Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: Overall, mediocre resort. Not a 4-star, maybe a 2.5

SunWing has become a low-budget carrier where passengers are bused all over the Pearson tarmac to get to another building to board their flight. Food has to be purchased on board at ridiculous prices, passengers after row 26 were told there was only dry noodle soup available on the menu!! Surely they could bring more menu items on board for a 4 1/2 hour flight! Check-in at Be Live was an absolute disaster. We were booked in Adults Only VIP section for 3 junior suite rooms. Staff were disorga [... read more]nized and unable to accommodate rooms requested by guests. Some guests had to wait 2+ hours to get their rooms sorted out. As for the assigned butler which was part of our package, there was no such person available at check-in as promised. We were given no map of the resort or no instructions of the facilities. There seemed to be a supervisor trying to assume the role of butler. It wasn't until day 3 that our butler appeared in the lobby and I happened to notice him. Our party of 6 were shown 3 rooms which had multiple issues such as no air-conditioning and uncleaned bathrooms with foul smells. The section of Block 2 we were shown was largely in disrepair, far from the photos we had seen of the resort previous to our booking. We requested to be shown other rooms. After another hour we were finally able to unpack, still not pleased with our accommodations. The promise of stocked mini-fridges fell short, with only 2 mini cans of beer, a couple soft drinks and 2 waters. This was to be for the rest of the week unless you were "generous" with the cleaning ladies. Cleaning staff cleaned your room depending on how much money you left behind. Often not replacing towels and water. The VIP Lounge Bar offers a snack counter throughout the day as well as free water bottles and soft drinks. There are also late night cheeses and desserts trays for those before or after dinner drinks which is nice. This space is air-conditioned and offers a cooling spot from the mid-day heat. The food was well below par across the resort. Compared to other Dominican resorts, the buffets were terrible and messy with extremely slow service at the table... was only offered coffee at our table twice in one week!!! Many food stations, such as the omelette station, had a queue of at least 8-10 people with only one cook. The wait was 20 minutes on average every morning! Some serving staff were pleasant but almost all had trouble speaking and no understanding of English which made some requests nearly impossible. The a-la-carte restaurants were the most disappointing. The booking desk did a poor job altogether telling us we only had two options for the week (out of 6 a-la-cartes). The Mexican restaurant had average food. The Japanese was a complete disaster not seating us at a teppanyaki table and our server taking forever to take our drink and food orders. Appetizers took an hour to come to the table. There were only 3 other tables occupied in the restaurant at the time. Some appetizers showed up uncooked. Our server disappeared altogether with us having to flag down the others to ask where the other appetizers were. After another 20 minutes we were all starving and other tables were getting their main dishes. No servers were attending to us so we decided we should leave and head to the main buffet. That was a terrible evening to say the least. Overall a poorly run a-la-carte system. As for the beach, beautiful sand and cleaned daily by staff. Staff regularly pick up plastic cups and food trays and rake the seaweed that washes up overnight. Some vendors come by often but are not allowed passed the rope marking of the resort. Adult only section would benefit by allowing guests to us the "Palm Club" beach section as it went unoccupied for most of the week. We only saw a handful of guests in this section on some days. On the adults only beach there are plenty of single chairs and some Balinese beds available but most are "reserved" by 5:00 a.m. Some guests were even getting up at 2:30 a.m. to put towels down to secure a spot. You need to pay a beach attendant to reserve for you if you don't wish to get up at a crazy hour. It's unfortunate that some "reserved" beds go unused for most of the day. This is unfair and not in keeping with the resort's policy of "maximum 20 minutes and then free" rule. We observed a few altercations regarding this during our stay. Bar service on the beach is good, servers work very hard delivering drinks and food to your beach spot. The grill had the best food in the resort making it a very busy place for lunch but well worth it! Also should mention that bartenders are friendliest of all the staff. The adults only pool is fairly quiet and relaxing with music playing softly in the background. The pool is very clean. Hot tub also clean but not hot as it should be. There is a lack of chairs along the pool area and NO umbrellas to shade you from the afternoon sun. Basically no place to sit and relax -- what kind of vacation is that??? Activities on the adult side were very few. Two daily activities of Aqua Zumba and Beach Yoga/Stretching only. Mr. Blue kept the groups going. Nightly entertainment for the whole resort consisted of main stage themed-shows which ended at 10:30. One beach dance party per week is not enough to keep people entertained. You are left to do your own thing at a few bars and the disco which is way too loud for most. The casino seemed to be busy on a couple nights, not sure if it's due to resort guests or locals? The New Year's Eve Gala was simple... a banner photo area and two tables of champagne glasses with a few bottles of sparkling wine (definitely not champagne). Main food buffet was not spectacular compared to other Dominican resorts New Years festivities. The count-down fiesta on the beach was enjoyable and culminated with a nice fireworks display. Good work on that! Excursions are booked through SunWing and Nexus Tours. The tour people underestimate the travel time for excursions which adds to the day. Multiple bus trips and transfers are necessary to get to the destination point. Snorkelling areas are very busy with multiple groups descending on the same area at once. Food buffet offered is very limited. Not worth the extra money is the consensus. Overall, a disappointing trip to Be Live Resort. We will not be returning and will not recommend this resort. Will avoid SunWing travel altogether. Regards, The V Family

Impressive Punta Cana: A work in progress

Arrived at the resort Sunday afternoon and left the following Sunday morning. Since this resort has been rebranded and gone through some major renovations, I must give them credit for the hard work they have put in to make this a great place to vacation. From the reviews I had read from previous vacationers, I will say the comments were taken to heart and problems noted were rectified the best they could. Overall, my stay here was not without a few little challenges. The grounds were always ma [... read more]intained and clean. Workers constantly kept debris and garbage under control. The beach was kept clean from seaweed throughout the day. Public areas were always accessible, the pools from 9 am till 6 pm. Rooms were cleaned daily. Minibar was always stocked (asked for a few extra beers each day and they were there). Bathroom supplies (shampoo, conditioner, etc.) and towels could have been stocked better each day. Sometimes had to track someone down for items not replenished. The food, well I can say that there was enough selection for anyone, even the pickiest eaters. The main buffet was always well stocked until the last half hour of the meal times. Pizza and nachos always available from 10ish each day. The al a carte restaurants were excellent. The French, Mediterranean and Italian restaurants were really good. I would recommend the Beef tenderloin at any of them and the Lamb shank was exceptional at the Italian. We were unable to attend the Japanese restaurant because it is only open on Sundays at this time, it books up very fast. It would be nice if it were open two or three nights each week. Nightly entertainment was always available in the theater or near the main lobby. Always something for everyone, even the kids had their own entertainment nights and times. Local DJ's, small bands and entertainment staff were there to provide music for and dancing for all to enjoy. The entertainment staff were willing to teach the dance moves for those wanting to learn. For anyone who likes to walk along the beach, you can walk a long time before you run out of beach in both directions. My one big complaint is there is no smoking policy or restrictions in effect anywhere on the resort. Even to have designated smoking areas so the non-smokers could enjoy the resort. Having a large number European vacationers at the resort, as a Canadian, one begins to appreciate the Canadian smoking laws.

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: Beautiful Beach

Be Live All adult Resort Punta Cana was mixture of disappointment starting with checking in that took 1 1/2 to get what we paid for which was Ocean View. When we finally got our room it was great. Beach was lovely white sand and the staff on the beach were awesome. Now the front desk was another story of inadequate, rude and ignorance. I have never come across such poor service from a resort before. Without going into the frustration of a 2 week Christmas vacation which which we had to just laug [... read more]h that it was so bad and make the most of it. I would never recommend this resort to anyone. There are much better places and I would bet anything there reviews are fixed. We have connected with others who where at resort the same time who have be blocked for writing a negative review. They don’t want to hear the truth. Look on Trip advisor about this Resort. Service is bad. For such a lovely resort to have such bad service is shameful. We hired a boat to tour the coast and even the operator was surprised we were staying at Be Live as he said service was bad. Should have gone further down the road.

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Great resort, ok food!

The topography and the resort is beautiful. The views are spectacular! It’s built on a cliff so it’s different than other beach resorts. The food is average but the French restaurant is great. Breakfast buffet is also good with lots of variety - fresh juices, fruits, egg station, etc. You will find something to eat for sure for all 3 meals!!

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Good resort

The hotel was in the beautiful place but the staff and the food was worse than bad. On the other hand it was so clean we love it. If you don’t care about the food , good place to stay whit the kids everything is very close , but nothing to do for them.

Excellence Punta Cana: Lovely resort

This hotel has a very beautiful botanical garden with wild birds, an iguana and fish. Just gorgeous space for a quiet walk. The service and the food is first rate. Our rooms were great with all the expected amenities. We used a daily room service for coffee for convenience and luxury. The games area had all you needed to pass the time away when there was rain, The only thing I would recommend is to bring bug spray as there seems to be very small flies that will get you in the evening as you enjo [... read more]y the outside. I would also always recommend to use the safe all the time as it is a smart move. Oh and as a final note try not to overeat as you will be tempted by all the great food and drinks. I only wish the common areas were non-smoking with designated smoking areas like the Alelier resort in Cancun.

Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort: Definitely Not recommended

The service was non existent. People arguing daily for beach chairs and towels. Staff did not keep their promises of getting us the room we paid for. Food was sub par at best. Resort reused food from prior days at buffet and at la carte restaurants. Terrible sewage smell on first floor throughout resort and in parts of lobby. Bar at beach and in lobby would ignore and serve whomever they liked/tipped the most. Shows are horrible when there were any. So many more issues with this resort although  [... read more]fingers are tired from typing :(

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Senator Puerto Plata Spa Resort

Hotel and ground were quite nice and clean, I found that there were not enough covered space to hide from the occasional evening rain. The entertainment area is not covered which is lovely during a warm evening but when it rains everyone has to move I to the lobby. Makes it very crowded. I think the hotel is understaff, could use better trained staff in restaurant. They seem to be going somewhere at all times except our tables. And yes we did tip. Little more training and it will be fine. Fo [... read more]od was ok, nothing crazy. Room cleaning staff was amazing! Very friendly and helpful.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Old but nice!!

excellent value for money. old resort but well maintained and pleasant staff. near convenience ! I recommand this resort for familly and couple not really for single !

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: amazing trip superior staff

we stayed for 11 days over the xmas holidays have decided to never do xmas at home again the experience was awesome the work put into the decoration and the time to make travelers enjoy being there by the staff while being away from their own families was astronomical. The resort was clean the food was plentiful and the buffet at xmas was amazing. Have been to many resorts in DR with never a negative experience but have to say the workers at all levels at this resort deserve their weight in  [... read more]gold. They are working extremely hard to satisfy all. They could use more staff as they all looked sooo tired but never complained. The only peeve I had was the seaweed which is out of their control,and the amount us travelers litter the plastic cups would like to see a charge of maybe $15 upon check in to receive a bubba cup with name of resort and even smaller ones for kids which would advertise resort and act as a souvenir.

Impressive Punta Cana: Would NOT recommend

Honestly there are better places on the island then this resort, staff was extremely rude and would cat call any females. the only place to get "free wifi " is the resort lobby or you have to upgrade or pay for the wifi. the shows weren't anything special. beach was nice. Food was ok, I have a food allergy to gluten and it was hard to make clear to the restaurants because of the lack of English. One on the problems with the resort was a guest was slapped in the lobby and the staff and "security" [... read more] refused to do anything about it because the guess who assaulted him was leaving tomorrow, little did we know we met that same guest 2 days later in the resort. not worth the money if your resort isn't safe... spa on resort was mediocre , expensive for what the services was. rooms are very outdated.

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Wonderful Resort

We had a great time at the resort. The staff is very friendly and the food was fantastic. Everyone in our group had a great time from relaxing at the beach and the pools to enjoying the daily activities at the resort.

Ocean Blue and Sand: Good ressort, but!

It smelled of humidity in the room, we had to change rooms for 3 times. Always take upstairs rooms.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: I will love to come back

I love everything the service was great the people very friendly and it felt like home my family will come back again Great time and amazing memories from the vip room especially the treat received on our arrived there the nice welcome from Laura..Will never forget

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: very much enjoyed this resort!!

This is an excellent resort for the price point.....the staff were awesome....beach was lovely....rooms clean....food very good.....we will definitely return for another visit!! Thanks for a lovely 2 weeks over the (busy) Xmas season! Only pet peeve is inconsiderate guests leaving their towels, etc. on pool and beach lounges overnight....leaving little opportunity for others to enjoy the lounges (perhaps never occupied), without removing their belongings. Also, the ability to change our US dolla [... read more]rs into small denominations in order to tip our servers was not readily available....this restricted our ability to tip to the extent that we would have preferred.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Be live collection

Over all it was a good vacation. The food isnt terrible. The only annoying thing is how the bombard you to join things. They also need to learn something about time. Had to wait 20 minutes for the lady to come and book resturants. They also have a terrible system for wifi

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: Amazing resort!

Rooms were very clean. Food was great! Staff was amazing. Entertainment staff was top shelf! Only complaint is pushy vendors on the beach or at the market. Will go back but I want to try the amber this time!

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Pleasant resort

Nice resort boasting a stunning mountain backdrop and a long stretch of beach to take a leisurely stroll, swimming pool is large and clean, main dinning room spacious and well presented, the snack bar served up delicious burgers and endless supply of hot french fries, also on site are 3 alternative restaurants. Our room was ground floor oceanveiw, room was clean and maintained, mini bar was restocked daily, toilet was slow to refill but not an issue, air-conditioning worked very well, and the da [... read more]ily fresh flowers placed in the bathroom added a special touch. Nightly entertainment did not disappoint and the fire dancers on the beach gave an awesome performance. All resort staff were friendly and helpful. Timeshare sales reps not overbearing or pushy. This is the 3rd BeLive resort we have stayed at in the Dominican Republic and it lived up to our expectations.

Occidental Punta Cana: A bit disappointing!!

Booked this hotel with friends / kids for Christmas on the beach. We've been to Punta Cana at least 15 times in last 12 years and stayed at various hotels. The transfer from airport to hotel was great. Check in was ok, our room was not ready yet but this gave us time to have lunch at the buffet. The rooms are spacious and clean. The A la carte restaurants were alright but you had to signal the server to get wine. This is the first hotel we've been to that did not have Rosé wine included!! [... read more]! The problem was at the breakfast / lunch buffet by the beach. The poor servers spent most of their time clearing tables meaning they did not have time to serve / offer beverages. My wife helped clear 4-5 tables every day to help out. The only bar near the beach did not have a lot of choices for drinks and had a lineup of sometimes 15 people and only one bartender. This, I believe, is poor management not supporting their staff or not having enough staff on hand to cover the amount of guests. Great work by Graciela at buffet who kept a smile and did as good as she could. Towels were hard to get or exchange. Lounge chairs were not too hard to find, beach or pool. Reserving restaurants was a bit complicated so do it as soon as you arrive. Site itself is nice and well kept.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Hotel ok/Service terrible

Its an outdated hotel but if you have any issues they would fix it. The food was okay but a lot of people got food poisoning from the Mexican food (Mexican night, Maxican restaurant.) On the advertising they show they have eight restaurants, the hotel only has three a la carte restaurants the rest are outside the resort. So if you're not looking to leave the restort you're stuck with one buffet and three restaurants that you have to make reservations for; I was there for a week and I only got t [... read more]o make reservations for 1 of those as they we fully booked. The front desk staff were really rude at anytime or any day. Overall it's a very clean Place, pools are great, the beach is nice and the kids club it's a great thing if you have kids. The service of the buffet is terrible especially if you have kids. The lines for the food art long and the food doesn't have labels. I give this resort 3star rating.