VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Great resort

Staff remember you and treat you like family. Everything is close ie pool, restaurants and beach. They always try to accommodate requests. Vendors are polite and not pushy. Security and lifeguard always on duty. Thank you to grand vantena for an amazing holiday and a special thank you to Beth at trip central for an easy booking experience as always

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Paradise

My boyfriend and I had never been to the Dominican Republic. We had the most unbelievable experience at the Bahia Principe. The staff are unbelievable, the rooms and resort spotless and the food was incredible. Daily entertainment pool side and nightly entertainment make this the perfect resort.

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana: Best of the best

We have been to over 15 all inclusive resorts, including Sandals Antigua and this was the absolute best. The service, food, pools, activities were all amazing! We loved the private community of Cap Cana and the proximity to the airport. The beach itself was stunning, although the water was a little murky from the sargassum this time of year. Cannot recommend this resort enough!

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: We love Aquamarine

Second time in 6 months that we’ve gone to Aquamarine. We enjoy it quite a bit. Rooms are great and clean. Great food with lots of selection. Staff is friendly and helpful. We spent our time at the pool and had a fun relaxing time. Weather was great.

Occidental Caribe: Nice Resort

Staffs are very politely and respectful. Pools are clean and well maintained. The Beach is clean and well cared. Foods are really tasty and so many choices to choose. Desserts are superb and also fruits are always fresh.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Excellent Resort

Very clean, housekeeping was excellent. Lake access was a short walk away. All amenities such as restaurants, bars, washrooms were all easily accessible. Staff were personable and helpful with all requests. Our request for a King Bed was accepted. We were on the ground floor and only steps away from anywhere on the resort.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Good but dated. The food was quite bad.

First the primary reason for our 3 star review. We did not like the food. At all. But maybe by DR standards it is fine. So, if you're good with the food at DR resorts, you should probably ignore this complaint. That being said, we've stayed in one other DR resort and the food was quite a bit better there. But we have stayed in numerous other resorts (none in Cuba which has its own poor reputation) and in every other case the food was significantly better. So we won't be back to the DR I think.  [... read more] Second, it sucks that my first experience upon reaching this resort was to (apparently) being scammed by the check in staff. I booked a room with two double beds. When we checked in we were told that there was no rooms with two double beds available but only a single King. OK, whatever, the world won't end if we only have a King so I agreed. And THEN I was immediately told that, in fact, there was a room with two double beds available. And here is the thing, even with the extra crowd on the weekends (locals I assume - they were great to be around), at worst the resort was maybe 30% full. To the point where there were only one or two a la carte restaurants open at any one time) and the buildings seemed empty. Or at least ours. We were in building two on the top floor and did not see anyone else on our floor the entire time we were there and only occasionally did we see anyone else on the first floor or on the stairways. So, my assumption (and I invite the hotel to tell me I am unjust in this assumption) was that I was going to be pressured into some upsell to a more expensive room had I objected to having only a king bed instead of two queens. Also, the place advertises are having wifi throughout the resort. It is pretty bad everywhere but in our room (Building two) it wasn't just bad but simply non-existent for well more than 50% of the time. Like could not connect at all. And even when we could it was terrible. And, on the theme of continuing my complaints (honestly positives to come), the local alcohol was simply undrinkable. Even in mixed drinks. To the point where I saw many other guests carrying around their own bottles of booze instead of drinking what was available. But there IS a solution to the terrible alcohol problem. We upgraded to the VIP level which gave us access to a better quality of alcohol. For us it was US$25/day (not each, for both of us). That also gave us access to the VIP lounge which was kind of like a business center lunch room at the front of the property so was not very useful. But it also gave us access to the VIP section of the beach. It wasn't big but there were beds there (sheets changed daily). The most amazing thing about the VIP section and the best thing we've ever had at any resort was they had muskoka chairs to sit in. This was a godsend for us as the ubiquitous lounges every resort has are brutally uncomfortable unless you are lying down and we like to sit up to read. The muskoka chairs were, by far the best part of the resort. Now some positives. The bartenders were almost universally clearly enjoying themselves and provided great service. Particular shout outs to Joan/John at the snack bar and Evaristo. Both provided exceptional service. Many of the other staff seemed to not really enjoy their jobs or actively did not like them. Now it seems incredibly entitled on my part to want staff to pretend to be happy and it is. But surely the resort could hire people that actually liked their jobs? The beach was great. There is quite a lot of shade provided by trees. The best shade, I think, would be to the far left of the resort as you are facing the water. Lots of trees and not many people in that area. The water was warm. It could be rough. There was some seaweed but not that much. The water gets deep pretty quickly but there is a sandbar of sorts way to the left of the resort where the water is shallow for a while. The pool is great. The house white wine is awful. I could drink the house red but it was just barely palatable enough. We took a taxi tour into PP one day. Three or four hours for a private tour for US$40 (plus tip) and was well worth it. A couple of other things. The casino is right in front of the resort. It is not part of the resort. If you play poker, they apparently have a game every night but it is Omaha and not Texas Hold em. There is a cigar store right in front of the resort as well. Very expensive cigars. Even with the import taxes and sin taxes in Canada, I could get the same cigars cheaper back in Canada. I've read other reviews complaining about the cats on the resort. No need for that. They wander around but have absolutely no interest in the guests so do not demand to be fed or pet or anything. Indeed, if you tried to pet one (and I did a few times) they ran away. The room safes are weird. They use a key which you get at check in. Costs $3/day for the safe. Not much money but that isn't my real complaint. The biggest pain is that I had to keep track of that key instead of just the combination I've used at every other resort I've been to for twenty years. And I am sure, had I lost that key, they'd have charged me a fortune. And one final complaint (because why not) and if you've read this far, you must be a glutton for online reviews with lots of complaints... There are a number of stores on site just after the reception area. A few of them have the vendors calling out to you (ok, lets just call it harassing) as you walk by. Really annoying. I don't blame them. They are clearly not busy and need the business but this is not something I've experienced at any other resort. Sure it happens all the time in a local town etc. but never in a resort for us. It was tiring. Holy crap! You STILL reading this? Hope it was helpful. And, if not, hope you are so bored or content with your life that you did not mind reading it all. Happy travels.

Dreams Cap Cana Resort and Spa: Not for beach people

The resort is nice, the pools are nice, but the beach is not. We did go in the off season during November. As for the beach, even after all the seaweed was finally removed access to the water was poor with coral everywhere

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Great resort

Stayed recently with a large group of friends. Rooms were clean and bright with excellent a/c. Pool and beach areas were great. Beach is great for long walks on nice hard sand. Food was excellent in the buffet area, and all of the ala carts. Most importantly the staff were amazingly friendly and accommodating. Will definitely return, and will recommend to friends and family.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Excellent resort and staff!

From the moment we stepped into the lobby, the atmosphere felt luxurious. The food was exceptional, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. While the beach could have been a bit clearer, overall it was a fantastic trip, and we would absolutely return.

Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa: Beautiful resort - terrible service - terrible food

Although the grounds and room where beautiful - the staff could not speak English. We waited for up to 4hrs in line to get into restaurants and even when we did we never got 3/4hrs of what we ordered, and when the food came it was cold. Many people we spoke with were very upset and the amenities, some even went as far as to rent a car and drive into town which was 1.5hrs to get some food. When we arrived the hounded us to take a presentation to buy into there preferred packages and were extre [... read more]mely rude (Virginia) and called me low life if you didn't purchase it. We purchased this resort to be children free and there were children from Dreams resort running around. In all we had the worst vacation. Also, our transfers didn't come to pick up up at the resort which resulted in us paying 280.00 USD to get back to the resort. I would not recommend this resort to anyone for now. Maybe in a few years when they have staff and better food it might be better. I am looking for compensation for the money we put out of our pocket.

Bahia Principe Explore La Romana: Bahia Principe LaRomana

Great location after a 80 minute ride from Punta Cana airport. Beautiful property, everything close by. Helpful and friendly staff, Buffet and the A La Carte restaurants were also very good. Pool by the beach was a hit with the swim up bar. The only drawback was the sea…(unfortunately a river runs into the bay and turns the water murky.) More like a lake. Of All in all, I would recommend this hotel, but not for the sea. Just being honest… Bill MacIntyre .

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Great small resort with excellent service

This was our third trip to Viva Heavens. Love this small resort. Everything is immaculate. The rooms are huge and the air conditioning is great. Wifi works throughout the resort. The food was great. Lots of choices and variety. Loved the fresh rolls and bread. Although we didn't participate, the animation team were friendly and seemed to get people involved. My only complaint is that there is no coffee available in the restaurants. We'd like to have a coffee after our meal, but you have to leave [... read more] the restaurant and go to the bar to get a coffee. The bartenders were not as friendly as before and although I got a "brown cow" the first night, ANY liquors (amaretto or coffee liquor) were not available after that first night. A very relaxing quiet week. The beach is clean and beautiful and so nice to walk along the "strip". During the off season the resort does fill with locals on the weekend, but they were friendly and polite.

Secrets Cap Cana: Awesome resort

There was nothing negative to say about our hotel. The staff was amazing. The resort was amazing. There was always something to do. The service was outstanding. Food was awesome. The resort was clean. The staff made sure that we were well taken care of.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Best resort so far...

We were extremely happy with our choice for this resort. The staff was nice and helpful, the room was very clean and elegant, entertainment was fun and diverse, the food at buffet, a la carte and snack bar was amazing...everything in walking distance

Riu Palace Macao: out of 15 times in D.R. this is the #1 top hotel weve been to

There is really nothing one can say negative, from check in, changing rooms because of my back, no fault of theirs. no line ups for anything the newly renovated place seems to run with ease, no bugs, no seaweed...super clean, service for pool drinks or dinner was impeccable. My only suggestion would be the house wine selection has much to be desired.

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Beautiful resort amazing

Returned from a sister vacation and had an excellent time. From the time you walk into the lobby you will be amazed with all the beautiful foliage, took our breath away. All the staff are outstanding and will go out of their way to ensure you are having an excellent time. The pool was amazing, the food out of the world, no issues what so ever. Love this resort and will be returning in March for our third time. The only issue are the patio doors do not have handles to open from the outsi [... read more]de, which is a struggle for people that do not have strength to push on the glass to open.

Sunscape Dominican Beach: 5 Stars !

We loved our week at Secrets Tides Punta Cana. The resort was so clean and well kept. Staff was professional, attentive, happy to help and plentiful. You could always find someone to assist you if needed. Drinks were served in glasses and were of great quality - bars were never far away. Our room - a swim out with butler service was beautiful appointed and had multiple lighting options throughout the room and bluetooth speakers in the ceiling that we could play our own music from. Room Service [... read more] delivered on time and were accurate and hot upon delivery. Our butler was named Milcaides (Micky) and he was fabulous. He was a terrific help to my partner who planned a wedding proposal while we were there. Micky played a big part in helping to make it a very memorable occasion for us. He was so attentive, personable and genuinely wanting our stay to be the best possible. The entertainment was good - lots of activities throughout the day to participate in. Evening live entertainment and then shows. We didn't stay for any of the shows, but they looked to be well presented in a very nice theatre area with plenty of seating. This was not a "party" resort. There was a DJ who played music throughout the day, but it wasn't crazy loud or obnoxious. Evening parties/shows ended by 11, with people being able to stay up and enjoy the lobby bar later into the evening if they chose. Restaurants were decorated very nicely, food was delicious and menus had lots of options at every restaurant. We were extremely pleased with the whole vacation. Knowing we set the bar quite high after this trip for future vacations to measure up to. It was a romantic, relaxing and thoroughly enjoyed vacation in the DR. Don't hesitate to book it!

Riu Bambu: Not recommended

Let me start by saying i've been to this hotel several time. This trip however was possibly the worst. The rooms are old, the fridge was leaking. Ants are everywhere in the rooms. I had to change two days in. Less ants however still the same. I cannot even describe how horrible the food was. All the meat and sea food products were all over cooked. Basically, it was the same food being served over and over and over again, for the full seven days that I was there. On the upside, the team working a [... read more]t the hotel were fantastic. The level of service received by the service staff at the front desk and also in the dining room was beyond reproach. They were the only bright side of my trip.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Great Staff

The staff was very helpful. We had to change our room from the top floor to the ground floor as we had a baby in a stroller. took 4 days but after that we had a great time. we had to go for lunch off the resort sometimes for a better meal. they have lots of food but much of the dishes weren't to our tastes. the great thing is that they had the omelette stations and grilled meats. The water was a bit too wavy most days for a nice swim. but the long beach is just gorgeous beauti [... read more]ful beach