My wife and I stayed at the Riu Merengue in the Dominican Republic for the first 2 weeks in September, and it was the best holiday that we have ever had!

From the minute that we arrived at the hotel reception until the coach turned up to take us back to the airport, we had nothing but positives to report.

The Hotel staff, reception, bar staff, waiters, maids, gardeners and of course the animation team, were all first class, and they all made you feel as if they were only there for you.

The food in all the restaurants was excellent, and the main buffet restaurant had many themed nights. The Mexican night was our favourite, and it was not just a couple of tacos and a tortilla, but a fantastic array of Mexican cuisine.

The entertainment (animation) team were brilliant, and they worked absolutely tirelessly. Most of the time the evening entertainment was based on audience participation, but they did put on a couple of 1st class shows throughout our fortnight - Africa show, Michael Jackson and Madonna etc. The Caribbean Street Party was our favourite night.

We thought that the beach parties/BBQ's that were held in the afternoons were great, with local dancers, musicians and beach games. It was very entertaining even if you just like watching.

Although there was always something going on around the beach/pool, you could always find a very quiet and secluded spot if you wished to just relax and read, or listen to your music.

We went snorkeling every day, and we saw a variety of exotic fish and coral, as well as organised SCUBA diving, which was amazing.

Of all the trips that we went on, the trips organised by the hotel vendors (not the tour operators) were the best, and the best value. We went horse riding 3 times, quad biking and we did a taxi tour etc. Every trip was organised for us by SCUBACARIBE, and each trip was a personal trip, just us and the guide, so we rode for hours along deserted beaches. It was paradise!

We always took sweets and crayons for the local kids that you meet when you are out, and they are always so grateful and accept your gifts with a big thank you and a smile, although they never ask or beg; they just wait to be offered.

Rooms are comfortable without being luxurious. Mini bars and optics are excellent. I read before I went that you get restocked every other day, but I found out that for a $1 tip, you can get extra beers etc. every day. It was excellent!!

We also left the maids a small tip most days, and in return we had lovely clean rooms and towel sculptures every day, which was a real nice touch.

We were so impressed that we have already booked to return again next August 28th, as I could not bear to go somewhere different and be disappointed. Can't wait!!

If I have forgotten something, please feel free to leave a comment with any questions.
Allister and Coral

Puerto Plata, Riu Merengue - We travelled as a couple and had a fantastic time would return. The three hotels the Bachata and the Mambo sit either side of the Merengue, you get to use all three as they are all connected by palm tree lined paths eat where you like i would recommend the Bachata for brekfast on the terrace overlooking the sea. The pool at the Bachata is by far superior, but there is no need to feel like you are intruding it really is free use of all facilitys of all three hotels. Personally if they were all the same price I would go to Bachata, Merengue followed by Mambo but if the deals good don't be put off. One of the best I've been to in the Carribean and only rivalled from experience by the Serenis Cocatel beach in the Dominican. This was my tenth time to the Island in 15 Years.

My husband and I stayed at Riu Merengue for 2 weeks; it was totally wonderful, until we had an earth quake, which was the most terrifying thing we have ever experienced. The staff were fantastic, and back to work as normal the next day, even though we were still having aftershocks. We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary there and paid the resort $100 (£50) and they arranged a table on the beach for us to have a Champagne & lobster dinner. It was so fabulous, we had our own private waiter, they decorated the beach hut with the most beautiful floral arrangements which were ours to keep, we had 2 lobsters each and a starter and desert. We felt like the king and queen. The staff here are amazing and so are the people of the country, and despite the earthquake, this place is gave us one of the best holidays we have ever had.