Riu Mambo Reviews

Riu Mambo was very well kept and pristine. The staff was very friendly and helpful, as well as fun. Although our AC did not work well most nights, the stay was a pleasant one.

I've been to DR several times and stayed at several resorts. I knew that Puerto Plata doesn't have the nicest beaches, but just needed a vacation and for the price didn't mind. Here are the most notable pro's and con's of Riu Mambo: Pro's -Being able to use the facilities at the other 2 connected resorts (Riu Merengue and Riu Bachata) was really nice. Riu Bachata's bars and buffet were way better, so most nights we went there. -The food is not bad, and there's enough variety even for picky eaters. -Most of the staff is friendly. -Pools and beach are nice, especially the pool at Riu Bachata. Con's -2 twin beds being pushed together to make a "king" size bed. -The room in general lacked in many areas: toilets never flushed on the first try, air conditioning didn't work and it was difficult to get someone to come fix it (even though we speak Spanish), tv was really old with some channels barely audible and others blaring loud. Also we had to pay a deposit to use an adapter that would allow us to plug in appliances in the room, and had to sign out an ancient hair dryer for 2 hours since there wasn't one in the room. -*This certainly isn't the fault of the resort, but I noticed a big difference in the manner that many people solicited tips since my last trips to DR. Probably due to the economic crisis, and certainly sad, but makes for lots of unpleasantness during a vacation when you are aggressively asked for tips by nearly everyone (outside of hotel staff). In summary, I definitely wouldn't return, but if its your first trip to Puerto Plata or you just need some beach time for a decent price, it's ok.

The Riu Resorts ( MAMBO ) are very clean from the rooms to the public toilets, restaurants, the pool and the beach, all is extremely clean, and it's a plus to have acess to the other 2 Hotels in the same complex ( Merengue & Bachata) LOCATION; Short drive from the airport CHECK IN Was very quick and efficient, they served a drink while i picked up my welcome package. ROOMS: Are basic, very clean, but a horrible Musty/Mold smell. I had a problem with the A/C and the celing Fan was very low and it was hard to sleep , and that is when the smell takes over :-(, but after after the third attempt the problem was solved. Their is amini-fridge ( in the rooms) with a couple beers (Brahma), Pepsi and water. When tipped, maids left towel-animals, which was a nice touch, and kept the rooms very clean every day. ENTERTAINMENT/ANIMATION Not impress at all, didn't like the Animation team at Mambo, they are to crazy, pushy and could be very very disrespectful at time. BEACH Beach was beautiful, some seaweed, ocean is water engouh to swing, lots lounger to hang out, read a book & relax. Pools were clean and a nice temperature. RESTAURENTS/BUFFET Decent there was a large varity of things to choose from fresh salad, fruits, sides, meats, fish etc...Each night is a them night so they make a food station that is Mexican, Dominican, Spanish, Sushi...etc...made it creative and fun. Snack bar closes at 2am and turn to be very handy.And be able to have eat breakfast and lunch it the two other hotels was nice. The drinks were yummy. Lots of choice. It was fun to try out the different drinks. STAFF The staff were very friendly and spoke English very well. Everyone is very polite and accommodating and if you ask, they will do their best to help you. Beautiful scenery! I was very fortunate to enjoy the hot sun all week - no rain! Wish i could stay longer! Will definitely go back to the Riu Mambo!

Spent 7 days enjoying better than average weather. Rained in the morning and evenings on a few days. bright sunshine during the daylight hours. A very clean and professional resort. Entertainment all the time. Friendly and respectfull empolyees. Resort was always kept clean from hand sanitizer at all restrooms and food and beverage outlets. I couldn't find any booboos at this resort

My stay at RIU Mambo left a lot to be desired. The food was very mediocre and very repetitive. The staff didn't do more than what they were suppose to do. Didn't see the entertainment so can't comment on that. Some of the activities were good. I liked the beach vollleyball, the aerobics in the pool and the dancing lessons. The beach was ok, didn't spend too much time on it. Overall it was ok, not great but not bad.