4/10 Poor
Joseph
Travelled with family and small children
22 Jan 2025
Disliked: Amenities
I recently stayed at the RIU in the Dominican Republic and, unfortunately, my experience fell far below expectations. I booked my entire vacation package online, clearly indicating two adults and two children in the reservation. Upon arrival, however, I was told the hotel had only listed two adults for the room. Despite showing paperwork proving I had paid for four people, I was forced to pay an additional $900 for my children to stay—otherwise, we were threatened with being turned away. This was an incredibly stressful and unwelcome start to our trip.
The room itself left much to be desired. It was not consistently stocked with basic toiletries, towels, or even water. I had to repeatedly ask for essentials that should have been readily available in an all-inclusive resort.
As for the food, it was just okay—nothing memorable or particularly enjoyable. Having stayed at dozens of all-inclusive resorts, I’d rank this one in the lower 10. The drinks were another disappointment, as they were consistently watered down and lacked the quality one expects from an all-inclusive experience.
While the Dominican Republic itself is a stunning destination, and I have always loved visiting the country, this hotel does not reflect the hospitality and standards I’ve come to appreciate elsewhere. I will not be staying at this property again and would advise future travelers to proceed with caution.