You May Want To Avoid This All-Inclusive Resort In The Caribbean With Poor Reviews

From an exclusive couple's paradise in St. Lucia to private beach resorts on Mexico's Riviera Maya, every corner of the Caribbean boasts stunning examples of the best all-inclusive resorts and hotels. Sure, booking an all-inclusive resort may not be the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of the Caribbean. However, it is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a deeply relaxing, luxurious getaway, with plenty of sun, sand, and sea.

However, finding the perfect all-inclusive Caribbean vacation isn't just a matter of picking a resort at random and hoping for the best. While there are many exceptional options, there are also plenty that aren't so great. One example that gets some pretty dreadful reviews is the Riu Palace Bavaro, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. According to the ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor, and comments on social media sites like Reddit, Riu Palace Bavaro is an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean to avoid, with an array of complaints ranging from awkward experiences with staff to unclean rooms and terrible food.

The Riu Palace Bavaro is a hotel and resort located in front of the Arena Gorda beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was completely remodeled in 2024, with a full redecoration of all 994 rooms, a brand-new lobby design, improvements to the resort's restaurants and bars, and new equipment for the on-site gym. However, based on reviews from guests, there are still major issues that can't be ignored.

Riu Palace Bavaro gets a disappointing overall rating of 3.9 on TripAdvisor, and a much better rating of 4.4 on Google Reviews. The reviews themselves are a mixed bag, with a variety of complimentary comments, mixed in with enough concerning details that leave you with the impression that this place may not be worth the risk. On Google, Ashley P. described the hotel as the "worst resort I've ever been to. Very disgusting!" She complained specifically about the cleanliness of the rooms, the average food, and her poor treatment by the staff.

On TripAdvisor, Abigail D. said, "My experience at Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro did not live up to expectations. From the check-in, a constant smell of moisture is perceived in different areas of the hotel, which is unpleasant and gives a feeling of lack of maintenance. In terms of service, the attention of most employees is poor." Another review on TripAdvisor from muscleG praised the location and the natural beauty of the area, and even stated that the resort is "immaculately maintained", but that "the food is average at best" and "the alcohol is watered-down."

But perhaps the most concerning review, and the one that leaves you not knowing whether to laugh or cry, comes from 2-hoosier-2 on Reddit. They wrote, "I stayed at the RIU Palace Bávaro in Punta Cana a few weeks ago. The hotel had just been remodeled and was overall a great experience for how cheap it was. However, when I walked into my room after checking in, there was a housekeeper taking a crap on my toilet with the bathroom door wide open. Must have thought I wasn't showing up for a few more hours. Pretty awkward for both of us."

So, while some guests have had a fine time at Riu Palace Bavaro, those looking for a guaranteed luxury and service should consider other options.