Viva Tangerine by Wyndham: I won this trip from Jack FM London

Although the beach and the resort was beautiful, I was disappointed overall. The dining room was very crowded and is was rare to get coffee or wine served to us. Disappointed that there was only one bar. The bartenders could not speak english and did not understand how to make specific drinks. Drinks were also disappointing in that they were all from the slushie machine. Poor that the fridge in room did not work and only water was supplied. Venders on the beach were over the top annoying.  [... read more] Entertainment staff crossed the line with propositioning and flirting with my daughter. Other resorts they have been friendly, but not like this. The food was good and the a la cartes were good. The resort was clean and a nice size.

Occidental Punta Cana: Rough start but ended ok.

Our stay started off poorly when the check in staff gave us the wrong color of bracelet. We had purchased the First Club option and the bracelet was for a lessor value vacation. We found this out quite quickly when the staff at the first club desk told us we didnt have first club bracelets and so we had to go back to the check in area and get the proper color. For us the First Club option was very much worth while. A separate bar area at the beach and on the resort made getting a drink very eas [... read more]y with no line ups and better brands of alcohol. As well they served breakfast, lunch, and appetizers at supper time. You needed to eat supper at the ala cart restaurants or main buffets though. Our room was in one of the newly renovated complexes and was very nice and clean. The most annoying part was this resort has been bought by the Barcello company and all of the front line staff will hammer you on going to a timeshare/vacation club meeting. They are very friendly until you turn them down. After a couple of days they leave you alone so you can actually start to enjoy your holiday. The beach is beautiful as advertised and we never had trouble finding chairs. Most staff are friendly with only one surly bar maid and restaurant welcome staff. The resort is kept very clean and the food for the most part was reasonably good. If not for the timeshare pressure I would rate this resort 4 out of 5 but can only give it 3.5 out of 5 because of it.

Ancora Private Residence Yacht Club and Marina: Great resort, awesome staff!

I really enjoyed this resort! The buildings are modern looking and well maintained, the AC was great, the rooms were modern and comfortable (though my adult children thought the beds were on the hard side, I thought they were fine), the rooms had small kitchen areas, the staff were wonderful, friendly, and helpful (apart from the front desk staff who seemed somewhat unwilling to help with simple requests), the food was for the most part quite good with changes of theme to the buffet so you're no [... read more]t eating the same thing over and over, the a la carte restaurants were good, the pools were great, there were lots of activities going on and the ones I participated in were fun and run by enthusiastic staff, though the resort is large and was almost full it never seemed overly busy. The only downside was the beach, which was a shuttle ride away and was small and crowded, so we took a paid shuttle to a larger beach which was amazing.

Royalton Splash Punta Cana: Memories Splash in Punta Cana

The resort is a great place for vacation with kids of all ages. The water park is amazing, food was excellent, room was not so bad. I really liked the experience and would recommend to anyone. The airport in Punta Cana could have been better fit for huge volume of people, but that was the only bad memory I have :)

Occidental Punta Cana: Average Resort

Rooms very nice (modern, clean with jacuzzi on balcony). Beaches are clean, wide and impressive. Grounds ok as not many flowers (season). What we were NOT impressed is service, very disorganized, confusing, rude, long and not very customer oriented. They do NOT for the extra mile for the customer We've been to Punta Cana 5 or 6 times, worst hotel on service.

Riu Merengue: Great stay!

Stayed March 7 to 14 as a couple The resort met my expectations of a 4 star hotel and really I had no complaints. We got there at 10 pm and check in was just picking up our keys, it was perfect. We bought the 'super saver room' and yet both our room requests were met. In the AM I noticed our fridge wasn't working, we went down to let them know, had some food and checked things out and it was fixed by the time we went back in a few hours. Very clean resort and friendly staff is why I give this p [... read more]lace 4.5 stars. There are three sections to the Rui and they all offer the same amenities besides the disco being at the merengue and the Casino at bachata. It's all close enough together if you are an able walker, check it all out and enjoy the scenery! It was very busy so if you want quiet this place isn't for you. Lots of fun entertainment and very family friendly!

Emotions by Hodelpa Juan Dolio: Emotions by Hodelpa

Overall I would say this resort is a 3 star. We had to be moved to 3 different rooms before there was an acceptable one. First one, the room flooded. I had read about this problem on Tripadvisor, and they weren't kidding. After a 10 minute shower there was water on the floor 1/2 way into the room. We couldn't call the front desk, as the phone didn't work. They moved us to another room the next day. Standing in the bathroom we would feel drops on our head. Look up and there was water dripping fro [... read more]m 5 different spaces in the ceiling. Told the front desk in the morning on our way to an excursion. They said they would send someone. We arrived back later that day, nothing was done. Still dripping. Very frustrating. I put a review on TripAdvisor telling this story. Surprise, surprise, we had a call in our room, and a letter under our door. Guest Services Manager wanted to meet with us. The next day we were moved to the VIP building (#4). Much better. The last week of our 2 weeks was better than the first. The food is pretty good, no spices though, so bring your own if you want more flavor than salt and pepper. The entertainment is fantastic when the dancers were there to perform, and the Michael Jackson - best resort show I've ever seen. Some nights entertainment was lacking. Beach is pretty good, but there is some seaweed.

Ocean Blue and Sand: Great resort

Very clean resort, staff were wonderful. The food was always very good in the buffet and beach restaurant, never bothered with the other restaurants. The beach was damaged in latest storm but they have 2 large pools that were well maintained. Drinks were great and never line up at bars.

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Great!!

Our third time coming here. It would be nice to be acknowledged for being a repeat traveler like other resorts. The airport process is pretty quick. Porters will take your bags from the airport to the bus. Tip them. You can do it yourself though. The large cold beer just outside the airport went up in price now is 6.00usd. They have guides standing there With signs to tell you which bus to get on. The bus ride from the airport is about 40 minutes. We were on a large newer coach this time and hav [... read more]e been on a smaller 20 person. The bus ride was good, it was one of the quietest we've been on. They usually will tell jokes, teach a little Spanish and joke around with everyone but I'm finding it's less and less. The check in was fast. A cocktail is waiting for you when you get there. There's a large table with envelopes you wait your turn to sign for your room and are given your room key, safe key, towel cards, and coupons. The outside of the envelope has your internet user and pass word on it. A porter will take your bags to your room. The next morning they have a meeting to tell you about the resort and things to do and not do. They'll give you your blue departure papers that will need to be filled out before you get to the airport to go home. It helps speed up that part. My room was given away so we had to wait a few hours for another one. They were really good about it though. The rooms, grounds, beach, dining areas are very clean. The staff are working constantly always smiling, singing and say Hola!! You can use their room outlets for typical 110V but for a dslr camera or GoPro charger or certain hair dryers you'll need to get a special plug from the front desk for a 3.00 USD deposit. You get it back in peso. Or in one of the lobby shops at Riu Merengue in a basket you can buy one to keep its black for 85 peso. We had no problem getting a chair at the beach or pool by 9:30am. You can stay at our resort and spend time at the other two. Either watching shows or getting drinks. The early evening show with the little kids and giving out certificates to the people who won games during the day. They should just give them out at the time. It's very repetitive. For the night shows they have a different one each night. Some were outside entertainers and some were people from the audience with the animation staff. I saw the Michael Jackson and Rock shows at the Meregnue and they were top notch. They start around 9:30 and run til 11:00 or later some nights. They have a casino that's open til 2:00am. The lobby internet worked great at the Bachata and the far Meregnue but not the middle resort. You can pay a fee and get it around the resort. Six of us got a cab from riu Meregnue to La Serina (sp) and paid 18.00 usd a couple including tip. It's like a Canadian small scale department store with food, household, clothing, shoes, fridges. We got coffee, black pepper, vanilla and a few other things. You can pay there with peso, usd or a credit card. The food was really good!!The best we've ever had. We had no problem getting a seat to eat. We had to wait to get clean cutlery but they were fast to get it to you. For lunch and supper the staff are continually filling your glass with ice water and cleaning off dirty dishes.They have staff standing outside the buffets to give you hand sanitizer. The chefs work so hard!! For breakfast you can get cereal, smoothies, multiple fruits, bacon, ham, fresh made omelettes, eggs, waffles, pancakes, French toast, scrambled and boiled eggs. Fresh coffee. You make your own toast. Plus much more!! At supper We always had some kind of meat, rice, potatoes, French fries, pizza. We had turkey, pulled pork, beef, liver. Yummy ice cream!! The animation team at all three resorts work really hard. We spent time at all three in the evening. They work from 10:00am-11:00pm!! There's volleyball, darks, horse shoes, bocce ball, bingo, table tennis all going on thru the day. You can relax and do nothing or perticipate in all of it. The beach is well shaded with plam trees or full sun the closer you get to the water. On the beach they do come around once in awhile asking if you want your hair braided, go on an excursion. You can get a massage on the beach in a hut. There's a beautiful gazebo on the point that's beautiful for pictures and a look off. Your fridge is restocked every two days with 2 lg water, Diet Pepsi, reg Pepsi and 2 beer, tonic water. If you tip you'll get more of what you want. The maid always left a beautiful towel decoration, bedsheet fan with flowers. We had no issues with theft. We kept things Locked up though. I brought room spray to help spray our room and belongings and we left sachets in our luggage to keep things smelling ok. i brought snacks, gum and candy to snack on because it's very costly there. I found the duty free prices at the air port were higher this year than last. year. A 1L of raspberry vodka was 38.00 USD. You can barter with the shops on Carabena Street and in the huts on the far side of the beach but not in the lobby shops. They don't take Canadian money. They post the exchange rate at the lobby for peso to other currencies. They post the weather as well. travel reps are in the lobby. They give you a survey to fill out about your stay towards the end of your stay during supper. We found the beds hard and we took throw blankets to sleep under us and over us as the sheets are very thin. To each his own with bed and sheet preference. They do have a thicker blanket in the closet. If you don't have own just ask at the front desk. There's a huge umbrella in your room as well. We needed it a lot during our week. Block 800 is really close to the main stage, bar, lobby, main buffet. Last time you did have to make reservations for the a la carte but this year was first come first serve. As a nonsmoker I did find the smoke bothersome. On the beach there were some cigarette butts, and when you're watching the shows it's very prominent. Check out was fast. We had to be out of our room 1 HR before the bus left. We left for the airport 4 hrs before our flight. The airport was fast. You can get your own water, pop juice at the buffets. It was a great relaxing vacation with family! That part you cant beat and is priceless!!

Sunscape Puerto Plata: It was ok

Very clean, very friendly, food was ok. My room was not good at all too far to walk, far away from everything and beside a mall which played disco music all night. I forgot to mention I am a little disabled as far as walking too much. My refrigerator in my room did not work. I asked to fix it. It took all week to have this done. Everyone was supplied with umbrellas but not my friends and I, when asked several times we still never got one and it pretty well rained all week.

Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: It was amazing

When we first arrived, the place looked a little shady, but once we got inside there,it was fantastic. The rooms were big and very clean, the food was very good, but alot of the same everyday. The entertainment staff was young, and not much of shows every night. The bartenders were fun and happy, but the bar closed at 1 am everynight. The beaches were clean, and beautiful,but the vendors got a little annoying after a while, but they are just trying to make a living. The resort was very clea [... read more]n, and the housekeepers were amazing. The BBQ on the beach,had good food everyday,but it closed at 6pm. If you ventured own the beach, you will find a small market to hale with the vendors. Over all,had a great week, met so many nice people, got anamazingtan. if you can, grab a local bus or cab and go to sosua Beach about 30 minutes away, best beach around,worth the trip. And building 19 is close to everything and is renovated. I would deffinately go back and recommend to everyone. 3+ for sure

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: An excellent resort and holiday!

The VH Grand Ventana is maintained with great detail to cleanliness and making the experience enjoyable for everyone. The main dining room was run efficiently with a good amount of variety in the daily menue, and the a la carte restaurants were amazing. The beach was always kept clean and the beach vendors were respectful when their services or products were declined. The pool was kept clean even when it was busy. Puerto Plata is a beautiful Island with a lot of activities available [... read more]. We bought some excursions through West Jet and some others through Elvis and Malo on the beach which we got great deals on. They were all amazing experiences! We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday! Jullie and Kaz

Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana: Dreams Palm Beach

Hello, Let me start by saying I was not impressed at all with Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana. We've stayed at Dreams resorts before and it exceeded our expectations! To start upon loosing our luggage once located made us pay a 70 fee to have it sent to the resort with no receipt to claim upon our return. The food selection was horrible.. even the buffet had the exact same food everyday! Like I said we've been to another Dreams in Dominican and never experienced that! We had to write a review on [... read more] trip advisor before we could get lobster! Are you kidding me!! The kids club was way out of the way.. the days it rained they had nothing lined up for kids! They didn't have the trampoline in the water.. Beach was horrible! Rooms were average. However no water pressure.. thank god I paid for our inlaws to come so we could use their shower! Special side note.. you should advise the rooms don't come with a bath tub! That was a treat trying to shower my 7 month old who can't sit up!! In the end the money that I personally paid for 7 people to go was insane for what we got! We would of been better off going to the last Dreams or even the Bahia that I would of rated a 15 over a 5 star!

Bahia Principe Escape Samana: Sensational

The hotel was most luxurious and beautiful, the food was exquisite in its taste and variety, the scenery overlooking the bay from our balcony was enchanting and magical, but by far the greatest feature was the staff. They always had time for a smile, a warm greeting and a chat: from the servers, to the bar tenders, the front desk, and even the chambermaids and the floor cleaner and time to say something nice to make you feel good. A vacation at Bahia Principe Samana Don Pablo Collection is to ex [... read more]perience a moment in paradise.

Viva V Samana by Wyndham: Wonderful, relaxing stay

This small resort is for couples that enjoy a quiet, off the beaten path experience for complete relaxation. The staff was attentive and available to accomodate for almost every detail. The rooms are smaller but updated with clean bathrooms, large screen TV's and modern decor. We were able to enjoy free wifi almost anywhere, including the beach! The beach was great for walking but the ocean was wavy our entire time there. For those who may be uncertain swimmers or require a gentle entry fro [... read more]m the beach for mobility, this may not be the ideal location for you to enjoy ocean swimming, you may choose to enjoy the beautiful pool area instead. The food in the buffet and all 3 ala carte's was a pleasant surprise. The head chef from Viva Wyndham Resorts was there at the time and the quality of the food was excellent considering some of the earlier reviews we had read before we went. The Viva Wyndham V Samana was an excellent resort vacation and would highly recommend to couples who want to get away from it all!

Cayo Levantado Resort: Very Nice Resort!

Beach setting was just amazing with ample chairs everyday as well as shade if desired. Arguably the prettiest beach we've been to but not overly large. Resort itself is what you would expect with a 4-5 star resort. No complaints there. Restaurants were a little difficult to get into at reasonable times. Dining was superb! Staff was amazing. Would definitely go back again. Happy Traveler!

Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden: Not so impress

We stayed at the hamaca garden be live experience for a week. We were kind of disappointed with the hotel. It is worn out. The personal was not so friendly and kind of didn't really care to help. I have to say that the food was good and the rooms were clean. I have no complaints on that. But the photos on the site are a little too pretty. The white of the walls isn't so sharp anymore. A lot of cracks , the pools have a lot of potentiel but the rocks are falling a part. We didn't swim in the ocea [... read more]n once and didn't have the chance to be at the beach too crowded and the sea smelled bad. Plus on the right side of the resort what you don't see on the pictures, there is a big industrial factory of some kind. Not so relaxing and breathtaking. Plus the nice restaurant that you see on wooden beams flotting on top of the water well it's not technically part of the hotel so you have to pay to go there and they have there nice beach with comfy chairs the ones you see on the pictures. The beach is very small and the sand is dirty. Plus the garden view rooms are on the other side of the road not connected to the main hotel and there was a lot of construction right behind are rooms. Not fun to wake up by construction pounding on vacation at 7ham ... our air conditioning leaked on all of my clothes in the wardrobe and the toilet was blocked when we got there. So over all pretty expensive for what we had. Really disappointed!

Riu Palace Punta Cana: Great Resort with some

Our vacation at this resort was great! We had a great vacation -- amazing service, the people are friendly, and lots of food and drink.....you didn't even have to get off your lawn chair (either at the beach or the pool), and you were served! For such a big resort, it was well maintained, kept clean (dining, lounging, and bathroom areas, including the grounds). The food was excellent.....there is something for all types, so try all the restaurants. We went to the Japanese, Italian, the Ste [... read more]akhouse, and the buffet. We didn't have to reserve to go to the a la carte restaurants and we could go as many times as we wanted....so we took advantage of that. We have no complaints in that regard. Our room was not up to our standard (for what we paid) - it had a very bad smell and we overlooked the next resort and street and parking lot and the noise (evening entertainment) from the other resort was annoying. And, horns blowing early in the morning (4:00ish). And, when we asked to be moved, they wanted to charge us another $35 US / night (that's $245.00 US or $318.5 CAN)....for something we thought we had already paid for. We felt our demands were not met by Trip Central and doubt we will book a trip through them again. As we spoke to several other couples, everyone had a cheaper rate and they all had the nicer rooms. One thing you will find at this resort, is that the rooms have a very bad smell - like a musky basement smell and you can't seem to get rid of it. But, the rooms were otherwise roomy, very clean, and up-to-date. The nightly entertainment was not the greatest. In fact, one night people were walking out.....we didn't go to two of them. The daily activities were only around the pool from what we could see or understand. We had 3 days of severe wind, etc., and no activities were planned because of it -- there should be an alternate plan (due to weather) -- these could be planned in the main lounge area or something so that we (the guests) have something to do (take it indoors). I didn't want to go up to my room because I had no view and it smelled. There was also the smell of sewer backup from outside in our room. One thing I would recommend with this resort is get rid of the vendors on the beach.....every two minutes they were bugging you. When I want to relax, I don't need someone coming up to me, whistling and trying to sell me stuff. For such a big resort and such a great distance on the beach, I recommend the Riu create a 'beach shop area' - set up tables, etc., for these 'outside' vendors.....they are walking around in that heat with all of their products/materials - unreal, and not pleasant to see when I want to relax! Put them all in one area, let the guests go to them if they want to buy something - quit bugging the guests. As for me, I just let on I was sleeping or something.....I was there to simply relax and unwind. There was never a shortage of beach lounge chairs on the beach or at the pool. And, no shortage of towels either.

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Beautiful Resort

This resort was beautiful the grounds were manicured and clean and so well taken care of. The hotel was one of the best well taken care that i have ever stayed in and would recommend to anyone interested in a perfect resort for a winter holiday. The hotel room was decorated nicely but the bathroom needs ventilation for the steam when showering. New (better) pillows would also add to the comfort of anyone sleeping. The food needs some improvement in taste even though there was plenty to chos [... read more]e from. Thank you for a wonderful 10 days at this beautiful comfortable pretty resort. Ralph & Andrew

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Very Nice Resort

The resort was good, food and service okay. The one thing that annoyed us is that we paid the extra for the luxury and all the events were at the main resort. When we tried to order a premium liquor at the mail resort they refused us saying it was not included even though we had the wrist bands indicating we were entitled. The staff was very attentive and our rooms was really nice. We didn't realize that it was so far from the airport and there was no shopping other than at the hotel. T [... read more]he excursions were limited.