Riu Merengue - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2725 reviews

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  What a DEAL for the price!

  I think we’ve been at Playabachata resort 15 or 16 times. It’s like family there. It’s not a 5 star (yet), but the return you get for your dollar is fantastic. The staff are friendly and helpful everywhere from the front desk, the dining room, the pool patio, bartenders and even grounds workers. It’s like everyone there is trying their best to build your memories. The food is really good. Freddy’s kitchen staff and waitress/ waiters give the best in selection, taste and service. They have specialty dinner offerings throughout the week that are out of this world in flavor. Mmmm, try the pulled pork on Saturdays. The grounds and trees look like a well groomed plantation and the beaches are clean, cigarette butt and garbage free and raked daily. Action around the poolside is always hopping. Frolito and all his entertainment staff will have you dancing by the pool to merengue, salsa and bachata plus activity games throughout the day. Let’s not forget the nightly stage entertainment. Every night a different theme, a different show on stage. Even a Micheal Jackson show. There’s Wednesday lunches with huge barbecues and activities on the beach plus a massive beach party on Sunday evenings. So much to do, see and participate in. Overall, if you want to go south for warm tropical breezes at a fraction of the price compared to many other places and resorts… this is the place. One last thing I would like to mention. I’ve read the reviews like most of you probably have. Over our years of being there and being in many different rooms, we have always had hot water. We have never had brown water. We’ve never had bugs. We’ve never had rude staff. We have never had upset stomach or food poisoning. Some reviews people write are not trustworthy. We have booked again to go back this January and February. It’s so enjoyable and relaxing. Hope to see you there. Bobby and Michelle … Canada

  Aug 26, 2026
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  We might return if there are fewer local guests

  We just returned from our stay at the resort (Aug 2–16) as a family of two adults and two children. Here's our feedback: **Rooms** The rooms are very dated, but the cleaning staff do a great job — clean towels daily, and our fridge was restocked every day with bottled water, Sprite, and Coke. **Food** The food was decent overall — nothing special, but solid, and importantly no one got sick. The buffet does get chaotic: some guests would jump the line and touch food with their hands, which we had to address a few times. To avoid the worst of it, we went right when the buffet opened (7am breakfast, 1pm lunch, 6:30pm dinner). Weekends were busiest, so we booked restaurant reservations for Friday and Saturday instead. **Crowds** The resort is much busier with local guests from Friday to Sunday — large, loud groups. It's noticeably quieter Monday through Thursday. **Pool vs. Beach** The pool was crowded, noisy, and not very clean, so we avoided it and spent our time at the beach instead. It seems most locals prefer the pool (likely for the bar access), leaving the beach much quieter. **Beach** Since half the resort is closed, half the beach is empty too. The right side was peaceful, with plenty of lounge chairs and shade — no need to "reserve" chairs early like at other resorts. One tip: bring water shoes, as there are some rocks in the water. **Water Sports** Free options included canoe, kayak, windsurfing, and paddle boat. We took a private windsurfing lesson (great instruction from Luis) and were then able to use the equipment freely afterward. Paid options included the banana boat, the "hat," and jet skis — we tried the jet ski and the hat, and the kids loved both. **Staff** Service staff tend to talk loudly to each other and aren't always attentive to guests. A bit more attentiveness (and a quieter tone) would go a long way — both for guest experience and likely for their tips too. **Overall** It was a decent vacation - considering the price we paid. We'd consider returning for the windsurfing and beach, ideally during the winter months when there are fewer local crowds. A better option might be the Senator Hotel next door. Thanks, [Your name]

  Aug 23, 2026
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  Nice Beach with very good food 👍👍👍

  Extra nice service cleaning and maintenance for resort was EXTRA Very nice beach close to pool and room with lots of natural shade … shallow water perfect for families with kids Food was excellent bar was close to the beach massage on the beach was reasonably priced….you can use pool and ice cream caffe shop and enjoy entertainment and beach from Senator Hotel Very nice hotel

  Aug 12, 2026
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  Awful

  Awful service. Awful check in. Awful food, got food poisoning ended in the hospital. Awful old rooms

  Aug 08, 2026
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  Vacay experience.

  Good resort,nice food😋,amazing staffs in Delhi club,thanks you Fresita,Sky and kitty..but the only thing,no Wifi in the room.they need to improve that.Good in general.

  Aug 08, 2026