Truly Paradise

They call this resort Grand Paradise for a reason it is located in a secluded area and the views are breath taking. The beach was beautiful never had to look for a beach chair the resort was full but never felt crowded. Our room was great very spacious and nice bathroom. Staff were very friendly especially the enternament crew they went out of their way to make sure you had fun. The food was good a couple of nights the they could have improved on but otherwise no complaints. Also our trans [... read more]at agent was very personable and always available.

Beautiful Resort

Stayed at Grand Paradise Resort in Samana Dominican Republic for one week, the resort was very nice. Our room was perfect 1st villa which was a plus hubby had a wheelchair, the shower huge , two double beds with a beautiful ocean view and coffee machine to have our coffee each morning also the refrigerator was full with water, pop and beer which was refilled very day. The food was good variety, three a la carte Italian, Japanese and Seafood . The grounds are always clean, very organized. The [... read more] staff are friendly and helpful. Great place for children lots of activities also they have a kids building no parents allowed. Always a security guard at pool which is very good for small children. The beach is beautiful very clean but not long to walk. It’s a great place for families. There are excursions, you can walk to La Galaras to the market , very expensive I find , you can pay in US Dollars or DR pesos. Overall lovely resort bus ride 1.5 hours from airport to resort. Very clean , great food.

Relaxing

Recent visit to this resort with my family enjoyed our time. Overall beach is beautiful always had a chair. Swimming in ocean and palm trees building a sand castle great time for my family. Food was ok my youngest is picky so bit of a challenge...but overall ok..hotel clean room cleaned daily fridge restocked daily...be sure to upgrade to select it does make a difference main pool very busy good to access other pools....

Excellent Resort

The resort is excellent for families with small children and older people. Excellent for snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, use of catamaran and fishing. You have a wonderful opportunity to go for a beautiful walk on the beach from the resort to the village of Las Galeras, a great place to meet friendly locals. The staff at the resort are really friendly and professional. The only downside we experienced was when it's bad weather, there is a limited number of indoor activities. A weight room/gym wo [... read more]uld be a great addition. ps. the food was incredible.

You get what you pay for

The resort was a three star. It was a nice resort but the service was terrible. I would say only about 30% of the staff was pleasant and friendly. On the first couple days we had no hot water in our room. We were told to let the water run for about 15 minutes and it was a hit or miss whether we would get hot water. There was no remote for our tv, no hairdryer, and no coffee maker in our room. The pictures posted on their website don't match the resort. The kids play area shows on the we [... read more]bsite lots for kids to do but when we were there the play area was just a fenced in area with no play equipment. The only shopping boutique on the resort was a "Dominican Walmart". It had everything that you needed but was really small. As for the service, it was faster to get your own coffee than to wait to be served. When we would sit down at a table we would tell them there was 6 of us and they would bring water for four. The only events going on during the day was aerobics by the pool. there was a firs show at the pool one night and we left half way through it was that boring and terrible. They did not walk around and serve you (drinks) at the pool. You always had to go to the bar. Any other resort I have been to they serve you at the pool. The beach was beautiful, views were beautiful and you could even walk down the beach into a small village that did have shops where you could buy items. It was an hour and a half bus ride to the resort. The ride was fast, winding, up and down with frequent stops for bumps in the road. People were nauseated and some even got sick to their stomachs. We did have a great time. There were nine of us that went together and we all had fun. I know I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much if it was just me and my husband.

Awesome time!

I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel. The food is good, nice layout and it is located on a beautiful beach on a bay. I have knee issues so even though there was walking involved, it was all on flat ground. The tours off the resort are amazing at this hotel as well. Do not miss going on the buggy ride where you go off roading in the Dominican countryside. I would recoomend this hotel but the only thing that bugged me was that there is really not much shade unless you pay to upgrade and be  [... read more]a select customer; you don't get any umbrellas at the pool for shade. Only the select pools and select areas of the beach get decent shade. Shade should not come at a premium.

Decent resort!

The shuttle bus from the airport is quite long (2 hours) but was neat to see other Dominican culture and the pretty scenery. There was not much direction given once arriving at the resort. We were pretty much on our own to figure things out. Front desk people are not very good at English so communication was a big barrier. Animation staff were amazing! Very good at engaging people and making all the activities fun. Night shows were great however quite late. (Kids show starting at 8 and adult  [... read more]show starting at 930... could be pushed an hour earlier.) Food was great! Lots of selection and very good tasting.

Dissapointing overall

The beach has a beautiful view, but overall the resort has got so prioritized to making sure you are aware of which area is available for only Select or Privledge patrons, that it spoils the overall vacation. The small pool, which cannot be used by the Deluxe room customers now, use to be our favorite area to spend time in, and we noticed that less then half of the chairs around this small pool, were ever occupied. They have lost a lot of the English speaking guests, mostly French and German  [... read more], spoke now. We have visited this resort 6 times in the last 10 years, and now, will not be going back again, because of the changes in privledges of guests, according to what room you book. Deborah did promise us an voucher for 100 dollars, which we never have received.

Great vacation

My husband and I just returned after 1 week at Grand Paradise. There were some minor problems but not serious enough to ruin our vacation. The resort overall is very nice; beautiful gardens, very well maintained grounds and buildings; comfortable room (building #2). We found the food to be very good with lots of variety and very tasty. The pool and beach area were great. Before you get to the beach, there is a large park-like area with lots of grass. This is where most of the activities were off [... read more]ered. After about 3 days we found out that there are 2 animation teams, one for the French guests and the other for the rest. We were not offered the same schedule so if a guest wants to partake in these activities, they'd have to check the French schedule on the board. This should be mentioned in the "Welcome" meeting..we felt left out. The nightly entertainment was very enjoyable. Overall, the staff were great...very helpful and fun and we enjoyed our time there. FYI - do not purchase the VIP lounge on your return home. This was a ripoff!!

Ok Resort

Visited this resort January 14 to January 21, 2018 Pros: Awesome Beach and pool. Staff were cordial however did not go out of their way to be accomodating - example asked for Diet beverages and did not get them in my room until the day I was leaving. Food was great. Cons: Visitors were generally unfriendly example - 99% of visitors would not acknowledge you with a hello in the morning or during the day. No coffee maker in room. I travelled alone and when I went to restaurant for dinner, h [... read more]ostess placed me in table in corner of the room. Really????? If this sounds petty. No. I am easy to please however these little things made my trip less than 100% Ride from airport 2 hours. Just so you know. Bai Principle Roulette is where I would return to. Been there twice.

Relaxing resort

Good spot for a relaxing vacation.The beach is a bit trashy and rocky at one end but the rest of the beach is good.Service at select club was very good with special mention to Antonio and Raily..Housekeeping was always good.

Good choice!

Very relaxing resort. The rooms were well kept (ours I believe was a little older - not the Select Package). Food was great, with a great variety. The rooms are close to the pool and beach with plenty of space to find a cozy spot. Be warned though that this resort is out of tge way - about an half and half ride from the airport, and not much to do around the resort. That being said, great location to relax. Props to the staff for putting together a great New Years Eve dinner and party.

Great place

I will come back again is great place the people are very nice the hotel is very clean and the service it is amazing the beach is paradise, the food is great the only problem is the time we have to drive to get to the hotel

Lovely Resort

We visited this resort the week before Christmas 2017 with a family of four. We would highly recommend this resort but ensure you book the select vacation--it was worth the extra money. We stayed in the Oceanview Villa "Select"- this has a queen size bed with 2 twin beds in the loft area. The Villas are the only rooms that have not been redone at this resort. The decorator is a little tired but the room was clean and the beds were comfortable. The beach is breath taking and loads of snorkel [... read more]ing to be had. We enjoyed relaxing, eating at the a la carte, drinking and playing bocce ball in the evenings. Shout out to the following people at the resort: Maria from the select bar- for the morning cappuccinos and the lovely smiles Railly from the select bar for always keeping the drinks topped up and teaching us about Mamawana William from the entertain crew for keeping us informed on the all the social events Roberto from the select desk who could always remember your room number when making dinner reservations and was ALWAYS working (with a smile)

Quiet and Relaxing Resort

Probably one of the most relaxing locations we have visited. We chose the "Select" booking and were not disappointed for the most part. Food and drinks were better than a regular booking. However, the hotel website lists many items which are not included but expected in the future. (i.e. Cigar club, climbing wall, exercise room.) The grounds are expansive and quite well maintained with the exception of some of the walkways are paving bricks which are unlevel in some areas and could be a hazard.  [... read more]With the "Select" booking, we had access to all areas of the resort including the "Premium" club areas. The Cooee club for Select guests offers excellent drinks and a variety of excellent snacks throughout the day. We had access to tablets throughout the day and evening to check email and go online. Food was good and typical of the Dominican Republic resorts. Our room had been recently updated and still had poor television reception and function. Cleanliness was excellent but towels changed and absent too often. Sheets were changed daily but sometimes no top sheet under the comforter. The entertainment was supplied by hotel staff and thus, it was really not worth attending. The hotel is also the destination of many Europeans who come for extended stays due to the long flight times and bus transportation. Very few Canadians were there during our stay. In all, it was a relaxing destination if you wish to read and enjoy the climate and the beach. We also did the National Park tour and would recommend you save your money and skip it.

Amazing Resort..been there 5 times...already planning on going back for #6

We have been here 5 times now and loved each one a little better then the previous. The grounds are immaculate, very well kept property. The atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable, this is certainly not a party resort like you would find in Punta Cana They have completed a major upgrade over the last year and now this resort could very easily be called a 5* The pools are stunningly beautiful Large beautiful beach area with lots of room and no crowding, plenty of chairs to go around the SELEC [... read more]T club option is amazing, great snacks throughout the day, and the sitting area and pool are nice there also The people are great, very welcoming and kind Beautifully placed in the countryside and surrounded by nature and a beautiful beach A short 10 minute walk into the small town, great locals, and great food in town The resort food is amazing, and seems to get better every year This a great resort for children, safe, secure, lots to do

Amazing resort

excellent resort. the food was great at every meal, the select club option was amazing. food and drinks brought to you at the infinity pool by the beach. i had my daughter and 2 grand kids with me who are 3 and 5 years old. every day after breakfast we fed fish and turtles at the pond then chilled at the pools. a great kids club to paint and do crafts. the absolute best was the shows every night. the staff in the dance troop were so super friendly to my grandkids. they couldn,t wait to go every  [... read more]night and get hugs from all of them after the show. i was so impressed by their staff.

For People Who Are There For The Weather

Don't look too closely and don't sweat the little things. There were minor imperfections such as a clogged drain, smoke detector that needed a battery, and the fridge that didn't work, but the service was great and the staff was polite. I enjoyed the food and had a lot to choose from.

Fantastic Family Vacation

We were a bit worried at the beginning, since the bus ride was very long (1-1.5 hr) and our name was not on the bus attendance sheet (we were Select guests) but we were greeted at the Select check in with champagne for the adults and Pina Coladas for the kids. The concierge, bartenders, waiters and ground staff were all very friendly and the service was impeccable. A few individuals went above and beyond to make us feel spoiled at the resort as well. My daughter (6) participated in the k [... read more]ids club each day and had a fantastic time (to the extent that she didn't want to hang with us she was having so much fun). Great shout out to Bombie the coordinator there. My son (9) loved the pool and the beach and the pool and the beach and the pool and the beach. Our cabin was beautifully located facing the ocean with a lovely cool deck area containing a lounge, a coffee table and two chairs. The grounds were beautifully filled with coconut trees and a few other local trees. The food was great, especially the food at the Select bar/reception area. We ate at the Japanese restaurant one night and had a fun meal that the kids really enjoyed, then on night at the seafood restaurant, at which the food was a little less enticing, but a nice change. There was always lots of space on the lawn chairs / loungers and nothing was ever crowded. Occasionally the main pool got a bit loud but it just encouraged us to try something different. We didn't try any of the excursions but there were many who had and raved about them. One small issue was the toilet in our room. It flushed but often needed "encouragement". Overall we had the most relaxing vacation in a very beautiful location. I would very much recommend this resort to anyone, but with the Select package, as it gave you access to some excellent perks!

It was ok

The rooms in the older buildings are poorly maintained. If you don't buy upgraded rooms, stay away from the hotel. The food was mediocre, including a la carte. Kids enjoyed the night shows, the beach and beach volleyball. The beach is wide and has enough chairs for every guest.