We booked with Sunquest, we arrived late at night, everything went pretty smooth from the airport to the RIU Macao. Just find the right bus and you are at your resort in about 20 min.
Your Arrival:
Check in was quick, they just put bracelets on and we had a bit of trouble locating our room but eventually found it.
Rooms: Our room was nice. 2 double beds, you could easily push them together. Balcony had 2 rocking chairs and small table and dry rack to dry your clothe.
You must keep the patio door closed for a/c to work, that was indicated. Bathroom had tub and shower. Always had hot water. TV has many channels, lots in Spanish. Not there to watch tv. Didn’t have a remote when we got there asked the front desk twice. The second time we made them laugh, we asked very politely and we were very friendly, they called to have someone bring a remote right away. If you dont want to be disturbed when you are in your room, put the "don’t disturb" sign on door as they always seem to be coming in your room to stock up towels, stock fridge ect. Beds were a little hard. Overall our room was confortable, always clean, always had towels, pop, beer in fridge.
Restaurants and Bars:
There’s lots to eat at the buffet. None of us got sick or had diarrhea and my husband tried everything, from seafood to sushi. I stuck with fruits, salads, pasta and bread. Never went hungry. We did reservation at the Japanese, the steak house and the Krystal with no problem. My husband enjoyed the "a la carte" but I rather eat at the buffet, more selection. I didn’t like having to choose a seating for the supper buffet, we took the second seating (8:30pm) found that a little late some nights to eat. During the day, found it a little awkward for lunch as you could not go in the restaurant in bathing suit, or barefoot. We ended up eating at the Bambu or Taino lots of times for lunch.
Beach/Pools/Grounds:
I liked the pool, quiet, older crowd. If you want rowdiness, just go to the pool at the taino or bambu if you want more games and kids and noise. Never had problem getting our towels or chairs at the pool side or the beach, anytime of day. They are always serving drinks, you don’t even have to move from your chair if you dont want too. The beach is beautiful, blue water, white sand. Ocean water was warm. Lots of trees for shade or on beach if you want full sun. The dominican people work very hard, always ready to serve you.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel:
Did not do any off site activities this time. This is our second time to DR. First time was in Puerto Plata at the Riu Bachate (nice resort). Punta Cana is very much nicer beach and all. Didn’t take part in any activities on the resort but they did have lawn bowls, archery, aerobics, dance, volley ball. We just wanted to relax and play in the ocean. It’s a quiet resort with mostly older crown, we are in our forties with a 10 yrs old but that’s what we liked.
Other Comments:
I would stay at the Macao again. Went to visit the Taino and Bamboo. Don’t think I would stay at the Taino, just looked like a rougher crowd. Would consider the Bambu depending on the price. Visited the New Riu Palace, very very posh, not for us unless we had lot’s of money and didn’t care to spend it. These resort all have the same beautiful beach and that’s why we were going there. As long as the rooms are clean and the food is good nothing else really matters.