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Reviews of Riu Palace Macao - Adults Only - All Inclusive 5 stars

Avenida Estados Unidos, Bavaro, 23302 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

#50 of 127 hotels in Punta Cana

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 61 hotel reviews

8.1

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.7

  • Comfort

    8.7

  • Location

    9.1

  • Facilities

    8.6

  • Staff

    8.4

  • Value for money

    7.9

  • Free WiFi

    7.5

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 28 August 2025

    8.0
    All in all we enjoyed our stay and would return.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite Superior
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not sure they can really control this but lots of seaweed so no swimming in the ocean on this trip. Also the Italian restaurant food was bad, and it’s sad cause how do you mess up lasagna!! Also a waterbug/ big roach came under the room door and my husband had to kill it yuck!!

    The property was beautiful and all the restaurants, bars and pools close and very accessible. We stayed in room 1037 it was conveniently located to everything and the bed was very comfy. The themed parties were a blast! We took advantage of the daily spa access and got a couples package for massages and facials. The hotel entertainment was okay I enjoyed the Tenors show! Krystal’s restaurant was awesome!!

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 25 August 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Junior Suite Superior
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I switched room three times in my first hour after checking in the room smelled like mildew like it was water just sitting around and I was on the fourth floor not the first walls needs to be washed and scrubbed. There was spiderwebs next to the headboard very dusty nets all over the walls. No one informed us that if the patio door is simply cracked that the air wouldn’t come on we went a whole night without air, not knowing that the door was not closed properly Room service had limited options we had salad or nachos

    Pool areas was great offered a lot of excursions on the resort sports bar was very nice and entertainment was live and fun room have four liquor options Jim tequila, rum, vodka refrigerator was stacked with drinking options and snacks. You are allowed to visit the Sister resorts next-door. One resort has a waterslide. There is also a casino which they really don’t tell you about unless you look at the map, but it was nice I went for bingo night and the spa was amazing.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 August 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite Superior
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The room we stayed at was turned to the patio where the main stage was. It was impossible to sleep before midnight due to the loud music… the windows are not isolated. Also, the room was very humid and the clothes that were inside the closet at the end were wet and smelly :(

    The food was delicious and the staff was super friendly!!! The service was really fast :) the natural juices were to die for!!!!!

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 20 July 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite Superior
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I did not enjoy the smoking and attitude from a certain group whiche were rude and had no respect for the people who just wanted peace. This occured mostly in the pool where the bar was located.

    I enjoyed the staff. They were very helpful and always happy. I could mention specially Bermudez from the pool who was always so attentive and helpful. Always trying to please us in every way.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 June 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite Deluxe Ocean Front - Elite Club
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/A

    Room, cleanliness, food options, beach

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 February 2025

    8.0
    Sun, dancing, and old people glances.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Swim-Up Junior Suite Deluxe - Elite Club
    • Stayed 4 nights

    I am a recovering alcoholic and there were a lot of bartenders who did not respect that. At the coffee shop on the Macao resort there was a Jamaican coffee that was advertised with cold brew. I was very tired when I got up for my coffee and didn't taste any alcohol in the drink the first time. The second time I got the coffee I watched the barista put cold brew liquor in the coffee. I realized I should be more aware and communicate clearly the words "sin alcohol." Some waiters were respectful but other saw my age and thought I was just holding back from having fun. There were many times that I went back and forth with servers about not using flavored liquor in drinks that were advertised without alcohol. They believed that the flavored liquor was just syrup and that it was not really alcohol. I do not like fighting with servers and at points felt like I had to yell at them even when my friend who spoke Spanish stood up for me. In the future if you want a tropical vacation but do not want to consume alcohol learn the words for what you specifically want in your drinks and watch the pour carefully. There were beers without alcohol but if you want ginger beer or other mixes without alcohol I'd pack a checked bag with everything that you need and a travel cup. Also you need to be very strong and not be easily influenced. If you are still working through urges stay away from the bars and stay with a friend who knows how to say no for you. I still had an amazing time but if I was not at the level of recovery I was at it would have been an easy slip into relapse.

    The staff at the parties were very fun and inviting. The resort seemed to draw only folks over the age of 45 which I would have found as a turn off as someone who is 25. I was not looking for hook-ups since I had a boyfriend at home so the ages didn't bother me. The Riu Parties were the places to find people around our age. As a group of teachers we found the lack of children to be worth it. We became friends with a worker I called "Ernie." His name actual started with a U but I could not read or understand his actual name so he was fine with Ernie. He was extremely friendly and made sure to take my friends out of their shell and dance or have fun. He is an example of the staff that were extremely friendly and wanted to make sure we were having a good time. Ernie took the time to teach my friends to dance and teased me for being the only black person who didn't know the hustle. Our rooms were amazing and our location was perfect for going straight to the beach. The spa was also amazing as a black woman who does not trust hair dressers. I had the best wash of my life and the wellness area was amazing.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 February 2025

    7.0
    Fun re look relaxing beach was great
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Swim-Up Junior Suite Deluxe Ocean View - Elite Club
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Water in our plunge pool was very cold couldn’t use it food in buffet was ok not the greatest the meat was too dry and hard restaurant food was fine A lot of mosquitoes in our room Elite club wasn’t elite enough we should have east access to top shelf by the pool and it felt like all guests were treated the same no difference being elite

    Clean spacious nice to have our own walkout pool

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 July 2024

    9.0
    Go elite!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Swim-Up Junior Suite Deluxe - Elite Club
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There are a lot of bugs, but it's the area. Housekeeping always came late in the afternoon despite leaving the sign out all morning. The resort credit is a joke. It's a certain dollar amount off services. For example, a $20 reduction on a $150 massage. The ac is set to not go below a certain temp and at times we were warm.

    The resort was beautiful. The swim up pool was in a location away from foot traffic thank goodness. Elite made the trip top notch with the delicious restaurant, bar only elite could use, and separate beach area where we could always find an open bed unlike the pool area.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 January 2024

    8.0
    Luxury at it's finest... but it will cost ya!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Junior Suite Deluxe - Elite Club
    • Stayed 7 nights

    This hotel was definitely on the "pricy" side, and if we had downscaled to a slightly cheaper option, we probably could have stretched our budget to stay for another two weeks, so in all honesty, this isn't the best hotel choice if your goal is to get value for money. That being said, this place comes with ALL the bells and whistles, and we managed to get a "late-escape" deal at 55% off so we saved a fortune! I also think that the "Elite Club" facilities and perks could be expanded to create better value for guests who pay the premium. There was only one lounge, and it was by the lobby, away from all the pool areas and entertainment zones, so the vibe was a little dull. The private beach section was also very far away from the ocean, and positioned in a way where most of the cabanas were engulfed in shade, so it wasn't an ideal location for sunbathing. If there had been a private poolside section for Elite Club members, or more private bars throughout the resort, or perhaps even a seperate entertainment schedule exclusive to members, this would have definitely made the premium pricing more worthwhile in my opinion. I did like the fact that the rooms were located a little out of the way, so it felt like we had more privacy than other hotel guests. But if I was to book again, I would probably just book a regular stay, and use the savings towards some fun excursions!

    This hotel stay was the week-long "luxury" part of our month-long trip, and it did not disappoint! Me and my bestie travel every year for Christmas and New Years, so we stayed at the Riu Palace Macao for the Christmas period. One thing I will say, if you're not a big fan of resorts, then this wouldn't be the choice for you. I also don't think I could have stayed here any longer than a week as I prefer to immerse more when I travel, and actually make new friends and meet cool locals. This is not the kind of place you do that. In all honesty, Punta Cana is not the place for that altogether! However, if you brought a whole suitcase full of glamorous outfits in the hopes of getting some stunning content to flex on the gram, then this is the place for you! Equally, if you are a fan of fine-dining, daily entertainment, and "all-inclusive" deals, this resort has an extremely impressive selection of restaurants accross a variety of cuisines, some top-tier shows and live acts, and of course the iconic RIU themed parties, so you will be spoilt for choice! We chose to be extra fabulous and went with the "Elite Club" package, so we also had a selection of exclusive facilities such as premium bars with imported spirits, a restaurant, and a private section of the beach complete with it's own bar. Our room was also outfited with luxury toiletries, an in-room drinks dispenser with premium spirits on tap that were re-filled daily, welcome champagne on arrival, as well as a little gift. The room itself was ENORMOUS, and very stylishly decorated with neutral tones, and a clean, modern aesthetic. The staff at the hotel were all wonderful, but special shoutout to my favourite concierge team Eudys and Tommy, who were always on hand to handle any and every request with efficiency and a lovely smile.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 28 December 2023

    8.0
    Good time. Would go back.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Junior Suite Deluxe - Elite Club
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Food was just ok. No mexican restaurant was surprising.

    Great facilities and staff. Clean and reasonably priced.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 August 2025

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite Superior
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The pool was dirty all the time, there was little to no entertainment

    The pool was dirty, seaweed was not maintained on the beach, some staff were rude, our room was dirty and our bedsheets had blood stains on them

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 20 August 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Junior Suite Superior
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    All, but especially the kindness of all the hotel staff

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 20 August 2025

    3.0
    Will not be returning
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite Superior
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Customer service was the worst we have ever experienced, room smelled terrible and was very damp, bad AC, fridge was broke the whole stay, room service was worse than gas station food. The steakhouse sides were a joke. We will not be returning to this location, nor any RIU resort if that is their standard operations.

    Pool options, beach area. The manager at the swim up pool bar was amazing. Urnie was great with the pool fitness classes. Omelet station at breakfast in the back.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 August 2025

    6.0
    Not awful for a budget resort, but nothing extraordinary.
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Junior Suite Superior
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Staff at check in was rude. Refused to honor the elite upgrade which we clearly had in writing, didn’t offer any apology, discount to apply it, etc. Food was very mediocre (photos of raw lobster & very overcooked “filet” that was ordered medium rare). Staff was hit and miss, some great but a lot you could tell didn’t love their job.

    Well staffed. Only ~25 minutes from the airport. Plenty of places to get drinks

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 12 August 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Junior Suite Superior
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The lifts were a bit old and making noise and slippers would be great.

    The food was amazing, the staff are absolutely lovely and amazing. The room was great.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 August 2025

    4.0
    Outdated
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite Superior
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Music by the poolside was not diverse. Their WiFi wasn’t working, the parties aren’t late enough. The staff made many promises that they could not keep. I was not able to use my on site credit offered by booking.

    I liked the food. It was a nice variety to be hotel food.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 July 2025

    2.0
    overprices, not worth it.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Junior Suite Deluxe - Elite Club
    • Stayed 3 nights

    low quality drinks, beer choice is light beer, they have no idea what daiquiri is. Reception staff is terrible. They promise and lie. overall, overpriced resort

    food and beach is great. the buffet food is excellent

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 12 June 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Swim-Up Junior Suite Deluxe - Elite Club
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was beautiful

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 10 March 2025

    10
    My stay was amazing I loved every single minute
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Swim-Up Junior Suite Deluxe - Elite Club
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Everything it was beautiful

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 November 2024

    6.0
    It was..... okay, I guess.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Junior Suite Deluxe Ocean View - Elite Club
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    My room was supposed to have a tub! My sole reason for booking that room was for the tub listed in the room amenities. So imagine my instant disappointment. The first night the weather was horrible. When I called for room service, because the app wasn't working, I was told "it's raining" . I had to give a little attitude to have food delivered. The food was just "meh".

    As a solo traveler, I felt safe on the property. My room had a decent view, but they should change the name to "tree view" because the abundance of palm trees made it impossible to view the ocean. The Renova spa was fabulous! I had an amazing spa day.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 October 2024

    10
    The best place ever
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Swim-Up Junior Suite Deluxe - Elite Club
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I loved everything

    I had the best 6 days ever!! I loved the place, food is outstanding in every restaurant on the property of Riu Macao, Riu parties as well are incredible and all people that work there are amazing! I will come back for sure! You rock!

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 September 2024

    10
    Wonderful stay, everyone was so fun and welcoming, we had the best honeymoon!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite Deluxe - Elite Club
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    NOTHING

    The attention from staff was outstanding, the facilities are beautiful, the room we got had a wonderful view. Everyone was so kind.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 September 2024

    10
    amazing service , frendly staff and great spa
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Swim-Up Junior Suite Deluxe - Elite Club
    • Stayed 4 nights

    I liked everything , service, spa, cleanliness( they wash even walking passes between buildings), food , entertainment. I recommend club level

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 September 2024

    3.0
    I would never go back to this resort and I have been to DR 6 times.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Swim-Up Junior Suite Deluxe - Elite Club
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had a swim up room that smelled of mildew. The room was full of ants, the staff left me my personal can of “Raid” There were 12 of us in different types of rooms and everyone had a problem with ants. I mean crawling all over the bed. Staff rushed you to eat, flicking lights on and off. Not a lot of food choices. Even with 5 restaurants, food was not good.

    Location

    Stayed in September 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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