Excellent resort

Fantastic Beach - protected by corral from large waves...sandy beach no need for shoes in water. Can walk for kms either way safely. lots of sun protection on beach. Buffet large and ample choices. restaurants are a pleasant surprise and provide nice treat. Staff friendly. Rides to further rooms constantly available. No close neighbouring resorts so feels secluded. Loved it.

Great Resort but beware of the bus rides

This resort was great overall. The room was clean, the food was good (although the "alcohol" in drinks is watered down significantly), and the beach was nice. As with other resorts, though, the "reserving" of chairs is a pain to deal with. We had to be on the beach by 7 to get a chair. Resorts have to come up with a different system. They either have to increase the number of chairs significantly or remove everything left on sets of chairs that are left empty for a while. If no one reserved thei [... read more]r chairs, there would be ample places to sit for everyone as people come and go. The bus ride there was scary, the driver repeatedly passed in bends in the pouring rain near cliffs. The bus on the way back had transmission issues to the point that it could barely make it up a small elevation and took twice as long to arrive at the airport as it should have.

Amazing resort.

Third time visiting this resort in the past 8 years. First visit (2018)as a couple. Second visit (2023)as a family of 20. Third visit (2026) with a group of friend (15). Pool area is excellent and located adjacent to the beach, resort grounds are well kept along with the common areas. Buffet and restaurants are very good. Rooms were kept clean by the maids and never short of room amenities. The beach is amazing and so scenic with very little visitor traffic if you choose to walk the beach. If  [... read more]you are energetic and have a 1-1/2 half , you can walk to the town of Las Terrenas for lunch or shopping , Done this a few times during our stays. Don’t know of any other place that can offer this. Love the resort layout. Everything is so central or just a couple minute of walking. This visit was the first time we experienced room issues. Friends on ground floor had their room flooded and a second couple water also leaked down the walls in villa 23. Both were relocated after a persistence request. Rooms could sure use some renovations or à face lift.This seems to be a common complaint by many visitors that would make the stay even a better experience.

Just plain amazing !

We just spent another wonderful week at this amazing resort. We have been back many times all due to the excellent staff. From the welcome of Samuel to the general manager Albis to the friendly efficient housekeeping staff and great attention service of the dining staff. Deomedes,Omar,Omero,lewin and Ariel just to mention a few. The food is excellent. Always fresh and plentiful. Trays are replaced promptly and kept clean and beautifully displayed. The alacarte staff excel at making d [... read more]ining a beautiful special experience. The grounds are very well maintained along with the pools and lobby. Always chairs available whether at the beach or pool. Overall a beautiful resort if you are looking for a relaxing vacation at a great price.

Lovely Resort

The size of the resort is perfect! Everything is within a comfortable walking distance and the beach, pool and entertainment and main dining area are all centrally located. Our Junior Suite Superior was well-maintained and clean. The food was good, everything was kept very clean, and the resort staff were friendly and helpful. Our WestJet rep, Maria, was a gem. The long stretch of beach was very walkable, however less swim-able due to the crashing waves and sharp coral. The weather was quite [... read more] windy and rainy but there were many sunny breaks. We highly recommend the whale watching excursion to Samana Bay - it was an amazing experience. Overall we enjoyed our stay but would probably not go back due to the weather patterns in that area - no fault due to the actual resort.

Great resort

Just returned from a week at El Portillo, a fantastic resort. From the moment we arrived the staff was friendly and welcoming. Our room in building 25 was great and very convenient to all amenities, cleaning was done daily to a high standard. The staff at the Sports and Beach bars were all very good, too numerous to name individually. The buffet staff was likewise friendly and hardworking. We dined at the Greek, Italian and French restaurants, all very good. The entertainment staff was very  [... read more]lively and engaging, with a special shoutout to Gerson, one of the friendliest and lively staff members we have ever encountered. The beach is very nice and overall a fantastic resort.

Trilingual Staff- Hotel Gem "Hidden In Plain Sight"

I was surprised by the gorgeous solitude of the beaches while walking a half hour in each direction ~Beyond- the East and West edges of the Bahia Principe. Where is everyone, this place is gorgeous! Buffets and A-La-Carte were amazing, specifically the Brazillian giant BBQ red meat skewers [3 feet?] the waitstaff walk around with and slice fresh to your plate. Pool was a good size but we prefer the Ocean, and they provided afternoon and evening entertainment including fire performers, mixed danc [... read more]e troops, and singers. Nearby EcoTours highly recommend LimonWaterfall [horseback through the muddy trail then you climb down 800-900Meters of big stairs] please bring $25USD cash tip, we were not told ahead and it's awkward offering "volunteers" who look after the horses a payment via CreditCard. Also I suggest to tip the Bahia bar staff 50DRP or $1USD for each 2 drinks [small cups] you order or your Margarita will be sugar and salt with a splash of booze. Alternatively order beer on tap. They work really hard and "All Inclusive" doesn't mean they see much of your nightly fee. Vibe is relaxed, good mix of ages for guests, hotel wasn't overrun by screaming running children but there also weren't the loaded and loud party crews. Put your hands over your ears during the jingle at the beginning of the entertainment or it will get stuck in your head and you'll be singing it on your Excursions. Literally when I Googled it, the A.I. said guests noted singing it years after being on the trip. :]

Nice surprise

This resort was more than we expected. The front desk staff were outstanding and went beyond their regular responsibilities. Special shout-out to Danny, the general manager. He bent over backwards to help with resolving a reservation issue that we had. The entertainment staff was top notch and Victor was the best. Lots of fun.

Excellent Resort

This resort is spotless. The staff are amazing. The grounds are beautiful. But the best part is the beach - the miles and miles of beach you have access to and can walk freely, explore the reefs, enjoy the palm trees.

Great resort plenty to do beautiful location

Very nice and well maintained resort with an excellent staff. The food is good with plenty of choice. The beach is very pleasant but the surf can get rough at times. There were plenty of people snorkeling but I don't so can't comment on how good the view is. Lot's of entertainment and activities and kids seemed to be having lots of fun. The pavilion that acts as reception and lobby is beautiful and a very pleasant place to just sit and do nothing out of the sun. Would definitely recommend for [... read more] couples and families.

Great resort!

We love our vacations at this resort. This is the third time we have been to this resort because it is everything we are looking for. The main attraction is the beach which is a lovely sandy beach. There is no need for beach shoes as the sand continues into the water for some distance. Further out there is a coral reef so there are great opportunities to snorkel if you wish. Many people feed the fish so you can also see them without a snorkel. The buffet at the resort is lovely! Great food at ev [... read more]ery meal! The a la carte restaurants are fabulous! The Brazilian would have to be our favourite one followed by the Italian. This is just my opinion and my preferences, however. The room was fine for the price we paid with a few little things that could have been improved upon.

Very nice!

beach:+++++ clean water, no seaweed, no wave, snorkeling close : just wonderful!!! -------- not enough palapas; towels are very thin and old; rooms:+++++ bed is very good, pillows are very good, very clean; -------AC is not great, very old bathrooms, TV is too old and small, everything else is REALLY WONDERFUL!!! don't expect any great shows or super singers..

Great Resort

I have been to a few Bahia Principe resorts and this one rates at the top. Great layout, food and staff. I would definitely recommend this resort. It is about an hour drive from the airport and the coach was very comfortable.

Lovely easy walking Beach

I had heard I would want water shoes but not at all as the Corral areas were obvious and all soft sand wear you swan. I snorkelled several times and always found schools of fish quickly along the coral areas. We walked barefoot 45minutes either direction from resort and not a stone or sharp shell even. Lovely area. Well maintained grounds. Never felt overfull Buffet or most sitting areas. Bar drinks were well done e.g. Expresso Martinees, Mojitos or Brandy Alexanders. Was disappointed there w [... read more]as no Pickleball lines on the tennis court. Bahai Principe is missing out on PB group vacationers. Food was good. I usually only do the Buffets at resorts, as I don't like to have a scedule, but did find the Ala Carts to be better and worth attending.

Great week getaway !!

Just returned from a relaxing week in paradise. Bahia Principe El Portillo did not disappoint. Beautiful beach, good food, great staff and beautiful grounds. We did have some issues arranging AlaCarte dinners but managed to get 4 booked for a group of 10 people. Rooms were spacious but a little tired. Could use some spicing up. 4th time at this resort and will go back.

Not a 5 stars resort!

Too many people in resort. No places on the beach or around the pool. Waiting in line to go in the main buffet (not enough space). You pay for premium drinks (so it is not all included). Food is average more oriented to the Canadian taste: bacon, burgers, fries, pizza, pasta, omelettes.

Amazing time

A very lovely place to visit. The resort is absolutely immaculate, the staff are wonderful and the food was great. The beach was clean and the water absolutely beautiful. We enjoyed ourselves immensely. A beautiful place you must visit!

Very good family resort, not good for parties lovers

Resort is not very big but very well organized. One huge restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food selection is amazing - fish , meats, fruits. Everything is fresh and tasty. There is also snack bar on a beach which is OK. A la carte restaurants I would not recommend, food is OK but in general it is just a waste of time. Beach is amazing. Nice sandy beach with lots of chairs and shady spots. Beach is quite long for this size of resort, never looks crowded. You can do snorkelling right on [... read more] the beach. For kids they have kids club and nice waterpark Night entertainment is pretty limited but generally it is OK . As a negative, I can admit only poor internet connection in rooms. Weak signal on a beach. For good connection you should stay in a lobby or in restaurant.

Amazing Samana Resort!

- Beautiful accommodations! - Excellent Buffet and a la carte restaurants. I'm celiac and had no problems finding gluten-free food. - Lots of shaded areas at the beach - Great pool area. Both the pool and beach are in close proximity to the accommodations. - Excellent entertainment and activities. -We went on one excursion to the National Park and had a great time. -Yoga in the morning on the beach with Jairo was a 10/10. Great way to start your day!

Exceeded expectations!

I recently stayed at this exceptional resort, and I can confidently say that the experience far exceeded my expectations. The photos on the website simply don’t do it justice! From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this place is committed to quality and service. The food was of the highest standard, and what impressed me most was how it was always available. Whether it was a quick snack or a full meal, there was never a shortage of options. The staff was always visible and working tire [... read more]lessly to maintain the property. Bathrooms were constantly being cleaned, and I even noticed them painting and touching up various areas—no corner was left unattended. The pool and pool bar were spacious, never overcrowded, and perfect for relaxing or having fun. The beach was stunning, and there was so much to do, from water sports to lounging by the shore. One of the highlights of our stay was the snorkeling. My kids and I went three times, and it was all included at no extra cost. It honestly felt like we were swimming in a giant fish tank, surrounded by thousands of vibrant fish—such a magical experience! Entertainment was always on point, with activities running throughout the entire day to keep everyone engaged. The only suggestion I’d have is to start the nighttime parties a little earlier. My kids were so excited to join in, but they were often too tired by the time the fun began. An earlier start time would be perfect! Overall, I would highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a fantastic family vacation experience. We had an unforgettable time, and I’ll definitely be telling everyone I know about this amazing place!