Resort Details
Guest Reviews from Apple Vacations Customers
Customer Ratings & Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
3669 reviews
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Dec 04, 2025HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!! They will only take your money
My first all inclusive, man was I excited. Arrive 11/5/25. I was part of a larger party celebrating a friends birthday. Check in was dirty, stunk like cigarettes and mold and the safe did not work. They also did not tell us how the lights worked, you have to put your hotel key into the slot by the door for all electricity to work in your room. The bathroom sinks were clogged, somebody did come up and unclog them, but left the mess and never cleaned the sink. We were 3 people in a room for 3, with only 2 towels for a shower, after many requests for extra towels, we never received them. Bathroom mirros were chipped and looked very old. The pull out couch (which we needed to use) had mold and mildew over it and full of rust. There were also old sheets on it when we opened it. There were no extra sheets in the room at all. When I went to the front desk and advised, I was told there was nothing they could do. I was able to get my travel agent involved and was finally put into a new room at 10:30 at night. (we got there and checked in about 2pm) Once I got the travel agent involved, I was directed to speak to a Carlos, who was not there, and began dealing with Rene. At this point it was dinner and had not eaten, so he advised come back in an hour and the room would be ready. When I got back there, Rene was not there, nor was he answering his phone from co-worker Emelio. Emelio was very helpful and got us into a new room, which again the safe did not work in the new room. At least we were traveling with friends, and were able to put our valuables into their safe. Thursday morning (2nd day there) Advised the front desk that the safe did not work, they advised me I had to make an apt for maintenance to come fix it, picked 11am. Maintenance came and advised the safe needed a battery. Waited, nobody came with a battery. Waited about an hour for him to come back, then went to enjoy the pool sun and beach, afterall I was on vacation. Later when I complained to the front desk, I again was told to make an apt, so Friday morning 11am, waited until 12:30 and left to enjoy the sun. Later Friday afternoon, we were not able to get into our new room. The mainenence guy had to climb from the balcony, remove the sliding door to the room, come in that way and open our door, they did fix the door and the safe at that time. Friday 5pm, we were now able to enjoy the last 1.5 days left of vacation. We were also advised that we did not need to make reservations at the front desk for our dinners. We had an issue each night, until we showed them money. Our travel agent contacted Riu Palace Hotel in Punta Cana for our troubles, we wanted some kind of refund for part of our trip with all the problems we had. We were basically told they didn't care. They gave us a $50 voucher for a future stay. I WILL NEVER STAY AT ANOTHER RIU HOTEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. I have been told to not let this experience ruin all inclusives, as this is not the norm. RIU Palance, PUNTA CANA, you failed big time. DO NOT GO THERE!!! They do not care about anything but taking your money.
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Dec 03, 2025Great family resort!
My experience at the Rio Resort was amazing. The property is beautiful, everything was clean, and the staff overall was super attentive. I loved everything about my stay, from the atmosphere to the amenities and honestly felt sad to leave. The only downside was at one of the restaurants where two of the servers had a bit of an attitude, but that was the only negative moment during the entire trip. Besides that, everyone else was friendly and welcoming, and the service everywhere else was great. I would absolutely come back. Highly recommend! 🌴✨
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Nov 29, 2025RIU is always nice
The all inclusive resort is such a dream. We traveled with our baby and it was just perfect. The room was nice. Yessica at the desk was outstanding. Jorge in the main restaurant was kind. We really enjoyed all the different pools and options. Food was good and a large variety. Drinks were tasty. Staff was great and attentive. We won’t be back but it was a good experience.
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Nov 28, 2025
Riu Palace Punta Cana
My family stayed the week before Thanksgiving. The weather was beautiful, staff was amazing, and we did an excursion to Saona Island. It was a great time to relax.
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Nov 27, 2025
Honeymoon in paradise
My wife & I just came back from the Riu Palace Punta Cana, we'd highly recommend it. The service, amenities, food, staff and many other things the resort has to offer was fantastic!
*Prices per person based on double occupancy including round-trip airfare via U.S. certified air carriers (unless otherwise stated), hotel taxes and baggage handling, fuel surcharges, and all pre-collected U.S. and foreign taxes. Round-trip airport/hotel transfers are included in Mexico (excluding Loreto), Central America and many Caribbean Islands. Transfers not included for air-only passengers. Prices valid on new bookings only and in some instances, pricing may specifically apply to one of multiple flights on select departure days. All packages are based on the lowest hotel/air classes available at time of publication, capacity controlled, subject to availability and change without notice. Promotional pricing may only be available for a limited time. Restrictions & black -out dates may apply. Fees may apply for carry-on and checked baggage-view Baggage Policies. Some resort fees, environmental levies and departure taxes are not included and may be payable in resort. View Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Apple Vacations is not responsible for errors or omissions. Bookings are subject to the current General/Cancellation Terms & Conditions. All public charter flights Allegiant Air: PC 20-070/PC 21-043; Swift Air: PC 21-056; Viva Aerobus: PC 20-081; Volaris: PC 20-099 are operated by ALG Vacations Corp. Apple Vacations materials (including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written consent of Apple Vacations. CST2139014-20. This information is current as of June 3, 2021.