Catalonia Royal La Romana: Very pleased with our stay!!

We found the grounds to be very nice featuring mature landscaping, nice palm trees, stone work, pools and adult lobby/ hotel and restaurants area. The rooms outside of the newly built building,I found that they are backlogged on keeping up with the maintenance items for the rooms; although I found that they are nice suites that are well thought out in design and functionality. Sand around the single loungers needs to be sifted, not just racked. Things I would change is adding fresh s [... read more]heets daily to the beds at the beach and a bigger towel service section. This should increase. Overall I see an effort to improve visible common area upgrades and maintenance crews working hard which demonstrates that Catalonia Hotel Resorts really take care of their properties. I was pleased with the staff and service workers. Beach is amazing!! Food was great! Entertainment was great as well! Overall 4.7* out of 5.

Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus: One of the better resorts

Liked everything except aggressive street sellers. Beach is very good. Scuba diving operation is one of best. Safary trip was mostly going from store to store but it had its interesting moments. Perfect location-no storms through the two-week vacation.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Great time at Bouganville

This was an interesting trip and one I won’t forget too soon. First we arrived on Nov 18th we sat down for dinner and the skies opened up. Was the most rain the DR had ever received in one day. Sunday morning the shoreline was covered in debris at first they said it would be 1-2 weeks to clean up well the resort did it in 4 days! They really were amazing and everyone appreciated how hard they worked to get the beach fixed. Now for the resort itself: Grounds: beautiful they really look after i [... read more]t and I could not find one area that wasn’t kept up. Beach: Can only review based on not being able to go in the water, the area that was open was the part with many loungers and palapa’s. We never had to hunt for one there are many and lots of shade or sun whichever you want. Room: yes they are a little dated I have been in better but our housekeeper kept it clean and tidy all week. I slept well and never had to ask for anything. Mini fridge was filled with what we wanted and we had ample clean towels. Nice sitting area (we were in standard poolside) bathroom is a good size. Food: We ate at the buffet more often then we normally would, while I found it smaller then others this meant that everything was fresh and there was never an empty serving dish for more then a couple of minutes. I found the buffet food to be very good, nice variety and good tasting. Omelette station is perfect, only issue was the beach buffet the lines could be long especially around 1pm. We went to La Pascadore - solid 5 out of 5 great service interesting food Don Pablo 4 out of 5 food is excellent service is good but slow and I didn’t like the high pressure tactic to buy a $70 bottle of wine. Takara: 4.5 out of 5 Food is amazing make sure you are hungry service is very good. Los Corales Rodizio: 3 out of 5 terrible service, food was ok except for the meat it was the only good point, will skip this one next time. Pools: Quiet pool is just that but if you don’t get a lounger by 9am you won’t get one till later on. Loved the swim up bar great bartender one of our favourite spots. The main pool is busier but you could still get loungers around 10am, bar is ok but not the best. Jacuzzi pool is interesting but we only went in once, the bar there is excellent. We did not like the beach bar, could not make a drink very slow and not friendly. The water in the pools is a very nice temperature all the time and they are big enough you always have space. People: this is what makes this resort honestly some of the nicest people I have ever meant, check in and out was so easy and you feel like family from the minute you get there. Lounge bar is great and there are servers all over. However the best is the Entertainment group, they work so hard and they made the vacation for us. Always smiling and saying Hi they try to involve anyone who wants to be and are constantly on the go. We really enjoyed the water aerobics and the nightly shows. The app: this worked really well for us, room service was punctual and anything we needed we could do through it and our butler kept an eye on us. Made check in and check out very easy as well as reservations and schedules. We will be returning as well as trying some other Bahia properties, thank you Trip Central and Victoria for helping us find somewhere we will be happy going back to.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: A few concerns

The site was wonderful, as well as the pools and the beach, but we had to move to another room where the surroundings were quiet. Parties going on up to 3 o'clock and later at night. Safe not working properly. Fridge insufficiently restocked. Toilet blocked. Shower leaking around the toilet area. Telephone not functioning in the building. The personnel was great.

Bahia Principe Explore La Romana: Some great...some bad

Here's the great. The resort is immaculately clean, beautiful and the rooms are spacious and very nice. Staff were super friendly and hard working, although I did encounter key staff members who spoke no english (lifeguard). The food was what's to be expected from a buffet but overall it was good albeit repetitive in their offerings. Restaurants to book in were very good with great service. Size of resort was great. Not too big...not too small. The beach with the palm trees was outstand [... read more]ing. To swim at the beach there was a step down on entry and exit which made getting in and out difficult. I had to have my husband help me out every time. Not ideal for seniors. Water not clear (which I knew prior to arrival) however there is something to be said about heading to the tropics and experiencing the crystal blue waters. My first two days there we had no hot water for showers. When it finally started working the temp was warm at best. It is far from the airport which after a day of travel isn't the best.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Clean place, but not a smooth experience

Overall hotel was really clean, no bugs, staff was quick to address issues, however we did not get as much rest as desired: Safe was not working well, water coming out of the shower flooding bathroom, party until past midnight with loud music, no wifi in new room once we switched, coffee maker in initial one was broken. Lastly, beach water was brown from sand, not clear and blue. Enjoyed the warm weather and vacation regarless, but not as great as I was hoping it to be.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: 5th visit to a GBP

This was my 5th visit to à GBP: Punta Cana, Samana, La Romana, Sian Kaan and now Bougainville. Last visit to La Romana was in 2015, and now Bougainville section in 2023, things are old although very well maintained but outdated, redecorating would cost millions as all GBPs have same decor, I understand. Therefore, you need to improve things within your control. When in Bougainville, the VIP level should be that VIP, all things should be included. At bars for example, I shouldn’t have to pa [... read more]y extra for top shelf alcohol. Check in I should be made to feel like VIP and priority as it’s supposed to be, our transportation brought us to main lobby and I had to insist we were at Bougainville while regular guests were being check in easily we waited for cart to Bougainville lobby. Once at Bougainville, no welcome drink, no towel to refresh face, nothing to make us feel WOW. Only thing that was amazing was staff which should be recognized and rewarded as they made our stay excellent: -Lissander at main lobby bar was the man, orchestra leader and great with guests and always smiling and laughing -Marien & Edgar @ quiet pool bar -Gelson, leading the team @ 4 -Yariza @ Corales drinks -Yasmin at buffet -Buffet Dominican Night both servers Joaquin Rosario y Wilbel Holguin were super efficient and speedy and courteous As for TripCentral, they communicated with us with useful information before, during and after our trip, that was amazing!

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Amazing Experience

The beach at the resort was disappointing to say the least. However, the atmosphere around the quiet pool area as well as the staff at the swim up bar made up for this. It appears that the closer your time to leave approaches, housekeeping deteriorates and towel changes, bar fridge replenishment becomes less frequent. Housekeeping has become less effective and we have on occasion been forced to do it ourselves and call front desk for towels. Room service could be improved upon. However, a [... read more]ll things considered, it was time away from everyday stresses, well spent.

Dreams Dominicus La Romana: Great times at Dreams!

We went to Dreams Dominicus La Romana for our Honeymoon and had a great time! This is resort is low key and relaxing. The staff were so kind and helpful. The food was excellent. We especially loved the buffet and Italian restaurant (Portofino). They had great gluten free options at all meals, and the a la carte restaurants clearly labelled the gluten free options. We went during September and it was not very busy - we never waited for the restaurant and were always able to find a lawn chair. The [... read more] beach was absolutely gorgeous - we watched beautiful sunsets and there was zero seaweed.

Bahia Principe Explore La Romana: An okay resort

This hotel was nice to stay at but it wasn’t up to expectations. The food was mediocre, it was edible but there wasn’t anything that stood out and that included the restaurants. You can only book the restaurants 3 times in your 7 days and your wait time will be very long before being served and the food will be just okay THE BEACH IS DIRTY. Some of the staff will try to tell you that there was recent flooding and that’s why it’s not swimmable but other staff will tell you that it [... read more]’s been this way for years and just hasn’t been cleaned. I have read some reviews from the past now and it seems the beach has been dirty for a long time. There is not a lot of nightlife. The bars close early at the resort and after the 9pm entertainment show there is nothing to do so if you’re young and looking to have fun this is probably not the resort for you (the crowd is mostly elderly people and family with young children) Overall, if you are okay with just relaxing by the pool and going to bed early this is a great resort to stay at. If you’re looking for nightlife and beach days a different resort is better to book.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Just OK

The receptionists Luis and Juan at the lobby are responsive, but the housecleaning and room service staff are not at all. I asked the reception for my sheets to be changed (because it was dirtied with a shoe print on it!) and towels at 5pm but they never came. Same thing happened when I ordered room service through the app, they never delivered my breakfast. To be honest I think the staff are overworked and underpaid, they looked miserable, not happy even when you tip them. Food was good and ba [... read more]rs were good. Enetertainment team was great also. The ocean was bad, and jellyfish all around to sting people. Lots of flies and mosiquitoes both outdoor and indoor, I wish there was something the hotel could do about it My biggest complaint is the Air canada/Coming 2 guy Johnny Pena at the tour booking desk. Not only did he book the wrong tour for us, he would not admit his mistake but instead accusing us for not checking the "ticket" that was never sent to our email. I only took a picture of it just in case, and obviously it was in spanish too. He refused to apology and instead of admiting his fault and being apologetic, he was mad at me and spoke only spanish to my friend when we were trying to resolve the issue. He was the most arrogant, unprofessional, and rude person I have encountered on this trip.

Bahia Principe Explore La Romana: Jellyfishes destroy my vacation

I love the resort from my first view. The staff met us in the lobby very welcomed. Check in was very fast and during our stay the receptionists help us any time with any issues quickly. Entertainments for guests were interesting, I love food and a la carte restaurants. Pool was busy because of jellyfish in the ocean. Almous nobody were swimming in the ocean. All guests who tried to swim ithere were stung by those creatures including me and it was very painful. I can have vacation only o [... read more]nce a year and love to stay in salty water all days.Not this time. I recommend this hotel, but not in the summer, season of jellyfish nesting. Rooms are spacious and clean. Again, the staff was amazing, Our maid Aleyda, all staff in the buffets, bar waitresses especially Dorka barman Edgar, get 5 stars.

Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach: Nice beach

Place - amazing beach, lots of space and shade. Food- average for the buffet, good for restaurants. Bars are full of fles and bees.Grounds are clean.and nice.The main concern is rooms, very old, moldy, not working AC, low water pressure, not hot water, noisy. Customer care personnel could not care less.

Bahia Principe Explore La Romana: Resort itself is great but beach is lacking blue waters

The hotel itself was great. A lot of variety of food everyday and the grounds kept clean. Lobby bar closes at 11pm and than you have to get drinks from disco bar which could pose issues if you have children with you. Staff at the resort were very friendly and the maid staff wonderful. The beach is not blue waters, it is quite murky and they were jellyfish flags up for the two weeks we were there. We actually went to other beaches via taxi to experience the blue blue waters we were seeking.  [... read more]If this hotel was on the Playa Bayahibe side near Dominicus beach it would be perfect. Unfortunately the beach was the ultimate deal breaker for us.

Catalonia Royal La Romana: Amazing resort!

Hotel Catalonia Royal La Romana offers a captivating stay with its breathtaking beach and expansive territory. The beach is truly amazing, providing guests with a picturesque setting to relax and soak up the sun. The hotel's grounds are equally impressive, allowing for leisurely strolls and exploration. While the overall experience at the hotel is enjoyable, the restaurants leave a bit to be desired. Although some of them offer satisfactory options, the overall quality of the dining experienc [... read more]e falls into the mediocre category. Additionally, there were occasional lapses in service, which detracted from the overall experience. One notable disappointment was the Siwichi restaurant. The food served there was far from mediocre and did not meet expectations. It might be advisable for the hotel to consider closing this restaurant or making significant improvements to its offerings. Overall, Hotel Catalonia Royal La Romana provides a delightful stay with its stunning beach and expansive territory. However, improvements in the dining options and service consistency would greatly enhance the guest experience.

Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach: At 47, this is the best we've seen so far.

I first saw a lot of plants on the hotel grounds. Very good!My wife and I traveled a lot before the war. We saw many seas and hotels, each country is good in its own way, and life and sea and service. Everywhere has its own mentality. Dominican Republic and this hotel is our first time. Impressions are very good. And upon arrival in Canada, friends ask absolutely everything in detail.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Excellent Resort!

CAPPUCCINO!!! resort was amazing, stay and entertainment was also amazing!! Entertainment team made the stay amazing and enjoyable, games were very fun to participate in! Food and cleanliness were great! Overall an amazing stay, staff did their absolute most to try and accommodate and everyone was super friendly!

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Amazing resort

The facilities were great. The staff were very attentive and the entertainment staff were so engaging they encouraged us to participate. They went around and greeted everyone every morning. We have been to this resort 5 times and are planning to go back in the fall of 2023

Bahia Principe Explore La Romana: Well maintained 4.5 stars

Grounds, food and entertainment were very good. We did have to change room after the first night since the air conditioners (outside our corner unit) were loud. Ask for second floor, if possible. Hot water takes time to arrive, but overall it was good. The ocean water/beach is great, except for jellyfish bites - the lifeguard is prepared to administrate vinegar and goes way quickly.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Chill Couple Resort

General - This resort is great but it is more for couples. I would not go to this resort as a single traveller. Amenities - There is a party pool, a family pool, a more chill adult pool (older couples, no loud music or entertainment) and smaller jacuzzi pools. There is a Ping-Pong table, soccer pitch (family side), game room (family side), beach volleyball, bocci ball and pool tables available for use. The beach is quite large and has plenty of shade. There are usually chairs available but yo [... read more]u'll need to go early if you want one closer to the water. The actual water is quite murky and jellyfish are prevalent in the area. Food - Food is available 24/7. The food overall is good but we were disappointed by the a la carte restaurants. The only good a la carte restaurants are the Italian and French. The buffet is above average for resort food. Staff - Staff are overall good, however, many appear to be unhappy (this may be more of a reflection of the country rather than the resort). There are some excellent staff so we always tried to interact with these specific staff members and they made sure our needs were well met. If you wish to tip individual staff, you'll need to bring/insert tips in individual envelopes. Otherwise all tips are pooled for all staff to share (this could be another reason why staff are unhappy since tips aren't a reflection of their actual effort). One major complaint is that we were not provided with the "butler" listed on the resort website. We never once were approached by a butler or were even advised about them. Of the people that did receive a butler, they all advised that they saw their butler on the first say and that was it. Very misleading information. Excursions - We went on one excursion to Santo Domingo through WestJet (Swoop). It was by far the worst excursion I have ever been on and it felt like more of a paid sales pitch to buy expensive items from souvenir and jewelry shops. We were told a 5 star lunch would be provided but it was just a buffet similar to what the resort offers. We also did not get to experience Santo Domingo whatsoever. Major disappointment. Overall - Great trip if you are more akin to relaxation.