A friend and I stayed at Riu Merengue May 30th-June 7th. Other than we both had great ocean view rooms which I email the resort before our arrival, in comparsion to other AI's I stated at in the DR, Puerto Plata & Punta Cana(these are the best of the best), I will never go back no matter how good the deal is. The beach has to be the worst I had ever seen on any carribean island. The food other than at the Bachatta was the worst. The deals for AI's in Puerto Plata from Canada will tell you what kind of quality you get for what you paid. The disco is ok, as long as your going with a group of friends you shoud have fun. I'm not fuzzy or a complainer, but this was the worst trip of my life and I have travelled many islands and Europe. I read Debbie's travel page, on these resorts in POP, and I thought I was going to Paradise, with the choice of three resorts how could you go wrong. If you been to the RIU's resorts in the Maya and in Punta Cana, there is a major differnece. Riu Merg. should be a 3 star standrad, and the Bachatta could pass as a 4. The Bachatta is the far better resort. Well everyone has different opinions and the only way you will know is to go there yourself. POP is a place I will never visit again, and I did say that before I went, however, because we got such a great deal for single supplement at the RIU, I decided to go for it. The only fun was going to La Baricca in town of POP, I think that's how you spell it.