Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: Fantastic resort

The beach, facilities, the location of the resort, the entertainment, the staff all were outstanding. The buffet and restaurants were most enjoyable. I would say that the overall value of the package was excellent.

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda

January 13th-20th 2018 Traveled with my now husband, our parents and sisters, 8 of us total. First time for all of us to Punta Cana, let alone an all-inclusive resort. Mini backstory: I won the trip from 103.1 Fresh Radio for myself and a guest, flight and stay as well as a basic wedding package. Arrival in Punta Cana: We departed the plane on the tarmac, boarded a really packed bus to shuttle us a short 2 minute drive to the airport. We stood in a very long line, about two hour wait [... read more]. We were given tourist cards on the flight where later asked to give to an attendant where they kept bringing to a booth to re-sell right behind us which I found bizarre. We finally reached a counter to get our passports checked. It was confusion from then on, putting belongings through security, random staff trying to take your luggage for you in a hurry, and taking you out to the busy, unorganized parking lot to find your shuttle to the resort, about a 30min drive. Arrival at Bahia Principe main lobby Punta Cana: We got off our coach bus at the bigger main lobby where we had to place our luggage on smaller carts that fit 8 people at a time. We rode minutes away to Esmeralda. Because we were a large group (of other trip winners, radio staff, etc) they had us wait in the lobby, gave only a few people tiny welcome drinks, check-in felt unorganized. We were given our room key cards and told our luggage would arrive in our rooms. It felt like awhile. Overall Experience: Everything made up for that rocky start. Amazing friendly, helpful staff, service, clean rooms and grounds. We were so impressed by our room and butler Meldy who was always at our service, bringing us scented pillows every night. The safe was excellent to use. We had surprises in our room on our wedding night and next day. Mini bar always stocked. We mostly ate at buffet's for all meals as it was hard to reserve 8 people at a decent time at a la carts. I was worried my mother with a servere sea food allergy would have a hard time eating but she did not at all. There were lots of fun shows at the pool and lobby areas almost every day as well as dancing on the beach. Ricardo was so patient with serving our large group with drinks on the beach. We could openly explore neighbouring resorts on foot and by cart except Fantasia was private. Next time: I'd save spots by the pool and/or beach early in the morning. Hard to get 8 seats together. Bring large tumblers or insulated cups. Towel clips for lawn chairs. Bring my own inflatable pool floaties. Only things I did not like: On the first day we were suckered into paying to take photos with parrots, monkeys and iguanas for $10ea on the beach. Did not realize you could negotiate that. Also we were drawn into the BP Priviledge Club "tour", which is not a 1 hr tour of the resorts as they claim, but a 2.5 hr boring speech to get you to buy weeks of their club. Manager was very rude. Waste of time but gave us a few freebies for thr trouble. If anyone would like further reviews on our wedding day don't hesitate to ask. We dealt with Lesly with the wedding dept at Bahia Principe and Jul and Pablo from Tropic One Studio Photography.

Sensatori Resort Punta Cana: beautiful resort

Had a little bit of a disappointment when we first got there only one bed in the room and they had no other rooms available so we had to share a bed thank God it was a king size if had known there was only going to be one bed when we booked two wouldn't have chosen that resort now we're there we had no choice. Other than that it was a nice resort a lot of walking, good food.

Whala Boca Chica: Value for the money

The room was clean comfortable and the bathroom was adequate. Enjoyed the balcony, overlooking well maintained gardens. We think it was a cash grab to have to pay for the safety deposit box. Never had to do that before. TV was totally in adequate. The food was average. There was variety. The breakfasts were fat laden. Enjoyed the variety of fresh local fruit.

Majestic Elegance Punta Cana: Amazing resort - Amazing beach - Amazing room!

The ride from the airport was less than 25 minutes - a bonus! When we arrived all of the staff were friendly and there were no issues with getting into our room. "Elvis" was the staff member who helped us to our room and he was great! He gave us information on where everything was and was pleasant to chat with. Our room - was AWESOME! We have stayed in a number of places in the Caribean (Some extremely expensive - some not) and by far this was the best room we have ever had! Ground floor w [... read more]ith the main pool outside our door and the swim up bar seconds away. Having two teenage boys with us in a room is usually cramped - but they had set up two beds in the living room area and we had our own private room. The grounds were beautiful and well cared for. The beach front was beautiful! Loved being able to walk more than 5 feet and finding garbage or having to turn around because there was no more beach to walk on - this beach stretched for miles and was clean! The food was okay - it wasn't great or amazing. We didn't get sick or anything, but it wasn't the best food we have had on vacation. So, if you're looking for great accommodations, amazing beach, and friendly people - I would recommend this resort. Only word of CAUTION - it has nothing to do with our resort - but walking on the beach be aware of representatives from the new Royalton Resort that is a few doors down. The rep asked if we wanted a tour of the new resort - there is a water slide and we had stayed at a Royalton before and were curious. We said sure sounds good. When we got into the resort we were approached by a woman who said we would be speaking another person who was going to have lunch with us and then show us around the resort. The rep came up and introduced himself and then said he would need 90 minutes of our time to talk about a program 'Travel Smart" We instantly told them we were not interested and wouldn't be signing anything. He said we could still have lunch and talk about it. We had lunch, it was ok, then he brought us back to a business room and proceeded to question us on what we spent to get there, what our interestes were and so on. Again we said we weren't interested. It didn't matter he goes on to say "I don't want to argue with you..." We weren't arguing - he raised his hand and a female came over and started all over again. then the woman said "Well you said you wanted free things" - OKAY - we didn't say any of those things - we thought we were getting a tour of the new Royalton and possibly getting our kids permission to use their water park... LONG and short of this is - They were VERY VERY pushy and when asked if I could take the information with me to make a decision - they said NO...Red flags ALL over this. My point in including this in this review is the following - Majestic - AMAZING!!! Royalton - SHAME on you for misleading people off of the beach and having pushy, irritating, highly aggressive salespeople (Who would not listen to anything we were saying - only wanted to get the sale 30,000 American dollars) trying to push a TIMESHARE idea on people. We had an amainzg time at the Royalton in the Mayan Rivieria - but because of this experience we will not be visiting a Royalton again. Horrible experience!

Caribe Deluxe Princess: A nightmare vacation

I travel south every winter so know what to expect. Arrived at Caribe Club Princess and when I got to my "superior" room the view was a cement wall,a fence to the adjoining property and a water pump house. Also a toilet not fastened to the floor. Rm 1139 I went to reception and arranged for a room change but they could only accommodate me the next day at three. Tipped the lady at reception and I did get a room that overlooked the main pool. The grounds for the resort are tropical gardens and [... read more] clean. So my room had the air conditioner running and ceiling fan. I turned it all off but still felt cold when I came in from the sun. The king size bed had a thin white sheet and a decorative foot fabric and matching pillow. No blankets. No bed spread so I used the bath towels for warmth. NO hot water not even luke warm in the room I left or the new room for the entire week. Checked with others and they had the same. Some had hot water for a day or two during there stay. The joke was we would all come to their room to shower. Day two started signs of diarrhea so started the Imodium I brought. Next day, not good, so borrowed Imodium from friends. Still not good so bought some at the pharmacy. Started a sparse diet of bread and rice. No food Wednesday at all. Just bottled water. That evening I called for medical help. The resort doctor, a petite young girl, was the best. Spoke English and was MOST helpful. She arranged for me to go the the Bavaro hospital. Stool sample verified acute gastro infection, severe dehydration. I was to stay for a minimum three days but signed a waiver to discharge myself so I could get my plane back home. More horror to tell but I learned a lesson No Dominican Republic for me even if I win a trip.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: All good, nothing exceptional

With a budget of less then $1000 this property met expectations. Room good, food good, entertainment good, staff were very good. Nothing stood out as exceptional which is too bad. Even a great cup of coffee would have meant the difference between going back to this property or trying another.

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Very nice

We had a blast awesome family holiday.the food was excellent ,the ocean view room will definitely bring us back and the beach and pool were great. A very relaxing and enjoyable holiday , looking forward to going back next year!😎

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: Great Beach! Great Resort!

The Barcelo Bavaro Beach resort is very clean and well maintained. The staff are plentiful, courteous and very helpful. It is an ideal adult resort and great for those want to stroll the beautiful grounds and expansive beach. There is a wide variety of food items to choose from and sure to appeal to all. The service staff in the restaurants and around the pool area were just great. And certainly earned their tips. The beer was good, the liquor was average but the wine was ghastly. Not work th [... read more]e calories. We had access to the sister hotel, the Bavaro Princess. It's a large property. also well maintained and offers plenty of amenities if you wanted a bit of a change up from the Barcelo Bavaro Beach. We went through Air Transat and very really pleased with their service to and from the DR. Their on site representative, Jameison St. Hilaire, was very knowledgeable and provided us with all the information we needed for a restful add pampered stay.

Royalton CHIC Punta Cana: good resort

The resort was very nice. Staff was awesome. But for a resort that is not that old it is some what dated and could use some tlc. Not much of a beach and could not swim in the ocean very rough everyday. As usual when you pay elite plus it only applies at the Pearson Airport. For people like myself that pay extra for a service you expect it to be met. The sunwing reps did not call Elite plus boarding it was a free for all getting on the plane. I am preplexed as to why this is an on going issue wit [... read more]h Sunwing.The Airport is the worse i have ever been to and will proppbaly never travel to the Dominican again. It took us an hour and a half to clear customs, we were all crammed in a bus after deboarding to travel 100 yards, what a joke.

Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro: Very disappointed this time!

This was our 5th time returning to the Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana. The first 4 times were amazing that is why we decided to go back this time to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary! Very sad to say that this Resort has gone completely downhill :( The first day when we arrived was all screwed up and by the time we got it all sorted out the day was pretty much over. We missed lunch as well so had to wait until dinner. We had been up since 2:30am so it didn't go over well, needless to  [... read more]say. The grounds are still beautiful as ever! The beach is still looked after and raked daily but, they have a real problem now with sand fleas which we never experienced before. The staff were less than helpful this time which was quite a shock to us as in the past they have always been amazing. I have to say that there are still a few that are genuine and very helpful but, that amount has gone from 100% easily to 25%. The dishes in the buffet are not clean anymore. You have to sort through them to find one that is clean enough to eat off......disgusting to say the least! Some of the food is still really good but, there are now many dishes that are just thrown together and are not enjoyable. You would never starve though! The Royal Golden Suites are now badly in need of a total overhaul. Services have gone downhill. You can report issues as many times as you like but, they fall on deaf ears now. The best thing about our trip this time was the "time to come home"! It's the most we have ever paid for this resort and the worst time we have ever had. We obviously tried to enjoy ourselves but, if it wasn't one thing it was another. Never again! :(

Paradisus Punta Cana: Truly Paradise!

The Paradisus resort was absolutely fantastic. The grounds were gorgeous; the beach and pool areas were beautiful; food was great and the staff and service were top notch!! There is an excellent variety of restaurants and the buffet was very good. The staff is always smiling (Jensy the waiter by the pool and Tony in guest services were outstanding)!! We stayed in a deluxe junior suite and the rooms and balconies were spacious and very clean. I would highly recommend this amazing resort!! Can't w [... read more]ait to go back!!!

Secrets Cap Cana: a must go

great service, food, beach, rooms......just go if you want to be spoiled.....music is wonderful too.....Lionel, the GM, hires and trains wonderful people......best overall Secrets we have been to.....

Excellence Punta Cana: reasonably good

Good grounds, rough water so the beach area not good for swimming, though clean beach area. Food needs to improve. not much choice and need an evening buffet. Hard to get into the restuarents and hard to reserve too.

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: A great resort!!

The rooms and the grounds were beautiful and clean and the food was exceptional. The staff was friendly, helpful and polite. The beach was as usual clean. We could not of asked for a better time and have already discussed going back.

Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro: GREAT RESORT

THE GROUNDS ..THE BEACH..THE POOLS...WERE VERY NICE...GOOD PLACE TO UNWIND AND HAVE FUN....2ND VISIT TO THIS RESORT AND WOULD LIKE TO COME BACK IN THE FUTURE...ONE MINOR INCIDENT AT THE FRONT DESK THAT WAS EASILY CORRECTED

Blau Natura Park Resort: Not so good

Cockroach in the room the first night and then even in the middle of the day. You’re there to relax and you get a wake up call for a meeting on your first day. Then the maids get you up the other mornings. They don’t respect the sign not to be disturbed! They don’t clean the room properly and don’t leave any change anywhere they’ll pick it up. They are loud and annoying. Open concept building, never again. Not much activities at night, sound system is terrible and stops working at ti [... read more]mes. No disco. No need for venter night on the resort. The food is good and staff is ok. The beach is not nice lots of weed/algae’s they can’t keep up with the clean up. The beach is not far away from a port. You have to walk a distance to have crystal clear water, as if the hotel is badly situated. Air Transat schedules their flights to 4-5 different outbounds all at same time??? The flight was delayed after three hours of waiting in lineup for boarding pass at the airport. I do not recommend this hotel.

Ocean Blue and Sand: Resort was wonderful

The food and drinks were great, and the room was very clean. We did have to endure to pressure to purchase a membership to H10, but after that no problem. Our rep was from Sunquest and he looked after us pretty well, the only problem he didn't explain all the details regarding our tour to Santa Domingo. The tour was great, it was the trip there was a little confusing as we not told we would be changing buses along the way. Other than that the whole vacation was wonderful. Would recommend it to e [... read more]veryone.

Wyndham Alltra Samana: Ok Resort

Visited this resort January 14 to January 21, 2018 Pros: Awesome Beach and pool. Staff were cordial however did not go out of their way to be accomodating - example asked for Diet beverages and did not get them in my room until the day I was leaving. Food was great. Cons: Visitors were generally unfriendly example - 99% of visitors would not acknowledge you with a hello in the morning or during the day. No coffee maker in room. I travelled alone and when I went to restaurant for dinner, h [... read more]ostess placed me in table in corner of the room. Really????? If this sounds petty. No. I am easy to please however these little things made my trip less than 100% Ride from airport 2 hours. Just so you know. Bai Principle Roulette is where I would return to. Been there twice.

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Great Location

Upon arrival to Casa Marina, I was worried. It had a very small lobby with no welcome whatsoever. It was raining too, which probably didn't help the mood. We waited in line at this hole in the wall reception desk to be told our room was not ready. No one offered to take our baggage or direct us to the restaurant while we waited. There was no lobby bar. Not a great vibe at this point. We were travelling with other friends, and their rooms were ready. We found a spot to keep our luggage "se [... read more]cure" (open luggage storage closet), and went to the snack bar that was closing soon for a quick snack. By this time, it was 4pm, check in was posted as 3pm and our room still wasn't ready. Our friends had received their rooms and told us they were scary and had dirty tubs and sheets! Now, I was ready to transfer. As we looked around though, the resort was actually nice. There were outdoor bars next to the beach and pool. There were beautiful outdoor cold water Jacuzzi tubs. Once we finally received our room, (we had paid for the upgraded deluxe garden view), we found it to be quite nice and well worth the upgrade by the sounds of the rest of the groups' rooms. Our friends ended up switching rooms the next day and were much happier. After getting settled, we were quite happy overall with this resort. I loved it's in town location. You could walk out and explore the markets and the nearby Sosua Beach. We ate at a great steak restaurant in town. The buffet food was quite good and most days had good variety. The A La Cartes were good food, but terrible service. Actually the service everywhere was quite lacking. Tip or no tip, sometimes you could get waited on, but most times you were finding your own coffee and pouring your own water in the restaurants. The safe is $15US for the week. The towel cards are given to you at check in and if not returned, you pay $15 for each lost card. Overall, the resort was compact, in a great location and nice. Pools were great, jacuzzi tubs were beautiful, beach was ok, but usually Red Flag, food was good and location was great. The hotel is still under renovation so I expect it will only improve. If the service was greatly improved, this would be a great little resort.