El Beso Adults Only at Ocean El Faro: Wonderful Resort
I've had the pleasure of many adventures at all inclusive resorts and this one measures up nicely. The food, the staff, the grounds were very enjoyable. The rooms were mediocre but I wasn't spending much time in it. Big beautiful beaches. ?
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Jenn -
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Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Amazing resort
This resort have everything we want, not too big bog too small .. very clean.. everyday they clean our, make our bed, fresh towels and refill the fridge with drinks.. they have variety of food i buffet.. i love their fresh fruits, sea foods and drinks ( from the bar) the only comment i can say their entertainment, they need to have more fun activities for the guests.
I will definitely come back.
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Private -
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Barcelo Bavaro Beach: Very fun resort
The food there is excellent, clean beaches, clean rooms, friendly staff not very big for entertainment. Most of the entertainment was at the palace. You would take a train ride over there and you can watch shows go to the disco casino lots of things over there to do if you just want to relax this is the perfect resort for you
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Stephanie L -
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Occidental Caribe: Great week away
We had a fantastic stay at the Occidental Caribe in Punta Cana and would absolutely recommend it. The standout feature is definitely the staff, they are exceptional. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, attentive, and genuinely committed to making our stay enjoyable.
We want to give a special thank you to Isaury from Guest Experience, who truly went above and beyond for us during our stay. From the moment we met him, he was incredible, attentive, and always willing to help with anything we[... read more] needed. Whether it was answering questions, making arrangements, or simply checking in to make sure everything was perfect, Isaury made us feel genuinely cared for. His dedication and positive attitude really stood out and made our vacation even more memorable.
The entertainment team was fantastic ( Sebastian (peluche), Lulu, Wellington, Mirtha, Maria, David, Raimely) they played a huge role in making the resort feel lively and fun throughout the day and night. They did an amazing job organizing activities that catered to guests of all ages, so there was always something going on no matter your interests. From games and events in the pool to activities on the beach, they kept the energy up without ever feeling overwhelming. In the evenings, the entertainment continued with shows and performances that were enjoyable and well put together. Their enthusiasm and effort really added to the overall experience and made each day feel a little more special.
The resort itself is very clean, well-maintained, and has a perfect layout. The pools are amazing, both have plenty of space, great atmosphere at the one and a perfect spot to unwind at the other. The beach is just as impressive, with soft sand and beautiful views that really capture what you imagine a Caribbean getaway should be.
The rooms are a bit dated in terms of decor, but everything works perfectly, and they are kept very clean.
Food was another highlight. There are many options to choose from in the buffet and the a la cartes are amazing so it never felt repetitive, and we always found something we enjoyed. The drinks were also amazing, well-made, and refreshing.
Some of the exceptional staff that made our stay a memorable one, Yenibel Carrasco, Nilson, Daibelis, Angel at the pool buffet, the bar tenders at the beach pool and lobby bars Ana, Luz, Katherine, David, Santa, Carolina, Maria, Elizabeth, Katherine, Ruth, Ceferino, Jean at the theater bar. Our housekeeper Paola Gonzalez, Esmeralda in Guest services.
Overall, this resort delivers where it counts: great service, cleanliness, beautiful surroundings, and a fun and relaxing atmosphere. We will definitely return to the Occidental Caribe
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Kendra&Aaron -
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Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Amazing Resort!
Both my Husband and I loved everything about this resort. We cannot think of anything that we would have changed- Staff, Food, Amenities were all 10/10! We’re already planning to go back next year :)
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Gracie -
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Coral Costa Caribe: Paradise!
I have no regrets rebooking for another vacation, never thought of a bad experience will hinder my planned vacation. The hotel was exemplary! Starting from staff, the place and the food of course. I will not hesitate to go back!
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Private -
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Melia Caribe Beach Resort: It was just ok.
The hotel was very nice. The rooms were nice the people were nice but when we had to stand in line to book the à la carts is was awful. By time I got to the front everything was almost gone. The bartenders were very nice but not enough of them working we waited half hour for drinks was terrible. The coffe bar was really nice but again one person working they need more people working. We had to wait in line for the buffet and the food honestly was not great. We enjoyed the Japanese. Over all I [... read more]would not go back. The pool beach drinks were all great the music was great they should have music at the pool, which they never did
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Private -
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Blue Bay Villas Doradas: vacation disappointment
Hotel was full capacity! They are not prepared for this it seems. Not enough shade spots and loungers unless you wake up at 5am to reserve a spot you are more than likely not getting one - lots of arguments between guests over chairs it was ridiculous!! Coffee was made by an instant machine just press a button early risers have to go down to the beach bar to get a coffee until the buffet opened at 7am. Overall weather was great and food was good don’t bother with the seafood à la cart not great.[... read more] We will not return to this hotel
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Private -
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Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: We really this resort.
The food is amazing, staff really helpful and really nice, nice room, cleaning staff did a good job, but where we were a bit noisy because of the loading dock of another resort. There was not much place at the beach, on top of having the Ambar guests taking our places at the beach…
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Private -
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Secrets Tides Punta Cana: Excellent vacation
Such a beautiful, clean resort! Nice lay-out too so there isn't a ton of walking.We had a swim out, non-preferred room, which was located conveniently close to the swim up bar! Great lobby and theatre area for entertainment and overall, good service! In terms of the food, there's lots of options and variety! Our facorite ended up being Portifino.
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Private -
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Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Amazing Resort!
Second time I've been to this resort "solo". It has everything I was looking for. Smaller resort, very clean, great selection of food, close to the beach. Close to airport. It has security on the resort and at the beach. They are so accommodating and provide excellent service!
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Mryyz -
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Dreams Cap Cana Resort and Spa: Great customer service, nice resort
My recent stay at Dreams Cap Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic was a truly exceptional experience, and I am excited to share the details of my visit. From the moment we landed to our farewell, every aspect of our stay was designed with care and attention to detail.
Arrival and Check-In Experience
Upon landing, we were warmly greeted by our resort representative, who promptly escorted us to our transfer. The ride to the resort took only about 10 minutes, which was a pleasant surprise after [... read more]a long journey. Upon arrival, we were welcomed in the lobby by the friendly bellman, who offered us refreshing drinks and cold towels a thoughtful touch that set a positive tone for our stay. Although we arrived a bit early and our room wasn’t ready, we were able to explore the full resort facilities while our luggage was safely taken to our room for later.
Staff and Customer Service
The staff at Dreams Cap Cana were one of the highlights of our experience. They were consistently friendly, helpful, and fluent in English, which made communication seamless. The customer service was top-notch. An app was available to make requests and manage accommodations which I found to be exceptionally user friendly. Room service was delivered within an hour every time, and requests for toiletries were fulfilled quickly. Personal inquiries made to the front desk were handled promptly, earning the customer service a solid 10/10 from me.
Dining Options
The food selection at the resort was impressive and varied. The buffet offered a vast array of options, ensuring there was something for everyone. One of the perks was that the à la carte restaurants did not require reservations, allowing for more spontaneity during our dining experiences. Although there were occasional short waits for the à la carte options, I highly recommend trying the Italian restaurant and the steakhouse both provided outstanding meals that complemented our stay.
Room Quality
Our accommodations were noteworthy. The room was clean, modern, and well maintained, with virtually no issues to report. The attention to cleanliness and upkeep matched the high standards expected at a resort of this caliber.
Resort Amenities and Layout
The resort itself is quite expansive, with amenities and features spread out over a large area. While this layout provides plenty of exploration opportunities, it may not be ideal for guests who prefer shorter walks. Reaching the beach requires a bit of a trek, but it is undoubtedly worthwhile. We experienced the challenge of seagrass season, however we discovered that walking just a short distance from the resort revealed much cleaner beach areas. We were impressed to see city workers actively maintaining the beach, cleaning the shores daily.
Additional Features and Activities
Another highlight of our stay was the lack of wristbands, which I found to be a refreshing change. We were able to book excursions directly at the front desk, including Monkey Land and an adventure park, both highly recommended for any visitors. Although we didn’t manage to fit Cocobongo into our plans, we heard great things about it and would love to try it on a future visit.
Final Thoughts
While there might be moments requiring a bit of patience such as occasional waits at restaurants or navigating the larger resort my overall impression of Dreams Cap Cana Resort is overwhelmingly positive. This resort excels in numerous areas, from its attentive staff to the quality of accommodations and dining. I would without a doubt recommend this resort to others, and I am happy to rate it a full 5 stars for a wonderful vacation experience.
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Sandy -
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Grand Bavaro Princess: Repeat visit to this resort
I personally love the layout of this resort and where our room was in relation to the beach as well as buffet. We stayed in building 11 and because I love to walk I was able to get around everywhere without using the tram. For those in my group who found it hard to walk any distance they would just jump on and off the tram and there were no complaints from them . The beach was well maintained with the seaweed being removed early each morning. I walked 1 hour each way from this resort on the bea[... read more]ch and still could not see the end of the beach. Love the fact that they never ran out of towels and you could just exchange at end of each day. You did have to set yourself up at beach early otherwise you may not get the spot that you wanted with some shade. This is typical of most resorts so not a big deal. Food was good however fruit choices were limited to mostly the melon family which I don’t like but the bananas and pineapple were very good. The steak house was our favourite and the food there was so good. I would definitely go back to this resort.
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Renard -
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Grand Palladium Palace: Great Family Vacation
This was my fourth stay at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana, both with and without children, and I’ve consistently had great experiences on both adults-only and family vacations. This was our second visit with our children (ages 11 and 13), and both times we stayed in the Junior Suite Swim-Up Beachside. We love being able to relax at our room, swim directly from the suite, or easily access nearby pools. The building is also extremely close to the beach—it’s less than a 30-second walk.
The staff[... read more] were friendly, and most spoke English, which made communication easy. The resort is well maintained, and our room was clean. There are many pools and restaurants throughout the property, most of which are conveniently located. We’ve stayed at similarly sized resorts with larger footprints, where getting around was more difficult. While this resort offers trolleys and golf carts, everything we needed in our area was within easy walking distance, even for kids.
The resort is divided into four areas: Punta Cana, Palace, Bávaro, and Royal Suites. Royal Suites is adults-only, and guests there can access all areas. The Bávaro section has recently been renovated and is now restricted to Bávaro guests only. While this limited access compared to previous visits, it wasn’t an issue, as the Punta Cana and Palace areas had everything we needed.
There is no limit on à la carte restaurant visits, though securing preferred times can be challenging for larger groups. Walk-ins are possible, but we successfully booked through the Palladium app. Our group of 13 was able to secure three à la carte reservations at our preferred times by booking simultaneously, since the app only allows reservations for guests within the same room.
The resort offers high-speed Wi Fi throughout most of the property, including much of the beach. This made it easy to stay connected and locate family members when spread out.
The grounds are beautifully manicured, and I don’t recall seeing any flies or bugs during our stay. Staff were constantly maintaining the landscaping from morning until evening. The resort also has several gift shops and a pharmacy. We enjoyed the mini golf course and basketball court. There’s also a soccer pitch, tennis and pickleball courts. One evening, we even saw people playing pickleball under the lights around 9 p.m.
Since our last visit in 2022, the resort has eliminated room keys and towel cards. Bracelets now unlock rooms and are scanned at buffets and à la carte restaurants, making everything more convenient.
We didn’t experience much of the nightlife, as we usually called it a night around 9 p.m. After long days in the sun with kids, we often ended the evening with a quiet swim in our shared swim-up pool. We requested adjacent rooms for our family, which was accommodated, allowing us to share the same pool with minimal outside traffic. Despite the resort being busy, our pool area remained very quiet throughout our seven-night stay.
We did notice that many guests reserved pool and beach chairs early in the morning with towels, often leaving them unused for hours. While frustrating, this was a guest behavior issue rather than a resort problem.
Food quality was excellent across the resort, with plenty of options for everyone, and no one in our group became ill. Despite some online complaints about food quality, we had no such issues.
While there may be higher-end resorts available, the Grand Palladium checks all the boxes for us at a reasonable price. Having stayed at all-inclusive resorts in Cuba, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, and across various brands, the Palladium Group remains our preferred choice.
We flew direct with Sunwing, operated by WestJet. WestJet’s Starlink Wi Fi was a great feature and worked well throughout the flight. Although there were no power outlets on the outbound flight, we were prepared with power banks. The return flight offered USB C outlets and slightly more legroom.
We used the included airport transfers for this trip, though we’ve opted for private transfers in the past. In hindsight, a private transfer would have been preferable. Arrival was quick with a dedicated shuttle, but the return transfer involved multiple stops and took over an hour, compared to the usual 25 minute drive.
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Private -
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Melia Caribe Beach Resort: The LEVEL not worth the extra money!
Beautiful grounds, service for the LEVEL customers not worth the extra money! The LEVEL concierge weren't helpful at all! Went to their desk three times the first three days to ask for simple things and nothing was never accomplished! The rooms were not as pictured, not clean dirt on your floor smelled very musty! Had to ask to refill fridges, washcloths, and when we arrived, we were put in double beds and one of the beds were dirty!
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Private -
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HM Alma De Bayahibe Hotel: A very pleasant surprise!!
We booked this resort after scanning through dozens of reviews on various places in DR. We were intrigued by the saltwater infinity pools and the fact that you could jump directly into the ocean a mere few steps from the pools.
The resort is small and compact. Everything is a few minutes walk from your room. Rooms were nice, beds comfy. No hassles to find spots in the shade when the hot April sun was a bit too intense. Buffets were well stocked with fresh fruit, hot and cold choices of various[... read more] meats, fish, salads and desserts. The America Food truck was open daily with typical food truck snacks and fries.
The reception staff go out of their way to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
I would recommend this resort to anyone wanting a quiet adult only vacation this is the place! Our first time to Dominican Republic. Loved this place!!
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Private -
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Royalton Bavaro Resort and Spa: Not worth the money
I was very disappointed in the cleanliness of the room. Service was very slow and the staff weren’t very friendly or helpful. We had to ask numerous times for towels, robes and never got everything we asked for. The foam machine broke down and never happened at all. Wave runner was broke and despite being told it was being fixed we never saw anyone fixing it. The Italian restaurant served us raw food and ran out of dessert twice. The food at the buffet was horrible and the selection for the kid[... read more]s menu was limited. We booked this resort because we were happy with the Royalton in St.Lucia but we were very disappointed with this one. We would not book again.
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John -
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Melia Caribe Beach Resort: Resort was nice
Large resort, pools were nice and very large. Beach was beautiful. Rooms can use some updating. Buffets where average and booking alacart restaurants was not easy. We had a large party for a wedding and most couples received rooms with 2 double beds. My nephew who is handicapped was located on a second floor when a ground room was requested. Service at bars for drinks was slow and under staffed.
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Private -
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Melia Caribe Beach Resort: Great Resort
The resort was large with many amenities. Large clean rooms, several pools and bars as well. We loved the great choices of restaurants from buffet to fancy a la cartes! Yoga classes, games by the pool, dance classes and a water park for entertainment.
In the evening there were theme nights, a white party, Dominican night, etc
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JayMac145 -
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Melia Caribe Beach Resort: Disappointing Experience for a Large Group Stay
Our stay at Meliá Caribe Beach Resort had some highlights, but unfortunately, the overall experience was disappointing, especially given that we were part of a large group booking of around 65 people.
On a positive note, our room was clean and met our expectations. However, it quickly became clear that we were among the very few who had that experience. The majority of our groups rooms were not as described or suitable for the families staying in them.
A particularly concerning situation i[... read more]nvolved my sister, who was traveling with a family of five. She was given a room with one king bed and a broken pull-out couch. When she initially raised the issue, she was told there was nothing that could be done. It wasn’t until the air conditioning in her room stopped working and her toddler became sick from the heat that the resort finally moved her to another room, and only upgraded her near the very end of the trip. That level of response was frustrating and unacceptable.
Cleanliness across the resort also left much to be desired. The Level pool, in particular, frequently had visible scum, which made it unappealing to use.
The food itself was delicious, but the experience was inconsistent. If you didn’t arrive right when meals began, options became very limited and the food was often cold.
We were attending a wedding, and unfortunately, several commitments made to the bride were not honored. The wedding dinner was supposed to be held in a reserved area, but when the group arrived, it was occupied by another party celebrating a birthday. As a result, our group was split up and seated in multiple areas, which took away from what should have been a special, shared experience. Additionally, the bride and groom did not receive the honeymoon suite they were promised.
The evening shows were also difficult to enjoy, as they were held in a small corner of the lobby with limited visibility and space.
Overall, if it weren’t for the time spent with family, this would have been a very disappointing vacation. There is definitely potential here, but the resort needs significant improvements in organization, communication, cleanliness, and customer service, especially when handling large group bookings.