In 2004 we went Puerto Plata on the North coast of the Dominican Republic, staying in the Rui Merengue. It was in a triple complex consisting of three Rui hotels joined together and the hotels guests shared the private beaches. The Rui Mambo I believe, had a mostly British clientele, the Rui Merengue where we stayed was cosmopolitan and the Rui Bachata had mainly German clientele. I think the Bachata was the last of the 3 Rui’s to be built, part of their beach went down some steps to a small bay were boating activities took place.
The complexes are all inclusive and IMO opinion a necessity for the moment.
Although each hotel had their own restaurants their guests were allowed to eat breakfast or lunch in any of them although evening meals had to be eaten in your own restaurant. We chose to eat our breakfast in the Rui Bachata as it seemed nicer.
Each apartment in our hotel was in a block of four amongst palm trees and our room was of excellent quality
Drink dispensers were in each room all though I do not drinks spirits, I would not knock it. Soft drinks were also put in the fridge each day
Drinks were not leading labels and the beer to me was just about palatable but the waiters worked their socks off providing good cocktails to drink. The meals we had IMO did not excite me and I often ended up eating salads which always looked attractive.
Like a lot of Rui A1 places the entertainment was put on by its own entertainment staff and was animation shows although one had the choice of which Animation show to see, it rotated between the three hotels anyway. To me the entertainment was poor and the only highlight was the karaoke nights where the odd guest sometimes came up trumps but a lot of others were like watching the x factor in the early rounds.
The beach was yellow sand and one needed sandshoes to go into the water, as there were sharp stones in the sea (not mentioned in the brochure). The shoes could be purchased at their stores.
There was never any problem to get chair beds and you could sit amongst the trees for shade. At each end of the long beach the locals were allowed to setup shack like shops in the hope of selling you something, walking through them was a bit of a trial.
Apparently the South of the Island has the better beaches but the brochure prices do reflect this. If we were to go back to the Dominican Republic again it would be to the south.
Apart from the shops in reception, the Rui’s shopping area was made to look like a Caribbean street and a mini Caribbean gala procession took place there once a week.
Drinks were available all day at the swimming pool bars and on the beach and games of football, volleyball and rounder’s took place where everyone who wanted could join in.
There was a casino on site but I did not go to it, so cannot comment.
All in all, it was a nice relaxing holiday but it is difficult for me to enjoy the evening entertainment.
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Sat Aug 14, 2010 4:09 pm
