Check in is very quick and well organized, we were in our rooms before we knew it! This resort has definitely figured out how to register a bus load of tired travelers efficiently. We were travelling with our three kids and found our rooms were separated by about five rooms, although on the same floor. We immediately went to the front desk to ask for adjoining rooms. No problem they said, we were offered two more rooms side by side. Best front desk experience we have encountered. We enjoyed the pool areas, it was always possible to find a lounge chair and there is a bar nearby as well as roving waitresses and a hilarious "drinky drinky" waiter on a bike who roamed the pool ready to serve. The waiters at the buffet are good, our favorite was Emilio, what a nice man! And very efficient. We ate all our meals outside on the veranda overlooking the ocean, beautiful! It is nice to walk along the path to the "sister" hotels and we often used the bars at the Merengue at night. The bartenders were great, especially Speedy Gonzales and Sexy Boy.

The only negatives were the beach, which was very shaded with many trees and always windy (which in all fairness is the area, not the fault of the resort) there is also a very strong riptide so we were not able to swim and snorkel in the ocean, which is a definite negative for us.

Also do not bother waking up at 7 o'clock to book either of the a la carte restaurants, they are NOT worth it! Stay with the buffet, there is something for everyone.

Bottom line, we enjoyed our stay and found it worth the price we paid.

Four of us travelled to the Riu Bachata. We needed a "cheap" vacation and had been to the Dominican before (Punta Cana). Albeit Puerto Plata isn't as nice in terms of beaches, scenery, etc. than Punta Cana but the Riu Bachata made up for everything the area might have lacked!! It was the best value for the money we have ever had & we doubt we'll ever get that value again in any other resort out there. If you're looking to get away without breaking the bank, you won't be disappointed at the Riu Bachata!!

myself and my husband had our honeymoon here for 2 weeks in the sun. Some of the reviews did put us off and we were reluctant but with the cost of the wedding it was a relatively cheap get away at £750 each for 2weeks all inclusive.

The first thing that struck me was the grand reception, it was lovely. Our bedroom was right by the outside bar and when we arrived there was afruit plate and floers on the bed, with a card saying congratulations on our marriage.
The dinner hall was very rand and the food was plentifull but repetittive, but i do think you should expect that if your staying for two weeks as the menu probably is repeated weekly. The cocktails were awesome, and were available from 12noon to late

We however enjoyed it, we went to their al la carte italian restaurant which was ok, to be honest i prefered the food in the main buffet dining hall as it had more selection.

The tv selection was really good there was alot of american television shows which had me hooked.
the rooms were cleaned daily and the all of the staff were friendly except i did notice the bell boys who bring your suit cases to your room hanging around waiting for a tip, when my husband gave him some money he wasnt impressed and slammed our bedroom door.

I personally think if you pay for a long haul all inc you shouldnt have to tip as it should all be included in the price.
we went to the wlcome meeting and signed up for the island safari, and catamarang cruise both were well worth the money and would definately do them again

The staff go all out for New Years Eve. The party was awesome and definitely family friendly!! My kids fell asleep around ten on the couches in the lobby and the staff were very good about keeping an eye out with us on them.
Wow, we were very impressed with the Riu Bachata. The customer service is really good. Checkin was a breeze and the room was great. Our room staff (Ramona) did a great job at catering to our families needs and the wait staff in the restaurant (Ramone) could not have been better. The food was really good and had a great variety for all meals. The entertainment staff for both the adults and the kids were great. My kids loved the Riuland (Olivia) and went everyday we were there. The pool was clean and enjoyable. My kids spent the mornings in it.
The country is lovely and the people are just as good. Everyone we met staff wise were amazing and we can not wait to go back. Saving to return for New Years 2014!!! Will not come soon enough!!!