definitely recommend resort stayed melia feb. 23/06 march 2/06, booked vacation jan. 1/06 scheduled say riu bambu, 14 hours flight left travel agent called advised bumped melia, no idea expect pleasantly surprised.we travelled children ages 7 4. arrival hotel check-in went quickly smoothly, entered assigned room discovered occupied somebody luggage, husband went room key room double beds, told getting king pull couch, husband returned lobby given key check room, went room occupied, fourth time went lobby told no rooms try day, did attempt change rooms sleeping arrangement little cramped fine.note small card holder wall near door entered room, room card placed slot order airconditioning lights room work, not informed check thought electricity problem, understanding not rooms tropical, discovered work airconditioning worked great fact nights cold turn, did not plumbing electrical problems, hot water times tepid shower evening.we building 18 tropical far beach close lobby, children worked, pack beach breakfast beach pool entire day, no reason return room time ready dinner, nice near lobby night children asleep husband run lobby bar bring drinks room, not easy located near pool beach.it took quite bit time bell boy bring luggage highly recommend packing bathing suit carry did able enjoy beach pool immediately having wait luggage.the room kept spotlessly clean, everyday fridge stocked pop water, tried beer told not possible, spoke people no problem getting beer room, given plenty fresh large fluffy towels day, bathroom fresh flowers placed day, not supply wash cloths read bought coloured ones dollar store just left, room complaint room did not clock nor coffee maker, asked clock told brought day n't, asked told did n't resort, safe room worked fine not charged extra it.this resort large takes couple days learn way, definitely map way around.while resort booked capacity no time did feel crowded feel wait service.the pools huge 4 chairs late 3 pm, beach absolutely beautiful, seaweed does wash day grounds people raking bags hauling away morning, beach chairs plentiful problem finding late 10:30, true beach huts not available beautiful palm trees beach shade needed, chairs good condition.the weather perfect, drops rain day rain night night, utilized paddle boats able reserve day wanted times, clean beach towels available pools day 5 pm, pool beach tropical busy.we ate breakfasts beach buffets good, good selection omelets eggs easy order, heaven eat breakfast looking beautiful beach ocean, children finished eating play sand feet table, preferred breakfast lunch selection buffet tropical betty kitchen, variety, excellent paella lunch day grilled burgers chicken breasts.the buffet caribe snacks burgers fries 7 pm.our children did not utilize children program preferring play beach pool stay us.my daughter hair braided beach paid 25 instead 40 resort asking, heard reservations hard come did n't try days, ate dinner buffet buffet good bad depending taste, large selection liked, food pretty good children particularly enjoyed order pasta.some days difficult make reservation morning la carte restaurants reserve certain number tables rs, 3 4 pm open rs reservations selection restaurants times, just used phone pool towel room.we ate chinese capri gondola mexican, good mexican favorite, service excellent hesitant bringing children restaurants felt welcome treated children nicely.i did stomach upset day rest family completely fine entire week, grounds beautiful maintained, staff friendly helpful not speak spanish able communicate just fine everybody just takes little patience charades.a departing guest gave verizon phone card minutes remaining able home, believe card cost 150 pesos 5.00, not sure purchased hotel stores not sell, definitely recommend purchasing prior arrival hotel, available airport, card gave 18 minutes remaining room charge 2.00 canada.the internet service reasonable, cost started 4.00 15 minutes minute cost went minutes purchased, increment 20 minutes 5.00, check quick efficient, called bell boy hour wanted luggage reception waiting got there.we not inclusive years family vacation caribbean, looking forward staying riu bambu prepared, extremely disappointed bumped hotel not researched did not know expect, came away end week satisfied resort, nothing positive things say resort entire family highly recommend, k d donaldsonwindsor canada,