for the past 5/6 years lol. Emailed hotel 10 days before arrival and asked for a ground floor room close to all main amenities and this is exactly what we got, thank you Riu Bambu :) Hotel & Service The Hotel looked amazing, the refurb has really brought it up a notch. Check in was fast and very simple, pointed toward room and bags were brought to the room about 5mins later. Room was bright, nicely decorated with really good air con and ceiling fan. Bathroom had 2 sinks and large walk in shower. We had hot water every time we needed it, although 1 afternoon they did phone to tell us they were having problems with it, but this did not effect us as it was back by the time we wanted to shower. Only other issues with bathroom was the sliding door did not lock and would slide open if you were not careful. Fridge was stocked with Soda and beer and there was 2 large bottles of water. Optics in room were well stocked, and the rum was not too bad lol. Safe worked for the most part but did stop locking in last 2 days of holiday. Due to leaving room late on 1st 3 days the room was not cleaned and the fridge not stocked as they only knocked once in the morning and did not return later :( however a quick trip to reception to inform them stopped this and cleaning was much better after. Also left a note and a small tip for mini bar guy and we got exactly what we asked for :). Had no issues with any of the bar or restaurant staff found them all very pleasant and helpful. Some definitely shine more than others. Maria on the plaza bar, plus Gilbert and Raffy in the main buffet. Food & Drinks I can be a picky eater when away and ometime can actually lose weight when going AI. However I can safely say that the food here was second to none, never eaten so much on holiday lol. The main buffet gets busy but always got a table, always got quick service and always found something to eat. The food at the buffet was so good we only used one of the speciality restaurants which was the steakhouse. The food was amazing, well worth the half hour line up to book. This booking system needs reviewing thou !!! Got to start linning up at 5pm for approx. 30-45 mins to book a slot at either 6pm, 7.30pm or 8.30pm... this definitely interrupts your afternoon :( but like I said the food was worth it :) All drinks were served just as asked for, and we were served in turn and quickly but does help that we know how to order them in Spanish :) Entertainment The addition of the Riu Pool parties was a genius idea, they are extremely good fun for all ages, and they are adult only ! FYI they are themed: White party, Pink party, Neon Party and Jungle party , 2 are 3pm-7pm 2 are 7pm-11pm and they have something different at all. White party was a very good live singer, Pink party live sax player etc. However when the pool parties are on there in no other entertainment in the hotel, so no afternoon pool entertainment and no evening entertainment. The no evening entertainment is an issue that the hotel should address! as there were a lot of people that did not attend the pool party that had nothing to do, they could just put on a DJ with some mixed music or a band that plays all kinds of music etc. At all other times the entertainment was good the team works really hard and were really friendly. Ajay remembered me from 1st visit which was nice :). Disco The Pacha disco is free entrance for Riu guests but drinks cost, Rum and Coke 250 pesos, small beer 200 peaks, big beer 300 pesos, so prices are not too bad. It's a good laugh and they play a variety of music, also it's air conditioned which is heaven :) busier on Friday/Saturday. Miscellaneous You can get a bus to the shopping malls, we went to the San Jaun Mall, $5 round trip. Top tip: go to a mall with a supa pola and buy your alcohol there to bring home, it's cheaper than shops at hotel and duty free (even with $5 bus fare) also if you like snacks buy here as very very cheap :) Lastly if your like me and like to head off site on a night, then I recommend El Kan, Drink Point and Club Legacy. Local places, local prices, lots of fun but very safe :)