Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Great time at Bahia Principe

We stayed at Bahia Principe for a week with our 6-year old. The pool is gorgeous, the kids splash area was perfect (complete with bar and towel hut) and the food was excellent. The beach is a bit rocky but the water was lovely. The downsides: people reserve loungers, a la cartes book up quickly, and it was a bit noisy on the 1st floor where our room was. Overall a great resort that we would certainly return to

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: 2nd Chance

We just got back from the Bahia Esmeralda last night. Last year, I was not overly impressed with this resort for the price we paid. There's just something about this place that makes you want to return. Rooms: Bldg 90 and 91 are closest to the beach. Rooms are very spacious, plenty of storage with the basic hairdryers, ironing board & iron, umbrella etc... Beds are firm but comfortable and you can choose your pillow softness. Fridge is always stocked with 50 ml liquor, beer, chips, pop and wat [... read more]er. I would take a facecloth though as they seem to be hard to come by. I think they use a room spray when they clean because our room ALWAYS smelled amazing. On that note, I have give a shout out to Yubelkis for taking care of us all week! She took pride in her work, did it with a smile and always aimed to please. Restaraunts: There are two breakfast buffets, both serving pretty much the same stuff. The earlier you get there, the fresher the food obviously so if you're a late riser, go for an omelette :) There are many a-la-carts to choose from if you book this resort. I'm not a very good food critic as I'm fussy and found that variety was lacking. My husband thought the food was fantastic though. If I could suggest anything, it would be to the Italian restaurants. With so many amazing Italian dishes to choose from, these menu's really need a make over. Sadly, I had better at a 3 star a la cart in Cuba. There needs to more than spaghetti and cheese pizza to choose from if you don't want meat or seafood. Honestly though, food is just personal preference, no one will go hungry. Entertainment: There are nightly shows that are a lot of fun and games and such at the beach and pool bar daily. The resort chain is so large, and by booking Esmeralda, you have access to all of them so there's plenty to keep you occupied during your stay. Beach: This is a tough one for me and the one reason I said I wouldn't return after last year. It's CROWDED! A little better this year as we didn't have anyone to accommodate that needed shade, but even pulling a lounger down closer to the ocean, there was little meaning in "personal space." It's the one downfall to this resort. If you need shade, or want to sit poolside, rising time is generally between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. I was witness to a LOT of chair "stealing" this week. What I would suggest to readers, is BE NICE! Don't reserve a chair poolside and not show up for 3 hrs expecting it to still be there when there are people that would really like to sit there and can't because there are no loungers left! For the most part, people were very nice, I noticed a couple with an umbrella they hadn't put up so I asked if we could take it and they happily agreed. Overall, this is a wonderful resort, small and intimate if you stay on Esmeralda property or large and action packed if you wonder to the other resorts included so there's a little something for everyone. This is no longer an "adults only" as far as I can tell. I thought it would be adults only from Jan - May but I think it's just family now. There weren't a lot of children, but I'm sure that may change in the future when more realize they can take their children there. Show less

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Beautiful Resort

Everything about this Resort was wonderful, no complaints. Our stay was very enjoyable, the grounds are immaculate,the staff friendly and cheerful and helpful. Our room was spacious and very clean, with a large comfortable bed. A la Carte was great, as well as the Buffett a lot to choose from. Pool was nice a little noisy, but that’s to be expected with the bar being there. A lot of pool activity, always something to do. I would recommend this resort to any body.

Bahia Principe Escape Runaway Bay: It was a beautiful resort!

Luxury side was definitely the way to go, although as a younger couple there was definitely an older crowd on the resort, of course that could just be the week that we were there. Definitely need to book all your restaurant reservations for the week on your first day, otherwise you may not even get to go to ones you wanted. Service was great for the most part, definitely a relaxing week.

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: Great holiday at a great resort.

I have read some of the other reviews and I agree, it is not perfect, it is possible to find faults with a lot of things if you look hard enough, but we go to these all inclusive resorts to relax, recharge and enjoy, not complain. All in all, I have no complaints about this resort. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, the food was very good, and the beach was amazing.

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Great weather, good resort

This is a very family orientated resort, so if your traveling as a couple I suggest you get the upgrade that allows you to visit all the resorts and the 18+ beach area. It's worth it. Personally I prefer sian ka'an

Bahia Principe Escape Sian Ka'an: Great resort

We liked almost everything about this resort. The food was great, the service wonderful. Nice and clean. The quiet pool at the resort is actually quiet (so often someone brings their own music to the quiet pool to the annoyance of other patrons - none of this here.) The resort is adults only, and fairly small so the restaurants are within 5 minutes of your room. The entertainment was truly amazing, unlike the rather mundane repetitive entertainment so many of the big resorts have. The ente [... read more]rtainment here was highly polished and professional. Great singers. We attended and danced almost every night. This resort isn't on the ocean, but there is a a private beach reserved for the resort guests on the ocean, plus full use of all the Bahia Principe facilities in the ocean based resorts. The ocean is a 2.4 km walk from the resort, which took us about 25 minutes each way (a casual walk.) There is also a shuttle that runs about every 10 minutes if walking isn't your style. We had a ground floor room with a large private patio garden and a Jacuzzi. The room was a good size, and we made good use of the patio and Jacuzzi. The room had to AC units so temperature control was simple. The bed was one of the most comfortable I have ever slept on. The room has one large wall that includes two large patio doors opening onto the patio. The only thing we didn't enjoy can't really be held against the resort - as we find it at every resort we go to. That is cigarette and cigar smoke. While Mexican resorts have come a long way in the last 15 years by banning smoking inside, they need to go a lot further in keeping the smokers away from the outdoor areas too. We were constantly moving to new seats at the resort outdoor bars or on the beach, trying to avoid inhaling smoke. I'm not sure if smokers don't realize that 50-75 meters is the minimum distance away you need to be (or if they just don't care) - but we struggled to find a spot where we couldn't smell cigar smoke. If there was a resort that banned all smoking - indoors and out - it was would definitely get our business, but until then, this resort gets top marks in all other categories. One other issue - the lights in the room aren't all that bright. We used our cell phone flashlights a bit when looking in the makeup mirror and at other times. In the future, I might throw a headlamp in my luggage. Not a big deal, and I appreciate that less bright lighting is probably more eco friendly - but I'd suggest bring a small headlamp to help see at times.

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Good experience overall

Overall we had a positive experience however having stayed at the Bahia many times over the years we have noticed they are not maintaining their suites very well. Bath tubs don’t hold water, showers don’t work well. Food at the buffet has improved although 2 of our party of 4 got sick during our stay

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Huge Resort

Lovely resort. Very very huge and spread out. Terrible beaches (man made) directly in front. The one at the end of the resort is very nice however, not handy should anyone have a disability. Food was excellent and most staff excellent. Those whom were pumping Priviledge Club were a little over the top at pestering. Found finally after the 10th approach you had to just say No. All in all good time. Would I go back? Not likely but mainly due to size and lack of close beach.

Bahia Principe Escape Sian Ka'an: Great resort

If you are looking for a resort that is luxurious and quiet, Sian Ka'an is the place for you. The villa suites are spacious, clean and bug free (considering you're living in the forest). The food was good, the customer service was amazing and the grounds are absolutely beautiful. The only downside was the entertainment at night was boring (it was better at the other Bahia Principe resorts across the street which you get access to when you stay at Sian Ka'an). Also, since this resort is not o [... read more]n the beach, you have to hop on a quick shuttle that will take you directly there. Sometimes, we would have to wait a few minutes to get a shuttle but they come pretty frequently. I went to the spa 3x's during my 7-day stay and each and every time, I had a great experience. Frida and Aimee did a fantastic job when my husband and I bought a valentines day package that included hydrotherapy and a massage. They were very professional and my husband and I agreed that it was one of the best massages we have ever had. All in all, Sian Ka'an and the other Bahia Principe resorts in Riviera Maya are amazing and you will definitely enjoy yourself when you stay there.

Cayo Levantado Resort: VERY QUIET

This hotel is on a beautiful island . It is very windy and not much opportunity to swim in ocean but amazing to look at There is no swim up bar, no music and very little going on All hotel bars and restaurants are closed at 11:00 pm so if you like to stay up and party on your vacation, this is not the place

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Beautiful Resort

Hospitality was excellent. Great employees. Food was excellent for all inclusive, lots of options. A la cartes were great! Red wine was good. Fantastic view from our room in main building. Room 317 - Thanks Danny! A lot of walking/stairs, but there were shuttles available as well. Wifi only in lobby was too limited. Also needed more seating in lobby to accommodate people wanting to use Wifi. Would have been better if Wifi available in rooms. Entertainment was very good as well.  [... read more] I like the idea that lounge chairs were not to be held/reserved (signs posted.) Chairs were always available when needed.

Cayo Levantado Resort: Beautiful scenery and grounds

Staff were extremely courteous and accommodating. Food was outstanding with a large variety. Beverages were well prepared. The grounds were absolutely gorgeous. On the negative side, our arrival was horrible. After travelling in a mini van with not enough seats for all the passengers for well over an hour and then being deposited at the check in on the mainland, we waited almost another hour for the ferry transport to the resort. The staff at the mainland handed us a bottle of water. Th [... read more]ere isn't even a bar on the mainland. After a very rough boat ride we finally arrived at the resort. We left our home 12 hours earlier. With a later than anticipated arrival we didn't receive the welcome drink, hot towel or even an explanation of the resort that all other guests received. After being dropped at our room in the dark neither of our keys would open the door and we just waited at the door for our luggage to arrive and someone to assist us. We attempted to order a drink and some food from room service and were told that the bar was closed and room service would arrive in 45 minutes. After an hour and a quarter we called and they made excuses that they were busy. When the food arrived, it was not what we had ordered, was extremely cold and old (reheated hamburger on a dried out bun) and not edible. Obviously, our first impression was not good. On the second last day of our vacation, service was almost non-existent. We didn't receive our turn down service and evening room tidying with fresh bath towels for the morning (our last day). Food at the buffet was not replenished more than an hour before closing and staff was much less attentive to the guests. It seemed that most of the guests left on Friday and therefore the resort was understaffed (perhaps many had the day off). This resort is a considerable distance from the Samana airport and requires transport via ferry which adds additional transportation time. We were required to leave the resort on our return more than 5 hours prior to our flight time.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Great trip!!!!

I have never written a review before but thought I would for the first time as I had a great trip. This hotel I thought was beautiful. The service was good, the food was good. Our room was very spacious. I think this hotel had something for everyone, wether it be relaxing and quiet or dancing in the disco until 2am, or karaoke, sports bar, casino or shows. Also a great place for children with the water park. Very big resort with lots of walking but I loved it after eating and drinking so much f [... read more]or the week and with the cold weather at home and not getting out much, I enjoyed it. There was different parts to the beach which I enjoyed and even though a big resort, it never seemed crowded as there is just so much space to the resort. The pool looked beautiful, although I didn't go in as I prefer the beach. Check in was so quick and easy. Took no more then 10min. I did see bad reviews, but did not experience that at all. I would highly recommend the Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica for a great vacation. Beth from trip central was great to. She must have mentioned it was our anniversary because on 2 different occasions during our 7 day stay, we came back to our room and had a bottle of champagne, glasses, plates, cutlery and a fruit plate wrapped in cellophane. Such a nice touch. Just thought I would mention that I have been on vacation every winter for probably 10 years and I think this was my favourite. I was in Jamaica last year in Montego Bay but the beach wasn't as nice as this one

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Lovely week

The Grand Bahai Principe El Portillo was beautifully maintained and all Service was excellent. We enjoyed the Main Buffet food and Beach Buffet, lots of selection and very fresh. Air Canada flights & transfers were great and the Rep at the Resort was excellent. The only complaint from us was the male cat spraying on table and chair legs in the beach restaurant.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Outstanding resort

We have returned to this hotel many,many times. It is mostly because the staff and management at this hotel are exceptional at what they do and making you feel comfortable. No request is too large and they go out of their way to welcome their guests. The food is excellent,the pool and surrounding areas are exactly what you need to sun, relax and enjoy the beautiful Dominican Republic. There may be more luxurious hotels but you will have a difficult time finding one as friendly or as relaxi [... read more]ng as this one. Hopefully we will return many more times!

Bahia Principe Escape Sian Ka'an: Best Vacation EVER!!!

The service was extraordinary. The hotel was clean and the grounds pristine. The staff were friendly and very accommodating. Even thought he resort is not on the beach, the jungle atmosphere added a new dimension to the vacation. It was a short trolley ride to the beach, and was always a good opportunity to see all of the resort .

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Wonderful stay

Clean,updated room with a beautiful balcony and view.Food was excellent,lots of choices.Not the best deserts( but that is not a bad thing). Pools were clean,High class entertainment.Wifi is temperamental.Staff was friendly/ok.The only negative comment is the beach is not nice.Overall a wonderful stay.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Great resort

Loved the resort rooms were spacious and clean enjoyed the pools and bars unfortunately if your looking for a fantastic beach this is not the one but on the positive side you can take a 20 minute taxi to some fabulous beaches for the day!

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: Amazing resort

All the facility are perfect, the pool was perfect ,room and rom service was great just there wasn’t great by the beach cus all was for privilege club , entertainment was really great , food was good but fruit wasn’t that great and fresh and bad part was the flight to get back to Canada oh my God was awful