Honest Review

My wife, our 22-year-old son, and I just returned from a week-long stay at the Riu Palace Bávaro. We enjoy all-inclusive resorts and have stayed at several over the past 25 years, mostly in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This year we had planned to return to Mexico, but decided to try the Dominican Republic instead. I’m writing my first comprehensive review to help others who are considering Riu Palace Bávaro, and I’ve included several photos from our stay. 

Elite Club:  We chose the Elite Club without really knowing if the upgrade would be worth it. The answer is a resounding yes. The Elite Club provides access to a quieter adults-only pool and bar, as well as beach cabanas reserved for Elite Club guests. We spent most of our days relaxing in a cabana on the beach and swimming in the pool a few times each day, which was absolutely wonderful. The Elite Club also has a stylish bar near the lobby that we enjoyed for after-dinner drinks. I would highly recommend this upgrade.

Food: We ate exclusively at the buffet because our son has special needs and requires assistance with food preparation (more on that below). My wife and I are food lovers and enjoy fine dining at home, but we understand that all-inclusive resorts operate on a different level. We were pleasantly surprised by the variety, freshness, and flavor of the food. There were always many options, and we encourage guests to keep an open mind and try dishes they might not normally eat at home.

Our son requires his food to be puréed, so at most meals we needed assistance from the kitchen staff. Breakfast was easier since we could prepare oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt ourselves, but for lunch and dinner we needed help. The first couple of meals were challenging while we worked through the language barrier, but once we were able to communicate our needs, the staff became incredibly accommodating and kind. We made sure to tip the kitchen and dining staff generously to show our appreciation for the extra care they provided.

Service:  We found the staff to be kind, respectful, and accommodating, with a somewhat reserved and professional demeanor that we appreciated. Overall, service was consistent and pleasant throughout our stay.

Tipping;  Please tip. The staff work very long hours and rely heavily on tips to support their families. When staff members know you are a respectful and appreciative guest, they naturally go out of their way to help you. More importantly, tipping is simply the right thing to do when people are working so hard to make your vacation enjoyable.

Rooms:  Our room was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. It met our expectations for an all-inclusive resort and was a relaxing place to return to each evening.

Beach:  The beach is beautiful, with soft sand and clear, turquoise water. We especially enjoyed taking long walks along the shoreline each day.

Partying / Spring Break Crowd:  If we had not had access to the Elite Club pool and beach cabanas, our experience would have been very different. There were many large spring break groups, including high school seniors traveling with parents, as well as some very heavy-partying guests, particularly at the La Yola pool. The music was extremely loud and the pool area was crowded and chaotic. The family pool near the food court was also loud, crowded, and often cloudy. While some travelers may enjoy this high-energy atmosphere, it was not our preference, and we were very grateful to have the quieter Elite Club areas available.

Spa and Gym: I received a massage at the spa and really enjoyed the experience. The spa itself is well-designed and relaxing. My wife used the gym, which had solid equipment, though it was quite hot and could benefit from better air conditioning.

Conclusion:  Overall, we enjoyed our stay and would consider returning in the future—but only with the Elite Club upgrade, which made a significant difference in our experience.

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