Riu Palace Punta Cana

An introduction to Riu Palace Punta Cana

There's something almost British-Raj about this place. All decorative domes, pinnacles and pagodas, it's reminiscent of a Maharajah's palace. And it's got plenty to shout about on the inside, too. Take the lobby for example. There are marble pillars trimmed with gold, stained glass ceiling panels and chandeliers.

The bedrooms are also rather special. Each one is a junior suite, so hydro-massage tubs, sunken living areas and private balconies come as standard. Not to mention nice-to-have extras like satellite TVs, minibars and RIU's signature bar butler. Factor in marble floors, peaches and cream decor and masses of space and you've got one luxurious sanctuary.

And there's more of the same in the restaurants. It's all Victorian-style recessed ceilings and mirrored pillars in the main buffet. Meanwhile with lots of black lacquer and geometric-patterns, the Japanese is the epitome of Oriental chic. And the a la carte grill looks like a French salon – cue chandeliers, wood-panelling and Louis XV chairs.

As for the pool area, it's the hotel's star attraction. For starters, there's a series of courtyard ponds complete with splashing fountains. Next in line is a good-sized infinity pool, designed to look like it's part of the big pool beyond it. Finally there's the lake-sized main pool. This is where you'll find the swim-up bar and four adjoining whirlpool baths – and a vast sun terrace filled with elegant canvas parasols and sunloungers.

Location-wise, you'll find it all right by the beach - a spectacular stretch of white sand. Backed by gently nodding palms and lapped by azure waters, it's like a scene from Treasure Island.

Travel longhaul with Thomson Airways and you can look forward to…

33-inch seat pitch as standard – that's more legroom in longhaul economy than BA, Virgin Atlantic, bmi and Monarch*
Comfy leather seats
Cutting-edge seatback entertainment

Upgrade to Premium Class and you'll get all this plus at least a whopping 36 inches all to yourself. Talk about living the high life!

*Source: BATA website, September 2008

Find the cheapest late deals to Riu Palace Punta Cana leaving in the next six weeks.

Riu Palace Punta Cana reviews - what customers thought

Thomson Web Reviews

Based on 19 reviews

What to expect

Room comfort
Location
Food
Cleanliness

Latest Thomson Reviews

Written on 01/10/2006, Anonymous said...

Continued from previous review.

The watersports were a disappointment as the organisation and staff were not always good. If you haven't sailed or windsurfed before you need to pay $25 for a lesson of sorts before you can go out. ... more on this review

Giving it an overall rating out of 5:

Read 19 reviews

Riu Palace Punta Cana details

Hotel features

Swimming pool

Swimming pool with adjoining whirlpool bath
Sun terrace
Sunbeds, towels and umbrellas by the pool
Swim-up pool bar

Meals

Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner in main restaurant
Themed buffet 3 times a week
Specialist cuisine restaurants, including Japanese, grill and steakhouse, fusion food, Brazilian and Italian
Use of 4 sister hotels in the resort for bars, lunch and snacks

All inclusive option

Full board and snacks - restrictions will apply
24-hour snacks and drinks
24-hour room service
Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Activities as listed
Entertainment as listed
Other facilities as indicated
Facilities that do not form part of your All Inclusive package may incur extra local charges - please see the A-Z Guide

Entertainment

Hotel-run daytime and evening entertainment programme
Live music
Entrance to Riu Palace Macao Casino
Lobby bar
Lounge bar with terrace
Sports bar

Activities

Gym, sauna and whirlpool bath
4 tennis courts within the RIU resort
Windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and snorkelling equipment
Introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool
Table tennis

Exclusivity

Exclusive to Thomson Group customers in the UK

Location

On Arena Gorda beach
Inside the Riu Punta Cana resort
30km from Punta Cana airport

Transfers

Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour from Punta Cana or 2 hours from La Romana.

Room facilities

All rooms are junior suites with lounge area
Bathroom with hydromassage bath
Telephone
Hairdryer
Satellite TV
Minibar
Optics
Radio alarm clock
Iron and ironing board
Safety deposit box
Balcony or terrace
Air-conditioning
Interconnecting rooms and rooms with a limited sea view available
Rooms can take up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children
24 hour room service

No. of rooms

612

No. of lifts

Other facilities

24-hour reception
WiFi
The following facilities do not form part of your All Inclusive package:
Spa with beauty and massage treatments
Hairdresser
Internet
Souvenir shop
Boutique

Other useful information

Official rating

5 star

Extra local charges

Some facilities may incur extra local charges

Web codes

Quick web search code: DPP

Thomson Brochures

Riu Palace Punta Cana is featured in the following brochures:

Thomson Faraway Shores

Thomson A La Carte

Bavaro hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Bavaro include Barcelo Premium Punta Cana, Bavaro Princess, Caribe Club Princess, Clubhotel Riu Bambu, Dreams Punta Cana Resort And Spa, Excellence Punta Cana, Gran Bahia Principe Bavaro Resort, Grand Oasis Punta Cana, Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort And Spa, Grand Palladium Palace Resort And Spa, Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort And Spa, Grand Paradise Bavaro, Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, Melia Caribe Tropical, Moon Palace Casino Golf And Spa Resort, Natura Park Eco Resort And Spa, Occidental Grand Flamenco Punta Cana, Ocean Bavaro Spa And Beach Resort, Ocean Blue By H10, Riu Naiboa, Riu Palace Macao, Riu Palace Punta Cana, Riu Taino, Sirenis Tropical Suites and Tropical Princess.

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