Cayo Levantado Resort: Wow!

We were very happy with the resort in all aspects particularly the customer service from the Butlers to the bartenders, servers,housekeeping staff. We felt like we were in Paradise! Make sure you book your complimentary bath with bubbles, rose petals and candles.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Nice resort

Second visit to El Portillo, also been to GBP Cayacoa and Luxury Samana and four other GBP locations. Not pleased that that they no longer offer differentiating bands for VIP guests (we had a white band last time around). They stated the new rule is 10 visits for a gold band - hardly a positive experience for past travellers having perks taken away). We felt this impacted the degree of service we received in a la carte restaurants and was challenged when we visited the golden club room just t [... read more]o sit down and use our cell phone. Nicest thing at this resort is the beach allowing for very long walks into Las Terrenas in one direction and to quiet beaches in the other end. This time around, we encountered a lot of noseeum bites maybe because of 2 days of rain. Other than that good value and very good experience overall.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Samana is my favorite!

I don't like lazy Cuban service and arrogant Jamaican customs, so out of all mid-priced Islands DR is my 1st choice. Punta Cana is really overcrowded, from the airport to the beach. Samana, on the other hand is less high-fed with tourists, more peaceful. We've been to Bacardi Island before we had kids (Adults Only GBP Cayo Levantado), and it was our one and only worth-to-come-back place. Now El Portillo made its way to our favorite spots list. Canadians fly in to Samana directly, so the bus r [... read more]ide for us is fairly short and really entertaining - those views worth the bus ride. Check-in could have been faster, as there was only one guy distributing the keys and bracelets to our crowd, and when I asked why no one is helping him, he answered - I like to work alone. Really? Tell this to people standing in the line. Folks at the reception were all nice and helpful. Jr Superior Suite was fine, GBP's standard, all functioned well. The guy with a crib showed up 5 minutes after we came in the room which deserves a high-five, even though my toddler doesn't like sleeping alone, and we had to waive. Unfortunately, we've been given 2 double beds instead of a king as per my request, but I didn't want to waste time trying to change the room. Maid's service was good, yet she has taken off the pillow covers from the couch and never brought them back. Puzzle here. They have put us in villa 27 on the edge of the resort which is close to road, so we could hear all the motorcycles at night and workers chatter from the service buildings nearby. Despite of my preliminary request for QUIET location. And it was a long walk in the heat with a toddler who has to nap after lunch, so we had to ask for a ride which was never a problem to the drivers - always with a smile. Main buffet was good, selection was fine. Usual menu, nice fruits variety, grilled/stewed/sautéed food. One thing I don't understand though, why the hell they put out the bananas peeled? Out of sanitary reasons leave them unpeeled maybe? This way I'll have one not visited by the flies, and my child might enjoy it later as a snack, and we'll put the peel in the garbage, I promise. Their cheese and fresh bread - AWESOME! Bakers and chefs deserve a huge THANK YOU and big tips, if only we could meet them. Beach restaurant offers less variety, but there's very good nachos/quesadillas option, fresh fish, and THE VIEW. We went there for the last night of our stay for Brazilian dinner, and it was so very good - the service, the wine, the whole meal was fantastic. Kids splash park is nice, quite, and secure - the guard does watch the place closely. Main pool was good, yet it gets slippery around, even though workers do their best to keep it clean at all times. Quite pool was relaxing, too bad some guests there acted like they own the pool or we disturb them personally - it's not an adults only pool guys, read the signs. There's a Jacuzzi for adults only, and there I have seen kids, which is not cool, for sure. Finally, the reason we will come back - the BEACH! Protected by the reef it is indeed calm and shallow, pleasant to just float or play with kids. Plenty of fish to watch even if you don't snorkel. Snorkeling was just perfect - we have even spotted an octopus and a barracuda. Perfect beach walks in both directions, no other hotels there, which is wonderful. Vendors at the beach are a bit annoying at times, even though they are polite and "no, gracias" was usually enough, one guy did frazzle me out. Won't say anything about the kids club as we like to spend our time with both our kids. Animation team is hardworking and devoted. They work their butts out at the beach and by the pool. Their most loud guy talks non stop, no wonder by the time it's mini disco time he is exhausted. Then he participates in the night show, which is another puzzle for me - how on Earth he does that everyday. Won't say much about night shows, I've only watched the beginning of MJ show (kids bed time), and it was decent. A word for the management - don't waste your money on imported salmon. Majority of your guests eat it back home, fresh and much better cooked. Including the smoked salmon. Stick to local fresh fish, that's what we come for, really. Overall it was a great stay! Thank you very much!

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Fantastic resort

Hotel is very clean and grounds are well maintained. The restaurants are great and the food at the buffet was awesome. Great beach for snorkelling as there are a lot of reefs and you can walk on the beach for miles. It is a small resort so everything is very close so doesn't matter which villa they put you in. We are definitely going back to this one and we travel a lot, rate it 9 out of 10. Thanks Bill at trip Central for the recommendation!

Cayo Levantado Resort: Terrific jungle island experience - by far the best we've experienced thus far in DR

This place is extremely well done. The service and waiters have impeccable manners. We were raised with excellent manners, most big cities don't even understand proper etiquette but everyone on Cayo who was working there did. Service fantastic, food fantastic, we are extremely experienced world travellers and have been very fortunate in our lives to experience 5 and 6 star places regularly. This is better than any of the other 5 star places in DR that we stayed by far. Don't even bother rea [... read more]ding negative reviews on Tripadvisor - these people are probably whiners and don't understand the big picture of everything. WIFI was already strong and I was able to work remotely throughout my stay with no issues. Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish - all of it super fresh and high quality. I swam about everyday in the ocean - excellent weather and climate. Beautiful birds and ambience at night. My wife and I were on our honeymoon and we loved the people on the resort - DR is a special place filled with love, music and nature - if you like those 3 things then this is the place for you. Best, Glenn

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Amazing resort!

We had the best time! Staff were amazing, resort was beautiful, always something to eat. Third time in the Bahia principe chain and I highly recommend it! Will be returning in the near future. Thanks !!!

Cayo Levantado Resort: Amazing Resort

This Hotel was fabulous, luxurious and being on an island was fantastic. The grounds were beautifully kept, my little villa was fantastic with a king size bed and Jacuzzi. The Don Pablo restaurant was my favourite, however the buffet breakfast was awesome lot's of variety, as well as many choice's for lunch and dinner. Also 24hr room service, staff were amazing, helpful and always friendly. Everywhere was incredibly clean. Amazing visit, can't wait to go back.

Cayo Levantado Resort: This was a beautiful resort,and the staff were the best.

The Vella that we had was very nice and kept so clean. Our butler Remon was so helpful,and such a friendly young man,that we felt he kept us very comfortable and informed. The sad note was the weather,and several of our friends got sick.

Bahia Principe Grand Samana Roulette: great resort

No complaints Staff friendly food amazing rooms nice and very clean the scenery great and grounds well kept and beautiful beach was small got beach chairs everyday the shows were typical resort shows animation staff engaging and alot of fun The restaurants Italian and french very good

Cayo Levantado Resort: Beautiful resort!

This resort is one to definitely put on your list for rest and relaxation! The restaurants we found were fine dining like ones here! Great food always found something we loved on the meau! Our butler Romon which went out of his way to make our anniversary stay the most special time. Thank you Romon! With bubbles baths ready and champagne to just candles and chocolates at bed time! The island has beautiful views, great maids room was always clean! Staff very pleasant and accommodating!

Cayo Levantado Resort: When I win a Million!

When I win a million I will take my whole extended family to Levantado.! They would have so much fun, and be relaxed at the same time. We had rain, lots of it, very little sun but still had lots of fun. Where do I start. The staff are great, starting with our butler Leiny, who surprised us with a bubble bath, flowers and candles after a long sunny day at the beach. Also she brought me aromatherapy at night when I went to bed. Warm towels and chocolate were brought by Ana in the evening. The f [... read more]ood was fantastic, the Don Pablo restaurant was beautiful, meal fantastic, service 4 star. The pools were great, a quiet pool and another one accessed by stairs or an elevator at the beach, everything impeccable.. Activities all day long if you wanted it. The biggest cheers we heard was the Boce ball game players and winners.. they had a hoot. This resort had something for everyone. Oh I slept like a log every night.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Beautiful beach!

The beaches at this resort are stunning! You can walk for miles on the bright white sand, admiring views of the turquoise waters, boats and kite surfers. The reefs were easy to access and fishes were plentiful. Much of the coral is dead due to high silt levels but still lots of neat things to see. Food was great. Lots of choices at the buffet and the a la cartes were a a visual and culinary delight. Rooms were comfortable. Staff always had friendly smiles.

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: 5 Star Service!

This is a lovely hotel situated on a cliff with a panoramic elevator down to the beach. In our seaview room on the fourth floor we were still able to hear the surf pounding on the shore! All the employees go out of their way to provide excellent service with a smile and do not expect tips constantly like other resorts I have been to. The Gran Bahia standard of service is especially evident in the buffet where the Manager is constantly watching and coaching his employees to provide constant, a [... read more]ttentive service. Our plates were taken away as soon as we were finished with them and our glasses were never empty. The beach bartender works alone all day and is busy but always sings and serves customers with a smile, taking the time to make a quality drink each time. We never had any issues finding shady spots at the pool or beach at any time of the day. The beach is a public beach, however there were never any issues, it was nice to see the Dominican families enjoying the water. The first few days the water was wavy but once it settled down the snorkelling was amazing, many varieties of fish plus colorful coral. Best places were under the bridge and to the right by the rocks all the way over to the pier down by the snack bar. The food was plentiful, lots of variety with a different theme each night at the buffet. I wasn't crazy about the seafood restaurant, my fish was raw in the middle, the appetizer and dessert were good though. Loved the other two a la cartes. Lots of walking but I loved it as it gives you a chance to work off some of the delicious food and drinks! Loved walking the 'bridge to nowhere', very peaceful and perfectly safe. Would definitely recommend this resort and will hopefully return some day.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Great Resort

lovely small resort. Food=very good Beach= great but not enough thatched sunshade umbrellas reserve at 6am can be brutal. Snorkelling within ft of beach Off the resort sadly has lots of garbage which seems typical in the Caribbean.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Fantastic food, staff and employees

Dining 5 star everynight, food was excellent - staff very pleasant, beach beautiful. however 1 downfall, not safe to wonder off premisses during daytime or evening. One elderly man was attacked during the DAYTIME AFTERNOON @2pm on the beach for his cell phone, he was ambushed by a gang of locals and hit on the back of the head - bleeding enough to get 9-10 stiches. Then, during an evening after dinner a couple was sitting on the beach chairs and no security around was approach by 1 masked man [... read more] with a GUN. NO SECURITY - NO SECURITY !!! the Govt needs to get involved and clean up their act around the beach area and guard the tourists or the hotel needs 24 security like other tourists islands. I would recommend the hotel but if you wonder off to the local town or beach area - NOT SAFE for tourism.

Cayo Levantado Resort: Paradise Found!!

Phenomenal grounds, beautiful rooms, amazing service and really good food. The island isnt crowded-yoi're never sitting on top of one another or having to "reserve" beach or pool seating. There are little golf carts to take you everywhere you want to go-and the staff bends over backwards to anticipate your needs. By far the best Carribbean vacation we've ever taken-and tons of "repeat offenders" on site saying that this place spoils you from going anywhere else. We've been to a ton of spots and [... read more] will absolutely return-and spread the word. Special thanks to Frantz and his dedicated team for making this place a dream come true xxx

Cayo Levantado Resort: Lost in Paradise

This resort is truly paradise, on an island surrounded by lush flora and fauna. The staff were wonderful very attentive. The beach and pools were very clean and we had no problem getting loungers. The food and drinks are excellent, with top shelf liquor. From our arrival to the departure our trip was first class.

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Amazing Hotel.

Hotel and Staff were very friendly. Food was awesome including 3 restaurants. They had 4 pools to lounge around, plus 2 beaches. Hotel was very clean, and entertainment shows nightly. The town was only 5 minutes away, with free transportation hourly.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Awesome!

The Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo was amazing. The staff was very friendly and helpful; the grounds were beautifully kept; the food was great. We had great fun engaging with the Animation Team. I would definitely recommend this hotel.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Beautiful Resort

First time to Samana and to anywhere in the Dominican Republic. Would certainly go back again. The Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo is beautiful. Clean rooms, food was good, loved the pool and the beach. The staff were entertaining. Lucked out with the weather, no rain. We had a little mix up with our room but we were upgraded to a junior suite after they corrected the issue. Would definitely go to this resort again.