Riu Palace Punta Cana: Great Resort with some

Our vacation at this resort was great! We had a great vacation -- amazing service, the people are friendly, and lots of food and drink.....you didn't even have to get off your lawn chair (either at the beach or the pool), and you were served! For such a big resort, it was well maintained, kept clean (dining, lounging, and bathroom areas, including the grounds). The food was excellent.....there is something for all types, so try all the restaurants. We went to the Japanese, Italian, the Ste [... read more]akhouse, and the buffet. We didn't have to reserve to go to the a la carte restaurants and we could go as many times as we wanted....so we took advantage of that. We have no complaints in that regard. Our room was not up to our standard (for what we paid) - it had a very bad smell and we overlooked the next resort and street and parking lot and the noise (evening entertainment) from the other resort was annoying. And, horns blowing early in the morning (4:00ish). And, when we asked to be moved, they wanted to charge us another $35 US / night (that's $245.00 US or $318.5 CAN)....for something we thought we had already paid for. We felt our demands were not met by Trip Central and doubt we will book a trip through them again. As we spoke to several other couples, everyone had a cheaper rate and they all had the nicer rooms. One thing you will find at this resort, is that the rooms have a very bad smell - like a musky basement smell and you can't seem to get rid of it. But, the rooms were otherwise roomy, very clean, and up-to-date. The nightly entertainment was not the greatest. In fact, one night people were walking out.....we didn't go to two of them. The daily activities were only around the pool from what we could see or understand. We had 3 days of severe wind, etc., and no activities were planned because of it -- there should be an alternate plan (due to weather) -- these could be planned in the main lounge area or something so that we (the guests) have something to do (take it indoors). I didn't want to go up to my room because I had no view and it smelled. There was also the smell of sewer backup from outside in our room. One thing I would recommend with this resort is get rid of the vendors on the beach.....every two minutes they were bugging you. When I want to relax, I don't need someone coming up to me, whistling and trying to sell me stuff. For such a big resort and such a great distance on the beach, I recommend the Riu create a 'beach shop area' - set up tables, etc., for these 'outside' vendors.....they are walking around in that heat with all of their products/materials - unreal, and not pleasant to see when I want to relax! Put them all in one area, let the guests go to them if they want to buy something - quit bugging the guests. As for me, I just let on I was sleeping or something.....I was there to simply relax and unwind. There was never a shortage of beach lounge chairs on the beach or at the pool. And, no shortage of towels either.

TRS Turquesa: Awesome Resort

This resort was fabulous so much to see and very entertaining, clean great hospitality such an overall great experience. I would recommend this resort to all aged. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

Occidental Punta Cana: Ok Resort

All in all I can say I had a great vacation, staff is slow especially on checkin, at the main lobby bar Leandro was the man, and in the buffet, Franklin Cedano, and Roberto, you guys rock.. but would I come back to this resort.. NO

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana: Great resort

Was very good.. of course staff is at times slow or unsure .. promise to get back to us then don't..but pretty good resort..now you want 200 characters... see that bothers me.. ...... don't have the time or patience!!!!

Ocean Blue and Sand: Disappointed!!

The hotel and food was great however, the atmosphere and employees of this resort were non existent! Not available when called, or booked! Not happy in their work or tourists was very evident throughout our stay! Will not recommend nor stay at this resort again and I have travelled for eight years within the DR staying at numerous resorts (including repeat resorts).

Riu Bambu: Average Resort

This is the 3rd RIU have been to and we were a little disappointed. Food and drinks were great, however the accommodations were not so much. We were in a building that faced the driveway between this resort and another - lots of traffic at night and early morning. There were wheel barrels outside our patio area for the entire stay. Also, the grounds leading back to our room were never kept up. There was garbage and actual dinner plates in one of the garbage cans for the entire stay. I can't [... read more] say I think about the entire resort - it appeared neat and tidy. We just found it strange that the garbage cans outside of the units were not cleaned out daily. Did this effect our trip - no, however it did not leave a good impression. We did require medical attention of which was excellent and appreciated. We had to take a taxi to the hospital and this was handled wonderfully.

Occidental Punta Cana: Not great

The new renovation to most of the rooms were nice and clean. As for the service very poor on the most part and the food and drinks were not great. The pools are great and the beach is beautiful. This was our second visit and since it has changed owners would not recommend.

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: Bavaro Beach - Adults Only - Geat Relaxing Location - Sandy, Shallow and Warm Sea

Pros: The Adult Only rooms [Bavaro Beach - S. side of resort] have been modernized and are very spacious. We got to experience both types of rooms types [Palace side - first - then Bavaro Beach side last] when we requested another room because they could not fix the phone which rang intermittently in the early hours of the morning 3 or 4 time each of the first two nights we spent there. The Beach side of the resort tends to be much quieter. Great food and A La Carte restaurants. Caribe Restauran [... read more]t is the main destination for your meals with a good selection [get the crepes or order your eggs any way you want]. Chez Gourmet and La Brisa was unbelievable for quality of food and presentation. The wait staff were friendly and efficient. La Brisa is open for lunch at 11AM offering a full bar which the Caribe does not offer - they serve wine and Le Presidente draft beer only at all meals. Friendly staff - Guest Services is an amazing group of people. Poolside and foyer wait staff were very attentive, but be aware that they DO accept tips. Exchange your $US for $1 bills from the front desk. ***** Recommended highly as an all adults only destination ***** Cons: Palace side rooms [N. of the Bavaro Beach Reception area] are circa 70's but still spacious and comfortable. The Beach side is adults only and the Palace side is family oriented. The Sante Fe steakhouse [Palace side] was a glorified version of a very bad "Ponderosa with table cloths." Stay clear of this restaurant. The wait staff were an abomination and disorganized. The Palace Hotel resembles a two-story shopping mall with the emphasis on retail sales and marketing. Gorgeous foyer but the mall atmosphere is a huge distraction. Owners would come out of their retail stores stand in front of you and try to coax you into their shops - very annoying!!!!! We went one night and I can only describe the Palace Hotel as "mayhem central." This side of the hotel is filled with families and children. Going back to the Beach side was like returning to another world - quiet - reserved - and friendly. If you enjoy the adults only vacation stay on the Beach side of the property.

Occidental Caribe: Beautiful resort/bad timing

Everything about occidental caribe was amazing. People were so welcoming and nice. The food was to die for, the room was gorgeous, the excursions were fun! The only bad thing I would have to complain about that it was spring break. So there was tons of unappreciative/disrespectful kids running around. Made for sleepless nights due to noise, knocking on our door and running and loud music all night. To get drinks took forever because they were understaffed because of the amount of people. Other t [... read more]hen that it was an amazing experience and I would love to go back.

Occidental Punta Cana: Occidental Punta Cana DR

The grounds are absolutely beautiful. Well maintained and very clean. At night the lights on the pool and buildings cast a lovely ambiance on the property. The staff are very nice although English is a bit of a challenge for most of them. The nightly entertainment was very good from the trapeze acrobat show, Las Vegas show, Michael Jackson show (which was excellent), with lots of crowd participation. The Entertainment MC's were both awesome. The a la carte restaurants were just average. F [... read more]ood was never too hot and all the courses seemed to arrive at the same time. We were disappointed that there was no premium liquors at the bar. The dinner house wines were never consistent - different at every meal. The new renovated rooms are updated with nice touches like magnifying mirrors in the bathroom, hairdryers and all the shampoo/conditioner and body wash you needed. Always had to ask for maids to replenish beer in the room fridge and never had more than 2 beers at once. Lobby was beautiful and clean and enjoyed all the singers that performed. The outside couches were comfy and a nice touch. Overall, a very nice property.

Sunscape Bavaro Beach: Family Vacation

We enjoyed our vacation to Sunscape Bavaro Beach & Dominican Beach. Fast and friendly check-in. Wish the Lobby had real furniture instead of bean bag chairs. The food was great. We recommend Chopsticks, French Restaurant & Steak House (no reservations required). The buffets were also great (hot, fresh, lots of variety). Really liked the coffee shop in the Lobby. Room service was slow but good. We had to request Mini bar service daily (taking a note to the front desk helps). The resort ha [... read more]d lots of staff during the day. Lots of lounge chairs and towels were plentiful. Always lots to do with the entertainment crew. The resort was clean resort but the beach needs work.

Tropical Deluxe Princess: Average Resort

Just returned from a week stay here. Rooms definitely need updating and a really good cleaning. Wouldn't be a place I would stay at again. A/C didn't work. Being hassled by Royal Holidays everyday and could be 10 times during the day was very annoying. Couldn't even go for breakfast or lunch as they stand right at the entrance. We were basically pushed to their building for a 60 mins info session for something we had no interest in purchasing. There are people on the beach also selling things bu [... read more]t were not pushy. Beach was okay, nice sand, its quite wavy there. Food was fine you always found something to eat. We loved Cristion and Luis who are waiters in the buffet. Very friendly! The lobby is a distance from everything, but the tram runs constantly. If you need WiFi it is only in the lobby but can be very hard to get on to, just something to know for people who can't live without it. Ridizzio is a must try restaurant, delicious and staff was awesome. We went for the warmth and relaxation and we got that, but we personally would not choose this resort again.

Grand Bavaro Princess: Nice place!

The grounds and the resort itself were beautiful, however, a few things to look out for: -there are many stairs and ramps so one must be watchful when in the lobby or in the main buffet. - in general, floors indoors and out were slippery when wet so it didn't make walking easy. - resort was quite big, but we found that we could walk back and forth to the beach area with 10 mins to 15 mins - having a trolley coming by every 7 to 10 mins was convenient. - entertainment in the evening wa [... read more]s a bit loud and made socializing in the lobby a bit difficult Other than that, food at buffets was good, a la carte selections were good, the staff was very friendly, entertainment was good and the spa/gym were great.

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Great getaway on Bavaro Beach

Smaller, comfortable resort for Punta Cana. Shuttle is 30 mins from airport, check in/out no issues. Direct on a very wide and long stretch of Bavaro which makes those who enjoy long walks a pleasure. Rooms were nice, beds are very comfortable (our room had 1 king), fridge is restocked each day. Hotel staff are some of the most pleasant we have encountered; always smiling and willing to assist. Grounds are well kept and clean. A la carte restaurants offered something for everyone's tastes and do [... read more] not require a reservation which is a big bonus (only need to reserve the Japanese Tepanyaki at Spice. Our only issues were the house wine which is not very good (premium brands offered from $30-100US) and beach towels had to be out in a cabana by 7:30 am or you are out of luck for shade. Didn't use the pool areas often, we're beach bums.

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: Third time a charm!!

this was our third visit to Luxury Bahia Ambar Green and we will be back. Everything about this resort is great ... food, service, staff, cleanliness. We can't wait to book our next trip to the Luxury Bahia Ambar Green.

Occidental Punta Cana: AmaZing resort!

Staff was very friendly , the hotel and grounds were very well maintained , big room, lots of food options which were all great , especially the a la cartes, would recommend this resort to anyone and can't wait to go back!

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Amazing Resort!

We love the Now Larimar! This was our second stay at this hotel (Mar 4-11). The staff were so friendly and very helpful. We were upgraded to preferred as it was our second time and they had a fruit platter and bottle of champagne for us. A banner on the door "Welcome back" and since my birthday was during our stay they added another banner "Happy Birthday" with balloons on the door and in our room with an amazing chocolate cake!!! The food at this resort is excellent as was all the restaura [... read more]nts. There is very little to find fault with this hotel. The entertainment staff do a great job! Especially Sexy Chocolate!! (hee hee!!) he was our favorite. The one thing that we did not care for was the Unlimited Vacations presentation. They say it's only 90 mins and then if you are not interested no problem. The entice you to attend with a free massage and gifts. However it lasts 3hrs!! They don't tell you at the start how much the unlimited vacations will cost you. They save that til the end...and it's expensive. They ask for a $5000 downpayment and want you to put it on your visa cause it gives you more priviliges. It's not worth it!!!! My husband was so annoyed that we got sucked in. The hotel should step in and limit this. This was the only fault we found with the hotel. The free gifts are not worth the trouble and you still have to pay something!!

Riu Republica: Ok, but won't return!

OK resort, don't ask for a garden view room, ours looked out to an industrial park with a generator always humming, very noisy. Couldn't sit on the balcony. Changed our room to have a slight view of the ocean. Noisy at night with the sound of the shows. Food was average. Themed restaurants were horrible. Entertainment crew was great though, but still wouldn't return to this resort.

Royalton CHIC Punta Cana: Relaxing time at CHIC

Just got back from a 4 day getaway at CHIC and had an amazing time (2 couples in our mid 40s). Loved the smaller resorts, rooms were great, and restaurants were all good. The service was the best part the resort. I was constantly asked if I need anything. Great time

Occidental Punta Cana: Beautiful!

The area was really nice, staff made sure the resort was clean day in and out. Huge communication barrier with staff. If you wanted anything fast you were not getting it (front desk, drinks, food at al la cartes). Rooms were absolutely beautiful, the best i have seen on a down south resort. Good mixture of people (babies to the elderly). Small enough to walk around! I would go back to this resort!!