Riu Palace Macao

N

Norma

Guest
Vacationing at Riu Palace Macao in April. Would appreciate any information anybody could give me. We have never been there before and don't know what to expect.
 
D

DR1

Guest
Do a search of the Message Board archives. Also of the DR1 Resort Database. Also check Debbie Downie's www.debbiesdominicantravel.com page for more reviews. This is an upscale resort. The hotel is small by East Coast standards, but it is a good choice if you want to relax and enjoy the company of someone you love. Have toured the hotel (lovely woodwork used, comfortable but not large rooms) have not stayed there, but people whom I respect their opinion say that the food is very good.
 
P

Pam

Guest
We are booked to go the Riu Palace in April 2000 too. I have received several reports on the Palace which can not be found on the internet. They are all positive and encouraging. I am posting the following report which is very detailed and complete. I hope it helps everyone who is interested in this resort. All of the reports received say the same thing. At least the Riu is consistent. Happy Reading!

Hi! Hope we can help. I will keep this as simple as possible seeing you are already booked to go. Like you, we booked not knowing much of anything about the resort but went on the Riu reputation that we learned to love in Mexico last year. In one word, the resort was incredible. I have to admit that it is probably the most beautiful resort you may ever stay at. The food was also excellent. Every meal had beef (about 4 oz portions), chicken, pork, and fish as well as an incredible salad bar, cheese bar, bread bar, dessert bar (banana's foster at dinner was the best!) All meals were buffet except dinner which was either buffet or from the menu (I think four times a week). Most guests opted for the buffet simply because the selection is excellent. You can also make reservations for the Mexican/Italian restaurant by the pool. It is a sit down dinner and the menu is posted around lunch time. This is also the restaurant that most guests ate at for lunch...very informal, bathing suits and sandals are the norm here. All drinks are served on the resort by a waiter or waitress. They too are the best I have ever encountered at an all inclusive resort. Your glass matches your drink. If you order a rum and coke, the waiter will deliver them separately, making sure you are satisfied with what you are receiving. You can order just about anything. Irish coffee, espresso, cappichino, wine, champagne, beer, several after dinner liqueurs, hard liquor...you name it, they probably have it and I guarantee that you won't be disappointed. I should also mention that your room is equipped with 4 40oz bottles, each of vodka, gin, dark rum and brandy, as well as beer, coke, sprite, orange juice, soda water, tonic water and bottled water for drinking. They replace what you use daily...no problem. The entire week we were there, I heard or saw no complaints whatsoever about the food or drink. It is about the best you will find anywhere. Although seafood such as lobster is not as common (well fish is) it was served in pieces a couple of times. I think if you are hoping for lobster dinners, this isn't the resort, but you won't be thinking much about it with all of the rest of the great food. Food and drink at this resort is prepared and served properly and very professionally.

Although we didn't take any tours, they were readily available on Caribbean Street which is right next door or from the resort itself. They weren't cheap, but looked like fun if you are into it. I would say you are likely to find reviews about them somewhere on the web but unfortunately I can't help you more than that on this subject.

The pool...beautiful. The beach...beautiful. Need I say more? Okay I will. The pool is very classy with lots of lounge chairs and coushins. Same with the beach. Getting a chair won't be a problem. The pool, however, doesn't have a swim up bar...you actually have to walk 20 feet to get a drink. I guess one of the old design flaws of converting to an all inclusive. I assume most people don't swim with cash in pocket. The beach is white fine sand, with lovely crashing waves. It is very clean with no rocks to worry about. It was very refreshing to say the least. Again, you won't be disappointed unless you don't like large towering palm trees swaying in the wind. Oops the wind...the only downfall. I have to say the beach is a bit windy on most days, but that is just my opinion. Entertainment was good...not a night show in Vegas or anything, but the ambiance and the surrounding set the mood in the nightclub. A long narrow nightclub with different shows most nights, music, dancing etc.. We didn't watch much of that though. Usually we passed through the nightclub for the casino. Not huge, but always busy and a lot of fun. 25c slots and $5 US min at the card tables, $1 min US for roulette.

The people at the Riu Palace were mainly German. Probably 75%. Another 20% Spanish, and 5% North American. We found no rude people anywhere. We too read reports about snobby people at this resort. We didn't find any. All were friendly, especially the staff. Although their English is usually rather poor, it presented no problems whatsoever. (Well lets say I always got the drink I ordered even though I wondered if they understood what I was saying.) If you did encounter a serious problem, there are several staff members who are fluent in English so don't let the language turn you off. It was fun to deal with to say the least. This is a very laid back and relaxed resort, not a real party spot, with a bit of an older crowd who are veteran travelers.

The rooms are usually two double beds with TV phone etc.. Tile floor with area rugs, A/C and lots of storage space. Very nice, oh yea, wonderful wood rocking chairs on your balcony. A wonderful place for a pre dinner drink from your mini-bar. As far as those suites...I couldn't tell you. I would suggest you would have to arrange that with your tour operator or book it in advance with the hotel. Really I don't know, but the rooms all have balconies and are more than sufficient. One tip, and its a biggie...when the maid cleans the room, she will turn the main power switch off (the first switch when you walk through the door). This will shut power to your A/C and your mini-fridge. What we did was make a point of going back to the room sometime around lunch time and turn the power back on to make sure the beer was cold and so was the room. No big problem though, I just thought I had to give you at least one tip in this letter.

You don't have to tip anyone...they don't expect it. Also, the room safe is free, big enough for all of your personal belongings and a video camera. Thirdly, don't be afraid to order wine by the bottle or champagne on ice, served in a silver ice bucket, at your table in the restaurant or in the bar...it is all included. No hidden costs at all. Please remember that all of this information is based on the time that we traveled in December. I assume nothing will change for you in April. If anything, it will get better. You made a wise choice to visit this hotel. Enjoy your vacation and don't worry about a thing.