My husband and I booked this trip through Expedia for our one year anniversary. We selected this Riu hotel because we could not figure out if there was a huge difference between this resort and the other Riu resorts right around that area, so we figured to save the money and go with this resort.

This was a major let down and the only time we spent at Lupita was to sleep. We were let down because we were under the assumption that there would be more options for food, bars and activities on this resort. There is only one pool that is actually utilized by guest because there is only one bar and one restaurant, so the pool near these is the only one really utilized. We also were told there was a gym on site. There was not. There is one other restaurant than the buffet one and you needed reservations for this restaurant. Multiple times we went to make reservations for the 9PM seating (there was only 2 seatings--7PM and 9PM) and it was booked. We were up and trying to book these by 7:45AM and it was already booked!!!

The outdoor "food" area that serves fries, ice cream and fruit when the buffet restaurant is closed is GROSS. No one maintains the area and there are birds every where eating the food.

We finally learned to wake up every morning and go to one of the other Riu's, which you had to get to by bus which ran every 30 minutes. The bus ride was only about 10 minutes and it dropped you off at one spot where you could walk to the other resorts (10 minute walk to the furthest). We loved Riu Yucatan for their beach and multiple swim up bars. The pool was massive and enjoyable. The biggest problem is getting chairs. People reserve them with towels beginning at around 7:00AM.

The best Riu for night life is definitely Tequila. They had great shows, a sports bar with pool tables, a bar, etc, and just an overall great night life vibe. But the bus to Lupita stops running at 6:30PM, so if you decide to stay here for their night lift, you need to get a taxi back to the hotel.

Also--when you check in you are told that you cannot eat dinner at any of the other resorts. This REALLY let my husband and I down because we assumed that we could still access all the other resorts restaurants for dinner. No. We did end up eating at some of the other resorts buffets for dinner and just did not tell anyone we were from Lupita. Their food was 100% better!! Just need to take a taxi back to Lupita.

Lastly, the service at Lupita is a step down from the other resorts. The entertainment staff is mediocre. And the bar tenders/ wait staff are not nearly as engaging and friendly as they are at the other Riu resorts.

The room was nice. It was cleaned every day and we never had an issue with the room at all. If the room hadn't been as enjoyable as it was, this potentially could have been a horrible vacation.

I just compared rates and for 4 nights, it would cost $75 more per person to stay at Riu Tequila, $87 per person at Riu Playacar, $86 per person at Riu Yucatan. So only about $20USD per night per person. This would DEFINITELY be worth it!!!! The entire trip we wish we had paid a little more for a huge increase in ammenities and service!

We never went into either of the Riu palace resorts (because we were not allowed to) but they look STUNNING!!!

well...after an amazing holiday in the domincan our holidays had alot to live up to..it turned out to be nothin on the dominican but it was a very nice hotel - staff were great and food was of a very high standard.

the riu lupita is the smallest of the rui's, there are 3 others thaat you can use. we preffered the rui tequila - only because it was bigger and therefore had much more going on..the disco was a laugh and full of a variety of people..whereas on the lupita it was rarely full. had nice nights at both hotels and there is plenty to get involved in - activites all day long...or feel free to lay in the heat till the sun set..there was no pressure to join in..but if you did..and WON there was a presentation each evening. a great place for the kids!

the rooms were very basic, but clean, the maids work very hard for their money and we were encouraed to leave tips which we did! we got the hotel and flight at almost half price - around £650 as it was a very last minute deal - therefore it was definitley worth the money - it was however to basic for the price of 1164 - which was the original price.

there is a show every night and the food was delicious, fresh and alot of the time cooked in front of you at cooking stations - yum!

the layout of the hotel is well thought out and everything is within easy reach, it is not as grand as the riu's but very homely and the staff are friendly...

overall i'd say definately worth a visit, my only complaint would be was the hotel was not on the beach - but if you dont mind the short free bus ride its ideal...

My husband & I stayed at the Riu Lupita for a weeks vacation. This resort is rated a four star, however we did not feel it should be more than a three. I believe that for the amount of people booking here it has fallen by the way side when it comes the the Riu standards people have come accustomed to. It is in great need of upgrading, I must say that our room was very clean and staff were very friendly. towels were old and well used. The food at the buffet was good however if you were to stay more than a week you would get tired of the variety. The only other restaurant was Mexican food ,not to evereyones taste.
Being shuttled to the Beach club was not a problem and they have a good variety for lunch there. The pools did not seem to have very good filtration, by mid afternoon I would not consider getting in as the debris floating around was a turn off. They did not seem to use much clorine and the only cleaning we saw was a guy getting in fully clothed with goggles scubbing the side of the pool. The water was very warm, great breeding place for bacteria. Although there was only one bar, service was fast.
Evening entertainment was repiticious with the same singer during the dinner hour singing the same songs. The stage is too high as you are sitting at ground level. This means you are unable to see alot of the foot work the dancers are doing which is often the best part. Staff here do their best . If you are looking for a little ritz this is not the place for you.

This is a great little hotel with fantastic staff and a real warm and welcoming feel to it. We went back in 2003 and plan to return with our tow young children once they are a bit older. Rooms were a bit 'tired' but really clean and the food, entertainment, facilities were fabulous. Not many British - a good mix of all nationalities. Top hotel. Loved it.