Riu Palace Punta Cana

“Entertainment and Food choices”

Comparing this location to other locations, especially Riu Jamaica. Jamaica comprised of a multi-culture foods and entertainment, and more friendly engaging staff members. Riu Punta Cana is a nice location, but geared towards a elder population who go just wants to relax and eat.

“I expected more bang for my buck. This was not it.”

I stayed at the Riu Palace Punta Cana from 7/29/26 to 8/2/26. The check-in process was the smoothest part of the trip. I had to kill a roach almost immediately after setting down my luggage in my room entering the refrigerator and everyday after until my trip was over. I had switch rooms with my n… more

I stayed at the Riu Palace Punta Cana from 7/29/26 to 8/2/26. The check-in process was the smoothest part of the trip. I had to kill a roach almost immediately after setting down my luggage in my room entering the refrigerator and everyday after until my trip was over. I had switch rooms with my niece so she could the the two beds since she was with her husband and daughter. Well, she had to kill a roach on the bed. Disgusting! My nephew also upgraded his room with a Jacuzzi that did not work. We were told you did not need a reservation for the restaurants, that it was first come first served. Well, we quickly found out that was not true. Every time we went to try and get a table they said they were full even though there were visibly vacant tables as we entered. We found out if we gave the intake person money they would take our room number to get a table for a later time. Mind you we paid for all inclusive stay. They had a theme night Pink Pool Foam Party. Don't even think about going. It was a mad house when you got there and it was super unsafe. If department of health or safety was there they would have shut them down. It was a nice thought but there were way too many people. The House keeping staff was no where to be found. Although I left a tip for someone I never saw. Ice machines on main floor only. Out of the way. I'm used to having one on every floor. The food was not that great. I was looking for more of a authentic flavor. It was too Americanized. It felt like it was their interpretation of international foods rather than the actual foods themselves. I emailed the complaint to the Riu and they told me they were not responsible for any of this since I booked my trip through JetBlue Vacations. Clearly they are responsible for their hotel not JetBlue. It was not JetBlue who had roaches in their rooms. Talk about being accountable!

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“Extremely Disappointing Experience — Not 5-Star International Standards”

This is one of three Riu Palace resorts located alongside each other in Punta Cana. Unfortunately, based on our experience, this particular property did not meet the 5-star international standards it advertises. From the moment we entered our room, we were disappointed. The room smelled musty and h… more

This is one of three Riu Palace resorts located alongside each other in Punta Cana. Unfortunately, based on our experience, this particular property did not meet the 5-star international standards it advertises. From the moment we entered our room, we were disappointed. The room smelled musty and had mould in multiple areas, including on the pillows. There was peeling paint in several places, the mini-bar freezer was completely iced over, both bathroom sinks had damaged water fixtures, and the drapes looked as though they had not been cleaned in a very long time. The desk had peeling paint, the floor was stained, and there were numerous other maintenance and cleanliness issues. What made the situation even more disappointing was the way management handled our concerns. When we brought these issues to their attention, we felt as though our expectations were being treated as unreasonable rather than our concerns being taken seriously. We invited management to inspect the room with us, but they initially refused to come and see the conditions themselves. After insisting, we were told that we could take a porter with us instead. The following morning, we returned with photographs documenting the problems, since management had declined to inspect the room themselves. Only then were we offered another room. Unfortunately, the replacement was very similar to the first—essentially more like a 3-star standard room, although it was better maintained. We were also given “Elite” access to certain restricted restaurants, which was appreciated, but it did not resolve the fundamental issues with the accommodation and management unpleasant demeanour approach. This was particularly disappointing because we were celebrating our anniversary. We made management aware that we had stayed at Riu Palace Cancún for our honeymoon 30 years ago and have continued to choose Riu properties over the years, including Riu Zanzibar as recently as last year. We had hoped that our long history with the brand would at least lead to our concerns being taken seriously, but unfortunately, it did not seem to make any difference. This property is marketed as the best of the three Riu Palace resorts in Punta Cana and comes with a premium price. Based on our experience, however, the room and overall upkeep were much closer to what we would expect from a 3-star property, not a 5-star international resort. Sadly, what was supposed to be a special anniversary vacation turned into a major disappointment. We were actually looking forward to going home. Based on our experience, we would not return to this particular Riu Palace property, nor would we recommend it to anyone expecting genuine 5-star standards.

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