Barcelo Solymar: Good resort, not for families or relaxing

This resort is close to town so it is a great location. The beach and grounds are wonderful. Recently, however, it seems to have gained the reputation of a party hotel, and this is noted every night with screaming and loud music at all hours of the night. The staff are wonderful everywhere, however with the party kids and too many locals now visiting this resort, the staff cannot keep up, and you end up waiting in line or walking through trash.

Sunscape Puerto Plata: So-so in low season

This was our second visit to Barcelo. Staff were accommodating and as friendly as our stay in 2013, however, the resort is in need of an overall sprucing up. We upgrade to the premium (adult only) section which allowed some children for whatever reason, and the poolside service, cleanliness of loungers can be improved upon. This was not an issue in 2013 Low season should not equate to lesser amenities, lesser food choices. The cost of our vacation wasn't less because we traveled in early June. O [... read more]ur room was cleaned thoroughly each day. The buffet offered less variety and much repetition however the service at the beach buffet was great and dishes prepared fresh on request. Beach vendors were a major annoyance and interruptive. Overall, it was a pleasant vacation, but we would not recommend low season.

Occidental Caribe: Nice resort

I enjoyed this resort. Large resort but very accessible to everything. Located right on the beach Staff is very friendly. Clean. Pools are large and beautiful. Only bad had things stolen out of my room. Nobody could of done it except for the maids. Very disappointed. Next time I travel I won't be having room cleaned. I will exchange my towels everyday myself. Stay out of my room. I would return to this hotel, but a bit smarter to be one step ahead of the maids.

Barcelo Solymar: Good but not great this time.

So as everyone knows the resort food is not good, that is to be expected so that's that.But if your in your 20s to mid 30s and you want to party then all the time then this is the spot to go hands down.It was my second time going So I new what to expect, The only negative was that the pool bar was under construction and they don't have the beach bar with 24 hr drinks anymore.You really need to get those areas back up bc they are the social hubs of the whole resort.Other than that it was good tim [... read more]e's.

Occidental Caribe: Great resort for small children.

Everything was great. No complaints. I wanted a resort that was good for my 5 year old and this was it. I found that the buffet food didn't have alot of food gear towards little kids but that was not a huge issue.

Occidental Caribe: Fabulous Vacation

This hotel has lots to offer. The beach was pristine - what seaweed they did have they removed immediately. Service was excellent, restaurants were amazing. The rooms however are in need of upgrading.

Barcelo Solymar: A beautiful resort and a very good time!!!

The resort was very pretty! The rooms were very clean and very spacious, the pools were great and the beach was amazing! I also loved that we could used paddle boats, sail boats and kayaks for free! The general buffet food was not good at all (but what do you expect with an all inclusive lol) but the "a-la cart" were awesome and whatever the chefs were cooking at the buffet was always good! For some reason the air conditioning was working on and off which was a bit annoying but when it was on it [... read more] was good!

Barcelo Maya Caribe: A RELIABLE QUALITY RESORT WITH LOTS TO DO

Wish you could give 4.5 stars. Great value overall. Put it top tied for 1st of about 10 resorts of this nature. Can enjoy as adults alone, or with family. Knowing the place (and your food preferences) would make it bit better. Only reason not give 5 stars (and maybe I'm being hard, or reserving 5 star for perfect which may not even exist), is cause for Canadian Rye, they could have more options beyond Canadian Mist, and although food quite good, some could improve. Food consistently good, just h [... read more]ave had some better elsewhere, especially the Asian. But service was great, and the 24 hr sports bar is unique (and nice place to go anytime day or night when want a bite, cool off, lounge, or to entertain kids). Lots to do with the new mall (new larger waterpark (use coupon they give you); bowling; mini-golf; pool/ping pong/fooz ball) ), and restaurants very modern at new mall. The sports bar (with bowling to one end) open 24 hrs including drinks and food which is unique, and nice a cool to hang in. Snorkelling on the pier is a fun activity for less avid snorkellers. We swam further out to island, then slowly swam to beach and found large conch on way in. Rooms renovated late 2014/early 2015 in the Caribe section. Very nice, only issue may be if leave door even crack (including patio door), AC does not turn, so don't blow that. The grounds are beautiful, modern, well kept, with lots of places to sit and lounge. Pool and beach both great. If beach, strategically place yourself close to one of the beach bar/food locations rather than smack in betweeen (trust me). Could write so much more good things but have to run now. Club Premium worth to get more dinner reservation options (research this).

Barcelo Maya Caribe: Wonderful Vacation

This resort truly exceeded our expectations. The transfer from airport to resort was seamless and check in was a breeze. Having access to 3 other resorts gave us a variety in restaurant choices. Food was really good and the beach at the Maya Caribe was excellent. No issues getting loungers and entertainment was good. We would definitely recommend this resort.

Occidental Caribe: Amazing place. Terrible service

The Resort on itself was beautiful and amazing. My one complaint is the service at the front desk. My girlfriend needed serious medical attention, one attendant simply looked at me in the eyes, told me "he didnt care" while others (including security guard) looked on and continued about his business like nothing happened, and also neglected to inform us there was a 24 hour medical assistant on site. We had to spend our first night and a half in the hospital. Other than that, we had an amazing ti [... read more]me!!

Occidental Caribe: Would not go back ever!!!!!

My group and I were at this hotel about five years ago and it was great, but this hotel has become poorly run causing sickness in two of the six people I travelled with. My wife became so sick she had to spend four days in intensive care at the hospitan Punta Cana and another four days in emergency care back home, and a total of two weeks in the hospital. The rooms were nice, hot water was not consistant, the bars all smelled bad, alot of the plumbing in the common areas did not work, most of th [... read more]e staff could only speak Spanish. If they were to put in some new staff and elbow grease cleaning and fixing the place up it may be worth visiting, but I will never go back not even if you paid me.

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: Wonderful time

We had a wonderful and relaxing time. The staff are friendly without being in your face all the time. I noticed that they did not chat and visit a lot among themselves while working and this is class! They had the best smiles ever. My husband has dementia. ALL the staff and the guests were helpful, kind, considerate and friendly to us. The rooms were quiet,spacious and clean. They had the best pillows ever!

Barcelo Solymar: All depends on what you are looking for

If you are 18-25 and looking to get drunk partying with 'bros' from Toronto, then this is the place for you. If you are anything but, then your time at Solymar won't be as much fun. Don't expect any miracles from the local cuisine. This is Cuba, eat what you need to eat in order to survive. Anyway, no one who goes to Cuba goes there for the fine dining. They go there for everything else it has to offer, which is above average relative to other resort destinations. And cheap. A huge bonus is th [... read more]e affiliation that Solymar has with Arenas Blancas next door. With a Solymar bracelet, you are entitled to pretty much everything that Blancas has to offer. The open bars, the restos, services... everything. This makes for a great escape if Solymar itself is overrun with 'Bros'. The '3' rating I gave Solymar should be taken with a grain of salt. It's all a matter of perspective. I'd go back. Although I'd book at Blancas instead and go over to Solymar should the 'Bro' element be at a minimum.

Occidental Caribe: Great

Great hotel with a lot of activities for all ages. Amazing, clean beach area with lots of shade and sun. A lot of choices for A La Cartes and always a delicious selection at the buffet. Friendly staff and Night entertainment at the theater was excellent - however, for late late night fun only 1-2 bars are open and not a lot to do besides the disco which was just okay. Complaints - pools closed earlier (530 pm) and I unfortunately encountered an emergency situation where the front desk/night-staf [... read more]f was extremely uninformative/helpful - did not mention or call on-site doctor for an emergency situation.

Sunscape Dominican Beach: Amazing resort!

Ill keep it simple, the hotel room was clean and everything worked as it should. the food was great, I didn't get any upset stomach nor nausea after meals (its always a concern when travelling). The people were so friendly whether tipped or not, and I appreciated that they took the time to answer our concerns! The only thing is that, I went in the down season (end of may)where there is less travelers, so the on site club was pretty boring lool. Overall, I loved going to Dominican and ill probabl [... read more]y go back in the future!

Sunscape Puerto Plata: Great vacation!

Great hotel, nice beach, confortable room, good location, friendly service, very large pool (with swim up bar) and animation all day long! Main buffet offert a large sélection of choices and it changes every day

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Amazing 1st Resort Experience!

Amazing hotel grounds, great food variety, nice beach that went on for a long time, great service from the hotel staff and clean room. We also really enjoyed playing paddel ball and the on-site mall and shops. Would definitely return!

Barcelo Maya Caribe: BARCELO MAYA CARIBE- INCREDIBLE VACATION!!!

We stayed at the Barcelo Caribe for the first time. It was nothing short of amazing. We are beach people, so everyday we would head out to the beach, it didn't matter what time of day, there were always chairs and shaded areas. The resort is extremely kid friendly, we are an older couple and like our quiet times, not a problem there, we were amazed at the way they cater to the kids. Snorkeling amazing right at the beach, saw turtles, stingrays, loads of fish big and small. Food at Buffet I would [... read more] give it a 7 out of 10. but the Colonial next door had an amazing buffet,and the restaurants were top notch. I hope they can do something about the smell in the Sports Bar though. Its a great bar once you've gotten use to the smell. All in all I would recommend this resort to all, if you have small children or teens they will love it, Guarenteed.

Barcelo Solymar: Unfriendly/Lazy Staff and Bars close at 2am !!!

I've stayed at Barcelo Solymar in May 2015. It was my 6th trip to Cuba. First, I've never seen such unfriendy/lazy staff members. What heppened to the ``Hola`` that we used to get all the time!?. In this resort, the staff barely looks at you. Please do not ask for anything that would make them work harder because if you do ask.... they will make false excuses not to get you what you asked for. Example: you ask for a drink, cheese or fries. They first say they don't have it. Then you insist by t [... read more]elling them that you had some a few hours ago or the table next to you have some. Like magic...the drink, cheese or fries are now on the table. They are just too lazy to get it for you!!! Note: not putting all waiters in the same boat. This is based on my experience. Second, all bars on this resort.including the beach bar closes at 2am. No music. no drinks after that time! I have to admit that the website does mention the opening hours. However, having been in cuba 5 times in the past and having never seen a resort where drinks were not available 24/7 or at least till 4am, I had never thought of checking the bar's openning hours before booking. So if you want to party on the resort, do not go to this one. On a positive note, the beach is amazing. The food is pretty good if you base it on Cuban standards. The hotel is a bit run down but again...we cannot expect much from Cuban resorts. Cheers

Occidental Caribe: Beautiful Resort!

I traveled with my daughter and we had a wonderful time. The staff were all so nice and helpful, the pools and the beach are beautiful and at this time of year not busy at all. We loved the food! So much fun it was hard to say goodbye. Can't wait to go back!!