Good
Based on 7k reviews
Exceptional Service & Staff
Guests consistently rave about the friendly, attentive, and outstanding service provided by the resort staff, a key factor in overall satisfaction.
Delicious & Diverse Dining
The resort receives high praise for its wide variety of food options, from extensive buffets to high-quality specialty restaurants like the Steakhouse and Japanese cuisine.
Stunning Renovation & Cleanliness
The recent 2023 renovation has transformed the facilities into beautiful, modern spaces, meticulously maintained and praised for their high standards of cleanliness.
Vibrant Entertainment
The lively entertainment, including Riu Party events, live music, and professional shows, creates an energetic atmosphere enjoyed by many guests.
Prime Beachfront Location
The direct access to the picturesque Arena Gorda Beach, with its white sands and turquoise waters, is a consistently lauded feature.
Pool Lounger Comfort
Some guests have noted that certain pool loungers are low and could be more comfortable, suggesting a need for more varied seating options.
Variable Evening Entertainment
While generally enjoyed, the quality of evening entertainment can be inconsistent, occasionally falling short of some guests' expectations.
Potential for Noise
The lively nature of the resort and proximity to entertainment areas or neighboring rooms can sometimes lead to noise, which might affect light sleepers.
Elite Club Misunderstandings
A few guests reported minor issues or misunderstandings regarding the booking or specific benefits of the Elite Club service.
Aggregate score derived from public review platforms. Category scores reflect our editorial assessment based on analysis of guest reviews. ResortFlock is not affiliated with or endorsed by any review platform.
Travelife Sustainability System
GOLD certification
Travelife
The 2023 rebuild of Riu Palace Macao is the key fact for anyone comparing it to other Punta Cana properties. This isn't a refresh — the resort closed and reopened with entirely new rooms, restaurants, and public areas. What you're buying is essentially a brand-new property on one of Punta Cana's better beach stretches, Arena Gorda, at RIU's all-inclusive price point. Competitors that haven't renovated since the 2010s can't match the condition of the physical plant here.
This works for couples and adult friend groups who want a high-energy, amenity-rich resort without children underfoot. The Splash Water World park access (shared with the broader RIU resort complex) gives it something no purely serene adults-only property can offer — a place to actually do something active rather than just lounge. The Pacha discotheque and Copacabana amphitheater are included. If you want quiet seclusion, this isn't the property — it's built for people who want to be entertained.
The drawback is a structural one: Arena Gorda is about 25–30 km from Punta Cana airport, and the transfer runs 20–30 minutes. Not a deal-breaker, but longer than some competitors. More significant: with six restaurants and a large room count (476), peak-season dinner queues at the specialty restaurants can back up noticeably despite the reservation system. The Elite Club tier unlocks a private lounge, dedicated beach, and exclusive restaurant — worth evaluating seriously if you're planning a longer stay.
Practically: 476 rooms on 24-hour all-inclusive. Six restaurants including fusion, Japanese, Italian, steakhouse, and Elite Club exclusive. Three pools; one with swim-up bar. The Renova Spa is the largest in the RIU chain — 9 treatment booths, two water areas, ice room, beach gazebos for open-air massage. Gym, steam bath, volleyball. RIU exchange privileges grant access to neighboring properties within the complex.
