Hotel review for Hotel RIU Merengue

We stayed from 5th - 20th August with my children aged 12 and 9.
Flight
Premium seats and wouldn't bother upgrading again. We were very disappointed with the service - we were asked to change our meal request on both journeys and they ran out of beer on the outward journey. They were efficient, but not particularly friendly. We had friends who flew Economy and they were quite happy. You can upgrade the interactive entertainment for games, film etc., for £5 but they said there was enough choice so didn't bother. The only positive aspect was being able to check-in quicker . Our baggage came through with everyone else's - no priority baggage, although we did notice some cases had this.
Transfer
Very quick. No other drop-offs apart from the Riu hotels. Check-in was quick and efficient and we were settled in no time flat.
Room
We were all in one room which was very spacious and kept thoroughly clean by the maids. We had 2 double beds and a camp bed in the room and still had plenty of room to move about.
Food & Drink
We thought the buffet food was very good - a lot of choice. We ate in the steak restaurant once, but didn't think it was anything special. We were always served with a smile and very quickly by all staff at the bars.
Entertainment
The Animacion staff work very hard and the kids had a great time with them, particularly during the day. I personally thought the evening shows were poor, but they tried hard. Kids enjoyed it though.
Trips
We only did Ocean World as there is plenty to do around the hotels. Hubby and daughter did the dolphin swim and I did the sealion encounter with my son. Both well worth doing. We stayed @ the Iberostar last year and we all did the dolphin encounter which was also very memorable.
Pool
We mainly used the Merengue as the children had made their friends there. The Bachata pool is bigger and has the swim-up bar, but seemed more lively. The pool staff work very hard and they were always cleaning, especially when the rain came just before Hurricane Dean passed close by.
Summary
All in all, a fantastic holiday

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Category Average rating * Details

• General hotel area 6.0
  • Condition of the hotel 6
  • General cleanliness of the different areas 6
  • Family friendliness 6
  • Dissability friendliness 6
• Location and surroundings 4.8
  • Shopping possibilities in the surrounding area 3
  • Availability of public transport & opportunity for excursion 6
  • Restaurants & Bars in the surrounding area 3
  • Other recreational possibilities 6
  • Distance to the beach 6
  • Distance to ski lift -
• Service 6.0
  • Service (i.e. friendliness, helpfulness, etc.) 6
  • Personell's competence & knowledge of foreign languages 6
  • Check-In procedure 6
  • Dealing with complaints 6
• Gastronomy 6.0
  • Variety of food & drink 6
  • Taste/quality of food & drinks 6
  • Atmosphere and interior design of hotel, restaurant & bar 6
  • Cleanliness in the restaurant and at the table 6
• Sport, recreation and pool 6.0
  • Recreational offer (i.e. Sauna, Tennis, Animation, etc.) 6
  • Quality of the beach 6
  • Condition and quality of the pool area 6
  • Child/Day care and/or playgrounds 6
• Room 6.0
  • Cleanliness of rooms (cleaning, change of sheets,...) 6
  • Size of the rooms 6
  • Furnishing (TV, balcony, safe, etc.) 6
  • Bathroom, shower, toilet (size, condition, cleanliness, etc.) 6

Hotel review marks: 6 suns = very good … 1 sun = unsatisfactory

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