Riu Palace Punta Cana
Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Est. Cost: ~$1,900/person
Official Website | TripAdvisor ⭐ 3.5/5 | Booking.com 8.5/10
Why #5?
The best value among the top 6 picks. Features an impressive 11 pools and full access to Splash Water World. Strong Booking.com rating at the lowest price point.
Resort Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 612 rooms |
| Restaurants | 5 (buffet + specialty) |
| Bars | Multiple bars |
| Pools | 11 pools! |
| Beach | Arena Gorda Beach |
| Airport | ~25 min from Punta Cana (PUJ) |
Kid & Teen Features
- Splash Water World - Shared water park
- RIULand Kids Club - Ages 4-12
- 11 pools to choose from
- Children's pool and splash area
- Daily activities and entertainment
Cost Estimate
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$12,600 |
| Flights from STL | ~$4,500 |
| Total | ~$17,100 |
| Per Person | ~$1,900 |
Check packages.riu.com for free flight promotions!
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Best value of the top 6 picks
- 11 pools - most of any RIU in DR
- Splash Water World access
- Higher TripAdvisor rating than Bavaro (3.5 vs 3.0)
- Close to airport (~25 min)
- Nonstop flights available
⚠️ Cons
- Seaweed season May-October
- Part of large complex (can be crowded)
- Not quite "Palace" premium tier
Best For
- Budget-conscious families wanting full resort experience
- Pool lovers (11 to choose from!)
- Those prioritizing value over luxury