Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Wonderful Family Vacation

The entertainment team was exceptional, something for everyone. The facilities were nice and clean, big and bright. Pool was great, everyone was friendly, great service. We met so many people who this was their 5th time going there, so that speaks volumes. Definitely would go back!

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Great Resort

We arrived at the resort during a severe rain storm, well over 100 mm of rain. Our first day of our vacation had thunder showers most of the day and evening. The next morning the entrance to the resort, the lobby, the main pool and area, and some of the rooms were flooded with up to 6-8 inches of water. Our room was fine since we had a second floor room. By noon time the staff had the water problem cleaned up in most of the areas although the main pool was still contaminated with surface water. [... read more] The whole situation was a shock to some of the workers who I am sure had their own homes flooded out as well because some seemed to be over whelmed. The beach also took a lot of abuse from the rain. The mud and silt was from the shore out about 80 - 100 ft and the beach was full of sea grass trees and garbage. This problem was also addressed right away although it took almost the entire week to get the mess cleaned up due the lack of equipment. I was very impressed how they handled the whole situation in a timely and organized manner. With that being said the food was great,and there was always bottles of water , beer and pop replenished daily in our mini bar . We even got two bags of chips every day which was an unexpected treat. The rooms were clean and the bed sheets changed every two days. Although I don't go on vacation to watch tv not one of the 54 channels were English speaking. I really liked the lay out of this resort the way everything was close by and not having to walk too far for anything. I would give this resort a 4 out of 5 stars Todd Over all

Riu Merengue: Amazing Resort !!!!!

The staff was very friendly ,very good service and fast,food was great ..the grounds were very well kept,the rooms were done every day and very clean..we got there right after they had lots of rain and big winds , it kind of put a damper on the beach but all in all the next 5 days it was better ,we have no control over nature...Its a big Resort ,no problem for restaurant and bars ,everything was very close ,beach also ,great pool,we met a couple it was there 18 time there and would not change , [... read more]they said they've been to many other Resorts and they made this one there regular place..We would go back there no problem...

Casa Marina Reef Resort: Nice Resort...

We stayed at this resort for a week at the end of March 2017. If you have small children I would suggest early check in if they offer it. Check in is 3pm or when they get to you. The hotel itself is nice. Close to the airport. Our room was near to the pool, entertainment area and front entrance. The town of Sosua is right outside and about a 10min walk to the public beach. Vendors are all along this stretch and it's an incredible sight. Our room was adequate and we got water and pop daily. [... read more] You cannot drink the tap water what so ever there. Also a small bottle of rum. Housekeeping was very slow. Towels were removed early in the day and not restocked until around dinner time when the rooms were made up. Not once did we have a surprise animal made from towels on our beds. (grand daughter was very sad about this) Food was more flavorful than Cuba. But at times over done. I would not suggest ordering cannelloni at the Italian a la carte. It was the frozen kind and not hot all the way through. There is 2 buffet restaurants. 3 a la carte choices. We were told the seafood one wasn't great but the Mexican was very good. There is no swim up bar at all which we kind of missed. Entertainment staff was good and very active. People no where near as friendly as in Cuba or Jamaica. Front desk girl Hilary was pleasant to deal with as well as Transat rep Felix. AC died out to a very low setting and had maintenance in 2x but the issue wasn't fixed properly. The Medical Center was awesome. (Grand daughter needed doctors care) The insurance we took was billed directly and we were not out of pocket for medications needed. Grounds were kept nicely. 2 beach areas available. We had red flag most of the time due to the storm the week before. People hoard the pool loungers so it's hard to get one. Price wise it was an OK amount. We would return to Cuba most likely before staying here again. Similar pricing. We found it to be quite Americanized and prices reflect this. Expensive to purchase items to bring home. If you're not picky on when your room gets cleaned, having towels and good AC, then I would recommend this resort to you ... It definitely isn't above a 3 star rating in our opinions.. Thanks

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Amazing first trip down south

This hotel treated us like vips all week long provided us with amazing service and the staff was amazing . I also liked that they kept us entertained they got people involed in activites which was really cool

Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: Probably the best price/quality ratio in Dominicana!

We gave the best ratings to the resort according to 3+**** star hotel as it's positioned. The only thing we would recommend the management to do is to pay attention to cleaning in the places of general use. Floors, Walls, Ceiling, Chandeliers need to be cleaned at least once a month! We really loved everything in the resort for the price we payed! So we wouldn't expect too much from a 3+*** star resort with such an affordable price in Dominican republic. All the beaches are pub [... read more]lic so no matter how much you paid for your stay you can use any beach in Dominican Republic.

Riu Merengue: Decent Resort

The hotel was decent to stay at. The room was clean but a bit dated. The beds were not very comfortable. The pools and the hotel grounds are nice and clean. The restaurant serving staff and bartenders did an excellent job and were super friendly. The food was decent but I'm not a picky eater. The entertainment at night was ok... Don't think the hotel is spending lots of money on it. The front desk staff were not always accommodating. Overall about a 3.5 star hotel.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Amazing memories!!

The hotel was great, the food was amazing, the entertainment was different and one of the reasons why I love this place... wasn't your regular Micheal Jackson show. The crazy games everyday at the pool was awesome!! Did not have a bad day.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: I didn't want to leave!!!

The resort was big! But everything was central which was awesome.. nice big pool, buffet and lounge with free wifi!! The night entertainment was great, and the drinks were even better!! Can't wait to go back

Paradise Playa Dorada: I would go back

We took a recommendation from a travel agent at trip central and she told us to go here. It is close to the airport which is nice. The resort is amongst other resorts and is very secure (friendly security guards all over resort at all hours). We checked in at night with no issues and from that point entering the resort until the day we left the staff were great. The entertainment staff was....entertaining and the bartenders, servers, maids, etc. were all friendly and were never "hunting" for tip [... read more]s. We did tip after every meal and when we got drinks but you never felt pressured to do so. The beach location we thought was one of the best when we walked the beach. There were other resorts when we were walking that had not many people there. The location is also very nice and in somewhat of a cove so the water was more calm. Being in our mid twenties we wanted to meet some people but also not go to a resort with a bunch of 18 year olds. The report was a good mix of ages. The food was excellent in the buffet. The a la carte restaurants were also very good. There is an Italian one (more formal) and another one on the beach. We liked the one on the beach more but both were great. If I have to mention any cons it would be that a couple nights our shower did not have hot water...We probably could have moved rooms or brought it to a maintenance workers attention but it wasn't a huge deal. I would definitely recommend going to this resort and would go back myself. Cheers.

Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort: Excellent resort

Frist time to a all inclusive resort and we loved it .Anything we needed we just asked and they would try to find it for us ,food was awesome ,always had entertainment every night which the boys loved ,the staff loved the boys and interacted with them at all times of the day .one issue and the only issue I had was room service only came twice the whole week even when I had the sign one the door to have the room cleaned but the two times it was cleaned it was awesome .the boys and I are for sure  [... read more]going back at the end of this year. Even though they came back sick from the trip they are excited to return .I will be booking with Tanya once again as she was very helpful and gave me a few pointers which were helpful.

Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: Beautiful Resort :)

I had a great stay at the Beach House! Bed was sooo comfy, resort was very clean as were the rooms. Food in the buffet was tasty (I didn't eat in the other 2 restaurants). Staff was super friendly and helpful!! The grounds are very pretty but most of all I loved the size of the beach area, nothing but room sit play or lay around.

Sunscape Puerto Plata: Awesome Resort

Very well kept resort with great food & drink selection,clean rooms, pools and grounds. Backed up with the most knowledgeable & friendliest staff in the business .Check in and checking out is a breeze !

Casa Marina Reef Resort: Amazing resort! Great value!

Food was good, resort was beautiful, and there was a lot of activities. Resort is steps away from a Canadian owned bar in town with very friendly staff. Watching the waves crash against reef was entertaining all week. The servers don't smile, but I wouldn't either if I made $20 a week. Would recommend this resort to couples, families, or anyone that is looking for great value. Front desk staff are rude, but your not there to speak to them, your there to enjoy yourself, so don't let them get to  [... read more]you. **4.5stars**

Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: Worst Resort I Have ever been to

I am not one to complain about resorts I stay at. I have been to 2 Star Resorts in Cuba that are better kept than this one. This Resort is Rated as a 3 Star and is lucky to be a 1.5 Star. The Resort is in huge disrepair. There is basically minimal staff on hand. The first room assigned the bar fridge poured water out of its rusty interior when I opened the door. The air conditioner sounded like a lawnmower and did not cool the room. The second room the bed was like 2 boxsprings piled upon e [... read more]ach other. the mirror fell off the wall when I touched it. The food was even WORSE!!!. There was no selection trays of shredded cabbage and lettuce. The meat looked horrible and what they called chicken DID NOT LOOK LIKE CHICKEN. ( I don't like to think I may be eating cat) . Open trays of mustard and mayo cover only with a piece of saran wrap which appeared to used over and over again. After the first morning I asked for Air Canada rep. to get me out of there please and switched to another Resort. Thank God he was able to. The Rep called it a 2 Star and I would not even give this resort that.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Booked it based on the grand Bahia Príncipe in Jamaica experience last year

Unfortunately, this was the worst, and because it was a Bahia Príncipe, the most surprising trip I have ever experienced. I have been to the BP in both Tulum Mexico and Jamaica....love loved them I booked this quickly through an agent because it was a BP and I depended on the quality. My first room had a mini fridge that was old so the compressor sounded like a truck and there was construction and dust immediately across from my room entrance. I asked to relocate and requested 'any' room as [... read more] long as it is quiet. They located me across from the main pumping station for the site and the maids service area. This change required 3 trips to the front desk and waiting until after 3 pm. and when I got to the room, there were NO towels, period and no mini bar. Wallpaper was peeling, shower glass was dirt!!! They moved me again, I OFFERED to pay any upgrade fee for this THIRD move. I literally said I was desperate for a four star quality room! They insisted that I was correct to complain and they wld move me again So the THIRD day I had to go to the front desk four times to make these arrangements 9, 2 pm, come back at 330 they said, then come back at 630. At this point I went back to my shitty room and literally broke down and cried out of frustration. It took two more phone calls and the final room was ready. So Get into 2250, Cannot have a hot bath for two reasons Drain in the tub is broken and the water pressure is like a dribble, (room was great, clean, towels, in good order) Air conditioner remote did not work. Called desk They sent repair guy, he agreed the remote was not working....he turned off the at and said he would fix it the next day. That never happened Then the storm hit I lost all tap water in my room for 24 hours The next day, extensive flooding on site and the main swimming pool was closed due to SEWAGE contamination. For my last two days, not allowed in the pool or swimming at the beach due to rough water and debris. I was allowed to take out a paddle board ONE day of my entire trip. I went alone on this trip for the first time and am so glad I did not subject anyone else to these conditions. I start a new job next week and this was a quick getaway to recharge. I travel south twice per year between Jan and May This was the worst most stressful, horrible experience I have ever had. A four star?, absolutely not. My trip dates were March 19 to March 26 2017 Maryann Mason

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Great week at Gran Ventana!

Just got back from 7 days at VH Gran Ventana. Literally cannot complain about one thing. The resort is beautiful, spotlessly clean. We had a superior room which was more than sufficient, clean and well maintained. Mini fridge stocked daily with pop, water and beer. When we wanted diet pop we called and it came quickly and after that we were given diet without asking daily. Buffet was excellent as far as all inclusives go. Tons of variety. Little bit different daily. Tasty,hot and fresh. Beach is [... read more] stunning, clean and lots of space for long walks in both directions. Staff are so friendly and helpful. Overall, an awesome experience with zero complains.

Casa Marina Reef Resort: Good for a 3 Star resort!

The room we were originally in, not good... no view, facing a wall. The manager was nice enough to quickly fix the situation... which was a better room. Thank You again! I would suggest if anyone gets this room that they get a discount or a notice ahead of time what you are getting as not to be disappointed. Very Busy hotel, was very pleased with the grounds which was one of the main reasons why I wanted to go to Casa Marina Reef Resort. the ocean view of this place and the beach is def [... read more]initely worth it. To get a chair pool side reviews were true got to hustle to get one of those babies. lol, we made it work. Umbrellas have to pay $3 dollars to rent that's true. The Staff at the resort were professional :) and friendly. The Animation staff were a fun bunch, very pleasant and professional. The club on the resort is abit small and they should play more Spanish music or Dominican beats as that's why I was there to enjoy Dominican Republic to the fullest. To get a drink at the bars was pretty fast... which was impressive. washrooms where okay. Beds where so comfortable. Food was good. I didn't want to come back home. I wanted to stay in the Dominican. Overall a Nice Vacation Spot!

Riu Merengue: Hotel was good

The part of the hotel we stayed was old. This was very visible. Room safes were very small and we felt unsure using them as they were a key lock. How many keys could there be? there was no fan in the washroom and no hairdryer in the room, had to go to front desk to ask for one. The food was fine and had a selection. The service in the buffet was hit and miss. The bar service was fine. The resort is large and spread out. There could have been a few more washrooms around as you had to search for [... read more] them. The entertainment in the evening was more for the kids in the resort. I have travelled to many destinations and I feel this one was the worse for adult entrainment. Do not feel I will stay in RUI hotel again.

Casa Marina Reef Resort: You get what you pay for... in this case not a whole lot

The grounds are beautiful but this resort is quite run down. It lives up to the standard philosophy of the Caribbean where "if it's broken, don't fix it". Right across the resort there are things broken that should be fixed. For example, 4 of 6 water features of the main pool are broken. Not a big deal but shows how much the company actually cares. Food: while good, it's the exact same daily with only very small amounts of authentic dominican food such as tostones, empanadas etc. Entertai [... read more]nment: There are a few pool games and nightly shows. The nightly shows are not even a production crew but simply the animation staff attempting to dance around. They did a good job but overall the show is poor. Every other resort pays for entertainment. There is also not a single live band the entire week ANYWHERE on the resort. Very strange. The disco makes every effort to play music like we have back home. NEWS FLASH, no one pays to go to a latin country to hear music back home. The one night we badgered the dj into playing reggaeton and other latin music was the first night the club was packed and not empty at midnight. Rooms: The first room we had had a view of exactly the back of the wall of another building. The entire view we could see was the very back of the wall, less than 10 feet outside our window. The tub also didn't drain. We finally were able to change rooms and got a beautiful room that over looked the pool. SAME PRICE what the hell! Beach: due to weather there were only 2 days we could swim in the ocean. Not the fault of the resort at all. The jacuzzis are gorgeous. The beaches are the brown sand, not the nice white sand of the north or east side of the island. Nothing special here. Long story short, while this resort is ok if you're paying maybe $750 but if you're paying $850 plus, I highly recommend going somewhere else. Punta cana is far nicer and staff FAR friendlier. Cuba is another amazing alternative and despite was people say, way better food and spectacular entertainment. Overall the resort feels run down, half baked, and poor attempts to make it feel "like home" No one wants like home. We want real dominican republic and real people, real food. This resort I want to like and has potential but unfortunately is a total waste of money and I wish I had my life back to just sit at home in my pajamas. :(