Riu Palace Punta Cana  T rating: 5

 

An introduction to Riu Palace Punta Cana

There's something almost British-Raj about this place. All decorative domes, pinnacles and pagodas, it's reminiscent of a Maharajah's palace. And it's got plenty to shout about on the inside, too. Take the lobby for example. There are marble pillars trimmed with gold, stained glass ceiling panels and chandeliers.

The bedrooms are also rather special. Each one is a junior suite, so hydro-massage tubs, sunken living areas and private balconies come as standard. Not to mention nice-to-have extras like satellite TVs, minibars and RIU's signature bar butler. Factor in marble floors, peaches and cream decor and masses of space and you've got one luxurious sanctuary.

And there's more of the same in the restaurants. It's all Victorian-style recessed ceilings and mirrored pillars in the main buffet. Meanwhile with lots of black lacquer and geometric-patterns, the Japanese is the epitome of Oriental chic. And the a la carte grill looks like a French salon – cue chandeliers, wood-panelling and Louis XV chairs.

As for the pool area, it's the hotel's star attraction. For starters, there's a series of courtyard ponds complete with splashing fountains. Next in line is a good-sized infinity pool, designed to look like it's part of the big pool beyond it. Finally there's the lake-sized main pool. This is where you'll find the swim-up bar and four adjoining whirlpool baths – and a vast sun terrace filled with elegant canvas parasols and sunloungers.

Location-wise, you'll find it all right by the beach - a spectacular stretch of white sand. Backed by gently nodding palms and lapped by azure waters, it's like a scene from Treasure Island.

Travel longhaul with Thomson Airways and you can look forward to…

  • 33-inch seat pitch as standard – that's more legroom in longhaul economy than any other UK airline*
  • Comfy leather seats
  • Cutting-edge seatback entertainment
Upgrade to Premium Class and you'll get all this plus at least a whopping 36 inches all to yourself. Talk about living the high life!

*Source: BATA website, June 2008

Find the cheapest late deals to Riu Palace Punta Cana leaving in the next six weeks.

 

Riu Palace Punta Cana reviews - what customers thought

Thomson Web Reviews

Overall score: 5/5

Based on 19 reviews

What to expect

  • Room comfort Room comfort: 4/5
  • Location Location: 5/5
  • Food Food: 5/5
  • Cleanliness Cleanliness: 5/5

Latest Thomson Reviews

 

Written on 01/10/2006, Anonymous said...

Continued from previous review.

The watersports were a disappointment as the organisation and staff were not always good. If you haven't sailed or windsurfed before you need to pay $25 for a lesson of sorts before you can go out. ... more on this review

Giving it an overall rating out of 5: Overall score: 5/5

Read 19 reviews

 
 
 
 

Riu Palace Punta Cana details

Hotel features

Swimming pool

  • Swimming pool with adjoining whirlpool bath
  • Sun terrace
  • Sunbeds, towels and umbrellas by the pool
  • Swim-up pool bar

Meals

  • Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner in main restaurant
  • Themed buffet 3 times a week
  • Specialist cuisine restaurants, including Japanese, grill and steakhouse, fusion food, Brazilian and Italian
  • Use of 4 sister hotels in the resort for bars, lunch and snacks

All inclusive option

  • Full board and snacks - restrictions will apply
  • 24-hour snacks and drinks
  • 24-hour room service
  • Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Activities as listed
  • Entertainment as listed
  • Other facilities as indicated
  • Facilities that do not form part of your All Inclusive package may incur extra local charges - please see the A-Z Guide

Entertainment

  • Hotel-run daytime and evening entertainment programme
  • Live music
  • Entrance to Riu Palace Macao Casino
  • Lobby bar
  • Lounge bar with terrace
  • Sports bar

Activities

  • Gym, sauna and whirlpool bath
  • 4 tennis courts within the RIU resort
  • Windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and snorkelling equipment
  • Introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool
  • Table tennis

Exclusivity

Exclusive to Thomson Group customers in the UK

Location

Location

  • On Arena Gorda beach
  • Inside the Riu Punta Cana resort
  • 30km from Punta Cana airport

Transfers

Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour from Punta Cana or 2 hours from La Romana.

Room facilities

Room facilities

  • All rooms are junior suites with lounge area
  • Bathroom with hydromassage bath
  • Telephone
  • Hairdryer
  • Satellite TV
  • Minibar
  • Optics
  • Radio alarm clock
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Safety deposit box
  • Balcony or terrace
  • Air-conditioning
  • Interconnecting rooms and rooms with a limited sea view available
  • Rooms can take up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children
  • 24 hour room service

No. of rooms

612

No. of lifts

6

Other facilities

  • 24-hour reception
  • WiFi
  • The following facilities do not form part of your All Inclusive package:
  • Spa with beauty and massage treatments
  • Hairdresser
  • Internet
  • Souvenir shop
  • Boutique

Other useful information

Official rating

5 star

Extra local charges

Some facilities may incur extra local charges

Web codes

  • Quick web search code: DPP
 

Thomson Brochures

Riu Palace Punta Cana is featured in the following brochures:

 

Bavaro hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Bavaro include Barcelo Punta Cana, Caribe Club Princess, Clubhotel Riu Bambu, Dreams Punta Cana Resort And Spa, Excellence Punta Cana, Gran Bahia Principe Bavaro Resort, Grand Oasis Punta Cana, Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort And Spa, Grand Palladium Palace Resort And Spa, Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort And Spa, Grand Paradise Bavaro, Hotel Bavaro Princess, Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, Melia Caribe Tropical, Moon Palace Casino Golf And Spa Resort, Natura Park Eco Resort And Spa, Occidental Grand Flamenco Punta Cana, Ocean Bavaro Spa And Beach Resort, Ocean Blue By H10, Riu Naiboa, Riu Palace Macao, Riu Palace Punta Cana, Riu Taino, Sirenis Tropical Suites and Tropical Princess.

 

More Punta Cana Region holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Punta Cana Region? Our Punta Cana Region holiday destinations include Bavaro and Bayahibe.

 

More Dominican Republic holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Dominican Republic? Our Dominican Republic holiday destinations include Bayahibe Region, Puerto Plata Region and Punta Cana Region.

 
 
 
 

At a glance

Key facts

  • Large and impressive hotel
  • White sandy beach with waiter service
  • Excellent choice of restaurants

Key features

Suitable for couples Luxury All inclusive Spa Gym Pool
Riu Palace Punta Cana
022440
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World of TUI Hitwise Top 10 Award July - September 2008
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