Riu Merengue ClubHotel, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
Exquisitely set on the beach of Maimon Bay, Riu Merengue provides panoramic views of surrounding green mountains and lush tropical gardens. It is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable vacation.Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Riu Merengue ClubHotel Reviews
" The flight, hotel, and food were all... "
Submitted By: Mr S BennettWe upgraded the flight and the extra leg room plus choice of food, free bar, and other additional goodies was worth it for such a long flight.
Despite it being the hurricane season the weather was very good.
Not a lot to do outside the complex apart from organised trips so if you like to do your own thing then this is probably not the place to go.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Without doubt this is the best... "
Submitted By: Mr PL PrinoldThe hotel is out of this world, the food was absolutely amazing, and I had omelettes made for me every morning, mmmm, exactly how you tell them to cook it.
The fruit was carved in to animals every night for evening meals.
The all inclusive programme is brilliant, could not get used to going to the bar without getting my wallet tout. And at this hotel, all inclusive means ALL INCLUSIVE!
Rooms were very nice, maids were lovely, towels made into swans and hearts.
The beach is the best I have ever seen, so hot and clean.
Entertainment was also very good, maybe a little repetitive but still ok.
The trips out were fantastic, the beach trip, waterfalls, jeep trip all amazing. I had a horse riding trip and he kept tripping up and nearly falling off be careful on that one!
Enjoy it, it is amazing, if I could give 11 out of ten I would!
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" This is one of the best holidays I... "
Submitted By: Miss H TowleThere are a few things to watch out for though, when you arrive at Puerto Plata airport be careful as there are 'porters' who take your bag off you and put it on to the Coach, they then demand $20 for taking it out of your hands and on to the coach, I saw so many people giving them the money because they didn't know what else to do, give them $1 per bag, that’s what we were advised be the rep after the event! This was the only time we were hassled for a tip.
The hotel is Clean, friendly and relaxed and the Animation team are out of this world.
We are not really into Aerobics by the pool and drinking games which worried us when we first got there, and this does happen next to the pool every day, but as soon as you get on to the Beach they do not bother you in the slightest, which was perfect having the best of both worlds.
The entertainment in the evenings was great and again the Animation team were hysterical to watch.
The beach is beautiful, and the sea very warm, all non motorised Water sports are free, just be careful of the Sea Urchins on some of the dead coral.
You need to be up early to get a bed next to the pool but not by the beach sometimes we got there at midday and we found beds easy.
Go to Ocean World and swim with the Dolphins, prices are so reasonable, and its only 5 mins away from the hotel.
We would definitely go back to the Riu Meringue, the food is fantastic, people are lovely, and the beach is heavenly!
All I would say if you fly with MyTravel upgrade your seats as there is no leg room in the standard seats but for £100 each for one way you can upgrade and it is definitely worth it.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:MyTravel
" This hotel is listed in brochures and... "
Submitted By: Mrs V MalikThe rooms consist of two, 3/4 beds pushed together with parties of up to four expecting to share them.
The a la carte restaurant is a joke - poolside bar during the day, with tablecloths added on a night - and a la carte it aint! Cold, help yourself buffet to start and just four main courses including chicken and chips of all things, that remained the same throughout our two week stay.
The place is crawling with ants, the entertainment insulting and the drinks are all watered down to a large extreme.
If you are looking for a 5* Caribbean holiday, this isn't the place for you - what you will get is no more than 3* at 5* prices and the sister hotels, Riu Bachata and Riu Mambo are identical.
Overall, Benidorm in the Caribbean!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Airtours
" I stayed in the Riu Merengue in... "
Submitted By: Miss J RobinsonWe were never ill whilst we were away and could never fault the hotel staff as they were always at the doors of the toilets and restaurants with an anti bacterial gel to wash your hands with.
The room we stayed in was right at the top of the complex near the tennis courts. We were a bit disappointed at first but once you hear the noise from the night club down at the front it is not such a bad thing! We loved that you got optics in the room - great for having a vodka and coke whilst your getting ready to go out & the fridge was stocked every other day with soft drinks and beer. However if you did run low - a quick chat with the guys who fill them up on an afternoon done the trick.
I love to go snorkelling and thought this would be an ideal place to do it but the sea was a bit too rough - but the waves were fun to play in. Take a trip with anyone and barter with them they will knock a bit off. We went snorkelling to Sosua which was amazing and we also took a helicopter trip which was reasonably priced and they flew us over our hotel and the lovely beaches. Well worth the money for both.
The food was great and the staff in the restaurants and bars were excellent, nothing was too much for them.
We struggled all holiday to pick fault with anything and I guess the best I can come up with was that when you had the munchies after coming out of the club or bars, there was nowhere to get anything to eat! Not bad at all as complaints go!
This was the best place my partner has stayed and he is very well travelled so get booking. It's great for all ages.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" On visiting this lovely hotel in... "
Submitted By: Mr A ChallisHotel accommodation was excellent, night entertainment was great, but nothing for 12-16 year olds but that was not a problem our lads still enjoyed their first time to Dominican Republic. They met some lads there and went off to Caribbean Street to play pool most nights.
Beach was lovely, weather was brilliant and we also met some lovely people there too. A must is the day trip to the outback safari to see Dominican Republic countryside and local school.
A big thanks to the whole staff at this hotel they were generally friendly 24/7 and made our holiday, always with a smile and have a laugh with everyone especially cheeky monkey.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Having spent 2 previous years at the... "
Submitted By: Mrs S GollandWe were very disappointed when we reached the hotel which looked like it was in need of a makeover. The pool area was an insufficient size for the hotel and unfortunately thefts from our balcony by French residents became a daily occurrence rendering use of leaving beach equipment on the balcony impossible. Complaints to the Manager and Head of Security even when we actually caught the French residents stealing fell on deaf ears and nothing was done. The water sport equipment which was supposed to be free (not including motorised water sports) was damaged, old and unusable. The company running this part (Scuba Caribe) had very rude staff managing the equipment. In Mexico there were Hobie Cats to use which were of very good quality and the staff very helpful and kind. The same cannot be said of the staff in the Dominican Republic. Although the equipment was supposed to be free they proceeded to try and charge for lessons (even a basic lesson in how to use some of the equipment) which had not been the case in Mexico and they steadfastly tried to push us to purchase the insurance, again this had never been the case in Mexico.
How Thomson/Portland can possibly rate the Riu Merengue in Dominican Republic as the same rating as the Riu Tequila in Mexico is beyond me? I will never visit the Dominican Republic again and presume that the reason that the quality is so much higher in Mexico is due to the abundance of Americans visiting Mexico. As we all know Americans like very high standards and I am sure that the reason that there seemed to be no Americans staying at the Riu Merengue is due to the fact that the quality falls below what they would expect.
On the whole the holiday we had was reasonably good however I feel that my assumption that all Riu Club Class hotels are the same is not the case and I would only now go on a trusted recommendation.
The upside however was the the hygiene was extremely good but this could be due to the fact that in previous years quite a few hotels in the Dominican Republic have had very serious outbreaks of food poisoning Riu hotels numbering some of these hotels.
In a nutshell, too many English and French were staying at this hotel - the French being particularly rude and having very badly behaved children.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Portland Direct
" We flew with First Choice on the 2nd... "
Submitted By: P A StephensOn arrival at the Meringue, we were given a rather nice refreshing (non alcoholic drink, I think!). Then we were all given room keys and directions to our rooms.
Ours was a little way from the main Reception area, but we were very happy there, as it was very quiet and peaceful.
The staff are so friendly and polite, and are always smiling. We were very lucky with the weather, it was perfect, and we came home with a much admired tan!
We spent most of our days on the beach, just being lazy, swimming now and again, and feeding the friendly fish that came to the shore.
The food was plentiful and there was quite a variety each evening.
One thing I did do, was to swim with the dolphins at Ocean World. At the grand old age of 65, I had achieved a life time dream !!
We would go back again, and hope to do so early next year.
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Flight was fantastic with new... "
Submitted By: Mrs E J WoodHotel was fantastic food and drink served all day, entertainment team fab especially macho man, cheeky monkey was funny.
The staff work really hard they are there all day everyday and always happy, nothing is a problem for them.
The only thing that disappointed me a little was at the airport when we arrived the porters just took our luggage off us and took it to the coach which is fine but then they expect tips galore.
I don’t mind tipping but would like to do it on my own accord and not be asked for money. But other than that the holiday was fantastic, went to ocean world to swim with the dolphins which was amazing I recommend it.
Be warned photos are expensive to buy, but worth it for the memories.
We had towel art in the room when the maids made the bedroom which was everyday, you get your free towels for around the pool.
Weather was very hot and even burnt when it was overcast, so be careful it can be deceiving, we had a few thunder storms but they went a problem as it was so hot in the temp anyway.
I would recommend this holiday to anyone, perfect beach, pool staff; everything really, can’t wait to go back again.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" The Hotel its self was clean and all... "
Submitted By: Mrs J GreenThe room was clean and was attended too every day.
There was a good range of food every night for everyone, the waiters were very good and polite.
The children’s play area was very basic, and children’s entertainment was limited but overall ok, children are not always supervised like in England they are very laid back about the children and this made me feel a little uneasy.
The weather was hot and if you want a relaxing rest, this is probably a place to go.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Hotel a 4 star plus, the food,... "
Submitted By: Miss J GillumWe were a family of 4 and the standard rooms are far too small for a family and also are pretty basic.
We upgraded to a junior suite which was lovely but we had to pay for the privilege. I don't think they should allocate the standard rooms for families of 4.
The beach is nice and the watersports beach is great for small children.
The staff can't do enough to help you and considering the amount of hours they have to work they always have a smile.
There's nothing to do immediately outside the resort so you have to take the tours or venture out on your own, which you are not encouraged to do. They try to tell you to take a guide and a taxi which costs a lot.
You can take the buses or get your own cab but an understanding of Spanish is good as you may be ripped off otherwise.
Overall though a really good hotel with excellent food and staff and very very clean.
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" If you are in two minds whether to go... "
Submitted By: Mr J HurleyGood food, clean accommodation, very friendly staff and good entertainment.
A few friends of mine have been before and ranked it high, they told the truth and nothing but the truth. It takes a long time to get there but it's worth it.
Enjoy yourselves.
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" It was by far the best holiday I have... "
Submitted By: Miss C O'ReganThe weather is beautiful. Everyone is so friendly. There is plenty of things to do for everyone I recommend the monster truck trip that was a lovely day out. The Hotel Riu Meringue is for both families and couples it is for everyone to enjoy. They offer a great deal of things to do.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Well where do I start?
An absolutely fantastic holiday! The hotel is lovely and clean and the staff are all polite and pleasant. Check in was very quick less than 5 minutes and you are welcomed by happy smiley staff who hand you some punch to drink and give you your room key and safe bolt and all your holiday gumph. A bellboy is then called to transport your luggage to your room for you, we gave a $5 tip which he was overjoyed with.
The room we had was the block behind the Caribbean street and one row back from the seafront behind the suites (from the patio we still had a bit of a sea view).we had about a five minutes walk from reception and the main complex to our room but it was lovely set amongst lush tropical vegetation.
The room was lovely and clean and did not smell of damp as some people said, to be honest it was spotless. Rooms are a nice size with plenty of storage and high quality furnishings, and free TV (some good movies on late at night).
Fridges in room are well stocked and we never had a problem to get it refilled rang reception and within 10 mins guy was with us for us to reselect what we wanted. Optics again are free in room, if there is a drink there you do not like speak to reception and they will get it changed to something you do!
Maids are fab and work hard and long days, we had a different towel sculpture each day and tropical flowers in a vase on the table. Plenty of hot water no matter what time you bathe and towels are a nice size and are not hard and scratchy as some hotel towels are.
Gardens are well maintained and the grounds were again immaculate, we saw gardeners stop to pick up some leaves on several occasions that the wind had just blown down. It still amazes me how they go up the tall trees with a piece of rag nothing on their feet and no safety gear (health and safety not over here!)
Swimming pools are lovely and cool and are clean again never a problem to get a sun lounger or clean towels to use on the beach or pool. Plenty of shade around the pool and the trees on the beach are ideal to shade under.
Shops by reception have got some nice thing in but they are overpriced better to go to the Caribbean street and barter or wait till the locals come into the complex for the night market.
Drink as in alcohol is free flowing and the barmen are great and you never have to wait long to get served, would recommend the cocktails to all dr funk is great and just work your way down the list after all you are all inclusive.
Food was fantastic we have done a lot of traveling and have found food in other places repetitive, not here every mealtime something different and the hygiene standards are brill, nice to see chefs all in whites and they wear gloves to handle your food wow! Plenty for every one and wide selection for all nationalities, we were holidaying with a one year old we never struggled to find food for him either.
This is the first time that we had holidayed with the hotel chain riu, my god what a difference. You are literally treated like royalty from the moment you arrive to the time you leave. As the saying goes treat people as you wish to be treated and if you show respect you earn it back. Be disrespectful as some people were when we were there and you will get what you deserve back!
These people work long hours with little pay but hey they keep smiling! If the holiday cost you an extra £100 then I would recommend you pay it as you know you will get good service and have a fab holiday again you get what you pay for, will definitely be checking out Riu for our next holiday.
Thanks to all at Riu you are all stars x
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
The hotel staff was courteous and helpful, the hotel was clean, the food was ok, better some nights than others, there were guards on the beach at night, and we felt very safe.
Two things to know, the electric current is 110v but the outlet is concave and you will need an extended to use your blow dryers and such.
The other thing is the bathroom window in the shower, although it's a cloudy window you still will provide a peep show for other walking by, some people put cardboard up for privacy.
I would go back in a heartbeat!