Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro

My family and I experience poor customer service and racism throughout the trip. I was never asked if I needed anything that includes a drink or flatware, while sitting at a restaurant. It came to a point where we begin to serve ourselves something to drink. When I asked for towels or washcloths, it took them over 12 hours to come to the room. We had to repeatedly call the front desk for face clothes. When we seen housekeeping to ask them directly, they never had face cloths. We had a hole in the ceiling of the shower, picture attached.The rooms smelled like sewer and we had to ask for someone to come clean the toilet room several times. My Apple EarPods were missing out of my bag and I never use them throughout the trip. When we seen housekeeping or staff, we greeted them either in English or Spanish, and was ignored. My mom fainted from the heat in one of the stores and the cashier suck their teeth and the left the store, not asking if we need anything. The other customers were confused and asked where did they go. The cash appeared to be bothered that my mom became ill. We were overlooked and ignored! At one time, I was at a restaurant, placed my things on the table for my kids, to sit down and the server pull the table from underneath us to be used by a different family. My kids and I were waiting for the elevator, and no one was there. Later was followed by a group of people who nearly pushed us aside to get on first. Being at this hotel was a terrible experience! Most of my family had to change rooms to accommodate their family in the room. This poor experience with unacceptable! I will never return to this hotel! Nor will I return to Dominican Republic!

This hotel wasn’t too far from the hotel which was nice. The majority of the employees were really nice. However, I will NEVER stay here again. The rooms aren’t what I am used to. I’ll leave it at that. I’m 23 and had back and neck pain from the beds. They were so hard. They had sheets on the bed that were paper thin. I could tell they were super cheap. Some stains were on the towels and be sheets we received. I can tell they were washed because they didn’t smell bad but there were still stains. The food is the WORST that I have ever had. I’m from Houston so I know what good food taste like and this was not it at all. There was not a single good thing I could say about any of the food. However, one of our excursions came with food and it was a 10/10!!! We also went to a restaurant off the resort called SBG and it was superb!! Now back to the hotel. The alcoholic drinks at the hotel were clearly watered down. I questioned if there was even alcohol in them but I watched the bartenders make the drink and saw them put the alcohol in so I can only assume the bottle was watered down. This was my first all inclusive hotel and it has put a sour taste in my mouth. The DR was beautiful so still visit but I wouldn’t stay at this hotel.

After our recent getaway trip, I plan to share a review with pros and cons to help future visitors. The chefs were attentive to food temperatures during most of our stay, but their diligence waned towards closing time. Rushed food preparation resulted in undercooked dishes. Some staff responses to requests were rude.

However, certain employees were outstanding. We didn't encounter any food poisoning cases but observed guests consuming excessive alcohol without hydrating. Bringing liquid IV is advisable.

VIP bartenders were vigilant, while others prioritized tips over guests' well-being. Liquor choices mainly included local brands, and frozen drinks had an odd taste. Fresh juices were notably absent.

Specialty restaurants were underwhelming, with limited and less authentic menus.

Hotel renovations are planned for April 2025, but some areas showed wear and tear.

VIP rooms had minor imperfections, and AC availability varied throughout the premises.

To avoid language barriers, investing in basic English courses for staff and bilingual signage would be beneficial.

Overall, the hotel offers decent value with friendly staff. It's a good 4-star option for those comfortable with the price range ($150-$200 per night).

Amazing holiday experience, from food to location to the quality of rooms and outstanding customer care. A big special shout out and thank you to Anthony from the room service team for going above and beyond to make sure our needs are catered to and our room is fully stocked at all times. Another big thanks to Hector from the la bamba pool bar, excellent service! Can't wait to be back for a third time!

We just came back from DR. Riu Palace has been amazing! I was very pleased with service! Super friendly staff that is always there when you need. Resort was clean, safe and pretty modern. Great fresh food daily! Their coffee at the lobby was outstanding. The only thing that we found uncomfortable is that pool was hot. But we aren't pool people, so did not care much. The beach however was Amazing! Clear water, clean, huge, white sand beach! There were enough chairs to accommodate people and no morning "rush" to get yourself a spot at the beach. We are surely coming back!

I arrived at Riu Palace Bavaro last Tuesday late afternoon after many hours on the plane. First impression...WOW..The lobby was so beautiful, just no A/C working. My First 30 min at the reception desk dealing with Manager Ramon and Rafael when I was trying to check in and go eat something and take a shower that 30 min was the worse experience I ever had in any of the hotels...ever. I felt that I was not welcome there .I spent almost an hour in the lobby waiting for someone to help me—very poor customer service skills, especially from the manager, who should be an example. The only friendly person I dealt with from reception was Christian. Look for him when you are ready to check in. Otherwise, dealing with Ramon, you will have the same feelings as I did, that you will spend the night on the street in Bavaro instead of enjoying your vacation.
Food- average...Drinks at the pool bar are not so good. Wait for the bartender Hector at the Lobby bar. He will make the best old fashion you ever have
For any issues in your room, Maintenance responds very quickly. Of course, if the reception desk notifies them about your issue asap.
I think there are many other resorts in the area that can consider your attention before you will book your vacation at the Riu Palace.
I definitely won't come back to Riu Palace in the future

My wife, her 3 best friends and myself stayed at the Riu Palace Bavaro last week. It's our first international trip and experience staying in an all inclusive. Food was above and beyond excellent, beach was gorgeous and never had seaweed. The service from staff was top notch and never felt awkward interactions.

Will definitely come back and do this again.
10/10 in our books