Occidental Punta Cana: The resort was beautiful. The grounds were lovely! Ocean was awesome!

Everything was wonderful except for the food. The buffet featured a lot of the same things. The La Carte restaurants were not the greatest. The only one that I would go back to was the steakhouse. After dining at the mexician restaurant I became violently sick at 2am in the morning so that one was certainly off the list. Overall a beautiful spot but needs some work in the food department as far as variety and presentation.

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Will always return

I traveled to the Barcelo and stayed in the beach section in February and went back in March and stayed in the colonial section. My boyfriend has stayed there once in 2012 and once in 2015. He says it is the only resort he has been to he will return to. The coral and aquatic life you can see while snorkeling here is wide-ranging and impressive. Please be sure NOT to walk on coral or damage it. The Dressel Diving team at the resort is also phenomenal. I highly recommend checking them out.  [... read more]They make you feel like part of a special diving community. Christina O'Donnell introduced me to scuba diving in a 5 minute free pool trial. I then did the introduction to scuba course and my boyfriend renewed his PADI and we went on 2 dives, Ponderosa cenote and a reef 5 minutes out from the resort. The second trip in March (that this review is for) I did my PaADI open water training with Christina as my instructor. She is a great instructor. Very safety conscious, thorough, knowledgeable and fun to dive with. The Barcelo has a lot to offer as a resort especially having the snorkeling that is so important to us but the fact they have Dressell Divers puts them in a "definitely returning" category.

Occidental Punta Cana: Great resort

Just got back from the Dominican on Tues. March 28, 2017. We stayed at Occidental Punta Cana. Although it rained every afternoon we still enjoyed our trip. We ended up in a non-renovated bldg. #10 which wasnt fancy but the location was the best if you enjoy music. We were facing the pool, lobby, buffet, restaurants and theatre. Therefore we didnt need to leave our patio to hear the nightly entertainment in the lobby and see the nightly shows. The Michael Jackson show was the best i have ev [... read more]er seen and I've seen a lot of them. He was spot on. The beach was beautiful, the food was exceptionally good at the buffets and restaurants. You can get a chair at beach or pool any time of the day, The only complaint was there were no sun huts anywhere. If you want a renovated room request any bldg from 14 up. #12 is the worst. Very clean resort and maids were very pleasant.

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: Superlative

We arrived March 19 for a week stay. 2nd time at this resort. Pros- I have never understood anyone who complains about the food at these all inclusive resorts. I particularly love the buffet food, especially at Barcelo Bavaro Beach, you get way more choice over the specialty restaurants. We did eat dinner at 2 specialty restaurants and found the service and food average, but nothing compared to the buffet offerings, it is just marvellous! Some reviews called the rooms "old or outdated". I t [... read more]hought them not to be. The Colonial style architecture of the buildings to me are pleasant to the eye. The beach being in a bay, along with the reef make the waters quite calm. During two fairly windy days other resorts did not allow their catamarans out, where as because of more quieter waters Barcelo catamarans were sailing. One drawback however is the " water sports" are at the other end of the resort , therefore it is a5 minute walk. If you walk or take the trolley train to the " Barcelo Palace" , you are in for a real treat. Entering from the main entrance, it looks like a concrete eyesore ( even though it has a coral veneer) , yet once inside you are truly inside a Palace with shops, restaurants and other entertainments. Cons. They charge you for wi-fi services. I can't remember. Any other resort in Punta Cana that has charged us for this service!!! The Barcelo resort is the last along the beach before you enter a national park. My wife and I have twice in the past hiked along the parks beach several miles untill we get to another group of resorts. Now there are two "local tour operators" who have piers on this beach. You can get past one pier, but there is stream that is spewing out raw sewage ( that's what it smelled and looked like) into the bay, making it impossible to go farther!! To bad, because I can't get the smell and image out of my mind! It has ruined a beautiful beach David

Barcelo Maya Colonial: An amazing holiday in every way

From the great flight to the over the top service and accommodations at Barcelo, our trip was everything we hoped for and more. My boyfriend and I wanted a true change of pace with lots of activities that didn't all cost extra money. We found the perfect resort. Our days were filled with sailing, paddle boarding, wind surfing, beach volleyball, yoga and water aerobics and of course long walks on the beach. For a little extra, we learned to surf and took some great off resort trips. For the q [... read more]uieter times there was no lack of beach chairs and hammocks to relax in. The food was very good and since we love Mexican, we appreciated that it was always an option at the buffet. The beds were comfy and the terrace was perfect for the two of us to have a drink before dinner. Loved our trip. Thanks trip central!

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: Barceló Bavaro Beach Resort - Wonderful Vacation Resort

We just spent a wonderful week at Barceló Bavaro Beach Resort, 18 - 25 March 2017 and I thought I'd pass on my impression of the resort. First, the beach is amazing. Absolutely beautiful white sand beaches with plenty of lounge chairs and lots of palm trees to provide just a bit of shade. While there is no Beach Bar, the Pool Bar is easily within walking distance. We were within 50 feet of the bar and right on the beach so got to enjoy the sun and sip on those refreshing daiquiris and pina [... read more] coladas! There are sections of seaweed along the beach but for the most part it's all sand. Even got to enjoy some snorkelling - I like to just relax. While no coral reef within swimming range, I still managed to see a few fish including a ray and an eel. I was happy and we did a snorkelling excursion to really enjoy the wild life around a reef. Second, the rooms are nice, clean and comfortable. The furnishing aren't the most luxurious - I would rate the rooms as 4 Star - but they worked and that's all you really need. Beds and pillows were super comfy and we although we only booked a standard room, we still had a lovely view of the ocean and the pool. The rooms were also nice and quiet which suited us just fine. Basically, people were at the Beach Resort to relax and enjoy. The sister resort, Barceló Bavaro Palace, was much busier with kids and lots of family activities. The food was good. Buffets had a large selection and we never went hungry. Bear in mind, a lot of the food is going to be different from what you're used to back home. It has a different flavour for a number of reasons so don't be surprised if your steak or burger tastes a bit different. They also tend not to use a lot of spice because they have such a wide group of people to serve. We went to the Santa Fe Steakhouse, the Golf Course Restaurant and Chef Gourmet. The Gourmet was by far our favorite! The place was beautiful and the service was impeccable. Service generally was very good. Spanish is the native language here and not everyone speaks fluent English so sometimes we didn't get exactly what we asked for but everyone tried and they were all respectful and polite. I know I wouldn't have done nearly so well if it had been me doing their job!! Overall, we had a great week and got to soak in the sun and relax, which is exactly what we had planned to do!

Occidental at Xcaret Destination: Great holiday

Before leaving on holidays I had read quite a few reviews some good some not so good. But still decided to go to this hotel. I must say that from the time we arrived to when we left and were impressed with the cleanliness of the hotel, from the main entrance to our room and the restaurants, pool area there was always someone there to ensure things were to your satisfaction. The food was in abundance, the choices were multiple from the breakfast to the snacks in the late evening. Could not as [... read more]k more of the people at the hotel, always making sure you were satisfied and that things were up to par. All in all we only have good things to say and would recommend this hotel in a heart beat.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Amazing this was my secan time at a resorts, I recommend to everyon tô vezitei

Everything is amazing at the resort Hotel Romes Restaurant and the all areas is the best I ever see we we'll vezit again soon .All my family enjoy the vacation and pretend to traveling again on day to Punta Cana.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Amazing time at a beautiful resort

Overall the resort was beyond fantastic. There was a lot of walking from the rooms to the restaurants and buffets but there was covered paths everywhere so you could stay cool and out of the sun if you so desired. A little disappointed that there was not free wifi, but that said, it was nice to put home completely behind us for a week. Also, if you go to this resort, make sure you make reservations right away at the various restaurants. We waited a day and had a really hard time getting into [... read more] places at a reasonable time for a family with kids.

Occidental Nuevo Vallarta: Great

Everything was great, great people, great tourists, just the DJ at the pool needs to play better music, not a deal breaker at all 10/10.................................................................

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Amazing Resort

I loved the Barcelo Maya Resort - I just came back from a week long stay and it was great. The resort has everything you need and you are a 20 minute drive from all the major attractions. I also suggest walking up to the highway and crossing the street there is a gorgeous Cenote called Kantuchi. I highly recommend it. The food was better than I expected but some of the restaurants were underwhelming. I highly recommend the Tokyo Restaurant as well as the Mexican one.

Occidental Caribe: Great Resort

The resort was great, people were nice. The rooms were very outdated and could be freshened up a bit. Loved that all the building were connected. Buffet food could be better but restaurant food was amazing.

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Paradise!

Super-clean and well run resort. Supervisors present in every area. Barcelo Maya Colonial is a well-oiled machine offering plenty of services and attractions for families. Cannot say enough about how beautiful this property is and the amazing beach. We will certainly be returning next year and would recommend this resort to anyone!

Allegro Cozumel: Value for money

Clean rooms, grounds and amazing staff! All staff are so friendly and eager to help from Sergio at the front desk to Monica who greets you at the buffets and to Jorge who brings you your water, coffee and yummy alcoholic beverages ! Stunning beach with the most amazing sunsets oh and you get service on the beach for your drinks ! Loved it, recommend it and would go back !

Occidental Caribe: Not bad

People are nice but the rooms are in need of some updates, food was ok. We often waited for drinks even though we tipped. We tipped everyone including the maids but we never got enough towels for the 4 of us. The towel bar by the pool required several trips a day to actually get towels as they were often out of them

Occidental Punta Cana: the good and the terrible

Start with the good: the beach is absolutely beautiful. There is very little shade though and lots of vendors every day 3 pools. Loved them all... loungers in the pools and shade from cabanas. Pool bar was great too. Food was good. Definitely make sure you go to the all night pizza bar and also grab some late night tacos. The rooms are all right. Ask for a renovated room - I only heard complaints from anyone who was in the older rooms. Service - a la carte services were great besides the Me [... read more]xican restaurant. When we arrived we were told the hotel was overbooked and there was no room left, so we were sent to another resort around 3am. Eventually we could return to Occidental. The front desk were argumentative ... though it also seems most people were there to complain about rooms or problems not being fixed. Also watch your beach towels. Housekeeping took ours one night and we nearly had to pay $20 a towel because the people at the towel exchange didn't believe us. I really liked the resort, but when service was bad it was downright terrible and nearly ruined the entire vacation.

Occidental Punta Cana: Pros and Cons Occidental Punta Cana

Easy check in. Was put in room 10117, unit 10. This was not a renovated unit. As soon as we entered the room I knew this wasn't what we had paid for. First off, the bureau drawers were broken, couldn't put our clothes in there, I was afraid when we pulled drawers out they would fall on us. I mentioned it to the concierge and he sent someone from housekeeping, who just slammed the drawers shut, didn't solve the problem. Rust in the bath tub and mold on the ceiling, looked like the ceiling w [... read more]as going to fall down. Wood on patio was rotten. Had a meeting with Hugo, the Transat rep, the next morning. He told us Air Transat had a contract with the hotel to put all Air Transat clients in the units that were renovated 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. We as well as several other people voiced our concerns over the units we were given. Hugo said he was going to speak to the hotel and have our rooms changed and to meet back at the lobby in the afternoon. Needless to say, rooms weren't changed that day, wasted time hanging around the lobby watching Hugo argue with hotel staff. Told to meet again the next day. More wasted time watching Hugo argue, still no room change. What was really upsetting was they were giving the new check ins the renovated rooms. Finally on Monday afternoon, we were told to pack up and bring our bags to the lobby as we were getting a new room. Well wouldn't you know the room wasn't ready, so had to give luggage to bell hop and waste another hour waiting for room. At last room was ready, and have to tell you it was beautiful and exactly what we should have been given in the first place. Poor Hugo had at least 10 or 15 clients that wanted their rooms changed. Lots and lots of complaints. So much negative energy and time wasted on something that was supposed to be rightfully ours. Not a good way to spend our vacations Kudos to Hugo for keeping his cool and managing to get people their new rooms. Hotel is beautiful, grounds are immaculate, staff is friendly, couldn't ask for a better beach. Would I stay here again, Definitely, but would refuse to stay in a unit that wasn't renovated.

Occidental Cozumel: Awesome vacation

Occidental was an amazing resort, everything was so well looked after, very tropical looking. Food was fantastic everywhere on the resort. This was probably the best resort all inclusive that we have been to yet. We stayed in the royal luxury level, rooms were absolutely beautiful but the only complaint I had about them was they weren't consistent on keeping shampoo/conditioner and face clothes stocked in our room. Fridge was supposed to be stocked everyday with beverages but they also forgot [... read more] to fill the beer each time. But all in all we would 100% go back to this resort for sure and would recomend to everyone.

Occidental at Xcaret Destination: Beautiful Resort

This resort had a lot of green spaces which is what our preference is. The buildings were surrounded by trees and trails for nice leisurely walks. Shuttles were also provided for those not able to do a lot of walking. There were plenty of activities to do on site if you choose to not leave the resort. Kids Club- Kids club was available for what seems like all day! We had Nancy with Kids/Fun Club and she was absolutely amazing with our kids, Even if there were no other kids around, she woul [... read more]d play with our kids in the pool or tennis and basketball courts. There was a mini disco for the kids to attend followed by different activities such as movie night, Hawaiian night, piñata party etc. Our kids were never bored. Nancy gave our whole family a small token at the end of our trip. She is a fantastic and essential part of their team! Adult Activities and Entertainment - There was always something going on at the pool or at the beach as far as activities were concerned. They had short games to keep things interesting as well as daily aqua aerobics, salsa lessons, evening pub and shows in the theatre. There was an area for table games such as fooseball, air hockey, pool table etc. Dining-Dining was great. There were 7 a la carte restaurants. 5 of which were their own separate restaurants. The other 2 were more of a casual patio dining experience. The upper patio overlooked the lower patio and theatre. The food was good but service was a little slow in the Oriental Dining. We waited over half an hour for our entrée and ended up leaving because our kids wanted to attend the mini disco. We ended up going to the buffet after. The Oriental Dining was also the smallest of all the restaurants so there was a lot of people waiting for a table as it is a first come first serve arrangement. Breakfast buffets were available in the main building area as well as at the beach restaurant. Both were very big buffets. The beach restaurant had a stunning view and it was in an open area. Staff was exceptional at all the restaurants. Rooms-Our rooms were cleaned daily even when we said that it wasn't necessary. They provided us with fresh clean towels and stocked the bar fridge daily. Rodrigo would make towel animals for our kids everyday and the kids looked forward to seeing them. Scuba - The instructors were very attentive and great with our young child who was just old enough to participate in the Discovery program.

Occidental Cozumel: Absolutely beautiful resort and great for kids

We had a great experience. We have travelled to about 10 other all inclusive resorts across the Caribbean (Cuba, DR, Roatan) with our now 7 year old. This was our first trip with her and our 20 month old. The resort is beautiful. Rooms are super clean and updated. Food was good. Food can be a bit repetitive but one of the best we have been to and we usually stay at 4 or 5 stars. The lunch beachside buffet is big and opens very shortly after breakfast ends. There isn't much of a gap between food [... read more] being available which is nice. The pool is right next to the beach which is great for people like me who have a child far more interested in the pool and I want to be at the beach. The kids club staff were amazing. They always had activities for the kids from pool activities to arts and crafts poolside and water balloon fights etc. They were very creative. Evening entertainment is lacking a bit compared to much bigger resorts but since I travel with kids I am ready for bed by 9pm anyway. Coffee is readily available before breakfast even opens which was great for my early morning walks keeping my baby from waking our entire building. Water was calm 5 of 7 days. Snorkelling out front of the resort was boring. Very flat and looked like a sandy field. I am not sure what the hype is about snorkelling there off the resort. Diving was ok. Well organized but diving is much better in Roatan, Honduras. They only have one beach bar with one bartender who hussled, but it was very slow because all of the drinks are made fresh from scratch. Annoying to me because I only drank beer but for those that like sugary fancy drinks you would appreciate the effort they put into the drinks. Overall we would definitely go back to this resort because it was smaller, and great for the kids. The entertainment staff (only 4 people) were incredible and were really what made the trip. They deserve a lot of credit.