Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Family Vacation 2018

My family of 4 stayed in a preferred unit with a Tropical view for a week. Unfortunately we had to call about problems with the suite 5 out of the 7 days. Problems with the bathroom glass door, lights not working, refrigerator not working. The room was not well lit. I think they must use 40-Watt bulbs. The maid service was irregular. She would arrive between 5-6 pm. Right when everyone was getting ready for dinner. Some nights we had turn down service, some nights not. Towels were scarce. On [... read more] a positive note, the room was nice and quiet. There was never any hallway or adjoining room noise. The balcony with plunge pool was great. It was relaxing. The food was disappointing. We are a vegetarian family and the options for us were minimal at the restaurants. Restaurants only offered 1 veg appetizer and 1 veg entree. For example, at the Mexican restaurant, we ordered the veggie fajitas. This consisted of grilled sliced carrots and zucchini with 2 small tortillas. Needless to say we were all still starving when we left. We ate most at the Carnival buffet as it had to the most vegetarian options, and thankfully they had different themes each night. The new Italian restaurant at Now Garden was also very good. Fruit and salad options were limited, and often flies were hanging around the salad bars. The concierge services were very nice. Miguel was fantastic. He took very good care of us all week. He frequently checked in with us while on the beach or at the pool. Helped us make reservations and accommodated a late checkout for us. The preferred benefits of the extra 2 pools, beach area and lounge were all quite nice. The beach at Now Larimar was very nice. The sand was great and you could walk as far as you like. Kayaking was enjoyed by the kids. It was too rough to snorkel. If you wanted a place on the beach you needed to get up early to reserve a spot. The excursion vendors and the shopping mall salesman could be a bit harassing. They visit you every 10 minutes, fortunately by the end of the week they stopped bothering us. There was not a lot of entertainment options for my 12 year old; but my 8 year old met some same age peers and enjoyed the kids club area a couple of times. Elise at the spa provided a fantastic massage. Highly recommend the massage!

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana: Just Dreaming Vacay 2018

Resort grounds were excellently maintained. Really liked the pool setup, lots of areas with pool chairs and somewhat of a feeling of privacy. Beach was nice but could have used more umbrellas. Room was well maintained. Bathroom could use an upgrade. Mattress needs to be improved. Food was far below par. Many of the buffet foods which should be hot were served cold. Japanese hibachi was excellent except for the tough beef. Our initial 24 hours on the island was filled with agressive sales  [... read more]agents looking for us to upgrade or purchase additional packages. We came for a vacation and rest and were ready to leave within the first 24 hours, due to the constant harassment and what seemed like trickery. Most of the staff on the grounds were friendly and accomodating. When we booked our holiday our travel agent assured us that we would not encounter Spring Break partiers (College crowd), they landed enmass the day before we left. Taking over the beach, the bar, the pool and making excessive noise all night.

Bahia Principe Explore Legend: At best average lacking quality

Just back from our trip and thought I would let you know a few facts so other customers hopefully do not have the save experience we did. We had a great flight down arriving at 1215 but then things changed as we sat in the parking lot on our transfer bus for over 2 hours before starting to head to the resort. We arrived at 3:00 pm so that is check in no big deal except we did not get our room until 7:00 pm! When I asked what was going on the idiots could no longer speak English, go figure. [... read more] One small drink was offered. Then there was an issue with my oldest son as he was listed as a adult but they didn’t have the right bracelet. I found our air Transat rep who tried to help but apparently his hands were tied. So day 1 was a right off. The water park is great if your kids are eight and under. Water is only a couple feet deep so bigger kids hit the bottom of the pool The big pool was okay but my boys and I didn’t enjoy trying to swim and play only to watch young mothers breast feeding in the pool or changing diapers poolside or showering dirty bums in pool showers. They wonder why diseases are spreading at this resort, I wonder. Housekeeping or lack thereof. Maids would come around at 9:30 pm (at night) to ask if you needed bathroom towels. One day beds were made but no blankets. One day beds made with only bottom sheet, no top sheet. Food - was just okay. I say this because my spouse is really sick so weak she almost wasn’t allowed on plane. Beach. Very nice. However the Fantasia section was always filled with guests from other resorts who were allowed stay. Which really bothered us considering security asked us to leave our chairs at the beach section for the next Bahia resort which was not adult only The comments made on tripadvisor re hand foot mouth disease are true it’s there and now we are dealing with it despite taking steps to avoid it. Not impressed. I am an early riser but was very disappointed that every morning I woke up to go for a walk only to have walk through smoke everyday as a result of the resort burning their garbage, again ridiculous. Return trip. Left resort at 1000 hrs, Fairly decent except having to sit on the plane on the tarmac from 1:20 pm until 4:00 pm because the plane was missing 20 people. I realize things happen but wow. It didn’t help that my wife and son were very ill as well. All in all I would rate this resort at best 3.5 and we will not go back. There were a few good parts but the bad certainly overshadowed. Sincerely Paul Mayhew.

VIK Hotel Arena Blanca: amazing resort, great place for relaxing

the VIK hotel arena Blanca - second time going and found improvements in all aspects. Updated bathrooms and more eating establishments . Already planning on going again next year. the staff are very friendly and rooms kept very clean

Paradisus Punta Cana: Paradisus Punta Cana Was Great!

The resort grounds and facilities are huge with more restaurants than you can possibly eat in and two great buffet restaurants every day. The quality and selection of the food was wonderful. The grounds were exceptionally well kept and the landscaping is really beautiful with lots of great opportunities for pictures. The beach was clean and the sands are groomed every morning. The main pool is huge and varies from a depth of three feet to five feet all around which makes it very safe for the k [... read more]ids and nice to walk around and lounge in. The staff provide all kinds of pool toys and floatation devices to use and there was even a foam party. The biggest surprise was every Monday is paintball in the natural Mangrove on the grounds and my son played non stop for three hours. Staff are very friendly and accommodating. We didn't want for anything during our stay.

Sunscape Bavaro Beach: Good Resort for the Price!

We stayed at the Sunscape Bavaro Beach resort from March 12-19th. Although it was March break and there were a lot of teens on the resort, we had an amazing time. The hotel staff were very polite and friendly. Most of them spoke English. The entertainment was excellent, every night there was shows in the theater both for kids and adults. The rooms were clean and the bed was comfortable. The only thing that we wished we had in our room was 2 chairs. There was a table and a chair but 2 mi [... read more]ght have been better so we could both sit. The safe and the air conditioning worked well which was a bonus because in our past trips we have had issues with both. The a la cartes were good, I recommend the French - great steak. If you are a beach lover- not a great beach. Lots of erosion, geo tubes in the water to help with that problem. We loved the pools so not an issue. However, the one down fall is that they need cabanas for shade. Although big palms gave some shade in some areas..it was hard to escape the sun when you needed to. Overall, a nice clean and friendly resort!

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Not worth the money.

It was very clean and the grounds well maintained. The beach and pool area very nice. The rooms were ok. Here is what the downsides were. The staff could not speak English very well and had a hard time understanding what you wanted. (even the Air Canada rep) The food was hit and miss. Most of the time it was cold (even if you got there right when the buffet opened). The odd time you may have gotten hot food. The bar serve was poor. They were always running out of pop and rum at the beach bar by  [... read more]early afternoon. I think they diluted the alcohol. The pool that had the gradual incline to the pool were the kids could play was right by the swim up bar. That was taken over by the young people. If you went to get a drink the bar staff would not watch of who was there first and catered to the young people. I had my granddaughters trying to get a soft drink and they just overlooked them finally a nice young lady yelled at them in Spanish and they got their drink. There were a group of man in the pool with a blow up lady doll which I think they should have been asked to remove it. Chairs were hard to get on the beach and pool area but we managed. The safe in the room did not work. The frig in the room did not keep anything cold and to get ice you had to go to the lobby which was either a tram ride or a 20 minute walk. The cleaning staff were not friendly at all. The waterpark was only good for maybe up to the age of 6 nothing for the older kids. The kids club was just a joke! I would not call this a family resort.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Exceptional!

Loved virtually everything about this place! Fab beach, Fab room, Fab food. Only slight drawback being it was somewhat difficult to make reservations at the restaurants. Buffets has a great selection at all meals however.

Royalton Splash Punta Cana: Disappointed

Overall we made the best out of our trip for the kids but we lost more than entire day of dealing with issues. We upgraded to the Diamond club but as it was March break they overbooked so we did not get what we paid for. The first rooms we had were in disgraceful shape. We had to move numerous times and still did not get the upgraded rooms we had paid for. Even the small perks that come with the Diamond Club such as bathrobes, slippers, snacks and in room beach towels were not provided. On more [... read more] than one occasion housekeeping had to be requested for towels etc. Trying to deal with the staff was frustrating and at times they were rude. Although the most of the wait staff and bartenders were very friendly. Despite all the hassle we went through we were only offered a dinner on the beach which was not convenient with 4 children . The water park was fun for the kids and the beach was beautiful. Wish we booked the Royalton instead, far nicer resort with all the same amenities. Punta Cana is great, but will not go back to Memories.

Catalonia Royal Bavaro: Awesome staff and experience!

I was thoroughly impressed with this resort and really enjoyed our stay. Couple of small blips on the radar (the massage was over priced and not great - also...i thought 50 USD for use of a golf cart was a bit much - especially when I was playing the course by myself in 2 hours or less) ... but other than those two minor complaints....I could not have been more impressed. The staff was EXTREMELY friendly and diligent. The food was great and plentiful. LOADS of staff and always waiting on  [... read more]you. I would highly recommend this resort to others looking at it. It was a great and chilled out place. lots to do and experience

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana: Great Resort

I would definitely recommend this resort. The staff is extremely friendly. The grounds are immaculate. The rooms are clean, but a bit outdated. The food overall was excellent. The beach was superb.

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: Amazing resort!

Grounds are beautiful A la carte restaurants are delicious Staff are very friendly Food is great Xxxxxxxxzzzzzxxxxxxxxxxxzzxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxccccccccxxxxxxxxxxxcxxxxxccccxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: PERFECTION IS ALL I CAN SAY

been to this hotel several times, never fails to deliver quality...food/beverage/staff/pool/ beach....we will return again and again.. going to do renos in june til nov but don't know what they could possibly improve

Sunscape Bavaro Beach: Sisters

Excellent hotel. Friendly, helpful staff. Beautiful grounds, well kept. Very comfortable rooms and very clean. Restaurants were fine. Food selection at buffets was good. Too bad there are no areas of shade at the beach or pools.

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Beach Resort: Awesome Resort

Overall, the resort was stunning. Service: In the restaurants, the VIP center, the larger bars, and room service were all outstanding. When we needed something in the room, it was delivered within minutes.Check-in was slow, and pool and beach bar service is not very good. Food: Awesome!!! The variety and quality of food in the lunch and breakfast buffets was very good. The restaurants were also outstanding. We particularly liked the Japanese, Mexican, and Gourmet restaurants. Beach: Be [... read more]autiful and well maintained. Lots of shade and beach cots, so it was never hard to find a place to lie down. There was a lot of exposed coral underwater and inside the swimming area. Swimming shoes are recommended. As for bar service, don't wait for a server to come to you, you're not likely going to see one. The drinks on the beach were good for cooling down, but that's all. Pool: Beautiful and well maintained. Lots of shade and beach cots, so it was never hard to find a place to lie down. The pool was really great in the afternoon when the water was partially shaded. As for bar service, it was no better than what we found on the beach. Bars: The bars in the main lobby, and the main outdoor bar were excellent. The drinks were far better than what was found on the beach and at the pool. The staff did a great job getting everyone dancing, and the live music was fabulous. The stage shows were a bit campy, but still fun for the kids. Rooms: Very nice, but not much privacy. If you're travelling with teens, you may need to hang a privacy sheet. Not a big deal if your just a couple or your kids are young. We'd go back in a heartbeat.

Riu Republica: Got very sick

I stayed at the RiuRepublica from March 10-18. On the second night an hour after eating dinner at the Asian restaurant I got very sick. Vomiting and going to the bathroom from 9pm till 4am. For the next 48 hrs I was exhausted and could not eat or drink. I slept most of those 48hrs. After that I was back to myself thank goodness. The hotel itself is very nice and new. Modern and the staff seem to work very hard to keep it looking nice. Pool bar staff were great, beach was great, food I didn’t r [... read more]eally care for. This was my 4th Riu and although it was he prettiest it was not the best overall. Our room was cleaned everyday and she did a great job. The water slides were super fun, this is a nice addition for adults only. Last thing was there was about 500 spring breakers..... they were ridiculous, and obnoxious. Screaming, vomiting in the pool, having sex in the pool, banging on doors at night. This is not the hotels fault but again they could have not allowed so many universities to be in one resort.

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Beach Resort: Good resort

Hotel grounds were beautiful. Loved the outdoor patio and entertainment. Such a wonderful way to spend an evening. Rooms were good but offered no privacy. Food was good but not amazIng. Enjoyed the gourmet and Japanese restaurants. Service at pool and beach was poor. Usually had to get our own drinks. Unfortunately we went at spring break. Hotel was over run with intoxicated young adults. Security was poor and hotel didn't do a good job handling the bad behaviour. Don't go at spring break! Oce [... read more]an and beach were excellent. Were some rocks in ocean. Recommend bringing water shoes. Lots of shade and chairs at beach and at the pool.

Royalton Splash Punta Cana: Family Resort

We stayed at Memories Splash the week of March Break. Two families, party of 7 including two 17 year old sons and an 8 year old daughter. Reception: We arrived around 11pm and found the reception to be a bit unwelcoming. The hotel reception area is dull and small. Room: Our first impression upon apprival was disappointment. The room was basic and beds were not queen as requested. We purchased a "premium" room package expecting the larger beds. The room was tired in much need of a refresh [... read more]. It contained two double bed, a small coach, chest of drawers, tv and fridge. The AC kept the room comfortable. The next day we were informed all rooms in building 7,8 and 9 house the premium upgrade. These buidings are centrally located around the main pool, and conveniently close to both the buffet and social centre (entertainment area). We were told by the onsite Sunquest rep that these rooms are larger than the deluxe room. Each day the room was restocked with bottled water, soft drinks and beer. The room was suffiecient for our needs. Meals: We ate at the buffet and all the a la catre restaurants. The bufffet is good with a variety of foods to choose from. Staff were a little slow at bringing refreshments to the table. The a la carte restaurants filled quickly requiring us to wait in a queue with a beeper. Food in the a la carte is basically the same as what is offered in the buffet. Nice to receive table service but not really worth the wait and effort. Looking for your early morning jolt? The buffet is open at 6am and provides paper cups for take away. Beans coffee shop opens at 8:00am. Pool: The two pools were always busy. One was the entertainment hub and thus noiser. Beach: The beach is stunning and well maintained. Fun waves and gorgeous sand. The beach is about 1km from the Memories property. The resort provides motorized transportation to the Royalton reception area (sister hotel) but there is an additionnal 300m walk through the Royalton to access the beach front. Beach lounge chairs for Memories and Royalton are segretated. Guests arrive very early (6:00am) to place towels on chairs at the beach. There is a bar and a Royalton buffet (12-4pm) close to the beach for Memories guests to access. The beach was always busy with bathers and those walking the extensive beach front. Memories did not offer boogie boards or other water sport items. Property: The property is well kept and clean. There are lots of birds roaming the grounds. That early morning "cat like screech" is no cat. That's a peacock. I would not recommend this resort to anyone with mobility challenges. There are no elevators in buildings and the stone paths can be slippery. Water Park: The water park was a hit for the 8 year old girl. It offers a great range of slides that was fun for our entire group. She used the park every day. The water park is beside Memories. Night Life: Each night Memories puts on entertainment in the social centre. I did not attend most but was lucky to catch the acrobatic circus on Saturday night. The 17 year old boys spent evenings at the Royalton sports bar/disco. This bar goes all night closing at 6am. And yes, though both wore a minors bracelet, they were both served alcoholic beverages at all bars. Tourista: My advise, see your doctor before you go to the DR and get medication for diarrhea. Six of the 7 in our party suffered with diarrhea. Though there is a clinic on site, there is no doctor. You are sent in to Bavaro, via taxi at a cost of $30 each way to a hospital. Our hospital bill was $860 US for the consultation, IV, blood work, urinalysis and meds. Thankful we had insurance to claim the visit. Fire alarm: We were awaken during the night by an alarm likely pulled by someone in the building. Looking out our patio door we could see and smell significant smoke. Guests congregated around the pool looking for direction. Turns out there was a big garbage fire close by. The smoke and odour lingered for hours. Staff did not seem to be phased by the event. All and all the property met both families expectations and we were pleased with our vacation. There was something for everyone and the 17 year olds could spread out away from their families in a safe environment between both resorts. There is an option to upgrade your stay at Memories. I do not believe the upgrade to "Diamond Club" is worth the expense for the services provided. In my opinion the property is a 3.5 star rating. By no means is this a 4 * as rated by Sunquest.. Lastly, though I commented on the reception during our arrival, check out was very smooth. We had a late departure and appreciated the room they provided for us to clean up in after our last day at the beach. The staff at the resort were very welcoming, friendly and they seemed to enjoy talking to their patrons.

Bahia Principe Explore Turquesa: Mixed review...

We just returned from a vacation at Grand Bahia Principe Turquesa. Overall, the vacation was fine. Escaping winter with family is always enjoyable for us. That said, I can't imagine that I would book here again. Here are some notes: Front desk: Anything you do at the front desk seems to take a decade, whether it is busy or not. I actually had to extend my stay because my daughter developed an ear infection and couldn't fly home, and arrangements for this seemed to be astronomically comp [... read more]licated. Language is definitely an issue and there is little understanding of what is inconvenient for the guest. Food: Not good. If you stick to some of the freshly made things like the pasta or omelette bar you can get by. I didn't go to Punta Cana for fine dining but still was a bit surprised. The fish/seafood had a very strong taste and caused some intestinal issues for me. Service in the buffet was also not great. Sometimes we would be finished our meal before being offered something to drink. You can order only soft drinks and beer/wine in the buffet. Also with regard to food, the resort itself is the farthest from the beach. We knew this when we booked but could never have fathomed the enormity of the property. Turquesa guests can eat only at the Turquesa buffet or one other option near the beach that is open late. So, for snacks outside of meal times, that's a 10 minute trip on a trolley to the beach area (after you wait for the trolley). There are no snacks in the room (at other resorts the mini bar has included some snack foods) so this is an issue. The a-la-cartes are not much different from the buffet, but the Garden Grill was actually quite good and the Teppanyaki restaurant was a fun departure from the ordinary. Service: Very hit or miss. Some workers seemed genuinely happy to serve guests, but others seemed disgusted with their presence. Tipping wasn't very common here. We tipped frequently, but didn't notice others doing it. I think this may factor into some of the negative attitudes among workers. On the other hand, it was sometimes difficult to tip because of the division of labour. For instance, at breakfast you might interact with 4 different servers (one to seat you, one for coffee, one for other drinks, one who cleared your plates). The beach was gorgeous and the pools were a lot of fun. The kids' water park was nice as well. And in the end, if this is what you are going for and can tolerate some of the negative stuff described above, it's not bad. The property is clean and I have no complaints about the room.

Bahia Principe Explore Legend: amazing resort

very beautiful resort, service was great, the grounds were very well kept, food was excellent! Our room was very spacious, kept clean. we are seriously considering booking this resort again for next March Break.