Riu Merengue

We are booked for the Riu Merengue from Feb. 1st. I have read nothing but great reviews on this resort. Doesn't anybody have anything negative to report? Just want to be prepared. Even though i'm not too fussy anyway. I always MAKE it a good time. Also, I have friends living at the Playo Naco in Playa Dorado. What would be the best way to get to this resort from Riu Merengue? How far apart are we?

Only good things to say about Riu Merengue. You are approx. 1/2 hour by taxi to Playo Naco. Taxi rates should be posted @ front entrance of hotel. Have fun.

Thanks Kareng

Why don't you stay at Playa Naco where your friends are or one of the 14 hotels next door. You won't have to take taxis to party this way?

There is absolutely nothing negative one could possibly say about the Riu Merengue---we've been there twice & will probably regret not going there this year: we're trying out the Flamenco resort at Playa Dorado. Do attend the talk provided for by your tour representative---you'll learn so much about the resort, the town, and the tours (no pressure). They are expensive for us Canadians, as they're in American $. The ONLY thing we missed is perhaps better quality wine & an insulated coffe mug to take down to the beach---the coffee is great. Re: taking a taxi to Play Dorado, when we went into town on the shuttle bus (get there earlier than the stated times--the bus only holds about 12 people) I noticed cab drivers at the bottom of the driveway, who perhaps you could hire cheaper than at the front door. Just in case you get sick (I did, altho I was very run down) the doctor there is wonderful---3 of us used him, & he is american trained & speaks excellent English & will come right to your room. You pay him cash or credit card & I collected from my insurance when I got home--his bill is very clear. If possible, watch the no. of fruit drinks & fresh fruit you eat---that causes alot of the problems! I have posted a long review on Debbie's Dominican Republic site. I envy you!

Thanks for your interest and valid suggestion Charlie. After a long hard battle with spinal cord damage I am am taking my first vacation in a long time and searched the web for a resort which would be reasonable in price, where I wouldn't have to walk too much (many floors etc), and had the least likelyhood of being in a noisy room near a disco etc. Riu Merengue seemed the best choice with out risk of dissapointments. As is with the Playa Dorado area, I don't have a need for a Casino or golf course (although I may dust off the clubs this summer and try a few holes/rounds!)and my hard partying days at resorts will have to wait, hopefully in the near future I can get back on that horse. It will be nice to be able to get off the resort and visit my old friends for a day at Naco though. They have a 1 month time share there and I have not seen them for a few years. Also they arrive 2 days before we leave.

The Hotel is great but the beach is not real caribean like Punta Cana Take a taxi it's not cheap but worthless because the trips cost a lot asked by the reception to ring taxi driver Jesus Bravo drives is oke not so wild like the most other drivers. see also: http://www.riuhotels.com/ http://www.punta-cana.com/

have a nice trip we go in april to Punta Cana riu taino

I think you are doing the wise thing. We just got back from a week at Riu Merengue. Because our plane was delayed a whole day we spent one night at Playa Naco. There's absolutely no comparison between Riu Merengue and Playa Naco. The room we had at Playa Naco smelled of mildew the air conditioner was noisy and breezy. The bathroom was really gross with a plastic tub. There was no ceiling fan so you pretty much needed the air conditioner.

At Riu Merengue you have a private beach, the rooms are immaculate with mini bars, ceiling fans, marble bathrooms, lots of rich woodwork. The grounds are beautiful with winding brick sidewalks. You have 4 bars to choose from all decorated with natural wood. The only downside I could see was that Puerto plata was about a $20US taxi ride from the resort.

I would not hesitate to recommend this resort to anyone.