I booked via Expedia and asked for the newest Riu Palace in Punta Cana. We've stayed at Riu Palace Riviera Maya and not sure if that possibly set the bar too high....but Macao should 'not' be rated as a Palace. First, we find it's the oldest and closing in April for total refurbish...that made me a bit nervous. Requested the oceanfront jacuzzi suite which was to have a jetted tub inside the suite as well as a jacuzzi on the balcony (as most Palaces do).....this had a riny tub insdie that was only about 32" wide.....couldn't take a bath as the tile needed grout work done (yuck!) and your elbows hit the wall and shower curtain even when shampooing your hair! The bathroom was quite spacious which was nice and the hotel suite itself was nice. Wasted space w/ a dining area which we never used. Balcony overlooked the ocean and was lovely to sun on it.

Location was nice and the hotel staff was pleasant. Olga C. was our housekeeper and she was delightful. Roberto was our server in the Buffet and he was outstanding.. Front Desk agents were a bit cocky - they thought they were funny - but I'd prefer them to be more professional. Poolside entertainment group was not impressive. One guy kept going around to anyone with jewelry on or dollar bills exposed yelling "Wow" and really drawing attention to them. Very uncomfortable feeling..kinda' creepy.

Buffet had 2 seatings and you had to chose at the beginning of your stay which one. We chose the 6:30 but went when we wanted an it didn't seem to be too much of an issue. Beach was beautful. We walked to Riu Palace Bravaro which is the newest and Palace Punta Cana and were much happier with them.

Warning: if you call Expedia to complain, they put you on hold forever....and never advised us we could call collect !! So, we stayed........7 days is much too long to be stuck as one all inclusive........didn't feel that way in Riviera Maya......I think maybe we set the bar too high!! Won't be returning to the DR!

The Macao was very comfortable, the staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was very good but was boring after a week. Always lots of lounge chairs around the pool and on the beach. The Macao is very easy to navigate your way around not a lot of walking to get to the beach or restaurants like in other RIU's. Looking forward to see what the renovation will look like next year!!

This was my 3rd time to Punta Cana. 1st time at a Riu, I heard great things.

I was very dissappointed with this Riu, it was very run down, in need of repair/upgrading.
The food was of a 3*.

The beach is beautiful, the resort was clean, ant the staff and service was outstanding.

Marilyn from Winnipeg

We just got back from the Riu Macao. We went went another couple and we all agreed that this was a great hotel. We found the staff were very friendly and accommodating.
The food was very good. The beach was beautiful. There were always plenty of lounge chairs for everyone. I heard they are renovating. My suggestion is to get huts instead of umbrellas. alot of the umbrellas were broken. and they really don't protect you as well from the sun.