Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf and Spa Resort: Terrible Stay
We have been travelling about 4 times a year to the Caribbean and South America for the last 10 to 12 years and have been going predominantly to AMR Resorts (Zoetry, Secrets and Dreams). We are familiar with the brand and like what they offer in terms of high end resorts with unlimited luxury, extensive amenities etc.
We have just returned from Dreams Karibana Cartegena Golf and Spa Resort and were very disappointed. The food options and variety available are extremely limited and there is a[... read more]bsolutely no top shelf drinks as claimed on the web site. Same with cocktails. The Coco Café here did not have the usual snacks (sandwiches etc), yogurt, different cookies, parfaits etc. They had same three types of ice creams (chocolate, vanilla and mango) which were also iced up.
We went preferred but it was a complete waste of money. I would say that it is a scam to gouge extra money for below services claimed to be provided.
• Daily continental breakfast service
• Afternoon hot and cold hors d’oeuvres
• Exquisite desserts and premium liquors
• Access to Preferred Club lounge and bar
All the above services are there but only in name, or at best skeletal.
The only good thing they have going is the customer service which is excellent. Special mention of Yirley at Oceana, Margarita, Fabier and Rosmery at the Buffet, Yineth and Jose at the Lounge Bar, Mauricio at the Learn Spanish Class and Janivis and Luis at the Coco Cafe. The room service is also prompt and good.
I would like to mention my experience at the Portofino. I was not allowed entry since I was in sandals, which was fine since they have a dress code which requires men to wear closed shoes. But this was not consistently followed. The hostess and the Restaurant Manager, Samir were very selective since we did see men being let in wearing sandals. When I brought this to the attention of the same hostess I was told these were patrons with foot issues but strangely we seen the same patrons in runners later during the trip. I also bought this to the attention of the senior manager available that evening, David (Sales Manager), who had what seemed like a friendly chat with both, the hostess and the restaurant manager Samir but failed to apprise/respond to us. David gaveme a talk about how important communication in this industry but failed to get back to us.
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Linabaccs -
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Dreams Cap Cana Resort and Spa: Not Worth It
The hotel is clean, the restaurants are very good, and most of the staff are friendly and genuinely try to go out of their way to help guests. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the concierge, who responded to my questions as though I was inconveniencing her.
We also paid extra for the Preferred upgrade, and I would not choose it again at this resort. There did not appear to be many meaningful differences between Preferred and non-Preferred guests. The Preferred restaurant frequently [... read more]ran out of food items and condiments, forcing us to eat at the buffet instead, and the same issue occurred at the Preferred bar. The Preferred lounge was underwhelming, and the Preferred pool was accessible to all guests.
Another disappointment was the beach access, which required about a 600-metre walk.
One of the biggest concerns was the hotel’s constant requirement for guests to provide their room number — during activities, at restaurants and buffets, and in other areas throughout the resort. This policy did not reflect an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities who may struggle to remember room numbers. My brother, who has an intellectual disability, was unable to participate in activities and was even refused food on one occasion because he could not provide his room number.
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Jodi -
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Dreams Onyx Resort and Spa: Another AMAZING stay
Another amazing week at Dreams Onyx. This resort out stands the rest of them, they are so organized from the big details to the small ones. The staff and service are top notch. Preferred Manager Kaira and Jelissa in the lobby bar made a special inpact in my vacation. Make sure to see them on yours! Best restaurant is the French restaurant, the taco truck is also a must! The water slides are thrilling for adults as well. Loved the lazy river, but the beach is GORGEOUS. Great family resort , and i[... read more]f you want a good party you can go over to the attached sister resort, it’s a two second walk or they will drive you!
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Private -
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Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Love this resort
This was our 3rd time at this resort and once again it was fabulous. We were a group of 7 women and we booked through Robyn Murray who made the whole booking process seamless. Could not recommend Robyn enough.
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Private -
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Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa: Calm and Classy
Very peaceful and classy place.
Food ✔️
Elegance ✔️
Drinks ✔️
Coffee ✔️
Respectful Beach rules (no music, no saving chairs) ✔️
Staff next level ✔️
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☀️☀️☀️
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Private -
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Dreams Curacao Resort Spa and Casino: Nice resort but needs some touches
5 star rating places is overrated, 4 star is max
Clean but shortfalls were
- short on serving staff. Often uncomfortable wait for experienced travellers
-beer was down in same place for several days and troublesome everywhere
-knives need replacing, dull as a spoon
-front desk answers were contradictory and sometimes wrong
-pool area needs those little poolside tables to put belongings on
-lobby area should have snacks handy-like nachos or candy
-breakfast was exact same every day- [... read more]a bit of variety would avoid boredom after 5 days
-main lobby washrooms were a bit stinky and dark. Made u want to go back to your room
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Mryyz -
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Dreams Cap Cana Resort and Spa: Great customer service, nice resort
My recent stay at Dreams Cap Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic was a truly exceptional experience, and I am excited to share the details of my visit. From the moment we landed to our farewell, every aspect of our stay was designed with care and attention to detail.
Arrival and Check-In Experience
Upon landing, we were warmly greeted by our resort representative, who promptly escorted us to our transfer. The ride to the resort took only about 10 minutes, which was a pleasant surprise after [... read more]a long journey. Upon arrival, we were welcomed in the lobby by the friendly bellman, who offered us refreshing drinks and cold towels a thoughtful touch that set a positive tone for our stay. Although we arrived a bit early and our room wasn’t ready, we were able to explore the full resort facilities while our luggage was safely taken to our room for later.
Staff and Customer Service
The staff at Dreams Cap Cana were one of the highlights of our experience. They were consistently friendly, helpful, and fluent in English, which made communication seamless. The customer service was top-notch. An app was available to make requests and manage accommodations which I found to be exceptionally user friendly. Room service was delivered within an hour every time, and requests for toiletries were fulfilled quickly. Personal inquiries made to the front desk were handled promptly, earning the customer service a solid 10/10 from me.
Dining Options
The food selection at the resort was impressive and varied. The buffet offered a vast array of options, ensuring there was something for everyone. One of the perks was that the à la carte restaurants did not require reservations, allowing for more spontaneity during our dining experiences. Although there were occasional short waits for the à la carte options, I highly recommend trying the Italian restaurant and the steakhouse both provided outstanding meals that complemented our stay.
Room Quality
Our accommodations were noteworthy. The room was clean, modern, and well maintained, with virtually no issues to report. The attention to cleanliness and upkeep matched the high standards expected at a resort of this caliber.
Resort Amenities and Layout
The resort itself is quite expansive, with amenities and features spread out over a large area. While this layout provides plenty of exploration opportunities, it may not be ideal for guests who prefer shorter walks. Reaching the beach requires a bit of a trek, but it is undoubtedly worthwhile. We experienced the challenge of seagrass season, however we discovered that walking just a short distance from the resort revealed much cleaner beach areas. We were impressed to see city workers actively maintaining the beach, cleaning the shores daily.
Additional Features and Activities
Another highlight of our stay was the lack of wristbands, which I found to be a refreshing change. We were able to book excursions directly at the front desk, including Monkey Land and an adventure park, both highly recommended for any visitors. Although we didn’t manage to fit Cocobongo into our plans, we heard great things about it and would love to try it on a future visit.
Final Thoughts
While there might be moments requiring a bit of patience such as occasional waits at restaurants or navigating the larger resort my overall impression of Dreams Cap Cana Resort is overwhelmingly positive. This resort excels in numerous areas, from its attentive staff to the quality of accommodations and dining. I would without a doubt recommend this resort to others, and I am happy to rate it a full 5 stars for a wonderful vacation experience.
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Barry82 -
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Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa: A Nice Resort Too Far From Airport
We landed at 12:35pm at Punta Cana Airport, but with such a large plane, using the buses to the terminal it took about 45 minutes just to get into the terminal. The drive to the hotel took about 115 minutes over a rough road in some places. The resort itself was very nice, and having our rooms in the same building as the lobby was very nice. Checking in was pretty easy, and the staff superb. The room was nice and clean and spacious, and the balcony nice too. The tissue box was terribly inconveni[... read more]ent, and had to be emptied every time a tissue was needed. The grounds were well kept. One shortcoming was the lack of clocks on buildings, inside and out. Washrooms were hard to find, and very small. Some of our party of eight wanted to enjoy the beach, but it was impossible, with heavy undertow and black flags all week. When we walked "off property" in both directions, we saw very nice beaches with low surf that would have been much more enjoyable.
We were in the Dreams section, and the two main pools there were very good; however, the jacuzzi were almost never fully on, and the water in them was cold in the elevated one, and mildly warm in the other. The poolside bars and grills were very good. The theatre entertainment was generally top notch, except the music was way too loud every time. The Tierra restaurant was exceptionally good, and several others were great. The buffet was very good, both at breakfast and lunch times.
I would want to be positive, but the distance from the airport and the not-so-good beach explains why I would not recommend this resort to friends. The buildings, pools, restaurants and grills would attract many. Bottom line: We did have a great time and have no regrets. The friendliness and helpfulness of all the staff were high points.
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Private -
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Dreams Flora Resort and Spa: Amazing resort
Recently renovated, not too big not too small,friendly staff,variety of food,nice grounds ,room cleanliness,minibar
Cons:
Entertainment
Room soundproof
Limitations of seats at World cafe during peak times,but staff working very hard to make it available asap
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Baker83 -
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Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort and Spa: Birthday getaway at an amazing resort!
My time in Cozumel was nothing short of beautiful. From the moment I arrived, everything felt warm, welcoming, and effortlessly relaxing.
The dining experience stood out right away—every meal felt thoughtfully prepared, with fresh flavors and a variety that made it exciting to try something new each day. Whether it was a casual bite or a more refined dinner, the quality never slipped.
The grounds were absolutely stunning—clean, well-kept, and full of vibrant energy. Walking through the pro[... read more]perty felt like being wrapped in a tropical escape, with every corner inviting you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Customer service truly elevated the entire experience. The staff were attentive, kind, and genuinely eager to make sure every detail was just right. It never felt forced—just natural, heartfelt hospitality.
As for the room, it was exactly what I needed—comfortable, clean, and peaceful. It became a quiet retreat after long days in the sun, with everything in place to relax and recharge.
Overall, the hotel delivered an experience that felt easy, refreshing, and memorable. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.
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Cool mama 1 -
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Dreams Flora Resort and Spa: Another great family trip to Dreams Flora
We could not wait to return to Dreams Flora after our first trip there two years prior. Some faces have changed but our experience was just as enjoyable. This was a resort where we dined in the buffet in the morning, the beach bar at lunch and the à la carte’s each evening. The staff, from chef to cleaning staff, were excellent and are the real lifeblood of this resort. We’ll be back
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Private -
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Dreams La Romana: Great location
The hotel was very enjoyable. There was easy and convenient access to all amenities. Landscaping was beautiful, and the amount of care was obvious. There was a variety of eating/dining options and easy and tasty snack options.
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Brian -
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Dreams Cap Cana Resort and Spa: Dreams Cap Cana – Preferred Guest Experience Review
I just returned from a week at Dreams Cap Cana as a Preferred Guest, and overall, the experience was absolutely 5-star.
The resort was at full capacity during March Break, so it’s important to set expectations accordingly. With that in mind, I had only a couple of minor observations:
1. Occasional wait times for food – At times, meals took a bit longer than expected. That said, the kitchens were clearly under heavy demand, and the staff across every restaurant were exceptional—friendly, attent[... read more]ive, and doing their absolute best.
2. Sports bar experience – After an amazing excursion to Saona Island, my friend and I returned starving and ordered three plates of ribs at the sports bar. Each plate came out with a single rib, which was a bit surprising and felt like a miss given the situation.
3. Preferred guest identification – It would be great to see wristbands or some visible differentiation for Preferred guests to help streamline service and recognition.
Now, onto the highlights…
• Our room in Building 4 was an ocean view Preferred suite, and it was absolutely spectacular—you couldn’t ask for a better view.
• I have traveled to many islands and resorts, and I can confidently say the staff at this resort are truly top notch. From the concierges at check-in, to the wait staff, entertainment teams, and bartenders—every interaction was positive, professional, and genuine.
Some of the standout team members who made our trip unforgettable:
• Carlos, Robert, and Domingo in the Preferred breakfast/lunch restaurant
• Maria, the host at the Preferred breakfast club
• Sandro, the towel gentleman and pool attendant
• Henry, Robert, Claudia, and Julissa at the Preferred pool bar—who made every day by the pool an experience to remember
• Andrea and Juan from the Preferred lounge bar—exceptional in both conversation and service
• Eddie from the Barefoot Grill, who went above and beyond by walking past two pools to personally deliver our food
• Esmeralda, Ivan, Britney, and Allison from the Preferred Club lobby
• As well as all the ladies in concierge services at the main lobby, who helped arrange security passes so a friend of mine could join us for the day
The resort itself is beautiful, clean, and extremely well maintained. But what truly sets Dreams Cap Cana apart is its people.
I highly recommend upgrading to the Preferred level. The added amenities, access, and elevated service are absolutely worth it.
I’ve read some negative reviews, but having been there, I can say this: your attitude shapes your vacation. I witnessed firsthand how unrealistic expectations and negative behavior impacted some guests’ experiences. In contrast, approaching the staff with positivity, patience, and respect goes a long way—this team responds far better to kindness than complaints.
Because of these shining stars, my wife and I have decided that our search is over—Dreams Cap Cana will be our go-to resort moving forward.
Bottom line:
If you go in with realistic expectations, a positive attitude, and take advantage of the Preferred upgrade, Dreams Cap Cana delivers an exceptional vacation experience.
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Natlynn -
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Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort and Spa: Amazing Vacation
Hotel was great, upgraded to have access to secrets side for the pools and extra restaurant access. Service at the pools were great, be prepared to wake up early to get prime chairs! Otherwise great for the most part. Rooms are a little boring we had a penthouse and i expected more out of it, also had to requests rooms to be stocked they didnt do that daily which was frustrating.
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Private -
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Dreams Dominicus La Romana: Beautiful resort with food handling problems
The resort itself is very beautiful and clean. The pools were always clean and inviting. Our room was also very lovely. our problems begin with a severe sickness after eating at the Portofino restaurant. I had shrimp on my Caesar salad and it was very ill the next day.
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TheReids -
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Dreams Jade Resort and Spa: Great Vacation!
Our second time visting this resort and we enjoyed every minute. Was a quick shuttle bus ride from the airport to the resort. Check in was smooth but didn't love the time share people swarming us as soon as check in was complete. Resort grounds are beautiful and everything is close by so no long walks to the room, pool or to food. Beach had lots of seaweed but that's just part of mother nature; the staff we working at cleaning it up most of the day with raking and a tractor. Food was great - do [... read more]not need to make reservations, just walk up each night to the restaurant you want to try. Buffet had lots of choices for all meals. Gluten free options were label on the restaurant menus and staff made other suggestions/accomadations as requested. Wish they had more loungers around the pool and beach; if you weren't an early riser, you were stuggling to get a group of chairs together
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Private -
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Dreams Cap Cana Resort and Spa: Mediocre for a five star
Excellent service but the food and entertainment was 3 star tops. No hot water in the first room, second room had a water leak that caused me to slip and fall. Not happy with the lack of concern on the managements part afterwards. Won’t return.
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Private -
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Dreams Natura Resort and Spa: It's a wonderful resort.
The grounds were beautiful. The staff was very friendly and professional. They genuinely seemed to be friendly and like their jobs. The restaurants were excellent. The buffet was a bit smaller then I thought it would be after being at other resorts. However the food at the buffet was very good. The rooms were very clean and nice.
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Private -
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Dreams Cap Cana Resort and Spa: Beautiful resort
This hotel was very clean. It had excellent food and all the amenities are close by. The people were amazing. Our cleaning lady (Ruddy) kept our room very clean and made sure we had everything we needed. Luis at the front desk was very helpful. The pool bar bartenders and the entertainment group were excellent. There was plenty of entertainment for all ages. The only issue might be the beach area, because the shore is like shale rock and not good to utilize. There is lots of sand until you get [... read more]to the ocean part. The ala carte restaurants are very good. Overall it was a great vacation and I would recommend the hotel to others.
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Private -
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Dreams Curacao Resort Spa and Casino: Small beach but calm water with lots of fish for snorkelling.
This is not a 5 star resort, more of a 4 star, there are not a lot of amenities or activities, there were some. No watersports, and no room for it really. Having said that we had read the reviews and knew what it would be like going in so we were not disappointed and we had a great vacation at this property.
The beach is small, less than 75 feet wide and only around 100 loungers. But the water was beautiful and always calm. There were tons of fish both close in and further out. The food wa[... read more]s ok, the buffet was small but always had something good to eat, the restaurants were ok as well. There were a few delicious dishes, the pumpkin soup and the crispy pork dish at the Oceana restaurant were great. The beach/pool grill wasn't great. Drinks were great with lots of variety. Service tended to be slow at bars and restaurants, but we were on vacation and weren't ever in a rush.
The hotel is older and shows it but the housekeeping and maintenance staff were always busy keeping things up. Our room 535 was huge and had a sofa and a pair of chairs as well, not all rooms were as big it was a preferred club perk. The view and setting of the hotel was beautiful There is a part of an old fort beside the beach and tour groups came in to see it most mornings.
Air Canada Rouge was not good, no space and very uncomfortable seats. I would never fly it ever again.