Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: excellent food, terrible entertainment

beautiful resort, definitely worth upgrading to luxury don Pablo section. unlimited a la cart's made all the difference. Service often slow, majority of staff unfriendly, poor nightly entertainment and major insect bites. Do not stay on first floor.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: CONTENT, SATISFIED, WILL RETURN

THE HOTEL HAS OVER 800 ROOMS ON 5 FLOORS. THE ROOMS WERE CLEAN ANS SPACIOUS. THE GROUNDS WERE WELL TAKEN CARE. THERE WERE 4 RESTAURANTS APART THE LARGE AND SMALL BUFFET STYLE DINING ROOMS . THE SNACK BAR ON THE BEACH WAS HEAVENLY.OUT OF THE 4 ( NON BUFFET ) RESTAURANTS CONSIDERING QUALITY OF FOOD AND SERVICE 1 RATED (A) 2 RATED (B) AND 1 RATED (C) THE LARGE BUFFET DINING ROOM IS LIKE ALL OTHER RESORTS A ZOO PEOPLE OVER DISHING THEIR PLATES A LARGE SELECTION OF FOOD TO MATCH ALL PALATES AND OBVIO [... read more]USLY VERY NOISY.HOWEVER, THE SMALLER DINNING ROOM ONLY FOR ADULTS WAS MUCH BETTER AND SLIGHTLY HIGHER QUALITY AND BETTER SERVICE. THE BEACH SUITED US PERFECTLY. NO WAVES, YOU CAN WALK A LONG DISTANCE IN THE WATER BEFORE IT REACHES YOUR NECK. WARM, CLEAN YOU CAN SEE THE SAND PLENTY OF BEACH CHAIRS PLENTY OF SHADE BUT DO NOT EXPECT TO WALK ON THE SAND FOR HOURS TO COME. IT IS SMALL.AROUND 15 MINUTES EACH WAY FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER.THE BEACH WAS IDEAL FOR TODDLERS. THE SWIMMING POOL WAS LARGE AND COMFORTABLE. BARS ALL OVER WHICH MADE IT SIMPLE TO HAVE A DRINK. THERE WAS AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR ALL PREMIUM WHISKY AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BUT VERY REASONABLE. BUT, THE WINES IN THE DINING ROOM OTHER THAN THE HOUSE WINE SOME WERE OVER PRICED. ALL TIPS WERE APPRECIATED YES THERE WERE A FEW INCIDENTALS WHERE WE HAD TO CALL HOUSEKEEPING BUT IT IS EXPECTED WITH SUCH A LARGE RESORT. DEFINITELY THEY NEED A NEW ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER. DURING 4-8 PM WHERE PEOPLE GATHER AROUND THE LOUNGE TO HAVE A DRINK EITHER THERE WAS NO MUSIC AND IF THERE WAS IT WAS BAD. THE 4 RESTAURANTS THEY CAN EASILY HAVE A PERSON WITH A GUITAR OR A VIOLIN GOING AROUND THE TABLES TO SET THE ROMANTIC MOOD WITH THE SUNSET. AS FOR THE EVENING ENTERTAINMENT, THEY ARE 20 YEARS BEHIND TIMES. ONE UNFORTUNATE INCIDENTS WHICH I FOUND VERY POOR REACTION IN BEHALF OF MANAGEMENT. MY WIFE HAD AN UNFORTUNATE AND SEVERE FALL IN A DINING ROOM HITTING HER HEAD ON THE MARBLE FLOOR VERY HARD( THE FLOOR WAS SLIPPERY BECAUSE OF OIL ). THE IMMEDIATE RESPONSE BY THE STAFF OF THE DINING ROOM WAS AMAZING THEY SUPPLIED ICE AND EVEN BROUGHT A WHEEL CHAIR AND EVEN WANTED TO CALL A NURSE AFTER FIFTEEN MINUTES WE LEFT . BUT, WE HAD NO RESPONSE FROM THE MANAGEMENT THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FIND OUT IF EVERYTHING WAS FINE. VERY DISAPPOINTED MY SECOND DISMAY WAS THE COST OF A MASSAGE 120 DOLLARS FOR 50 MINUTES. I WILL BE CRITICAL; MY ARGUMENT IS: MINIMUM WAGE IN MONTREAL IS $10.10 AN HOUR AND WE PAY AROUND $75 .FOR ONE HOUR MASSAGE. IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. HAD IT BEEN $50 BOTH MY WIFE AND I WOULD HAVE HAD 2 HOURS EACH. THAT IS $200 REVENUE FOR THE HOTEL VERSUS 0. I CHECKED THE RATES FOR FEBRUARY I FOUND IT OVERLY PRICED. FOR THE SAME PRICE I CAN SPEND THOSE 2 WEEKS ANYWHERE IN SOUTH AMERICA. THANK YOU JACK KALAYDJIAN

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Great Vacation

Bahia Principe Punta Cana was a great resort, the people were extremely friendly, large suites, walking distance to the wonderful beaches, good flight, great food except they use too much salt for me which resulted in swollen feet and legs making it uncomfortable for me. I still would go back.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Amazing resort

My wife and I just got bad a week ago and was one of he best resorts we been too , this was our 1st time in Jamaica and loved every minute of it, the staff were friendly and was even more better when they spoke English very well, not like in Dominican where we spent most of our vacation they did understand you has well, we can't wait to go bad with the rest of our family next year

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Fantastic!

Hotel was great! People were great! Food was great- Lots of variety! Beach was warm, the pool was warm,the sun was warm! Our room was great! View of the beach from balcony. Grounds were spotless. Lots of nightly entertainment.

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: It was the perfect vacation!

The grounds were clean, the staff was exceptionally helpful! Paula at the guest service had great recommendations which helped make out trip better. The food was much better than expected and all the staff was positive. The rooms were very spacious and comfortable. Me and my boyfriend never had any problems on our trip, it couldn't have been more perfect even though there was a major storm that came upon is all the staff were helpful in making all the guests feel comfortable in an otherwise scar [... read more]y situation.

Cayo Levantado Resort: Paradise

First time visit to this resort and have nothing but good things to say about our trip. The location is perfect, the hotel is fantastic, food and cocktails are amazing but the service is outstanding. Pure paradise for anyone who is looking for luxurious and peaceful retreat.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Lovely Resort and very pleasant workers!!

Grounds were very well kept as well as public areas. Dining Rooms were very clean as well. Food was better than I was expecting. However, our hotel room shower would not drain properly. But all in all I would return to the Ambar!!!

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: Average Resort

Rooms were average, bathrooms were not the greatest. Did not have running water one day, showers leaked....definately needed some renovations. Hallway carpets smelled horrible. When I spoke to front desk about moving to the newer section, she told me that children were not allowed in the new section, so that was the only location available to my family. I wish I new this upon booking, because I would have chose an alternate resort. Nightly entertainment as quite boring (pre shows were more enter [... read more]taining). Pool entertainers were great and food was great. Overall, an average resort.

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Good value

We visited September 19-26 through Air Transat with access to the Royal Golden Club. This was our second visit. The first time was in the first year it had opened without kids and we had a great time. The hotel seems to have become more family friendly so we decided to come here again with our kids (5 & 1) rather than try out another place. We booked last minute and got an excellent deal. It was excellent value for what we paid. The transfer to the hotel was direct- no stops other than the hote [... read more]ls connected with the resort. We got to the hotel around 11 and rooms were not ready until 3pm. We expected this and packed our swim suits in our carry ons. We checked in, had some lunch got some towels and headed to the water park for a few hours. We did email ahead of time and ask for a third floor room with two beds. We got a second floor room in villa 28B which was fine. I didn't realize the sofa turned into a bed and they had brought a play pen for the baby to sleep in which meant we no longer needed the two beds. They're a little smaller than a double and not comfortable for two adults IMO. It took two days for them to come and switch it back to a king because a mattress topper wasn't available. Not a big deal, except every time I called about it (about 4 times) they would say someone was coming soon but they really weren't. The room was fine. Lots of space for a family of four. Concrete solid balconies on the second and third levels so the kids can play out there without working about loosing any toys. The way the shower was set up, water ended up on the floor sometimes. The spot where the make up mirror was placed was a bit dim. We booked this trip last minute and did not get to make our restaurant reservations in advanced and getting into our choice of restaurants was tough- especially since we only wanted earlier seatings. We ended up getting into the Frutos Del Mar, the japanese, the gourmet in tulum and the Mediterranean. The first time we went the Japanese was not available at all while we were there, on the third day a spot opened up. The Brazilian was not available at all while we were there. The gourmet restaurant in Tulum was our favourite. I think think the variety of food available could use some work in the Coba buffet. Yes, you can visit other restaurants which do have other options. Some of the theme nights didn't quite work- canadian night- there were beaver tails made and american night had doughnuts for dessert. Mexican night and the gala nights were good. I was getting tired of it by the last day. We had a few lunches and Akumal and Tulum depending on where we were that day. Akumal had coconut shrimp a few times which I never saw at Coba. The service could have been a bit more attentive in the buffet. Sometimes there was a wait for coffee/drinks. Not a deal breaker- especially for the price. By the end of the week they were doing surveys each night at things picked up. The drinks were strong. Didn't feel like I was drinking anything watered down. The bartenders in the golden club were our favourite. We usually had a spanish coffee in the lobby each evening. We were close to the Golden Lobby which was convenient for one of us to head to for drinks once the kids were in bed. We watched the dolphin show. It's 15 minutes. I was happy it was free. My 5 year old had a great time at the kids club. When we compared our days he always did more than us- olympic games on the beach, visiting the water park or beach planting trees on the beach, decorated t-shirts, making bracelets, watched movies etc. They also took them to lunch. We ran into the group a few times and the caregivers were definitely doing a good job. They also had evening activities at 8 for the kids- a parade, show, disco, face painting and balloons. Occasionally there were people dressed up in the buffet. One day when it rained they had a DJ and people dressed up in the lobby to keep kids entertained. They loved the waterpark. We spent more time there that I thought we would. There is always someone supervising it. They shut it down one day when a baby #2'd in the park. There are also a couple of kids swimming pools. There are free yoga classes at Tao at 8 am each day on the resort property in addition the gym and offerings at the hotels. We like big resorts with villas and walking for a bit to get to things. It's a good way to work off the food. The grounds and garden were lovely. We knew it's not right on the beach. We had no issues walking the 10 minutes with the stroller or taking the trolley if needed. The beach is huge. The coba area was the nicest but had some rocks. The Akumal area had more stuff from the sea but was shallow for a longer stretch. The beach is very kid/non swimmer friendly. Overall it was a very relaxing trip. We will try another part of the mayan riveria if we go here again but would recommend this hotel- especially if you get a good deal!

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Great Adults Only Resort

We enjoyed a relaxing vacation at Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar. The grounds are beautifully kept. The rooms are spacious, bed comfy, really enjoyed the Jacuzzi. Everything is within easy walking distance. ie from lobby to room to pool to beach. Great bar service by the pool and on the beach. Room service was prompt but limited. We enjoyed 4 a la cartes, but found the buffet food outstanding. You can't go wrong with this amazing resort. We are already looking to book The Ambar for January. This ha [... read more]s become our favourite vacation resort.

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Soooooo Nice!

We stayed from Oct 4-11 and enjoyed everything about it. Location is excellent - so close to Tulum Ruins, X-El Ha, Akumal Beach, and Playa Del Carmen that you can take public transport! The resort is very clean and well maintained and all of the staff friendly and eager to please without appearing as though their fishing for tips. All of the guests from around the world who we met were just as impressed. Muchas Gracias. Volveremos!

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Amazing resort nothing short of AWESOME!!!

This resort was amazing for all ages from our children who loved the waterpark, shows and characters, to ourselves enjoying the pools, ocean and well-kept beach and entertainment! Grounds and hotel were very well kept and clean at all times. Food was good with a great selection. A la cartes were great as well. Staff went over and above to make you happy and this trip was definitely worth the money and this resort was one for the memory books!

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Beautiful resort!

We visited this resort in September, weather was hot ,beaches are beautiful, water crystal clear,you can see all the fishes swimming next to you.Food was excellent and plenty in buffet .Resort is very big,we enjoy walking in beautiful surroundings every evening after supper,we visit all 3 resorts and they all beautiful , very clean,people very friendly, services were outstanding.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Beautiful beach

I went to this hotel with 2 of my adults daughters as we were looking for a week of rest and relaxation: the objective was attained ! The property is very clean and the beach is easily accessible. We took a long walk one day and thoroughly enjoyed it. The food was fine and I would recommend the Orquidea.

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Grand Bahia Principe

We had a very beautiful experience, The food was ok, the rooms and décor was very good and our overall experience was amazing.Only one staff member looked kind of mad but our Airport experience going out of Punta Cana was horable. They hassle us even for one pound overweight. Thank you very much. Chandra.

Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica: we'll definitely go back to Gran Bahia Principe

we had a great stay, all was wonderful- the only thing I can comment on is the travel distance from airport to the resort- its quite long. water was very clear, hotel and grounds very clean, staff were friendly and helpful. Food and service was excellent.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Perfect Vacation ***** 5 Star service all the way

I love everything about this resort..from the amazing manicured grounds, to the breath taking beachfront..Staff there is absolutely amazing VIP service no matter where you are on resort!! 5 stars all the way!!

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Best Vaca Ever!!!

What a wonderful time. food, accomodations, staff, everything was exceptional.. We have been to numerous places down south, and this was certainly one of the best. The staff actually enjoy what they do. You never felt like they were being nice for the tips. They were just genuinely nice. One of friends travelling with us unfortunately broke her ankle and the staff and medical staff were incredible..Couldnt have had better service. definitely going back

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda

Beautiful resort, excellent food and drinks, very professional and super nice people working in the resort. The beach is one of the bests we've seen. We will be back for sure, We were in the building 90, which is the closest to the beach, Shuttle service very good if you want to go to Bavaro or Punta Cana lobby, as Esmeralda lobby is closed at 11:30 PM.