Staying at Riu

dazzak · #1 10-22-2003, 04:14 AM

Hi, I'm intending to go and stay at Riu Merengue (Puerto Plata) in Feb 2004 with my girlfriend (we are both 23 years old). I've read lots of reviews etc and on the whole most people loved it there! Is this the general consensus? Any recommendations?

Also if we wanted to go into the Playa Dorada complex and go shopping, Hemmingways and the other beaches ... is this allowed? I only ask because my sister has stayed at Puerto Plata Village in the Playa Dorada complex and said it was very good?

I'm only going for a week so will prob do lots of chilling out and some tours etc....

Playa Dorada Vs Riu Resort ----- What do u think??!!!

Dominican Babe · #2 10-22-2003, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dazzak
I've read lots of reviews etc and on the whole most people loved it there! Is this the general consensus?

I think you answered your own question there.

Yes, you can go to the shopping plaza at Playa Dorada, and Hemmingways, Crazy Moon, etc.. But I wouldn't shop at Playa Dorada if I was you, it is very expensive. You'd be better off going into Puerto Plata (same stuff only cheaper), or have a day at Sosua and do your shopping there.

dazzak · #3 10-22-2003, 04:29 AM

Cool,

Thanks for confirming that! Riu it is then!

What are the casinos like?

Moniki · #4 10-22-2003, 12:16 PM

The Casino in the RIU complex is in The Bachata. The few times that we went in there (at different times of the day) it was empty. We asked around and people said it wasn't really worth it. However - one taxi driver said that there was a casino in the Playa Dorada complex that was good. We never tried that out though.

FireGuy · #5 10-22-2003, 12:38 PM

Greetings from Atlantic Canada.

Most casinos on the North Coast are small and pay poorly by most worldly expectations. Be especially sure to stay away from the progressive keno games. They can hurt you big-time.

For more info about the Riu's in POP see the appropriate sections at Rusty's "Unofficial" Riu Website at http://www.riubambu.com and it's associated Discussion Boards at http://www.riubambu.com/cgi-bin/disc....cgi?pg=topics

Gregg

kellyhouston · #6 11-05-2003, 01:09 PM

Hi there

I have just come back from a FAB holiday in Puerto Plata, we stayed at the Riu Bachata and I can honestly say it has to be one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in!
We had friends that stayed next door in the Merengue and they are already planning there trip back next year as they just got married there and its where they would like to be for their first anniversary!
You couldn't ask for a nicer place or location, and ALL the staff there were excellent. I would reccomend it (and have been) to anyone.

Its my first day back at work taday and I have serious post holiday blues......i'm planning to go back VERY soon!

Kelly

badpiece33 · #7 11-05-2003, 03:03 PM

Are you renting a car? the Riu is in Luperon if I am not mistaken about 15 mins outside puerto plata and a half hour from Playa dorada. The casino in Paradise is ok but rather small but they have a decent disco called crazy moon. Dont shop in Playa Dorada (VERY EXPENSIVE) buy everything you need in Puerto Plata. Have fun

BadPiece

marliejaneca · #8 11-06-2003, 06:25 PM

You are mistaken, the Riu hotels are in Maimon not Luperon, about 6 miles from POP and about 15 miles from POP airport. Just for your info, Luperon is a lot farther away from POP than 15 minutes, the last time I went it was about an hour or more, of course, there were some cerveza stops along the way and the road was horrible!!
Just thought I would clarify.
Marlie

Hlywud · #9 11-06-2003, 08:57 PM

So she stayed at Puerto Plata Village and liked it, let me tell you there is no, Imean NO comparison to the Riu complex, like night and day.

Scoobster · #10 11-10-2003, 09:46 PM

Hey there........
We travelled to the Merengue in March of 2002, and let me tell you it was beyond amazing!
We have since travelled to Cuba, and stayed at the El Senedor there, supposibly a 5 star with all of the extra's, but it was no where near the beauty of the Merengue.
The week that we were at the Merengue was the grand opening of the Bachata, which is also a wonderful resort, but the grounds at the Merengue are what make the difference, along with the lodging.
It feels like you have the whole cubical to yourself.
We enjoyed it so much that we are going to travell there late in 2004, or Jan 2005.
I would follow the advice of everyone else...go to the Merengue!!!!!!!!!!!!