This was my first time to the Bambu. I have stayed at the Mambo in Puerto Plata several times and found this hotel comparable to the Mambo and Merengue. Our flight had quite a bit of turbulence so wasn’t so pleasant. Skyservice seats on plane feel crowded…especially if people in front of you recline! Arrival in Punta Cana was quick and easy as was the shuttle to the resort. All went well. I had requested rooms side by side with my group of friends and everything worked out very well. There was only one request not correct and the check in guy sorted it out quickly…so off to a great start!
Rooms::
Rooms had two beds pushed together, which seems to be normal for RIU’s. Rooms were clean and mini bar stocked every second day. The beds are very hard/uncomfortable and pillows very thin (it was the same at the Mambo so I expected that). The bathtubs need to be renovated but otherwise all was fine.
Restaurants and Bars::
Very clean! Food was buffet with lots of selection for even picky, allergic people like me. The salads were great, always pizza, fish and chicken were good. The beef is usually not great in DR. In the bars, the drinks were plentiful. Bar and restaurant staff were great fun and very friendly. Keimi in the restaurant looked after us well as did the bar staff, Wilkins/Victor/Javier at the pool/beach bar. Always remembered what we liked to drink! We didn’t go to the a la cartes.
Beach/Pools/Grounds::
The beach was absolutely awesome and my favorite part of the trip. It was very clean and spacious. I noticed next door at the Bahia Principe, it was very crowded. We had lots of room. The ocean was rough by times but it was great fun. No rocks, shells or stones so didn’t need to wear my water socks. Water was warm too! The pool was beautiful and kept very clean. We went to the swim up bar several times. The grounds are very well maintained and beautiful.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel::
The entertainment staff were fun. They had activities every day posted on the board in the lobby so lots to do if you wanted. The evening entertainment wasn’t great. I found the Mambo entertainers more professional. We didn’t do any tours on this trip.
Other Comments::
There is a huge flea market down the beach, about a 30 minute walk. We walked through the RIU Taino, Naiboa, and both Palaces to check out their facilities. One of the pools at the Taino is badly run down and needs to be painted and cleaned. I liked the Naiboa rooms, pool. The Naiboa isn’t on the beach but it is a very short walk to the beach. Both Palace hotels are beautiful, especially the RIU Palace Punta Cana! Wow! We even walked through the Gran Bahia Principe next door and it was very nice but VERY big…too big. For the price we paid, $525 plus taxes, the Bambu was terrific. Free wireless internet in lobby too. Also found there were no mosquitos, which I found unusual. Front desk staff were friendly and helpful. Had a problem with my safe key and the guy came right over to my room to help. I would definitely go back to the Bambu again.
Was this review helpful? Yes Thank you for giving us your opinion.