Riu Merengue All Inclusive

The location was very nice. The grounds were kept up and the staff were quick to ensure that all of your needs were met. Rooms all have a nice balconey to enjoy the sunshine. Rooms are equipped with a mini bar that allows you to partake of a refreshing beverage(different bottles of alcoholic liquors and non-alcoholic beverages)-Staff inquires in the morning, how many and how much? When we checked in the front staff alerted our group that we were the lucky group that was to receive an up-grade and would be moved to the Bachlata,of course we took them up on the offer. After being there a few days we were able to see a room in the Merengue, which I felt was supreme. Although our rooms at the Bachlata were nice, the rooms at Merengue were laid out better. Also the Merengue is centrally located which makes it convenient to enjoy all of the amenities of all of the resorts. Not all resorts offer the same ammenities(Water activity shop-Merengue...Swim up Bar-Bachlata...Dance Club-Merengue) Don't feel it was an up-grade. After meeting many other people, this is an common occurance-beware. Buffets offered were plentiful and the dining room was tastefully decorated. Breakfast selection was amazing, especially try the fruit smoothies-yum. Lunch and dinner had alot to offer, but was very disappointed with the Steakhouse/Italian Restaurant. For one thing, hard to get reservations, have to go to the main lobby each morning between 8:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M. The Italian and Steakhouse are held in the same restuarant and are only offered on alternative nights. Food was far inferior to the buffets. We had the lamb chops, my brother,the rib-eye(only offered med-well or well)-small portions over-cooked, speciality potatoes were french fries. Not worth the hassle. Staff were wonderful, they went out of there way to ensure that they kept a smile on your face. Notable mentions-Antonio,Pablo and Aehandra. Staff was amazing, they were able to remember your preferences after only meeting you once, great memories.

We Booked through orbitz which took care of everything. In combination with coco tours we had a relaxing trip. The tickets were waiting for us at the AA, coco tours picked us up and dropped us off and our rep left us his number if we needed anything throughout our stay.We stayed at the Merengue for 2 weeks from May 5 to 19 and it cost us $1455 Canadian. Our flights were not ideal because we flew from Calgary to Dallas, spent 11 Hours there, then flew to Miami, then to dominican and the same on the way back, But for the price it was well worth it. I will be booking through orbitz again.First off - The Staff:The staff were incredible, from the bartenders, animation team, to the housekeeping, everyone makes you feel welcome. Tipping is not neccessary, but it does help. We tipped a few bucks here and there and got amazing service at the bars. The drinks were never empty.The Pool: Merengue pool was not very big or extravagant. We prefered the Bachata Pool because there was a waterfall, it was bigger and there was a pool bar.The Sports: The volleyball court was in the shade, the beach soccer court was in the shade so it was tough to keep myself busy and also stay in the sun. The staff is very competitive and get angry when you beat them. The net are very low and they don't play by any prescribed rules, but still fun with people who know how to play.The Beach: In May there are a lot of beach chairs available but the ocean is not swimmable. There are corals and rocks everywhere, if you don't have shoes your feet will get cut up. The chorals break up the waves so its a very boring time in the ocean.Discotech: Drinks were 80% alcohol, and 20% pop. Vodka with a little bit of coke. I am not exagerrating. We drank cervesa at the discotech. The discotech was fun and they played great music.The place was beautiful, the landscapers do a great job!The specialty dinners were really good, but the appetizers were even better (CALAMARI - BEST I'VE EVER HAD). The only negative was that there were only two to choose from Italian and Steakhouse.The Bartenders' Specials are usually REALLY good. Just ask for the "[...] Special" from [...] for example. I've been to the Dominican three times and this was the worst of the three. Not because it was not a nice hotel, but because it did not meet a lot of my needs when I go on vacation. I like to play volleyball, soccer, and drink at the pool bar and I would like all three to have some sun, but they were in the shade. I love to swim in the ocean and ride the waves, but the ocean was filled with coral and rocks. So my days were filled with trying to find something to do. I also like to mingle with people from around the world, but when we went there was all people 35+ and we are 25, so there was an age barrier that was tough to cross. There were a lot of people from Germany, France, and Luxembourg so it was tough to get by the language barriers as well.

I went there really to rest, but I have a lot of fun. I will come back there If I can.Perssonel very nice and friendy specially the people that work at Macumba and the bartenders. I always go to a similar kind of resorts. If I compare it is almost the same.

Swim up bar at Riu Bachata was great. Food was deliscious, service impecable! Definately a go!

great location,price excellant,the hotel needs a little up date, few problems with the room,but very clean,the food was ok.our vacation to the riu in Jamaica Negril was better.

We went to the beach and pool everyday. The resort was clean and had many amenities. The staff was kind and very friendly. The food was pretty good, always a variety and always fresh. All-inclusive really means all inclusive. This was my first trip to the Dominican Republic and I would certainly recommend traveling here.

Great place, excellent staff, the food had "taste", the drinks were plenty strong (just want to make sure you make it clear to put the alcohol in the speciality drinks) it's off by itself so it's only resort guests in the whole area, great exchange privledges with the Mambo and Bachata. Shopping on site, never had to leave the resort (in a 2 week stay). Great entertainment staff, bar staff,waiters, etc. My only complaint was the mini bar was not regularly stocked (but that's probably because we got an extra gallon of water every day). Never tried the tried the alacart places as you had to book by 10am (not up that early the disco was too fun). All in all I would recommend and definately go back...

Great

fantastic stay,friendly and relaxing enviornment,excellent food

This is a great resort... friendly and helpful staff, variety of food, fantastic location.