Chris

Is it possible to go for really long walks along the beach in Punta Cana (2-3 miles)...or are beach strips restricted to hotel guests? Would Puerto Plata be better forwalks?

Sue

We stayed at the Riu Melao. Yes, you can walk for miles. We walked for at least 2 miles to the north. Even where there aren't any hotels, the walking is easy and the sand is soft and white...<BR>We are going back again in 3 weeks! Can't wait!!!

xxx

We walked also for miles and miles. Shouldn't be a problem. Beautiful beaches and wonderful sand to walk in.

chris

Thanks Sue....what did you think of the Riu Melao...accomodations, food, staff?

j. mcfarlane

You can easily walk for miles along the beautiful white powder sand, in either direction from your resort. We stayed at the Riu Bambu in Punta Cana and there was nothing but sand to the north and south of the resort. Beach vendor can be found in either direction, but it tkes a good 1/2 hour or so to get to them, which is good as they don't come to your resort. The beach stips in front of the resorts are srictly for resort patrons and are guarded by security 24 hrs a day (although they are very hidden, they are still there). Any more ?'s, feel free to E-mail me&gt;<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR> JMC<BR>

xxx

How was the Rio Bambu? Did you like it? It is fairly new. I knew of some people that went there when it first opened. They liked it a lot. How is the food? Is it all buffet?

Anna

We loved the Riu Melao last year, at Debbie's Dominican Travel someone had written that you don't need to spend the extra money to stay at one of the higher star resorts, they were correct. The rooms were nice with two twin beds (only down fall), a wicker dresser and TV stand, along with a wicker table and two chairs. The bathroom had a marble countertop. There is also a small refrigerator stocked with water, soda, and seltzer. The room also had a liquor dispenser if that suits your fancy. The staff were very nice, the managers seemed to work 24 hours a day making sure everything was ok. We had a nice maid who we tipped with dollars and toiletries.

Sue

Hi Chris,<BR>We loved the Melao so much that we are going back! (We've never gone to a place twice!) The staff is super, from the managers on down to the maids and gardeners. Everyone goes out of their way to make sure your stay is a great one!<BR>The food was good and plentiful. (As my husband says &quot;anyone who goes hungry here has only themselves to blame&quot;<BR>All meals are buffet and there is also a snack bar with hot and cold foods available from around 10:00am to 4:00pm?<BR>Counting down: 3 weeks from yesterday...<BR>Can't wait!<BR>Sue