This was my 4th visit to the Bambu, and went with my Mum.
Booked with Tui and had no major issues with flight or transfers, although they need to revamp their inflight meals, as had the same meal outbound for the past 5/6 years and what they gave this time was sub-standard considering past flights although the return meal was good i was just missing some juice with the breakfast snack. Had an issue with a change of plane on outbound flight so messed up pre-bookrd seats but we are sorting this now back
Emailed the hotel 7-10 days before arrival and asked for a ground floor room close to all main amenities, and this is exactly what we got. Thank you, Riu Bambu :)
Hotel & Service
Check-in was fast and very simple, pointed toward room, and bags were brought to the room about 5 minutes later. Room was bright, nicely decorated with really good air con and ceiling fan. Bathroom had 2 sinks and large walk-in shower. We had hot water every time we needed it. Fridge was stocked with Soda and beer, and there was some water we did need more, but reception was happy to give more. Optics in room were well stocked, and the rum was not too bad, lol. Safe worked fine. Room was cleaned every day, and more pillows and towels were provided once asked at reception. Had no issues with any of the bar or restaurant staff found them all very pleasant and helpful. Some definitely shine more than others. Maria on the plaza bar and Janita in the main buffet
Food & Drinks
I can be a picky eater when away and sometimes can actually lose weight when going AI. However, I can safely say that the food here was second to none, never eaten so much on holiday lol. The main buffet gets busy, but always got a table, always got quick service, and always found something to eat. The food at the buffet was so good we only used one of the speciality restaurants, which was the steakhouse.
All drinks were served just as asked for, and we were served in turn and quickly but does help that we know how to order them in Spanish :)
Steakhouse - The food was amazing, well worth the 1 hour line up to book.
FYI, hotel Bambu - This booking system needs reviewing !!! Got to start linning up at approx 4.30pm for approx. 45mins-1hr to book a slot at either 7pm or 7.30pm ... this definitely interrupts your afternoon :( But like I said the food was worth it, and then some :)
Entertainment
The Riu Pool parties are great they are extremely good fun for all ages, and they are adult only ! FYI, they are themed: White party, Pink party, Neon Party and Jungle party , 2 are approx. 3pm-7pm 2 are approx. 7pm-11pm and they have something different at all. However, when the pool parties are on, there is minimal afternoon pool entertainment and minimal evening entertainment. At all other times, the entertainment was good. Some of the animation team were friendlier than others, but on a whole, they were a good bunch. Although this time, there did seem to be maybe some rota issues and lack of management direction :(. One thing that was always a laugh was the afternoon crazy game at the pool every day (not pool party days). However, this time, these just did not happen. In the 14 days we were there, we saw only 3.
On an evening, they would invite you to dance with the animation team before and after the show, but most nights, there were very few team members around to dance with. May be 1 male 2 females for approx 200 guests !!! Also, after the show, it would be nice to hear some more disco/pop music instead of just the Latin music. One night, they had a good group of people up dancing, but after 3 or 4 songs, they changed it back to the Latin music, and everyone sat down / left :(
FYI hotel Bambu when you do the Retro show continue playing dicso/retro music after it until finish time and on the American show night play some disco/pop music after it till finish time instead of reverting back to Latin music after 3 or 4 songs as this will give a better mix for all visitors.
Disco
The Pacha disco is free entrance for Riu guests, but drinks cost, Rum and Coke 250 pesos ($5), small beer 200 pesos, big beer 300 pesos, so prices are not too bad. It's a good laugh and they play a variety of music, also it's air conditioned which is heaven :) busier on Friday/Saturday.
They say 11pm-4am but will close early if quiet.
Oh, and if you want the DJ to play a particular song, he will but expect to have to pay him for it !!
Miscellaneous
You can get a bus to the shopping mall San Jaun Mall, $5 round trip. Top tip: go to a mall with a supa pola and buy your alcohol there to bring home, it's cheaper than shops at hotel and duty free (even with $5 bus fare) also if you like snacks buy here as very very cheap :) Lastly if your like me and like to head off site on a night, then I recommend El Kan, Drink Point and Club Movie. Local places, local prices, lots of fun but very safe :)