Just got back from Riu Palace Macao!

[Edith]

This was a wonderfully relaxing vacation. The hotel and its grounds were beautiful and well taking cared of. Our room had the ocean and a pool view. The room was always clean and the bar was always restock. The client tell at the hotel was mostly European and there were many people from Argentina. Everybody was very nice and polite. The food was very good and fresh. We had dinners at 9:00 PM in the main dinning room. Never had any stomach problems. After dinner we would go to the show, casino and the disco. The hotel staff went out of their way to please you. I would definitely recommend this hotel to everybody who needs to get away from his or her stress and busy life style. However, this is not a hotel that caters to children.

 

[John]

Hi Edith,

Going to the Riu Palace Macao in april for eight days. All the information that i've read about it, looks to be a nice place. couple questions that maybe you can answer if you don't mind. Are all the rooms ocean view, if not is it possible to asked for a free upgrade,how was the casino and is there only one in the area. If i remember right it's about twenty min. from the airport is this true, will we have much of a problem as we only speak english. Were the beaches and pool very crowded and are the pool and other things shared with the three other Riu hotels next door. Would you happen to have either their e-mail or fax number.

Thanks for any information

John

 

[Edith]

Hi John! I am sure you will enjoy your vacation in April. To answer your questions not all the rooms are ocean view; you have to ask for upgrade. I asked and I got the room and I tip them $20. That is the going rate all over Caribbeans if you want an ocen view. The casino was o.k. I think they have 6 or 7 Black Jack tables ($5-$200), quarter machines and roulette tables. I am almost positive that this was the only casino in the area.

The bus ride to the hotel was about 35 minutes.

Now on the subject of English: not everybody speaks English language fluently, but the stuff try to accommodate you and if they cannot they will ask some body else to help you. You have to be patient, they really try hard.

The beach was really beautiful, that is where I spend most of my day. (Make you bring plenty of sun protection 15) I always found the chairs and umbrellas, it was not crowded.

This hotel does not share the pool or beach with the other Riu hotels. At least I did not see any people with the wristbands. Palace Macao is the only hotel that does not make you to wear a wristbands.

If you have any more questions jest e-mail and I will find a time to answer them as soon as I can.

 

[Jim Hinsch]

There are at least two other casinos in Punta Cana. There is one at the Bavaro Casino Hotel (part of Bavaro Beach Resort) and at the Melia Paradisus. See http://www.geocities.com/jimhinsch/dominican_republic/map_of_punta_cana.jpg for a map of Punta Cana.

I've been all over the Caribbean, and if I have an ocean view reserved, I get it - no tip required. Ocean view rooms usually cost more than the garden view. Are you saying they upgraded you from a garden view room, which is what you reserved, and didn't charge you the cost of the upgrade because you tipped the front desk person, and that this is standard practice throughout the Caribbean?

Jim Hinsch JimHinsch@CSI.COM

 

[Edith]

Yes Jim.

 

[John]

Edith & Jim Thats why i had asked, as we always book oceanfront in jamaica but have read that at some resorts it is possible to receive a upgrade by just asking, a twenty dollar tip would be a lot cheaper then booking it. Thank you very much for the information.

John

 

[Connie]

We requested and received an upgrade to a Jacuzzi Suite at the Riu Palace at no extra chargre and with no tip.

 

[Karen]

Edit...can you tell me about the Disco...and singles? Thanks

 

[Edith]

Hi Karen!

The disco was lot of fun. It was packed every single night. People were taking taxis from all over other resorts to come there. Some German guys were 1 hour away and still came to party at Pashas. It was rocking. They played meringue and euro disco music. There were many singles from Argentina, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland and the natives. The disco is not even half a block from the hotel, which was great. There is no cover charge, but you do have to pay for your drinks even though you stay at Riu hotel.