Riu Palace Macao

Punta Cana was beautiful and we had fun. The only issue we have and I believe it is very important you know is the hotel we stayed at. We will never stay there again. Most of the people there were nice, but others were just rude and made us feel like we were bothering them. The food was ehhhh.. the hours sucked of what time they closed or whether or not they were opened; this was around 8 at night. The food we did eat, I have had better at a dive bar in Cleveland. The worst part of the hotel is the security! It has ZERO!!! 4 families were robbed in their hotel room while the guest were away and 1 they actually came into their room in the middle of the night. The hotel did NOTHING about it and denied the whole thing. They have no security cameras, and no security period. I could not go anywhere with out my husband being there. Some of the safes were even broken into. I talked to other people who stayed at different hotels and were treated like kings and queens and more security then they could ever imagine. That was so disappointing to hear.

I just left this resort yesterday. This is my second stay at a Riu property (the first was in Costa Rica), and it will definitely be my last. To be fair, I’ll start with the good. Beach is amazing. But let’s be honest, you can get the same beach at any other resort in Bavaro. Drink service on the beach was decent, although I was offered marijuana and cocaine on the first day by a hotel employee. That was disconcerting. The grounds are very clean, and the pool is one of the better ones I’ve seen in the DR. Most of the staff is very pleasant and responsive, others seem like you are putting them out. Now the bad. Security is lacking, and given the recent press, I am surprised. We were followed by 4 men while walking along the beach path between hotels at night. Didn’t like that at all. Last time I stayed at the Barcelo property and security was tight. Riu needs to rethink there approach. We heard of at least 3 rooms that were burglarized, one person even woke up from a nap with someone in their room! Hotel completely denies they have an issue. Total joke! Rooms are a pathetic. AC is weak, and the furnishings are falling apart. Half of the plugs don’t work, and my slider wouldn’t open without significant force. Now look at the pic below. Maybe your fumigation tactics should improve given the recent illnesses and deaths reported in the DR? I was out on my balcony when the passed by and immediately took refuge in my room.

I couldn’t wait to come back to Punta Cana because I absolutely enjoyed it my last visit. This trip has been a totally different experience. RIU is usually a great choice but the RIU Palace Macao is a joke. Dated, mildew smelling, mediocre rooms. Lack luster food. And dismissive staff. Our refrigerator leaked from the first day we arrived which made the floors extremely wet and slippery. Room service options are almost nonexistent. Maybe about 10 items for breakfast, lunch and dinner total. Nothing was restocked when we arrived and someone was still cleaning the room at 5pm. We were told we couldn’t eat at a restaurant on the property because we didn’t have the proper color bands, but the staff had “RIU Palace Macao” printed on their uniforms. Never been to a resort where you’re not allowed to use the sister resort amenities. The staff actually snatched the plate from one of my friends. Never have we ever been disrespected in such a way. I CAN NOT WAIT TO GO HOME. I honestly would not recommend nor return to this resort.