We just got back from the Bahamas yesterday. Absolutely beautiful once you are at the hotel. Trip to hotel is not the best thing to view. Hotel is amazing and staff is so friendly. The hotel sits right on the beautiful beach front. Our room was clean. It had a great view of pool and ocean. We just ate at the buffet the whole trip, food was average. Don't think the specialty places are worth the wait in line, though I overheard the food was great at the Steakhouse. The mixed drinks are strong and you get your money's worth. Love that it's all-inclusive.

I really enjoyed my stay here. The food was great, a different theme every night. Bahamian night was our favourite. Rooms were nice although you wont spend much time there, with the pool and swim up bar. I'll be going back again a year from now and I can't wait. Recommend the Riu over any of the others I visited while I was on the island.

Down-side: they only have MGD cans of beer, entertainment is ok, but wish they had dancing, and the peddlers, but that is everywhere in the Bahamas. Also fridge in our room did not get very cold. They only stock it every two days as well. This hotel is the best, may not have fancy rooms, but who needs that. I look forward to returning, I miss the place already! It is a much better deal then the hotel next door to the left, which it takes three minutes to walk to and is also worth checking out but not staying at. You will love this place!

They do not offer room service and you are not allowed to bring food out of the restaurants. We would suggest bringing snacks for the times when the restaurants are closed. There is a charge for using the phone in your room (even with a calling card) and they do not have a payphone. We used the payphone at the Atlantis Resort which was just a quick walk next door.

There is a deli/grocery a few blocks away near the Blue Marlin, a good restaurant. Water and snacks are cheaper than the hotel. You'll save buying T-shirts and things in Nassau. The Green Turtle by the Marina is a nice change of pace with reasonable drinks and a lengthy happy hour.

Watch out for Seagulls when eating outside. Wheel and deal with the waverunner vendors, they come down in price. Straw market is over rated, but you can get good deals on stuff .Also they will harass you to buy, if not interested just say 'no thank you'. Carry on your souvenirs on the plane; I had some stolen from my luggage. Dolphin Encounter is a must, worth the price to swim with them.