I just returned from the Riu Bambu in Punta Cana. We had a great time! I would be happy to answer any questions.

How long was the transfer from hotel to resort? Is this a family friendly place to stay? Would you rate this a 4-5 star resort? Food, rooms, pools, beach excellent or good? How many nights did you stay? Is 5 nights form Boston enough or would you suggest 7 nights? Was there nightlife and enough to keep you busy if you wanted to be busy or were you looking for thigs to do to break it up a bit?

Hi, Linda! We are considering Riu Bambu for a week in May. Do you think it is a good place for teens (ages 14 & 15)? The Bavaro Palace also looks interesting & I wonder if you have any comments on it. Are Riu Bambu & the Bavaro Palace on the same beach? Which one has nicer/larger rooms? Does the Riu Bambu have suites or just rooms w/ 2 double beds? Are the ocean view rooms comparable @ both? Does Riu Bambu have golf? How was the food & did anyone get sick? (something we are worried about in DR) <BR>Thanks! Sue

I too would like information. I just booked a week at the Rui Niambo (sp?) in Punta Cana. I know all the resorts are in the same complex... How was the food (My boyfriend is really worried about the quality) Did anyone get sick-now I am worried about this from the other post. Any tips would be great. Did you leave the hotel do anythign on the island??<BR><BR>Thanks!

Hi,<BR><BR>We ate everything and did not get sick at all. This is my second time in the DR and we had no troubles with food that time either. We previously stayed at Casa de Campo. The transfer is about 30 minutes. I would rate this a 4 star resort. Food was very good and there was quite a variety. We walked miles in each direction and the Bambu definitely had the best beach. We stayed 7 days and loved it, 5 would have been too short for me. The disco seemed quite lively and the bars seemed to be doing a brisk business. We were there mainly for R&R and were happy to veg on the beach. The rooms were immaculate and both pools were very nice. <BR><BR>We didn't see too many teens during our stay, there seemed to more little ones. I am not familiar with the Bavaro Palace. There are no ocean view rooms at the Bambu.<BR><BR>We had planned on taking a jeep tour, however, the resort did a good job of relaxing us. We were quite happy to walk, swim, sunbath and read. There seemed to be plenty to do if you had a mind to. There were dance lessons, aerobics, games in the pool, volleyball, etc. I would highly recommend this resort. I would caution against putting too much stock in the star rating system. I stayed at Casa de Campo which is 6 star, cost more than double and was not AI. We enjoyed our vacation at the Bambu much, much more. The Riu Palace was rated higher and unless the rooms were spectacular, I would not pay more to go there. They had the same menu as the Bambu and their grounds and beach were not as nice, also they only had one small pool.

Thanks, Linda! I meant Riu Palace! Don't know where the Bavaro thing came from. (Reading too many tour books I guess!) Disappointed to learn that Bambu has no oceanfront rooms. O/w it sounds great!<BR>Thanks again!<BR>Sue