Cayo Levantado Resort: Great, but not perfect

We have stayed at numerous resorts throughout the Caribbean, and this was definitely one of the best. The grounds are absolutely beautiful. How they maintain them to look so amazing, and with such varieties of plant life, is beyond me. The island is not flat, so be prepared to walk up and down some small hills from your room to the other parts of the resort. Nothing unreasonable, just something to be aware of if you have mobility issues. We booked a Superior Junior Suite, and the room [... read more] was huge, with a beautiful 2nd floor view of the ocean. It appears that all rooms surrounding the property were equally big and luxurious. There are also smaller rooms in the main hotel area, so I am happy that we booked the Superior Junior Suite. We had a few issues during our stay, but they were dealt with quickly. No air conditioning when we arrived, but that was fixed the next day. The safe did not work at all, but that was fixed within an hour. There was no hot water one day, forcing us to take cold showers, but that was resolved by early that same evening. We were assigned a butler, but only saw him on the first day, when we arrived. This is in contrast to the Chic Resort that we stayed at in Punta Cana, where your butler is always checking in on you, booking your dinners and massages, dealing with any room issues, and making sure everything is perfect. Our butler at Bahia Principe was invisible. We had to deal with everything ourselves. Not a big deal, but a bit of a disappointment after having a completely different experience at another 5 star resort. Food was very good, at the buffet as well as at the 2 restaurants we tried: Don Pablo (French) and Rodizio (Brazilian). I especially liked the welcome drink that was available at the buffet every morning at breakfast (mimosa) as well as a unique drink every dinner that was tied to the buffet theme of the night. There are effectively 3 beaches: 2 next to each other by the activity pool, and the public beach. The beach by the activity pool gets quite windy in the afternoon, making it a bit uncomfortable. But it is possible to find some shelter further down the beach. The public beach has boats coming and going during the day as part of their excursions, since it is a beautiful beach. It was fun to hang out there one day, although you will get kicked off of the lounge chairs, since you did not pay for an excursion. Every night, the hotel uses the public beach as a disco party area, which is always a fun experience. My wife and I just loved hanging on some lounge chairs by the ocean sipping on some drinks under the stars, with music playing in the background. My biggest issue is that the resort does not have a true "adult" vibe. It just seems to be a standard family-friendly resort, with no kids running around. The shows were all the same shows you would see at a standard family Dominican resort (Micheal Jackson show, Dominican show, Vegas show, etc.). Contrast that to other adults-only resorts we have been to, where the atmosphere is more like a club, with go-go dancers, more adult-oriented humor and games, pool parties with foam, etc. None of this was to be had at Bahia Principe, which was a disappointment. I understand that the resort will become family oriented later this year, so maybe that is why. It just could have been much more fun than it was. Overall, I would say this is more of a 4 star resort than a 5 star resort, since we have been at other 5 star resorts in the Caribbean where they treat you more like royalty (eg. bringing ice cream to everyone on the beach, replacing your wet towels with dry ones throughout the day, etc.). Still a nice resort to go to, which I summarized in the title of this review: "Great, but not perfect". It might do better as a family friendly resort.

Nickelodeon Hotel Punta Cana: Amazing resort

The grounds, public areas and dining experiences were great. The rooms were standard. I was disappointed that we requested 2 double beds a year ago when booking but received a king and a pull out at check in. We talked to the concierge who was not very helpful with anything. So both kids had to sleep on a put out couch which was not comfortable at all. That would be my complaint. Other than that it was an incredible vacation for the kids.

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Scenic View

After reading multiple reviews on this hotel after booking we were sceptical. The hotel will close in April as it has been bought by Senator Hotels. We stay in the Bachata rooms for one week during March Break. The grounds were well maintained & there were plenty of staff seen in public spaces cleaning. The rooms are old, outdated & mouldy. The bathrooms had mildew & walls & drawers had mould. That was the biggest turnoff! The pool were fine but again there were broken pool tiles & chips around  [... read more]the pool & stairs. The food was what you would expect at an all inclusive. Nothing great but there was variety. The ala carte was a joke. Had to line up early to sit in a small area of the pool area restaurant for an 8:30pm seating. The food was not worth the wait! We traveling on a Sunwing package & due to weather our flight was delayed a day so we had to stay one night at the Merengue! Wow you haven’t seen or smelt mold till you have stayed in those rooms. The walls & curtains literally had black mould spots everywhere! Since we were getting in those rooms at 3am from the airport we had little choice. In Canada schools are closed down for black mould. Not sure how a hotel stays open. Would I go back? BIG FAT NO! But it won’t exist in a month anyways. Good luck to new owners who will have to do some fancy renovations. We we’re gouged since we traveled during a holiday ... it was not 4.5 stars. Maybe 3 stars. Entertainers were great at keeping everyone happy & engaged! Don’t go!!!

Wyndham Alltra Samana: Decent resort!

The shuttle bus from the airport is quite long (2 hours) but was neat to see other Dominican culture and the pretty scenery. There was not much direction given once arriving at the resort. We were pretty much on our own to figure things out. Front desk people are not very good at English so communication was a big barrier. Animation staff were amazing! Very good at engaging people and making all the activities fun. Night shows were great however quite late. (Kids show starting at 8 and adult  [... read more]show starting at 930... could be pushed an hour earlier.) Food was great! Lots of selection and very good tasting.

Emotions by Hodelpa Juan Dolio: Small, but it has everything

The resort was small and a town road cut the "beach side" off from the "main side" where the lobby, pool and shops were. However, it was easy to cross and really didn't notice it. There were 10 people in our group - two arrived the day before the rest and were situated in the adult only section - which is what we paid for. However, when the remainder came the next night, we were "upgraded" to the beach building. However, the surprise was - it was a family building, so turned out not to be much o [... read more]f an upgrade other than we have a roped section on the beach and our pool was on the beach. HOWEVER, this also meant that the two people from our group weren't able to sit at the pool with us (had to have a special bracelet or you were kicked out). We had all paid for the exact same package and there was no reasoning with the staff. The food was fine and the a la cartes were fairly easy to get into and accommodating. The maid service was slow - we were trying to get ready for a 6pm dinner reservation and housekeeping came in at 5:30 and wouldn't leave (didn't speak English) - we had said not to worry, clean tomorrow - but she stayed to sweep - was awkward. The one negative was the location of the resort - it was in a little town and it was a bit sketchy. Workers told us not to EVER walk to the left of the resort and only to go down the street to the right during the day. There were prostitutes (husband was propositioned twice) and locals were about. Also, this resort has no money exchange - and we were advised not to go to the back as tourists were told not to walk in that direction (15 minute walk). There wasn't anything uber special or bad about this place. We had a relaxing vacation - which is what we went for.

Riu Palace Macao: Riu Palace Macao

Perfect vacation spot for the older crowd seeking a quiet adult only space. The room was a bit musty at first, but that's to be expected in this climate. Keep the AC running and it's gone in no time. Excellent service, excellent food, fantastic staff. Can't wait for next year to go back. Our only issue was at the Airport and the monstrous out-of-control children on the plane - both of which are out of Sunwing's control.

Grand Sirenis Tropical Suites: Solid March Break family resort

Overall - great family fun. 4 stars as advertised. Rooms - suite worked well for 4 people. Updated and clean. Food - buffets were fine - what you'd expect. Kids (11) liked the food. Breakfast was best. Dinner line-ups could be long at peak times. Hotel could reconfigure the food station situation, but it was fine overall. A la carte food wasn't always a hit, but it was lovely to be served and the staff really tried. Amenities - great to have pool/beach/waterpark options. We also played  [... read more]a bi of tennis - courts were a bit run down, but usable.

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana: Great resort

Very beautiful property and really enjoyed the long pool. We were able to do an ala carte every night and only duplicated one night. The club zone for teens was nice but not as many teens hung out there as we had hoped.

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: my husband and i were at the riu bachata amazing resourt

,the grounds were well manicured, the staff were very friendly,,the food was ok lots to choose from but could have better choices the same every day,the rooms were very clean,my husband is a double amputee upon arrival we didn't have our disabelled room it took two days to get it.

Viva Tangerine by Wyndham: Fantastic resort

We spent the March Break here and loved it! The resort is very clean and the resort staff are very helpful, even if they don't all speak English. If you know some Spanish before you go that would be very helpful. The pool and the beach were both spectacular. Expect to be approached several times a day on the beach by people selling jewellery, cigars etc as they are allowed to sell their products there. Just say, "No, gracias" if you are not interested. The food at the resort was really good  [... read more]and there was a wide selection of items. The only problem I encountered was that my room key wouldn't work several times and my room door lock broke but it was fixed right away, after I went in person to the front desk. I would definitely go back.

Royalton Punta Cana Resort: Amazing resort

Great resort. Treated well by everyone. Clean, fun, easy to navigate, good food selection. Shows each night with an outdoor entertainment option. Something fro everyone of every age at the Royalton. Enjoyed ourselves greatly. Thank you Julie for your hard work and patience!

Casa Marina Reef Resort: Excellent week at casa marina reef

All in all was a great place to stay. Beach was closed for couple days due to high waves which were amazing to watch. Pools made up for lost days. Lots of chairs and umbrellas. Unless your super picky there was a great selection of food and drinks. Bars are under staffed but flora was amazing server. Rooms although they advertise as renovated I would still rate a 3. Mattresses dirty. We had mold on bathroom ceiling. All in all was a good holiday. Paradise island is a must if you  [... read more]go. I would never book through trip central again. We were drastically overcharged and lied to about availability at this resort. We paid double and to by trip central nothing they could do.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Gran Bahia Principe San Juan

Grounds: excellent maintenance Restrooms: always clean and fresh Buffet and A la Carte: something for everyone Takara - Japanese and Orquieda- Mediterranean - fine cuisine at its best Reception and lobby: great All in all, a very good holiday! Downside: quality of beach and 1 hour from airport

Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Average resort

The resort was average. I would rate it stars. I went on other reviews, most raved but realistically it was average. The food got better as the week progressed. Lots of selection but quality of food was 5 out of 10. Lots of sodium in the food. Rooms were clean but outdated and basic. Our room flooded during rain storm one night and front desk never responded until next morning until 10am. Constantly being pestered by people selling goods and services on the beach. Entertainment was mediocre. I w [... read more]ould not return. Air Canada Rouge overbooked seats and we had to wait almost until boarding for seats. We booked trip in July. Very disappointing. Weather was great and so were the folks we met. Resort was very clean and staff were nice.

Paradisus Punta Cana: Wonderful Resort!

We really enjoyed the Paradisus Punta Cana. Last year, we stayed at the Paradisus Palma Real, farther down the beach. The Buffet at the Palma Real was better, but otherwise, we preferred the Paradisus Punta Cana. A large resort, with beautifully landscaped grounds and a long, wide, white sand beach. The beach chairs were well spaced and the beach never felt crowded. Lots to do for adults and there were many families there as well. The resort is large, but there are efficient trolleys to help get [... read more] around, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Great value - highly recommend.

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Great time

The hotel was big with lots of hills and stairs. We had the last room on the hill so we did a lot of walking and stair climbing. There is shuttles that will take you around the resort. Staff were friendly and always willing to help and serve you. We stayed in the standard room and it was fine , clean lots of hot water and pressure was great. Didn’t find any different service from standard to the VIP ... so many pools and not many people around them .. was nervous after reading the reviews but  [... read more]it was a great trip. Plenty of food and lots of variety!!

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Great experience!

Big resort, which was great for a two week stay, plenty to explore. Excellent service and Animation crew was fun and engaging. ( thanks Monkey) Food was decent and the bartenders very friendly. Junior suite was roomy and comfortable adjoining rooms a bonus for our group

: Top notch resort!!

We went to emotions for our honeymoon and had an amazing time. We booked the swim up room as a little something special and loved it. There were lots of areas to go swimming and having everything close was so nice it was a 2 min walk to everything(not like the big resorts where you had to walk a mile to go for dinner or the beach). Everything was brand new and it was clear they put a lot of effort to maki g the resort clean and well maintained. The food was very good. We booked a special dinner [... read more] on the beach for our last night and it was well done. The beds were the most comfortable we’ve ever slept in(we are in the process of buying one at home because of it). The staff were amazing. I loved that it was a small resort with no need to wait in lines. It had great swim up bars, coffee shop,and restaurants. When our flight was cancelled due to bad weather, the airline sent us to a 5star that was awful in comparison to Emotions. In one word Melrose Place stay for a great price.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Gran Ventana

Enjoyed the Resort, food, room, staff, beach. The only problem was the bed and pillows were like sleeping on a cement slab.✌✌✌✌✌👅👍👍👍👋👍👍👍👍👋👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👋👍👋👍👍👋👍👋👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Great Resort

The Entire Resort from the grounds, house keeping check-in staff restaurants, buffets & Bar Staff were all Amazing Friendly & Always Smiling Very Pleasant & Happy. Hopefully we can go back to see all of our Friends & Enjoy the Resort once again