Everyone is different, and what you like I might not etc. For instance, I love Playa Cofresi and Las Galeras and Rincon and don't like the beach in front of Playa Dorada much.
However, I found the beach in front of the Merengue nice and the bay of Maimon is beautiful. The beach is wide, BUT there are corals in the water when you go out a bit. They are normally shielded by nets, and you can easily avoid them. Especially in front of the Riu Mambo (sister hotel to the Merengue) the corals don't start until some way out. As for jellyfish and sea urchins, we never saw any, but I guess that depends very much on the season and other natural conditions.
I guess you would call this beach bad if you expect beaches like those of Punta Cana - stunningly white with coconut palms and turqoise calm waters etc. If that is what you want, Riu Merengue is not the place. Otherwise I would have no hesitations recommending the hotel if you like all inclusives. The Riu Merengue and Riu Mambo are very nice and in great surroundings.
Regards, Susanne
