Only a few hotel rooms are currently available at this rate. Availability can change at any time and may affect the prices.
*rate found for check-in Dec 20, check-out Dec 22
Rates displayed reflect the lowest rate found over the next 30 days. This rate is subject to change. Rates may not include service charges, extra person charges, fees or incidental charges (such as room service).
Converted rates (shown in parentheses) are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at this hotel, but within a reasonable distance and additional charges may apply for use. All information has been provided by this hotel.
Check-in: 1400
Check-out: 1200
Local currency: USD
The Riu Merengue is an all-inclusive resort located on the picturesque Bay of Maimon, on the Northern coast of the Dominican Republic, just 15 minutes from Puerto Plata. Surrounded by mountains and tropical foliage, the views from this beachfront property are breathtaking. This all inclusive resort includes all meals, drinks, and non-motorized watersports. One of the differences between this resort and others, is the in-room liquor dispensers in all categories (a nice inclusion & convenience).
There are 544 spacious guestrooms, and a multitude of sports such as windsurfing, sailing, and tennis, as well as games and activities for our guests to choose from. Choose from a variety of dining and entertainment options, including live entertainment, bars, and the Pacha nightclub. Visit the 'Caribbean Street' for shopping, or to book an appointment at the Renova Spa (services not included). Enjoy the exchange privileges program throughout the Riu resort.
Property amenities: Outdoor swimming pool with children's section, children's mini-club, daily entertainment program for children ages 4 to 12, This summer, Riu Hotels & Resort will be launching RiuLand, its new concept of children's entertainment and activities created by its Entertainment and Activities Department's team of professionals. The brand-new programme, which even boasts its own image and music, offers children between 4 and 12 a wide array of age-appropriate fun things to do that promote good group dynamics and education in values such as cultural diversity an ecology. Daily activities for adults, 3 lit tennis courts, 2 lit tennis courts at Riu Bachata, aerobics, water polo, boccia, ping pong, one scuba diving lesson in pool, nigthly entertainment including live music and Riu Theme Shows, Pacha Disco (entrance and drinks included), unlimited domestic alcoholic beverages, tropical juice cocktails and soft drinks, all meals and snacks, exchange privileges through out the Riu Complex during the day (Riu Mambo & Riu Bachata). At the Caribbean Street: Fitness center, billiards, El Million Casino (at Riu bachata, entrance included), Spa services; massages and beauty treatments, cigar shop, jewelry, photo studio & lab. Medical staff on call 24 hrs, gift shop, babysitting upon request, car rental, laundry service, all this with extra charge.
Riu Merengue is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable vacation.
Minimum Age: At least one person of 21 years old in every room.
The Hotel reserves the right of admission and therefore we may not allow any room in which all guests are younger than 21 years. This situation can have serious consequences and should be avoided at any cost.
***NO STUDENT GROUPS UNDER 21 YEARS OR SPRING BREAKERS ARE ACCPETED ALL YEARR ROUND***
Maximum Occupancy: In all RIU hotels and room categories (unless specified otherwise) the maximum occupancies are 4 bodies in room, either 3 Adults + 1 Child OR 2 Adults + 2 Children. Four adults are NOT permitted. All bodies in room will fit on existing bedding, any special request remains upon availability. Children & and third adult will sleep in existing bedding.
Discounts: Children under 2 years stay & eat free. Their age must be specified in the Booking. Honeymooners: Will receive a surprise gift in their room upon arrival. Certificate of Marriage will be required upon arrival.
Special requests : Any special request such a extra beds, rollaways, cribs, room next door, remains upon availability of the hotel . Guests will be informed at check in.
Check-in: 1400
Check-out: 1200
Local currency: USD
*rate found for check-in Dec 20, check-out Dec 22
Rates displayed reflect the lowest rate found over the next 30 days. This rate is subject to change. Rates may not include service charges, extra person charges, fees or incidental charges (such as room service).
Converted rates (shown in parentheses) are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at this hotel, but within a reasonable distance and additional charges may apply for use. All information has been provided by this hotel.
Overall score
3.8 out of 5
(44 reviews)
Reviews and scores for each hotel are collected from customers who purchased a stay at that hotel.
Reviewers are asked to rate a variety of hotel attributes on a scale of 1 to 5. The highest possible score is "5," meaning the user was "very satisfied," while "1" is the lowest, meaning the user was "very dissatisfied."
The "overall score" is an average of all reviewer scores submitted for a hotel.
Hotel address: Bahia de Maimon, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic 0
Puerto Plata, Bahia de Maimon, Dominican Republic.
Puerto Plata International Airport (POP)
Located on the beautiful Maimon Bay, 492 feet from the Caribbean Street, 5.5 miles from Puerto Plata and 15.5 miles from Puerto Plata's International Airport. Maimon bay is the place to relax on the beach with a good book and a tropical drink. The main attractions here are the beautiful beach and the beachfront Riu Resorts complex, guests will enjoy the day and nighttime many activities offered at the three all-inclusive Riu Hotels. For a taste of local Dominican culture is easy and fun, visit Puerto Plata is only six miles away. Local excursion: Puerto Plata (16th century fort and amber museum), Cordillera Central Mountains, and Santiago (tobacco and folklore museums).
Located though out the Riu resort
Exchange privileges through out the Riu Resort during the day.
Steak House Restaurant, reservations required.
Beach Bar
Pool snack bar and restaurant
Pavilion Bar
Main restaurant with buffet style dinning and on the spot cooking stations. Theme dinners served twice a week.
Lounge bar
Italian Restaurant, with service at the table, require dinner reservations.
Please enter check-in and check-out dates to the right to select a room
Check-in: 1400
Check-out: 1200
Local currency: USD
*rate found for check-in Dec 20, check-out Dec 22
Rates displayed reflect the lowest rate found over the next 30 days. This rate is subject to change. Rates may not include service charges, extra person charges, fees or incidental charges (such as room service).
Converted rates (shown in parentheses) are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at this hotel, but within a reasonable distance and additional charges may apply for use. All information has been provided by this hotel.
Overall score
3.8 out of 5
(44 reviews)
Reviews and scores for each hotel are collected from customers who purchased a stay at that hotel.
Reviewers are asked to rate a variety of hotel attributes on a scale of 1 to 5. The highest possible score is "5," meaning the user was "very satisfied," while "1" is the lowest, meaning the user was "very dissatisfied."
The "overall score" is an average of all reviewer scores submitted for a hotel.
Score
3 out of 5
You get what you pay for
Pastor Kim Nov 19, 2009
I went to Riu with some friends to celebrate my birthday. The staff were really friendly and helpful but the rooms where not ... cool enough and the toilet lacked water pressure. When I asked about the room temp they said that the the hotel was on a central ac system, so basically one temp. The beds were uncomfortable. But the location was great. The beach is literally right outside your window. I would recommend an upgrade to a suite. The food is not that great not even the ala carte was worth getting up at 6am to go and sign up for.
Traveler type: Friends
If you are in the country and have the time, I would recommend a day trip to the capital Santo Domingo. You should go see El Faro a Colon and the Cuidad Colonial. The history in this country is amazing. It is 2 hours from Puerto Plata but if you leave early you can see both things and still make it back for a late dinner. If not have dinner in the capital in Venazuela Avenue which has allot of great inexpensive places. I would recommend renting a car. The country has one major road between both cities and is easy to find. If not hire a cab for the day, shouldn't be too expensive.
Score
3 out of 5
You get what you pay for
Pastor Kim Nov 19, 2009
I went to the Riu merengue for my birthday with friends. The bad: the ac really doesn't work well. They explained to me that ... its a central ac system so its generally one temp. Even on high, you have to sleep with light covers. The beds are horrible and you get one pillow and the toilets don't have enough water pressure. The good: the place looks really nice. I would recommend a suite. The beach is right outside your window and the pool is really nice as well. The staff are friendly but if you complain too much they ignore you after a while (beware they are after tips big time).The only other thing is on the weekends the locals come (I'm Dominican too, so nothing against the people) but when they come it gets really loud, the lines get crazy but it does get allot more fun if you are looking for a good party. Its fairly inexpensive to stay here, but don't go with too high of expectations like we did and then be dissapointed. You get what you pay for. I would probably not stay there again, I want to check out the other 200 resorts in DR. Someone did say that the Riu Bachata was better, but it didn't seem much different.
Traveler type: Friends
If you are in Puerto Plate make sure to go to El Malecon and the fortaleza. Its a strip on the edge of the beach which is beautiful to walk and the fortaleza has the history of one of the revolutionaries and the fort is beautiful. The Dominican Republic is so righ in history that you won't want to miss the opportunity to see some of it. If you have the time, you should go to the ciudad colonial and faro a colon in the capital about 2 hours from Riu Merengue,you will not regret it. Just don't take too much cash (they sell things with credit cards), don't let people put carboard on your car when you park cause they will want money afterwards and say no when a travel guide wants to walk you around the cuidad colonial, they always want money at the end even if they say they are paid by the government. Say no sternly, because they don't take no for an answer. Hope this helps
Score
3 out of 5
Not That Sweet
Fallbreak'09 Nov 2, 2009
The staff was great, and aside from trying to get a nonexistant hotel voucher from us, were very attentive and pleasant. The ... beds were not so sweet and it took a couple hrs to shake off the soreness. The beach was awesome, the grounds were very pretty and well maintained. The food was edible but nothing special. Lots of Brits and Germans during our stay... maybe october/nov is a vaca for them?
Traveler type: Couples
Reviews represent the opinions of CheapTickets customers, not of CheapTickets or its staff.
If you are in the country and have the time, I would recommend a day trip to the capital Santo Domingo. You should go see El Faro a Colon and the Cuidad Colonial. The history in this country is amazing. It is 2 hours from Puerto Plata but if you leave early you can see both things and still make it back for a late dinner. If not have dinner in the capital in Venazuela Avenue which has allot of great inexpensive places. I would recommend renting a car. The country has one major road between both cities and is easy to find. If not hire a cab for the day, shouldn't be too expensive.
--Pastor Kim, Easton, Pennsylvania Nov 19, 2009
If you are in Puerto Plate make sure to go to El Malecon and the fortaleza. Its a strip on the edge of the beach which is beautiful to walk and the fortaleza has the history of one of the revolutionaries and the fort is beautiful. The Dominican Republic is so righ in history that you won't want to miss the opportunity to see some of it. If you have the time, you should go to the ciudad colonial and faro a colon in the capital about 2 hours from Riu Merengue,you will not regret it. Just don't take too much cash (they sell things with credit cards), don't let people put carboard on your car when you park cause they will want money afterwards and say no when a travel guide wants to walk you around the cuidad colonial, they always want money at the end even if they say they are paid by the government. Say no sternly, because they don't take no for an answer. Hope this helps
--Pastor Kim, Easton, Pennsylvania Nov 19, 2009
Talk to the staff at the resort, they have friends who can structure tours that cater to your exact needs and at a much better price than the advertised tour. We paid $20.00 a person, four in our group, for a private van with a driver and a guide who was very knowledgable. $80.00 total for a six-hour tour of the city, in which we stopped were we wanted and chose the locales. Beware the stops, street venders all over, extremely aggresive will follow you for blocks. Most persistent in all of the carribean countries I have visited.
--Sunshine Lover, Fort Lauderdale, FL Jun 1, 2009
Overall score
3.8 out of 5
(44 reviews)
Reviews and scores for each hotel are collected from customers who purchased a stay at that hotel.
Reviewers are asked to rate a variety of hotel attributes on a scale of 1 to 5. The highest possible score is "5," meaning the user was "very satisfied," while "1" is the lowest, meaning the user was "very dissatisfied."
The "overall score" is an average of all reviewer scores submitted for a hotel.
Sort reviews by: most recent | highest rating | lowest rating
Score
3 out of 5
You get what you pay for
Pastor Kim Nov 19, 2009
I went to Riu with some friends to celebrate my birthday. The staff were really friendly and helpful but the rooms where not ... cool enough and the toilet lacked water pressure. When I asked about the room temp they said that the the hotel was on a central ac system, so basically one temp. The beds were uncomfortable. But the location was great. The beach is literally right outside your window. I would recommend an upgrade to a suite. The food is not that great not even the ala carte was worth getting up at 6am to go and sign up for.
Traveler type: Friends
If you are in the country and have the time, I would recommend a day trip to the capital Santo Domingo. You should go see El Faro a Colon and the Cuidad Colonial. The history in this country is amazing. It is 2 hours from Puerto Plata but if you leave early you can see both things and still make it back for a late dinner. If not have dinner in the capital in Venazuela Avenue which has allot of great inexpensive places. I would recommend renting a car. The country has one major road between both cities and is easy to find. If not hire a cab for the day, shouldn't be too expensive.
Score
3 out of 5
You get what you pay for
Pastor Kim Nov 19, 2009
I went to the Riu merengue for my birthday with friends. The bad: the ac really doesn't work well. They explained to me that ... its a central ac system so its generally one temp. Even on high, you have to sleep with light covers. The beds are horrible and you get one pillow and the toilets don't have enough water pressure. The good: the place looks really nice. I would recommend a suite. The beach is right outside your window and the pool is really nice as well. The staff are friendly but if you complain too much they ignore you after a while (beware they are after tips big time).The only other thing is on the weekends the locals come (I'm Dominican too, so nothing against the people) but when they come it gets really loud, the lines get crazy but it does get allot more fun if you are looking for a good party. Its fairly inexpensive to stay here, but don't go with too high of expectations like we did and then be dissapointed. You get what you pay for. I would probably not stay there again, I want to check out the other 200 resorts in DR. Someone did say that the Riu Bachata was better, but it didn't seem much different.
Traveler type: Friends
If you are in Puerto Plate make sure to go to El Malecon and the fortaleza. Its a strip on the edge of the beach which is beautiful to walk and the fortaleza has the history of one of the revolutionaries and the fort is beautiful. The Dominican Republic is so righ in history that you won't want to miss the opportunity to see some of it. If you have the time, you should go to the ciudad colonial and faro a colon in the capital about 2 hours from Riu Merengue,you will not regret it. Just don't take too much cash (they sell things with credit cards), don't let people put carboard on your car when you park cause they will want money afterwards and say no when a travel guide wants to walk you around the cuidad colonial, they always want money at the end even if they say they are paid by the government. Say no sternly, because they don't take no for an answer. Hope this helps
Score
3 out of 5
Not That Sweet
Fallbreak'09 Nov 2, 2009
The staff was great, and aside from trying to get a nonexistant hotel voucher from us, were very attentive and pleasant. The ... beds were not so sweet and it took a couple hrs to shake off the soreness. The beach was awesome, the grounds were very pretty and well maintained. The food was edible but nothing special. Lots of Brits and Germans during our stay... maybe october/nov is a vaca for them?
Traveler type: Couples
Score
5 out of 5
great place
michel Oct 26, 2009
everything was very enjoyable. service was excellent. and hotel was very clean. plenty of activities to do through out every ... day.
Traveler type: Couples
Score
5 out of 5
Great place to go
inmenso Oct 14, 2009
It was great. ...
Traveler type: Friends
Score
4 out of 5
enjoyable, and good price
Barbie Sep 12, 2009
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.
Traveler type: Couples
Score
3 out of 5
For the price not bad
Rosa Sep 11, 2009
we took, some tours, we had a wonderfull time on teh tours. The entretaining group is the best on the hotel. They don't have ... an iron nor irno board. coffe maker. They need to improve that. overall I would rate it as a ***. Personnaly, I did not like it that much. My friends did. Had a nice time with the bartenders, very friendly
Traveler type: Friends
Score
4 out of 5
Not for us, but an objective Review
Jundaba! Jun 6, 2009
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.
Traveler type: Friends
Score
5 out of 5
fantastic
paloma Jun 1, 2009
great food very good shows and great people looooots!!!!! of fun ...
Traveler type: Friends
Score
4 out of 5
Staff Wondeful
Sunshine Lover Jun 1, 2009
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.
Traveler type: Family
Talk to the staff at the resort, they have friends who can structure tours that cater to your exact needs and at a much better price than the advertised tour. We paid $20.00 a person, four in our group, for a private van with a driver and a guide who was very knowledgable. $80.00 total for a six-hour tour of the city, in which we stopped were we wanted and chose the locales. Beware the stops, street venders all over, extremely aggresive will follow you for blocks. Most persistent in all of the carribean countries I have visited.
Score
4 out of 5
Graduation Getaway
College Grad May 31, 2009
When we arrived at the Riu Merengue, we found that we had been upgraded to the Riu Bachata. The review is based on the Riu ... Bachata. There were four members in our party, all recent college graduates. (ages 21) We spent most of our time at the pool, which is amazing. There are two big pools and they were never crowded. They tell you that you cant reserve chairs at the pool but everyone does it. We loved the drink of the day, but there definitely could have been a variety of beer given. They only served Presidente, which is the beer of the island. The air conditioner didnt work in our room, and the bed was just two double beds pushed together. The ceiling fan did give off a decent breeze and it was definitely needed at night. You can drink the water from the resort, just dont drink the water in the shower or from the faucet in your room. They provided us with a gallon of bottled water which was extremely helpful. There were not many people our age at the resort. It never bothered us however, and there were not many screaming kids running around which we definitely liked. Overall, it was extremely enjoyable and definitely worth the money. We would absolutely stay at another RIU hotel again! :)
Traveler type: Couples
Score
4 out of 5
Great vacation
Second honeymooners May 27, 2009
We had a great mini-vacation at Riu. We only had 5 days, so we chose Puerto Plata because it was a short direct flight from ... Newark. We were on the beach by 1pm on our first day, and even managed to get in a few beach hours on the last day. At Riu, the service was fantastic, food was very good, and the drinks were delicious. We spent most of the time on the beach, and it often felt like our own private beach because of all the palm trees surrounding us. Snorkling and kayaking were fun too. And the pool was great as well. We really had a very enjoyable and relaxing vacation. I would recommend this for any who is looking for an easy vacation. It's easy to get to, and once you're there you don't have to worry about anything. For us, the Saturday to Wednesday vacation was the perfect amount of time. Any longer and we might have wanted to have more to do, or more options for food/drink.
Traveler type: Couples
Avoid the pre-paid airport transportation. Grab a taxi at the airport instead. We didn't check a bag to be quick, and instead waited for 45 minutes inside our van at the airport, waiting for others who had checked bags. We had pre-paid though, so we had no choice. Then we had to drop them off on the way to our hotel. Also, be careful of people at the airport asking for tips. Every person who touches your bags will want a tip. If you feel the need to tip, make sure you have dollar bills, because they will ask for $5 or even $10!
Score
4 out of 5
Fantastic family get away
JC May 25, 2009
Relaxing by the beach, swimming in the pool, boating I would like to taste more local food: vegetable, fruits like passion fruit ...
Traveler type: Family
Score
4 out of 5
Great Time at a great Resort
Karsten May 11, 2009
Pool Bar at the Riu Bachata is priceless! US$ 8 per hour internet is a ripoff! Soft and worn out single beds provide some ... restless nights.
Traveler type: Couples
Book transportation from/to airport in advance. Taxi drivers will overcharge
Score
1 out of 5
Horrible hotel full of fat europeans
Mr. Man May 10, 2009
This was the worst hotel I have ever stayed at. No a/c, hard beds, room service barge in at 9am in the morning. The same ... exact food every day. Greasy, buttery and disgusting,,,inability to make reservations at the restaurant.
Traveler type: Couples
Score
1 out of 5
Worst Trip EVER
Mikes Mom May 8, 2009
My husband and I booked a 4 day, 3 night get away, to the ClubHotel Riu Merengue in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. ... Despite all the favorable reviews we found online, it was by far the worst vacation we have ever taken. It started when we were greeted by one of the front desk staff, who began with a ridiculous monologue consisting of one liners and bad jokes. He boasted about the superior level of service we could expect and then ended his speech by informing us that our room was not ready. He suggested we return in approximately twenty minutes, even though the front desk was filled with hundreds envelopes containing keys to clean and available rooms. Upon our return thirty minutes later, we were told the staff was busy with other guests and that we should come back in an hour. This was totally unacceptable and I refused to wait any longer. Each staff member I spoke to directed me to someone else. Finally, we found someone able to help us and learned that our room had been ready all along. Their website boasts of luxury, five star accommodations, which is why I was extremely disappointed when we were escorted to a tiny, dated guestroom. The bed was two doubles pushed together, there was not a blanket to be found and the toiletries were in paper packets. The mini bar contained a total of two beers and two sodas. In fact, it took an entire day, three phone calls and speaking to a manager before our request to fill the mini bar was addressed. Obtaining a reservation at one of the a la carte restaurants turned out to be impossible. Dinner reservations were taken between the hours of 7:00 and 10:00 am each day. Twice we arrived prior to 8:00 am, only to find out that all the reservations had been taken. I can not understand why a resort with 544 guestrooms, has forty dining tables and only two seatings per night. Basically, a very small percentage of the guests are able to enjoy a sit down meal, while the majority are left to a cafeteria style dinner of repetitive, mediocre food. The dining situation may have not been so bad, if the drinks had not been so watered down and served child size plastic cups. Perhaps worst of all was the discovery that our trip happened to coincide with a Dominican holiday. Not long after our arrival, hundreds of locals descended on the resort and literally took over everything. The sheer volume of people coupled with the rude and rowdy behavior made getting food or drinks into somewhat of a battle. The locals were catered to by the staff, leaving vacationers feeling like unwanted guests. We will never return to this hotel and will avoid all Riu properties in the future.
Traveler type: Couples
Make sure you arrive close to 7:00am to make a dinner reservation. They were always booked before 8:00am.
Score
5 out of 5
Extraordinary Resort!!
Sable Traveler May 8, 2009
The RIU Merengue is an all-inclusive resort filled with warmth. As a woman traveling alone, my presence was closely ... monitored by the hotel staff. They made sure that I had a trustworthy tour guide for the City of Puerto Plata tour--which I embarked upon independently (not including the guide of course); the staff ensured that I did not miss my rural tour departure for a rural section outside of Puerto Plata; and the staff made sure that I was made aware of the many spectacular hotel events. They truly cared about me! All guests are their top priority. The lobby is clean, the bars are clean, the rooms are clean, and the beach is neat. This hotel is a "must see."
Traveler type: Single
Score
5 out of 5
THE BEST RESORT EVER!!
WAWADA002 May 8, 2009
I WENT TO THE BEACH AND EVERYWHERE IN THE HOTEL IS A VERY NICE PLACE!! ...
Traveler type: Couples
Score
4 out of 5
Unbeatable for the price
Marcia May 2, 2009
We enjoyed all three Riu. The grounds where just beautiful. Resort was beautiful. The food displayed look lovely but really ... didn't care for the food. We ate at the steakhouse the portion of ribeye was very thin. I would not go out of my way to eat there. The entertainment was great. The city of Puerto Plata was scary to me we spent all our time at the Resort.
Traveler type: Couples
Wanted to buy T-shirts we found that carribean shopping area was very high priced. We bought the T-shirts in the hotel. The vendors on the beach are to pushy that it was uncomfortable, we left.
Score
4 out of 5
Great vacation for the price
MaxiG May 2, 2009
This was my third Riu resort. I loved them all. ...
Traveler type: Single
Reviews represent the opinions of CheapTickets customers, not of CheapTickets or its staff.
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If you are in the country and have the time, I would recommend a day trip to the capital Santo Domingo. You should go see El Faro a Colon and the Cuidad Colonial. The history in this country is amazing. It is 2 hours from Puerto Plata but if you leave early you can see both things and still make it back for a late dinner. If not have dinner in the capital in Venazuela Avenue which has allot of great inexpensive places. I would recommend renting a car. The country has one major road between both cities and is easy to find. If not hire a cab for the day, shouldn't be too expensive.
--Pastor Kim, Easton, Pennsylvania Nov 19, 2009
If you are in Puerto Plate make sure to go to El Malecon and the fortaleza. Its a strip on the edge of the beach which is beautiful to walk and the fortaleza has the history of one of the revolutionaries and the fort is beautiful. The Dominican Republic is so righ in history that you won't want to miss the opportunity to see some of it. If you have the time, you should go to the ciudad colonial and faro a colon in the capital about 2 hours from Riu Merengue,you will not regret it. Just don't take too much cash (they sell things with credit cards), don't let people put carboard on your car when you park cause they will want money afterwards and say no when a travel guide wants to walk you around the cuidad colonial, they always want money at the end even if they say they are paid by the government. Say no sternly, because they don't take no for an answer. Hope this helps
--Pastor Kim, Easton, Pennsylvania Nov 19, 2009
Talk to the staff at the resort, they have friends who can structure tours that cater to your exact needs and at a much better price than the advertised tour. We paid $20.00 a person, four in our group, for a private van with a driver and a guide who was very knowledgable. $80.00 total for a six-hour tour of the city, in which we stopped were we wanted and chose the locales. Beware the stops, street venders all over, extremely aggresive will follow you for blocks. Most persistent in all of the carribean countries I have visited.
--Sunshine Lover, Fort Lauderdale, FL Jun 1, 2009
Avoid the pre-paid airport transportation. Grab a taxi at the airport instead. We didn't check a bag to be quick, and instead waited for 45 minutes inside our van at the airport, waiting for others who had checked bags. We had pre-paid though, so we had no choice. Then we had to drop them off on the way to our hotel. Also, be careful of people at the airport asking for tips. Every person who touches your bags will want a tip. If you feel the need to tip, make sure you have dollar bills, because they will ask for $5 or even $10!
--Second honeymooners, New York, NY May 27, 2009
Book transportation from/to airport in advance. Taxi drivers will overcharge
--Karsten, NY May 11, 2009
Make sure you arrive close to 7:00am to make a dinner reservation. They were always booked before 8:00am.
--Mikes Mom, Little Falls, NJ May 8, 2009
Wanted to buy T-shirts we found that carribean shopping area was very high priced. We bought the T-shirts in the hotel. The vendors on the beach are to pushy that it was uncomfortable, we left.
--Marcia, Largo, Florida May 2, 2009
We wanted something special one night at went to Papillon for dinner..............WONDERFUL
--Kim, Cleveland, Ohio Mar 4, 2009
Make sure you fill out the 3 forms before going through any area of the airport as everyone wants a different form filled out. Look after your own luggaga as everyone wants to take it for you and expect tips from you every time.
--krimp, ontario Mar 3, 2009
The hotel was isolated from any shopping or other activities except a small area for hotel guests.
--John, Aurora Sep 26, 2008
THE CHILDREN/ADULTS ARE ALWAYS KEPT BUSY WITH LOTS TO DO. ITS GREAT!!!
--Ervis, USA Aug 26, 2008
Pacha nightclub usually doesn't get going untill midnite.
--Gabriele, Chicago, IL Mar 31, 2008
must visit Sozua and, especially, Cabarete
--Friedrich, Rochester, NY Mar 10, 2008
Our last night there we wanted lobster and were told of a restaurant about a 5 minute drive away. We had surf & turf, I am usually a big eater, but when I saw my plate I could not believe my eyes. The steak filet and the lobster were huge and tasted great, I could hardly finish it but it was too good to leave.
--Harper, Pittsburgh, PA Feb 19, 2008
scuba outings looked fun
--Susan, New York, NY Feb 19, 2008
the city of Puerto Plata is near by so there are many other attractions for singles and families
--Robert, USA Feb 11, 2008
The Riu Bachata and the Riu Mambo are available for your pleasure for eating and drinking. check them out!
--John, Chicago, IL Sep 25, 2007
Reviews represent the opinions of CheapTickets customers, not of CheapTickets or its staff.
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1-800-504-3249 (toll free)
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California CST 2062836-40; Florida ST-35651; Hawaii TAR-5863; Iowa TA-721; Nevada 2002-0423; Washington 601 205 049 001 0001
