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Riu Palace Punta Cana

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic · 5★

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Riu Palace Punta Cana
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Riu Palace Punta Cana

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic · 5★

Resort website
Short transfer

Property

Sizelarge resort (676 rooms)
ChainRIU Hotels & Resorts
Vibemixed
Typical guestsEuropean and North American families and couples
Layoutmultiple buildings (main building and garden areas) within a larger Riu complex

Guest reviews

4.2on TripAdvisor· 4,042 reviews

#73 of 253 hotels in Punta Cana

Read reviews

Top praise

  • Beautiful architecture/grounds/lobby ('palace-like', 'visually impressive', 'lush and exceptionally well-groomed')
  • Excellent beach access and quality (Arena Gorda Beach, plenty of loungers, shade)
  • Good pool facilities (multiple pools, swim-up bar, kids pool with slides)

Common complaints

  • Food quality/variety (mediocre, repetitive, tepid, not gourmet, especially lunch buffet and specialty restaurants)
  • Outdated rooms/furnishings (compared to newer RIU properties)
  • Inconsistent service/staff friendliness (unless tipped)

Heads up

  • Reports of fire alarms going off multiple nights
  • Instances of initial check-in into already occupied rooms
  • Toilets not flushing properly/very weak
  • Ants in rooms
  • Strict 'No Student Groups / Spring Breakers' policy.

Beach & Pool

Beach access - shared

Seaweed risk: moderate / high

Sargassum is a periodic phenomenon in Punta Cana, with higher incidence in spring months (May-August peak). October to December is generally the best time to avoid it. For 2026, sargassum is expected to start arriving from late February.

Located on the idyllic, wide, white-sand shores of Arena Gorda Beach. The water directly in front of the hotel can sometimes have regular seaweed, but the overall beach is lovely.

4 pools - outdoor, swim-up bar, kids pool with slides

Food & Drink

7 restaurants

Family

Fits a family of 5 (standard room)

Confirm room availability with the hotel before booking.

Offers: kids club (4-12), waterpark, babysitting, kids pool

Transfer

20 min from airport (PUJ)

Transfer not included.

Family

Fits a family of 5 (standard room)

Confirm room availability with the hotel before booking.

Offers: kids club (4-12), waterpark, babysitting, kids pool

Transfer

20 min from airport (PUJ)

Transfer not included.

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