Riu Palace Bavaro - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

10897 reviews

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  Beautiful

  Hotel was amazing ,room was amazing, pools amazing and beautiful. Had an amazing time. The staff were wonderful .

  Oct 14, 2025
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  The good the bad and the ugly

  We stayed at the Riu Palace Bavaro for the last 2 weeks of August. The Ugly: I’ll start with the ugly because I wouldn’t want this part of the review to be missed. I booked two superior suites direct with Riu and when we checked in we were allocated two rooms that were not suites but were perfectly fine. I went to reception and spoke to a nice gentleman. I explained that we had not been allocated the rooms we booked but were happy to stay put. The rooms were plenty big enough and were in a location that we liked. The receptionist was helpful and explained that on return I e-mail Riu and explain the situation and that Riu would then refund the cost of the upgrade I had paid. Sadly, I took this at face value and trusted what I had been told. We had been with Riu before and had nothing but a good experience. On return I sent an e-mail (reference 381136, if anybody at Riu is actually bothered) I received a response from Riu 3 weeks after my e-mail to say there was nothing they could do as they can’t guarantee facilities in a room only the room type. I was a bit confused by this as my e-mail was to advise that we had not been allocated the correct room type. I responded to the initial e-mail and 2 weeks later received a further response (a generic e-mail) to say that they were very sorry but would not be refunding the upgrade. I am confused as I sent Riu a copy of my initial invoice that shows the room type as Superior Suites and the price paid and the hotel knows which rooms they allocated (2062 and 2063). So surely, they can see that there is a discrepancy. It is also impossible to speak to any customer service department. The only numbers available are ones that can take bookings. I am really disappointed with the lack of customer support provided and reading some of the other reviews and responses I will be reading a generic response where you tell me that my feedback is important and you will pass it on to the management team. Embarrassing. The good: Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you to the staff in the restaurants, the cleaning team, and the gardeners. They work incredibly hard and the hotel and rooms were kept immaculate. Our holiday included transfers to and from the airport, this was a bit manic on the way in and on the way back we were dropped at the wrong terminal. However, this complimentary service was appreciated. On arrival check in was reasonably quick and the staff were friendly. Room was a good size and well maintained when needed. Bathroom was excellent. Restaurants we found to be fine. We ate at the buffet most of the time and there was always plenty of choice. Quality of the food varied and it would have been better if the food was served warmer. The smaller restaurants offered a good selection of food but always seemed busy. Food court was good with lots of choice. Lobby bar was really good and the staff were always on hand to take our orders. Plenty of space to find a sunbed, on the beach or by the pool. Beach was beautiful but was impacted by sargassum. The hotels try to clear it as best they can but at times it was unmanageable. Waterpark was excellent and entertainment team worked hard. The bad: Family pools, these were fine but became overcrowded with people from lunch onwards. This included people eating their food whilst swimming. There is nothing like swimming next to floating pieces of chicken or spilt drinks that had collected by the steps. Here is an idea, get out the pool, have your lunch and then get back in! Or the hotel could turn one of the adult pools into a swimming food and drink festival to get them away from families that want to relax. People playing loud music from their own stereos by the pool or sunbeds. I don’t want to listen to it, buy some headphones. Its unbelievably rude. People that could not handle their drink, don’t do it!! Witnessed people being sick, families arguing, a couple having a punch up and one bloke who seemed to be superglued to the bar shouting fireball for a good twenty minutes. Smell of cannabis on a regular basis. Lack of any security presence later at night when loud groups were running around. I appreciate these bad points are subjective but this happened far too often and you could see people feeling uncomfortable. The management team needed to have a better hand on some of the things that were happening. Would I stay here again, for the money I am confident there are better chains to try.

  Oct 14, 2025
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  RIU

  Great place second time there, awesome time! The food was fantastic, the rooms were comfortable and spacious

  Oct 13, 2025
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  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Clean, Modern, and Full of Joy — Loved Every Moment!”

  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing stay at Riu Palace Bávaro! Everyone was professional and kind, the rooms were spotless and very modern with new furniture. The food and drinks were of very high quality and there was always plenty of variety. The staff were incredibly polite, helpful, and always smiling — their positive attitude, singing and dancing made every day feel joyful! The beach was cleaned daily and always looked beautiful. We truly enjoyed our stay and would definitely come back again!

  Oct 11, 2025
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  Pedro 🔥

  I had an awesome time! The workers there were great! Pedro the Dj and Alexander two legends! Bonded with them and had great time at the resort.

  Oct 10, 2025