Royalton Bavaro Resort and Spa: Will be a 5 star when fully opened

Stayed in building 16 room 433 from Feb 27- Mar 6 which I'm sure had just been painted.Opened our patio each time in the room.This side of the building faced the back wall of the resort next door. Even numbers would face the pool area. Shower area didn't drain called maintenance and they got all the cement out of the drain. A couple days had the septic smell in the room. Put the plugs down in the sink and tub- helped. There were still rooms that were being worked on that hadn't opened yet. Check [... read more] in was a headache- room not ready after 2 hours. Our wrist band keys and our friends we were travelling with didn't work. Had to make three trips to front desk to get them re keyed. Luckily they drove us in the golf cart each time. Very frustrating. But the wrist band is an excellent idea instead of a card key. CONS-running out of soap and toilet paper in restrooms had to wait in line for restrooms at beach areas,no kleenex or soap dish in room. Odd bathroom arrangement in rooms- toilet right when you walk in. Water at pools is a little chilly. Steak house- waited 2 hrs first night - took our name off the list and went to buffet. Second time-waited 1.5 hrs- service was terrible, steaks were over done. Rio Brazilian excellent the first night- second night meat was over cooked and we only got 4 of the 8 or 9 meats offered. Even asked for them to bring other meat. And there are tons of wait staff there! Not sure the purpose of the Wine Sommelia at all the restaurants as he came around after we had our drinks and ordered or sometimes eating our food. Raw hamburgers at the lunch buffet. PROS- Plenty of towels for beach and room. Thank you!! The lazy river was a blast and the bar in the lazy river was a great idea. And we are all over 55...not just for kids. Our husbands even tried the body surfing and had fun. Water slides and pool that are shaded with huge tarps- great idea! Thanks to Pineapple for daily entertainment she is funny and works hard to get people to join in the activities. And then they all work hard for the night entertainment. Always lots to do- family painting was great- nice treasure to bring home. Tons of exercises. Bingo at the pool etc. Teen club with ping pong and pool table etc.I know the activities were on our tv but a paper with the info would be helpful also as we couldn't remember everything that was going on.Entertainment at night was great and even had kids time before adults. I guess the characters that are typically at Royalton resorts came after we left. Premium alcohol served at all bars.Andy and Darlin at the beach club bar which was right outside our building were great and always remembered what we were drinking. Chip wagon at beach- GREAT idea. always a line up and great for a mid afternoon snack of fries or hamburger. Coffee and ice cream shop is a great idea also but is way up at the main lobby area. Would have had more visits if it was closer to pool area. Always good service at the grand marche buffet . Shout out to Moises and Kenia for being so attentive. We did have lobster at the buffet one night. And had our fill of it! Theme nights at the buffets would make those that can't get into the restaurants a little happier. I'm sure when the other restaurants, Greek, Sampling and Med. open it will lessen the burden. Italian is very good and always full. We did see wheelchairs so I believe it is all accessible. LOVED that there were elevators in the buildings as we were on the fourth floor. This is our third visit to a Royalton ( twice to White Sands in Jamaica) and they have the right ideas to keep us busy or not. Would definitely recommend this resort and we will be back. I'm sure all the bugs will be worked out soon!

Occidental Punta Cana: Beautiful Location but poor customer service

We paid a significant amount to upgrade to First Club and were expecting special check-in and other premiere services. We didn't find out about all of the extra services until day 5 of our vacation. Not sure if we were talking to an inexperienced person or someone that just didn't care about customer service. Because of this, we were sitting in over-crowded areas, waiting forever for poor quality drinks and getting poor customer service whenever eating. The room we eventually got was very nice a [... read more]nd up to date. The beach and grounds are gorgeous but the constant swarming local vendors drove us away from the beach. I wouldn't rate this hotel as a 4 star until they sort out there customer service issues. You definitely need to pay the extra money to upgrade to get the 4th star.

The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana: Awesome, luxurious place!

Stayed at the Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana in the second week of March 2018. Pros: - A good location, only 25 minutes from the airport - Awesome, very well maintained sandy beach and the entire property - Excellent, very tasty food and quality French wines - Great king-size bed room with a jacuzzi - Friendly staff, superior service. Special thanks to concierge Yesicca! - Wi-Fi coverage throughout the entire resort and at the beach Things to improve: - Night entertainment

Royalton CHIC Punta Cana: 3rd fantastic trip to CHIC

This was our 3rd time, Diamond club, and we had a great time again. Service, food, drinks, accommodations and the weather couldn’t be better! As a special bonus we were upgraded from ocean view to oceanfront. The staff are amazing...our evenings start with predinner cocktails with the wonderful Wilken and Ingrid at the Martini bar, I recommend a Bombay Martinin on the rocks, and then to see Alexandria who is the most amazing, always on the ball and in charge of whatever goes on at the Hunter [... read more] Steakhouse which is by far our favourite, I recommend the beet and feta salad and the Beef Tornedo was incredible. Joel and the new tall guy (can’t recall his name) are the life of the party at the casino bar. Joel used to be at the pool bar and it’s not the same without him. The beach bar has many great people, Lloana, Lomar (smiley), Richard...whether under a palapa or at the bar, service is great. For a special night, the private dinners are romantic and fun and Benjamin, the sommelier, will take great care of you. With Diamond club comes Butler service, Omar and Jimmy were superb and on the ball for they very few things we needed to ask for. Our only minor complaint, housekeeping and minibar staff seem forget or don’t have the items to restock what we use, luckily our butlers are there to take care of it. Everyone is super friendly and we look forward to going back.

Riu Republica: Amazing Experience

This hotel is amazing. The staff is unbelievable. They are so kind and do everything to ensure you have an enjoyable stay. 100% recommend this resort!! We have already booked for June. There is something for everyone. The food was very good and the rooms were so modern

Grand Palladium Punta Cana: Amazing Resort

Can't say enough about this resort. It was absolutely fantastic. It truly is a tropical paradise. The staff went out of their way to make our vacation the very best. Everyone was friendly and seemed to be genuinely happy to be at work. The room was new and very impressive. Restaurants were great with lots of choice for everyone. There is nothing negative I could say about this resort. I would definitely recommend it and hope to return sometime.

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana: Good resort but have seen better

The resort was adequate in terms of facilities and food but needs updating. The furniture and decor are dated. Food variety could be improved. It was she same food day after day. The pool area is nice and well maintained but if the resort is busy, it seems that they can remove your towels and belongings within 15 minutes of your not being there. There doesn't seem to be a constant policy either: we were told 15 minutes, some others 30 minutes and the fine print you sign without reading says  [... read more]45 minutes. We found our belongings removed and someone else in our spot while we went for breakfast. After much arguing (there were plenty others who were equally angry for the same reason) they found us two spots in the sun which we didn't want; we had good spots under the palapa before being removed. Bottom line: our day was ruined. And it makes no sense to piss off 20 people to make 20 others happy. For the rest of the week we were on edge while we went for lunch, or a walk, or even if we were in another side of the pool for more than 15 minutes, in case our belongings were removed. Makes for an unrelaxed vacation. The other issue here was that they try to upsell you a ridiculous VIP package even before you get to the room. We also got conned into a timeshare style AMResorts (the company that owns Dreams) membership selling gig. We thought we were going to just see another property in case we want to stay there next time. Just a caution for those who are not interested. The gifts are not worth your time, unless you are interested in this membership. We upgraded to a honeymoon suite as the deluxe room was too small. That cost us much more. And there was a big ceiling leak in the bathroom which was somewhat fixed, but promptly. The beach had a red flag every day for the 10 days we were there. We realize that can't be helped. But While chatting with someone on the flight back, I was told their resort not far from us had a red flag for only 2 days. Not sure if the sea is wilder at this particular location. The staff were mostly wonderful and very friendly. The shows were also quite good. Food at specialty restaurants was average - we just tried two. Overall, for us, average holiday for 10 days. Not bad, but could have been better, especially for what we paid.

Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort: Almost like before

It was our 9th trip to Sirenis, so we knew what to expect. It's pretty good food, excellent service in bars and restaurants, good entertainment and of course beautiful beach. Hotel is already several years doing renovation, and if you are lucky you get renovated room. This year they finally decide to close hotel for several month and finish with renovation. It is good place to go with small kids - there is water park (free). Any way Sirenis has one of the best price for 4* hotels in Punta Cana  [... read more]and you get value for your money. What we did not like this year that for lunch and dinner was open only one buffet (renovated) and some time you have to wait outside in line. We been there in the beginning of February for two weeks and this year weather was not so good - almost every day strong wind, cloudy and often short rains. But anyway it was good vocation.

Riu Republica: Great resort

This hotel is quite large however they do a great job of keeping it clean. You always see staff mopping floors picking up empty glasses in lounge areas and around pools. Rooms are very nice, only one complaint about replenishment of coffee and face cloths - ran out of both in our room. Food was good at both buffet and a la carte restaurants. Found the staff to be friendly and very little problem with language barrier.

Majestic Mirage Punta Cana All Suite Resort: Excellent Resort

We had a swim up room (ground floor). Rooms are spacious and very clean. We ate at the Japanese, Seaside, Steakhouse and buffet restaurants. Very good food and service (although the Steakhouse service was not up to the standard of the other restaurants). Our Butler, Jose, provided us with excellent advice and service. First class resort, we will be back!

Sunscape Dominican Beach: Beautiful resort

We just got back Sunday night from a 7 day vacation at the Sunscape Dominican Beach Resort. The resort itself is very lovely and clean with nice clean pools and maintained landscape. I will break down my review in groups; Arrival - approx. 25 mins from airport and well greeted upon arrival with a nice drink and check in was fast and easy, though they pass you off to chat with your concierge and ours happen to be Alberto. A very nice guy, offered us a welcome breakfast for next morning. Though [... read more] I knew what this was all about (timeshare), he assured us it wasn't. We were with another couple and we all decided 90 mins of our time was worth getting a $100 leisure cash coupon each couple to use anywhere in the resort that we liked. Well 1st the 90 mins turned into 3 hrs as they really don't take no for an answer until you somehow have to be a little abrupt and the special welcome breakfast was in the SunClub lounge. All I can say is thank goodness we didn't upgrade to SunClub as the breakfast was not at all an upgrade but a downgrade in my opinion. SunClub - they asked if we wanted to upgrade at time of checking for $40 US per night per room $280, when we said it was too much they reduced it to $250, we still declined. Through the week we realized it definitely was not worth it, the only real perk was the premium drinks but then if you ventured away from the SunClub areas you couldn't get the premium drinks anyway. Rooms - our room was in Bungalow 24 lower level pool view. We had a corner room which was spacious, very clean, nice big king size bed and comfortable, with rain shower step in. We had plenty of big bath towels, hand towels etc. They even provide full size shower gel, shampoo/conditioner and body lotion and the blow drier was great. The room was always cleaned in the morning and our bar fridge was always stocked daily with water, pop and beer. There is ample drawers and closet for clothes. Great location as it was close to everything. Food - the food was for the most part ok but in the buffets it was repetitive. Breakfast is great, the usual egg stations, pancakes and French toast, all kinds of muffins, pasteries, cereals etc. and then your standard items of bacon, ham, scrambled eggs, etc. Plenty of fresh fruit which was my favourite part. They also make smoothies or fresh squeezed juices right there. Lunch you had several options and were good but again repetitive. Dinners in the buffet were good plenty of choices from pasta station, grill with plenty of fish, chicken, pork and beef. but there beef is a bit tough. They had a pizzeria which was pretty good. The al l carte restaurants, well that is a joke cause they advertise "no reservation" but then you have to stand in line approx. 5-5:30 at the restaurant of your choice that evening and reserve a time and seat. In my books that is making reservations. We understand that Chopstix (our favourite) that you needed to reserve since only 10people can sit at each station for one seating. We stood in line for 45 mins for the Italian restaurant, Da Mario, just to be told when we got to the front that they were booked. We complained to management and they managed to get us a table that same night and there were quite a few empty tables in the restaurant. Being Italian the food was so so, wouldn't venture it again. My husband ordered the lamb chops and they were chewy, rubbery. The Olive Branch, was not much better. We went back to Chopstix a 2nd time since that was our favourite by far. We used our $100 LC for a lobster dinner at Le Lago which is an extra charge of $39.99 US/person which includes a full lobster dinner with your choice of wine and dessert. Not worth the $39.99 but since we didn't have to pay it was ok. Coco Café was our go to for coffee. Drinks - the resort advertises "domestic and international drinks", this is not the case, it's all domestic unless you upgrade to SunClub. My husband was not pleased about this, in other resorts international drinks meant you got some other choices from other countries, not necessarily premium but better than the domestic fire water. Plenty of bars and great pool service. Beach - 1st 3 days was red flagged, very rough waves but better after that. They do have barriers which can be an eye sore but they are put there to help with the errotion. Further up the beach either way is better. We love walking the beach which was fine. Plenty of beach chairs at the beach and by the pool areas, never an issue. We never had an issue with beach towels either, though near the end of the day around 5:00pm or so was when there were no more. Staff - We never encountered anyone who wasn't cheerful, friendly and helpful. They were great. Special thanks to the gentleman who cleaned our room, Yiemy who was wonderful in the buffet and and another wonderful woman in the lunch buffet by the beach but can't remember her name. But everyone was great. Entertainment - We caught only a couple of shows and if you get the chance to catch the "Circus of Dreams" you have to go, it was amazing. There are plenty of seats in the theater but you can see it from almost anywhere around the main lobby (Sunscape Bavaro) and after the show, just outside of the theater they have a DJ and some rockn' music. All in all we had a great time, great weather, just a few things I would change as mentioned above, but I really believe you get what you pay for and we did pay a low price for this week, so will I go back, probably not. I'd say it was comparable to Cuba but Cuba has much nicer beaches.

Riu Republica: Riu Republica

Hotel was very clean and service from staff was excellent. Extremely large resort but with lots of entertainment. Beach was sometimes difficult to use because of rough waters. Pools were well kept and very clean. Only one shop for such a large resort, but seemed adequate for any purchases required.

Punta Cana Princess: Excellent Hotel

Just returned from our stay and it was everything we wanted. Upon arrival the staff were polite, helpful and friendly. We never had to wait in line ups, the room was kept spotless, the food was tasty and nice variety. The beach was excellent for long walks and the pool area was fun but quiet compared to some places we have been. Would not hesitate to return to this hotel for a relaxing holiday.

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: Great Resort

The hotel was amazing!!! The staff was very nice especially our Maid Maria for room 9305. The rooms were clean and tidy and she made sure we had everything we needed. the restaurants were great especially the Lobster House. Although the Lobster was not included in the all inclusive it was well worth it that we ended up going there again for a second night. You get bread and butter, appetizer, soup, salad, the lobster with mashed potatoes and vegetables and dessert all for $20 US. You wont  [... read more]get that here in Canada or anywhere else for that price. Well worth it. The Windows restaurant (Buffet) was awesome!!! a lot of variety to choose from and their omelets for breakfast was to die for. Everything was delicious!!! We would definitely go again if the opportunity arises and I would definitely recommend this resort to family and friends. The only down part of the resort was the staff who pushed and tried to force you into buying time shares. BE CAREFUL!!!! its a scam and not worth your time. They will bug and bug til you give in so please don't give in to these pesky people!!!! Other than that, everything was AMAZING!!!!!

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: Amazing Resort

This was a fantastic choice. Rooms were very clean as are the grounds and washrooms. Loved it all. The staff work so hard to ensure your trip is enjoyable and the beaches are beautiful beyond words. One suggestion is to allow yourself more time to get through the airport. 3 hours was not enough.

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: A beautiful resort

Beautiful resort, with beautiful kept grounds. Three big pools, a lot of activities for small children. Good food, and great a la carte restaurants. Nice lobby upon arrival. We had a problem with our room and the next day we were switched to another with no problem.

Royalton CHIC Punta Cana: Great Hotel with lots to do.

Hotel was clean and food was also an A+. If you enjoy dancing and a great night life than this is the place. The fitness and activity team is very interactive and have lots of great work outs and games through out the day. Also bartendars and wait staff were very good. The only down fall is the time share staff that bother you frequently.

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Great resort!

Did not purchase Preferred Club so access to only one pool but it had great activities throughout the day given by an awesome entertainment team and even special shows in the afternoon such as a very entertaining and funny synchronized show. One buffet that was good with lots of variety and the five a la carte restaurants were very good. Japanese and French were our favourites. The nightly outside shows were the best we have seen in all the resorts we have made. Excellent dancing, fire show,  [... read more]magic show, acrobatic show etc. Our biggest complaint is how cold the air conditioning is at the buffet, in the lobby and in the Moments bar. So cold you don't want to stay in those areas. Very clean resort and rooms but mildew smell in room. Would need to install dehumidifier. Nonetheless, would return and recommend this resort.

Riu Republica: Nice resort

The rooms were very clean and beautiful on the new side. The grounds were good. The pool and area was clean. Entertainment at night was poor except the Michael Jackson show. Only one store on site. Food was so so. Waiters and waitresses some very nice others very serious. Will I return to that specific motel. Probably not. It is to small not enough to do. And beach was closes for 3 days do to the wind. Waves were dangerous.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana: 4.5-5- just missing that .5

This resort was great. Beautiful rooms, beautiful pools, gorgeous beach. However, the year before my boyfriend and i went to the moon palace resort in mexico and was blown away! We heard the hard rock resorts were similar so we booked with high expecations. There was nothing wrong with the hard rock but in comparison to Moon palace, it was always a close second in all areas. ( except beach) The food was good but not incredible like moon palace. The rooms were beautiful but need a face lift. th [... read more]e jacuzzi is clearly old and there is a very distinctive smell that was brought home with me. the resort is fairly big and rooms are far from the beach. The moon palace delivered chocolates to your room every night at 6pm and HR does not. - small thing but something i just loved from MP The staff is nice but not as friendly as moon palace. The pools were great but always very very busy. We had more room at MP The main difference and disappointment with HR compared to MP was the darkness of the resort. I suppose it's a "rock and roll thing" but the moon palace had such beautiful brightness with all the marble and open bright rooms- the main lobby bar is grogeous at MP and the hard rock- was again...fine but dark. so overall it was great and if i hadn't traveled to the moon palace first, i probably would have been blown away. i will say however, the beach is 10 times better than in MP mexico. we also got sucked into buying timeshares on our first day there- so we have our next 10 our with hard rock. not the end of the world, but i for sure have buyers remorse.