Bahia Principe Escape Samana: Adults-only, cozy resort with a great ocean swimming area. It’s definitely not a 5-star property, and with low occupancy many bars and restaurants were closed. There are also lots of stairs throughout the resort.

Check-in was terrible. Our group had 28 people, and because we were the first on the bus, we were the last off. We waited over an hour to be checked in, with no refreshments offered, and the restaurant was closed. When we finally reached the front desk, we were told that despite booking a room with two double beds, we were assigned a king room. After such a long wait, this was unacceptable. Knowing the resort wasn’t at capacity, we asked for it to be addressed immediately. Rosa, somewhat begrudg [... read more]ingly, disappeared for nearly 30 minutes before eventually giving us a room with two double beds. We were happy with the room overall. Cleanliness was just okay—the floors and bathroom were only marginally clean, and this low standard remained throughout the week. The sheets were stained, and the towels were worn. We arrived expecting a 5-star hotel, but once we adjusted our mindset to a 3-star experience, everything felt more reasonable. Our room, located near the end of the hall on the 3rd floor, was a long walk but very quiet with a beautiful ocean view. The stairs didn’t bother us, but having the beach bar closed and needing to walk up to the pool bar each time was inconvenient. Only the buffet and two rotating à la carte restaurants were open. While understandable given the low occupancy, it would have been nice to have at least the beach bar open for limited daytime service. Overall, I would return. You can’t control the inconsiderate guests who reserve chairs with towels despite the signs, though fortunately there were plenty of alternative spots to sit. It was also surprising how many people used speakerphone in the dining room and other public areas—rude, but not something the hotel can easily manage. Most of the staff were great. Rosa at the front desk was difficult to deal with, but the lobby bartender was amazing. The lobby music was also too loud and would have been much more enjoyable if it were salsa, bachata, or something fun and lively.

Bahia Principe Escape Samana: Amazing

We had a wonderful week away. The resort needs some updating and one of the restaurants wasn't open and 2 bars. It would be perfect if those were know before we booked. The pool bar was good but sometimes you had to wait a long time for a drink and they weren't busy. The bus to the resort was old as well.

Bahia Principe Escape Samana: Amazing

We had a wonderful week away. The resort needs some updating and one of the restaurants wasn't open and 2 bars. It would be perfect if those were know before we booked. The pool bar was good but sometimes you had to wait a long time for a drink and they weren't busy. The bus to the resort was old as well.

Bahia Principe Escape Samana: Great Last Minute Trip

We are just home from our 4th stay at the Bahia Principe Grand Samana (formerly Luxury). It is a small resort with great customer service, gorgeous views and comfortable accomodations. Some of the services were not available being at the start of the season, i.e. limited bars, entertainment and restaurants but we knew that when we booked and it did not affect our enjoyment. We had a very relaxing week and would highly recommend.

Viva V Samana by Wyndham: Decent resort for reasonable price

Everything was good - beach, ocean, food, bars, room, but one nuisance should be mentioned. For some reason they organise the live performances with the local entertainers every evening right at the central plaza next to the main restaurant between the buildings ((though there is a special theatre next to the beach remotely from the room buildings) and such performances usually do not end till 10pm or even later. My first priorities at the resort are always the beach and the ocean and I go to be [... read more]d rather early moreover in November it is dark after 6pm. And I go to the beach before 8am. So, with the loud music from the performances there is no chance to get asleep before 10pm. I really cannot understand why they do not begin the shows earlier and do not wrap up before 9pm. Only the guests at the buildings 5 and 6 can sleep relatively well, those buildings are protected by the buildings 2 and 3.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Great week getaway !!

Just returned from a relaxing week in paradise. Bahia Principe El Portillo did not disappoint. Beautiful beach, good food, great staff and beautiful grounds. We did have some issues arranging AlaCarte dinners but managed to get 4 booked for a group of 10 people. Rooms were spacious but a little tired. Could use some spicing up. 4th time at this resort and will go back.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Not a 5 stars resort!

Too many people in resort. No places on the beach or around the pool. Waiting in line to go in the main buffet (not enough space). You pay for premium drinks (so it is not all included). Food is average more oriented to the Canadian taste: bacon, burgers, fries, pizza, pasta, omelettes.

Bahia Principe Escape Samana: Wonderful resort

Spectacular views, very nice rooms, amazing staff, really good buffet, a la cart ok Lots of chairs by pool and beach. The girls at front desk are super friendly and helpful. Very quiet resort so if you are looking to stay up late or party this is not the place for you. You are not able to walk anywhere from resort.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Amazing time

A very lovely place to visit. The resort is absolutely immaculate, the staff are wonderful and the food was great. The beach was clean and the water absolutely beautiful. We enjoyed ourselves immensely. A beautiful place you must visit!

Bahia Principe Escape Samana: we loved it

Nicely laid out grounds, lots of stairs climbing practice - we did not mind - for good exercise. The resort has some style - hopefully Bahia will keep it up if renovations are being planned. Good room service and good food. We will likely come again to this location.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: very good family resort, not good for parties lovers

Resort is not very big but very well organized. One huge restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food selection is amazing - fish , meats, fruits. Everything is fresh and tasty. There is also snack bar on a beach which is OK. A la carte restaurants I would not recommend, food is OK but in general it is just a waste of time. Beach is amazing. Nice sandy beach with lots of chairs and shady spots. Beach is quite long for this size of resort, never looks crowded. You can do snorkelling right on [... read more] the beach. For kids they have kids club and nice waterpark Night entertainment is pretty limited but generally it is OK . As a negative, I can admit only poor internet connection in rooms. Weak signal on a beach. For good connection you should stay in a lobby or in restaurant.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Amazing Samana Resort!

- Beautiful accommodations! - Excellent Buffet and a la carte restaurants. I'm celiac and had no problems finding gluten-free food. - Lots of shaded areas at the beach - Great pool area. Both the pool and beach are in close proximity to the accommodations. - Excellent entertainment and activities. -We went on one excursion to the National Park and had a great time. -Yoga in the morning on the beach with Jairo was a 10/10. Great way to start your day!

Bahia Principe Escape Samana: Nothing to do here

If you're a solo traveller, stay away! This is a couples resort, even though it's not advertised as such. I use the term "resort loosely, as it's mostly just a hotel with a buffet, not much else. There is no entertainment, no nightlife, no activities. Even the seniors visiting were complaining about this! I unfortunately got locked in and couldn't cancel, so I had no choice but to stay here... thank goodness for excursions, or I would have died of boredom. If you're a couple who wants to do [... read more] nothing but eat, drink and sleep by the pool/beach, then go here. Otherwise, it is not worth it. Also, the beds are extremely hard, I woke up with sore hips every morning.

Wyndham Alltra Samana: Great Family Vacation

Rooms were nice and clean. Beach was great, pools were great...shallow for little ones and also a deeper pool. Samana is beautiful, lush vegetation and mountainous on the drive to resort. The resort ground were kept beautifully. The Service was great and the staff were great. Only drawback was food was just ok but you won't go hungry. The a la cartes were ok and although buffet did not provide a huge selection we always found something to eat. A nice touch that you don't have to book reservation [... read more]s. This resort was perfect for our children and grandchildren. They really enjoyed this resort. It is on the smaller side but we like that and it was also a quiet resort which was perfect for us. There was another a la carte restaurant but it is under renovations. I would recommend booking with Tripcentral and use agent Kevin Dupuis. By the way I want to say once again the staff are great here. If the food was improved a bit nothing at all to complain about. Th

Viva V Samana by Wyndham: What a beautiful place

We had a amazing time in this beautiful hotel.The stuff is well trained and very eager to help you out and feel you home.The food was great. The beach is fantastic very long great for beach walks and not many people's. I would definitely go back to this hotel.

Bahia Principe Escape Samana: Perfect for escape!

It’s an amazing hotel if you are romantic personality and admire the view. The beach is very private, you can read your book without anyone trying to sell you sombrero; it’s quiet around the pool, just lounge or instrumental music (thank you), the food was ok, I could find something tasty for each meal and the rooms obviously need more care, especially in the bathroom. But who cares when you are among all these beauty? I’ve visited spa as well and it was pretty decent.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Exceeded expectations!

I recently stayed at this exceptional resort, and I can confidently say that the experience far exceeded my expectations. The photos on the website simply don’t do it justice! From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this place is committed to quality and service. The food was of the highest standard, and what impressed me most was how it was always available. Whether it was a quick snack or a full meal, there was never a shortage of options. The staff was always visible and working tire [... read more]lessly to maintain the property. Bathrooms were constantly being cleaned, and I even noticed them painting and touching up various areas—no corner was left unattended. The pool and pool bar were spacious, never overcrowded, and perfect for relaxing or having fun. The beach was stunning, and there was so much to do, from water sports to lounging by the shore. One of the highlights of our stay was the snorkeling. My kids and I went three times, and it was all included at no extra cost. It honestly felt like we were swimming in a giant fish tank, surrounded by thousands of vibrant fish—such a magical experience! Entertainment was always on point, with activities running throughout the entire day to keep everyone engaged. The only suggestion I’d have is to start the nighttime parties a little earlier. My kids were so excited to join in, but they were often too tired by the time the fun began. An earlier start time would be perfect! Overall, I would highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a fantastic family vacation experience. We had an unforgettable time, and I’ll definitely be telling everyone I know about this amazing place!

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Great week

Hotel was really clean and the staff was awesome and the food was great. kids waterpark the pool and the ocean was all excellent. The entertainment at night was excellent. Weather for the week 28 deg and sun every day

Viva V Samana by Wyndham: Honest Review

Pros * Beautiful beach, raked daily * Clean updated guest rooms * Friendly staff * Short commute from Samana Airport * Excellent service & food in a la carte restaurants Cons * Use of drones on the beach (invasion of privacy) * In order to get a chair on the beach, you must get up before 6 AM to set out a towel on a chair * Smoking in posted non smoking areas * Dress code not enforced for a la carte dining (guests wearing shorts, printed t-shirts, flip flops, etc) * Not much hot [... read more] water, for showers, in the evening * Only 1 bar to service both the pool and beach guests, always a queue * Under staffed throughout resort * Very difficult to make reservations at the a la carte restaurants (early times seemed to be gone, when the dates opened up 4 days prior) * Beach towel availability was hit and miss due to no exchange program, lack of guests returning towels, towels not being collected at the end of the day from the beach and pool * Club Viva members jumping the queue for drink service, having their own roped off area of the beach, rooftop bar, their own area in the buffet, etc. * Difficult to find a clean table, or one with a full place setting, at the buffet (always searching for utensils, napkins or glassware) * Difficult to get coffee/tea at breakfast or wine at dinner due to what seemed like a lack of staffing in the buffet dining area * Club Viva salespeople constantly hounding * Food poisoning on Tuesday, February 25th (which was confirmed with other guests as they too had it on the same day). Resort does not consider it food poisoning unless you visit the doctor and report it, which is difficult to do when unable to leave the room * Feral cats/dogs all over the resort. Witnessed a cat using the beach as a litter box

Bahia Principe Escape Samana: Decent resort

Grounds are nice and well maintained. Staf is caring and welcoming. Rooms are running down, need facelift. In our room on 4th floor 425 we woke up in the middle of the night from strong strikes of damaged roof during strong wind. When we changed the room to 419, we found out that bath tub there is leaking.