Punta Cana, DO

Hotel Riu Palace Punta Cana - All Inclusive

Playa de Arena Gorda

4 stars · Guest score 8.4/10

About this hotel

Luxurious Spa and Recreational Amenities Indulge in massages and facials at the full-service spa, swim in 3 outdoor pools, and enjoy the nightclub and complimentary water park. All-Inclusive Services and Dining Rates cover meals and drinks at 6 restaurants, with options for 24-hour room service and poolside bars. Awake to a daily buffet breakfast and relax at 4 bars/lounges. Convenient Features and Nearby Attractions Offering express check-in/out, dry cleaning, and free parking, this property also boasts proximity to Splash Water Park and Arena Gorda Beach. To experience luxury and relaxation, book your stay at RIU Palace Punta Cana - All Inclusive now.

Highlights

Nearby Attractions

Located close to Splash Water Park and Arena Gorda Beach, offering easy access to local entertainment and scenic beaches.

Guest Comfort

Enjoy luxurious spa treatments, 24-hour room service, and express check-in/out for a seamless stay.

Dining & Amenities

Savor meals at 6 restaurants, relax at 4 bars, and unwind in 3 outdoor pools and a water park.

Facilities

  • Billiards or pool table
  • Wheelchair accessible parking
  • Free self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
All 67 facilities
  • Elevator
  • Fitness facilities
  • Supervised childcare/activities
  • ATM/banking
  • Gift shops or newsstand
  • Shopping on site
  • Golfing nearby
  • Television in common areas
  • Arcade/game room
  • Free breakfast
  • Nightclub
  • Multilingual staff
  • Free use of nearby fitness center
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Express check-out
  • Full-service spa
  • Wedding services
  • Express check-in
  • Children's club
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Tours/ticket assistance
  • Waterslide
  • Parasailing on site
  • Scuba diving on site
  • Surfing/bodyboarding on site
  • Free water park access
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach volleyball on site
  • Free buffet breakfast
  • Housekeeping on request
  • Reception hall
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • LED light bulbs
  • Recycling
  • Grey water recycling system
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa
  • Wheelchair-accessible on-site restaurant
  • Change of towels (on request)
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Humane animal treatment
  • Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
  • Showcase for local artists
  • Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
  • Energy-saving switches
  • All property's electricity comes from renewable sources
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Vegan menu options available
  • Vegetarian menu options available
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Bulk dispenser for toiletries
  • No single-use plastic stirrers
  • No single-use plastic straws
  • Water-efficient showers only
  • Free WiFi
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Garden
  • Luggage storage
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • Sauna
  • Designated smoking area
  • Wheelchair accessible

Check-in & checkout

Check-in
03:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM

The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation

Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 21 years old

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email with check-in instructions. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. This property does not permit name changes on reservations. The name on the booking must match the name of the guest who is checking in and staying at the property; photo ID is required. When a room reservation includes a round-trip airport transfer at no charge, it's essential to respond to the supplier's message to arrange the shuttle service.

House rules

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

No rollaway/extra beds available

Sustainability Certifications

Travelife

General

Professional property host/manager

Children and extra beds

No cribs (infant beds) available

Rooms & rates

Choose dates from search to see available rooms.

Guest sentiment

  • Cleanliness7.0

    Room cleanliness issues were noted, including rust and cockroaches.

  • Service9.5

    Buffet staff polite and willing to accommodate; overall attentive service.

  • Location9.3

    Beautiful resort on the ocean with wonderful beachfront.

  • Room Quality7.0

    Issues with amenities in the room, such as rusty fixtures.

  • Amenities8.5

    Resort includes pools and easy access to a water park.

  • Value for Money9.0

    Considered reasonable value in comparison to amenities offered.

  • Food and Beverage9.0

    Good food options at evening restaurants and various buffets available.

  • Overall Experience8.0

    Mixed feelings about future visits, especially due to cleanliness concerns.

Guest reviews

Great vacation. Food was good. Staff were pleasant. Loungers were usually available any time of day. No problem getting shade. Great spot to travel with kids...they loved the Waterpark slides.

Great vacation. Food was good. Staff were pleasant. Loungers were usually available any time of day. No problem getting shade. Great spot to travel with kids...they loved the Waterpark slides.

DawnandBarry · 8/10

We recently returned from our stay in Punta Cana and overall had a good vacation, but there were some notable concerns worth mentioning. On both Day 1 and Day 7, the fire alarm went off around 4:00 AM and continued for over 30 minutes. These appeared to be false alarms and were very disruptive, especially for our family. Unfortunately, there was no communication or reassurance from staff during or after these incidents, which made the situation more stressful than it needed to be. We also experienced an issue when our six-year-old wasn’t feeling well. We were told fresh bedding would be provided in the evening, but it never arrived. This lack of follow-through was disappointing, particularly given the circumstances. We also experienced some frustration with the back-and-forth between RIU Vacations and RIU Hotels when trying to get assistance prior to and during our stay. It was unclear who was responsible for helping us, which made resolving issues more difficult than expected. Clearer communication and coordination between the two would greatly improve the guest experience. That said, there were definitely highlights. The food overall was good, and Chef Wilson deserves special recognition as a fantastic morning chef—he truly stood out. The Spanish restaurant was excellent and one of the best dining experiences of our stay. The beach was absolutely beautiful, and swimming in the ocean was a highlight of the trip. The main pool area was enjoyable as well, although it seemed understaffed at times, and there were often not enough towels available for guests. The buffet offered good food but felt a bit small for the number of people, and the atmosphere among staff seemed low. Additionally, communication at the front desk was sometimes challenging, and we didn’t always feel a strong sense of attentiveness or care. Despite these issues, we still had a great stay and made some wonderful memories. With a few improvements in communication, staffing, and guest services, this resort could truly elevate the overall experience. Given the disruptions and service concerns we experienced, I would appreciate consideration for additional points or compensation applied to our stay.

We recently returned from our stay in Punta Cana and overall had a good vacation, but there were some notable concerns worth mentioning. On both Day 1 and Day 7, the fire alarm went off around 4:00 AM and continued for over 30 minutes. These appeared to be false alarms and were very disruptive, especially for our family. Unfortunately, there was no communication or reassurance from staff during or after these incidents, which made the situation more stressful than it needed to be. We also experienced an issue when our six-year-old wasn’t feeling well. We were told fresh bedding would be provided in the evening, but it never arrived. This lack of follow-through was disappointing, particularly given the circumstances. We also experienced some frustration with the back-and-forth between RIU Vacations and RIU Hotels when trying to get assistance prior to and during our stay. It was unclear who was responsible for helping us, which made resolving issues more difficult than expected. Clearer communication and coordination between the two would greatly improve the guest experience. That said, there were definitely highlights. The food overall was good, and Chef Wilson deserves special recognition as a fantastic morning chef—he truly stood out. The Spanish restaurant was excellent and one of the best dining experiences of our stay. The beach was absolutely beautiful, and swimming in the ocean was a highlight of the trip. The main pool area was enjoyable as well, although it seemed understaffed at times, and there were often not enough towels available for guests. The buffet offered good food but felt a bit small for the number of people, and the atmosphere among staff seemed low. Additionally, communication at the front desk was sometimes challenging, and we didn’t always feel a strong sense of attentiveness or care. Despite these issues, we still had a great stay and made some wonderful memories. With a few improvements in communication, staffing, and guest services, this resort could truly elevate the overall experience. Given the disruptions and service concerns we experienced, I would appreciate consideration for additional points or compensation applied to our stay.

Passenger142568 · 8/10

This is our 3rd time staying at this RIU and we recommend it. While it’s a bit dated, the service is impeccable and it is a beautiful open aired resort where there always a breeze. The “family” pool is very large with lots of shaded (if you prefer) seating and the other “party” pool separate along side an additional volleyball pool. The beach is stunning and the ocean lots of fun to swim in. The waiters make sure you are well taken care of and there is ample food available all day. The buffet is good with many selections and the waiters outstanding! Our room was comfortable and always kept clean. The kid’s program is good as is the entertainment. All in all, it’s a nice place to stay for the price.

This is our 3rd time staying at this RIU and we recommend it. While it’s a bit dated, the service is impeccable and it is a beautiful open aired resort where there always a breeze. The “family” pool is very large with lots of shaded (if you prefer) seating and the other “party” pool separate along side an additional volleyball pool. The beach is stunning and the ocean lots of fun to swim in. The waiters make sure you are well taken care of and there is ample food available all day. The buffet is good with many selections and the waiters outstanding! Our room was comfortable and always kept clean. The kid’s program is good as is the entertainment. All in all, it’s a nice place to stay for the price.

238elizabethv · 10/10

Rooms 1 out of 5: - mattress and pillow were were extremely uncomfortable, old furniture with stains (stains could have been easily wiped off, but nobody cared to do that i guess), door handles not fitted for doors and see through holes due to poor fitting, 2 steps separating the room are fall hazard with a potential for a serious bodily injury, thermostat with a mind of its own and unable to adjust, most outlets not able to use to charge phone. Had a fire alarm wake everybody up at 4am. It turned out to be a false alarm, however, no one came out to update guests. No communication system was implemented in case of a fire alarm which shows that the resort has no plans to procedures in place in case of an emergency, which brings my confidence of safety at the resort to 0/5. Food: 3+/5 Would be nice to see some hot peppers option among many grilled vegetables options. Drinks quality at bars: 2/5 Service: 5/5 at buffet if you tip them. Beach 5/5 No enforcement of quite time after 11pm. Water park: dirty stairway and water

Rooms 1 out of 5: - mattress and pillow were were extremely uncomfortable, old furniture with stains (stains could have been easily wiped off, but nobody cared to do that i guess), door handles not fitted for doors and see through holes due to poor fitting, 2 steps separating the room are fall hazard with a potential for a serious bodily injury, thermostat with a mind of its own and unable to adjust, most outlets not able to use to charge phone. Had a fire alarm wake everybody up at 4am. It turned out to be a false alarm, however, no one came out to update guests. No communication system was implemented in case of a fire alarm which shows that the resort has no plans to procedures in place in case of an emergency, which brings my confidence of safety at the resort to 0/5. Food: 3+/5 Would be nice to see some hot peppers option among many grilled vegetables options. Drinks quality at bars: 2/5 Service: 5/5 at buffet if you tip them. Beach 5/5 No enforcement of quite time after 11pm. Water park: dirty stairway and water

Victim_of_eDreams · 6/10

Excellent holiday, make sure you take plenty of tip money as that will give you outstanding service! :) Perfect location excellent hotel

Excellent holiday, make sure you take plenty of tip money as that will give you outstanding service! :) Perfect location excellent hotel

sunflower2026 · 10/10

Great vacation spot with or without the family. Staff was great, food staff was excellent. Couples massage was awesome. I just wish their description noted that there was champagne for after and to bring a suit to enjoy the spa.

Great vacation spot with or without the family. Staff was great, food staff was excellent. Couples massage was awesome. I just wish their description noted that there was champagne for after and to bring a suit to enjoy the spa.

433kerryt · 10/10

The hotel grounds were very nice! The rooms were dated and musty smelling. Pools were amazing, beach was great! Amazing amenities, food was good, staff was very friendly!

The hotel grounds were very nice! The rooms were dated and musty smelling. Pools were amazing, beach was great! Amazing amenities, food was good, staff was very friendly!

jordanmU311ZO · 6/10

We had an excellent stay. The staff are top notch. Super friendly. Incredibly helpful. They make you feel like they actually care. The restaurants are good. The buffet is has many options so everyone should be able to find things they like. Beach is beautiful and there are always chairs available. Swim up pool was super fun and the bartenders and waiters were funny.

We had an excellent stay. The staff are top notch. Super friendly. Incredibly helpful. They make you feel like they actually care. The restaurants are good. The buffet is has many options so everyone should be able to find things they like. Beach is beautiful and there are always chairs available. Swim up pool was super fun and the bartenders and waiters were funny.

Nutter2026 · 10/10