Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: December vacation

This review is long due to some discrepancies and wanting to give an honest review. Check-in & Room: Arrived before 3pm check-in on a Sunday. They did not have our reservation (Tripcentral were advised and responded it had been confirmed). Gave us bracelets to grab a meal and returned at 3. They had the only room left in the hotel ready, not our top floor preference but 2nd floor, Superior with king bed. (We did not book upgraded rooms) The room looked great (swim-up rooms below) but a few t [... read more]hings weren’t working.. which were taken care of promptly by the Housekeeping Supervisor - fridge was replaced, 2 patio chairs were brought, hair dryer replaced. Shower hose was broken (could not shower), so after no replacement on day 1, we waited at reception until maintenance brought a new one - had to assist maintenance on using a washer and that was fixed. All was smooth from then on. Shower stall has a small lip that overflows onto the floor (needs caulking under glass too) - we heard another room in a different building had the same issue. Bed was comfy - pillows too firm for us (hubby used a towel). Not many storage drawers in the room, and bathroom vanity is just sufficient for 2 people’s personal travel bags. Bath amenities were in pumps & more than enough for our 2 weeks use. TV has minimal English channels (WB & sometimes HBO). Balcony is large - nothing to dry suits on except chairs. The morning we left, there’d been rain overnight and the toilet was gurgling so we’re not sure if there was going to be plumbing issues - the ceiling in bathroom was dripping on our backs at the sink. Room 16210. Meals: buffet is good with daily Dinner themes. On weekends, lots of domestic bookings and with it are crowds and mostly Dominican style breakfasts. Weekday breakfasts include bacon, smoked salmon/capers/cream cheese. All days include omelette station, pancakes, banana or papaya smoothie station. Lots of cereal, oatmeal, hot cocoa, fresh fruit. About 14 hot plates with variety of choices for all 3 meals. Small Lobster in paella or seafood stew one night/week. Beach restaurant: same menu daily: burgers, hotdogs, nachos & cheese, fried chicken pieces, small salad bar, fruits, buns, dessert. Coffee/tea service are in mini cups. A La carte: 2 per 7 night stay - book with bar code 3-4 days ahead, or at customer service 2 days ahead. Lolita’s Mexican was our fav & the only time we had avocados (recommend corn soup, shrimp tacos) - Amici Italian was very good. We didn’t get to Dominican resto. Wait staff everywhere were friendly and helpful. Some very professional. Entertainment & activities: gym looked great. Lots of daily activities.. more than we typically see at a resort - schedule wasn’t posted on a board.. changing to electronic bar code at reception - we obtained a schedule from customer service. We enjoyed mini golf, archery, cornhole games. They also have tennis, batting cage, various competitions like darts. Oh yes, pool foam party every week was fun to watch - and nice to see a safety barrier for young kiddies. Very active team organize water exercises, sports, bingo. Pools do not have a lifeguard so please watch your little ones as their pool is between 2 other pools. Beach: amazing deep, white sand beach - very well maintained. Lifeguards are at the beach and police patrol regularly on ATV. In 2 weeks we had 2 red flag days from high winds/surf and they made sure no one was swimming. The water has a strong current pull so little ones need to be supervised. Generally it’s a gradual walk into the water, but there can be holes with tides changing. Bars: 24 hr is by the pools and do not use glass (kudos as it’s next to pools). At the beach bar, buy a fresh coconut $4, or whole pineapple. Bartenders are great and keep the lines moving well. Cafe: we loved the cappuccinos and Frappuccinos - small desserts avail too. There’s a price list, but it’s included for all-inclusive guests. Only item we’d be charged for are $5 fresh fruit popsicles. Milwaukee sports bar - we didn’t bother, except for popcorn, but theres snacks and billiards, TVs. Nightly entertainment - we were in the room or sitting by ocean at night, so have no opinions on it. Beach party one night. Overall, it seems some rooms maintenance or an upgrade will be coming in future. We were very pleased to get everything fixed in the room easily, and preventing a room change, because who wants to spend precious vacay time doing that! We loved our stay and would return.

Casa de Campo: Such a marvellous place!!

Although such a massive compound, after a day it’s really easy to get around with the supplied golf cart. The food is incredible at all restaurants. By far the best food we have had anywhere. The beach is on the smaller side but it’s clear and calm. Exactly what we wanted. We rode once at the Equestrian centre and visited twice more. U can tell this place cares for their horses which was sooo important to us. My one suggestion would be to figure out a bracelet system for all inclusive as waiti [... read more]ng to sign ur bill only to have it credited to ur room was tiresome. U also have to remember ur ID card on u at all times. Oh! The one thing I thought a bit nickel and dime is ur drinks in ur fridge. If u use any of it ur are charged. We went all inclusive but if I wanted a coke or alcohol I had to drive the golf cart to the bar or pay for the drink from our room fridge. This is a pricey all inclusive so I thought charging for ur room drinks petty. All in all u can’t go wrong at this resort. We usually have to use caution on food in Dominican but not here? We would absolutely return. Driving and seeing all the grounds and beautiful homes was a bonus. The staff goes above and beyond to accommodate what ever u want!!

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Loud feral cats!

The resort was beautiful but most nights were disrupted sleep because of screaming feral cats. We also experienced a Cockroach in room the last day :/. The outlet in out bathroom had burn marks on it and the blow dryer wouldn’t work in it.

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Amazing Resort

We stayed at the Secrets Royal Beach and had an amazing vacation. Staff, restaurants, beach, pool and all amenities were fantastic. We certainly will be returning! Thank you to Shannon Ashford for helping us book this trip.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Great resort!

We love our vacations at this resort. This is the third time we have been to this resort because it is everything we are looking for. The main attraction is the beach which is a lovely sandy beach. There is no need for beach shoes as the sand continues into the water for some distance. Further out there is a coral reef so there are great opportunities to snorkel if you wish. Many people feed the fish so you can also see them without a snorkel. The buffet at the resort is lovely! Great food at ev [... read more]ery meal! The a la carte restaurants are fabulous! The Brazilian would have to be our favourite one followed by the Italian. This is just my opinion and my preferences, however. The room was fine for the price we paid with a few little things that could have been improved upon.

Viva V Samana by Wyndham: Best beach ever, However !!!!

Our third visit to this resort and 4th time to this beach. In all of our travels, this is the 2nd best beach ever to walk and experience. The V room with plunge was worth the little extra expense, doubles the patio size, although the pool was cool and you couldn’t retract the awning for the sun to warm up the pool. Pina coladas were 7/10 from a slushy machine. Other drinks like a Singapore Sling, Mai Tai, were, well let’s just say horrible. Wish I would have booked the bungalows. Otherwise, our  [... read more]room was in the 600 block. Request 600 block rooms 6111-1114. Or 6211-6214, 6311-6314 as these are on the end on the 6 block and have full ocean view. 6314 would be the ultimate private balcony. There’s no need for the towel game as there are enough lounge chairs, but you do need to get up by 7 and play the game when you need the cushion for the lounge. MOST IMPORTANTLY, there is a gastronomic virus circulating and the Air Canada rep tells you although Air Canada doesn’t. We both were sick for 2 days. Apparently all over the DR. The restaurants are so/so. Menu doesn’t change. For the price, it’s a good deal.

Secrets Tides Punta Cana: Stellar Resort

The resort isn't even 2 years old and it is amazing. New and modern. Rooms have blue tooth speakers, 2 rain showers, motion lights, robes, slippers, towel rack on balcony a steamer vs an iron, lotions and potions, blow dryer of course...just everything you need. 24 hour room service, laundry service, mini bar service and housekeeping as all resorts have. There are 2 swim up pools for non preferred and 1 for preferred. We found most preferred guests said so not necessary to pay the extra [... read more], some had swim up rooms which some loved having and some hardly used...you do get drink service from pool wait staff so there is that. Food was great, we repeated steak house, italian and japanese. The buffet is huge..so much selection. Room service was ok...give it time as could take up to an hour or more depending on time. Entertainment was great, we didn't make it to everything but what we did see we enjoyed; Violinist and sax player in lobby bar were great, rock show fun and silent dance party a MUST...too fun. All staff treated us like royalty , we were spoiled rotten thru our whole 2 weeks. Highly recommend Secrets Tides if you are wanting a trip to Punta Cana.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Okay resort

Resort felt very small and overcrowded. Rooms were outdated and uncomfortable, and the music/entertainment was boring and repetitive. Overall disappointing—would recommend choosing a better resort. Go somewhere else

Secrets Tides Punta Cana: Fantastic resort!

The resort is very clean. They have great food options for different kind of tastes. There was no wait for any restaurants. The gym is excellent, I used the treadmills everyday. Service and friendliness were excellent. They come to you to ask/bring you drinks. There was entertainment every night and activities all day. Depending if the vacation you want there is not a big night life. This is a more chill and relaxing resort. The beach’s were beautiful and rooms were great! It is a little far fro [... read more]m the airport, about an hour drive and usually you have to drop other people off first before this resort.

Ocean El Faro: Amazing resort

The food was amazing, the restaurants were above expectations... Mike's coffee shop was our favorite spot as we are coffee lovers. Staff was friendly and helpful and the beach was awesome even though we couldn't swim

VIK Hotel Arena Blanca: Good place to relax.

Grounds clean and green a lots of palm trees flowers rooms clean and spacious renovation is still going in some of tthe rooms.Food good quality and fresh. Only coffee is not available early morning in the lobby. The pool is excellent with a lots of activities good music and entertainment all day long.

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Amazing resort

Everything was great except not to much hot water lol in shower. Great beach great location close to everything walking in town was very safe. Food was amazing with all different types of food. I was there with 2 teenagers and they enjoyed themselves.

Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana: Beautiful resort!

This resort was a wonderful all-inclusive. The staff were outstanding especially our butler Manuel. Food was excellent and considerably better than other resorts. The 'Preferred Package' was definitely worth it. I would highly recommend this resort.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Resort was OK

Beach was very good, Grounds were nice also, Rooms could be better, Food was ok, not enough bars. yayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayyayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayyayayayayayayayayayyayayayayyayayayayayya

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana: Definitely did not disappoint!

What a fantastic holiday experience. Grounds were so perfectly landscaped . The long pool was welcoming with enough lounge chairs and umbrellas to accommodate a large crowd. The beach was as well great, but the water was normally fairly rough and wavy. The buffet, as well as the a la carte restaurants provided tasty variety; the Brasas steak restaurant could do better with their rib eye steak though. The staff was excellent, notably Cavel, Luis, Julio, Ricardo, and Tomas from food services, and [... read more] of course Sewander from the pool bar. This resort is definitely worth a repeat visit.

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: 2 star at best

This includes the Cofresi and Presidential suites. The issues were so numerous we need to warn people before coming even if the price is a steal. Property in bad repair. Cold water Showers that won't drain. Broken iron. Dirty cracked pools. Watered down bottom of the barrel alchohol drinks. The food was the worst part. Which was surprising based off the reviews. The buffet food was the equivalent to dog food. Mashed meats and fish in a soupy sour sauce that was served over and over. [... read more] No flavour. Zero seasoning. The basics were missing. Other guests and us commented how we had to stash bananas and crackers in our rooms just in case. The al a cartes were good but again issues; you can only book 3 total and the ones you want are always already fully booked. Was asked 50 times do I want to buy a massage, buy excursions, buy cigars but I couldn't even get a decent meal. We had to eat off the resort to get a decent dinner. The internet limit is one hour a day and you have to move around to connect. The entertainment is minimal. Resorts are a 2 star disguised as a 3.5/4. Wouldn't stay here again even if it was free. Wouldn't recommend. Wouldn't return ever. The staff very friendly, the staff were some of the nicest people I've met in my entire life. My complaints are with the poor management and resort owners who are skimping on the food and allowing the property to stay in bad repair.

Grand Bavaro Princess: Great Resort - Platinum Suite

Our two weeks were great. Highly recommend Platinum Suite. Exclusive checkin and restaurants. Platinum beach area and chairs were comfortable. Drinks were delivered to us by wonderful Perez ...he is amazing!

Viva Miches by Wyndham: Amazing Resort

New very clean. Small but well laid out. Less than 600 rooms. Staff did it not speech English but lots of other guests where fromArgentina & Quebec so easier for them to Communicate. Highly recommend this resort.

Majestic Mirage Punta Cana All Suite Resort: Amazing Resort

We went to this resort for a wedding and our experience was unforgettable. The resort is beautiful. Our room was impeccable, the food was delicious regardless of where we ate, the French restaurant, the buffet, the coffee shop, it was all delicious. Our butler Montero was phenomenal, I highly recommend asking for him if you can. Juan at the adult pool was always in a great mood and served delicious drinks. Catherine at the lobby bar, fantastic server and super friendly. We love this place and pl [... read more]an to go back with the kids.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Overall a great hotel

My wife and I were satisfied with our stay. Good hotel. Especially excellent food beach restaurants. We took the cheapest economical option of the room. Accordingly, the renovations were not the best But everything necessary for accommodation was. Thank tripcentral!!!!