Riu Palace Bavaro - All Inclusive

The location provides easy beach access and proximity to dining options. Guests appreciate the spacious, comfortable rooms and well-maintained facilities, including multiple pools and a beautiful beach.

This is my first time to the resort but my 5th time to the island and my first time in a damp and mouldy room. On arrival our room had a damp smell but we opened the patio doors for it to air as we assumed it may not have been used for a few days. However we also noticed the bedding was slightly damp to touch and the coffee table was warped with water damage. Over the coming days the room continued to feel damp and we began to notice small marks on the wallpaper. By day 4 this was much more noticeable and on day 5 the green mould took hold and many large patches appeared. I complained to reception and asked to move rooms only to be told the mould was in fact my fault as I hadn’t kept the air con on constantly! I found this response unbelievable and said that if the air con must be kept on constantly then why are there not notices in each room stating this and why on the hotel app does it suggest using doors/windows or the ceiling fan to conserve energy rather than the air con. I was eventually given the option to move rooms which we did but on returning the keys of the original room back to reception I was told I had to sign a disclaimer for the room upgrade. I argued this was not a room upgrade but merely a move to a habitable room but was told if I wanted to stay in the room, I must sign the form. I had no choice but to sign. This experience could have been handled so differently with courtesy, respect and honesty but instead soured our whole view of the hotel. This is not the standard of room or customer service I would expect from a hostel let alone a 5* resort. So my advice is on arrival if you have any doubts about your room do not unpack and demand a change.

Had an awesome family vaca for spring break. I have to give a shout out to Diana and the whole entertainment team! My son age 14 and daughter age 12 both loved all the activities and Diana went out of her way to make sure we had fun. We loved the food court and the steakhouse. The food court had great pizza, wok station and some of the best tacos. We had the thickest filets I’ve had at the steakhouse and they were delicious. Having stayed at another riu palace, the buffet wasn’t as good but still was decent. Stephanie was great in the morning and always took care of us. All the workers were friendly and never had trouble getting a drink, loved having Tito’s for all my drinks. I wouldn’t listen to the negative reviews and would def recommend this place!