Riu Mambo Clubhotel, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £123
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Riu Mambo Clubhotel is located in Puerto Plata, ideally set on the magnificent Maimon Bay beach, The Riu Mambo Clubhotel will thrill you with exciting activities and entertainment surrounded by the exceptional natural beauty of this area. loading...
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Riu Mambo Clubhotel Reviews
" Fantastic!
The Mambo is... "
Fantastic!
The Mambo is the smallest of 3 hotels all connected to each other. The others being the Riu Merenge and the Riu Bachata.
The Mambo is definitely the nicest of the 3. Smaller and a little less crowded.
The staff are great, can never do enough for you.
The food is fantastic. So much choice for every meal. You can eat in any of the A La Carte restaurants but you must book with your head waiter the morning that you wish to eat.
They are very popular so be prepared to queue up early to secure a table. It’s worth the waiting.
The bedrooms are clean and bright and the chamber maids cannot do enough for you.
The entertainment team are great too. They do not hassle you to take part in any games etc, which I found especially pleasing. We are after all on holiday.
Take a day trip on the Monster Safari to see the real Dominican. Save up your shower gel and shampoos etc from the hotel room to take with you.
Also take some colouring pencils for the kids. Their faces are a picture when you give them the gifts.
The Freestyle Catamaran is also a great day out.
The Mambo is the smallest of 3 hotels all connected to each other. The others being the Riu Merenge and the Riu Bachata.
The Mambo is definitely the nicest of the 3. Smaller and a little less crowded.
The staff are great, can never do enough for you.
The food is fantastic. So much choice for every meal. You can eat in any of the A La Carte restaurants but you must book with your head waiter the morning that you wish to eat.
They are very popular so be prepared to queue up early to secure a table. It’s worth the waiting.
The bedrooms are clean and bright and the chamber maids cannot do enough for you.
The entertainment team are great too. They do not hassle you to take part in any games etc, which I found especially pleasing. We are after all on holiday.
Take a day trip on the Monster Safari to see the real Dominican. Save up your shower gel and shampoos etc from the hotel room to take with you.
Also take some colouring pencils for the kids. Their faces are a picture when you give them the gifts.
The Freestyle Catamaran is also a great day out.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Never been on a Caribbean holiday... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Cawston
Never been on a Caribbean holiday before, I didn't know what to expect apart from people had told us it’s like paradise, and yes it was. An 8 hour flight from Gatwick, which if I was to do again I would book extra leg room as we found it very tight and uncomfortable. When we arrived at the hotel they had laid on food as we had a delay of 3 hours which we thought was very thoughtful.
We had trouble finding our room as not clearly sign posted when we got to the room it was spacious and very clean, good view, coconuts directly off the balcony!!! In the morning we went into breakfast and couldn't believe the choices available, excellent. Generally the food overall was very good and we could eat in any of the three hotels in our resort up to evening time when we had to eat in our hotel. We had the choice of a steak house or med restaurant not much different from the normal restaurant really. Staff very friendly and all say olla every time you see them.
Plenty of activity around the pool or you can relax on the beach just a 30 sec stroll form the pool. Overall we found the holiday excellent and would go back as very clean, friendly staff and excellent food. The only thing I can moan about is the entertainment is a bit floppy, and its repeated in all the hotels. Would recommend this hotel to all.
We had trouble finding our room as not clearly sign posted when we got to the room it was spacious and very clean, good view, coconuts directly off the balcony!!! In the morning we went into breakfast and couldn't believe the choices available, excellent. Generally the food overall was very good and we could eat in any of the three hotels in our resort up to evening time when we had to eat in our hotel. We had the choice of a steak house or med restaurant not much different from the normal restaurant really. Staff very friendly and all say olla every time you see them.
Plenty of activity around the pool or you can relax on the beach just a 30 sec stroll form the pool. Overall we found the holiday excellent and would go back as very clean, friendly staff and excellent food. The only thing I can moan about is the entertainment is a bit floppy, and its repeated in all the hotels. Would recommend this hotel to all.
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" My partner and I went to the Riu... "
Submitted By: Miss S J Williams
My partner and I went to the Riu Mambo straight after New Year this year and are getting all anxious again as it is 10 weeks till we go again! There is only one thing bad I could say about the holiday and that is the leg room on the plane. This was really awful considering the amount of time you spend on the plan.
Apart from this the holiday was the best we have ever had and I can’t really see us going anywhere else for a long time. The beach, food, staff and accommodation was 10/10 what else can you want? The pools were great and the setting for the accommodation was lovely. The rooms are set in trees and plantation and nothing is too far away.
The beaches were spotless with lots of shade if require it and on the occasions that you may have rain or wind as soon as daylight breaks everyone is busy sweeping up and clearing the beach, no one ever stops there. I just can't believe that anybody could be seriously negative about this hotel as I have read in other reviews it is nothing like what they said and I’m glad I took the chance to go after reading other disappointing reviews as we would never have had such a fantastic experience. So ignore all the rumours of tummy bugs etc they are normally picked up on the plane or people are not used to the food, climate etc.
There is simply no way you could catch anything due to poor hygiene, the kitchens are spotless, the maids sanitize anyone’s hands coming to and from the dining room, they are mopping the floors behind you as you walk and even cleaning the toilets after every use! So I’m sorry all of you that have been poorly it’s not a result of that hotel! This is a truly fantastic hotel and well worth the money!
Apart from this the holiday was the best we have ever had and I can’t really see us going anywhere else for a long time. The beach, food, staff and accommodation was 10/10 what else can you want? The pools were great and the setting for the accommodation was lovely. The rooms are set in trees and plantation and nothing is too far away.
The beaches were spotless with lots of shade if require it and on the occasions that you may have rain or wind as soon as daylight breaks everyone is busy sweeping up and clearing the beach, no one ever stops there. I just can't believe that anybody could be seriously negative about this hotel as I have read in other reviews it is nothing like what they said and I’m glad I took the chance to go after reading other disappointing reviews as we would never have had such a fantastic experience. So ignore all the rumours of tummy bugs etc they are normally picked up on the plane or people are not used to the food, climate etc.
There is simply no way you could catch anything due to poor hygiene, the kitchens are spotless, the maids sanitize anyone’s hands coming to and from the dining room, they are mopping the floors behind you as you walk and even cleaning the toilets after every use! So I’m sorry all of you that have been poorly it’s not a result of that hotel! This is a truly fantastic hotel and well worth the money!
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Very good Hotel, Food excellent in... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Cawston
Very good Hotel, Food excellent in all three hotels, as your are on a complex. Beach fantastic.
The whole holiday you couldn't fault apart from the entertainment was a bit boring, just dance shows or miming to music. A few audience participation shows were very funny. We went on a couple of excursions, Monster Truck, river rafting and to the south of the island all of which I would recommend.
All in all a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, would definitely go again and I would recommend this place to all. Good value for money.
The whole holiday you couldn't fault apart from the entertainment was a bit boring, just dance shows or miming to music. A few audience participation shows were very funny. We went on a couple of excursions, Monster Truck, river rafting and to the south of the island all of which I would recommend.
All in all a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, would definitely go again and I would recommend this place to all. Good value for money.
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" I’ve previously been to Sri Lanka... "
Submitted By: Mrs V Sterry
I’ve previously been to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, but I can honestly say that this holiday was the best I’ve ever been too.
The staff were absolutely Amazing, treating us like royalty. The accommodation really was first Class. The resort had and really fun atmosphere, it was so clean and tidy. There were 3 hotels in the complex of which we could use all the facilities, e.g. pools, bars, restaurants. They had their own sports beach, which was incredible we went Canoeing, which was great but wished we'd done wind surfing and jet skiing as well.
The trip out to Ocean World was so spectacular that I wish everyone could experience the close encounter with the Sea lions and tigers and dolphins and birds, snorkeling round a fabulous man made reef Made me feel like I was in a different world. I would like to tell you more. But this was the best holiday in the world. My dream is to go again If I could afford it. Despite having an Illness I felt like a normal person doing what everyone else done. It really was brilliant. From booking it to getting home after was magnificent.
I still can't stop talking about it. Thank you to everyone involved in giving me a holiday of a lifetime. -x-
The staff were absolutely Amazing, treating us like royalty. The accommodation really was first Class. The resort had and really fun atmosphere, it was so clean and tidy. There were 3 hotels in the complex of which we could use all the facilities, e.g. pools, bars, restaurants. They had their own sports beach, which was incredible we went Canoeing, which was great but wished we'd done wind surfing and jet skiing as well.
The trip out to Ocean World was so spectacular that I wish everyone could experience the close encounter with the Sea lions and tigers and dolphins and birds, snorkeling round a fabulous man made reef Made me feel like I was in a different world. I would like to tell you more. But this was the best holiday in the world. My dream is to go again If I could afford it. Despite having an Illness I felt like a normal person doing what everyone else done. It really was brilliant. From booking it to getting home after was magnificent.
I still can't stop talking about it. Thank you to everyone involved in giving me a holiday of a lifetime. -x-
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" May 2006 Weather great the occasional... "
Submitted By: Mr A Thomas
May 2006 Weather great the occasional cloud only but just enough to have break from the heat. Just back from a 2 week all inc holiday at Riu Mambo, I read other reviews before going and they are spot on, this was a great hotel having gone as a couple on the Thomson Riu deal we didn’t mind which of the 3 we stayed in but think we got the best one, Mambo is slightly quieter than the others 2 but still had lots of things to do, the food was a good selection and well prepared, the room was large for a couple and cleaned every day.
Mambo has the best part of the beach, the water sports beach was not so great and the water very shallow with lots of weed. Top comments - mini bar in room filled every other day except the 4 large bottles of spirits which we never managed to get through.
The main dining room was really hot and had no air con take a little fan.
The staff are great and really friendly, service at the bars very good, try some of the local cocktails like Mojito they are great.
No need to take towels each person gets a towel card for a beach towel and the rooms are stocked with clean towels every day if needed. Each room has a safe and the key is free with the room.
There are security guards roaming patrols at night which gives you some comfort over security although we did here a room had been broken into in one of the other hotels - use the safe for all valuables.
It costs 10 dollars each to get into the country and 20 dollars each to get out!
We didn’t get extra leg room on the plane and felt pretty cramped but it was just about bearable and the food was ok.
The rep was great and willing to help with lots of advice and tips, we did 4 trips ocean world swim with dolphins, catamaran day, monster truck and the 1/2 day city tour, the city tour is the best value and you see lots of the town, we didn’t go into town other than that as it was to far to go, the next best trip was the trucks then if you like snorkeling the cat, last of all although a great experience the dolphin trip this was expensive.
All the electrics are 110v so don’t take appliances, we loaned a hair dryer from reception 20 dollars deposit returned when we left. We did get a few mozzy bites but nothing major take some repellent and cream. Although we didn’t have kids with us the hotel seemed to cater well for smaller kids but if they are older 10+ there didn’t seem much to do especially in the evening. All in all this was a great holiday and I would certainly recommend it.
Mambo has the best part of the beach, the water sports beach was not so great and the water very shallow with lots of weed. Top comments - mini bar in room filled every other day except the 4 large bottles of spirits which we never managed to get through.
The main dining room was really hot and had no air con take a little fan.
The staff are great and really friendly, service at the bars very good, try some of the local cocktails like Mojito they are great.
No need to take towels each person gets a towel card for a beach towel and the rooms are stocked with clean towels every day if needed. Each room has a safe and the key is free with the room.
There are security guards roaming patrols at night which gives you some comfort over security although we did here a room had been broken into in one of the other hotels - use the safe for all valuables.
It costs 10 dollars each to get into the country and 20 dollars each to get out!
We didn’t get extra leg room on the plane and felt pretty cramped but it was just about bearable and the food was ok.
The rep was great and willing to help with lots of advice and tips, we did 4 trips ocean world swim with dolphins, catamaran day, monster truck and the 1/2 day city tour, the city tour is the best value and you see lots of the town, we didn’t go into town other than that as it was to far to go, the next best trip was the trucks then if you like snorkeling the cat, last of all although a great experience the dolphin trip this was expensive.
All the electrics are 110v so don’t take appliances, we loaned a hair dryer from reception 20 dollars deposit returned when we left. We did get a few mozzy bites but nothing major take some repellent and cream. Although we didn’t have kids with us the hotel seemed to cater well for smaller kids but if they are older 10+ there didn’t seem much to do especially in the evening. All in all this was a great holiday and I would certainly recommend it.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Seem overall a very nice place but... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Merrison
Seem overall a very nice place but both me and my partner went down with a illness which hit the resort quite badly I have never been so sick before this holiday was the worst we found out the Riu was shut down few months before through a virus of which was the same as we suffered and many more people did too.
Without going into to much detail it was very unpleasant didn’t know what was worse the sickness or the temp or the other end was laid up for well over third of our holiday not impressed with our tour operators as they are not interested wont be using them again.
Without going into to much detail it was very unpleasant didn’t know what was worse the sickness or the temp or the other end was laid up for well over third of our holiday not impressed with our tour operators as they are not interested wont be using them again.
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Me and my family stayed in the Mambo... "
Submitted By: Mr DK King
Me and my family stayed in the Mambo in February and it was the best holiday ever. The place was spotless, there was always somebody cleaning up, giving you hand wash, all the staff say hello, the rooms were clean, the food was good, the "Animation" team were absolutely fantastic (Pineapple and Julu Julu.)
I would definitely recommend it to anybody, absolutely fantastic. The only thing I was disappointed with was the Thomson rep, Thomson phone cards and the cabin crew on the flight were not friendly. It is definitely worth going but with another travel company.
There are a lot of Americans and Canadian guests staying there who demand a lot more than us English people so don't be put off by their reviews.
I would definitely recommend it to anybody, absolutely fantastic. The only thing I was disappointed with was the Thomson rep, Thomson phone cards and the cabin crew on the flight were not friendly. It is definitely worth going but with another travel company.
There are a lot of Americans and Canadian guests staying there who demand a lot more than us English people so don't be put off by their reviews.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful... "
Submitted By: Mr T Mearman
My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful 2-week holiday at the Riu Mambo during the last fortnight in May '04. We had never been to the Caribbean before and this was our first all-inclusive vacation. We would recommend the Mambo to anyone, it is excellent value for money.
The resort is rather isolated from the nearest town of Puerta Plata, which is a ten to 15 minute drive away. However, you don’t really need to go outside of the resort because there are 3 hotels to enjoy and there’s always something going on to keep you occupied. The hotel accommodation is very good; the rooms are comfortable but not luxurious. The air conditioning works well, the beds are comfortable and the room maids keep everything spotlessly clean.
All the hotel staff are on very low wages so it helps to tip them early and throughout your stay, you will be rewarded with extra special service and a friendly smile. The bar staff appreciate it, if you try a little Spanish when ordering your drinks. The drinks are plentiful and excellent quality, even the local beer is very palatable.
We thought the meals were very good indeed with plenty of variety, 95% of the products are grown in the Dominican Republic. The service in the restaurant was also very good but the wine takes a little getting used to. The Dominican’s are not renowned for locally produced wine but the red was our favourite.
The restaurant is not air conditioned so it can get stiflingly hot sometimes. A table by a window is best, try giving the Maitre D a small tip when you arrive and this will help to get a good table by a window......
The local people are extremely friendly and the Animation team are truly fantastic. They organise all the activities in and around the pool, as well as the beach volleyball, boules and horseshoes. We found that getting involved every day in these activities helped us make lots of friends which made our stay so much more enjoyable.
There’s plenty of sun beds and shade, whether you prefer to relax by the poolside or on the beach. The Mambo is the only hotel of the 3 that has a bar on the beach.
There is entertainment in all of the 3 hotels in the evenings, which is provided by the Animation team. Sometimes the evening entertainment can be a little 'risqué' so be careful, especially if you have young children. In the evenings, it’s nice to go to the Marenge bar for drinks. They always have a cocktail of the day and they’re usually very colourful and tasty!
Some of the organised trips are very good but they tend to be quite expensive for what they are. I would recommend the Monster Truck Safari, which takes you into the remote villages on the island where you get a chance to see how the locals live. The people are so poor but his is one of the poorest countries on earth so prepare yourself for some amazing scenes. Be sure to take your camera and lots of sweeties and pencils for the children.
Be sure to take and use mosquito repellent, many of us got covered in insect bites around our hands, arms and ankles. There is a small parade of shops called Caribbean Street with a Pharmacy where you can get medicines but they are very expensive. There’s also an Internet cafe where you can check your emails.
I’d suggest you take plenty of single US dollars for tipping hotel staff, for the Internet cafe and for telephone calls home from the reception desk. Telephoning from your room can be quite expensive and don’t bother with your mobile, it won’t work once you’ve left the vicinity of the airport.
Have a look at some of our pictures at........ www.fotki.com/mackem
The resort is rather isolated from the nearest town of Puerta Plata, which is a ten to 15 minute drive away. However, you don’t really need to go outside of the resort because there are 3 hotels to enjoy and there’s always something going on to keep you occupied. The hotel accommodation is very good; the rooms are comfortable but not luxurious. The air conditioning works well, the beds are comfortable and the room maids keep everything spotlessly clean.
All the hotel staff are on very low wages so it helps to tip them early and throughout your stay, you will be rewarded with extra special service and a friendly smile. The bar staff appreciate it, if you try a little Spanish when ordering your drinks. The drinks are plentiful and excellent quality, even the local beer is very palatable.
We thought the meals were very good indeed with plenty of variety, 95% of the products are grown in the Dominican Republic. The service in the restaurant was also very good but the wine takes a little getting used to. The Dominican’s are not renowned for locally produced wine but the red was our favourite.
The restaurant is not air conditioned so it can get stiflingly hot sometimes. A table by a window is best, try giving the Maitre D a small tip when you arrive and this will help to get a good table by a window......
The local people are extremely friendly and the Animation team are truly fantastic. They organise all the activities in and around the pool, as well as the beach volleyball, boules and horseshoes. We found that getting involved every day in these activities helped us make lots of friends which made our stay so much more enjoyable.
There’s plenty of sun beds and shade, whether you prefer to relax by the poolside or on the beach. The Mambo is the only hotel of the 3 that has a bar on the beach.
There is entertainment in all of the 3 hotels in the evenings, which is provided by the Animation team. Sometimes the evening entertainment can be a little 'risqué' so be careful, especially if you have young children. In the evenings, it’s nice to go to the Marenge bar for drinks. They always have a cocktail of the day and they’re usually very colourful and tasty!
Some of the organised trips are very good but they tend to be quite expensive for what they are. I would recommend the Monster Truck Safari, which takes you into the remote villages on the island where you get a chance to see how the locals live. The people are so poor but his is one of the poorest countries on earth so prepare yourself for some amazing scenes. Be sure to take your camera and lots of sweeties and pencils for the children.
Be sure to take and use mosquito repellent, many of us got covered in insect bites around our hands, arms and ankles. There is a small parade of shops called Caribbean Street with a Pharmacy where you can get medicines but they are very expensive. There’s also an Internet cafe where you can check your emails.
I’d suggest you take plenty of single US dollars for tipping hotel staff, for the Internet cafe and for telephone calls home from the reception desk. Telephoning from your room can be quite expensive and don’t bother with your mobile, it won’t work once you’ve left the vicinity of the airport.
Have a look at some of our pictures at........ www.fotki.com/mackem
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- Date of Holiday:May 2004
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" At this resort there are 3 RIU... "
Submitted By: Mr M Buet
At this resort there are 3 RIU hotels on their own beach, the service and the food was excellent, you could eat breakfast and lunch at either the Mambo, Meringue or Bachata, however your evening meal must be eaten at your hotel. Facilities can be used at all 3 hotels. The other activities, kayaking, sailing etc, was on a separate part of the beach, which made it safe for everyone.
The speciality restaurant was good, but limited on choice.
There is plenty of room on the beach or around the pool, and there are more than enough sun loungers by the beach or by the pool. This is one of the best value for money hotels I have been to, any of the 3 hotels would be a good choice, the Bachata is the newest of the 3 and is a little more modern.
We have been twice and will definitely return again.
The speciality restaurant was good, but limited on choice.
There is plenty of room on the beach or around the pool, and there are more than enough sun loungers by the beach or by the pool. This is one of the best value for money hotels I have been to, any of the 3 hotels would be a good choice, the Bachata is the newest of the 3 and is a little more modern.
We have been twice and will definitely return again.
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2004
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" I have stayed in the Mambo and 2... "
Submitted By: rachellcooper
I have stayed in the Mambo and 2 years previously I stayed in the Merengue. Both hotels were fantastic but the staff at the Mambo seemed more friendly and outgoing. The pool at the Mambo also didn’t seem to be as busy as at the Merengue. The pool bar at the Bachata is fantastic.
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The gardens are well maintained in all hotels. I found that if you try using a little bit of Spanish with the staff in the hotels they seemed to talk to you more, which was nice. The view from the gazebo in the Bachata is fantastic. I’d love to go back again and stay at the Bachata just to see what the rooms are like. I think they should have built the accommodation at the Bachata like the Mambo and Meregue, as they do kind of stick out like a sore thumb as they’re higher but they still look nice.<br><br>
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The gardens are well maintained in all hotels. I found that if you try using a little bit of Spanish with the staff in the hotels they seemed to talk to you more, which was nice. The view from the gazebo in the Bachata is fantastic. I’d love to go back again and stay at the Bachata just to see what the rooms are like. I think they should have built the accommodation at the Bachata like the Mambo and Meregue, as they do kind of stick out like a sore thumb as they’re higher but they still look nice.<br><br>
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2003
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:JMC Holidays
" This hotel was absolutely fabulous,... "
Submitted By: vickim95
This hotel was absolutely fabulous, could not fault a single thing. You could not meet nicer people/staff and the animation team were great. You have the use of the other two sister hotels but really other than doing the excursions you are pretty much tied to staying within your complex. This is truly a holiday of a lifetime in paradise, everything you could wish for. Will definitely be back next year.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2004
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
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Flew Thomas Cook from Gatwick, very cramped only 30inch legroom, and very narrow seats. Also because of a technical fault with a different plane, our plane was used for the Cuba flight and our flight was delayed by 23 hours. I do not recommend Thomas Cook standard cabin for any long haul flight and we certainly won’t use them again.
The resort is isolated but as our holiday was for rest & relaxation this is what we wanted.
This is our opinion of the hotel. Beautiful grounds, very clean and well maintained.
All staff very friendly, we tipped a little but not excessively, mainly the maid and mini bar guy, but also the pool guys and bar tenders. (Total about $50- ).
Rooms nice, with towel art most days. We did find the twin beds awkward, being used to a king-size. We had to request Vodka for our optics as the standard seemed to be 2 dark rum, 1 white rum, & 1 gin, but this was delivered the same day.
The electric sockets in the Mambo accept North American and European 2 pin plugs / adapters.
If you like football channel 70 on the TV is ESPN2 sports channel. Showed the England / Brazil game while we were there and advertised the Euro 2008 qualifiers.
If you have specific requests for rooms / services email the hotel direct about 2 weeks before you go and they try to oblige. Blocks 1, 2 and 3 are the nearest to the pool / entertainment. If you want top floor rooms don’t ask for first floor, this is what we call ground floor. We had 3 rooms in block 2.
The entertainment team are fantastic. Africa show was the best. Other entertainment did get repetitive. Mainly dancing. Pacha disco ok but was short of bar staff.
The hotel was only part full but favourite sunbeds were reserved early. The Germans in the room next to use had their towels out by 6.30 am.
The Mambo pools were the best. The Merengue and Bachata pools were always about 6 inches below level.
Beach by the Mambo definitely the best. Watersports are now situated between the Mambo and the Merengue. This looks like a permanent move.
Food on the whole was good, especially breakfast. Lovely omelettes cooked to order.
Main restaurant was closed at lunch time except for weekends, but you can use the Merengue restaurant or the Snack Bar.
Evening meals always had something we liked although it did get repetitive.
Tried the Steak house ala carte in the Bachata, ours was closed. Rubbish.
Drinks are ok but we couldn’t get drunk. Too much ice served with everything. If you drink cocktails make sure you ask for alcohol. Smirnoff vodka available from Merengue and Bachata bars if you ask for it, but not Mambo.
Mobile phones don’t work on resort BUT if you leave the resort and walk back to the main road, about 5 minutes, you can get a signal opposite the big Riu sign. Be prepared for lots of taxis stopping trying to take you further up the road.
Excursions done.
Dominican Discovery / Mega Trucks (Thomas Cook). Fantastic, worth the $85-.
Ocean World swims with dolphins, (Thomson). Fantastic once in a lifetime experience. Did become a long day.
Deep Sea fishing, (Scuba Caribe, Watersports Company). Only 2 hours fishing time each. 4 boats out the day I went, no fish caught! Not worth the money.
ATV’s, (Scuba Caribe). Daughter did this with her friend and loved it. $65- for 2 people for 4 hours on 1 ATV.
City tour and cable car, (local taxi). For $70- 4 of us had a tour of the city, did some shopping, and went up in the cable car. The views from the top are fantastic. The shopping was just cigars, jewellery and a few souvenirs. A lot cheaper than resort shops.
E.g. necklace on resort $70-, bartered to $30-, in Puerto Plata $10-. Make your own conclusions.
The weather was lovely, up to 36 degrees, but there was also some heavy rain on 4 days.
We took loads of insect repellent but only used a little bit. I got bitten once by mosquito. Saw 3 cockroaches, 2 small spiders, loads of lizards, loads of land crabs, loads of tropical birds and one hummingbird on resort.
We got our duty frees in Puerto Plata airport while waiting for our flight home. Golden Virginia 20x50g $75-, fags $36- for 400, Smirnoff $22- for 1.75lt. (Cheaper than the plane).
Overall we had a good holiday. Did things that we have never done before and came back with a nice tan.
The Riu Mambo is a lovely hotel and we will return some time but as we have done the excursions it won’t be for a few years.
There is nothing to do off resort and this makes a lot of other destinations more appealing.
If you are going here you will have a good time. The hotel is much better than any I have stayed at in Europe. It may not be 5 star but if you want absolute luxury you shouldn’t expect to pay £50- per night all inclusive including flights.
Sorry about the length of this review and I hope you find it useful.