We just got back from the resort and had a wonderful time! My experience was almost exactly as the last review. Food was so-so but plentiful, drinks were great and easily accessible and the grounds were kept amazingly beautiful. The staff was helpful, but definately hard to find. They need much more front staff help. It was always packed and slow. The other problem was their was no air conditioning in the room and no iron! We did not know we could rent one. But on the plus side it was really a great resort for the price! We would definately go back and had a great time while we were there. Would highly recomend if you have kids and are going for an extended weekend visit!

My sister and I stayed at the Riu Bachata from June 11-15. It was our first time in the Dominican and I must say that we will definitely go back. The resort was beautiful and the people were quite nice. There are a few things that I did not like. One being that the food was the same old same old thing every day in the main dining area. No variety and not seasoned at all just plain old bland. Because the patio doors were always open, you had to constantly swat at flies, that was annoying. The a la carte restaurants were not that great. I would suggest that thay do something to spice up their menu. The second thing was that the mini bar (refrigerator )in your room was to be stocked every two days, mine was stocked only once and the was with a gallon of water. The beds were poorly made and you had to put a deposit down to get an iron and no ironing board, which at most resorts I've stayed in they are already in the room. Please bring a converter, becuase you will not won't be able to charge your digital camera or Ipod if you have one. Learned that the hard way. Other than that, I did have a nice time, plenty of things to do and lots of great sites.

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!