Riu Bambu - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5035 reviews

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  Not As Expected

  We booked a week at the Riu Bambu Punta Cana for our family of 4. 2 pre-teen boys (12yrs & 10yrs), my husband & myself. This resort was not at all what we expected. One of the main reasons we booked here was for the waterpark. The waterpark is so far away from the resort, we only visited once. It is located at least a 10 minute walk away from the resort. We also booked here as it appeared to be a family friendly resort. This was not the case for us. The rooms are NOT family friendly. There is NO privacy. The only privacy is for the toilet for which this space is too tiny to actually change in. The shower and sinks are open concept and while the shower door has frosted glass and some colored glass blocks, this is not private at all. The A/C in the room was so cold it caused condensation everywhere. I actually thought it may freeze over! We could not see out of the patio door, the floor of the room was slick with moisture and the door to the hallway was actually dripping with water! Both sinks in our room leaked. We had to put coffee cups under the pipes to attempt to catch the water. This resort is also very large with a lot of walking. There are no carts whatsoever. Lastly, this resort was too much of a party atmosphere and far too busy for our liking. We stayed a single night at the Riu Bambu before we transferred to the Riu Palace Punta Cana, which is located next door to the Bambu. We are so thankful we did. We would not have enjoyed our vacation had we remained at the Bambu. A huge thank you to Elvis Smith at the front desk for his assistance in getting us transferred. For note, we did not have any issues with service, food, drinks etc. for the short amount of time we remained at the Bambu.

  Oct 04, 2025
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  Not 5 star but a pleasant hotel

  This is situated in such a beautiful part of the world, the beach is breath taking. The staff are very polite and helpful, This hotel however is in dire need of a refurb, I struggle to understand in what world this is a 5 star hotel. The rooms are below standard, they're dated, tatty. The sinks all cracked, the shower didn't work properly, the TV was broke, basically little things that make the room appear run down. The decor around the hotel is so strange, it looks like it's trapped in the early 00s compared to other RIU resorts. The swimming pool advertises as 24hrs but guests are kicked out at 7pm every night while they barricade them off. Some tips if this is your first time here: Don't be put of by the reviews if you're on a budget, this is a good place to stay to visit Punta Cana... But this isn't the best place. The food is great, a selection of food that suits everyone's needs and desires, the drinks are good - all in all great all inclusive range. Bring a flask water bottle with you before you come. Use it to fill your drinks, keeps them cooler for longer, especially when you're heading the beach. Bring everything you need before arriving at the resort. The shops here are VERY expensive. Sun cream is 27 dollars, a hat is 50 dollars, cigarettes 20 dollars and vapes 21 dollars etc. There is a free bus to a souvenir shop 10 mins off the site, book this at reception. It is much cheaper to get all your holiday souvenirs than using the on site shop Download the RIU app and book a visit to the wellness spa. It's free and a beautiful indoor space, good to visit of an evening when the sun has gone down. This does book up quick so reserve a few days before. Too see Punta Cana on a budget, book a boogie tour, they're fun and you see the authentic Dominican countryside. Don't bother bringing Dominican currency, just only bring dollars. It's easier to work with conversion wise and EVERYTHING in tourist spots deal with dollars. I've been the Dominican a few times and never ever used their own currency, even the hotel price in dollars.

  Oct 04, 2025
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  Ignore all the bad reviews

  Not sure why there are so many negative reviews, so please judge for yourself. Check in and out was quick, and service from all the staff is exceptional, and quick. Food, you have a variety of restaurants, with the Tui only Kulinarium, à la carte restaurant and Palm Beach, Steakhouse being personal favourites amongst the trip. As for the pools, you have four, with an additional one if you are a Tui guest. Our personal favourite was the largest pool, next to Mamajuana. This is still a busy pool, near the bar and restaurants, but quieter than the main pool bar, with plenty of beds to choose from. The rooms and hotel in general is in need of a refit and decoration, but this is not a fault of the staff/management. I am sure that Riu Bambu is not far off the list from being renovated. Overall, if you can get over the decoration that is a bit lacking, you have a tropical, boozy paradise, directly on the beachfront.

  Sep 28, 2025
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  Don't be put off by the negative reviews, my 3rd visit didn't disappoint

  Just returned home frim my 3rd visit here, which didn't disappoint, it was only the weather which wasn't as good as usual - but that can't be helped. Check in was extremely quick, I had already checked in online, but once at hotel had my band and key in less than 10 minutes- will depend on how many people arrive at the same time of course. Room was kept extremely clean and mini bar re-stocked at least every other day, but can always request more on the Riu app. Beach is just beautiful full of coconut palms, this visit the last few days a lot of seaweed arrived, but this also can't be helped. Staff are all brilliant and friendly, sports bar has an amazing atmosphere, and at this hotel there's always a good mix of nationalities. Visit the swim up bar and you'll always find someone to chat too. Lots of choice of food, and several speciality restaurants too. There is also a quieter pool on the other side of the complex next to the Spanish restaurant . The parties across the road are always Brilliant fun, over 18's so no kids obviously allowed in, make sure you get your 'make up' done by the animation at the top of the slope close to the sports bar- 2 afternoon parties and 2 evening parties, I totally love them, and come home needing a rest 😉 Try to catch a sunrise, I caught a couple and they were absolutely stunning. There are also shops if you walk along the beach path to the left, and I was told whilst chatting there is a large souvenir shop if you head right past the hotels, apparently good prices but will have to save that for my visit next year. I got bit to death so definitely pack some good bite cream just in case. I had a brilliant time again, so huge thank you to everyone who works at the Bambu, all your hard work is much appreciated, and I'll be back next year to see you all again.

  Sep 28, 2025
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  Bare minimum

  Worse food I ever had the only thing that was good were the fresh fruits. The food was terrible ! And it gave me diarrhea badly . The property was nice and the staff was friendly. The room had bugs running around and the power randomly shut off for like 4 hours there was no AC and it was very hot. Not very English friendly

  Sep 23, 2025