The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Paradise with a few tiny flaws

We went to Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa on January 4th for a week. The resort itself is really beautiful. The grounds were always clean and the trees and bushes were contantly trimmed which gave us some amazing views and pictures from every part of the hotel. It is a smaller resort so it had more of a relaxed vibe to the place but it also allowed you to get beach/pool chairs easily. The food from the buffet and ala cartes were all good except for a few items here and there. Coming from Grand B [... read more]ahia Principe Coba in Mexico, our standards were really high and Cayacoa did a good job of keeping on par. As for a few of the low points. Point one, the staff's english skills were lacking. It felt like any question i asked just went over their heads. Point two, the Grand Bahia market/shops in town. They have a trolley setup that takes you from the hotel to the shops in town every hour. They had these same shops in Mexico and they were great. Cayacoa had these shops but when we got there, they were all closed or boarded up. Other than that, the resort, the weather, and the drinks were perfect.

Royalton Splash Punta Cana: We liked the kids waterpark

The kid's waterpark was fantastic for us. My 3 year old son had that most amazing time playing there each morning. We were lucky though that my son fell below the required height to be allow to play on the small slides because a lot of families experience issues - young children (perhaps tall for their age) who were not under 111 cm weren't allowed on the smaller slide and children who were between 111 cm and 119 cm weren't allowed on any slides at all. This is a serious flaw in the resort polic [... read more]ies and needs to be fixed. The flooring around the splash pad is beautiful but very slippery. This also should be fixed as people were getting hurt. When we arrived, we were disappointed to find out that although we had been informed that we could use all of the amenities of The Royalton, we could actually only use 1 pool, 1 small area on the beach and 2 restaurants, which weren't that great. To ensure that we enjoyed the vacation we thought we had booked, we had to pay $775 CDN for the 4 adults in our group to be able to eat and use the amenities of The Royalton. Our room at Memories was horrible. We paid for a premium room, close to the waterpark. Our room was far from "premium". Our relatives who did not pay for a premium room, close to the waterpark, had a better room than us and were closer to the waterpark. Our first room had a postage sized balcony with an opening of approximate a foot and a half, which was looking into a bush across the street from a wall. There was no natural sunlight going into the room. We quickly asked to move. Our request was accommodated. The room we were moved to was closer to the waterpark and had a much better balcony however, the room stunk, there were no doors on the closet and the shower leaked. We tried to upgrade to stay at a Royalton room, however, the resort was fully booked and even if it hadn't been booked, we would've had to pay another $775 CDN. Since we didn't want to waste any more of our vacation moving rooms within Memories, we stayed in this room. The resort activities are posted to the tvs in each room. Since the tv in our room didn't work, this made it very difficult to know what events were scheduled. The beach is beautiful. There are a few pools, which was great because it provided variety. Activities at the pool don't start until 3 p.m. which was disappointing. The Kids Club was ok when the activities in the calendar/schedule weren't cancelled or moved to a location unknown to guests. Parents don't tell your kids about the events in advanced because Kids Club staff often cancelled events without notice. For example, because we had experienced on several occasions that kids events didn't proceed as indicated on the schedule, 30 minutes before the Super Hero party I called the Kids Club to confirm that the party was proceeding as scheduled. I was ensured that the party was taking place 30 minutes later. We waited in the designated location. 15 minutes after the party was to have started, I inquired and was informed that the party had been cancelled. The staff at the resort were very nice. Knowing Spanish would help considerably. Although the resort is large, the shuttle busses run every couple of minutes and stop often throughout the resort. The walk from the kids waterpark to The Royalton is nice though. It's like walking through the jungle. The gym is in The Royalton section. It's small. It was kept very clean. The nighttime shows were enjoyable. The Michael Jackson show was incredible. Since we ate and played at The Royalton, I can't provide much further of review of Memories.

Punta Cana Princess: Everything we hoped for and more!

We liked everything about this resort. The size was perfect. We like small resorts where everything is within close proximity. It is very clean and well maintained. The grounds are very lush and green with flower bushes. The décor is modern and tasteful. We were very pleased with our room but would have preferred a better view. The only thing I would modify about the rooms are the mattresses. We loved the king size bed but it was quite hard. I would also suggest adding magnifying mirrors in th [... read more]e bathroom for applying makeup. I found the lighting made it difficult to see what I was doing. We loved taking long walks on the beach and laying by the pool. The gradual entry pool is a plus! The restaurants were all very good as well. The one thing that sticks in our minds the most is the wonderful staff who work so hard everyday. They make you feel special and welcome. A special thank you to Raphael who makes great omelettes, Raysa for all her welcoming smiles, Yosaira for her attentive bar service, and Alexander the Great for taking good care of us. We would definitely go back to Punta Cana Princess again someday...

Royalton CHIC Punta Cana: staff are excellent

we just returned from a week at CHIC Punta Cana, Jan 23-30. The hotel was clean, well organized, and friendly. The staff were friendly, very good with English, and helpful. service was fast and thorough. rarely an empty cup, glass, or plate. We liked the 'no reservation' policy in the a la cartes. It worked well. The food was very good. Mind the floor in the buffett, as it can get slippery. Servers and bartenders are steady and fast. My new best friend is LUIS in the pool bar. We stayed in t [... read more]he 6000 block and did not get the diamond club. We didn't miss it, and many guests that had it, didn't see the extra value. but that is heresay. The swim-up rooms are an extra to the diamond club, and they sure looked nice, but the sacrifice is privacy. Saurel [Mr. Solution] was ready to fix any concerns. The resort is small, so everything was close by. I didn't find the peddlars too pushy, but stay clear of getting roped into the timeshare corral. It is a PITA, but everybody has to have a job, I guess. The entertainment staff was good and kept things from getting too quiet. The bracelet/ room key item worked great. Never seen that before, and what a great idea. This was our 4th trip to the DR, and 2nd to Punta Cana. Uvero beach was nice, and a stretch of newer resorts along there. beach was clean, and swimming in the ocean wasn't to rough. ocean bottom was sandy, so not much snorkeling at the hotel. All in all a beautiful resort, a few little things but nothing that was of concern. I would recommend CHIC to anyone looking for a nice clean resort, without too much partying. Stayed January 2017, travelled as a couple #

Occidental Punta Cana: Highly recommended

The resort itself was beautiful and had a long stretch of beachfront. It wasn't too busy when we went so there were always two seats available by the pool or at the beach. FOH staff had a poor habit of smiling and nodding when you'd raise a concern and give the impression they understood and would follow up; then never would. Food was great, even the buffets were decent. Steakhouse and Italian were our favourites.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Good but could be so much better

This is a beautiful place. Rooms are very clean. A la carte restaurants are delicious. Buffet restaurant could change their selections, most dishes repeated themselves way too often. Beds are in need of an upgrade. My husband and I both woke up with sore backs from the beds being so hard. Anamation crew is in need of supervision. (Getting drinks from bar staff, then hiding to drink them. Activities listed never taking place. Telling older tourists what to write on tripadvisor so that they migh [... read more]t be rewarded by management)

Occidental Punta Cana: Beautiful beaches

We had alot of issues with the resort service. When we checked in it took over an hour. When we checked in they had my family in 2 different buildings on opposite ends of resorr. We requested joining rooms with travel agent. Then they couldn't get the bands correct. We ended up in 2 buildings with the pool in between. They told us to come back the next day and they would get us in the same building. We waited another 1hr and they still wouldnt get us in the right building. The transat a [... read more]gent at the resort wasnt helpful in rectifying the issue either. We finally gave up but it was convenient with our family of 5. We did alot of walking back and forth to the rooms. As well my shower did not have hot watee and I reported it to my transat agent to have it fixed and it never did. So my daughter dnd i had to go and shower in my husbands room cause they did have hot water. It was a pain to go to the lobby everyday and wait for 30 to 1 hr for a wifi password as well. I had a family emergency at home so i needed to have it in case we had to fly home. And a couple times they told us to come back another time for a password. We did not appreciate that everywhere we went we were asked to sit in on a presentation to get us to sign up for a time share. I wanted to enjoy my time not be pestered constantly. The food was good. The beach was beautiful

Occidental Caribe: Excellent resort

Great place, very clean beautiful grounds and the beach is just as amazing, I would say even better than Varadero beaches. Really clean, wide and long. Pools are amazing, the main pool bar beach is more crowded, active, noisier with music. The other big pool (other side) is quiet, more family type, great pool bar on grounds. Lots of pergollas for shade, simply beautiful. A waterpark for kids is also a very nice attribute. My 3 dissapointments: 1) the 7:00 AM cleaning lady!! we didn't have "clea [... read more]n room" signs, had to request those, but would get stollen from our door?? 2) The wine, the white was drinkable but not the red was horrible, last, the beach pool bar, we have to stand in line (like in school), it's ok but only one waiter, would get long. Asides that, all was perfect.

Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: Playa Dorada Beach House

Room was not ready when we arrived for about 2 hours after arriving. Was no electricity to the room till late in the evening even after going to front desk shortly after getting the room A/C never shut off the whole trip Leak from the ceiling from room above in the bathroom. Food was cold and not very good at all no variety either Staff barely spoke a word of English did not even understand "bathroom" or "knife" when asked for them. Got many many bug bites from the bed once removed bed spr [... read more]ead was a bit better Laundry was not done in time when rooms cleaned had to wait for towels and ask for htem if you saw the maids or never would have gotten them. Only 1 key and it was a old style key and door did not lock properly could bump door open when locked not very safe. When checked out said would put luggage away while waiting for bus to airport and when time came to leave was still laying out in the lobby and no one was watching it. Found if you did not tip staff right away they just seemed to ignore you.. Once gave tips boy service was great. Ran out of certain things alot throughout the week eg: Diet coke, wine, tea.

Riu Republica: Fantastic Resort.

We love this resort very much. It is easy to go up or down from our room. We would want to go back again. We enjoyed every moment that we were there with our friends. the services was great. we love the beach.

Blau Natura Park Resort: Great resort for the value.

We were 4 couples in January 2017. The buffet was great with many different selections. The ala cartes were tasty and not disappointing. We played bocce ball many times, walked the beach, enjoyed meeting new people and the staff were friendly and most helpful. This was our 2nd year at the resort.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Nice place!

The Ambar Green was a nice place for what we paid. Rooms were big. The food and selection was great. The a la cartes had some really nice food also. The beach was busy but kept clean. The service was good. We did find the rooms rather noisy at night from other guests but such to be expected because they gave us main floor right in front of the pool. I would recommend this resort and I not only would go back but wish I was still there! We booked through Amanda Garlough and she was extremely helpf [... read more]ull at any questions we had!

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Great Resort & Amazing Staff!!!

The resort grounds were very well kept, the gardens are beautiful the property is very clean. They work very hard on keeping it so. The hotel itself could use a little more maintenance as far as repairs go. The cleaning staff for the rooms do a great job with the turn around time they have. The food was good, the al carte's were very good. The staff is Amazing, Very Friendly. Although the Resort is going through some changes as far as owners & Management it will take time for them to resolve the [... read more] little problems that they were having as far as the adults only, which in May will be going back to family. The beach is beautiful, clean & you can walk for hours,I would definitely go back❤😎

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Amazing resort

The staff at the Esmeralda went over and beyond our expectations. They made our golden anniversary very special. We will be back again. The beach was always kept clean and the landscaping immaculate. Thanks for a wonderful vacation.

Casa Marina Reef Resort: SHHH - GREAT resort

We had a great time as usual. We have been here many times and they accommodate your needs and it is always a fun time. The food is great, the ala carts.. hmm OK for Mexican and Italian, don't particularly like the seafood.. but main buffet there is always great tastes of a variety of dishes. They keep improving the grounds, rooms and even though we lost the beach area due to a horrific storm before we went, they still made room for us to sit on the beach and enjoy the ocean. This is now our  [... read more]little piece of heaven and plan to return next year! Kathy and Peter

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Amazing Resort!!!

We were upgraded to the Grand Bahia Fantasia. The service was amazing at bars and restaurants. Since this property is new everything was in tip top shape. The beach was beautiful. We had access to all of the Grand Bahia Hotels in the complex. Pools were nice, only downfall is the pool swim up bar is in the shade. Nightly shows were excellent, Michael Jackson, Cirque du Soliel type show. Since this hotel is geared more towards families it is quiet after 11:00pm. You just have to go  [... read more]to the main resort Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana for night life. There is shuttles that run very good to take you back and forth to the beach and to main resort. Would definitely return again!

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: amazing resort

We would go back there in a heart beat!!. It has everything you could possibly want. Service, food accommodations everything was excellent!! Our rooms were very spacious, service by the pool area and in the lounge were great and even though we were at the Beach we had full access to the Palace which is nothing less than prestigious.

Casa Marina Reef Resort: Okay Resort, Million Dollar View.

Okay resort, very clean, very large and spread out. Lots of activities going on with many pools, bars and eating areas. The beaches were fantastic , shaded, wide and clean. Beware though of deep water and large waves at times. The view at the beach bar is one to behold. You can see for kilometers as it is located on a 10 meter high cliff overlooking the beaches, ocean and mountains. One afternoon, we watched the whales 300 meters away from this location. Food was okay, however becomes repetitive [... read more] . We had a Garden view room overlooking the pool. No complains, it was large, clean, and the air con worked great. Staff at the resort were very friendly and service was second to none.

Grand Palladium Palace: Grand Palladium Palace Resort Punta Cana

The Good: Staff at all buffet restaurants Cleanliness of rooms Beautiful Grounds and pathways Trains and Golf carts to get between resorts Music in Palace lobby nightly Quality of made to order grills and omelettes Adult pool Beach and ocean Ground level room Television choices Friendliness of ALL staff Great lobby in Palace Great smoothies at Breakfast Ice cream variety at dinner Variety of guests from different countries ... Good ranges of ages too The average: Comfort of be [... read more]ds Food at buffet restaurants, but variety of salads, breads, main courses and desserts was outstanding The shows, singing and dancing The needs improvement: Better design for shower in rooms with jacuzzi for guests with mobility issues Too much effort on sales for Travel Club and SPA More effort to promote activities offered throughout resort that are free Improved method for a la carte dining Breakfast should go to 11:00 AM Staff needs to improve their language skills at lobby and buffet restaurants Better method of colours on wristbands. Somehow adding country flag sticker on the wristband would be helpful to.improve guest interaction

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Glad to be home!!

We left on Sunday, our flight went off without any issue. We landed in DR at around 120pm. From the moment we landed and got off the plane we felt like herded animals without any direction. It took us 3 hours to get to the resort. No one told us where to go, we kinda had to figure out where we were going. We got on the bus that was taking us to the resort and got handed an envelope with a room number and the key. The bell desk got us to our room. As soon as we got into our room three and a half [... read more] hours after landing we knew that we were not going to enjoy it. We figured out that the resort was bigger than anyone can imagine and our room smelt like mold and ammonia. We kindly asked to change our room as it was on the second floor and my husband is handicapped and stairs were an issue for him. So two days later we get into a room one the first floor but again the room stunk like mold and ammonia. On our first night we went to the buffet and saw a variety of food however none of the food had any flavour. Breakfast was another treat the bread was stale and the toasters did not work properly. My husband was stuck eating omelettes for 7 days and tomatoe and oil for lunch and dinner. The seafood was all mush and smelled like it was days old. We were extremely disappointed as this was our first trip since my husband suffered a stroke 6 years earlier. I honestly would not consider this resort as 5 star as they claim, we would not give it more than 2.5. Our flight back came with more trouble as we sat in the plane for two hours as they tried to fixed a spoiler on the plane. Air transat did not offer any food just warm water. I would not recommend this resort to my enemies.