Barcelo Ixtapa: you can count on the weather here!

The hotel is outdated and does not measure up to other Barcelo resorts. The beach is nice to walk on but is unswimmable because of the undertow. We were even warned on the bus from the airport not to go swimming in the ocean. The pools were nice and comfortable to go into, not freezing. The buffet is very small with limited choices. The a la cartes that were excellent were the french restaurant and the outdoor barbecue by the beach. The mexican a la carte at the front of the building was pretty  [... read more]awful. We ate rice, the rest was like refried mush. Across the street was a fair size market where you could buy all kinds of fun things. That made for a nice getaway from the beach when it got just too hot as a lot of the booths were under cover. We had a hard time getting a hot shower although our friends did not have this problem in their rooms. The linens were changed every day and we had lots of towels, although the actual housekeepping in the room was not up par. They were very poorly staffed at night time in the lobby bar, one person one night for about 75 people. You had a very long wait for a drink and if you went to get it yourself, you had to go into the disco and try and get it in there. There are no snacks after dinner at all. On one night the waiter brought around little bowls of popcorn to our tables and that was it. But you certainly can count on gorgeous sunny days every day so that was the best thing about this holiday. All in all, anytime you can get away from like, it is always a good thing! However if you are looking for the elegance of a normal Barcelo resort, this is not the place for you, its day has come and gone.

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Always a great time.

This is our second time going to the Maya Colonial Beach, and we have nothing but great things to say about the facilities and the staff. Great pools, great beach, great people and great rooms! Love the fact that as there are no palapas (palm leaf umbrellas) on the beach that you don't have to get up at 6am to reserve a chair! We went during the high season and there were always lots of places to sit on the beach.

Barcelo Solymar: Beautiful beaches! Beautiful people!

Rooms were clean, staff was friendly, food was better than most cuba resorts. Lots to do! I suggest staying on the other side or in a cabana for a more peaceful nights sleep. Staying in the main building got a little loud at night from all the party goers coming home late. The entertainment staff did a fantastic job making everyone feel welcome. I would stay here again!

Sunscape Puerto Plata: Marvelous

I have stayed at this hotel before and returned as I know I can rely on the eagerness of the staff at all levels make your stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible. The grounds, pools and beach are well kept and clean. The rooms a quite large and comfortable. The main dining is full of variety at all meals and I found it had something to satisfy all appetites. Good selection of al a carte dining and the wood fired thin crust pizza is particularly popular. I unfortunately had booked a room w [... read more]ith a friend I did not know too well and she turned out to be the roommate from hel-l. I did try to make it work but after a few days of stress and lack of sleep, I contacted the manager to arrange for another room. She was wonderful and arranged for a new room for me at a very reasonable price and in the area of the hotel I favoured. It made the difference between what could have been a miserable vacation and which instead turned out to be a great trip. I will definitely return again.

Occidental Caribe: wonderful resort very enjoyable

We had a great time there and would go back again, the beach was great and our room was near everything. The room could have used a little updating it looked on the older side but it was clean and that's all that mattered. We definetly recommend it to my friends and relatives, I probably would have been checking my timing and not have gone when there was university break, all in all it is one of the best resorts we have gone to very enjoyable, So I do hope to win the prise. Thanks Karen Brisbois

Sunscape Puerto Plata: Great Trip

The bartenders were great always willing to make u something special good section of food so you could always find something to eat and well the beach was awesome and warm weather what more could u want..

Barcelo Solymar: Good Resort

Well kept, clean, lots of partying. A little loud so its great if you are on a higher floor. Maids are a little shaddy always asked if I wanted to give her my clothes, food is gross but drinks and beach are amazing.

Sunscape Dominican Beach: Not returning

My wife and I have been to a couple resorts. This is not one we would go back to. A friend from her work went here before and raved about it. Our room - Bathroom door wouldn't close, bathroom ceiling falling down, No hot water, Flusher on toilet didn't work properly, sliding patio door was very difficult to close and lock, smell in the room (all of these problems were brought to front desk and guy came to fix but nothing was done). Food - OK. Service - most were very helpful. Beach - EXCELLENT!!

Sunscape Dominican Beach: nice resort for the price

The resort and beach are very beautiful. The grounds are always kept up nice. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The only downfall is the food - a lot of it was undercooked I.e. eggs/omelettes, meat and seafood on theme night.

Barcelo Maya Caribe: Wonderful Holiday

We so needed a holiday and we were not disappointed. Fabulous resort, great food and service was unbelievable! The beach was great, we even had a sea turtle swimming back and forth at the edge of the reef directly off shore from the resort. We would go back again in a flash!

Barcelo Ixtapa: Very Relaxing and clean resort. Excelent service

Excellent service from the staff. Very informative about any attractions. Great food. Really enjoyed the choice of additional restaurants other than the Buffet. There was always a restaurant open on the grounds when ever you needed to eat.

Sunscape Puerto Plata: Good solid 4*

Grounds very well kept. Clean resort. Nice size so you are able to find your way around. Food was your basic buffet food. Good, no one in our party got sick. Buffet is not set up very good. Gets a little conjested especially on the week-end when the locals come.Brazalian and Italian a la carte were excellent. Mexican was okay. Didn't try the other ones. Rooms were very spacious. Outdated but very clean. Always had hot water. Air conditioning worked great. Mini bar refilled every day. Beach was b [... read more]eautiful. Nice wide beach with shade if you like. Pools were nice.

Occidental Caribe: Excellent!!!!!

Love this place. This was second trip here and I plan to come back. The beach is amazing! Good selection of food. The French restaurant is the best!!!! The staff are so friendly and the rooms are well kept. Going back again next year.

Sunscape Puerto Plata: wonderful resort

The check in was smooth and very quick. The rooms were very large and spacious. When we were there it was windy the beach was great on the days it was to windy but the pool was awesome and the entertainment staff were wonderful. Would definitely go back.

Sunscape Puerto Plata: Lovely holiday!

I just came back from the Barcelo, I travelled July 16-23 2013. I was a bit nervous having read all the reviews and honestly, there is a bit of truth in ALL of them but you just have to figure out what you are willing to tolerate. We went in the low season and I encourage travelling then...any resort or place in general that is really crowded is always uncomfortable. I had no issues finding a lounger by the pool or beach in fact several were unoccupied and unreserved. That was great. It was easi [... read more]er to get a reservation in the restaurant you wanted, the buffet wasn't crowded either. We did go Club Premium just based on the reviews...having experienced it, I'm not sure its worth the added cost. Our shower and safe were hard to figure out, our room was big but the lighting was quite poor. (Again, lighting not an issue since I only used my room to sleep in.) A premium upgrade in north america vs dominican doesn't equate to what you think so reconsider that. The resort in general is lovely- the perfect size, very clean, 2 larger pools. The beach was actually really nice...I used it quite a bit.The buffet was actually really good...it does vary every night so ppl who say it doesn't are mistaken. The alcoholic drinks were great, they really don't hold back or dilute them which is nice. Ask for a bahama mama if you're in premium..so good! I travelled with my sister but wound up forming a group of 7 in total and I really think the group of ppl made the trip the gem it was. The resort was good but the company you have outweighs where you are....that goes for life in general I guess. I did 2 excursions- Paradise Island and the Freestyle Catamaran. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND both esp Paradise Island. It was the most GORGEOUS place I have ever been and it was so inexpensive. The island is just this white sandbar with some huts on it and they have unlimited rum and fresh fruit and snorkelling for free. The snorkelling is actually really great, they have some beautiful coral and fish around there. The water is crystal clear and the sand pure white silk. It was phenomenal. You feel like you're in the Maldives! The catamaran was really relaxing, you're on a boat for a few hours and you stop at 2 different points to swim and snorkel. Pack that sunblock, you will burn on that trip. For both excursions, I found the infamous Felix on the beach...as he likes to joke that is his office. He is a man of his word and all the reviews about him are right...book with him, we did 2 and he gave us a deal. Its quite cheaper vs through the hotel. Both were great and we had no issues. Find Felix. My only major complaint with this resort is that on weekends, they open it up to locals for a cheaper price so the resort is flooded with all these locals and now you are fighting for a lounger or a drink at the swim up bar. Due to the huge influx of ppl, the resort is dirtier (the pool especially) and it was cramped and uncomfortable. They are fairly rude and I got knocked into a few times in the pool without any apologizes. Doesn't cost anything for manners. That is truly my only complaint with this resort. Everyone was friendly, met some great friends, had lots to eat and drink and got a nice tan. For the price of this resort, I'd do it but because of the locals on weekends rule...I would probably opt for a more exclusive resort next time around. Enjoy your trip if you go...the resort itself is great and you can't go wrong but like I said, there are little truths in all the reviews and if you're nervous..pay the extra $300 and go to Punta Cana to put your mind at ease. ENJOY! And go to Paradise Island!! :)

Barcelo Maya Palace: Amazing Place

Best service, the waiters are very nice, everything is clean, rooms are big, Food is perfect and you must go to all the A la carte restaurants, especial the French one. If I have the chance, I will definitely go again..

Sunscape Puerto Plata: Won't be going back

First of all, we enjoyed our trip. Just not the resort. The people were approachable and generally grateful for tips and gifts. The biggest sore point for us, was the peddlers bugging you on the beach and other off resort areas. I know they are trying to make a living, but I'm on vacation and I don't want to be harassed to buy something I said I don't want or need.

Barcelo Maya Caribe: Wonderful vacation

Had a super time...only wish we had a few more days to enjoy the catamaran trip that was cancelled on us and would have loved to have gone on the excursion to Chichen Itza. Would love to return next year.

Barcelo Solymar: Party Tine!!

It's a good place. Lots of college kids. We were older, with young teens, but had no problems. Food, service and rooms were all pretty good. Nothing super exceptional, but nothing super disappointing. Would go again

Occidental Caribe: First family vacation

We stayed at the Barcelo Punta Cana in May 2014. This was our first family vacation ever so please keep this in mind when you read my review. When we arrived we were checked in quickly went to our room. The staff at the front desk were friendly and helpful with any questions we had. Our room (3314) was clean and modern. The grounds were clean and well maintained. There were always staff out cleaning and they were always friendly with us. The wait staff and bar staff were also very friendly. Th [... read more]e Entertainment crew kept us laughing especially mini me. We went to both pools but mostly stuck to the family /quiet pool with the kids. The beach was amazing loved. There were plenty of shady areas to sit under and they were never full. Overall we loved the resort as it wasn't to big was family friendly and clean. The only thing we didn't like was the vendors that are there a few times a week they were very pushy and didn't want to take no for an anwser. Good quality for the price.