Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Snorkeler's Paradise

Of the three resorts we have been to in the Dominican Republic this was by far the best. The rooms were more than adequate rivalling some of the 5-star resorts I have been to in Hawaii and the Middle East. The rum was free flowing and the staff amenable. The only problem I had was there was an occasional shortage of water; as is common in any Dominican resort. Another point of note was there were two beach bars open to all resort patron and the pool bar was not a swim up. (Thus I felt more c [... read more]omfortable swimming in the pool) Of particular note was the coral reef that was part of the resort's beach. With the breakers being at the start of the reef, 500 meters offshore, the waters we usually calm and clear enough to snorkel and watch sea life just steps into the water. The vibrant reef continues right up to the breakers if you are brave enough to swim past the boundary buoys. It's a great spot of the novice to expert snorkelers. Highly recommend this beach.

Viva V Samana by Wyndham: Good resort

The resort is nice and kept very clean. A great beach to take long walks. The food is fairly good at the buffet but i cannot say that about the seafood a la carte. The rooms were basic but efficient but the drawers and shelves all had a strong musty smell. The last three days of vacation our room had a strong smell of sewer which was very unpleasent! Staff were all pleasant and helpful.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Absolutely first class resort

The hotel and grounds were very neat and clean. Staff were constantly sweeping and cleaning the building and grounds. There was a great selection of food, the beach was terrific with lots of loungers and shady spots under the palm trees if you wanted a break from the sun.The staff were all friendly and polite. We would highly recommend this resort. The only thing we would recommend is flying into Samana, which we understand is about 35 minute drive. We flew into Peurto Plata but this is  [... read more]a four hour drive away from the resort.

Bahia Principe Escape Samana: Intimate Resort, Beautiful landscape, Friendly Guests

This was my first time going down south, so my partner and I booked this resort as it was adults only and a small resort. Pros: - Staff very very friendly and they get to know you since it is so small - Food is very good, restaurants (although limited) offer good food - Very picturesque - Hotel is well taken care of an staff is very attentive - No problem with finding a lounger at any time of day (we went to the beach at 1pm and still found 2 beside each other) - The staff really makes  [... read more]this resort worth it. They get to know you and are very engaging - Although there are only two bars, there is never much of a wait, staff is attentive, coming around to get your drinks Cons: - Entertainment was subpar for a resort at this price point. Once night was karaoke, one night was a singer of cover songs. All of this is done around the pool. The vibe is more of a country club and less of a resort - There are only really 2 bars. The bar around the pool closes at 6pm and main bar at 11pm. There is literally nothing to do past 11pm unless you want to sit on your balcony and drink from your minibar - This was an adults only resort so the crowd was older but overall this was not a very active, party like resort. It had more of a retirement home feel to it - For a resort like this I found we had to ask for things more than we should have (asking for drinks multiple times at restaurants - whether water, or mimosa, asking for room to be cleaned or more towels in room, etc) - One pool, one whirlpool (which is lukewarm and somehow managed to turn my back blue for a day so I looked like a smurf). - The bus ride back to airport from resort was embarrassing. Our bus stalled out 5 times on the way back to the airport (once on a hill) Overall: - A very nice resort, but honestly, I feel like it is designed and caters to a mainly older crowd. I don't like going to bed at 11pm but here, there isn't much to do after it. I would go back, but only if I was looking for complete relaxation and not many activities.

Viva V Samana by Wyndham: Simply stunning

This resort was hands down my favourite resort we have been to yet. The staff were pleasant and always helpful, the scenery was impeccable, the pools and beach were well maintained and beautiful. The food was amazing especially the fresh fire roasted pizza. We will be returning. I have not one negative thing to say about this resort. We came home over fed, relaxed and ready to take on reality.

Wyndham Alltra Samana: 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.

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Great vacation!

We usually go to the Cayo Levantado but wanted to try something a little different this time. We were glad that we did. For the price point, the resort was perfect. Great views, good food, good service. It was a very relaxing holiday and look forward to going back.

Bahia Principe Escape Samana: Fantastic small resort

This is one of the best resorts available if you looking for a quite, peaceful and not at all crowded experience. The beach is small but amazing, the sun rise catches it in the morning and make for a wonderful view. The restaurants have a beautiful view of the water, as does the sunset bar. The staff is upbeat, very attentive and happy to help in any way they can. The food is very good and the al la carta are easy to book as the resort has many amenities for the small number of rooms. This is a  [... read more]amazing and very quiet, relaxing resort. Definitely a great place to site back and unwind!

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Great Escape

Beautiful resort. Great staff. Great food. Nice room. Shuttles were very fast and efficient. Main pool was very nice. Main beach was also a nice place to be. The smaller beach was great because everything around it was natural and it was a nice quiet place to spend time. Royal Golden services were below par as compared to the Royal Golden at El Portillo. Hardly ever saw an employee in the RG room.

Viva V Samana by Wyndham: Absolutely fantastic!

Great hotel excellent service, friendly staff. Entertainment is OK but we were there for the sun, sand and surf. Quiet but fun. Long Beach where you can walk forever in each direction. Fantastic food!

Viva V Samana by Wyndham: Great resort!

Small enough resort that there was no waiting in lines. Large enough to have good options for food. Staff was fantastic, especially Luz, Jennifer, Louis and Yucuiry. Had a great time. Beach was great! Kayaks, boogie boards in great shape. Food was good. Lots of options for mixed drinks. Endless supply of Presidente beer. Quiet by the pool, activities a plenty, but not pushed on you. All in all great place for the DR. Excursions available, but nothing is pushed.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Great resort

Second time around and would go back for a third time. Food was great, service was good,rooms were clean, what more can you ask for. Weather was 30 plus most days and fair entertainment in the evenings.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Great Resort.. Excellent Snorkeling

This resort And grounds are beautiful. The natural beauty of everything from the palm trees, beaches and mountains are breathtaking. The food was very good especially the Brazilian restaurant. The staff just make this place memorable. The best part though is the snorkeling right off the shore. It it just beyond amazing. It is perfect for someone who likes natural beauty, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Beautiful resort!

From the moment we arrived the staff were helpful and efficient. The resort is beautiful, well taken care of and extremely clean. The beach is beautiful golden/white soft sand that extends into the water for great swimming. The food was good, lots of fruit in the morning and some great a la carte at night. All in all a great family destination!

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Just What The Doctor Ordered!

I’ve been eyeing this hotel for some time and I’m super happy I decided to book! If your looking for a super relaxing getaway look no further. The hotel is less than 300 rooms so it’s not crazy crowded. The grounds are beautifully maintained and the Samana Bay is spectacular to look at. I definitely recommend a sea view; was on the second floor overlooking the gazebo and the bridge to nowhere. The room was very clean, Angela in housekeeping was very attentive (asked for additional bath tow [... read more]els). The food was great; lots of selection and of course your everyday standards; hot dogs, hamburgers and fries. The entertainment team works super hard and loves engaging with the guests; Marcus, Lewis and Yasmin are ROCK STARS! There was bridge maintenance going on during the day but it did NOT impact our relaxing time at the pool or access to the beach. I LOVE that there are so many different areas to this hotel; larger busier pool, small but beautiful beach, LOTS OF STAIRS (free shuttle if you can’t walk), shallower tanning pools and then the smaller swimming pool. The A La Carte restaurants were very good; my favourite was El Pescador (seafood). During our vacation there were very few children; it’s not really a kids hotel. I truly enjoyed my weeks vacation and highly recommend Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa...I will defiantly return!

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: principe cyacoa

very unique very picturesque resort...spotless...friendly staff everywhere...food good you could always find something... few negatives...beach small but clean...beds bad....buffet food needs to be hotter in warming trays....stay away from rooms facing courtyard and town....very loud nightly entertainment....request sea view rooms...spectacular!!

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Amazing family resort !!

The grounds are beautiful, all a la carte restaurants were good. Service was excellent. Beach was amazing, great snorkelling right in front of resort. Our rooms were clean and bathrooms and public areas were always clean. Staff were helpful and spoke English.

Bahia Principe Grand Samana Roulette: So much fun!

This is the first vacation that my boyfriend and I have ever taken together. The Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa totally blew away our expectations. It’s a gorgeous resort in a truly beautiful setting. Everywhere you look, the view is breathtaking. The beach is beautiful, and the pool was a lot of fun. The bartenders are funny and nice, and they mixed our drinks just right. The buffet had tons to options. The Italian restaurant was delicious. We had a romantic dinner for 2, and they made us feel  [... read more]special. We enjoyed every aspect of the hotel that we could. Everything was always so clean. The staff were constantly cleaning and refreshing everything. Everyone was super helpful and nice. The service was superb. I loved everything overall. The only suggestion I have is about the food. It was delicious, but I couldn’t always tell if a dish had meat in it. I’m a vegetarian, so this is very important to me. If they could do something to mark the dishes as vegetarian it would be most helpful. Other than that everything was perfect. The staff was extremely helpful and very nice. They went above and beyond to help us. The food was fantastic, and we enjoyed the entertainment. Overall an awesome experience. Thank you so much for making our stay so enjoyable. My boyfriend and I both rate the resort 5 stars. We will definitely be back. Thank you for everything.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Luxury Bahia principe

Land scape is very picturesque ,beach is good Good size of junior suite , Food excellent Service excellent We book 2 weeks of vacation in Grand Bahia Principe ,after 8 days we were offered a free up grade to Luxury Bahia principe on the island ,so we had a chance to spend 5 days there ,the transfer was very smoothly done , the personnel took very good care of us . We have been to many resorts so far we found in Luxury Bahia Principe they really take care of their guest I would not hés [... read more]iter to recommande it to families and friends

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: The perfect vacation

This was my third time staying at this resort. I love it! It’s small, the beach is beautiful with snorkeling right there, the food is always very good and the staff are excellent! There was an activity or entertainment going on all day by the pool or the beach, or there was a quiet pool at the other end of the resort for people who prefer less music and activities. The beach vendors work for an association, so they were very polite and not pushy. I look forward to staying here again!