I stayed at the Riu Melao November 2002 with myhusband and 5 month old son. I have holidayed in the Caribbean 5 times now Dom Rep 4 and Jamaica 1. What an absolutely outstanding hotel. It is not huge but beautiful and the level of service is that of I have never seen before. The staff were falling over themselves for you and they couldn't do enough for you. The two male managers were outstanding and everso friendly - personally introducing themselves to you at the dining table on the first or second evening there. The beach is lovely, scattered with palm trees so it easy to get some shade when needed. This hotel is the smallest and quietest of the 5 Riu hoels on the Punta Cana complex. If you want more evening entertainment then visit the Riu Bambo. You are able to use all other hotels but not the Palace.

Went there in 2001, the staff, management and service people couldn't have been nicer( except for the dive scheduler) and even then they tried to make up for it by giving us free horsback riding. I forgot long pants for dinner and had to go buy some, that didn't fit. The manager offered and took them home to hem and take them in all for free.. Wonderful folks!

Spent a week in March 2003 in RIU Melao. Everything was better than I expected. The hotel area is beautiful surrounded by gardens. The rooms were clean. The staff was extremely friendly and active. Riu Melao has many activities (Merengue lessons, water gym, ...) thoughout the day.F ood was excellent. The dinner buffet menu changes daily. Food and beverages are available all the time. Most of the guests were more than 30 years old (couples) or children. Guests were mainly from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, USA and Canada. I suppose Riu Melao is not an ultimate partying resort for those who want to party heavily. During the nights (11 pm - ...) there was not disturbance from the surrounding environment at all.

August 2002: Booked a last minute 7-day package deal - and what a deal it was! Clean rooms, great service, good food. Rooms are stocked with a free mini-bar and fridge with soft drinks and beer.Beaches were very nice. Strong breezes kept the heat down. There are palm trees that ring the beach line, letting you sit in the sun or under the shade trees - your choice. A barrier reef forms a break water, creating a pool effect in many parts of the beach. Decent snorkeling opportunity. Boat operators were very conscientious about respecting swimming zones, too. The on-site dive operator uses outboard motor driven open boats that they run right up on the beach to pick you up. Diving was good for beginner - ok for medium skill level, but not challenging (except climbing back into the boat - no platforms). Surf can be fairly heavy here, except in August (seas were 3 ft or less while we there)! Clientele is heavily European (i.e., fair number of topless women - but the hotels STRONGLY discourage full nudity, especially at the pools!) English was widely spoken, but probably 3rd or 4th on the list (Spanish, Dutch, German, Engilish).There is shopping at the RIU complex, an open market about a mile down the beach (nice walk), and in town (about 10 minute taxi ride).This was a good place to unwind - no problem recommending it!