Bahia Principe Explore Turquesa: Beautiful resort -- fantastic landscape!

The resort, Bahia Principe Turquesa, was beautiful. The grounds were fantastic with maintenance happening all over the place to keep it in top shape. We drove through the neighbouring Rui resort a couple of times and were surprised at how run down and poorly maintained it was. Service was fantastic. You didn’t have to wait long to get a drink. The food was terrific especially the a la cartes. My teenage son made sure we got our money’s worth from the all you can eat buffet. I don’t r [... read more]eally know where he puts it all. The entertain wasn’t bad. There was something happening every night. Not as good as big cruise ships or Mexico’s Mayan Riviera Grand Palladium resort. It could be due to multiple shows happening simultaneously versus the single show. Most of the hotel lobbies had shows plus a theatre and open air show all at the same time. Our rooms were terrific. They actually look bigger than the web site pictures. Air conditioning worked well. Very well maintained every day. Very few downsides. It rained a couple of times for all of 10 or 15 minutes. Unfortunately, one of those times was ten minutes before midnight New Year’s Eve. Of course, we’re dressed up for the event and it poured. We were drenched, in the open with nowhere to go for cover. Fortunately, it was a warm rain and stopped after 15 minutes. Fireworks were tremendous. The Turquesa is the furthest hotel within the resort complex from the beach. The shuttles run often so it wasn’t a problem. We often walked there and back just for the exercise. The Turquesa pool wasn’t as busy as the others which was a bonus. For the first few days, definitely peak volume, it was difficult to find an empty chair at the pool or beach. So many drop their towels early in the morning then disappear for the day. The beach was absolutely beautiful. White, pure, soft sand including out into the ocean. Gentle waves. The flag was yellow but we didn’t have any problem swimming or enjoying the ocean. The seaweed that washes up is quickly raked and removed. We walked up and down the beach a few times. While our sheets and bath towels were changed every day all of us noted the pillows weren't as fresh. Not sure if the pillow cases weren’t changed or if the pillows themselves needed to be washed. We did one excursion to swim with the dolphins. It was a bit pricey since there were 7 of us – 5 swam and 2 of us watched. Cost was USD$815. We didn’t purchase the USD$350 pictures. Definitely would recommend this resort.

Dreams Onyx Resort and Spa: Great resort

The Now Onyx is a great resort that needs a few tweaks to make it an excellent resort. This was expected due to being a newer resort. There is plenty to due at the resort with the hotel staff having something going on all day long. You couldn't ask for a friendlier staff and house keeping was very accommodating always doing little things to keep us happy. Food was great, and staff always made sure you had a drink in your hand around the pool or at the beach. The only down fall about the rooms i [... read more]s that there was a musky smell in the rooms due to the humidity so I was told. I asked other people and it seems it was the same in most rooms.

Bahia Principe Explore Legend: Great resort for the families

We have stayed at Grand Bahia Luxury Fantasia hotel for the Christmas 2016. We are very pleased with this hotel. Advise: book your restaurants as soon as possible, since they are all booked and very few spots left. However, you can go to the restaurant, and take chances if someone does not come. If something is missing in your room, like toilet paper, do not make a big fuss about it, just ask cleaning personnel on your floor, or concierge to get you some. Also ask them for the reception ph [... read more]one, since the phone numbers information is missing in the room. Grounds: Grounds are very well kept. Trains that connect beach with different hotels are running all day and night. Fantasia is an ultimate choice for families with kids. The resort has great swimming pools, big kids club with trampoline, Water Park, teen’s club. You can visit all the hotels, entertainment is happening in all hotels, dance parties, theaters performances, or you can just chill in some lobby bars. All hotels lobby bars/grounds look very nice. Fantasia has three buildings in the castle shape, and really looks like in Disneyland. In the evening all castles are lit in different colors, and they change colors all the time, so it looks fantastic. They run a short entertainment gig in the evening in which the main castle is illuminated with different characters from fairy tales... The fountains near lobby are illuminated with different colors in the evening. Very nicely envisioned. Food: The buffet restaurant is very good with waste choices of food. We have been travelling to Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica and Dominican Republic all 4.5-5 * hotels, and this hotel is very high placed. I must admit, regarding food, that Iberostar Montego Bay Rose Hall Suites and Cap Cana Sanctuary are so far holding the first place of all resorts we have visited. The snack bar in the castle which becomes circus restaurant in the evening was our preferred place for breakfast, since was close to our room and also closer to the beach. I would not call it snack bar, since it has everything - probably the same food as in the buffet. The fantasia gourmet restaurant was exceptional, but probably not for small kids, since you have to wait for the food, and kids may become bored, and everything made was like a small art piece on your plate. Esmeralda Brazilian restaurant was a big disappointment. Also Circus restaurant was very good and better choice for dinner with smaller kids. Fantasia has a snack bar on the beach, but is not near the snack bar in the Circus restaurant. Very small choices of food, but enough for a small lunch. You can always walk to the Punta Cana or Bavaro buffet on the beach, and to Ambar snack bar (without kids). The new rule is that you cannot eat anymore in other hotel's buffets except your own hotel. However, you can eat in other hotel's snack bars, and some snack bars are as large as buffets. Beach: Beach is very nice, powdered white sand; tens of kilometers walk either way. Little bit windy, but not unbearable. Very nice and comfy beach chairs in Esmeralda part of the beach. Plenty of palapas, chairs, so you will never need to rush to take a place in a shade. Very busy place too. Volleyball, dance lessons on the beach. I was little bit annoyed with the banana boat and tubing since they were running most of the day very close to the hotel swimming boundary and luring people all the time. They would run most of the time empty and spoil the air with their fumes while waiting for someone to call them. They should put the boat in the designated places for boats and wait for people there, or ask people on the beach, not while running empty in the water. The swimming boundary is not far. I did not like the empty part of the beach for 'preferred guests', since it is a waste of land, it is always empty. Even if I was a preferred guest, I would not like to sit alone in this section, while all other people sit around this empty section on the beach, behind volleyball field. Rooms: Rooms are very nice, huge, long hallway, separate washroom with door inside bathroom, shower, whirlpool-type bathtub, two sinks. There is a place for one king bed, one twin bed and sofa that can be turned for 2 kids sleeping sofa bed. If you are family of up to 4, you have king and sofa bed in the room. A/C is tricky to operate. There are no any instructions, you need to hold longer second button from below (if I remember well) to turn it on/off. If a door or terrace door is opened, A/C becomes a fan instead of cooling. We are not sure, but if there is no movement in the room, A/C becomes a fan (or our A/C did not work well). However, you can turn ceiling fan on, so there is a movement all the time. You can manually change cooling modes , from fan, to snow flake, which I think is the cooling mode. So it is not correct as some people say that you cannot turn the A/C off, you just need to hold that power button long enough. It is not loud, but not too quiet too. Some people complained that were confused how to operate this A/C. Perhaps hotel should provide some manuals. We had an A/C leek first night, but they repaired it the same day we complained. They are cleaning room twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, so before your dinner, is a good time to ask them to provide you whatever you want in your room, like we were missing some pillow cases, and toilet paper, and they would just give you extra if you ask. It is hard to speak with cleaning personnel, since they do not know English, but body language works! Also they are missing important telephone numbers in the room, for example reception number, since concierge number works only during the day, not in the evening. You can ask the reception to provide a number. They should have it in the room. The bar fridge is daily replaced with fresh water and chips. There are some drinks in the fridge, and is all included. We had very pleasant and great vacation in fantasia and we recommend it to everyone and especially families with kids. It is a 'paradise for kids'.

Majestic Mirage Punta Cana All Suite Resort: 5 Star Potential when completed

We arrived on Christmas Day, it had only opened on Christmas Eve. It took a few hours to actually get into our room but we were shown around the resort and ate at the Marketplace Buffet while we waited. The Pros: Our Butler Cristobal was a fantastic guy - efficient and accommodating! He made us dinner reservations, brought us bottled water, beer and wine glasses to our room, and took care of whatever issue arose - which saved us precious vacation time! We found most of the staff extremely  [... read more]friendly. The A'La Carte dining choices were fabulous, but we didn't go to the Italian or Sushi restaurant. Our suite was clean, spacious and luxurious - definitely 5 star quality. The Bali Beds located pool and beach side were comfortable and really made us feel like we were on vacation. Because it wasn't completely finished, it was very quiet for most of the week - which was a great break from our busy lives. The Cons: As the resort wasn't fully operational, we didn't feel like we got the full vacation experience. The salon and gym were not ready. The gym opened mid week. Some of the pools were still being worked on so they were not usable. There were workmen everywhere - but they made really good progress as the week went on. We had air conditioning issues one night and day but it was resolved and our Butler, Cristobal, kept us informed of what was happening. The A'La Carte restaurant staff were still getting familiarized with the menu, etc. and sometimes our food was either served a bit cold, late, or under/over cooked. This got better as the week progressed. I think my biggest concern was that most of the public washrooms were either not working or being completed as we were using them, and they rarely had hand soap. Bring hand sanitizer or wipes! I think that when they've worked out all the kinks and it's completely finished - it will definitely be a beautiful, 5 Star resort. The staff work extremely hard, please consider bringing extra money to tip them - they really deserve it! My husband and I would definitely return.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: A great place for what it is!

The pool is great, beach is beautiful, drinks are good, buffet food was as good as you'd expect from a buffet, and the a la carte restaurants were delicious. Our room wasn't extravagant, but I didn't book a trip to the Dominican to sit in a room. Our bar fridge wasn't working, which we didn't notice until 6pm on the day way came. We called the front desk, they came within minutes to investigate, and when we came back from supper there was a new fridge in the room. The showers didn't have as  [... read more]much pressure as I'd get at home (many of the resorts I go to are like this), but the water was always hot enough. The only complaint I will agree with is that the bugs are terrible -- many of us in my group came back with a lot of bites. But I'm not sure how much control the hotel has over this. They spray for bugs daily so, in the end, it is what it is. Overall, I think if you're not a spoiled diva, you'll love this hotel. The people are extremely friendly and helpful and service was always good.

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Place to be

It was worth the money. We are coming back there this summer .the place was very clean food was ok the service was very good.the people that work there were amazing. The rooms were very clean. Can't say enough about this place. I've been there 4times now and it's still the place to go . Specially new year Eve's was amazing they had an amazing musics that was North American style kind of music

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: A great place to relax!

The resort was better than expected! We found the staff very friendly and easy to get along with. Although they did not speak much English we were able to get everything we needed sorted out. The grounds and vegetation are lovely; it's a very green, healthy landscape. The beach was peaceful though there were a lot of sand fleas. Bug repellent is a must. The food was good. Buffet had a lot of selection and nothing bothered my stomach. Wine was not great but other drinks were fairly good! The Medi [... read more]terranean restaurant was excellent. We had a suite by the beach - roomy with a nice view. The water pressure is low, but it's workable. Cleaning staff were great.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Amazing Resort! !

My husband and I just came back from the most amazing vacation at this resort! The hotel was amazing and our room was spacious and beautifully cleaned every day! The pool was stunning...3 big pools, a swim up bar and a jacuzzi pool! The staff around the resort and the beach were so friendly and very welcoming. They were all so efficient at their jobs! The beach was spectacular! We have been to many beaches but the one on this resort was definitely a 10/10!

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Awful

The hotel was extremely outdated. My air conditioning did not work and they did nothing about it for 3 days. There was a leak in my ceiling that they did nothing about. The overall resort was very unorganized in the way they do their entertainment and plan their shows. I will never return to or recommend this resort

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Beautiful Resort!

The grounds were absolutely beautiful and well maintained by a smiling, friendly and welcoming staff. Everyone we spoke with or interacted with was generous, willing to help or simply warm and friendly. The beach is beautiful and offers a unique opportunity to view fish at a reef just off shore in a safe and family friendly atmosphere.

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Perfect relaxing getaway

The Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana does not fail to impress. This was our 3rd visit to this resort and we've come to appreciate the beautiful beach, manicured grounds and the friendliness of the staff. Hands down our favourite a la carte restaurant is the Japanese one. Tons of fun having our tasty food prepared in front of us. Our visit was a much needed break from work and school and allowed us to spend some amazing family time together over the winter break.

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: Over-rated!

Substandard food quality, slow service, lack of management interest in guest satisfaction! It took us four hours and three trips back-and-forth to our assigned room before we were able to check into our room and, even at that, took 45 more minutes in line-up at main Reception to get our room key! Our very first meal was a disappointment, as we had to wait 20 minutes for clean dishes to arrive. Same issue the next morning with clean coffee cups at breakfast... as if the hotel management di [... read more]dn't expect all registered guests to arrive as booked! Beach chairs were also at a premium if we arrived after 8:00 a.m. Nightly entertainment, as well as any other event was totally spoiled by the MC/DJ/other group members trying to out-volume each other to an unbearable point - even long after midnight; which also made sleeping a luxury we couldn't enjoy!

Excellence El Carmen: Pleasantly surprised

We weren't sure what to expect with this one - mixed reviews and a new place - but we were pleasantly surprised. Great service, good food and an all around relaxing time. Also loved the modern gym for mornings after a lot of well worth it indulgences. :)

Sunscape Dominicus La Romana: Great Resort but not as good as 2 years ago

The Resort itself is beautiful. I had been there two years ago and had gotten a beautiful room and the service was excellent. This New years, even though it was my second time there, which my agent from TripCentral forgot to mention, the room was pitiful. We didn't even have a chair. Honestly, in Cuba you would get a better room in a 3 star resort. It is sad to say, but this resort is not what I would consider a 4 star. The washrooms in the common area where mainly so dirty that we had to go [... read more] to our room. There, the toilet didn't flush very well either. Most of the outside showers did not work either and the pool was not the cleanest. After explaining that it was my second time, we got access to free wifi in a dedicated area. I have to say that the New years eve dinner was excellent but we had to pay an extra $20.00 US per person. I do hope that the management will take a good look of what is happening there and will improve again. I have recommended this resort after my first visit but would not do so at this point.

Excellence El Carmen: Go here! So Goood!

There is not one thing to not like about this place. I am telling the truth. Perfect 10! I have been to 12 other all-inclusives. This is a REAL 5 star! Swim out room was perfect for me and my lady. Romantic. Many food options; restaurants; the buffet has it all. I will go back here, for sure.

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Meh

If you're going on a vacation to have good food and to be entertained I would not go here unless you're going to spend money on things outside of the resort. Food was the same everyday and nothing was organized so you had no idea what was happening each night. My friends and I had to entertain ourselves basically. Weather and beach was beautiful though. This resort is more for young children and older adults not for ages 13-35

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Not Great

Definitely not a 5 star resort. Beach was nice but nothing else. Horrible entertainment and very low key. Food was ok but it did not change. The a la carte restaurants were just ok as well. Would not recommend going to this resort. I have been to many resorts for equal or less money and this was by far the worst experience. If you are going to have fun, do not go.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana: Good but looking tired

This is a large resort! It is however showing thwbwear and tear of its popularity. We had 3 rooms, TV's did not work in 2 and hot tubs did not work in 2 as well. Mattresses, doors, floors show their age. Food was so so, not near as good at Hard Rock Mayan Riviera. We enjoyed that property far greater other than the ORO nightclub which is excellent and welcome night life MR is lacking. We won't be be back, preferring smaller more intimate resorts with fine dining but all in all our 4 kids 1 [... read more]8-23 and us had fun and Made great memories.

Sunscape Dominicus La Romana: Great Resort!

We were pleasantly surprised; we expected an Ok resort but was amazed by the friendliness and energetic staff everywhere. From reception with Angel who did his utmost to find us a very nice room, to booking restaurants with Ingrit; both very professional, helpful all with a smile at all time! We were impressed by the buffet; always fresh & abundant with lots of variety! even cream cheese & peanut butter was available for the North Americans lolol! Clean beaches - clean rooms - maintenance  [... read more]of building non stop. The mature grounds, garden and birds on resort was enjoyed by all. Nice activities & shows at night (if you wanted to participate) but no hassle by staff if you didn't. We were expecting no more than a 3 star hotel /Cuban style - we got much, much better! p.s. great if you are there New Years Eve; we got Party at the beach plus great fireworks - very, very nice! Tks Karishma for your advice - we really enjoyed our stay!

Royalton CHIC Punta Cana: Fantastic Resor!

We loved this resort for a number of reasons. Firstly, the size...it was a nice, compact resort with everything within walking distance. Secondly, the facilities. We made extensive use of the gym which was great (though needs more treadmills) and we were happy with the layout and availability of food, coffee, drinks etc. Lastly, the service. Almost without fail, staff from maintenance to food service greeted you with a smile and an HOLA! Very friendly and accommodating top to bottom. On [... read more] the downside, New Year's Eve dinner was a bit of a disaster...long wait, cold/no food. It was very disorganized but it didn't detract from the overall enjoyment.