Grand Sirenis Tropical Suites: Pleasantly Surprised

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We just got back after being at the resort from Dec 24-31 and I was pleasantly surprised with the trip. The first thing to understand is that we were staying on the tropical suites side, and NOT the cocotal side. The cocotal side has not been updated at all, and does have issues. Secondly, the christmas weeks of holidays are the most expensive time of the year to travel and we paid $1700 canadian per person for the trip including air fare, land transfer and [... read more] a week at the hotel. I have stayed at 4-4.5 star resorts these same weeks and have spent over 2400$ canadian a person. So by saving 700 dollars a person, I know what I am going to get and what I'm not going to get. If you are staying at this resort, you are saving money, but giving up some perks. ok... the review. We've stayed at this resort 3 years ago and on paper it has everything. Great Beach, Great large pool, 2 swim up bars, lots of dining options, a water park, lots of bars, lots of activities to keep you as busy as you want. My biggest beef with the resort 2 years ago was that with the exception of the bartenders, no one seemed to care about making you happy and the front desk was useless. This trip I was happy to see that people on the whole seemed to care more. The Front desk: The check in process is unbelievably slow. We were only 9 people getting off our bus and the check in process still took 30 minutes. They need to scan your passports, triple check things, sign papers, do a number of other things with each family. Oh My Gosh they need to fix this process. There are so many more ways to do this quickly, why they do it this way I do not understand. I did see a bus load of people arrive one time as I was going into dinner, when leaving an hour later I saw the same people standing in line at almost the same place. The resort people need to realize that this first interaction with people is the most important. ok. so if you want a tip and are reading this review, have 1 person of your group go immediately to the desk and be first in line. Let the others in your group get the luggage and such, but being the first in line could mean the difference of a 1 or 2 hour wait. Rooms: The rooms even on the Tropical side are dated, The AC might work, it might not, it might leak water onto the floor, the fridge might work, it might not, it as well might leak water onto the floor. The beds are doubles, not queens and not a single queen. They are in the process of replacing the mattresses (only the mattresses) in some rooms. The pillows do suck and feel like they are just cotton balls inside the pillow. But all the rooms have a sitting area, 2 tv's, lots of storage space and a place with 2 uncomfortable chairs and a table outside. You will not get and ocean view. I don't think any room has an ocean view. Here is the thing though, are you travelling to the resort to stay in the room or outside. I am only in the room for the 3 S's, (sleep shower and _). The rooms do have new safe's. They are electronic and are now free. The beach: beautiful and you can walk for miles. The swimming area is clear of rocks but there are rocks outside of the designated swimming area. Really the beach is beautiful. The pools: Really nice. they go from zero entry to 7 feet deep. They are a good temperature and cleaned each morning. yes there was a light hanging in the pool at one point but that didn't stop anyone from going in the water. Buffets: They are typical AI type buffets. You know that there will be something that you can eat but if you go at the wrong time you might get cold food. A la cartes: ok.. here is a tip.. if your reservation is at 7, be there by 7 and have your full dining party there at 7. The a la cartes have 1 person that takes the orders for ALL TABLES so if you or someone in your party isn't there when he comes to your table, you have to wait until he finishes taking everyone elses orders before he comes back to yours. That is your fault, not theirs. We were at the Steak house when we realized this, a group of 12 sat down 15 minutes after we did but they had 2 people come late. They did not get their order taken for almost 1 hour after. We were done our full dinner and they had not placed their orders. We ate at the steak house, american and italian and were happy each time. The internet is now free for 1 hour a day. Yes, only 1. They have to set your device up. Yes you bring your device to the front desk and they enter the info. Here is a tip, don't try to do it when you arrive, it takes them about 15 minutes to set it all up after they check everything, so do it at a quiet time. Animation team: They are a lot of fun. I got engaged and had a balst as did the rest of my family. I believe that a vacation is what you make of it. If you are the type to look at everything in the negative and complain, then you won't have a good time. If you sleep in until 10, then don't be upset when you get to the beach or pool and see all the chairs are already taken. Other guests. This is really the hard part to talk about. It always amazes me the know of people that leave a stall in the washroom and go directly to the buffet. No washing their hands. No drying their hands. They just head right to the food. If you get a tummy problem, its more likely from a guest than anything else. Or other guests that butt in line or smoke in the non-smoking lines, The resort can't do anything about those people. Oh another tip. There always kids of every age at the resort. If your kid is sitting there complaining about how there is nothing to do, then tell them to put their phone down and go up to talk to someone. So in all, would I go back to the resort again or recommend it, yes, likely if was taking my kids again and didn't want to spend the crazy money that was needed to go to a higher end resort. Remember, you get what you pay for, you are saving money coming to this resort over other places. You make your own vacation. If you have questions, feel free to ask https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g147293-d266625-r448522003-Sirenis_Punta_Cana_Resort_Casino_Aquagames-Punta_Cana_La_Altagracia_Province_Domi.html#

Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Beautiful resort fully decorated for the season,

The staff and servers where amazing as usual,this is my 3rd stay at the Blue Bay,our rep Harry is always so welcoming and makes the stay enjoyable.Big festivities for xmas and the whole xmas week.Going back in April and will be staying with them.The food was enjoyable so many choices to choice from.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Won't be back

The hotel was nice enough and the rooms were clean enough. The mini fridge was stocked with no issues. We arrived after 3pm and it still took hours to get a room. Then they gave us the wrong room and it was another long wait to get the correct one. Very poor English comprehension at the front desk. No money to exchange for a few days. Struggled to get more than 1 key for the room. Beach was infested with bugs and the water was disgusting. Looked like mud. Apparently there is huge run of [... read more]f from the mountains that the travel agent should have told us about. Dining room service was absolutely horrid. Went many meals without being served drinks. Having paid so much with it being Christmas time, I would have expected a lot better. For some reason, there were a lot of injured people and speaking with the other guests, many were extremely unhappy.

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Beautiful resort!

I loved the service provided, all hotel personal are genuinely polite and carrying. Room was clean, grounds well maintained and beach well taken care of. Food was very good and diversified, snack bar amazing considering.

Grand Palladium Punta Cana: A tad disapointing

We enjoyed the beach and the awesome weather. The resort was very clean and the staff was amazing. Really disappointed in the Christmas decorations or should I say lack there of. Not even a tree in the lobby. The food was good was lots of it. Would go back but not at Christmas.

Bahia Principe Explore Turquesa: Worst Resort Ever!

I have been travelling to the DR since 1985 and have never had such a bad experience. I arrived on the evening of December 19, 2016 and was there on my own for 10 days. I frequently travel alone so this was not an issue. I checked in and paid the $4 per day safe fee and was then driven to my room. Upon entering, I will say that the room was adequate. The lights operate by inserting your room key into a mechanism by the entrance door, but the safe operates the same way. First problem, I was give [... read more]n 1 room key and it is pitch black so I can not operate both at once. I return to the front desk to ask for a second room key and have to argue with the clerk in order to obtain a second key. He finally gives me a second key. In the morning I head to the beach only to find out that it is a 20 minute walk! The beach is overcrowded, you have about 6 inches on either side of your chair to move. All is fine for the first few days, then on Christmas eve morning I wake up to a note under my door stating that since I did not make a dinner reservation I would not be able to have dinner at any of the restaurants that evening because it was a special menu! I head to the front desk and they confirm this. So, I decide to have a late lunch of sea bass at the pool side restaurant. The fish tasted very garlicy but I ate it because I knew I wouldn't eat again until the morning. Within 3 hours I was riddled with stomach cramps and severe diarrhea. I have never been so sick and by day 4 of this decided that I needed to speak to the Air Transat rep so they were aware of the situation. The rep, Gabrielle, said that I could not prove it was the food and I was probably hung over and that I needed medical proof! I was disgusted but went to the emergency clinic because I was very sick. I was immediately treated with intravenous drugs for severe dehydration and fever and was given 2 prescriptions for antibiotics to continue taking. That night was the worst night, now everything coming out of me was green! The next morning I returned to speak to Gabrielle, I wanted a flight home that day, I felt I needed medical attention in Canada. He refused to speak to me, said that he was busy and that I should return at 11. I returned at 11 only to find out that it was now too late to catch the 1 pm flight. So, back to the medical clinic and another round of intravenous and more drugs. Now, the food poisoning was not the only issue. I was confined to the pool area due to the close proximity to my room which I needed on a moments notice. I was on a diet of water and Gatorade to try and keep hydrated and the pool bar had a cold water dispenser. This dispenser had a short in it and when I went to get water was also treated with 120 volt shock! I guess it was better me than a child. The final complaint of this resort...on one of my mad dashes to my room I found a maid using my bathroom! I would not recommend this resort to anyone. The food, the service, the staff were all rude and unprofessional. This resort says they are a 5 star resort and I would be hesitant to give them 3 stars.

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Beautiful Place

Beautiful Property with many amenities. Staff kept busy keeping the property very clean. The property and shared properties are all very nice. Only negative was the hard beds which were only doubles and the room (ours anyway) while spotless (clean) was showing signs of wear. Food was very good. We were not advised that Punta Cana was one hour difference in time (they are ahead) so we missed the welcome briefing and the representatives for Air Transat Vacations seem never to be found on  [... read more]location during the hours stated. Not even a sign on departure date in the lobby, you have to look in a binder sitting on the counter in the basement of lobby. Took us most of the week to figure out where many things were. Very disappointed in Air Transat Vacations for this reason (they should have some type of welcome brochure with tips in it) but only with respect to local representatives not airline itself, we actually got home early on Christmas Day! Very memorable vacation. Certainly would travel there again if the opportunity arises.

Excellence El Carmen: Excellence El Carmen is Excellente'

Everything at this hotel is new and is well worth the stay! Staff are amazing and more than willing to please! Grounds, beaches, pools, hot tubs, restaurants are all top notch! French Cuisine was my favorite, the food and Staff were out of this world .

Barcelo Bavaro Palace: Gorgeous resort, staff just okay

The resort grounds are beautiful and our room was nice and tidy. There are many pools and the different kids pools are awesome and great fun for everyone. Don't let the all inclusive fool you though. The internet isn't included and the pirate ship with wave pool is additonal. It's not expensive per day, just not included. The a la carts aren't the greatest. The Japanese place was good though! We had the best luck in the buffets. For lunch the steakhouse buffet on the second floor is the best [... read more]. The beach is gorgeous!! We spent a lot of time there. Since the resort is so big the service lacks for sure. They don't remember you because of so many people so they don't rush to serve you. Smaller resorts are better if service is you must have. The daycare was great. Our kids had a great time there. The night entertainment is pretty good. They put on big productions nightly. The start off early with a kids dance where they end with balloon animals.

Casa Marina Reef Resort: Good location

Nice resort and well located in Sosua. Beautiful grounds but greater variety and quality of food is needed. Given 2 water bottles when you arrive that can be refilled at water stations that cannot be kept sanitary. Our solution was to buy a large bottle of water at the local corner store down the street and refill our water bottles.

Caribe Deluxe Princess: Worst resort ever!

Sewage odours unbearable everywhere, in the rooms, the restaraunt , in the shower water. Rooms were dirty, shower walls covered in film like they had never been cleaned. Air conditioner leaking on floor, reported twice never looked at. Balcony doors almost impossible to open, also reported. Only one chair on balcony for a couple, do we take turns sitting outside? Towels only changed every other day, but they folded one dirty towel into a lovely swan, what a shock when I opened it thinking it [... read more] was clean and it was still wet from morning shower. Granddaughter (in next room) asked for a towel and after an hour she asked again so the maid unlocked our door and let her go in and take one of ours. That maid had no business letting anyone in our room. Only spanish speaking employees there, even in the lobby. It was very difficult trying to tell them anything. In the resaraunts they looked after everyone who spoke spanish first and left us english speaking people to the last. All the activities were in spanish so we couldnt participate in any of them. The food was terrible in the buffet and the ala carte restaraunts. We paid for a wifi modem but didn't get a charger with it had to use granddaughters cell phone charger, not very convenient since we were in different rooms. Last but not least, who in their right mind steals underwear from someone's luggage. I had six pairs of brand new ones and now only have two of them.

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Excellent Resort

Bahia Principe Esmeralda is an excellent family resort. Very quiet, clean, access to other resort within Don Pablo complex, very close to the beach and swimpools. The staff is very friendly and always willing to help you. The food is very good with lots of choices to choose.

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: Great

It was pretty good, the rooms were kept up with and the staff was extremely friendly. The a la cartes were also amazing especially the sushi/ Japanese one it's a must try if you go. Great time great!!!

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Amazing family style resort

Everything was great, food was incredible, we stayed one week and we tried the Brazilian and Italian restaurantes, but sincerely, you will be amazed of the variety and quality of their buffet food, the beach was clean and had enough umbrellas for everyone, very clean and spacious rooms.

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: Amazing resort, but badly run

Amazing resort on a nice beach, but very poorly managed and run. During my family's stay, the welcome team were very rude and unhelpful. The resort was over occupied and under staffed which made everything harder We often had to line up and wait for plates, cups , food and service in general which was very slow We were dropped off in a schetcy lobby and asked to leave our lauguge there because check in is not till 4 pm. (Not what is expected) Bought the internet package for the. Week , it  [... read more]was a waste of money the internet is so weak and rarely connects. Rooms don't get cleaned daily and you're only allowed one towel per person. Piña colada, was the biggest disappointment at be live The main lobby has a bar that only services VIP ( no this was not cool). Had to pay for my coffee every time because I was not a VIP ( not empressed) We have been to be live in Purta plata and we were thinking this would be if not the same may be better, we thought wrong At this time I would hate for anyone to have an experience like mine.

Catalonia Royal Bavaro: Excellent Resort

Beautiful property for adults only. Well-managed resort with courteous staff. The rooms are slightly dated but generally clean and the property is well-maintained with beautiful grounds. The food is good with ample choice. There is a very nice open-air bar in the pool area with sofa seating that gives onto a small stage where in the evening they play live mellow music. The beach is very nice and there is the added suprise of a pristine sandbar that you can walk for several hundred feet out into  [... read more]the ocean without being more than waist-deep : the water there is crystal clear. If you're single this resort is likely to be too subdued for you, unless you're looking to relax in peace. But for couples or groups who want value at a solid 4-Star then I fully endorse this all-inclusive.

Grand Bavaro Princess: Best vacation spot!!

The Bavero Princess resort in Punta Cana was just perfect! We enjoy this resort with all it had to offer. The Platinum package was well worth the extra you pay. Our travel time between our room,beach,restaurants and,platinum lounge was maybe 2-3 minutes. The pool iss beautiful but,its very hard to not leave the beach! White sand for miles , breeze's ,a server to take your drink orders as you lay and,relax in the beauty of this resort. The grounds were very beautiful,some flooding in areas didn't [... read more] even cause too much disturbance for the visitors. The food is great,many choices,many restaurants too. We enjoyed El Gaucho the best,steak house. The resort has many choices so pick your favorite food place and,enjoy. Our room was quite nice and,it was cool!! Our housekeeper was so good to us as well ,we were in 775 close to the beach.We went here from December 9 to the 16,t he weather is perfect,warm with cool breeze's on the beach. Our check in was with Magdeline and,she was the best. One of the servers in the resort a young man named Derric we would notice going out of his way to assist anyone he could,so nice😃. All the staff were wonderful with us as well. We would recommend this resort to everyone ,we can't wait to go back for our 2 visit. We want to say thank you to everyone who made our vacation as great as it was at this resort . Our travel agent Susan Snider of Trip central did a great job with our travel plans. Samantha Lewis of Trip central is owed a huge thank you for all her assistance she gave us on our vacation,couldnt do it without you😃. Until we see you again Bavero Princess ,keep being a great resort.

Bahia Principe Explore Legend: Good resort

Hotel grounds, food were good. Hotel more geared towards younger children. Entertainment could of been better instead of always dancing maybe have comedy and get people in audience to interact. Story time should hv a different story every night for 2 week period that way kids have a variety.

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Very lush and well designed

Great food both in taste and options. Superb service in the buffet restaurant. Love the elevator to the beach. I loved the beach volleyball. The bartenders at the beach and pool and lounge were very nice and polite. BUT The bartender from the disco was a pervert and touched guests privates. This is when he was off shift and hung out at the disco. In addition The entire resort heard that one girl was actually raped in the bathroom.

Cayo Levantado Resort: Cayo Levantado is a wonderful island resort

The Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado is a beautiful island resort. Both the public and private beaches are wonderful, with much more shade options on the resort private beach. For an Xmas week, the temperature averaged 28deg. C... and it rained at least once each day for approx. 1-2 min. of about 10mm, mostly in the evening or overnight... while daytime there was blue sky with fluffy clouds. There are a variety of accommodations which the website doesn't do a good job of giving you vi [... read more]sual or verbal comparisons, nor do they tell you where on the island those various accommodations are. Tripcentral needs to do a better job of finding those specifics out so they can better cater to their clients needs. We asked for a 'superior' room, with 2 beds, with an ocean view, and we had a picture from the website that showed what that was like (or so we thought). The room initially assigned to us when we got to the resort was in the Superior category, inland with no ocean view, and very visually different than the photo online. We complained to the resort management and for an additional reduced price, they upgraded us to a Junior room in a tower... which compared to what we saw originally in the photo. The resort's naming conventions for their rooms is very confusing.... and Tripcentral needs to get that clarified properly. The rooms with 2 double beds was ok for one person sleeping in a bed, but lousy for 2 adult people on one double bed... the mattress sagged in the middle and was uncomfortable. The resort needs to rethink its 2 double bed policy and convert at least one of those beds to a queen size. The meals were great... the buffets had lots of variety, and very tasty! We tried out 3 of the 4 a-la-carte restaurants (french, brazilian and mediteranean) and each was amazing... with excellent service and very scrumptious food. We also tried out room service... the food arrived in a timely basis, hot foods were hot and also very tasty. I'm not a sun-lover so I spent much of my time at the beach pool where the waiters were very attentive and there was a controllable amount of shade and sun. I spent some time on the beach and in the ocean, but the sun is strong.... so I continually sought out shelter. We were appreciative that this was an adults only resort, so no kids to distract us. We all had massages at the beach spa... and the masseuse's hands were great at relaxation... they don't offer deep massage, and that was fine. As an aside, the travel time from the airport by bus, and then by boat to the resort took approx. 2 hours... in each case, we stopped at another Bahia resort on the mainland in Samana to either drop off or pick up other guests. We had good Air Canada Vacations' reps meeting and guiding us at the airport, and again at the resort, so everything went smoothly. We would definitely go back again.