Riu Merengue All Inclusive

I arrived to Puerto Plata on Friday April12,2013. On Friday we tour the hotel premises,which is beautiful, and had dinner at the buffet. Later that evening we went to Pacha, a club on the hotel premises which was okay, as per request they will play any music you want to hear. Saturday Morning we hit the lovely beach and pool made reservations to eat at the specialty restaurants and schedule a spa session and daytime activity. In between all this planning we kept going to the bar and having shots of mamajuanna.We also linked up some really cool Canadians and party in downtown Puerto Plata that night at a Merengue Club, that was really exciting we drank BRUGAL and dance the night away. The whole club was singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY! well in there language of course is Feliz Cumpleaños!! Sunday was our last day we had breakfast, we went riding into the country side of Puerto Plata on the 4wheel bikes, that was fun,when we were done with that it was spa time,this was one of favorite activities, i had the best massage ever! When we were done we went into the beach water and enjoyed the sunset.Later that night we had dinner at a specialty restaurant and the wait staff brought out a birthday cake and also singed Feliz Cumpleaños!! Later that evening we headed back to downtown Puerto Plata and dance the night away. This place is a Great Resort, As along as you have Great people around, you will Enjoy yourself just as i did! This trip was just the way i wanted it to be Relaxing and FUN!!

My wife and I have stayed at the RIU Merengue more than once and each time we enjoy it more. I dont know how they do it but many of the staff remember you from the year before. Speaking of the staff, they are well trained and very Pleasant. The bartenders and animation crew are very fun and keep you laughing. Check in is a breeze. The food in the dinning hall is plentiful and you can always find something you like. Alberto does a great job manageing it. The rooms and grounds are very well kept, there are people cleaning constantly. The beach is nearly a mile long and raked clean every day. The ocean is alittle rocky in spots but still very functional for swiming and the free water sports. We will be going back next year and taking some friends with us. sincerly enjoyed it Randy in Iowa

Location is wonderful. The atmosphere for us was not great - but I think thats because we got really unlucky with rainy weather so we noticed all the little things that probably would not have bothered us otherwise. Food was not the best - definitely recommend NOT getting reservations at the 2 restaurants, better off just sticking to buffet food. Not a lot of other english speaking guests so it made it difficult to meet many people. Lots of speedos and cigarette smoke.... Did the zipline excursion which was great. The last day and half when the sun finally came out was much more enjoyable as well. Not a total bust but would definitely not stay here again.

First, i need to Say that the staff is the best i've seen in years. The food is ok and the site is Clean . The ocean and the beach are not as Nice as punta cana or cancun, but that is puerto plata and we knew before we pourchasse it. Nothing to Say wrong exept for little things here and there, but hiven if it,s a 5 star in some ratings ask your self why it's half the price of a riu palace 5 Star and you Will have your answers.

We went for a week in Feb 2013. We had a wonderful time. Our fav part for both of us was the waterfall excursion it was one of the most fun and exciting things we have ever done. The hotel was nice beautiful view and beach.

Had a grat time. Food very inconsistant. Dominican Nite had an awesome spread and should be available daily. Real singers not lip sinkers goes a long way. this hotel lacked actual singers but the dancing was great.

Pros. Everything is close to you. You dont have to use golf carts to move around (like in Punta Cana) They have Napoleon Cognac and Stolichnaya Vodka... Cons. They suppose to refill your refrigirator with water, beer and cola...Even after we left $5 dollars no one would care. After 3 days I went to the front desk and asked them to fill te refrigirator. They said its to late today and offer me a bottle of water!!!! Ohh and the alchogol that they "change every two days" (sign just above the refrigirator) just has been sitting there for 9 days....Dont drink it.... The beach area is not great. There are no umbrellas on the beach....lots of rocks in the water...

I enjoyed myself and the staff seen helpful but upon my arrival I had to wait 3 hours for a room. Second you hadto pay to use a computer. I can not complain about staff but I will not return. One other thing. For a room to have a large bed they took two smaller beds and pushed them together

Staff was friendly and accommodating. For the money it was a great value. The beach was beautiful and clean.

I like that it's all inclusive. But do expect to carry some spending money(at least $200 US or more) to get the most of your experience(city tours/taxis/souvenirs,etc). The room kind of had a musty, basement type of smell. But you get used to it fast. The food is decent, few choices here & there. By the second or third night, it's like "Didn't I have this yesterday?" Didn't like the pool closing at 6pm. Only resort that is somewhat close to an actual city. Go take advantage of the city tours that are offered. Otherwise, you're just gonna be bored staying at the resort for too long. Strongly recommend it for a first timer to DR. Get to see the country itself(poor, historical parts) But next time, Punta Cana, or Playa Dorada for me.