Grand Bavaro Princess: Bavaro Princess All Suites Platinum
Pro
Clean/Excellent service/Food had got better
CON
Very family focused
Children in bars at 11 at night
Screaming children in dining room at 9 pm
Gone here 5 times but time to change
Platinum not roped off from
Vendors on beach any more
Having to use cell phone for menus and book restaurant is a pain
Platinum is nice but too big now
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AMenary -
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Royalton Hideaway Punta Cana: Wonderful Time at the Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana
Initially my wife and I were preparing ourselves for average food and average service as the resort is quite large. BUT, since we arrived on Feb 23 and returned on Feb 30 we were both truly amazed and impressed at how well the establishment is run. The food was incredible. The staff were always friendly and extremely helpful. Not to mention it seemed like 3 staff members for every guest. We would HIGHLY recommend this resort to anybody me! Just wish we would have stayed longer!
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Private -
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Riu Palace Macao: Excellent Service
We had a great time the service,food, rooms and people were amazing. Glad we went with this resort. Highly recommend it. The entertainment was good the beach had ample room and chairs with sun and shade available. If you want a spot by the pool it maybe a early rise to get one.
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Private -
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Riu Republica: Not 5 star resort!
Grounds very nice as where the pools,can't say the same for the room or food. It being called a PARTY HOTEL is very accurate. Just good for drinking and partying! A hotel for the younger crowd to let loose!!
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Private -
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Royalton Splash Punta Cana: Great family resort
The hotel was great, loved the layout of the family room. Great restaurants, a bit disappointing that we couldn’t eat at all of the restaurants at the other Royalton on the beach, as promised. Getting back and forth between the two resorts and the beautiful beach was less than a 10 minute walk or a quick ride on the transfer cart. The kids loved the shows at both resorts. The water park was another hit with the kids.
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Matty -
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Impressive Punta Cana: The resort ALMOST lives up to its name
This resort is lush, intelligently thought out, has a great buffet with lots of choice, diverse dining options, a quiet pool for those who don't want noise and lots of people, a lovely beach with palm trees for shade, amusing entertainment and a massive lobby in the entrance and a disco. My ONLY big complaint is the Front Desk. The check-in was slow and a nightmare. Guest services are not overly friendly unlike the rest of the staff. Check-in should of taken half the time and when I inquired as [... read more]to where my room was located (its a large property) I was rudely told to look at the map in my check-in envelope.
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Private -
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Melia Punta Cana Beach Wellness Resort Adults: Highly Recommend the Level - Incredible Value
Just got back from the Melia Wellness Resort for our anniversary and had such a wonderful time. We booked rooms that were a part of the "Level" and I seriously recommend this upgrade. The atmosphere was truly restoring for the soul. We took advantage of the free 30-minute massage as a couple and I later had an 80-minute hot stone massage. It was incredible. There are almost constantly really fun and engaging activities taking place, some of which are exclusive to the Level guests. I highly recom[... read more]mend taking advantage of these.
I have been to many all-inclusive resorts around the world and can attest that the food and service here, especially at the Level, are top quality. It was great to have many healthy (and some vegan) options as well.
We had an outstanding experience with our "butler", Jenfry De Jesus. He was a personal concierge who took amazing care of us. He was so helpful during our trip and made sure all of our questions and concerns were addressed. He also had a few surprises up his sleeve that made our trip extra special.
Overall, I wouldn't have wanted to have experienced our anniversary at any other resort. It was perfect.
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Private -
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Occidental Caribe: Terrible Resort
The front desk service was terrible! Took 3 hours to get a room! Our bathroom flooded everyday, toilet leaked. Our safe broken, patio door doesn’t lock. Other people had the same key card coded to our room. 5 people just walked in! A la Carte restaurants were all booked up. No one ever answered the front desk phone all week. Said there was a 24 snack bar, there wasn’t! Not enough chairs at pool or ocean. People were fighting over them! Food was just ok. Disco was in the basement like a dunge[... read more]on that smelled like a pool and smoke. I DO NOT recommend this hotel!
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Fred -
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Royalton Bavaro Resort and Spa: The Royalton
Overall thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Royalton, great food, service and amenities...I would however, suggest more attention to the small maintenance items in the rooms. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Private -
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Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: I was dissappointed
I was dissapointed in the Resort, As a vegetarian, the buffet offered limited choices and the options that looked like they might be vegetarian were not labelled with a V. I asked several times if the staff could point out vegetarian optins, but they could not understand me. The room had very limited outlets and my phone charger was actually fried in one outlet that sparked when I plugged in my charger, The shower door had soap caked on. Pool side entertainment was mostly in Spanish and much of[... read more] the staff does not speak English. We did enjoy ourselves poolside and the ocean was also beautiful, The ala carte Restaurants were also great. I am sure the Esmarelda will be beautiful after the Renovations are complete.
We also payed for our seat reservations , but were dissappointed that the agent placed us right across from the bathrooms.
I would not recommend this resort to friends.
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Private -
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Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Does not meet expectations
Disappointed in the buffet restaurant, cold food and not much selection or variety. There were days when yogurt wasn't available and fruit selection was minimal.
Rooms were not very clean and a slight musty smell.
Staff difficult to communicate with as they don't speak English.
Service was hit and miss.
AL a carte restaurants were good but vegetarian options were minimal
Enjoyed the entertainment and close proximity to the amazing beach.
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Private -
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Royalton CHIC Punta Cana: Great stay!
Loved the smaller size of resort so it wasn't too far to get to and from the resort amenities from our room. Clean and modern hotel with great daily room cleaning services. The pools were beautiful with a variety of spots to lounge. The main pool had a lively atmosphere but if you wanted something quieter, you could choose the smaller pool closer to the ocean. Great ocean front with seating available. You do need to get to the pool and ocean loungers early in the morning if you want a spot.
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Jmd19 -
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Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: In need of coming refurbishment
We went in knowing that Esmeralda has aged and refurbishment is upcoming.
As Esmeralda guests we were able to spend time at the Ambar adult section. The service at Ambar was definitely better.
Butler took us to our room and we never saw her again. Never got to know our maid and her service needs definite improvement.
Air conditioner not working for 5 days. Room phone not working entire stay.
We loved the beach except for the towel game of reserving chairs at both beach and pool.
Hopefully[... read more] things will improve after the upgrade.
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Private -
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Riu Palace Macao: Had a wonderful time!
Everything was good at the Riu Palace Macao. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the staff was helpful and friendly and the food and drink was varied and delicious. The weather was fabulous and the beach was stunning. What more can you ask for?
As for Covid precautions - no one anywhere (staff or guests) wore a mask. The buffet was open to everyone touching everything.
There were hand sanitizing stations about but they were rarely used. I can't blame the hotel for this because it was the s[... read more]ame at the airport in Punta Cana. Even at the airport in Hamilton and on the plane, there were very few people wearing masks. I guess it's the general feeling among travelers that the pandemic is over (not!).
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Tony A -
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Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Food is terrible and service isn’t great at all.
So food is not good at all! Me and my son were sick for a few days because food seems to be undercooked half the time. Staff is waiting to get tipped to serve you. Make no effort to please. I actually tip everytime and still had some bad service. At check out they charged my visa even though I paid the balance in cash for room charges. Then I call to rectify this and no one seems to speak English. Tripcentral did not help me with this at all which I expected them to considering I booked through [... read more]them. Hotel is a beautiful facility and beautiful beach. Expected a lot more. I guess you get what you pay for.
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Sookoo -
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Impressive Punta Cana: Not Impressive Punta Cana
Jan 17, 2023
We visited this resort for our 40th anniversary.
Positive, beautiful ocean, bell service people were nice, grounds are well kept.
Negative
the resort staff was rude, they are lacking customer service, and some were dishonest, which was very disappointing.
January 17, 2023
Upon arrival at the resort, there was a long wait at reception, it was because all four staff at the front desk was attending to the same guest, trying to upsell the guest the premium upgrade.
[... read more]When it was our turn, we were also offered an upgrade to premium for $450.00 US, which we agreed to purchase. The upgrade included an ocean-view room with a jacuzzi, room service, premium drinks, a Nespresso coffee machine in the room, a fully stocked bar, butler service, premium drinks, spa hydrotherapy, etc.
When we arrived in the room, it was an ocean view room on the 2nd floor, room 12216, beautiful, if you watch only to the left side, and ignore a big mountain of seaweed and garbage, stored outside the room, on the beach, which was an eyesore.
The butler service was never available, however, on the 6th day of our 7-day vacation we got a note from the butler, introducing himself, his name was Oskar, and provided us with a phone number, Oskar was not available at any time during our stay at this resort.
The jacuzzi in the room was old, dated, and dirty; the shower doors were not closing and dragging on the tile, causing water to spill out of the shower; the bar fridge had two water, one sprite, and one coke, this was considered a fully stocked bar fridge; there was an old dated coffee maker, no coffee available; bedding was not of premium quality of, the duvet was flat, old and hard, it was placed between two flat sheets ( not a duvet cover)which were very uncomfortable, the bed sheets kept falling off making it very uncomfortable to sleep, the ac unit was vibrating and very loud making it difficult to sleep, there wasn't any towel hook or robe hook in the bathroom, to hang clothes/towels, the bathrobe pocket was ripped and old, the lamp in the room was missing the light bulb, bathroom supplies appeared half empty looked like a leftover from a previous guest.
The morning after we arrived, I ordered breakfast from room service, and I was told that breakfast would arrive in 40 minutes, food never arrived, call premium customer service and he said he was going to check to see what happened, and he left me on hold for approximately 30 minutes, I hang up and I tried to call back no one picked up the phone, I call the front desk and they transfer me to a number that never picked up received a callback.
The issues during our stay were ignored and never looked at or even acknowledged, even though I contacted everyone possible. All we got was a runaround or ignored.
We visited the premium customer service at the lounge to inform them about the room, we explained and the staff just looked at us with disgust and had us feel belittled for requesting what paid for, she then call the front reception and give me the phone, when I spoke to the receptionist he said I need to speak to the premium desk in the lounge, I explained that I at the premium desk and the lady here is just giving us a runaround, they both went back and forth and wasting our time. I also contacted customerservice@impressiveresorts.com, on January 19 & 20, 2023, but they did not respond.
On January 21, 2023, from around 1 pm to 3 pm I was on the beach, I could hear trucks and tractors working on the beach, they were removing the seaweed. The removal of the rutted seaweed causes the entire area to smell like a sewer, and the air felt polluted I immediately started coughing, and my chest felt stuffy and unable to breathe freely, it then triggered an asthma attack. I was sick for the rest of my trip. I started to feel worse overnight. I decided to visit the doctor's office at the resort on the 22nd, because, of the fever, sore throat, and wheezing in my chest. I explained to the doctor that the cough started on the beach, when the seaweed was being removed, the cough did not stop, it triggered my asthma and I felt very ill. Dr. Carlos, recommend a Covid test which was completed and came back negative. He then prescribed some allergy medicine and cough medicine.
I am back in Toronto, and still sick from the contamination from all the airborne bacteria, mold, and germs from the removal of the rotting seaweed from the beach.
At the resort, It was very difficult to eat because I have a severe seafood allergy. The staff didn't speak or understand English and the label was not very clear. I did not feel safe in the buffet because food could be easily contaminated.
In the gift shop, attendant Jasmeiry is very dishonest she entered a price in the debit machine and showed me a lower price, and then when I look at my receipt it was 4 times more. Please pay attention to your purchases, and make sure it is correct, ask to see how much they charge. I ask Jasmeiry how much for a bottle of Black Lable, and she said $15. US, I was surprised that it was so cheap, so I ask again and Jasmeiry said $15.US., so I thought it was a great deal, so I took two bottles, and she punched into the machine $1702.50 which is $30 US, and showed it to me in pesos, keyed it into the debit machine, but when I looked at my charges it was 4800.00 pesos. When the transaction was completed I was charged 84.58 US, not $30.00 US. Very dishonest staff, scam, and ripoff.
I believe that some of the locals in Dominican Republic take advantage of foreign visitors, every chance the get. We had to get medication in the pharmacy next to the resort and they chose to overcharge for the medication too. We were told by the doctor it was just 5 tablets and should be between 2 to 3 US, and the person said it was $8.00. Please be aware!
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Rosie -
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Occidental Caribe: Updating needed
Hotel was okay but in need of major updating. Hotel room was very moist and lots of mold.
Hotel is family friendly for little ones with many activities
Hotel seemed to be lacking staff most likely due to covid causing longer waits for food and drinks
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Private -
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Occidental Caribe: Waste of money
Horrible service
Horrible food
Horrible drinks
Horrible rooms
Nobody cares or speaks English
Better pay less and go to Cuba
Never again
All the 5 star Google reviews are fake
They bribe the locals to leave 5 star ones
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Private -
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El Beso Adults Only at Ocean El Faro: Good holiday
We enjoyed our stay on the El Beso side as it was a bit quieter (although the staff was still quite ‘assertive’ in recruiting guests to participate in poolside activities. Rooms were nice and clean - fairly well kept up although the outside beds/loungers needed replacing. Pool bar was great - assuming you stayed in the pool as loungers were VERY hard to come by… unless you were up at 6 🤨.
Buffet was good with lots of selection. A La cartes we’re also quite good but hard to book as[... read more] filled up very quickly. Overall a ‘good’ holiday but not great.
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Private -
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Vista Sol Punta Cana: hotel so bad- I checked out on day 6 and paid to go to another hotel
checked in 7pm Wed 4 Jan/23 for 2 weeks and on Mon Jan 9/23 moved to the Royalton Splash for an added hotel fee of $1540.00 -and was happy to pay it. This was facilitated by the Sunwing rep- Luis- who took my full statement and sent it to Sunwing.
The beach was a disaster -4-5 foot sand ridges with no way to get down thru a path to the beach area which had 2-3 foot high clumps of-seaweed piled up so that there was only an 2-3 foot strip of sand showing at the waves and the mosquitos and[... read more] sand flees where unbelievable.
I was so happy to see the grounds people about noon on Sat 7 Jan/23- from my room balcony- with wheelbarrows moving the seaweed from the beach that I went down and tipped about 9 of then three US dollars each, shook their hands and thanked them for making my holiday possible..
Thur 5 Jan/23 early Fri 6 Jan/23 about 3am I was woken up by a young English speaking male screaming "but I love you, I am in love with you, etc" out side my door- some body shut him down by 3.30am. I assumed it was some one coming back for the Disco who had too much to drink, and finally got back to sleep.
The am after breakfast I went to guest services in the lobby and spoke to a young lady with mid length hair - She denied any noise and said that both the disco and the theater area where shunt down for renovations and where not operating -when I asked if there was a wedding or a private private party she said she was calling the entertain manager and said he said there was nothing going on the night before- she was very wooden and like she was reading a script she suggested and asked me if I had been dreaming or having a nightmare . I said no and left
That night about 11pm i get woken up again -this time there is large theater like screen with pulsating fast fractral pictures and loud noise- boom boom with a base undertone -like a rave-and lots of people streaming up on the beach area by the childrens area- I have a perfect view from my balcony- so I take my camera -which has audio and film it . I finally get to sleep about 3am
The next am I go back to guest services and speak to a lady with short curley hair at ear tip level and she again denies any noise or any thing going on -I do not tell her that I filmed it with audio
That night about 11.30am- again the loud boom boom rave type noise this time I call the front desk- they deny the noise, I ask for security to go check, they call back and say it must be coming from off site- not them- I ask for a security guard to come to my room -I dress in a long caftan and put the camera and a different pair of glasses in a long black coat - they send a young guy- I advise him I will lead him direct to the noise - we start off and he disapears within 100 feet- I walk to the treater area and stand at the back- again fractal pictures on the screen and loud noise - I film with audio and walk about 100 feet to the lobby and speak to a young man and tell with I am not leaving the lobby until they shut it off - I sit at the guest services area-after about 20 minutes I decide this is stupid and I am going to have to go to another hotel-i go back to the young man and advise him i am leaving and will strip my safe and pack and check out of the hotel in the morning- I leave.
I go to Sunwing and explain why I need a different hotel and I am packed and ready to go and know that I will have to pay extra for it, but I will not take being Gas light again or as I call it " given the crazy woman routine" I go to the front desk and explain I am checking out and want to speak to the Manager as I want find out his story as to what is going on -they say I can't talk to him until 1pm- I said fine I get to speal to him about 1pm- he says he is only the Front Desk manager -has nothing to do with what is going on and blames it all on Sunwing -Luis of Sunwing come over and we settle on a hotel- I give him my credit card- he confirms my hotel and the price. Luis gets me a bellman and a taxi and I move to the Royalton Splash.
It like the difference from night to day and a real 4 star hotel-good room, no excessive noise and a clean beach -they make me happy -I have no complaints
In the future I will check the reviews before I book a hotel
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