This was our second trip to Punta Cana and the Riu Palace Macao. We picked this hotel because we had been there In November with another couple. Our first visit was fabulous. None of us could find any thing about which to complain, We had read all the reviews and kind of knew what we were getting.,

Our second trip in May left a lot to be desired. We had to have our first room changed because it only had a queen bed and we had requested a king size. Neither one of us is tiny!! We were moved the next morning to a room that looked exactly the same as our room in November 2007. However, by the second day we noticed very limited hot water for washing. By the third day we didn't have any hot water (gives new meaning to cold showers). We called the front desk and they said they were taking care of the situation No one (that day or any day after) seemed to think this was a big dea!! To make a long story short, the next time we had hot water was on the last (7th) day of our vacation. Ironically we noted that the only guests that were complaining of the lack of hot water were Americans! Lots and lots of Europeans.

The service staff (cleaning, food, etc.) was still very efficient though did not seem to be as large as in the Fall/Winter, Could be the reason for the downfall in the property,

I would not go back to this hotel. Definitely not 4 stars.

I must admit though, that after returning home and speaking with my travel agent she did get us a one day refund from Riu. Big deal.

We had a wonderful two week vacation at Riu Palace Macao.
This was our second time at this resort and we enjoyed it
even more than the first time! The kids (7 years old) had a great time and are already asking when we are going to go back.

- Beach. Never crowded and it has both sunny and shaded areas. The shade is provided by the beautiful palm trees. There is alway a breeze from the ocean, so it never feels too hot.
It is a perfect place to relax with a good book or have a nap.
The waiter is always roaming around, so drinks are easy to get.
There is a hut nearby where you can get massages, which both me and my wife took advantage of and enjoyed greatly.

- Staff and service. The staff is simply outstanding. Everyone here seem to enjoy their work and it shows. They are always smiling and try to make you feel special.

- Rooms. We did not have any problems with AC or moist bedding that some people have complained about. The AC worked fine and the room was very clean. We asked for extra bedding sheets for the kids and they brought them right away, though the next day the maid took them away, and when we called to ask for them again, they brought a whole bed instead - talk about the language barrier! We also asked for extra water (you have to use bottled water to drink and brush teeth) many times and it was always provided.

- Entertainment. There is mini disco that the kids really enjoyed.
Johny does an excellent job with Bingo, always drawing plenty of laughs from the audience. We saw a couple of shows (International and Michael Jackson) and liked them.

- Food. We ate mostly at the buffet. There were plenty of choices and I especially enjoyed the seafood - calamari, grouper, salmon, shrimp, were really good. The sparkling wine is really good and can become addictive. I was having about 5 glasses per day toward the end of the second week. I did not like the red or white wines. The beer was good. The deserts were excellent, make sure to try the stewed bananas: put a couple on top of some ice cream (you'll thank me later) Also, don't forget the fruits, the choices are mostly limited to whatever grows locally, but they taste much better then what we get here in Canada.

- We ate lunch at the Caribe Grill beach bar, couple times. The view and breeze from the ocean makes this place really awesome. Also, they offer burgers and hot dogs for lunch for those who need their fix of junk food.

- Drinks. I found most mixed drinks to be pretty bad. If you enjoy a great Marguerita or a Pina Colada, sadly you are not gonna get it here. Most drinks are made in kind of a big slushy machine, as opposed to a mixer. The bartender just adds liquor to it and here you go. That said, my wife and kids enjoyed virgin pina coladas very much.

Overall the vacation was excellent and we are definitely going to come back in the furture!

We just returned from Riu Macao Palace in Punta Cana and out of 17 people that went with us 13 came home with a severe cold and 11 with diarreah and needed a perscription from the Dr.'s. The rooms and not just one smelled like a combination of mildew, backed up sewer. The food was ok nothing to right home about. The Japanese restaurant was the best (very good). ALL restaurants you had to have pants on including buffet. Pool bar couldn't go in if you were wet. Lunch restaurants you couldn't wear your bathing suit. Beach absolutely beautiful. Sevice and friendliness i'll give that AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. As far as fixing things every day i went down to tell them the phone was broke and that was never fixed needed that i have an infant. the pool was 5ft. all around now some of us are only 5ft or so and that didn't work for them. the pool was also filled with sand all day. I have stayed in several places in the carribean and wouldn't recommend this to my worst enemy. The RIU PALACE is absolutely beautiful but so far to walk to get to the pool and beach. All the Riu properties i wouldn't reccomend in D.R.

If you're looking for the best beach in the world, look no further.
Warm water, wide and long, underpopulated sandy beach with a large portion under palm trees. Shade and ocean breeze, with all inclusive drinks that you can either pick up yourself or wait to be delivered right to the beach to you.
This was our third trip to Punta Cana, and second time at the RIU Palace Macao. Hotel is showing some signs of aging, but food and service are still excellent. If you can't find what you like, you may have deeper problems... :-)
Suites are really nice, but not sure if it's worth the money - no special service in the suites, just more space, living room, two balconies, two crappy TVs and same all inclusive mini-fridge and bar with vodka, gin, rum and brandy.
Pool looked decent, but we didn't go to the pool at all - as mentioned, while on the most beautiful beach in the world, it would be a sin to "pool it"...
Entertainment is "so-so" but with appropriate amount of pina coladas, caribbean orange, etc. it's still better than watching TV...
All in all, perfect to relax and enjoy...