Hello Sue,
We stayed in the Riu Merengue, we were studying which hotel to stay in.
Actually there are 3 hotels together, Merengue,Mambo & Bachata.
You can use all 3 hotels for a drink,also when we were there you could have
snacks in all 3.
The Bachata is near the headland, & on the headland they a place where people
get married belonging to the hotel.
There is a casino in the Bachata,which you can use from any hotel,still get your
drinks free.
One bad thing about this area,it is bad for reception for the mobile phone,many
people used to stand on the headland trying to get a signal.
Personally we enjoyed the Riu Hotels in Punta Cana,especially the Riu Bambu,
we really enjoyed it there.

Thank you so much for your reply, we will certainly consider the Riu Bambu as well

Hello again Sue,
If we were going back, it would be the Bambu,where bachata / Merenague /
Mambo is not to our liking,after being in Punta Cana.
To enjoy a holiday I would say stop in any hotel of your choice in Punta Cana,
& forget bachata etc.

I know I'm going back a few years now but we stayed at the Merengue. We did lots of research on the Merengue before booking and were pleased with what we were reading. On check-in, we were offered a free upgrade to the Bachata (it was a bit pricier) and were given a quick tour but although everything looked impressive we were dubious as we hadn't looked at any reviews (I'm over cautious lol). So we stuck with our original choice of the merengue.

The rooms were large and airy and it's where the best evening entertainment was. We spent a fair amount of time in the Bachata pool (has a swim up bar too) and ate the occasional snack and breakfast on their terrace overlooking the beach.

In my opinion, I don't think it matters in which hotel you decide to lay your head because apart from taking your evening meal in your own hotel, you can come and go as you please, using the facilities of the 3 hotels.

As for the Bambu, it's one that I've fancied but haven't stayed at. I suppose it depends on which part of the island you want to stay. We love the Riu hotels, so I don't think you'd find many problems in any of them.
Good luck with your decision.

Thank you Shirley - we have booked for the Riu Merengue today as we were offered such a good deal! going 19th Oct, Can't wait - Regards - Sue (hope to try the Riu Bambu next time)

good choice Sue. I hope it's just as good as it was when we were there. Have a great holiday!

Sue, we got back from the Merengue today after a 2 week family holiday. It was brilliant anf the hotel facilities were top notch. the Mambo pool area is currently closed but due to reopen on the 19th October (Good timing for you!) we used the pool for the first week but it was closed for our 2nd. The casino at the Bacheta now charges for drinks but the 24hr bar is a few feet away and all included. If you are going to spend money in the hotel shop then take Peso as they give you a bad exchange rate. No optics in room and safe now chargable. The best staff in any hotel we have stayed at! Any info you need let me know... I will leave review on this site soon.

mike

No optics in room and safe now chargable.

great to hear that the hotel's still top notch but the above's changed. Tbh, not having optics in the room shouldn't be any hardship as you can get free drinks everywhere else over the complex. It's a shame that the safe's chargeable though

If you ask reception they will put a bottle of rum in you room instead of the beer! Safe was $40 for 2 weeks.

Hi Mike, so pleased to hear you had a great holiday :-) only 1 more day to go, can't wait!! So pleased the Mambo pool will be open by the 19th although we do tend to favour the beach. Not too bothered re: optics being withdrawn as we tend to ''prop' the bar up LOL. (only kiding) I am sure we will enjoy it as much as everyone else has. Will 'post' a review on my return. Regards - Sue

have a great time Sue- look forward to reading your review on your return. Have fun!

Hi I have just returned from a fam trip, I stayed in the Bachata but visited the 3 hotels, I think the Mambo is the quieter but nothing of any significance between the 3 really, I was told the optics are going back in all the rooms very soon due to customer complaints