Description: RIU Palace is Punta Cana's newest resort and it is beautiful. The RIU complex consists of 5 hotels of varying ambience appealing to different clientele. The PALACE is at the top of the chain and also the most expensive. Guests at the PALACE have access to all facilities at all of the hotels - but why leave - it has the best of everything.
Seven four-story buildings in a horse-shoe shape sit back about 100 yards from a beautiful soft sandy two mile cove of a beach. Most rooms have some oceanview but none are oceanfront since the beach is lined with lots of palm trees and the resort is built perpendicular to it. The main lobby is quite ornate and formal. Check-in for groups (Apple Vacations) takes place in the piano bar seated at cocktail tables. A cool drink of your choice is offered. Rooms are pre-assigned and you are given ONE bulky metal key for the room and a big metal lock for the safe. A little old-fashioned in this age of technology. We were enjoying the beach by noontime.
The main lobby building is two stories - the entrance level has a couple of shops - sundries and jewelry - a car rental, excursion desk. The sports bar with 15 to 20 TVs has Internet access for $8 an hour, pool tables and 24 hour self-serve snacks. From the ornate piano bar, a curved stairway takes you to the outdoor fountains, five restaurants, a showroom and an outdoor plaza used for early evening entertainment.
Fountains, manicured lawns and tiled walkways lead you toward the pools and beach beyond. All rooms have balconies, Jacuzzi tubs and a step-down living area. The minibar is replenished daily with sodas and beer and liquor dispensers have Brugal Rum, Gordon's Gin, Stoli Vodka and Brandy.
The pool and beach area have daily planned activities, a swim-up bar, regular bar with wrought-iron tables and a buffet restaurant beachside that becomes a Steak House at night.
The beachside Spa is adjacent to "Colonial Village" a small shopping area. A gym, beauty salon, massage rooms and a thalassotherapy room surround an open-air fountain area. Separate men and women's shower, steam and sauna rooms merge to a co-ed relaxing area with lounges, Jacuzzi pools with fountains and open window areas to catch the ocean breezes and sounds. Treatments are moderately priced for a resort - $60 for a 50-minute massage - $40 for a facial.
The staff are pleasant, speak some English and are eager to please. The resort is very clean, the pools immaculate, the beach beautiful, and the water warm. RIU focuses on catering to Europeans. Americans can enjoy this resort if they are not expecting "Four Season's" type service. Meals are served at a fast pace, cuts of meat different than we are accustomed to - no room service - beds comfortable but not "plush". Think of RIU as comparable to a moderate, mass market cruise ship rather than a 5-star resort and you'll enjoy your vacation.
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