Catalonia Royal Bavaro: Black ocean, beautiful resort

Good: beautiful and peaceful, food, cat sailing, swimming, snorkeling, ambience around pools, lots of sun, beautifully groomed flowers and shrubs and lawns, evening music, natural fruit drinks, no crowds, fast service in restaurants, clean rooms, only 4 mosquitos over 1 week. Bad: ocean colored black, some food, language barrier with staff Ocean was 80% colored black and grey with 20% green spots . It was Very disappointing how many weeds there were in the ocean. By comparison the ocean at R [... read more]io palace Macao was mostly a beautiful green color. Staff removed large amounts of sea weed from beach every day. If beach/ocean view is your most important criteria you won't like this place; otherwise it was a very beautiful resort. Food, depends on what you choose some was poor (pork was always tougher than leather, steak at steak house in family resort next door) and some food was excellent (salmon, chicken, pizza, vegetables, fruit). Natural fruit drinks made on beach, ma loo drink is made from pineapple, banana, oranges and ice; was delicious. Swimming was good but the area you can swim in was small due to so many weeds, but there were no waves so you could swim. Adults only resort was peaceful with small crowds. By comparison the family resort beside us was very crowded and noisy. Snorkeling was good (don't expect coral reefs that you see on tv) due to very low waves, abundant weeds and rocks, there was living coral (20% alive) though with 1 star fish, 1 conch shell, sea urchins, lots of small and large colorful fish. Cat Sailing can be done every day since the water is more flat for a much larger distance off shore and there is always plenty of wind. There are lots of obstructions in the ocean which make cat sailing more difficult but you can sail right over most of the rocks and shallow areas since the rudder pops up and you just push the rudder back down quickly and continue sailing. Some hidden rocks are dangerous but your fine if you watch for them. By comparison Rio palace Macao had such strong winds and waves you could only sail half of the days. As you sail at least 1km away you see more areas of green water and less black ocean.

Occidental Caribe: Great Location

The hotel has been our selection in Punta Cana for several years. It is not the fanciest but is comfortable. The airport security has sicken us of ever returning to Punta Cana as items were stolen from my bag and then we were searched!

Iberostar Waves Punta Cana: Iberstor Punta Cana

The big benefit was the room close to the pooland the beach (no long walk or buggy ride !) For the cost and the perceived reputation ar Iberostar I expected a more "holiday" room versus a very basic room. There were no problems with the room but I was disappointed in the warm of the room. I wouln't discourage anyone from going there but I will fine something different the next time for myself. Happy with the foof and food service. Victor

Occidental Caribe: Beautiful property

The hotel was well situated which is why we chose it, the grounds were always well kept and clean, The food was great. The beach was one of the best in the area with little to no seaweed. The hotel staff gave us the feeling of entitlement, never went out of their way for anything you asked for or needed. 3 times in a week towels were forgotten, every day at the buffet, cutlery, water, coffee was a commodity and best retrieved at the bar before going in to sit down.

Occidental Punta Cana: Nice vacation

The resort itself is very beautiful and modern, especially with all of the rénovations being done. There is still a few areas to be updated, but this did not impact our trip. The food is excellent - 10 out of 10 for sure. Most of the staff are nice, but the service we found was very slow at times. We booked through Air Transat and were guaranteed one of the renovated rooms. When we were booked in, we got an older style room which was moldy feeling and damp. All of my clothes the next day felt w [... read more]et. We asked for three days to be moved to a new room, which finally we did after our trip was half over. The new rooms are really nice if you get one. I would recommend going to this resort after all renovations are done, or make sure to sure to speak to your Air Transat rep in advance before asking for a new room as they will get it for you a bit faster. There isn't a whole lot to do on the resort - we found ourselves going to bed pretty early due to lack of entertainment compared to other resorts we have gone to. We had to walk out on some of the shows as they were not great. Overall, the vacation and resort was nice, just a few things that we would have liked done differently. Oh and there is not much shade at the beach and there are no shelters, so we found we always had to move spots to find shade or be on the beach early to get a decent spot, otherwise you are forced to sit in the sun.

Bahia Principe Explore Turquesa: Our recent stay

We have visited the resort before so we knew what to expect. This visit was a bit different as it didn't star in a positive way. When we arrived it took them 45 minutes to have us checked in. The front desk clerk was so rude. None of our requests were considered or accommodated. As someone who does travel often I have to say this was the worst guest service we have ever received. Moving forward to our rooms. We had two. The ac didn't work in one and the bathroom door didn't close at all in the  [... read more]other. The safe didn't work making my husband go back and forth to the front desk ( as when he called he was directed to come down to talk to them) for 3 hours. Waiting for someone to reset it just for it not to work few minutes later. After getting moved 2 days later the shower was leaking in both rooms when someone was showering in the room above. I don't expect perfection but I think we would have overlooked a lot of the imperfections have we had a better experience at the front desk. On a positive note all the staff at the buffet, housekeeping and ground crew were just as amazing as we expected. Always smiling and willing to help if need be. Making this our second trip it might have been out last. Customers service is very important in my eyes and it really felt like the key people at the resort have a lot to learn from the staff that actually do the dirty work. Non of the management acknowledged us once but they sure were present, standing around with their arms crossed, staring at all the staff that were running around the buffet trying to serve all the guests.

Punta Cana Surprise: Hotel Chic was a Fantastic Resort - We Highly Recommend it!!

The hotel was a great size, not too big and not too small. The overall layout was fantastic as you didn't have to walk too far to get anywhere. The rooms were very nice and very clean. The staff were great - there was always something happening at the pools in the afternoon and everybody was encouraged to participate if they wanted to. The food was amazing! We highly recommend the steak house - it was so good we went twice for dinner. The beach was beautiful - you could walk forever! Overall  [... read more]a great vacation for adults who want to have fun and meet some great people!

Catalonia Bavaro Resort: Great Vacation

This was our first visit to the Dominion Republic. The resort was all that I had hoped for. the beach was awesome, with fine sand and clear waters. Although we didn't spend a lot of time at the pool ,it was well taken care of. The rooms were spacious and clean, with a well kept mini bar. I would absolutely to back to the Catalonia again.

Melia Caribe Beach Resort: Beautiful resort!

The Melia was a gorgeous resort. The grounds were beautiful. Plants and gardens everywhere. We enjoyed walking the many paths and taking wonderful pictures of the many ponds, fountains and wildlife. The food was amazing. Lots of variety and excellent meals. I can not think of anything I didn't enjoy. The beach was great! the whitest sand, so nice to walk on with bare feet. The accommodations were spacious. I found the bed very comfortable and the balcony was surrounded by a lovel [... read more]y garden. My only advice would be to bring your own hair dryer. I would definitely return for another vacation.

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Beach Resort: nightmare vacation

The grounds, pool, beaches, food and majority of the staff were incredible. the lack of accommodation on behalf of the hotel management was very disappointing. several serious events happened during my stay. due to malfunctioning equipment in the resort i suffered personal injury. they did take responsibility for the incidents but 5 days after arriving home they are yet to settle the situation. after promising compensation i have heard nothing from them. i do have photos and videos of the events [... read more] and can and will take action if needed. for being a 4 star resort i was very disappointed. would not recommend or return.

Riu Republica: OUTSTANDING HOLIDAY!!!

We just came back from a PERFECT week in Punta Cana. As recommended by Jennifer Collard, from Trip Central, we stayed at the RIU Republica and we were very impressed with the resort. Although it is quite large, it is very well designed, making everything very "centralized" and easily accessible. The entire resort is VERY clean (bedroom, dining areas, washrooms, grounds, beach), the service was outstanding and the food amazing. My husband and I have been to Punta Cana several times, one main reas [... read more]on being Bavaro Beach, which we fell in love with the our first time there, and which never disappoints - truly breathtaking; but we have to say that this year has been one, if not the best experience. We will surely go back to this location one day...if not next year. Thank you, Jennifer!

Occidental Punta Cana: Resort from Hell

first of all I have been down to Dominican pretty much every Year for the past 8, I normally stay in the Luxury Amber or their property. My Brother and his wife wanted to go to this Property, (Occidental Punta Cana) due to the fact is was their Anniversary I agreed to try it as long as we upgraded. So I was to go into a Superior room Preference Club, I then upgraded to the option Plus for the flights. when I arrived they wanted to see my document so I showed them from my phone, which they would [... read more] not accept ? I was confused documents where very legible do they think I stole the phone?. They told me to email them it, which I said no problem give me the wifi password which is supposed to be free for 1 hour a day in the Lobby, he said that he cannot give out the password and I must go to Guest services, which I did the woman there told me to enter my email address and password into her Computer through my Hotmail account, because she cannot give out the password, I did that and she said I will send confirmation to my phone??,I explained that unless I get wifi I cannot receive any emails (WTF) she then said I will call you ?? again I explained that my phone cannot receive call as there is no service on it, By this time I am very frustrated an asked if you are into my email on your Computer why can't you just email it to where you want it. she told me NO and go back to front desk, another 40 minute line up, to be told sir you need to go to Guest services and print a copy of the document , Again I explained that I was just there I thought I will just go to the room and deal with this later. hey put me in room 11 318 I refused to stay there 1. this room should be condemned smelt awful, 2. tub was all rusted 3. tiles on floor and wall in both areas was missing or cracked 4. bed was a shambles 4 Balcony looked like was going to fall down at any time. back to front desk I go. I told them under NO Circumstances would I stay in that room, they sent me to Guest Services, this so far is well over 2 hours of trying to check in, when I go over to Guest services I see and wait for the other guy (not the woman from before) as she was Brutal, I explained what has happened, and told I paid for upgrades, and that on their own map hut 11 is not an upgrade, he told me he needs a copy of the document for hotel, I once again explained he asked me for the confirmation number, I give it to him and he says he can print from that (all this time for that) he gives me a copy and again sends me to front desk to wait in line Again for 20-25 minutes,which they take the document and says Thank You and said it is all good now enjoy my stay. I lose and tell to gibe me what I paid for MY SUPERIOR ROOM IN THE PREFERENCE CLUB. She tells me I am in a room where I belong, I tell her that at Trip Central I called and asked the difference of first club and Preference and was told each airline calls it different name but same Package. She told me she had nothing available in which I asked for the Manager, in Which I had asked at least 12 times through this whole ordeal, However like the last 11 times the answer was no. I then said give me the portion of my payment that is used for the hotel as I want to leave, at the she said I cannot, so I told her in a louder voice the get me a pillow and blanket as I am going to sleep in the Lobby as I refuse to spend one minute in a room like that in which may have bed bugs by its looks. Well now she vanishes and comes back with a room in First Club 14-14107 but I cannot have the package that goes along with it (ie) First Club/Preference room or upgraded drinks, No Free Wifi . I tried to pay for Wifi at least 6 times but had to wait for the Manager? they kept telling me he will be back in 20 minutes well at least 4 hours went by I gave up. Day 2 I explain this all to the Air Transat Rep and all he says is looks like they put you where you belong but not the band or the First Club/Preference Club advantages, he says he will fix and see him later. I go for lunch with my Brother and his wife and learn that they also are in a room NOT FIRST CLUB/PREFERENCE we go for lunch and my sister-in-law gets ice cream with a (piece of wood with a screw in it), they quickly want to take, I however took a picture of it. after they took away I asked what is going to happen? he replied that he will deal with it , I asked how ? with no answer, so back to Air Transat rep, he takes us to guest services to get our rooms and Packages, but once they heard about the incident with the ice cream, they don't want to deal with us about anything, We asked to speak to Manager they said come back at 5pm, we have spent our whole time pretty much in the lobby between front desk and Guest Services approx. 27 hours or more. At 5 they wanted us to sign a 7 paragraph document without any explanation in which we were at fault for everything and if we tell anybody we can be facing law suit they would not even let us go 5 feet away to discuss in Private. we refused to sign as WE DID NOTHING WRONG othr that book this Resort from HELL. So in a nutshell paid money for upgrades =received none as I finally got WiFi and paid $50.00 US for it. HUTS 10,11,12,and 13 should not be used to cheat People out of there money if they paid upgrade. In the Middle of all of this they kept asking WHY we would book with Air Transat as if /should never come here with them???? the Bartenders in this Place needs to changed somewhere else because their service is the worst I have seen in the Dominican Tip or not they don't serve Waitresses were very good ( think in some cases I seen them behind the bar getting their own as probably would bet served otherwise the staff in the Buffet were very Good (Maria Guerrero) I should also mention that my Brother and hi wife never received their option plus as the both ways were removed from their assigned seats, we went to the Airport by taxi to get fixed on the way home, as we figured quicker than the bus, they told him that they will put him in a different seat with the longer leg room as he has really bad knees and that is why he upgraded this time. This did not happen I aske the Stewardess before take if 34 was longer legroom she said no and since it was apparent that People were goin to miss the flight can My Brother and wife move up to option plus by me 4 th row she told me she promised them to other People I asked shouldn't the option Plus receive if the are moved out first? She told me to contact Air Transat and they will reimburse, Confused me because 2 People ended up in the middle she gave 3 seats same row to a young couple with a infant that never once sat in between them, so 2 seats realistically were available but were given to 21/2 regular paying instead of having Transat pay money back and customers upset, There was also 2 seats in first class at the back went empty the whole flight. just seems like the Company lost money on that flight due to this Stewardess/and we should be allowed to change the box of snacks we pay in Option Plus for Pringle, always have in the past including going down to Punta Cana but was point blank refused on the way home, I should state their was NO arguing amongst us I just stated I have always changed in the past when I have flew with option Plus on every Transat flight I take usually 2 times or more a year, And am booked June 28 YYZ to Glasgow with the Plus

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Great Vacation

The beach is gorgeous! Water is crystal clear. Weather was fantastic. Very pretty resort. The gardens were very well kept. We stayed in building 66 close to the main lobby. Just a short walk to the pool and the beach. We enjoyed the music and the entertainment. The staff are amazing. Very friendly and they work very hard to keep everything organized. Had a great time!

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Beautiful resort

Just returned from a week stay at the beautiful Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda resort. This resort is a luxury by far, with extremely pleasant butlers, waiters - everyone was so kind and always greeted us with a smile. All the facilities were kept immaculate. We had a wonderful time and would definitely return.

Secrets Cap Cana: Best Vacation - Amazing Resort

This resort was absolutely amazing. You couldn't ask for better service and the food was perfect. The beach is incredible. We had every amenity you could think of. Wi-fi was available all over the resort with no interruptions. We had a swim-up room and used it a lot. We even had drink and food service delivered to us while we were in our pool. Our room and bathroom were very spacious. Our shower had double shower heads which was very cool. The only thing that we would fix would be the mini bar. [... read more] It was not cold at all. I would highly recommend this resort. This is our 4th visit to a secrets resort and was our favorite.

Melia Caribe Beach Resort: Huge resort

Hotel grounds were immaculate and the service was great. They actually have people ask you how the service is every day. We ended up upgrading to the Level-Adults only because we were placed in a room at the Melia Caribe Tropical in the building furthest from the beach. The bed was really uncomfortable (worn and lumpy) and there was a peacock that kept us up all night squawking. The Level was fantastic and the bed was of a higher grade - everything was - even the food and the service. We reall [... read more]y liked the Level it was close to the beach, pool, gym and food. Unfortunately I ended up paying double the price I would have paid at booking via Trip Central because I had to make the change at the resort and pay in USD instead of Canadian. I really wish someone had told us that the resort was so huge that you need to be transported by golf cart or train to get around. Honestly would have taken us 20 minutes to walk anywhere in the original room. We definitely would have not enjoyed our trip if we did not upgrade to the Level.

Ocean Blue and Sand: Wonderful Accessible Resort!

Ocean Blue and Sand - This resort has everything you could possibly want, and it is fully Wheel Chair Accessible!! The staff were amazing and ready to do anything to make your stay memorable! My husband is a quadriplegic and we had requested ahead of time for an accessible room, this was granted right away with no issues. This is not our first travel down south and believe it or not it can be quite a task obtaining an accessible room even after you have requested it well in advance. The buff [... read more]et restaurants were just as good as the a la carte however we loved the Steak House the best. The breakfast options were plentiful and included many different options. We spent our days by one of the two huge and beautiful pools on the property. The water was very warm and the swim up bars were great. There was always fun activities going on by the pool and we were not once bored our entire stay there. We would recommend this resort to our family and friends.

Ocean Blue and Sand: Very disappointed

The resort customer service is not good at all. We were not greeted properly staff ignored questions. The resort wifi did not work including the reception desk tops. The ac did not work and made a funny noise. The beach was small dirty and not the same as the pictures. No entertainment. The rooms smell and beds were uncomfortable. We have to pay extra money to switch resorts and I was not happy. I will not recommend anyone to this resort. Thanks to our transat rep he was awesome and helped us ge [... read more]t out of that situation. We stayed at this resort less than 24 hours before we left.

JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar: Amazing Resort

What a beautiful resort . Rooms were spacious! Grounds were lush! Beach was amazing . The food was delicious , from the a la carts to the Buffett . It never felt crowded ! The staff so very helpful . My favourite resort so far

JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar: great time at the Grand in DR

We loved this resort. It is beautiful. Not far from the airport is a bonus. The lovely back porch is a great place to sit outside in the evening, although I thought the entertainment was very limited. A very quiet resort. Five a la carte restaurants were good to excellent. The beach is stunningly beautiful. Great pools too. The liquors are all top shelf. Rooms were fine, and well stocked. I didn't care much for the butlers, not too too helpful. -had to ask 3 times for things before th [... read more]ey were received. I booked my own dinner reservations from home prior to leaving and reaffirmed them one week prior. The grounds are lovely and a walk through the adjoining Iberostar resorts is a nice walk. A good place to relax and unwind for sure.