The all-inclusive Riu Resort in Punta Cana were our accommodations for a long President's Day weekend trip. The property is comprised of two super swanky hotels (Palace Punta Cana and Palace Macao) and three less deluxe (Naiboa, Taino, and Bambu). The Niaboa is the least expensive of the five, and we thought it was an amazing deal. At arrival we were greeted by a bright, airy and very pink lobby. The room was clean and comfortable, with it's own complimentary liquor dispenser offering undoubtedly the finest bottom shelf rum and vodka of the area. The less than deluxe features included a small size, hardish bed, and a taped up handle on the sliding door to the balcony. Guests of the Naiboa, Taino and Bambu can use each others pools and restaurants (the food is all the same), and the deluxe hotels can use any hotel's facilities.

We were apprised of these rules upon checking in, when we also received our all-inclusive certification card (which was really asked for during our stay) and instructions on making reservations for dinner.

While reservations are required for your seated dinner hour, we found that we were essentially eating nonstop throughout the day. Little distinguished the buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, but we certainly never went hungry! We also learned to make pina coladas a staple of our diet. There were plenty of bars by and even in the pool and at the beach with bartenders ready to shake the fruity, rummy concoction of your choice.

The real reason we and everyone else was there was the beach, and it did not disappoint. We were delighted to find that the all-inclusiveness of the resort extended to water sports as well. The Riu Resorts are a European chain so there were lots of French, Spanish and German visitors, and not many Americans.

To help the intermingling of this diverse clientele, there is a staff "Animation Team". By day they are in charge of leading water aerobics, dance lessons and other such acitivities. They always pick up quite a following of new friends. But at night is when they really shine--every night starts with a rowdy game of Bingo followed by varying entertainment. One night there was a Mr. Naiboa beauty pageant, another was karaoke. Whatever that night's show, we could count on the Animation Team's signature dance routine and our emcee's ridiculous antics.

For more information about our visit you can read our travel blog at http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/2008/02/punta-cana-dominican-republic.html

Hotel very busy, no available lounges by the pool, room had no air conditioning, front desk said they can switch us to a "suite" for an additional $50 paid directly to the worker. The "suite" was just awful, bugs in bathroom, moldy and room smelled horrible --- needless to say we checked out after 2 days --- I could not enjoy myself. The hotel is in desperate need of a major renovation. If you are young and want to go away cheaply, and don't care about what your room looks like - this is the place for you.

I have just come back from this hotel i went 30th june for 2 weeks with my mum and my dad the hotel was not one of the best out of the 5 hotels but it was still good, the reception staff were nice and the entertainment staff were really good too.
the air conditioning in our room didnt work but they reception staff helped and let us move to a room where it did work.
breakfast dinner and lunch was really good there was a wide selection of foods for everyones appitite.
The beach was amazing white sand and clear sea, and the pool was also one of the best out of the hotels as it was bigger.
we flew with thomson from manchester and the flight was very good especially with the t.vs infront of you.
i think that spending a bit more to go in the other hotels there would be nicer but if you want a cheap hotel then this is the one.

I would love to stay at more expensive places, but I am a thrifty traveler and decided to go with the Naiboa. Lets just say I would never recommend this hotel to anyone. The rooms are hot with flea infested beds. My entire body is covered in flea bites. The AC barely worked. The maids took everything they possible could if it wasn't in the safe. They took cheap sunglasses, cigarettes, and even condoms! They went through our suit cases everyday. I know because I tested them by grabbing a towel off the cart and putting it in my bag. They conveniently forgot to leave us towels that day. The food was horrible, the dining staff was very good. The alcohol was watered down. The front desk made fun of me when I complained. I read the reviews on here before I left, and thought the bad ones were just a bunch of complainers. I should've listened to them. If you decide to go here. Stay, eat, and play at the Riu Bambu. I had a blast on the excursions and on the beach. The swim up bar at the bambu was fun as well as the night time entertainment. Honestly if you're putting the money into an exotic vacation, spend a little more. I learned my lesson.