Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Tired Resort

This hotel is in need of many upgrades in the rooms as well as around the pools. The VIP recruiters got to be a little annoying. The food was only mediocre. The all inclusive was not really what I expected. The mini bars in the rooms were only stocked for the first day according to the front desk staff. You had to pay to have daily refills for your room. Very disappointing! On a positive note....the weather was amazing!

The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana: Beautiful Resort

Had a wonderful time at the Reserve Punta Cana. The resort grounds are gorgeous and the beach amazing. Our room was nice with a comfy bed. Food at the buffet was good, flavorful and plenty of choices. Fruits was my favorite. Restaurants were OK. Loved the entertainment staff at night as they showed us how to dance the DR way in the main lobby. Did not see any shows so can't comment on them. Would definitely love to return one day.

Grand Palladium Palace: Amazing resort, could be way better managed

The resort is amazing - well maintained spacious rooms, beautiful grounds, wide and probably 500 m long very nice sandy beach. The staff cleaned the beach from seaweeds daily and it was a pleasure relaxing or walking on the beach. Pools were nice and clean, all beach and pool bars offered a good variety of drinks and cocktails. Bar tenders were always happy to help and served customers with a big smile. Now about the things, which could be easily improved by better managing the resort: Our  [... read more]main complaint was the quality and variety of food in the buffets and restaurants. We already have grounds for comparison with other 4 and 5 stars resorts in the Punta Cana area and we never had similar experience there. The variety of food at lunch and dinner was almost non existent. There is always something to fill up, but we never experienced a pleasure or real enjoyment of the culinary. Food presentation in the buffets was non existent. I would suggest managers to sneak pick how this could be done in a near-by Iberostar or Grand Bahia resorts. Better yet - go to Riviera Maya to get some ideas how to make a really good food presentation without extra spending. The food preparation was not done well not only in the buffets, but also in the numerous restaurants, We visited Indian restaurant and only one of the purchased meals had a flavor of India. The Argentinian was not bad, we enjoyed the food in the Mexican, however the Asian was a disaster. With very few tables and a lot of waiters, we had to wait for 40 minutes to be served the entries and a soup, which were already listed in the menu. Some other visitors, who came at the same time with us, simply left the restaurant after waiting for over 30 minutes. I had to call for the manager to express my opinion on the level of service, after which we were promptly served the food. I can talk a lot about the big disappointment we experienced every time we tried a new food or place. Even the Japanese tepanyaki experience was not in pair with similar restaurants in other resorts. The second big disappointment was the entertainment. In other places the entertainment team keeps guests busy and happy with different activities , games, dance lessons, competitions etc. This time our stay was more like in a retirement home. The only activity was the aqua fitness for 30 minutes a day. That's was it! During the rest of the day so called entertainment team relaxed on the beach and around the pool, since no one was pushing them to do their job. Looks like they were on vacation, not the guests of the resort - This happened at the Grand Palladium Palace hotel, could be different in other resort hotels. The third disappointment was almost missing Christmas decoration at the hotel grounds, lobby and everywhere. Other resorts were glowing in Christmas lights, but almost none in Grand Palladium. For the last 10 years we took a vacation during the first week of December and the Christmas spirit was very high at all resorts we visited. That's why it was shocking to see a total opposite at Grand Palladium Palace. Overall our experience was not very positive and we will never return or recommend this resort to our friends.

Riu Republica: Absolutely amazing!

The resort was perfect for my boyfriends 33rd birthday! The food was great, the staff were always pleasant/helpful and the room was always clean and being replenished of anything that was needed. We are thinking of going back next year. It was nice to be at a resort without children for once.

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Girls getaway

The resort was huge and great. Very clean and lots of room to roam. I found if you didn’t want to walk the trollies can take you. The food was decent but the beach was not as nice as other resorts in the area. I would go back.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Good but needs work

This was our third consecutive year returning to the Barcelo Palace Deluxe. The location beach and weather was fantastic. The past two years we stayed in the Beach Front Jr. Suits as club premium guests and were very happy. This year my wife really wanted a tub in room so we splurged on the Beach Front Master Suit which comes with a living room area tub in and tub out. Upon arrival (2:30) we were checked in and had to wait for our room which we got into at 5:30. We arrived to our room to find no [... read more] inside tub. (I know, first world issues) I called to the club premium desk and was bounced around from desk to desk for literally an hour. I finally found someone who said they would have a manager call me back shortly. We carried on with our evening. A few hours later I spoke with the manager who was also the gentleman who checked us in the previous year (Elvis) I explained the room issue and mentioned that we were third time around guests and it was a tenth anniversary trip,he seemed understanding and said he would call back with a solution before nights end. We received no response and called several times to no avail. We also brought the issue up to our Transat rep who said "best to move on and not waste time". Which we did. We decided to forget about it and not invest any more time into it. We loved our beach time and the resort is very beautiful and well kept. Service staff are friendly. The alacarte restaurants (excluding the French) suck.. sorry they do. They are tired poor service forget about you, bring half orders etc.. We don't complain much and it may not sound like it but we roll with the punches. (And still tip well) we don't make a big deal over missed soups or wrong drinks. We actually had more fun this trip than the previous two, but that was not due to the hotel doing their part. Long story short.. the shows haven't changed the entertainment hasn't changed the menu's haven't changed. The hotel messed up our booking and had many opportunities to turn a bad situation into a positive situation for returning guests on a special occasion. But they didn't not did Transat. Would love to return to Bavaro beach but it won't be with Barcelo :(

Paradise Playa Dorada: Fantastic Resort!

Great resort. Our suite by the Ocean was the size of an apartment. All of the staff and entertainment people were very nice and always helpful. The beach was beautiful. Had lots of fun playing in the waves on our inner tubes. The food was top notch in both the buffet restaurant and the Italian restaurant. Did not visit any other restaurant. There is a shopping plaza on the same compound as the resort with a movie theatre and lots of different shops.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Awesome Vacation

This recently renovated hotel was amazing. My wife and I had a great vacation and will be going back. The staff went above and beyond to make sure our stay was unforgettable. Until next time Punta Cana!!!!

Ocean Blue and Sand: ocean blue and sand

stayed one week nove 30 to dec 7th food amazing especially the specialty restaurants clean resort entertainment is constant and entertainment staff are amazing and funny the beach is small as on most resorts due to recent hurricanes but cant do much about that the room was old and not very nice but it was clean we requested ground floor when we arrived so we were moved at last minute and I don't think they normally rent this room because it is in building they are renovating but ren [... read more]ted it to us because only ground floor available so it is what it is overall excellent resort

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Beautiful resort

We spent a week at Iberostar and went on 2 trips. We enjoyed the nature, the resort, especially the lobby. Some of the concerts were spectacular. The food was OK, lots of variety, but I wish there was more seafood. Drinks were OK, but limited. No specialty coffees, things like that. Just coffee. Pina colada was not real. Only at Ocean World we drank real pina colada. Wine and beer were good. Restaurants were nice, the food was plenty and good. The beach was not like in Cuba. Sea weeds and not cl [... read more]ear water. The water was warm and the beach itself was big and nice, but no activities on the beach. No water sports. The kids club was always closed. The pools were lit up at night, and that was beautiful. Lots of cats, no animal control. Even though the cats were lovely, they are not immunized or maintained. They were roaming around garbage bins. Overall, we had good experience. The mountains and the nature are amazing.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Bahia Principe Ambar was amazing !

The newly renovated resort did not disappoint. The rooms were beautiful and ours had a swim up which we loved having access to at any time. The grounds were beautiful. They have a coffee shop and sports bar. The Food was great and the people who work there are so nice. We loved our stay this year.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Amazing resort

I was impressed with resort , staff, service, beach, cleanliness , and overall atmosphere. The pools were great and was advised by our travel agent to upgrade to a room with our own swim up pool to the patio. Will be going again

Bahia Principe Explore Legend: Relaxing Family Vacation

Well maintained grounds with ample entertainment and events for the kids. Pool is huge and we spent most of our days there! Highly recommended booking dinners at al la carte restaurants when you arrive. Brazilian steakhouse was our favorite. Staff was all extremely pleasant to deal with and made our vacation easy. I would book this resort again!

Occidental Punta Cana: Great Value for a 4 star

Everything was very nice at this resort. Rooms are recently renovated and quite spacious. Bed quite comfortable. Only negative is that a few days we had no hot water for a shower at 5pm. The beach is beautiful with white talcum powder sand. No snorkelling and NO palpas for those who need shade. The food decent with a lot of variety. The ala cartes are hit and miss as always. We would definitely consider returning to this resort.

Grand Bavaro Princess: Decent.

The suites were very nice as were the employees. It was a comfortable place with beautiful grounds. The best breakfast was at the restaurant by the beach. The daily volleyball was good and the beach was nice.

Riu Bambu: Wonderful vacation in beautiful resort

Writer was part of 3 generation multi-ethnic family vacation. This resort was perfect for us. Riu Bambu is one of 5 Riu hotels in the complex. Facilities plentiful, clean and well maintained. Beautiful ocean front with white sand beach and plentiful recliners. ( we did have a lot of seaweed due to winds/weather but staff worked tirelessly cleaning it up) 4+ pools which each provide varied depth and activities to meet most families' needs. Plentiful loungers at all pools eliminating need to re [... read more]serve chairs. We tried 5 restaurants that provided incredible selection of very tasty food. Bars where plentiful and service was quick and efficient. Standard room was clean comfortable and functional, Had some challenges with sliding door to bathroom coming off tracks and plumbing Otherwise great. Manager Ariel was very effective and kind at addressing issues/concerns especially in relocating rooms as writer had difficult with stairs to access initial assigned room. Waitstaff, though very plentiful, kind and efficient, seemed to be moved around reducing that personal connection. Activities staff were very energetic and interactive throughout the day. So many activities that you can participate in if you chose. The staff of the kids club are lovely, loving and patient. Night time entertainment was good with great dancing by the staff and some riveting shows like the magic and acrobatic shows. Plentiful of adjacent shops to buy jewelry and souvenirs without the hard sell for those who like retail therapy. In summary, Riu Bambu great hotel with fantastic setup, beautiful beach, plentiful pools, loungers, restaurants and staff to cater to your needs leading to great vacation for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Had a Great Week at Viva Wyndham!

We really enjoyed our stay at Viva Wyndham. Our suite and the hotel grounds were clean and well maintained (although the beds are very hard), restaurants, bars and buffet were delicious and well stocked and we had no significant issues to contend with. Staff are not as friendly/smiling as other places we have been to but very attentive and polite. LOTS of great activities everyday at the resort and the Animation team are amazing - so happy, energetic and friendly. They really helped to make [... read more] our trip (we especially made connections with Miss Africa and Blondie/Pineapple Head - our favourites! You guys were awesome!!). We did a bike ride, yoga, aqua-sizes in the pool, beach volleyball, fun group activities and went to the shows at night. Beach and pool were clean and have lots of chairs available plus access to food/drinks. Was quite windy with strong waves the whole week so we didn't utilize the kayaks/paddle boards. Only complaint would be the constant hawkers trying to sell you things every 5 mins...we understand it was low season and it would be nice if there was a section they couldn't come into on the beach! Front desk was a bit disorganized and we weren't sure why we couldn't confirm our late checkout until the day we were leaving (they should know who is coming to the resort days in advance right?) but finally Jose was able to take care of us so we had a great last day! Nearby Mall (5 min walk) is great and very convenient. Prices were very fair and negotiable and we bought our souvenirs there.

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: Very disappointed

Beautiful beach and grounds. Nice room. Good food. Pool was ok but could have used some entertainment. That's the good part. Now for the not so good. The staff were not helpful or pleasant. Most of the staff were miserable. No smiles from anyone. There was also a language barrier. Unless you spoke Spanish or French, communication was very difficult. If you want a drink in the evening the only place to go was the lobby bar. There was only one small bar which definitely could not service the numb [... read more]er of people that were there. This is a large resort with over 800 rooms.. Would definitely not recommend this hotel to a friend or family member. Was very disappointed with this resort.

Paradise Playa Dorada: Awesome week!

Checked in right away. Upgraded to a suite which was three feet away from beach. Only 1 bed though. Grounds were beautiful and nicely kept. Hotel staff very friendly. Rooms could use brighter lights especially in bathroom . Also full curtains in living room. Food was good, but salad bar needs to have more salads! All in all a great week. Would definitely go back. 30 degrees is much better than snow.

Now Garden Punta Cana: Great middle of the pack resort

Staying at the Garden section was a great choice for us, after a busy day at the beach, was great to return back to a quieter section. Rooms are small, a bit tired, no hangers, no dresser for cloths and a strange sliding door for the bathroom. Short walk to/from the Garden/Larimar but there was a tram running alll the time, very convienent. Overall, the food was quite good, nice that there were no reseverations required for the resturants and except fot the French resturant, men could wear short [... read more]s! (Long pants required at the French) The rack of lamb at the French was quite good, went twice! Drinks were good, usual well junk but they did have the better bottles, just had to ask. Tipping did help but wasn't necessary. The grounds were wonderful, made one relax a bit more just walking through the property. There is a ton of staff and many "mini managers", we did experience a few times, the mini managers chewing out the staff in front of vacationers, not cool. Two annoying things for the week, vendors on the beach and the time share sharks. The main one for me was the female shark (positioned perfectly along the main walk to the Garden lobby), she hounded us for the "breakfast" meeting so she could get her points? and after telling her we are in the 80% of people that would never buy, she kept at us. So, after three days of this and not wanting this every time we walked by, we found a path that skirted her and had a wonderful rest of the week... A very good middle of the road resort, you won't be dissapointed!