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Explore the tropical paradise of Dominican Republic on your upcoming holiday. Featuring majestic coastlines, world-class resorts, and ample recreation options, all-inclusive vacations to Dominican Republic promise to impress. Picture yourself at the beach with a refreshing drink, explore the jungle on an excursion, or learn about its fascinating history – you may do all these and more on your visit. As the number one destination for golf in the Caribbean, both novice and expert players will have an enjoyable time here as well.
The Dominican Republic continues to be a favourite destination among Canadians. Many of the top resort brands are here, including AM Resorts, Barcelo, Be Live, Blau Hotels, Crowne Plaza, Bahia Principe, Hard Rock Hotels, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Iberostar, JW Mariott, Majestic Resorts, NH Occidental, Palladium, RIU, Sheraton, Melia, Vista Sol, Westin, and Viva Wyndham. Depending on your budget, you may stay at 3-star properties like Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach or Grand Paradise. You may also experience sophistication at 5-star Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado or CHIC Punta Cana.
For more information, give our agents a call at 1-800-665-4981. They will be more than happy to help you find the perfect hotel and plan your dream escape.
Dominican Republic Pictures and Video - click to enlarge images or play videos
Important Travel Information for Dominican Republic
Population
8,190,000
Official Language
Spanish
English Spoken
Well Spoken In Tourism
Official Currency
Dominican Peso, Us Dollars Are Also Accepted Everywhere.
Canadian Citizens Require
Canadian Passport valid throughout the traveller's stay in Dominican Republic. As a foreign national, you may be required to provide Biometrics for entry, such as fingerprints and photographs. Entry requirements are subject to change. Visit www.tripc.ca/DR-ENTRY periodically before your trip to ensure you meet the requirements for your departure date.
Electricity
110
Tipping
10% Normally Included In Bill.
Verified Tripcentral Customer Reviews
Rating4.1★★★★+(17956)
★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserMajestic Mirage Punta Cana All Suite Resort: NICE RESORT
The Grounds: really nice beautiful lobby.
Buffet - Marketplace - needs a facelift; for a 5 star looks more 3 star, chair are dirty and falling apart. Decor out of style
Room - the cabanas the foam matrtress had mold and the cabana themself need painting. BUGS in room
Staff/ Housekeeping - amazing
Shows - really good
Nightclub - Was fun Dj's reall good
Location4/5
Value4/5
Food4/5
Beach4/5
Rooms3/5
Service4/5
★Shabani -
Verified PurchaserRoyalton Punta Cana Resort: Not good at all
When it was raining my room was flooded and when I complained nobody cared about my problems after 3 days with lots of stress I put towel behind my door ?managers was so rude when I cried he walked away and never apologized.
Location3/5
Value1/5
Food2/5
Beach2/5
Rooms1/5
Service1/5
★★★★Justine -
Verified PurchaserVH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Small but feels like home
At first we were a bit disappointed as the resort is really small with only a central small pool/area and the activities like pool, tennis table close at 7pm so in the evening except the daily evening activity/show there is nothing else to do. But after 2days or so you start to feel like home, the food is great (best I have ever had in an resort) the staff is super sweet, the beach has a reef so you can snorkel every day at low tide (your feet can still touch the ground and fishes are swimming around you!).
As there is only one central main area with the pool the daily activities like games organized by the resort are all happening there so youre not going to be quiet by the pool there is very often music, laughter!
But for adults only they have another dedicated pool with another lobby/bar which is amazing if you don't have kids!
★★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserDreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Beautiful Dreams Royal Beach
We had a wonderful stay at Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana. Beautiful location, with a stunning beach, clear water (aside from some sargassum which it is the season for), and plenty of places to relax and enjoy our time away from home. Our room though a little old, was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, which made the whole experience even better, shout-out to our beach bartender Ambiorix who was always coming making sure we had a cold drink in our hands. We also enjoyed the food (portofino, mercure, and seaside grill were very good) and the variety of activities (games, dancing and singing) and amenities available. Shout out to the entertainment team Yumi, Rissa, London, Tupac, Pikachu, Rosa, Geoffrey, and Baby face for running energetic dancing lessons and entertainment at the shows every night. We loved the circus and rock show. The atmosphere was relaxing and perfect for a getaway. There was some construction during our stay but it was handled very well and didnt interrupt guests. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and we would definitely consider coming back!
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserSenator Puerto Plata Hotel: Lovely Resort
The grounds and pool area are well maintained. The lighting at night is especially beautiful and the market place has a great vibe, with shops, ice cream and pizza venues. Lovely area to take strolls and lots of seating options. The entertainment crew work hard to involve guests and we (party of 7 ranging 11 to 80 got involved), Food in buffet and snack bar, excellent. A La Carte, bit of a let down. Sports Bar food, again not so great. Rooms are tired looking and there was issue with the toilets. Bed was AWESOME. We will come back, but will upgrade.
★★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserThe Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Overall 'Great Trip'
We recently stayed at the Eurostars in Samaná and had a wonderful trip. The hospitality and staff were fantastic—always friendly, attentive, and welcoming. Our room and the amenities were kept spotless. Getting into the local town was very easy and convenient.
The setting and views were spectacular. The beach was clean, beautifully maintained, and completely free of seaweed, with great ocean views and good food throughout our stay (except for the Italian / Greek restaurant). The entertainment was on the quieter side, but good enough to have a fun evenings. My only wish was the night dancing on the terrace went a bit longer at a minimal 11:30 PM, midnight would have been ideal.
I would have loved to use the spa, but the prices felt quite steep compared to Canadian rates and didn’t seem worth the extra spend, though high spa pricing is typical for resorts.
Tip: Try to book a room in the main building if you can—it saves quite a bit of walking.
Overall, a great stay and I would definitely recommend it!
★★★★★Joelliannes -
Verified PurchaserSenator Puerto Plata Hotel: SECOND TIME BACK — AND SENATOR PUERTO PLATA DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
SECOND TIME BACK — AND SENATOR PUERTO PLATA DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
We just got back from another AMAZING family vacation at Senator Puerto Plata, and this time was even more special because we came back with our family and booked SIX ROOMS!
This was our second time staying at Senator, and we are so happy we decided to come back. From the moment we checked in until the moment we checked out, the entire team continued to make us feel welcomed, appreciated, and like family. This is exactly why we came back — and once again, you did not disappoint! A special thank you to Karen and your entire crew on the same shift. Thank you for everything you did to make our stay so enjoyable and memorable. Your kindness, hospitality, and attention to us and our family truly meant so much.
A HUGE THANK YOU to all the amazing people who took care of us during our stay!
BREAKFAST CREW — YOU GUYS’ ROCK!
Our mornings were always better because of the wonderful breakfast crew.
Luigi — our Egg Master! Always with a smile, always friendly, and always making those eggs just right!
Also a big shout-out to Nunez, Ana Maria, Hidalgo, Silvero and Junior. Thank you for your amazing service, smiles, and for making our mornings so enjoyable. You guys made breakfast feel like visiting friends!
DINNER CREW
A special thank you to Vargas and his crew for taking such good care of us during dinner. Your professionalism, friendliness, and attention to detail did not go unnoticed. We truly enjoyed our evenings!
LARIMAR BUFFET / RECEPTION
There was also a lovely lady at the reception at the Larimar buffet who took such good care of us. Unfortunately, I forgot her name, but I hope she sees this because we truly appreciate everything, she did for our family.
HOUSEKEEPING
Ana Rita— you were AWESOME! Thank you for always being so pleasant and for taking care of our room. The refreshment boys — we loved everything! Coming back to a clean, comfortable room and having our refreshments taken care of made our stay even better.
And of course, Julissa, who took care of the public washrooms near the buffet area, always made sure they were spotless. She did such an amazing job!
AND NOW… OUR BAR CREW!
A HUGE shout-out to:
Ariel • Alex, Eddy • Lopez • Manuel • Sony • Domingo • Maria • Wilinton, Ismamol and of course Claudia.
You guys took care of us throughout our entire stay and you did NOT disappoint!
Thank you for the great drinks, amazing service, laughs, conversations, and especially the good vibes. You made our time at the bar so much fun!
FRUIT STAND
And we cannot forget the lovely lady at the fruit stand in the mornings! She was always offering us freshly squeezed juices and starting our mornings off right. Thank you for your kindness and those delicious fresh juices!
ENTERTAINMENT — WOW!!!
EXCURSIONS
Our excursions were truly an experience of a lifetime! We made so many wonderful memories with our family that we will never forget.
WHY WE CAME BACK
At the end of the day, what makes Senator special isn't just the beautiful resort, the food, the drinks, the entertainment, or Puerto Plata itself.
It's the PEOPLE.
The staff are what make you want to come back.
We came back for our second visit, brought our family, and booked SIX ROOMS — and honestly, we are already talking about coming back AGAIN!
Every single person who took care of us played a part in making this another unforgettable family vacation.
101% RECOMMENDED!
We LOVE you, SENATOR PUERTO PLATA!
And to every staff member we mentioned — and even those we may have forgotten to name — THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
You made us feel like family, and that's something we will always remember.
We just got home and WE ALREADY MISS THE PLACE!
Until we meet again, Senator Puerto Plata!
SERVICES THAT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIA!
WE WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK!
Impressive Hotel for sure, beautiful green vegetation with many pool options. Everything is within walking distance including the beach. The food at the buffet and à la carte was ok, we were just not lucky with the Italian restaurant, the food was really bad. We enjoyed the shows, especially the great Michael Jackson concert.
Most staff could use a little bit of training to improve on their professionalism. They couldn’t be bothered, it was as if they just didn’t want to be there. The maids were extremely loud. It was not easy to sleep in, which is what most of us like to do when we are on vacation.
We were lucky to have Joel as our concierge, he was very helpful and very prompt in responding to our questions and needs.
Our welcoming committee did not give a good first impression. A gentleman nicknamed Macgyver took us to a corner and asked us intrusive questions, including what we did for a living. He also talked down on the airline that brought us to Punta Cana. We found all that to be very unprofessional.
Overall, we enjoyed our 7 day stay. If only the staff could be a bit more cheerful.
★★★★Alanmicheal ericka -
Verified PurchaserCoral Costa Caribe: live up to there 4 star and more
apon arrival i ask for superior they gave me standard i paid for superior next day they corrected error, front desk needs empathy, food was very good resort laid out as small but everything close, noise level load at night but stops 10pm or so buffet a lot of choice al la cart good, beach is good long walk for hours, security is good i left items on chairs nobody touch your stuff.. if you tip you there friend Ocean water clear on calm days, fridge stock with water coke sprite room 2 queen beds rooms p330 and up is good close 2 everything they have another section building away from action ocean view room pool beach close , beach lacks kayaks should be added there resort has been opened since 2023 closed 3 years,
resort moderaten in good condition is not for single person most families groups go there is worth the money, relaxing vacation i hope is good review , the tour guide Jose is very good go on the cruse to the Catalinia Island boat ride is worth it ...
★★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserSecrets Royal Beach: Good resort! Fun time!
Overall we enjoyed our time there. The beach is beautiful and they really clean the seaweed very well every day. The pool area was also really enjoyable and people from the pool bar are very nice and constantly going around to serve you. I want to mention the only women at the pool bar Lady - she is a lady indeed - she is making awesome cocktails, not once mixing up an order and she is very funny always joking and with a smile on her face. The grounds are very clean and people are helpful and nice . Food was ok - at the buffet they could use a bit of variety in a 7 day vacation because especially for breakfast we had the very same pastries every day. But the omelettes and eggs and smoked fish was awesome and the ladies which make the omelettes are really good at what they are doing . All à la carte restaurants are good - we had very much fun, good food and very nice service at the Japanese and also the grill one - to mention here Marlon Brando- hard working and fun guy. Entertainment was also good, the shows were diverse and pretty good and fun.
★Chad pizza -
Verified PurchaserDreams Onyx Resort and Spa: It all about the beach !
No matter how great the hotel or food is the main part of taking a trip to a sunny destination where there is ocean is to
Enjoy the beach . Sadly we did not experience this at dreams onyx hotel and spa . The excursion was ok but again the beach we attended was full of seaweed . Will not be going to the Dominican Republic ever again and will not recommend anyone. Else to go .
We really enjoyed our stay at the Barcelo Bavaro Beach resort in Punta Cana. However, we were very disappointed as many other tourists in this resort to see the extreme sargassum situation on the beach, which made the beach unusable. The smell of seaweed from the beach caused a strong unpleasant smell in the pool areas. I believe when booking this area with a travel agent, the travel agent should be able to warn the consumer of this extreme situation. We are beach people and this put a damper on our vacation. We could not even walk along the beach. We chose this particular resort because of the calmness of the ocean. I know this cannot be remedied due to nature and extreme climate changes on the Atlantic Ocean side, however, to pay full price for a resort and not have the use of the beach proved to be very disappointing for us, as well as many other tourists on this property. I had done much reading and research and I was aware of this situation however upon arrival I was astonished to see the amount of sargassum which even the best of crew members were unable to keep up with. We enjoyed the fact that we were able to use the facilities of the Bavaro Palace it's sister property. However, in comparison the Animacion team and the shows differed immensely! We found the Barcelo Beach side was just too quiet with many activities cancelled without notice on their activities schedule and no vacation vibes music played throughout the resort. There was only one show on the beach side that we enjoyed. We found that we were always taking the train to the Barcelo Palace side to use the gym, the hydroptherapy spa, they included two free visits and the massive pools. The Animacion team made a valiant effort and the shows were of high caliber on this side as well. We did have a decent room with a King bed and much to our surprise we had an ocean view. The variety, presentation, and abundance of food was highly noticably, however even though they had advertised a gluten free station at their buffets, there were no such stations and I had a gluten free card, it was hard for them to accomodate my needs and, I am lucky that I do understand and speak Spanish since at this resort most of the employees do not speak English. They were more than happy to accomodate my eating needs at three of the a la carte restaurants that we ate at. Overall, the cleaninness and the abundance of pools and a la carte restaurants and buffets were plenty when were allowed to use both resorts.
★★Tony -
Verified PurchaserRoyalton Bavaro Resort and Spa: Not a good hotel for family
I stayed at this hotel from August 18 to August 26 with my wife and two daughters, and unfortunately, the experience did not match the 4.5-star rating at all.
The biggest disappointment was the food. There was very little variety, and many of the dishes were served cold. The selection of fruits and pastries was also very limited and not what I would expect from a hotel in this category.
The restaurants were extremely hot because the air conditioning was not working properly. It was honestly very uncomfortable to sit and eat, especially with children. During the first two days, all four of us were badly affected by the heat, which made the beginning of our family vacation very difficult.
The pool was another disappointment. The water was very warm, so it was not refreshing at all and did not help with the heat.
The room itself was acceptable, but the TV and internet were unreliable and did not work properly.
Overall, I expected much better based on the hotel’s rating and reputation. I would not consider this a true 4.5-star experience, and I would personally rate it around 2.5 to 3 stars. I would not recommend this hotel to families with children or to anyone who cares about food quality, comfort, and reliable amenities.
★★★Niki -
Verified PurchaserRoyalton Bavaro Resort and Spa: Very average
Overall, I would rate this resort three out of five stars, rather than four point five. While the room itself was decent, the overall experience was disappointing. The food had very little variety, and most meals were served cold. Fruit options were limited and not very good in quality. Housekeeping mostly just, tidied up rather than properly cleaning. The floors and bathroom were often not cleaned well. The Wi-Fi was unreliable and kept disconnecting, and the in-room TV internet rarely worked. One of the biggest issues was the pool. The water was extremely warm, which made it uncomfortable to swim, especially in the heat.
Overall, I had much higher expectations, and I don’t think this hotel deserves a 4.5-star rating. I personally wouldn’t stay here again, and I would recommend that anyone who values good food, cleanliness, and reliable amenities consider other options.
They only positive experience was the staff. They were very nice and friendly and they try their best to help.
Perfectly appointed hotel with fantastic food, large rooms, and an excellent pool with lots to do.
Staff were all smiles the whole time and made sure that everything was perfect during our stay.
Largely couples during our stay so may not be ideal for singles looking to mingle.
Location5/5
Value4/5
Food5/5
Beach4/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserRoyalton Bavaro Resort and Spa: Royal Bávaro — Aug. 26 ? | Our 6th Visit + Current Thoughts
We’ve been to Royal Bávaro six times now, so I thought I’d share my current thoughts on the resort. Overall, it’s still a fun family resort with lots to do, great room options, and the convenience of being oceanfront and all-inclusive.
? PROS
• Lots to do: lazy river, FlowRider, shallow wading pool, mini water park, mini putt and playground.
• Food available throughout the day: two food trucks, outdoor grill, pizza window and Diamond Club food options.
• Great room options: one-bedroom suites and swim-up rooms are available, and the couches convert into pull-out beds — great for families.
? CONS
• Rooms are starting to feel rundown: our room had no alarm clock, the shower barely drained, and there was rust on some of the cupboards.
• Menus have changed: unfortunately, three of my personal favourite meals have been removed. ?
• Dinner reservations: can be frustrating and difficult to get. Diamond Club definitely helps with this. Also very warm inside the restaurants
• Nightly entertainment: not a ton happening in the evenings, especially for kids.
• Pool maintenance: we noticed quite a few broken/missing pool tiles. We also seen a young boy needing stitches after cutting his toe in the pool, which was concerning.
• Tons of seaweed. Obvi that can’t be controlled but there was nothing being done to try and tidy the beach.
? FINAL THOUGHTS
After six visits, I’d still say Royal Bávaro is a fun family resort with a lot to offer.
That said, I do feel like some areas of the resort are starting to show their age, and there are a few things I’d love to see improved.
Would we come back? Probably yes. The overall experience, location, activities and family-friendly setup keep bringing us back. ❤️?
★★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserViva Miches by Wyndham: viva Miches bt Windham is a superb resort.
Viva Miches by Windham is very good. we have no problem for the room, spacious, clean, food, lot of selections, crew are very polite, pools are good, beach calm, no big waves. My wife and I was happy. I will recommend this resort to my friends
Location5/5
Value5/5
Food5/5
Beach5/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★★Vithya -
Verified PurchaserBakour Punta Cana Suites: Amazing Service
Hotel
I had the Junior Suite with two beds. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable. The bathroom could use a little work, especially the stand-up shower. The pool was clean and well maintained. Overall, the hotel is a clean and pleasant place to stay.
Staff
The staff were amazing! After reading all the reviews about the staff in Punta Cana, I honestly didn’t have very high expectations. However, this place completely changed my opinion. The service was excellent, and the staff were very friendly, welcoming, and helpful throughout our stay.
Beach
The beach was the most disappointing part of our stay. It wasn’t suitable for swimming because there was a lot of seaweed and a strong smell. There were also a lot of boats and ships parked in the water, which took away from the overall beach experience.
★★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserDreams Flora Resort and Spa: Amazing resort
The hotel was clean and the staff was helpful and friendly. The food was great lots if variety and they accommodate my allergy towards dairy and nuts. The entertainment was for all ages. Pool side bar was amazing
The Resorts upkeep could have been better, the vent in our room looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in a while as well as the AC not working as intended leaving us in a hot room all week long not fun.
Location3/5
Value2/5
Food3/5
Beach3/5
Rooms2/5
Service3/5
★★★★★DMODA -
Verified PurchaserBahia Principe Explore La Romana: INCREDIBLE VALUE AND EXPERIENCE
FOOD IS SECOND TO NONE! every single day , consistent, huge selections, meats, pastas, You name it!, Drinks top branded!, exceeded expectations!, Beach was incredible, NO SEAWEED!, private type bay beach, resort super clean, rooms AC were amazing, Casino was incredible, I would recommend this place to anyone!!!!
Location5/5
Value5/5
Food5/5
Beach5/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★★Norby -
Verified PurchaserDreams Flora Resort and Spa: Resort was good
i give it a 8 out of 10 the only bad thing was we could not enjoy the beach. The water was dirty and full of see weed. We like the beach and go swim in the water but could not do it any f the days nobody was in the water that part was disappointing. The resort and the food was excellent and the staff was great.
Location4/5
Value4/5
Food4/5
Beach1/5
Rooms4/5
Service5/5
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserBarcelo Bavaro Beach: Barcelo Bavaro Beach - A Fantastic Adult-Only Escape with Exceptional Service
Dates: August 13–20, 2026
Resort: Barceló Bávaro Beach (Adults Only)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
We recently returned from a fantastic week-long stay at Barceló Bávaro Beach. If you are looking for a beautifully maintained property with great entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere, this is a wonderful choice. Here is a detailed breakdown of our experience.
? Premium Swim-Up Room (Room 3021)
* Daily Use: Having direct water access from our terrace was a game-changer. We used the swim-up pool every single day.
* Meticulous Care: The ground staff cleaned the pool area every morning and checked the pH levels throughout the day to ensure perfect water quality.
* Room Service: Prompt, attentive, and consistently great quality.
?️ Dining & Gastronomy
* La Brisa: Outstanding experience. The food was delicious and the service was absolutely excellent.
* The Buffet: While smaller than standard mega-resort buffets, the food preparation and flavour were vastly superior to most other resorts we have visited.
* The Main Downside (Palace Side A la Cartes): To attend the specialized à la carte restaurants, you must travel to the family-friendly side of the resort (Barceló Bávaro Palace). This area is incredibly chaotic and "stupid busy."
* The Commute: You have to take a small train ride over to a massive plaza, which you then have to navigate through just to find your restaurant. We found this overwhelming and a complete distraction from the tranquil, chill vibe we enjoyed on the adults-only side.
? Outstanding Service & Concierge
* Mister Amazing (Felix Ozuna): Our concierge, Felix, truly went above and beyond to turn our holiday into a special event.
* Highly Responsive: He was always available on WhatsApp to answer questions or help out (though, of course, the man rightfully deserves his time off with his family!).
* VIP Perk: Felix provided us with a complimentary excursion to Don Lucas, which was a massive highlight.
? Don Lucas Excursion Insights
If you get the chance to go, do not hesitate. This excursion offers a fascinating, in-depth look at traditional Dominican
products:
* Cigars: You get to see the meticulous process of manual cigar rolling and learn about the different tobacco blends.
* Coffee & Chocolate: They provide immersive educational breakdowns on how local cacao and coffee beans are harvested, roasted, and processed.
* Tastings: You can sample and purchase authentic, high-quality Dominican goods directly from the source.
? Property & Entertainment
* Grounds: The entire property is pristine, lush, and exceptionally well-maintained.
* Nightly Shows: The entertainment team puts on fantastic, high-energy productions every evening that are well worth watching.
? Final Verdict
Barceló Bávaro Beach delivers a top-tier adult-only experience, largely driven by stellar staff like Felix and excellent food quality. Just prepare yourself for the stark contrast in energy levels if you decide to cross over to the Palace side for dinner!
Nous avons passé des belles vacances, la nourriture, la pina colada , les activités et la plage étaient magnifiques.par contre, la chambre 2148 que nous avons occupé allait être meilleure si la sortie de ventilation n avait pas eu de moisissures.
Bref, nous avons aimé notre séjour et c était la première fois que j ai vraiment profité de mes vacances.
Location5/5
Value5/5
Food5/5
Beach5/5
Rooms3/5
Service5/5
★★★★★Allison -
Verified PurchaserRoyalton Splash Punta Cana: Amazing Family Resort for littles!
This was our first family trip with our 4 year old and 1 year old and Royalton Splash Punta Cana did not disappoint. There was always somwthing to do for both kids, whether it was the pool, the beach, or the water park. The rooms were fabulous and well maintained. Only thing that could be fixed was the showers did not drain well and would leak from the side to the floor. The restaurants were delicious and service was impeccable, particularly at the Mexican Restaurant. Overall, amazing trip and we would come back with family/friends!
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserWhala Bavaro: Beach Hotel (Lagoon-like shallow bay)
*RULE: No toilet paper permitted to be flushed down the toilets!!!! use waste basket--same rule as in Costa Rica.
**Pro: beach is beautiful, minimal waves! Food and drinks. Security. Friendly. Hairbraided for good price. Punta Cana Airport and near the airport is Starbucks, Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC.
***Con: Canadian Dollars NOT accepted in DR (vendors want their pesos or USD only) - so everything is very expensive, front desk is slow service and many don't speak/understand English, choking toxic fumes from boats/motorized rec vehicles, vendors along the beach that come up to your lounge chair non-stop, rooms have poor flushing toilets, restaurants around the area are loud with kids staying up really late at night.
****Comparing with Cuba----For this 3.5 stars, the cost of the trip was the most expensive one so far @ $2000 pp 2 weeks). Cuba 2025 Summer was $1300 for 5 star Grand Muthu Almirante (Emerald in English) Beach Hotel. Food tasted much better at Whala Boca Chica DR than any Cuban Hotel I've stayed at. Dominicans add spices and herbs.
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserWhala Bavaro: Waiting for Cuba so this is the alternative!
Comparing with Cuba's standard of service and nature.
Pros: Beach is lagoon-like, so shallow and crystal clear for a long distance. You have an opportunity to visit Saona Island where some scenes for The Blue Lagoon were filmed. The buffet is better than Cuba's 3.5 star hotels - more variety. Wifi is available at the beach. Two beaches to enjoy with a beach-front private restaurant and public road (locals on motorcycles use) that leads to a dock for boats and jets you can rent. Lots of private beach front restaurants to see along you walk on the shore. Tourist police patrol on motorcycle a few times a day and foot patrol by local police. Local grocery stores in a walking distance (Ole de Boca Chica is great). Burger King and Little Caesars.
Cons: Airport is in Punta Cana so 2 hour, white-knuckle drive in a mini-bus. 12-minutes ride to Santo Domingo Internation Airport!!!!!
This hotel has inconsistent service - bar, buffet and room cleaning. Can't relax --- "looky looky" aka view the merch (DR themed bracelets, t-shirts, towels), coconut/cashew brittle, flat bread deep fried, red candied coconut balls, corn on the cob, ice cream,
Lots of construction all over the narrow streeted Boca Chica beach front town. Lots of litter in the ditches and left by the locals or Dominican weekend warriors. Drinking in the water in the day and evening.
Stayed at the resort for 7 days not a day in our stay where the beach is cleaned from seaweeds. Water is dark brown, aside from weeds it looks as if the oil from all the yatch , boats that are docked there are all in the water. It didn’t say in the description that it’s a few feet away from marine dock.
We were also hassled by the people at the beach, hard to relax when they swarm you trying to sell you anything and everything. These hasslers also keep saying “Nihao” indirectly to me although I’m not Chinese which I think is very disrespectful to the Chinese people and to me
The rooms smelled bad like sewer. The pillows are smelly although the cleaners changed the casings. The AC is not cold enough.
We were also asked to be in a meeting the next morning after we arrived but because we decided to sleep in and not show up for the meeting when I asked AirCanada rep in Sunscape about our pick up time the day before our check out he said “ you missed your chance, you are all not in the list because you didn't show up in the meeting” The meeting is just about selling activities of things to do in Punta Cana which are far more expensive than buying online. The rep gave us a hard time before telling us the pick up time for airport transpo. He was asking for eticket number which I couldn’t provide at the time bec it was in my email and there is NO WIFI at the front desk area and at the Windows buffet area. I was ready to loose it and call the airline itself.
We were also scammed at the airport by some dude named Miguel who lured us to go to Hard Rock Cafe for free breakfast buffet and discounted activities. On the way back to Canada 2 of my children were placed on stand by bec the plane was full they said. I don’t understand bec I paid for the package, I will understand if they seat at random spot and not together bec they didn’t buy preferred seats. Been on the trip with my family and it’s the first time I’ve experienced being harassed everywhere we go in Dominican Republic. Another thing, I do not know how someone from DR was able to make a $5.68 purchase using my account from the name “Rafael Mendez” which I denied bec I didn’t authorized him to make this purchase . I also recieved a reset password for my apple ?
This is my first and last visit there.
★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserVIK Hotel Arena Blanca: Good Budget Resort!
The staff was very accommodating! We asked to have an extra bed brought into the room and they had it done within an hour. Rooms were otherwise mostly fine. Our patio doors did not lock, but this turned out to be helpful since our room keys deactivated basically everyday. Food was good but repetitive. They could use more effective security on the beach. The locals selling excursions were VERY pushy; almost to the point of harassment. Pools are awesome though!
Location4/5
Value3/5
Food3/5
Beach4/5
Rooms2/5
Service5/5
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserGrand Palladium Palace: Great Resort
We had an amazing stay at this hotel. The grounds were always clean and well maintained, and the rooms were spotless and comfortable. The minibar was consistently restocked, with extra bottled water provided daily. We also appreciated the ice machines conveniently located throughout the resort.
The food was very good, and the service was outstanding. We were especially impressed by the quality of service from the staff, who were friendly, attentive, and professional throughout our stay.
The beach was cleaned daily, towels were always available, and most of the à la carte restaurants were excellent. The Spanish and Italian restaurants were my favorites, and the Japanese restaurant was also very good. One thing to note is that the portion sizes at the restaurants were extremely large. While the food was delicious, many dishes were much bigger than necessary, which resulted in a lot of food being left uneaten and potentially wasted.
Areas for Improvement:
Argentinian Restaurant: The service was extremely slow. We waited about an hour for our food, and we had to ask for bread and butter while waiting.
Boats Near the Beach: There are too many boats traveling back and forth close to the shoreline. They pass frequently, sometimes every few minutes, and the smell of fuel can be noticeable and unpleasant. It would greatly improve the beach experience if the number of boats were reduced or if they operated farther from shore.
Overall, this is a fantastic resort with excellent service, great food, and beautiful, well-maintained facilities. I would definitely recommend it and would gladly return.
★★★★Patrick -
Verified PurchaserCaribe Deluxe Princess: Nice to go
Très belle endroit, nous avons adoré notre séjour ! Le personnel était très accueillant ! L'endroit est magnifique ! Nous avons bien mangé. Nous avons été bien conseillé pour les activités. Je recommande fortement cette endroit
Location4/5
Value4/5
Food4/5
Beach4/5
Rooms4/5
Service5/5
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserViva Heavens by Wyndham: Had a great time!
Wonderful staff very friendly and accomodating. The food was good lots of variety, amazing beach was the best part of our stay. They should invest more in infrastructure, the rooms need some renovation.
Beautiful place well maintained clean delicious restaurant but sea weeds stop me to go in the ocean and I use only the pool , at least I have good weather , food was very good, service excellent, room clean and spacious.
Location4/5
Value4/5
Food5/5
Beach1/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserVH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: The Crown Jewel of Puerto Plata All Inclusives
We chose to be pampered by their Royal Service option and it did not disappoint. Upgraded room with ocean view in a spotless building. Access to an exclusive area of their wonderful beach ( with bala beds and padded loungers) where Aquino, David and team provided steady and impeccable friendly service. The beach is protected by a reef and is nestled in a bay so no issues with Sargassum or waves. The water was clear, clean, warm as a bathtub in June and one could spot some smaller fish amongst the rocks. Royal service has unlimited a la carte dinners which we enjoyed every night. Food was very good at all three and we were spoiled with upgraded wines included in the package. The buffet was very good but usually with a more limited variety.than some other AI's we have been to but quality was above average. We regularly took advantage of the Vintage club for mimosas and Spanish coffee in the morning and cocktails in the afternoon with upgraded ingredients.The staff at the Vintage lounge was friendly and service orientated. Pros - long, walkable, beautiful, clean beach. Consistently excellent service. High standard of cleanliness. Spacious bright room with modern air conditioning. Choice of two pools - one for families and a quiet pool for adults (except during high season).Well managed and safe. Cons - can be noisy and crowded during high season, door to balcony was stiff, limited outlets and hangers in the dated but super clean and freshly painted room,limited entertainment, no kleenex provided (byok),and the toilet paper was subpar (byotp). Not a party resort for the younger demographicalthough weekends can be noisy. Superior value and we are "hoping" to be back again every year for a week. As their slogan says, "Come as guests and return as family."
★★★★★Yvonne L. -
Verified PurchaserPlayabachata Hotel: Stay at Playabachata
We enjoyed our stay tremendously! This is a budget friendly resort and was perfect!
Before our arrival we were sceptic because of the reviews. I honestly do not understand why people would complain. This is a small resort but we loved that. 2-story buildings and we were right on the beach. Close enough to the coffee shop, buffet and snack bar.
The staff are amazing! Helpful and have great attitudes. A special shout out Walter, Stephanie, Juan Carlos, Medranoq, Albert, Glery, to name but a few. From the time we checked in to the time we left we enjoyed our stay.
If you want fancy, pay for fancy. We loved the authenticity of this place! Thank you Bachata!
★★★D&T retired -
Verified PurchaserThe Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Relaxing holiday
We enjoyed our vacation despite a few issues.
Our check in took until 5:30...room not ready. More discipline action needed by staff for improperly supervised children by negligent parents in pool and dining areas.
Our upgraded room was large and comfortable with balcony and awesome ocean view.
Our bath and shower needed attention (mold) which they took care of immediately. Housekeeping did a good job making up the room and keeping the fridge stocked.
Pool area was relaxing, lots of chairs and pleasant bartenders. Pool staff could be more assertive enforcing Pool etiquette at the swim-up bar (babies in diapers sitting on Pool countertop). Most people enjoyed spending their day at the beach along with the burger/chicken wing BBQ daily.
Buffet was average ... always something to eat but geared to adult diet. The 2 a la carte restaurants were delicious. Limited entertainment but staff kept us amused all day.
I stayed 14 days it was a nightmare. Lots of things didnt work in our room. Its a big resort so please be aware there will be alot of walking. No buses, it takes forever. Food was horrible. Service was terrible. Beach had a bad smell and alot of sargassum. As a female I didn't feel safe and I'll not return.
Location4/5
Value1/5
Food2/5
Beach2/5
Rooms1/5
Service1/5
★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserVH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Beautiful beach
Food was good.Beds were not king as mentioned during booking , our kids room washroom was flooded with water, there was leak from somewhere from tub . Ceiling of their room was moulded and leaking.
Everyday they took awhile to put back towels for bathroom.
There was no snack bar if you feel hungry in between breakfast lunch dinner , you can just have drinks only.
Location4/5
Value3/5
Food4/5
Beach5/5
Rooms2/5
Service3/5
★★★★★Ira p -
Verified PurchaserDreams Flora Resort and Spa: Second review addition
In first review I wrote my opinion about my vacation at dreams flora. Just want to add special thank you to Juan Pena- incredible nice bartender of prefered club adults only pool. He is so nice, friendly, with good English guy making our vacation pleasant
LocationN/A
ValueN/A
FoodN/A
BeachN/A
Rooms5/5
ServiceN/A
★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserDreams Onyx Resort and Spa: Good overall experience
Overall, this is a good resort and we had a pleasant experience. The food, location, pools, and facilities are all good. However, my main issue is the price. They charge a significant premium, around 20 to 30% more than many comparable resorts, but I honestly did not find the overall experience to be 20 to 30% better.
A few things that stood out:
1. 24-hour room service: Having room service available 24 hours sounds like a great feature, but unfortunately the quality was disappointing when we tried it. The bread tasted like it was a couple of days old, and the coffee was very hit or miss. After that experience, I did not order room service again.
2. Pools: The pools are good, clean, and enjoyable, but they are similar to pools at many other resorts. I did not find anything particularly fancy or premium about them.
3. Water slides and activities: There are some extra slides and water features around the pools, which are nice to have. I tried them a couple of times and enjoyed them, but after that they did not really add much value to the overall experience for me.
4. Lazy river: The resort highlights the lazy river quite a bit, so I was expecting something special. It is okay, but compared to other lazy rivers I have experienced, this one felt more like a pool with very slowly moving water. It was nice to try, but definitely not something I would consider a major reason to choose this resort.
The regular food was good, the location was good, and overall the resort was enjoyable. I am not saying this is a bad resort at all. My issue is simply the value for money.
When a resort charges 20 to 30% more than comparable options, I expect something noticeably better or more premium. I just did not find that here. The overall experience felt very similar to other good resorts that cost considerably less.
At a more competitive price, I would have a much more positive opinion of this resort. But at the current pricing, I personally do not think the extra cost is justified, and I would not return at this price.
★★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserSenator Puerto Plata Hotel: Senator review
The hotel was great the entertainment staff was great two of them stand put the most shakira and monkey!!! Always making everyone feeling welcome and engaged!!! Monkey is crazy and funny and full of energy shakira is a sweet girl always sitting and talking with us!! The rest of the resort staff works hard and are friendly too
The beach is ok the cove is great!!! Its windy on the beach too. Was exciting to see the big ships pull up!!! Food was good no complaints lots to choose from at the buffet but restaurant food was even better as it always is on any resort!! No complaints from me
★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserSunscape Coco Punta Cana: Ok resort
Service very slow. Front desk is slow took 2 hours to check in. Restaurant very slow. It takes 20 mins to get your drinks. Also asked for an extra towel and blanket on the app. Stayed for 7 days never got the extra towel or blanket
Location4/5
Value3/5
Food2/5
Beach4/5
Rooms3/5
Service1/5
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserCatalonia Royal Bavaro: Family vacation
We have been to this resort last summer and this summer . We love this resort . Rooms can be updated and need to give all towels in size . Food is good steak out on adults only other one sucks with Italian sucks. Beach not go but we went to 2 beach’s off resort. They just need to take all the towels off the lawn chairs at night because people don’t know . Bar in pool should stay open until pool closes. Fridge should alway be filled with what is missing .
We are a big family with 3 guys that can eat and every restaurant we ordered each 2 to 3 plates at a time and we finished everything.there is a little shop down the beach it’s a nice walk down the beach even through the it looks like a lake. Entertainment at night was good always something. The beach party was wild . Casino needs an update and more machines. Need to update the people that work there. Someone was unfriendly. Do the boggie Excursions do the one with the beach same price longer and much better.
Nice hotel but never use the beach because was smelling and full of grass , so I don’t use at all for 1 week, not happy at all , I hope my family goes the next week and don’t find the same situation….
Location5/5
Value5/5
Food5/5
Beach1/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★★★Steven -
Verified PurchaserSecrets Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa: It’s all in the details!
We visited in late July and the resort was beautiful. When it comes to details, management and staff thought of everything. Our room included a walkout pool overlooking the main pool area. The cleaning and service staff did everything to make our stay extra special. I will surely visit and recommend this resort to others!
Location4/5
Value5/5
Food3/5
Beach4/5
Rooms5/5
Service4/5
★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserBahia Principe Explore Turquesa: Okay, but expected more from a Bahia
Room was dated and it feel like it as well. Balcony door did not lock, luckily we were on the second floor. Shower was falling apart and the toilet was making weird sounds for a while after being flushed.
Food was decent in the buffet. Breakfast and lunch was repetitive but dinner had some good options like lobster night etc. The lunch by the beach seems to be better than the one by the pool. Mixed drinks were a hit and miss. The ladies I traveled with felt they were being ignored by the bartenders sometimes serving the men first.
As for service, majority of the employees were good and attentive but there were a few that just ignored requests. Could be a language barrier but it would have been better if they just indicated they did not understand.
The Beach was infested with seaweeds. They try to pick it with a tractor but it was hopeless. Not the fault of the hotel and the workers were doing their best to control it.
Pools were good and enjoyable.
A la carte - a couple good ones. The Brazilian and Mongolia were the best of the ones visited. Sushi and Indian not so much.
Not a lot of good activities for kids. There were a few good shows like the magic snow and circus, but it started and 10pm. After a day at the pool, the kids were too tired to be up that late.
★★★★Slav -
Verified PurchaserVik Hotel Cayena Beach: Great memories from this little hidden spot
We have found this place by chance, as initially it was not near our top choices due to the resort's aging infrastructure. But since the the dates worked for us with our short notice trip, we took the chance. After staying there for a few days, I can confidently say that this was the most relaxing sun destination trip I have taken so far. The entire VIK resort complex is dated and not fancy, which is visible once you start exploring, but it was clean and comfortable. The staff at Cayena are very friendly, helpful and courteous. The guests that were there at the time also seemed to have developed a sense of care and relationship with Cayena, as quite a few of them continue to return on regular basis. The private beach section always offered plenty of loungers and hammocks. The pool was not overly busy during our stay. Many times, were were the only ones there. The Cayena exclusive a la carte restaurant offered great options for breakfast and lunch. We have tried almost all of the menu options and enjoyed every dish that was made for us. I really enjoyed having our made to order breakfast while sitting a few meters away from the ocean. The Cayena exclusive bar also provided us with all the necessities for our stay. All combined, the Cayena section delivered everything that we needed at the pace we wanted. We have not experienced any moment of urgency or rush, as almost everything was within reach and exclusive to us when needed. For the duration of our stay, we hardly ever needed to cross over to the main resort, with the exception of the evening buffet and entertainment. Now, the beach was covered in seaweed because of the season, so we did not get to go into the ocean. Erosion is also visible along the beach, which is a more widespread occurrence along many other resorts. However, with the way Cayena is set up, you can still enjoy the ocean views from the pool, the bar, the restaurant, the patio, and the rooms. I would definitely go back and definitely recommend for anyone that just wants to relax.
★★★★★MAZCAL -
Verified PurchaserBahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: An Unforgettable Vacation at Bahia Principe Punta Cana
Our experience at Bahia Principe Punta Cana was truly amazing from beginning to end. The resort exceeded our expectations with its beautiful surroundings, outstanding service, and the incredible Caribbean atmosphere.
From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and cared for. The resort offers beautiful gardens, a spectacular beach, relaxing pools, great entertainment, and comfortable accommodations that made our vacation truly enjoyable.
We would also like to give special recognition to Manuela Romeiro, our vacation travel agent, for his exceptional attention, professionalism, and support in helping us organize this unforgettable trip. Manuela went above and beyond to ensure every detail was taken care of, providing excellent recommendations, quick responses, and outstanding customer service. Her dedication helped make our vacation smooth, stress-free, and memorable.
Thank you Manuela for creating such a wonderful experience. We also highly recommend this resort and the excellent service provided by our agent for anyone planning a dream vacation in Punta Cana. ?☀️
We look forward to returning again!
★★★★★Rest and relax -
Verified PurchaserBahia Principe Escape Samana: Setting of serenity
This was an amazing resort to just get away from it all. The beach is quiet, with a sweet little dog that greets you everyday.
The food was amazing, and the staff are very kind and attentive.
The grounds are stunning, lots of trees and a beautiful view of the ocean.
This is not a resort for people who want late night events, or a big social sceen, it's a place to just relax and disconnect by connecting to nature and calm.
The resort exceeded our expectations. The staff was incredibly helpful. The kids explorer club was great. The entertainment crew rocked it. The variety and access to food was fantatic. All our meals were delicious.
Location5/5
Value4/5
Food5/5
Beach5/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★★★Tharshini -
Verified PurchaserEmotions by Hodelpa Juan Dolio: Wonderful resort
This place is very good for vacation. We went there as family about 18 people including kids. Clean grounds, rooms, beach areas. Food also very good, meeting all ages expectations. Little inconvenience was about water flow. It was very slow for some reason. Also washroom water comes to the room since both washroom and room are on same ground level. Other than that our stay was very pleasant
Bahia principe Ambar was the perfect getaway for us. The location was right on the beach and the resort enviorment was perfect for older couples. Food was excellent and we had mamy choices of restaurants to choose from as all of Bahia principe resorts in Punta Cana are conectred
Beautiful area of the country. Still undeveloped. Best beach so far. Food average and some ala cartes good and some not so good. Buffet good variety and staff are excellent. Front desk staff are careless and not very helpful. They tried to over charge for the preferred package not knowing I had researched how much it was from here. Wanted crazy money for something I didn’t think was worth. All you get is top tier liquor by their standard, extra restaurant and a butler. All of which have no value to me. Their area is gated off but not on the beach itself. The resort is new and nice but the area is being developed with other resorts planned already which are even higher end. Good to visit now to see the beautiful beaches as not sure how long that will last. Would go again but would try other resorts planned already. Overall a solid 4 star. Also was our anniversary and nothing special was done. Maybe the butler might have if I had chosen to pay thousands for preferred but not really worth a bottle of booze, banner and maybe a bubble bath set up.
★★★★Andrei -
Verified PurchaserBahia Principe Explore Turquesa: Good resort
It is good resort food beach activities show except reception guys which don't want to fix cold water in the sink in our room I'm ask them 3 times during our vacation and they still not fixed because only hot water coming any position and you can't do nothing water is very hot you have to step in bathtub to do your thing this is only one thing I don't like in this hotel all the rest it was perfect
Location4/5
Value4/5
Food5/5
Beach4/5
Rooms2/5
Service4/5
★★★★★Nelly -
Verified PurchaserSecrets La Romana: Amazing Resort
We had an amazing stay at this resort! The property is beautiful, clean, and very well maintained.
The room was comfortable, and housekeeping did a fantastic job every day.
The beach and pools were gorgeous, with plenty of loungers and crystal-clear water that made it easy to relax for hours. The entertainment team kept the atmosphere fun without being overwhelming, and there were lots of activities available throughout the day.
We left feeling refreshed and already talking about our next visit. We would highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a relaxing, beautiful, and worry-free getaway.
The only issue we had was the internet disconnection. It lasted for a couple of days and lots of guests pointed this issue out.
★★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserViva V Samana by Wyndham: Amazing resort
Excellent resort better then Punta Cana. Food, Beaches were great.
The service was good.
The few bad things were the workers were very poor in English.
The shows were terrible.
But overall excellent resort.
Location4/5
Value4/5
Food4/5
Beach5/5
Rooms4/5
Service4/5
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserBahia Principe Explore La Romana: Great vacation!
Clean rooms, fantastic food and amazing staff everywhere. Unfortunately did not get to go in the ocean because of jellyfish, but at least we could walk the beach because there was no smelly seaweed. If you are not obsessed with the beach, I would highly recommend. The pool and activities were a lot of fun. We upgraded to adult side (Bouganville) which I think really made a difference, as the family side was quite busy.
Location4/5
Value5/5
Food4/5
Beach4/5
Rooms4/5
Service5/5
★Private -
Verified PurchaserBahia Principe Escape Ambar: NOT A 5 STAR
The only good things I could say is that the rooms were clean and the “Limbo” à la carte restaurant was good. That is were it ended. The meat at the Rodizio steak house was harder than my shoe. We went for a wedding and the chicken also was tuff to cut and was stuffed with raisins when it was supposed to be wild mushrooms. Most of our guests got sick and to top it off, all 4 toilets by the pool were locked the two days I had to use them.
LocationN/A
Value1/5
Food1/5
Beach1/5
Rooms3/5
Service2/5
★★Private -
Verified PurchaserPlayabachata Hotel: Did Not Meet Expectations
The dining experience was not as expected. Food was either room temperature or cold, for all meals. The beach is beautiful, and is walking distance from the resort. The customer service was very poor. The waiters at the restaurant would not help us, we were responsible for getting our own drinks, cutlery and glasses. The locals are allowed to stay at the resort from Friday to Sunday. This caused the pools, and restaurants to be over crowded. The rooms are in great need of renovation, as our sink tap was loose (almost coming off) and our bathtub paint was peeling off. The toilets were not flushing well, sometimes it took 2-3 flushes for anything to go down the drain. Our mini fridges were only refilled with pop or water when we asked them too.
The property was nice. Pools are good, Rooms are nice. Good gym
The issue we had was with the food - especially with the lack of food options during the day. The only coffee shop on the resort was off limited to us as we were at the Aquamarine and the coffee shop was only for those at the Ambar. So, machine coffee it is. The meals at the restaurants are OK, not great.
Went to watch a World Cup football game at the sports bar, during the day. The place was empty except for the 4 booths at the very back that were full. This is because no one was allowed to site the big screen without reservations. That entire area was empty! Also, beer was $5 at the Sports Bar.
The staff was polite but not friendly. I will not be returning to this resort.
★★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserVH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Great compact resort
Just got back from a week long vacation with my family. There were 7 of us. We loved that everything was close by. The staff were amazing and very friendly. The buffet and Al a carte restaurants were delicious. There was always a variety. The only negative was that you had to reserve chairs at the beach early in the morning to get an umbrella. They need more palapas.
Location5/5
Value5/5
Food5/5
Beach5/5
Rooms4/5
Service5/5
★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserEmotions by Hodelpa Juan Dolio: 3 stars resort
The hotel is advertised as a 4 stars but is really 3 stars. The beach in the water as on the sand is full of seaweed. The pool water is often cloudy and half the pools are dirty. The staff members are kind and helpful, the room were clean. The food in most restaurants is ok but the Asian restaurant is really bad.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — An Amazing Experience at Secrets Cap Cana
We had an absolutely wonderful experience at Secrets Cap Cana! The service was truly 10 out of 10. The restaurant service, room service, and bar service were all exceptional, with friendly, attentive, and professional staff who made our stay even more enjoyable.
A very special thank you to Angelo and Francis for taking such great care of us and always being there whenever we needed anything. Their kindness, attention, and excellent service made us feel truly special.
We highly recommend Secrets Cap Cana and look forward to coming back again!
We loved the resort grounds, the food, the people. Room was very dated but clean. The AC worked and toilet flushed. Entertainment was good but often ended early in the evening. Liked that it wasn’t crazy far from airport too.
From start to finish this resort is simply top notch! Staff are incredible, grounds are amazing , rooms are heavenly and the food is excellent! Would go back in a heartbeat! Majestic resorts have it all! Perfect vacation spot!
Location5/5
Value5/5
Food5/5
Beach5/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★★Ezee3512 -
Verified PurchaserThe Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Exceptional!
The hotel is a good place to be for a getaway vacation. Everything worked well. Staffs are very courteous. Room service well beyond expectations. The only cons, is about too much salt in the foods. I would definitely recommend Eurostars Grand Cayacoa to everyone looking for all inclusive vacations
There was black mold on our bathroom ceiling and I ended up with bacterial pneumonia hospitalized for 3 days which the doctor at the hospital said it could certainly be caused by mold They switched our room. The new room had a faulty electrical outlet. Theywere supposed to fix it but never returned. They put a huge cable outlet running across the room which could have ended up with one of us tripping. We got locked out of our room for 2 1/2 hours because of the faulty lock. No compensation given us whatsoever
★Private -
Verified PurchaserBlue Bay Villas Doradas: Not what we spected
Honestly was not all inclusive hotel they preferred dominican people better they get al the right treatment we got bad room because we asked for 2 beds minimum bar only one night was free food wasn’t the best very limited drinks same no pops only Pepsi 7 up
Location3/5
Value1/5
Food1/5
Beach5/5
Rooms1/5
Service1/5
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserBlue Bay Villas Doradas: Good resort
The resort has a beautiful clean and sandy beach. Food was good ( many choices). I truly enjoyed Candita's omelets served with a beautiful smile straight from her heart. Entertainment could be better. I truly advise to buy jewelry at the tables at the airport. The resort stores had them very overpriced.
Location5/5
Value4/5
Food4/5
Beach5/5
Rooms3/5
Service4/5
★★★★★Jumana -
Verified PurchaserBahia Principe Explore La Romana: The BEST resort!
We truly had the best time there. Not only is the country beautiful, the nearby excursions (MonkeyLand and Saona Island), as well as the friendly staff too. We were 4 friends celebrating a birthday. It's so much fun and there's so many things to do in and out of the resort. The à-la-carte restaurants and buffet food is made with love. The rooms were always clean. The staff doesn't expect or force you to tip. The front desk and bell-mans are always available, smiley and friendly. Every staff member was happy to see us every day. A HUGE thank you to Angel from the beach restaurant for being the sweetest, funniest and kindest person. Luis A., Luis B. and Yismeily Are THE best entertainers, they work so hard and are super fun to dance with. The bartenders, especially Christian, Alberto and the bartender at the pool, are amazing and make the best drinks (with and without alcohol). Nathaniel and Enmanuel, although quite shy due to the language barrier, were extremely nice waiters and they're kindness didn't go unnoticed. If we could remember everyone's names, the list would be super long!! The talent at the night shows was unreal. The overall cleanliness of the resort was comforting. It's also so easy to make friends all around.
★★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserSelect Sosua Adults Only, Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Fabulous resort
The hotel was amazing and the staff were friendly and courteous....food was awesome fresh and delicious...the room was very clean and tidy and comfortable...the resort is amazing the beach was awesome relaxing...I definitely go to the Dominican Republic Puerto Plata again...
Location5/5
Value5/5
Food5/5
Beach5/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserOccidental Punta Cana: Low budget hotel
1. It’s a Spanish owned hotel, not much workers speak English.
2. Food was a 5/10
3. Waited 1 hr in line at the reception desk to check into our room just to find out we have a royal level check in which is somewhere else that had no line. Workers were not working, keep leaving the desk doing other things even thought the line was long.
4. Beach was the highlight 8/10 just lots of seaweed by the shore.
Location3/5
Value3/5
Food2/5
Beach4/5
Rooms3/5
Service2/5
★★★Mrsbacik -
Verified PurchaserRoyalton Hideaway Punta Cana: Not bad but not great
The grounds of the resort are beautiful and the entertainment is top notch. For some reason is says I’m reviewing Hideaway but we were at the Punta Cana Diamond Club. Tried to get connecting rooms - no luck. Reserved rooms ahead of time - not honored. Our daughter has a shellfish allergy and it was a very difficult experience for her. We informed the resort of her life threatening allergies and on the second day we found a shrimp tail in the children’s pasta. We had a good response from the staff to help accommodate her need to use take out containers and eat in her room. On a few occasions we were stopped and questioned about using take out containers. The beach has beautiful sand but the water is not turquoise - it is kinda like swimming in an Ontario lake. The pools are super warm and both my kids got ear infections after a few days. Being ear drops because they are 35USD at the shop at the resort. The water park at Splash was a lot of fun.
This resort was amazing.
The food was amazing. The buffet was always great and fresh with a lot of food to choose from.
Room service was great. Always very clean and always stocked with clean towels and extra bottles of water and sodas.
Customer service was very attentive. Any question and any doubt we had, they were always ready to assist.
Entertainment, specially the pool entertainment was always good... music the whole day and some games and dance.
The beach is amazing.... clear water, calm and the sand always clean of garbage and with enough lounge chair for everybody.
I am not a person to return to the same resort but to this one I will definitely return.
★★★Nelly -
Verified PurchaserPlayabachata Hotel: Affordable and clean
The hotel is beautifully located and the ground are well maintained. For the price you get what you pay for. 3.5 stars. Check in was fast, our room was clean with exception on the headboard as it’s an old model I don’t think they notice all the trapped dust in the headboard. The room is spacious with a TV, mini fridge and and safe. Some English channels and the fridge is stacked daily. Washroom clean except for the peeling tub and brown water at times.
The resort gets very busy on weekend with locals. It is difficult to maneuver through buffets at meal times or find seating for dining. Also, worrying about food handling. A lot of children handling the food especially, the ice cream stations. Which doesn’t seem hygienic. Also. Very crowded by the pool area and can’t find pool chairs to sit on. People put their towels on them and don’t come back for hours.
Overall, the stay was okay. Not what we we’re expecting. The senator next door would be our preference if going back to peurto plata. But I think we will be more inclined to go to Punta Cana.
The access to the gym, coffee shop and pizza was a plus but we mainly enjoyed the ice cream. Not enough to do for kids. Entertainment lacking.
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserBahia Principe Escape Ambar: Good Resort
We have been to this resort 3 times in the last 4 years, we had excellent service from Rodolfo the beverage person. The house keeping staff was amazing, an issue we had was we booked a king size bed in November 2025 but we were given 2 twins. Which was disappointing as this was our 25th wedding anniversary trip. Some of the à la carte restaurant the staff were dismissive and rude. The Indian and Greek restaurants were disappointed in.
Pretty grounds, talented bartenders. Poor communication about shuttles to and from the airport
Food was amazing with new items everyday. Very nice house red and white. Bring singles to tip wworkers
Location4/5
Value4/5
Food5/5
Beach4/5
Rooms3/5
Service4/5
★★★★Alexis -
Verified PurchaserRiu Republica: very big hotel
this hotel was huge, plenty of lounge chairs, plenty of restaurants, huge buffet. many rooms lack air conditioning, we had to request a different room 3 times, eventually we got one that if you kept the blackout blinds closed with the ceiling fan and ac, you were able to bring the temp to 24 degrees. we slept comfortably as the bedding was thin and light. showers were huge, stingy on the shampoo, the staff works 12 days on 3 days off so they seemed tired. when we tipped some staff member we got better service, but at first they barely looked us in the eyes. the beach was beautiful, no seaweed, huge waves super fun jumping and splashing into the waves, i enjoyed the monkeys and parrots on the beach. dont do the saona beach excursion it was filled with bees and you spend most of the time in the car and on the boat, takes forever to get there. you had to take a shuttle to riu palace to enjoy the wild theme parties, the hotel itself was kind of boring at night. overdose of bachata music and performers. the activty pool and calmer pool had two speakers going at the same time, that was super annoying its like my ears had no idea where to listen. buteventually our super nice pool server said something and suddenly we had bachatta at the calm pool and regular top 40 at the activity pool. legit felt like two ipads blasting the same time.. mbut once we said something it changed instantly so that was appreciated.
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserParadisus Grand Cana: 3 night 4 day Trip
At first we thought the distance to the beach would be an issue but it was not at all. It was nice to make the beach a full day event and plan for it. The rooms were great. The pools were cool and each building had its own pool. We only went for 4 days and 3 nights and that was perfect for us.
Location5/5
Value4/5
Food4/5
Beach5/5
Rooms5/5
Service3/5
★★★★★Verogarz -
Verified PurchaserSecrets Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa: Total bliss & happiness
Despite multiple mixed reviews, we went with out gut to Secrets Michès and loved it. We received a warm and genuine service since arrival. Top coktails and drinks all day with Mildred, Dani and Pedro at pool bar and with Yafreisy at Lobby bar-- best Lemon Drop and Maracuya Martini we ever tried. Good food at main restaurant lead by Chef Alejandro and service by several team members like Yohan. Overall fantastic value. A la carte restaurants were good: we were surprised by the Mediterranean food Meraki and by Tierra which were our favorites. Did not wait long for a table at any of them. Fair live music and shows with the entertainment teams who work really hard and do a fantastic job. To the complaining Karens and Kens saying they paid for more than you get: if you are paying less than $1,000 USD per night per person, you are not overpaying!
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserRiu Republica: Stay at Riu
This the 2nd time we stayed at Riu costa Rica and then in Punta Cana
We were given a room where the toilet and the phone did not work.they were kind enough to change our room
But here also the air con did not work although it was scorching hot.outside. we reported.the matter 3 times to the reception and.nothing was done until our return date after 7 nights. Not a gteat stay. We also got a.long hair in our food. Just imagine.
Location4/5
Value4/5
Food4/5
Beach4/5
Rooms2/5
Service3/5
★Grazia67 -
Verified PurchaserTRS Turquesa: Horrible resort would not recommend it
I would not recommend this resort, the food was cold at buffet restaurant and terrible at the Italian restaurant, the only decent restaurant was the Chinese restaurant where they cook the food in front of you and The Grill restaurant by the pool, the entertainment was boring and pathetic except for the shows that they had in the lobby, the entertainment crew were rude and there white party was a joke which they had at the soccer field, they should have had one at the TRS which was closer for the guests and the MOSQUITOES were terrible they were everywhere even in the rooms, the maids were excellent and very nice, the butlers were useless, Jaime the nice man who drove the carts was a sweetheart and very nice but in general it was a terrible resort
★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserPunta Cana Princess: Good Resort
I will give it a 6 in 10 the atmosphere was nice .
The room very quiet and spacious and clean .
The restaurants not that great but the staff very friendly.
We didn’t like the beach at all , that what really bothered us they didn’t clean the sargasso until the last day
So we didn’t get to enjoy it .
Location3/5
Value4/5
Food3/5
Beach3/5
Rooms4/5
Service5/5
★★★★Melisa -
Verified PurchaserCasa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Nice place
My experience are mostly good at that resort, except that they change some of the food at the buffet it's not that great, they took out the best ones they had on the buffet, so you may want to eat outside a few times! This time we had a few roaches in our room, I complained 3 times at the reception for them to fumigate the room but they never did anything about it, so no this time was not so great but our vacation overall was and we are still going to return, it is close to everything, that's what's good about it!
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserVH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Fantastic place
Super friendly staff. Very well maintained. Great food, nothing fancy, but the basics are down pat. Grilled food, salads, diversity. Freshness.
The soup du jour at the beach grill always interesting!
I would have liked the hamburgers cooked. As a Canadian, I am more used to eat patties well done and nothing else… and that is the only thing I can come up with from a 10 days stay!!! Perfect!
The resort is older but clean. The first morning after Breakfast there are folks waiting for you so they can take you on tour of the resort to show you what you can buy. with our guy their was no pleasure to buy and you start the tour of with a gift and a drink. Did not mind this as it was a good way to see the resort around and learn. In the end we said no to buying and that was it no pleasure. The rooms where clean and the house staff was very helpful. The food was really good and the entertainment was good for both adults and kids. For what we paid for this trip it was a good week and no complaints I would recommend this resort
★★★★★Mitch6318 -
Verified PurchaserSenator Puerto Plata Hotel: Absolutely wonderful
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Senator resort in Puerto Plata. Everything was easily accessible and the scenery was amazing. I would most definitely return to this resort. The staff were absolutely fantastic and made my stay that much more enjoyable.
Location5/5
Value5/5
Food5/5
Beach5/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserEl Beso Adults Only at Ocean El Faro: Great Resort
This is a beautiful resort... Spacious rooms, many food choices... lots of pools to choose from... plenty of on site activities... but the beach is its downfall.... plenty of seaweed with heavy waves rolling in.... If the beach is your thing then avoid this area...
Location3/5
Value4/5
Food5/5
Beach2/5
Rooms5/5
Service4/5
★★★★Tanya -
Verified PurchaserCatalonia Royal La Romana: All we love
Once again we had great 9 days at this beautiful place ! The ocean , food , hotel layout , rooms , drinks , all great ! Trip was smooth from begging to the end ! I’d just give low rating on the service at lobby bar and beach bar . There is no service , if you want drinks you need to get it yourself !
We also had very unpleasant excursion to Saona Island , organized by hotel staff Francisco . That was more like nightmare than pleasant day trip .
Location5/5
Value4/5
Food5/5
Beach4/5
Rooms5/5
Service2/5
★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserThe Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Was, a good resort
This was our 5th visit. Nine months ago this resort changed owners, What a huge difference. We booked 2 weeks.Five days in we wanted to go home. Westjet said we would lose our second week and we would have to pay a further $900. to fly back to Toronto. Pathetic. They had a toilet paper shortage, Our balcony door failed to lock until repaired. Three days in our safe needed to be fixed. An employee told us the resort was at a 20% occupancy. We always tipped employee as a local business owner said employees earn $10. or $11.a day. Twice we walked 2 kilometres in to town. About 150 oil burning 35 year old 150 cc motor bikes flying around the small town.ONE OF THOSE DRIVERS HELD THE HANDLEBARS WITH ONE HAND and a 18 month old child with the other. A business owner said if you don't fit in as a resident you pay triple to buy anything. Inside of the resort is a tiny store. To buy a dollar store.88 cent chocolate bar is $9. American, $12. Canadian. Now let's get to the bar. No name booze. If you want a vodka and orange juice you give you TANG or some watered down sugared substitute. Or a 4% no name tap draft. On the beach they don't have time to wash the plastic cups, but usually rince them. The food is also a treat. When they serve their small cooked chicken they chop them into small pieces and you end up with splinters of bones. I became satisfied with any form of potatoes and any meat. The guests complain about every day the meals are the same.Twice in 2 weeks they made about 2 litres or less of rice pudding. when it's gone it's gone It was common to lose out on mango and why. There are hundreds of mango trees. Speciality restaurants, there are 2. When we ate there they only permitted 6 couples in all night. Wifi was spotty and we had issues watching Fifa. There is no sports bar. Getting towels was an issue. Some employees try to be nice ,others put their back to you when you walk near them.
★★★★★Margarita -
Verified PurchaserThe Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Beautiful view and memorable service
I really enjoyed the cliffside view. It was so beautiful in the morning. The resort is very well organized, great food at buffet with variety. One day it was not so good, but the rest of the week it kept getting better and tastier. May be a shipment was delayed when we arrived?
The staff were friendly and warm. Amazing and thanks to staff my experience was so much more special. They genuinely cared about my experiences at the resort and helped promptly. I would recommend to 40+ if you're looking for a quiet escape.
Rooms looked dated but bed was incredibly comfortable.
Although there is good entertainment, it is the typical one hour show, so bring some dancing shoes if you want to stay after and dance with your special someone. There is a fairly large entertainment area with a raised audience deck for viewing comfort, tons of lounge space around as well.
I also liked the beach. It is small but that's what I liked about it. It felt like a hidden spot away from the business of most Samana beaches.
I'd recommend going on an excursion or several, to enjoy the many beautiful scenic spots available. I'll probably go back sometime but I will book several excursions to see more of Samana.
Shout out to Vanessa, Felix, Alexander, Carolina, and many more for such an amazing experience. You are truly appreciated ❤️
★★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserBahia Principe Explore La Romana: Amazing resort
clean, good foods, big rooms, lots of wellness activities, large pool, clean children’s pool, good location, prompt check in and check out, many bars and snack bars, early coffee, safe to walk early in the morning and evening
Location4/5
Value4/5
Food5/5
Beach3/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★★★Irina -
Verified PurchaserVH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Amazing resort
The hotel was excellent—our room was very clean and the beds were extremely comfortable. The buffet and restaurants were fantastic, offering a wide variety of fresh food and drinks. Every day featured different meals, which made dining exciting throughout our stay.
Location5/5
Value5/5
Food5/5
Beach5/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserJOIA Bavaro by Iberostar: Amazing resort
This resort had great food, great amenities and really friendly staff. The resort was very clean and spacious with well thought design. The coffee shop was my favourite. The fully loaded gym and the casino were a bonus because we had access to the other Iberostar resorts through Joia. The only part I would say needs improvement is the entertainment during the day and night. The night shows felt very repetitive and nothing special. There was also no dock/live games/dancing/entertainment at the pool during the day.
★★★★Savvy -
Verified PurchaserRiu Republica: Good budget resort
We had a good time at the Riu Republica last week. Airport transfer took a while because there were so many drop offs and we only got to our Riu after almost 2 hours. Check in was pretty quick. However I’d like to point out that we were sharing a room with our daughter( 3 people) and the check in guy said they only had twin beds and those would be really small and cramped!! He suckered us into paying an extra US 130 for a king and single!! Totally our fault for falling for this and not trying to check the room first!! Anyway just a heads up in case anyone else is in the same situation. The beds are big enough for 2. Room could need upgrades but when our AC leaked they came promptly to fix it. Bar was always full, room was cleaned, but sheets need to be changed. We were there for a week!! No complaints about the food or restaurants. Jerk hut was amazing!! Beach was great and we were very lucky to experience sargassum(mildly) on just one day. Pools were good, water park a lot of fun and service all round was very good. Staff were friendly and polite.
★★Disappointed -
Verified PurchaserDreams Onyx Resort and Spa: good 3 star resort
We recently stayed at the Dreams Onyx Resort and Spa for two weeks in mid-May, and unfortunately, the experience fell short of our expectations.
On the positive side, the pools were cleaned daily, most of the staff were friendly (especially when tipped), the à la carte restaurants were well-maintained and clean, and the property offers an easy, accessible walk between the two resorts.
However, there were several significant drawbacks. The lobby felt sterile, lacking any ambiance or music. The buffet food was consistently bland and repetitive. At the à la carte restaurants, we felt constantly rushed throughout our meals. While the pool surfaces were cleaned, the skimmers never functioned properly, leaving bugs and debris floating in the water all day. Furthermore, tipping felt mandatory for even the smallest service, such as receiving a bottle of water.
The service regarding pool chairs was particularly frustrating. Butlers would reserve chairs for guests who never showed up; despite rules stating that staff should clear unattended towels, this was never enforced, even when other guests made direct requests. It was also disheartening to see that butlers could be easily bribed; other guests openly bragged about paying $200 to receive "preferred" treatment without actually booking a preferred room.
We spoke with several other families from Europe who were there during our stay, and we all agreed that we would not return or recommend this resort.
Everything was impeccable.........................................the grounds, the pool, the restaurants, the unbelievable service for all of our fourteen guests. All the staff were incredible. We renewed our 50th anniversary vows under the gazebo and the wedding planner Eddiana wwas outstanding and the officiator was absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!!! We would highly recommend this resort to everybody.
Location5/5
Value5/5
Food5/5
Beach5/5
Rooms5/5
Service5/5
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserViva Heavens by Wyndham: Very good overall.
Good hotel, nice beach. The food was very good and the staff are friendly and engaging. Beach lacked a bit of shade. Rooms were not bad, lacked a bit of furniture. Would definately strongly consider returning.
Beach and food is the only positive about this resort. Internet was terrible as it was only available at the lobby. Rooms are dated, tub/shower was tight and on one of the days brown water was coming out of the shower. It took them a day and a half to fix it. The air conditioner in our room could use service as it was blowing cool air rather than cold air. However, what made this stay real uneasy and disappointing was the staff. Many of the staff looked unhappy, miserable and unfriendly; some were flat out rude. We did not feel welcomed at this resort so I would not recommend this place to anyone I know.
★★★★Private -
Verified PurchaserIberostar Waves Dominicana: Another Great Stay
This was our second stay at this resort (the first was 3 years ago), and overall we had a great experience both times.
The staff were very friendly and hardworking. Communication could sometimes be challenging as many staff members spoke limited English, and we speak very little Spanish, but everyone was always kind and helpful.
The food was decent overall. We mostly ate at the à la carte restaurants, which could be a bit hit or miss. The French restaurant was our favourite. We also discovered the beach restaurant partway through our trip and ended up going there several times. The BBQ was excellent and probably the best food we had during our stay. Lunches by the beach were also very good, especially the burgers and steaks. The fresh pineapple was amazing, and the drinks were consistently great.
Our room was comfortable and well-maintained. We did find a cockroach on the first day, but given the tropical climate, it can be expected.
The beach was one of the highlights. There was very little seaweed compared to neighbouring resorts, and after walking along the beach to check out other properties, we felt our section was easily one of the nicest. Finding a lounge chair could sometimes be difficult later in the day, but if you went early, it wasn't a problem.
The gym deserves special mention. It's one of the best resort gyms we've seen, with modern equipment and plenty of variety for a good workout. We also thought the night entertainment was well done!
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay and would happily return again.
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