Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Great place to relax

The resort is amazing and huge. The crowd was great. Beach was excellent. We stayed in Esmeralda so going to beach was easy as it is closer. Other resorts there is a buggy ride you have to take that could be a little painful with kids. Only thing I will add is they need to put pool tables in the bar area for adults. Tennis courts are so far from beach that you don't even wanna go to play after a dip.

Royalton Splash Punta Cana: Good Hotel Too Much Selling (Royalton)

We actually got upgraded to the Royalton and were very happy about that. In retrospect not sure I would have been happy at Memories so far from the beach. Here are my pro's and con's to help other travelers: Pro's -Everything was very clean and well maintained, even the bathrooms near the bar which sometimes can get messy -Room service was a nice option after a long day at the beach -Front desk staff were very accommodating and there wasn't the usual long waits to get service -Rooms large a [... read more]nd well cared for - clean and well cleaned -Beach and weather always good in Punta Cana, although we had a weird seaweed problem this time around -Really nice and clean pools -Water park was excellent! Fun, clean and no line ups. Con's -The selling of time shares never stopped. We met up with a family that thought they were getting breakfast at the Diamond club and were in for a 3 hour sales pitch. And no warning about the sales pitch. We got asked about the same thing and when I said no that was the end of the service from the concierge Marco. The family mentioned, the mother had to pretend to be single so Marco could get his points and when her mother said she had to ask her husband the manager was called in she showed her anger to the guest. -No lock on the doors i.e. deadbolt. So at night there was nothing between me and my young son and everyone who had a pass card. And every night they had a service when they came to our door to ask if we needed anything and a few times when I didn't answer they walked in with me in a towel just out of the shower. -The family mentioned above got charged 20.00 US when her 5 year old lost his wrist band because it was too loose. There was a big angry exchange. -My son sliced a big cut on his heel in the pool and the front desk staff didn't seem concerned. When later we were checking out I showed it to them and they were shocked how big it was. He was limping for 3-4 days. They didn't put anything into action to find the cause in the pool. I was also told glass was found in the ice cream and again nothing was don't about it. If they could fix a few of the issues listed above than I would recommend. Otherwise not sure I would go back. I detest being sold to once I paid for a vacation. To give context I've been going down south now every year for the last 36 years. Every resort has pro's and con's but I've never been sold after purchasing the package.

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: Not what we usually get in Punta Cana

The grounds where very nice, staff very friendly. Rooms need some tender care and upgrading. The food was good, never went hungry. Enjoyed the Brazilian restaurant the best. The activities staff work very hard to recruit people to play the games. Lots of shade if you need it on the beach, not so much around the pools. Don’t know if it was the time of year or not but there was lots of sea weed and didn’t swim in the ocean. 20 min down the beach the water was beautiful. Stayed dec 8 to 15 th.

VIK Hotel Arena Blanca: Horrible vacation

Front desk extremely slow upon arrival. Went to our room, telephone didn’t work, balcony door didn’t lock, light over t.v. didn’t work, balcony light didn’t work, light outside the entry door (for security) didn’t work. Charged US$14.00 to use the in-room piece of crap safe. NO coffee maker, NO clock, NO towels upon arrival, BAD internet, massive amounts of seaweed on the shore, disgusting. I have been to the D.R. 4 times, thus staff never smiled, laughed, went out if thief way to s [... read more]ay hola. Made us feel like we were interrupting their day. Housekeepers in the hallways at 8:00 a.m. yelling back and forth to each other disturbing us. Staff on their cell phones ALL the time. Severe cracks in the bathroom counter and the bottom of the step to get into the shower, could have collapsed. Food was repetitive and not good. I would rate thus property at a 2. Will not return or recommend.

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Amazing Resort

Everything about this hotel was amazing all the stuff were friendly, polite. I would definitely recommend this resort to anyone that is planning on going to Punta Cana and the rooms were always clean no matter what.

Grand Memories Punta Cana: Beautiful Resort

This hotel is a must! The rooms are gorgeous, clean and comfy! The grounds are beautiful and well cared for. The restaurants are amazing the ala carte are like anything you would get at a 5 star at home! And the buffet, if you are picky you will be pleasantly surprised! The coffee bar is to die for! And the drinks top notch. And if you are daring!!!! Hit the water slides! I would love to go back.

Grand Palladium Punta Cana: Excellent Resort

We have been to this resort 6 times. This resort has be fully renovated. The rooms are exceptional and the grounds are always well groomed. We only ate at the buffets, lots of options to choose from. The desserts were excellent.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Everithing OK.

We spend one week in EL Portillo in December. I tried to remember anything negative and could not. Check in was amazingly fast and room was ready. in our unit everything was working, fridge filled with beer, water and softdrinks. And every day it was replenished. Food and drinks were ok, guys in all bars work very fast and you never have to wait long for your drink. No big waves like in Punta Cana but a lot of reefs close to shore so have to careful when swim, but can watch fish around them. S [... read more]ervice's good organized -I have some problems with seif, called "0" and in several minutes guy was at our door. Resort is pretty small, they arranged place outside for shows but everybody sitting on the same level and stage very low. Bar in the lobby closed at 11 p.m. I think its pretty early. And would be good to have big numbers of buildings so you can see it from distance, now there are only small signs close to entrance. This resort is very good for somebody who looking for small, quiet place.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: very big with many young people

The grounds were extensive, the food was out of this world, the big machinery on the beach removing the seaweed made it sound like a construction zone. the workers were great, helpful, friendly great service.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Gran Bahia Ambar Blue Great changes

four of us Spent one week Dec 6-13 at the newly renovated AMBAR BLUE not to be confused with the other six properties attached to this adults only resort I love the ambar have been a guest there over 7 times (twice this year ) there is really too many nice things to focus on -- so I will start with the rooms they have changed it all colours services the rooms are great (no smell of mold and damp which at a beach resort is usually the case) nice GRohe hardware, king bed a little hard but you [... read more] can order a topper to make it softer, nice bar area and fridge well stocked but sometimes they forget so just ask for what you need and you get it right away swim up rooms ground floor only and worth it fantastic hundreds of tv stations and great wifi lighting in the rooms concierge service helps to avoid trips to the main desk our man was Elvis staff many of whom are newer (lots of my old friends moved ) but still excellent too many to name at the two buffets and bar the two head waiters at Portofino and Meat are very good highly recommend these two places and Nikkei Mashua at the Aquarmarine next door a real food experience and marvelous cocktails a must visit to all three of these I heard that Limbo was good but didn't make it (at least friends from Milan Italy thought the Osso Buco was great) service wonderful had no problems though I am sure with the amount of people at the resort there are bound to be slip ups but do not be shy about any missteps the management want to know you are happy and well served so step up and ask politely spanish is helpful but lots speak English they will endeavor to please they make you feel special so ask do not assume did not use the pool our group of four were ocean people now the seaweed problem something nature has decided to display but the hotel does an over the top job of removing it constantly so we didn't miss one day of swimming in the marvelous waters the beach is becoming too crowded and we had to get up at 4 am to claim a spot nearest to the water as I had issues with a bad foot and we only had one instance where an ignorant couple decided to move into our area when we were having breakfast but we solved that by explaining that we came out at 4 to put down our towels and they should respect that it was the only time we had a problem but there were several issues of this in other areas the first come first serve works for the most part but some people can be really nasty when you get a space they had the day before but they didn't get up in time to claim it security guards do nothing about this as they are technically not allowed to intervene unless you are from another resort in which case if you do not have a bracelet they send you packing the accessibility area is good for wheelchairs and walkers but it is not near to a washroom servers come around and are very good even delivering ice tea and juice without asking nice touch we asked for an received the rooms and the al la cartes reservations we wanted verty pleased the coffee bar serves the best espresso and coffees but needs to be open at the same time as the buffet there was lots of entertainment which doesn't interest me that much I go for the relaxation and quiet but I think some people need diversions they are trying to make it a little more like a festive party people were enjoying themselves which is goodchange is happening so those we remember the old ambar might find the new one a more active than the old one but still a great experience we are looking forward to returning next year this resort is fast becoming our vacation cottage friendly and just like home

Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana: Fantastic resort!

We just got back from a week stay. The resort is beautiful and clean and well maintained. We stayed in the preferred club and our room was excellent! The food was great and lots of choice. Lots of pools for swimming and the beach was nice. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming! The only negative we found was a few of the restaurants were pushy about buying wine off the list. Overall we really enjoyed our stay and would return again!

Catalonia Bavaro Resort: Wonderful RESORT

Had a great stay, very clean and well looked after RESORT, rooms were great, restaurants excellent, great food, very freindly staff, Evan in the buffet,great food, good mixture of choices, fresh fruit abundance, lots for children of all ages to do, my 6 granddaughters loved it , and the pools, as did my 3 sons and their partners, all 14 of us had a very relaxing, and always felt safe stay, regards WYN,

Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Tired resort...needs remodelling

This resort was disappointing. There were several tiles around the pools that were broken or loose creating a walking hazard. The rooms were basic, colourless and needed to be redone. There were no dressers in the rooms so we had to live out of our suitcases and that was not fun. There were stains on the bed linens which leads me to believe that they were not changed regularly. The food was not great and almost the same every day. The specialty restaurants were only open on certain days an [... read more]d it was impossible to get reservations because of this. The tour we went on was crappy and not worth the money.

Catalonia Bavaro Resort: Resort Review

The hotel grounds were lovely and always beautifully maintained. The service at the buffet from the hostess, to the waiters/waitresses and the clean-up crew were always delightful. However, services at the bars and cafe were terrible - especially the bars. Rooms were cleaned and always maintained with the fridge well stocked and customer to whatever you asked for.

Bahia Principe Explore La Romana: Relaxing resort.

We found the resort very clean, well landscaped and welcoming. Food offered was varied and different themes dictated the menu each day. Rooms were well organized and clean. Housekeeping staff was excellent and aimed to please. We booked the Royal Golden package and found this was unnecessary. Alcohol choices were the same for all guests and there were “premium” brands available at an extra cost. The only advantage to our upgrade was bathrobe, slippers, room service and access to a lounge whi [... read more]ch actually seated only four people and was simply part of the office used by the Transat representative and a hotel liaison. Evening entertainment resembled most other Dominican resorts except the one evening the Acrobatics act was excellent. Although the resort was not crowded, we still found it necessary to towel our beach chairs early in the morning to ensure a shaded location. This was probably the most disappointing aspect of our two weeks. Despite the signs posted on the palapa, we found it necessary to save a spot and staff did not enforce the “no saving” of chairs. Disappointing. Also the beach was heavily used by guests of the sister resort, the Bouginville, although we were told we could not use their beach. Again, simple enforcement of rules would eleviate problems. Regarding the specialty restaurants, nothing special and the Asian was, by far, the most disappointing. Not an Asian menu and extremely slow service combined with incorrect orders made it a memorable evening. We would return booking the regular package and possibly 10 days rather than 14.

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Great Resort with fantastic staff!

This was our 6th visit to the resort and as always, we found it to be a wonderful vacation. Domyray Nunez was true to her word and we had a great room location and were well looked after. Special mention to Ronny (bartender in preferred lounge), Altagracia (server around the pool), Fraudicio and Alejandro (bartenders at preferred pool), and Modesto (server in buffet). The only problems we found were owing to the guests themselves. There were so many small children not being supervised! [... read more]. Parents seemed to assume someone else would look after their kids as they ran amok around the bar and jumped into the pool in front of our chairs. We were fortunate as repeat guests to have been upgraded by the resort management. However, for those who pay substantially extra to upgrade, it would be nice to have at least one area for Adults only. We also couldn't believe the number of people eating around and even INSIDE the pool! Come on people, use some common sense and follow the pool rules!

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Small but nice

We went at the beginning of Dec. It’s a small resort but enjoyed it. The food was good at the buffet. The 3 à la carte was just ok. The beach is very nice and lots of shade if needed. The bed are very comfortable. Rooms and place is very clean. We stayed on the upper floor:) we used their bicycles and surprised we made it back without them falling apart. We bought the extra package of 35$ US for the Wifi.This way you have all the time , but not at the beach. It’s free by the entertain [... read more]ment, but very slow, unless you go first thing in the AM. Little Mall 5 minutes walk away. Lots of venders on the beach. We got massages for 30$ US for one hour. Well I would recommend this place.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Brutal!!!

Very unfortunately, this Bahia Principe Ambar was no where near up to par with any 4+ star resort I have EVER been to. For a 'brand new' facility, the list of deficiencies is enormous. My large group experienced rooms with no shower doors, no bathroom doors, and toilets dislodging and falling out of walls! On our second last day there, as crowds of people were sitting on the patio enjoying an evening coffee, the coffee shop door, made entirely of thick glass, literally burst into thousands of [... read more] shards of glass for no apparent reason!!! If that weren't bad enough, the cleaning staff unlocked balcony doors to 'clean' the balcony and then left the door open/unlocked and refused to replenish the refrigerator with items that were to be All-inclusive, unless they were paid/tipped daily. The property itself is fine, but the staff (with the exception of a few) were miserable and barely even smiled or entertained small talk. Oh...sensitive to mosquitos? This is NOT the destination for you. I am NOT sensitive at all (been to Jamaica, Mexico and Cuba with no issue whatsoever), but managed to come home with at least 30 bites from this place. Ugh! After spending $1800/person, this resort was a huge disappointment!!! My

Grand Palladium Punta Cana: Nice Resort

This resort is very large. Took a few hours to get checked in, we were the last ones waiting in the lobby. The loft room is very big and spacious. Great if you have kids with you. Room was very clean and well kept. The shower is see through on the room side and taps take a bit to figure out. Room service was great! All the restaurants were excellent. All the grounds are well taken care of. The trolleys are a great way to get around. The beach is beautiful however the locals trying to sell things [... read more] are very persistent and constant. Can be rather annoying when you are trying to relax. A few people in our group had staff entering into their rooms unannounced and at odd times. The wifi worked great throughout the resort once you get on it. The night entertainment was ok. I would likely go back to this resort. The big main pool was under construction the whole time so there was a lot of crowding at the other pool.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Great Holiday

Hotel rooms are nice, not wow but ok, Food was good, Entertainment are awsome, friendly nice and fun, The beach party was the best , so much fun, The foam party also lots of fun We took a zip line tour that i wouldnt go again, almost all day in the bus , 3 stops but very short