Amazing location

Beautifully located with a gorgeous view of the bay and islands from the balcony of our room and practically from all other places in the hotel, including the restaurants and the buffet. Nice decor throughout the hotel. Friendly service . If there was a problem it was promptly taken care of. I definitely want to recommend that hotel to anyone.

Amazing view and beautiful resort

The hotel was immaculate. Staff friendly and helpful and courteous. We were surrounded by the ocean and we could see the ocean from our room. The food in the restaurants were very good with great presentation. The food in the buffet was good as well. The entertainment was great and presented in a professional way.

AWESOME Hotel, Staff and Scenery! June 1-8 2019

The 5 STAR reviews we read before we booked were correct! We read about the great staff, the cleanliness, the gorgeous views and they were right! We would definitely go back again. We have told all our friends to go here! The scenery is so lush and beautiful! We could not get over how beautiful the property was. It was like Fantasy Island! The rooms are lovely, we had an ocean front room of the main hotel, which are slightly larger than the standard rooms in the same building. The views from ou [... read more]r balcony were gorgeous of the beach, pool, elevator and the bridge to no where! The rooms have a stocked bar, but only pop, beer and water, which was fine by us. The King beds are very firm, but we loved ours. The room has a safe and large closets, but not many hangers. There is a TV, but we never used it. The bathrooms are roomy and very elegant with a bidet. Our room was cleaned twice a day, as they have a turn down service. Everywhere you looked was clean or being cleaned. We enjoyed a beautiful and very romantic couples Spa treatment. We had a romantic Jacuzzi and then a massage and facial. One of the best ever! The Beaches were well maintained and very clean, especially the big one out front. There were always more than enough chairs and umbrellas or trees to sit under. The water was cool and refreshing and just enough of a wave, not overpowering. The bar was convenient and had a few table and chairs around it along with washrooms. On the other side of the elevator was the sports and equipment area, I never went, but I saw people having fun with the Banana boat rides or equipment they had there. The main pool is beautiful up on the lush cliff and very clean, with a pool bar and access to washrooms. This is where you get your soft large blue beach towels. They have a water fall there and games are played on the pool deck, like Bingo. Lots of lounge chairs and no one saves chairs here or at the beach, so you can always get one. The elevator to the beach was intriguing and we loved the views from the bridge of the elevator. There are windows and its a glass elevator, so you watch the ocean as you ride the elevator. The elevator in the hotel is the same and you watch the pool while you ride it. The nightly entertainment had a great variety and you had a lovely view of Samana while you watched. I have been to resorts where its the same entertainers, but different dancing, this was so much better, with different entertainers every night, like a Circus, or Latin dancing, Karaoke, lounge singers, bands and International dancing. They also bring in some local people to sell their wares. Nothing is forced on you and you are not bothered by the staff to participate in the shows. We loved attending these nightly shows. The breezes were so cool coming off the land and the setting under the tent or on the patio with white wicker furniture was beautiful. The main restaurant closes breakfast at 10:30am so you must go to the Snack Bar, down the hill, which is okay, as the large golf carts were always going back and forth. We never had to wait for one, especially if you asked for someone to call them. The snack bar was beside another pool, more Jacuzzis than pool and some Cabanas and the natural beach and back-bay, which we enjoyed one day chatting with some other Canadians, who also loved the resort. The specialty restaurants - Le Pescadar -seafood, and the Viva Dolce- Italian - were delicious, we had the seafood lasagna and then the seafood saute and we were very pleased each night. The Snack bar had delicious pizza, salad, fruit and hot dogs. The main restaurant was hit or miss, we could always find something to eat, but not everything was great, also we are not in Canada, so we had made to order omeletes for breakfast, stayed away from any meat, and enjoyed the rest of the food. In the restaurants the staff was very attentive and our glasses were never empty. The Staff are awesome and made our trip even better because of their friendliness and big smiles - A shout out to - Front desk - Eduard and Laura, Concierge - Juan Shepherd, Lobby bar - Manuel, Spa - Lairilyn, Elsa, Yively and Sara, Restaurants - Dady, Ramon, Aneury, Junior, Erik, Mercedes and Barbara, Entertainment - Lewis. These people shined very bright and made a difference in our holiday, but ALL the staff were amazing! Only three things happened that may have been an issue anywhere else, but we were so happy with everything we couldn't imagine being upset, beside we aren't in Canada, these things can happen: (1) The A/C didn't work for the first 3 days and when it did it wasn't chilly, but it cooled us off, I enjoyed listening to the waves crashing on the beach and the breeze coming in our room these few days: (2) A part of the pool deck needed renovation half way through the week, but the pool was still used and the work was quiet after the few hours one late afternoon, where they had to use a jack hammer, and (3) We didn't have hot water one day, I like cool showers! But again these are one offs and can happen anywhere. I hate to say it again, but we aren't in Canada! FYI - The bridge to nowhere was built many years ago to facilitate the people watching the Canadian Humpback whales that migrate there every mid-January to mid-March and frolic in the bay outside the hotel. I will be back to see that. A shout out to Westjet Premium service on board, we truly enjoyed the experience and the Tapas type of meal, along with the little extras. It also included our baggage fee and seat selection fee, so it was a good deal. A shout out to Luis, the Westjet representative in Samana, he was very helpful as we called him later one night and he helped us, saying call anytime. He always had a smile. He sells the tours at your meet and greet. We really enjoyed our tour with RL Tours - Raffi was our guide and he was awesome. We took the Playa Rancon and Safari tour which we loved. We had children sing their national anthem to us, in their classroom, and then we visited a lovely family farm and ate mango and passion fruit off the trees, bought some cheap local honey, coffee, Mamawhana, rum, cocoa etc. Then a lovely lunch looking over the bay of Rincon Beach. We spent two hours on the beautiful beach, we rented an umbrella and chairs for $8.00USD total, soaking in the crystal green-blue waters on the whitest beach - 6Km- National Geographic says its the 4th best beach in the world, then down the other end of the beach for a dip in the natural fresh water pool. The tour was $90.00USD each and worth it. They had a somewhat professional photographer with us and we were able to get some great shots of us for $60.00CAD prepaid and we got the email with the pictures the next day. They were actually very good of us, but I thought we would also get the pictures of our surroundings, so I am working with them on that. We will always remember this awesome week and the friendly people!

Beautiful scenery

Rooms: clean. The view from the rooms with view on the ocean are breathtaking. Fantastic to hear the sound of the waves from your balcony. Staff : I can see that they are very hardworking people. The problem comes if you don't speak Spanish. Most staff ( buffet staff, resto à la carte ) do not speak English. Maybe because of this language barrier, it appeared to me that staff were not friendly. No smiles. No effort to communicate with tourists. I felt a bit ignored. Of course, there [... read more] are some who make an effort. I can count them on one hand 😞. Food : very good. Overall, I did have a great vacation. I am used to the warmth of mexican people and people from Roatan. I was not expecting their not so friendly ways. Despite this, I would go back because of the landscape and mostly because you can snorkel right from the beach .

10 out of 10

This resort was beautiful ! The staff was very friendly. also, the food was great. Thank you Danielle Friel for suggesting this resort. I highly recommend this vacation resort. This trip was not expensive . It was great value for the dollar.

When can I go back?!!!!

From the moment we booked with Trip Central to the last day of our holiday we could not have been more pleased with the experience. The resort provided amazing service,views,entertainment and food. We had a few issues with room and was happy to see problems resolved immediately. They would always follow up after to ensure we were pleased. If you dont want to do alot of walking or stairs then know the Golden Club and Villas are away from main resort. They do offer shuttles and just a quick call  [... read more]they will come. The resort offered space for quiet pool or Beach to another area with lively pool and beach. The beach area is not large but never a shortage of chairs. Lewis and his entertainment team are one of the best I have seen. The Disco and night life is pretty uneventful. So if u looking for some loud and late night excitment maybe rethink this resort. So pleased with this holiday. Truly cannot think of anything negative. ..

Scenic Resort

Lovely, clean, small resort! Excellent buffet and a la carte restaurants! Very scenic location and not too far from the airport. Entertainment in the Lobby Bar every evening and activities at both the beach and main pool daily. The beach is small but there is no problem finding a lounger. The staff is friendly and works hard to meet your needs. Lots of stairs and walking - challenging for those with mobility issues. A great stay!

Picturesque Resort!

The resort was very clean , grounds well kept. We had a Junior Suite which was very nice and well cleaned everyday. Fridge was stocked everyday . Buffet was good , no complaints and so were the a la cartes as we are not picky eaters. The only down fall was the walking , built on a cliff. So if you are in the Junior Suites a lot of stairs to the main building. They do have cart system available.

Grand Bahia cayacoa

I stayed at this resort with my partner and overall we had a great time. Cons: buffet restaurant and entertainment weren’t the greatest and there are a lot of stairs at this resort. We stayed in a villa which made it much further away from everything but they also have shuttles running if you’re interested. Pros: great a la Carte restaurants, beautiful views, lots to do and many different areas and things to explore at this resort. I would recommend this resort.

Amazing resort. The architect is unbelievable.

I love the resort, up on a mountain. The view was beautiful, my room was over looking at the beach and the ocean was so calm and beautiful with other islands. It was a very different resort than what I stayed at before. I love the views from the pools overlooking the ocean, it was amazing. When I same the elevator to go down to the beach, I thought it was unbelievable beautiful. I enjoyed my stayed and recommended it to some of my coworkers and family. It is a very nice resort. I am gla [... read more]d I choose Samana at the Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa.

Clean resort with attentive staff

This resort is spotlessly clean! Our housekeeper spent about an hour everyday in our room cleaning everything - mopping the floor, wiping down the mirrors, making sure everything worked, etc.The staff were always busy taking care of guests and asking if we needed anything. The grounds were beautiful and well kept. We saw the bellboy polishing the elevator doors til they gleamed.

Beautiful Resort

The resort had the most beautiful views, just breath taking. Staff went above and beyond with their service and kindness. Food is amazing. The resort is spotless. Rooms were beautiful and beds were comfy. Loved it!!!

Great vacation!

We usually go to the Cayo Levantado but wanted to try something a little different this time. We were glad that we did. For the price point, the resort was perfect. Great views, good food, good service. It was a very relaxing holiday and look forward to going back.

Great Escape

Beautiful resort. Great staff. Great food. Nice room. Shuttles were very fast and efficient. Main pool was very nice. Main beach was also a nice place to be. The smaller beach was great because everything around it was natural and it was a nice quiet place to spend time. Royal Golden services were below par as compared to the Royal Golden at El Portillo. Hardly ever saw an employee in the RG room.

Just What The Doctor Ordered!

I’ve been eyeing this hotel for some time and I’m super happy I decided to book! If your looking for a super relaxing getaway look no further. The hotel is less than 300 rooms so it’s not crazy crowded. The grounds are beautifully maintained and the Samana Bay is spectacular to look at. I definitely recommend a sea view; was on the second floor overlooking the gazebo and the bridge to nowhere. The room was very clean, Angela in housekeeping was very attentive (asked for additional bath tow [... read more]els). The food was great; lots of selection and of course your everyday standards; hot dogs, hamburgers and fries. The entertainment team works super hard and loves engaging with the guests; Marcus, Lewis and Yasmin are ROCK STARS! There was bridge maintenance going on during the day but it did NOT impact our relaxing time at the pool or access to the beach. I LOVE that there are so many different areas to this hotel; larger busier pool, small but beautiful beach, LOTS OF STAIRS (free shuttle if you can’t walk), shallower tanning pools and then the smaller swimming pool. The A La Carte restaurants were very good; my favourite was El Pescador (seafood). During our vacation there were very few children; it’s not really a kids hotel. I truly enjoyed my weeks vacation and highly recommend Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa...I will defiantly return!

Principe cyacoa

very unique very picturesque resort...spotless...friendly staff everywhere...food good you could always find something... few negatives...beach small but clean...beds bad....buffet food needs to be hotter in warming trays....stay away from rooms facing courtyard and town....very loud nightly entertainment....request sea view rooms...spectacular!!

Perfect vacation

Hotel was very clean, staff were amazing and friendly. Food was very good with lots of variety and the presentation was great. Room was nice and clean. Five minute walk to town either by the road or the beach. Very easy to book restaurants and excursions.

Great vacation!

Overall, we had a great vacation at this resort. It certainly isn't overly luxurious but it's nice and clean and great value for the money! The pools are gorgeous and they make the best of the small beach that is available. We loved that it is so close to town and we ventured there a few times during our stay. The food is as good as any all inclusive I have been to.

Breathtaking views and selection of food

So many areas to walk around, on grounds, lots of stairs. Clean, manicured and friendly staff. close to town, vendors too aggressive in town. Excursions were jam packed full of culture. Tour guides were very knowegeable of history and surroundings.

Great Stay

The hotel was kept clean! We had great service & weather. The bed is hard as a rock & things are quite noisy in the main building! The pool is great & the workers at the beach were working continuously to keep the seaweed at a tolerable level for guests. Both we really enjoyed! We did the zip lining excursion highly recommend! If up for an adventure check out Samana’s Ecological Treehouse ! Such a cool spot ! Also we did a catamaran experience which led us to Cayo laventado ! One of the bes [... read more]t beaches I have ever seen ! White sand & clear water ! We did enjoy the spa but I would not recommend doing their hydrotherapy spa here - i wouldn’t even be saying it’s a hydrotherapy spa... really just a sauna. There is a lot of walking but honestly it’s great especially since you are indulging all week! All staff was great ! Food was decent also ! Great deal for what we paid! Nothing of Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa - but our airline provider Air Canada Rouge was what I consider ‘subpar’. If you do not have to fly with this company , then do not. Staff was friendly but everything else subpar.