Really nice but beware of "adults only"

We absolutely loved this resort however it was our first time staying "adults only" and I don't think we'd worry about it again. Small children can be annoying to those of us who are past that stage in our lives. ..but so can children who are young adults that drink too much, smoke too much, and feel it's ok to be rude to other guests,demanding to staff, urinate at night on the grounds and be really noisy at 2am. There were only a select few who did this. ..but it just made us realize [... read more] that small kids problems are usually smaller and less annoying. Overall great resort! Upgraded to oceanfront room last 3 nights and glad we did however resort was slooooooow to get the move in place

Great Resort

We recently returned from a one week stay at the Luxury Bahia Principe Runaway Bay and had a great time. Overall it is a great resort and I would recommend it to couples or singles wishing to get away for an easy, fun holiday. The Good - Rooms are very clean, great size and well maintained. A/C works great. Always hot water for the nice big shower. Double sinks are great. Balcony is big and clean. Check-in was easy with the front desk, the bell guys, etc. The Jazmin buffet was grea [... read more]t, good options, good quality, clean with friendly staff. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. Love the Coconut Beach Bar. It's nice to have a proper bar (with decent alcohol) and toilets so close to the beach. The staff are great (Maureen and Jason in particular) And if you're lucky, you'll be there when DJ HQ/Andre shows up! He is amazing! It's such a great idea to have music at that bar because otherwise it can be a little quiet. The karaoke and disco are good options for night time entertainment. It's on the Grand side, but it's easy to walk or to have a golf cart drop you off. The best beach is in the middle, beside the wedding chapel. It's a little rocky but overall it's the best option because there is some sand and there are some good spots for snorkeling. The So-So - The Luxury lobby bar is OK. The servers are OK but its sort of lifeless around there, even when there is entertainment it's just not that great. Dance lessons or something would be great. Also, for an adults only side I think closing the bar at 11pm is way too early. Although there is a disco on the other side of the bar it's not for everyone. I feel 1am would be much more appropriate. The restaurants are just OK. Honestly we ate in the buffet every night, even after going to the restaurants. The quality and taste are better in the buffet, and for us there were better options for my bf. It's too bad there isn't a Jamaican restaurant! The Needs-To-Improve - The beach on the Luxury side. It's very shallow with too many rocks/shells for the fact there is a big break wall so it should be cleaned out better. Wifi access was problematic. For the entire trip I had to go into the lobby for access. Even though I don't need/want to be attached constantly, it's nice to have access when I want it, where I want it and how it is advertised. And for the first 1.5 days neither of us have access anywhere. Lobby in general. For the Luxury side, it's not nearly as luxurious looking as the Grand side, and it's just kinda boring. Overall though I recommend it for value in Jamaica! This was my second visit and I would absolutely consider returning. I noticed some improvements from the last time I visited (Oct 2016) which was nice to see.

Wonderful vacation!!!

This was our first trip to Jamaica and we would return in a heartbeat. We stayed on the Luxury side, which gave us access to the entire resort. The staff was extremely friendly, happy to answer any questions, whether about the resort, about Jamaica in general or sites we should visit off the resort. We liked the food, tried four of the à la carte restaurants. And really enjoyed the peace and quiet of the adults only side. Only suggestion to improve would be for the sports bar to offer some sort [... read more] of bar food - nachos, wings, even just chips and peanuts would be nice. It was somewhat surreal to be in Jamaica with a bar full of people chanting "Go Leafs Go" as we watched Game 6 of the first round of the playoffs. The rum flowed freely and even though we had some rain most evenings, the weather was amazing. The staff was constantly cleaning, our Air Canada Rep was fabulous and always accessible. It was a truly wonderful, relaxing vacation which ended far too quickly.

Nice Resort

The hotel itself is very beautiful, our room was amazing with excellent views of the ocean and the grounds.We found the staff on the luxury side to be friendly and helpful, however we did not find the same on the Grand bahia side of the hotel. the food in the Jasmine was excellent with a large variety to suite just about everyone.the staff were very friendly and helpful. Down sides to the hotel, the beach was not that great and the elevators had issues all week during our stay. This would norma [... read more]l be an issue for me, but we had an elder relative traveling with us and we were on the upper floors of the hotel. Overall it was a good experience.

Amazing Resort Apr 5 - 12

We were very impressed with this resort. We had paid for a sea view suite, but were upgraded to an oceanview with corner balcony on a higher floor. The views were magnificent. All the hotel staff went over and above to make sure we were happy and and were so friendly. I have to say that the food was probably the best we've had at any of the all-inclusives we've been to, so tasty with all the spices and so flavourful and we could not get enough of the jerk chicken. Would definitely recommend  [... read more]this resort and will come back for sure. We loved it.

Beautiful Resort but understaffed

We were there April1- 7th. The building and grounds are beautiful. The rooms are spacious and clean. Not one complaint about the food it was excellent. I would say its very understaffed for the size. Beach is terrible!

FANTASTIC RESORT

We just came back from a week long stay at Luxury Bahia Principe Runaway Bay. We felt like we were in paradise. The resort was exceptionally clean and the grounds were beautifully maintained. The staff were wonderful from beginning to end. If I had one complaint it would be the Luxury Lobby Bar - they were always running out of Bailey's and Rum Cream. This would be the only spot that I found the staff to be less than friendly or accommodating. We will definitely vacation at another [... read more] Luxury Bahia resort and we wouldn't hesitate to return to Runaway Bay.

Wouldn't go back.....

This resort is absolutely beautiful. The grounds are immaculate. The rooms, restaurants and washroom facilities are super clean! The rooms are stunning and the view incredible. There were more than enough beach towels and beach chairs available at all times. With this being said our experience was less than memorable for a 5 star resort. My Mom is a second time cancer survivor and we live an ordinary life. She is on pension and I survive on one income. We do not struggle but going on a vac [... read more]ation for us means rolling our pennies and dipping into our savings accounts. When my Mom survived colon cancer we decided to go to a 5 star resort and were treated like royalty. The service was over the top and we were hoping to do it again someday. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and was recently given a clean bill of health so we decided to go to Jamaica....someplace we had both always wanted to visit but could never afford. We decided you only live once! Our flight was delayed 5 hours so once we arrived at the airport we got on the bus for a one hour ride. The staff was waiting for the 3 busloads of tourists with clipboards in hand. We were given a 2 minute orientation with no information about the resort, we were asked to fill out the information sheet and then provided with room keys. There were bell hops and butlers everywhere but none left to assist my 72 year old Mother and myself with our luggage. I asked my Mom not to touch her luggage but being stubborn she grabbed it and wound up falling over the ramp landing on her back. There was no staff there to assist. I helped her up and we made our way through the Luxury Lobby. Her bruises and injuries were substantial but she did not want to make a spectacle as she is a proud woman. A staff member finally grabbed her suitcase and guided us to our room. As it was late we went to get a bite to eat. Returning to our room we unpacked and got in our pj's to discover the air conditioner did not work. We called and two repairmen were sent to fix it. I asked if they wanted a shot of rum. They agreed and said it would be fixed soon. They said it was fixed then I gave them a bottle of rum instead of a drink being so grateful. Turns out they lied. There was still no air. We called and another repairman was sent who removed the motor explaining that we would have to change rooms. The nite manager showed up and we had to pack everything and get changed. My Mother was exhausted as it was now midnite. We were in the airport at 6 am that morning. We finally got settled in a room with one bed not two as we originally had. The nite manager said we could switch in the morning. When they called we decided the bed was more than big enough and had already lost a day and didnt feel like packing again. The next day we went to the beach on the luxury side which was more like a wading pool. We had to get our own drinks as there were no servers available to us. We tried to reserve a la carte restaurants but were told to go online. When we did we could not get anymore reservations. We ate in two a la cartes on the luxury side which were okay and tried to get more but were told there was nothing that could be done. We had to eat at the buffet every nite. Not my idea of 5 star. The service was okay and a few of our waiters and waitresses were over the top but for the most part it was mediocre. The hostesses were amazing specifically Janele. We then got lured into the time share presentation with the representative roping us in indicating it was a tenth anniversary celebration. We didnt realize it was a time share. When we got to the buffet my Mom was not feeling well and we told the time share rep we had to leave. She was more than upset and we had difficulty getting a ride back to the room so she could rest. The reps in the Luxury Lobby snarled and gave us dirty looks each morning thereafter....what a warm Jamaican welcome. Nobody asked how my Mother was feeling. Seriously??? We went to the Air Canada Orientation which only promoted excursions and gave no mention of the amenities we were entitled to. We booked two private excursions both with the same guide......he didn't talk. The first excursion he did provide a history etc but the trip back and the second excursion he did not talk explaining he was having a hard life.....what the ????? How not impressed we were. We spent most of our time on the beach where we constantly had to serve ourselves. We tipped all of the staff generously and were always pleasant. I love sailing and approached one of the sailors on the beach who said I had to pay him 40 dollars. I told him it was free for me and he said only if I sailed alone. I gave him the money and he put it in his pocket. Should I not have filled out a waiver? Something? To protect the resort in the event something went wrong??? I talked to the Air Canada rep and he suggested I go back and explain that it was all included and he said he would give it back right away. I did that but he refused stating it was required to pay for his services. Needless to say I did not get to sail again. Would you trust someone like this??? The lifeguards were super friendly but most of the other staff were unapproachable. We did make our way into the village where the casino was and the bartender was super! Probably one of the nicest staff members on the resort. With no guidance at all in regards to the amenities etc we took it upon ourselves to have one of the bellhops take us for a tour of the resort. He willingly took us around explaining everything to us. His name was Shak? He was super. We had trouble getting facecloths, towels and bathmats everyday. We requested shower caps more than once and never got any. One day we were getting ready to go to the beach and a maid knocked on the door. I told her we would be gone in 5 minutes. She pushed her way in the room and said she only had our room to do on this floor and was doing it now. She grabbed the tip money off the bed and continued to make it up while we were there. I was completely stunned. I have never experienced anything like this at a 5 star. We found out on the last day when one of the staff members asked us if she could interview us that we should have had butler service and asked how it was. Butler? What Butler? We waited and waited but never did see or hear from one. We never got turndown service and the one time we got room service it was okay but I still cannot believe you can get nothing but toast with all inclusive room service. This is 5 star? I wish my Mom would have had a more memorable time but she was thoroughly disappointed. What a way to celebrate being cancer free. Life is short. I will not visit Jamaica again.

Not as good as expected

After a delay of 5 hours at Toronto Airport check in was a nightmare-we were herded into a large room and had to fill out forms on clipboard, no orientation nothing explaining about the resort and then had to change room because of air conditioning was not working and this after the first repair man said all was fine had to call and another repair man said the motor had to be replaced, ended We then had trouble getting face cloths and a shower cap Did not have a butler or turndown service [... read more] which was supposed to be included

Amazing resort

Improve on the a le carte restaurant service and food and need better beach, man made and the other one full of weeds , aside all great . Amazing service and support . Rooms are cleaned too late - 4 pm ,

Awsome Experience, must go again

Absolutely a gorgeous resort, rooms are very spacious and clean. Service was very good, food and beverages were very plentiful and delicious. Grounds and pool were very well kept up and clean, great weather, staff were very friendly and helpful.The only down fall is entertainment and bars closed at 11pm unless you go to the family side. Would return to this resort and recommend to others. Mike & Karey

Excellent resort, food and staff were great

All amenities were great, it would be nice to have access to bottle water on various sections of the resort. Pool activities were second to none, Staff were fantastic and the good was excellent. Overall it was an amazing stay and we would visit this resort again

5 Star Flop

In general the resort was big and beautiful! Food was excellent, people we friendly and welcoming. Pool areas were beautiful. However, if you are looking for a 5 star beach, look else where. The beach was disappointing. Chest deep water, at best, with views of rock walls. Another major issue is the health care on resort. God help you if you are seriously injured. One nurse services a resort of nearly 600 rooms. No one except the nurse has band-aids, including the life guards. But the absolute w [... read more]orst part was the check-in... you basically go on a tour of the resort. Not what you feel like doing after travelling 40 hours.

Awesome service! Beautiful resort

We just returned from a 1 week stay at the Luxury Bahia Principe in Jamaica and what an awesome experience it was!!! Having stayed at several other resorts in Jamaica including Sandals, I have to say that overall the service is excellent especially at the Jasmin buffet. The service provided there was superior to anything I have experienced in my travels through the Caribbean. We did experience a few of the restaurants and bars where the service wasn't so great but Joseph and the crew at the Jas [... read more]min certainly made up for it. The hotel is very clean and well maintained. The beach isn't a great beach to walk but it is amazing all the same.

My second home!!!

Had and excellent time as always as this is our 2nd visit! Simone our Butler (yes you heard right we had one no charge) Created a date night for us bubble bath lavender scent in our room and yes a bottle of champagne! Also 24hr room service (no charge) had a great margharita pizza, ceasar salad and nachos at midnight after partying all night on the private balcony lounge by the front lobby! It was a blast congo line and a full band played till 11:30 there was a disco after but we retired to have [... read more] our snack! I love the people here as they treat you like family there was even 5 of them that remembered us from last year which blew me away! That is how much they care about there guests. Shout out to Garfield, Becky, the beach Bartenders special bunch of people everyone actually made our time here memorable! Looking forward to my next visit! Can"t wait. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone wanting a private adults only experience.

Nice resort

very nice rsort, thought I had paid for the best room and not sure I got it, would have liked a corner room with a better view, ocean front and could not see the resort. there were other rooms you could see the pools and ocean. room was not ready until 4:30sh, water was rough

Resort to BIG

not senior friendly NO ROOM ON ARIVALIN LUXURY got bumped to other side pool bar ran out of RUM?2 times during stay elavators used buy cleaning staff long waits NO supervision at pools lifeguard sleptin chair behind usfirst day people SMOKE all over EVEN in NO SMOKING AREAS bring american $1 dollar bills NO CHANGE ATFRONT DESK for 14 days we had to stay there front desk staff very un cocperative people put towels on chairs4.00 am no canopys left to sit under by 7.00am lots of walking to get to [... read more] VILLIAGE ENTERTAIMNENTplace WONT BE BACK COULDTELL YOU MORE IF YOU LIKE

AWAY AWAY AWAY

The "express check in" was horrendous with 1 person issuing the bands for our wrists - approx. 75 - 100 guests; we were first ushered (felt like a cattle call) to one end of the lobby to sit in chairs squished together to receive our package and wrist bands. Then we were told to go to the front desk to check in - a very long line trailed throughout the lobby with only 1 person at the front desk; eventually 2 people were there to check guests in....however, that person began calling names out an [... read more]d issuing the envelopes with key cards in them. A lot of people waiting at the end of the line received their envelopes before people at the front of the line - took about 2 hrs. to check in! Check out was better. Don't count on wake up calls - sometimes they happen, sometimes they don't - no clock in the room so can't set an alarm. One day our room was NOT made up; garbage cans were overflowing with empty water bottles. We asked for extra water bottles in our room twice and no one came with them. On 3 separate occasions room service showed up at our room when we did not order anything. At 1:45AM, we received a call asking if we needed dirty dishes picked up - we never ordered any food via room service. Who calls a room at that time of the night?! We booked an all day tour and were never picked up. It was a waste of a morning to sort that issue out. We showed up for 6:00pm reservations at the various restaurants throughout the property and we'd be kept waiting for up to 25 min. before being seated. Food throughout the resort was amazing; the entertainment at night for the most part was A+; the native show was very repetitive and loud. Michael Jackson impersonator was out of this world. Hospitality is first class, although a sense of disorganization was evident throughout our stay. The activities need to be advertised on the television screens in the rooms. I believe they'd have more participation if this was done. I stayed at the LaRomana Bahia Hotel and it was exceptional - this vacation had too many issues. Staff are genuine and hospitable. Would not go back.

Not impressed

This is not a 5 star resort, more like a 3 star ! Any service connected to the room was terrible ! The room was nice. Getting drinks served by the ocean or pool was very poor. We had to bring our own luggage to and from the room. Upon arrival at the resort, we were told the rooms were not ready, we had to sit in the lobby for an hour, then we were taken to the beach bar ? They said food was there, guess what ,,,, no food ! There was no 24 hour snack bar ! So we went back to the lobby and aske [... read more]d if there was food available on the resort at this time, they said yes on the other side of the resort by the beach. So we went over there to get food. They should know after travelling we would be hungry thirsty and tired ! The restaurants were not 5 star, only 2 did not have buffet style, the Japanese and Don Pablo. Any other resort i have gone to did not have buffet style in speciality restaurants. This represents poor dinning service ! Simple foods that grow on the island were not available on most days, bananas, pineapple were 2 of them. The bar services were extremely slow, many minutes waiting for drinks, seems they were understaffed . We will never go to another Bahia Principe ever again ! Gerrard & Julie

Beautiful resort

The rooms are beautiful and super clean . The food was very good finally somewhere that my husband enjoyed eating . There lots to do and night time entertainment was fun. The people are amazing . We even got a bonus that's very rare . A FALLING STAR FELL RIGHT INFRONT OF US ON OUR WAY TO THE BEACH. There was 4 of us that saw it . They say that is VERY LUCKY .