I just got back from Riu Naiboa & had a wonderful time!! The staff was very friendly & helpful with everything from small requests (more water in our fridge) to handling bookings (3 rounds of golf for 6 people). As Canadians, we are treated MUCH, MUCH better than the other guests (mostly Russian & German). $20 in tips spread out over the week to various bar tenders went a VERY long way. PLUS, as long as you smile & try to speak some Spanish (no matter how bad) the staff appreciates the effort. I read earlier that they were under renovations; well, renos are now complete & the place looks great (better than 3-star). The food was wonderful, nobody in our group had any issues, rooms were comfortable & clean.

I'd recomend this resort to anyone looking for a basic vacation, where the staff treats you like friends opposed to guests

Our stay at the Riu Naiboa was very pleasant. The reception staff checked us in quickly, handed us a cold drink while at the desk. Throughout the stay whenever I approached the desk with a question or request I was greeted warmly. Our room was pretty and clean, nothing over the top but we did not pay as much as some of the other hotels. Stocked daily with water, beer, pop, fresh towels, decorated with flowers and towel sculptures. In room liquor dispenser. The beach is amazing, lots of loungers, good swimming and a nice bar/restaurant at the beach. Large swimming pool, well maintained. The staff in all of the resort were pleasant and returned smiles. We enjoyed the food, the buffet had plenty of choices, some Dominican food, excellent fish and pork, lots of salads, breads and deserts. Fresh made donuts in the morning, rolled in sugar. Over all good value and greatly enjoyed.
Left cash and gifts for chamber maids, tipped food servers who work so hard.

Very recently remodelled and nestled among four much higher end Riu resorts. Guests at the other hotels can eat and drink at all hotels but if you stay here you can use the other hotels pools but will not get served. This place is only missing a 24hr snack bar and swim up bar. There is only one a la carte restaurant, but if you manage to bribe the right person you may be able to get a table at the steakhouse at the neihboring Riu. All of the Riu's here have only one key per room, and they are an old school brass door key, no swipe cards.

My husband and I stayed at the Riu in September of 2006. Here are my thoughts:

Location/hotel: I liked the fact the the other Riu hotels were close by and all connected through the Caribbean Street. We used to walk along there in the evening.

Service: I love the Dominican people - the service was excellent.

Food - The food was horrible. I ate a lot of cucumbers. Stock at breakfast! I was really looking forward to some authentic food and only found bland food. The drinks were ok. At the pool bar, I really didn't like the fact that they served wine out of huge plastic containers. You can get mixed drinks at the bars - they are all ok. They use local liquour which can be stronger than what we get in America so be careful.

Entertainment - This is the only reason I would ever go back to Riu. The entertainment staff was amazing. Each one of them was so involved and dedicated to getting the guests involved. We played a lot of pool volleyball and horseshoes. The shows were entertaining! There is a casino in one of the Riu's that we went to a few times. It's small, but a time pass.

Spa services - I had a massage on the beach and it was amazing. Definitely suggest it.

Activities - My husband went deep sea fishing one day and loved it.

Accomodations - The room was stayed in was OK. The bed was hard and the sheets were paper thin. I remember there being a drink dispenser and they do a good job of making sure your fridge is fully stocked of beer and water.

My husband and I read another tripadvisor post that suggested we take notebooks, pens and crayons. We brought a lot and gave them to our favorite bartender and cleaning staff.