My daughter (29) and I stayed at the Bachata from June 7th-15th, and had a wonderful time. This was my second stay there, and was not disappointed .

We had requested Bldg 8 poolview, and got exactly what we asked for. Reception was very accomodating with all our requests. Our maid was great, and we always left a tip and a few gifts for her each day, which I know was appreciated greatly. The mini bar was stocked with the pepsi we had asked for, and plenty of water.

Grounds are beautiful, with the gardners working hard every day to keep it that way. Pools were always clean, and the only time it was a challenge to find a lounge chair was on the weekends.

Animation staff were all very good, and the audience participation shows were the best in my opinion. They had music every night before the show and after the show with dancing. Carribbean Street party was fun, with the 3 resorts joining in the party. It does get very hot with all the people, and they have several bars set up along the street with beer, soda, and mixed drinks.

We ate at the Italian and Steakhouse, and would not recommend the Italian. The Steak house was alot better, but if it is booked, you are not missing much. After the Italian, (and we did not eat the food), we went to the buffet. You could always find something to eat there. Can't go wrong with chicken and pasta! The pork was always very good too. They do have lots to choose from, but find that they cater to the European clientel in that area.

They do have alot of shops on Carribbean Street, and they will barter on the prices. We got a few things there, and we also went to the shacks on the beach. We did both sides, the secluded beach by the Bachata, and just past the Mambo. Prices at both are comparable. Just be prepared for the "Cheaper than Free" speech.

The disco was always packed with a mix of music for everyone. Another place where the only time you could not find a seat was on the weekends.(If you get there by 11:30-12 no problem for a seat)

We are already planning our return trip, hopefully in January. If you go with the thought that this is not 5 star resort that we are used to, but is a 5 star in the Dominican, you will not be disappointed and will have lots of good memories.

My boyfriend and I stayed for a week and had a lovely time. Very clean and tidy resort, friendly staff, and a gorgeous beach. We went on the Outback Safari - and had a great time! I highly reccommend this excursion. You can book online before you go, or right there in the hotel. Definitely worth the money.
The only complaint we had was the food. It got very boring to go to lunch/dinner and see the exact same thing as the previous night. It was not horrible, but it was not great either. Plus, on the last day of our vacation we both got food poisoning. We were home 4 days before we ended up going to the clinic to see why we weren't getting any better. We had picked up a bacteria from unsanitary food/ice - most likely from raw veggie, salad, or ice - and we had to be put on antibiotics to get rid of it. So, my advice is to stay away from the above items - being sick was NOT worth it!

I stayed at the Riu Bachata from May 28th to June 3rd. The experience was wonderful. Originally, I just booked the hotel because it had decent reviews on Expedia and wasn't too pricey. But I definitely got my money's worth. The staff were very friendly and the property was very clean. The food was just ok and unfortunately they did serve the same stuff everyday in the main restaurant. We didn't do any of the a la carte restaurants either. If you are picky, like me, then i suggest bringing lots of snacks. The hotel, and the other 2 Riu hotels on the same property, have plenty of activities to do each day and you don't really have to venture out of the resort to keep busy. We ventured out some, and enjoyed that experience as well. The hotel is in a fairly safe part of town, not a lot of hustle and bustle as its not directly in the "downtown" area. Also, there are plenty of taxis and tour guides available at the hotel to take you on sightseeing excursions if you are interested.

Overall, I loved the hotel, the beach, the activities and all that came with it. I definitely will be back at the Bachata and I definitely have confidence in the Riu brand to stay at any of their resorts in any city.

Just arrived home today and felt the need to add a review before I forgot the most fantastic holiday I have ever had. I went with my Mum, my sister and young neice, at no time did I miss home which is what usually happens when away, I felt tearful leaving!!

The beach is to die for.....the shelter from the trees is perfect for that golden tan we all look for, you can also pull your longer out to get more sun if you need it. It is ideal water for children (Sea shoes are a must) we could sit on the longer just feet away from my neice playing happily for hours.

I can not comment on the swimming poool as I never used it as on the beach there is always a lovley sea breeze to keep you feeling cooler. The rooms were clean and well cleaned every day.

The horse riding that you can book on the beach in the nearby village is a must, to gallop through waves down a stretch of sand is great. We rode three times and Roberto the owners son agreed to take us out for 4 hours in the mountain villages and acrooss remote beaches, we are all good riders and galloped everywhere - fantastic!

We actually booked the Domincan Discovery Monster Truch Trip which was available through Thomas Cook at the Mirenge Hotel, it was excellent, went to a cigar factory, a coffee house, calving factory, school and did an hours horse riding as well as going to a small private beach, a fantastic day out. Taking some writing materials or the smellies out of your room are a must as you will meet a family and visit their house. Children that go to school in Dominca do because their families can afford the uniform and materials, so many families in very poor areas go without so their children can attend, taking materials to the school is an excellent way of supporting the children and their families.

Food, was excellent breakfast was great everyday something for everyone. Wearing mosquito spray in the evenings and a little early morning is avisable.
Lunch is whenever you want it, I rarley ate that much but the quality of food is great.
The evening meals are great and it makes pleasent eating when you have found youself a table you like, as you waiter will remain the same. I can recommend Dilone, he is wonderful and although every night i felt a little drunk as i had been given white wine on tap! He is fantastic and my family and I will miss him lots! I do not know of anyone ill whilst we were there, many precauctions are taken as mentioned in other reviews. It is tempting however to have lots of fruit for breakfast and fruit juices be aware this will have an effect on you! Coconut is also a cause for the runs!

If you have an overcast day can I recommend you arrange with a taxi at reception to get a good deal to visit Puerto Plata, as seeing real Domincan life is a must and if nothing else the transport and roads are such an eye opener.

The entertainment meets most needs during the course of the two weeks, but if something does not take you fancy there are two other hotels for you to visit that your inclusive wrist band will cover, they may have sometthing more suitable.

Overall a great experience, I will be going back and cancelling skiing in Italy/Austria this year to do it!

Any questions: baronchester@tiscali.co.uk