Blau Natura Park Resort: Over-all good value, terrible seaweed

I've been to 5 all inclusive over the last 10 years. This one was average. I would have liked to seen more daily activities. The entertainment was pretty cheesy too. Also the seaweed was so incredibly bad on shore and they only had 2 or 3 guys removing it...so it was never completely removed. I'm talking 2 feet high and in some areas 10 feet wide of seaweed. It smelt bad and made the water brown. To actually see blue water, you had to go out in a boat. Beautiful gardens, good food and drinks, st [... read more]aff were great, water sports good too.

IFA Bavaro Village: The worse resort I have ever stayed in.

The resort property was very nice even though they shut down the main pool without notice half way into our holiday. The hotel was the worst. We had bugs in our room and I reported it and thought they were gone, but back again next day. I have been home for 5 days and I'm still suffering the effects of the bug bites. The air conditioning did not work (also reported) and the problem was not fixed when we left. We had to go to our friends room to get cool, but sleeping was a problem Our friends we [... read more]re next door to us and they also had problems. They either could not get in their room or could not lock their door to leave. At times the whole lock would fall on the floor. That was fixed, I think, a half dozen times

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Awesome!

We really enjoyed the resort, staff and cleanliness. The only disappointment was not being able to visit the other buffet's at the Ambar and Emerald. Other places we have been we have been able to mix our days up at different ones. Although the food was excellent just a change in scenery is always good!

Grand Palladium Punta Cana: Its big!

Arrived 11am cant check into rooms till 3. pretty standard stuff. Had the run of the resort to check things out. Buffet was pretty standard fare from any other resort. Bars were also pretty standard. Service was good by enlarge. We did experience some interesting behavior from the door staff at the specialty restaurants. We got into the Japanese, Brazilian, Mexican, & Steakhouse. We were not able to get into the Italian place as you cant make reservations ( unless you are in the royal suites sec [... read more]tion of the massive compound) we spoke to people who lined up starting at 5:20 for a place that doesn't open till 6, only to be given a vibrating puck to hold to wait their turn -- they waited 2 hours. come on now. We went at 8:45 even, figuring let the dinner crowd subside, but no dice, cant get in. We only got into the steak house ( which is on the same principle -- same door actually) because some friends we met fell ill and gave us their reservation. So, the door staff -- at the Brazilian, wow, that girl hates her job! We went expecting to be put on a wait list, we were given the vibrating puck and provided our room number we asked casually 'how long is the wait?' (it didn't matter we were curious) she snapped '' I don't know, when they are done eating, it will be after that'' wow...alright then!! lol funny. The food was good at the Brazilian, salad bar to start, then they bring a plate with a little rice, mashed potato, 1/4 cob of corn, and a fried plantain. then they bring out skewers of meat, beef, chicken, sausage, pork, vegetables, pineapple. they cut each item from the skewer at your table and move along. when you have had enough, you turn your card from green to red and they will stop. Each item was hot (which was better than lukewarm buffet options) The Mexican, door staff similar. Given the puck, told to wait in the sports bar down the walkway. ( sports bar by the way 24hrs and has quite a bit of food options -- bar food) we had a drink there, 40 mins later went for a stroll, wound up back at the Mexican door figuring it couldn't be much longer. The door staff told us ''you no wait here, I said go to sports bar'' we chuckled and moved on down the path again, 2 mins later the puck was going off. Strange. The food, was good, veggie fajitas yum. Could have made that a whole meal! We each had a beef entrée. both were excellent. Japanese was good, door staff had no issues, seated right away around the periphery. There are cook stations in the middle of the restaurant where if you can get a reservation, you can be entertained while they cook for you. Otherwise you can sit around the perimeter of the restaurant and dine. It is however VERY noisy from the ''show table'' portion of the restaurant. Cooks flashing their spatulas, tapping away on the grill for the show effect. They seemed to be having a blast though. The steak house, door staff a little crusty ( even with our reservation) but the meal, was good. NY strip was cooked well and served with good sides. Now... the rest of the place ... the resort is HUGE. The maps, are well... crude at best with no legend it was a little difficult to orient yourself exactly. It kept things interesting. The place is clean, the housekeeping and bar staff always friendly. The beach was awesome. tons of beach chairs to be had, no need to get up at the crack of dawn to secure yourself a spot. There are lots of vendors on the beach, but they are not too much trouble, and they are just trying to make a living. They will leave you be if you politely say no thank you. Yes, you will see them all week. Take a travel mug if you want to drink, as the juice glasses the drinks are in are small. Good for environment yes, but annoying to keep needing a refill. Ride the train around the resort (many train stops all over the area) it will give you a sense of just how big the place is. (it's good people watching too) The room -- well, we were in building 3000. Simple and standard accommodations. The air conditioning, ice cold. The bathroom, quite odd. Big soaker tub with a large tiled tub surround. Quite a feat to step up and over to get into...the hand held shower on the wall... literally poured all of the tub surround, causing the room to flood. We quickly figured out... you need to stand in the huge tub, take the hand shower down...shower with it that way, no flood issues. The issue is... at 5pm or so, when people come off the beach/pool to shower and prepare for dinner there is no water pressure. So, the diverter would not allow the shower head to run, ( or the toilets to flush or the sink to flow) It was naturally after I was all soaped up that this happened so it was a bit difficult, but again, vacation...not that big of a deal we managed. ( using a glass under the dribbling spout to collect enough to rinse the soap) did it ruin the week? absolutely not -- just be aware. Oh. and last about the room.. the safe. it says push in your 4 digit code... well... they really mean 6 digit code. after trying several times we realized there were 6 spots for numbers, though the instructions are very clear to enter 4 numbers. anyhow... 6 numbers..voila... locky locky... Relax, enjoy.

Occidental Punta Cana: great resort

Weather was very nice. 30 degrees everyday and sunny. Little bit of rain at night but not enough to stop from doing anything. I found the food good but find myself eating the same thing everyday. Hotel rooms was not very nice but not a big deal since most the time u just go to you room so sleep. Had lots of fun on this trip

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Nice resort, rooms need work

The resort overall is quite nice. Grounds are taken care of, meals are decent, waitstaff is excellent, pools are lovely and clean, beach is nice. Super disappointed in the room though. We booked in the Preferred Club in a Tropical View room. We thought this was an upgraded area of the resort. This apparently meant a musty smelling, moldy, filthy room on the ground floor looking at a garbage shed on the service road. We asked to be moved but were told there was nothing available despite people m [... read more]oving all around us. I found the customer service in this regard completely inadequate. We had also requested a baby crib and to be near our friends we were traveling with. We ended up on an opposite side to our friends and didn't get a crib until 2 days in after asking about 10 times. I loved the Now in Puerta Vallarta but I wouldn't return to this one. I've heard the Grand Bahia is great - I'll stay there next time. Had they been more accommodating at Now Larimar, I would overlook some of the downsides because of the good stuff.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Amazing as expected

Grounds are amazing, rooms clean and comfortable, food is excellent although they need to add more fruit variety. Beach is white sand and beautiful. Friendly staff and attentive management. Most customers are repeat because of their loyalty.

Grand Palladium Punta Cana: Good Resort

We had to upgrade our room but got a nice one for minimal cost. The grounds were very nice. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There was one pool that needed some attention with tiles missing and overall poor conditiin but it was close to the room. Food was better on some days not all. We really didn't like the hounding from people at kiosks selling their low grade goods. They wouldn't leave us alone...don't know why they are even allowed on the resort!

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana: It was everything I had heard it would be

This resort was recommended to me by a friend who has stayed their multiple times with family. It was every bit a good as I hoped it would be. The staff were wonderful and helpful. The food was amazing with plenty of selection for all tastes. The grounds were beautiful and very well maintained. The resort was just big enough that you could find seclusion if you needed it, but not too big that it was too much to walk around. The beach is beautiful, but the best part is the lazy river pool. It is  [... read more]HUGE and there we no shortages of spots to park yourself and enjoy the day. I would go back for sure. My travel agent Tina Scibetta-Moore was so helpful in getting this booked for me and answering all of my annoying questions. I can't thank her enough!

Melia Tropical: Amazing resort!

We had an amazing time at Melia Tropical. The best part of the trip was the people working there. The entertainment staff were fun, energetic and you could tell that they loved there job. There wasn't that much going on at the resort but there was enough. Also, the bartenders at avenue bar and the lobby bar made the best drinks. They really took their time. Overall, it was an amazing trip and I think this is the first time where I feel so sad depressed about being back home. I'm ready to book my [... read more] next trip now!

Catalonia Bavaro Resort: Three Times a Charm

Been to this Resort 3 times over the last ten Years. Seems to be our Stand-bye .Food was good service as alway excellent , Rooms clean , Pool could use some cleaning . They were updating the Tiles not a issue,

Grand Palladium Punta Cana: Grand Palladium Punta Cana

Found resort to be too big. Not very well laid out and confusing to navigate. No activities at the pools during the day. Food was OK. Service was good however. Rooms were clean and well maintained. The villas were good and clean. We simply didn't like how big the resort was. Lots of children and locals on the weekends. The a la carte restaurants were very badly organized. You had to get in line at 5 to 5:30 to make a reservation for that evening. There was no reserving in advance. Many times you [... read more] simply didn't get into the restaurants. Sent 3 days in line for over one hour each day to make reservations. We got in, however, it was a long wait in line. Beach was great!!!!

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Great time!

This is my third trip to Gran Bahia, first time to Ambar section and all was great! Pools, beach, grounds, service, food, drink are all Fabulous! I do think however, some of the facilties are outgrowing the rooms, they seem to always be adding more rooms but still only one bathroom at the beach bar.

Catalonia Bavaro Resort: Great place with good response for service calls

The staff is super. The food was very good. HOWEVER, the air Conditioning system let us down. We arrived on Nov 29 (room temperature that night was 28C) Monday night 29C; Tuesday the 30th 30C; Wed. Dec.1st 31C Thurs 2nd 33C, Friday the 3rd 34C same for Saturday Sunday our last day woke up at 28. We still enjoyed our stay (in spite of very little sleep due to heat) and are looking forward to going back next year at this time and for 2 weeks .

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Bahia principe

The hotel itself is very clean and beautiful. The people were so friendly and helpful. The tile around the pool was very slippery. There needs to be more bathrooms near the beach . The food I found to be just okay . There was a lot of fried food and very repetitive . The entertainment was pretty lame. The music was not very current and everything ended at 1030pm

Grand Bavaro Princess: Beautiful beach

This resort is very large but the grounds are very well kept. Birds rabbits cats run freely through the resort lush gardens. The best was the beach, white sand and beautiful ocean. Food was ok. We traveled with a family of 6 and no one was sick. Enjoyed the Italian restaurant the best. The night entertainment was a huge disappointment. Overall we had an enjoyable time.

Secrets Royal Beach: Great resort - terrible a la cartes restaurants.

Great grounds, excellent service, great beach. Sub par food. Buffet was ok, but restaurants were not good. Three times left the restaurant and headed to the buffet. The Beaches resorts in PuntaCana have much better food. Would not return.

Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro: Amazing resort very large

Grounds, pool, location, rooms, food were great. If you want to be near a pool and only a 7 minute walk in one direction to ocean, or other direction for 7 minute walk get block 31. It is right in middle of the Bavaro section

Iberostar Waves Dominicana: Ideal for all ages

Iberostar Dominicana and Puntacana are the same.Choose which one is better price. Check in /out very fast. Staff are friendly.The WestJet tour rep more intrested in selling tour pakages than explaning other things.The tours are very expensive,most are over $100 US p/p. We stayed in bungalo type suite and it was very good. The site has beautiful landscape and well maintained. Walking around the site is very enjoyable.Beach is very nice .No water shoe required. The waves are bit high and the water [... read more] is slightly deep, so if you are not a swimmer, you may not enjoy that much.Food is ok. If you are a vegetarian, you are stuck with pastas every day. Would be nice more veg dishes available. Most staff don't speak or understand very basic English.This is a big draw back for Canadian,USA/European tourists. If the price is right, I wil go back again since I spent all my time in the beach.

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: Will not return

I'm easily impressed and this vacation did not impress us. We were quite excited about our 10 day get away until we arrived. There is certainly no wow factor upon arrival, quite scary looking actually. Inside the resort the grounds are nice and clean . We were upgraded right away to vip so we had a fabulous room with an ocean view.the a la cartes were not as good as the buffet . The food was not as I would expect and the staff acted as though they were doing you a favor. Front deck was nice, but [... read more] got hoodwinked into taking a tour of a " vacation club " for half the day then tried to make feel guilty about not having 26 grand to fork over. Too many pushy people trying to sell you things on the resort and during excursions. It's not relaxing when you are constantly trying to push your way through vendors. Even the adult only beach had folks yelling to you for a massage , hair braids or come see my shop. We spent a lot of money to relax only to be harassed. The beach was piled high with seaweed and not cleared until we were leaving . I tried to swim in it and it was like swimming in a pot of soup, not fun . We made the best of it but will never go back. I'll stick to Cuba thanks