Paradisus Punta Cana: Beautiful Resort

This was our second visit to Paradisus Punta Cana. Last year (2015) we visited at the same time of year. It was excellent, and so we decided to return. This year however, we ran into some disappointments. There have been some changes, some of which are puzzling. For example, there are some cabanas directly in front of the Gabi Beach Bar and buffet restaurant. Last year, they were free to use. This year however, my husband and I rested on one on our first day, and before too long, a woman approa [... read more]ched us and informed us that they were now being rented to the tune of $50 U.S, per day!!! We were first of all embarrassed, as there were no signs on them indicating such a thing; and then angry at the gall of the management to charge their patrons for the use of a cabana, when the cost of a week at their resort is already at the high end of the scale. Secondly, last year, we were able to call anytime to get a dinner reservation at a reasonable time at any of the A La Carte's, even on the same day. This year, we spent 20 minutes on the phone trying to get dinner at a reasonable time, and for the entire week of our stay, we could only get 6 or 6:30, or 9-9:30 reservations and some of the restaurants we could not get into at all. This was frustrating, but what was even more frustrating was the fact that when we looked into these same restaurants at the dinner hour that we would have preferred, in every case, they were less than half filled with patrons. This same thing happened to friends that we met during our stay and they even approached the restaurants in some instance to try and get in, but they were denied. Also missing was any sort of live entertainment inside the restaurants. At least that was our experience, however, we also had less than prime time reservations. Thirdly, last year, every afternoon at 4 p.m., at the Gabi Beach Bar, there was a D.J. there playing some great music while waiters took around trays of champagne, cool wet towels and bowls of hot nuts to snack on. At the same time, women from YHI Spa were there offering free five minute neck massages with their potable massage chairs, or free hand massages. This year, there was none of that that we saw, and we were often in that area at that same time of day. All of these complaints would be things that, had we not gone there last year, we would not have noticed as being different, However, when you return to a resort based on many of these perks that were offered and those things have changed in a negative way, it taints your opinion and affects your experience making it more disappointing than exhilarating. On a positive note, we were given a beautiful room and the resort itself is breathtaking. It is very large and the lighting is romantic and gives an intimate feel. In addition, there is always beautiful music everywhere along the walkways through hidden outdoor speakers. The grounds are kept immaculate and are always being tended. The lobby is stunning and at night it is lit with hundreds of tea lights and pillar candles which is impressive, as anyone who burns candles would know that they are labour intensive. There are many gorgeous places all over the vast lobby to sit and relax with a cocktail and every night there is live music offered and a great place to dance. The staff for the most part are very friendly and polite, and will do their best to accommodate your needs. The beach is perfect with powdery white sand and always a fresh breeze and the swimming is safe and fun with big surf and shallow waters. There are abundant beach chairs available and always lots of fresh dry towels for which they have drop containers available on the beach when you are finished with them for the day. This is refreshing for any of you who have endured the towel obsession in Cuba. Those who have, know what I am talking about. For those looking for a more active vacation, there did not seem to be many fun activities going on during the day, but I would definitely recommend this resort for couples who are looking for romance and rest, or to anyone looking for a gorgeous place to enjoy a tropical break.

Casa Marina Reef Resort: Amazing resort

we had an amazing time! We are simple folk, who don't complain or expect much, the grounds were beautiful, the staff was amazing, friendly and helpful. The rooms are simple, our ac broke, but we didn't tell anybody, so no clue what they would have done. The food was pretty good, buffet food is not amazing no matter how you slice it. Ignore the hookers and they don't bother you. Lol! The town is nice, I always felt safe.. All in all I had a great time and I fully intend to go back.

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Beautiful scenery

Very pretty resort,great food and friendly staff.i was apprehensive due to all the stairs but the trolleys were always available to take you around.the beds however were the worse I ever experienced,extremely old and sagging,the lighting in the rooms were terrible,had to go out on balcony to do makeup as it was so dark,air conditioning was also poor in the room.first time I had a shower I was greeted by the largest cock roach I ever seen.staff for the most part very pleasant,drinks were not very [... read more] good and entertainment very corny.the beach and views and lovely food made up the difference.had an ocean view room which had amazing view

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana: First Class Resort

This resort is one of the nicest and cleanest places we have stayed at. The pool area and beach is spectacular. The people working at the resort are friendly and accommodating. The food and restaurant choices are also top notch.

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Riu Bachata - good value for what we paid

The Good: Price/value, beach, clean rooms, ocean, sunshine, heat, location, landscaping. Lots of palm trees, lots of shade if desired, nice waves for sea kayaking The Okay: Room size (smallish size), decent food (not great, but pretty good), water is not the clearest because of the waves, beach is rocky in sections (better at east end Riu Merengue The Bad: Mattresses, a-la-carte restaurant choices, swim-up bar (loud and classless), loud drunken guest making noise late at night (near disco). T [... read more]he worst of the drunken tourists were the Canadians. It's was so embarrassing to see them with their big, insulated bubbas making fools of them selves. One day the pool at the swim-up bar had to be drained because someone vomited in it. All-in-all it was a good value for me and my family. We stayed at Gran Bahia Principe resorts the 2 prior years and preferred them but this was much cheaper. You get what you pay for I guess. Would I go back to this Riu complex? Probably not, but I like the area and would head east of Puerto Plata instead (to Sosua or Cabarete). The best part of our vacation was the awesome and well-priced private excursions we had with Pedro Suero, a local tour guide, who showed us the most interesting places. His cost was roughly half what the big tour companies charge and it was private for our group (ranging from 5 to 6 on 3 separate excursions). Pedro was amazing and a wealth of information. Room Tip: A room far enough away from the entertainment lobby

Paradise Playa Dorada: perfect location

We loved this resort! The resort is in a gated community of Playa Dorado (felt very safe). The beach is beautiful. We loved the open feeling of the buffet and Eden restaurants. A la carte restaurant Michaelangelo's was wonderful. The food is great at buffet as well. Our trip was well put together through Trip Central, they even shared hotel park and fly information from Toronto that was perfect. Hats off to Lawrence Solomon!

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Great resort.

We had an excellent trip. The price through trip central was fantastic for our one bedroon suite. The food was terrific compared to our recent Cuba trip. The staff were wonderful. The resort was beautiful, the grounds well kept. The beach was very good and the room well maintained and clean. We will return to this resort soon.

Melia Caribe Beach Resort: Beautiful resort with amazing views

This resort was a 5 star for it grounds keeping, restaurants and rooms staff.They were always friendly and very helpful, We needed our tv and toilet fixed and the staff was there right away to fix our problem, the food was delicious In all restaurants, the one thing I could say was that the entertainment was disappointing I have been to resorts were they interact with the guests more then what this resort did but all in all it was an amazing place to stay.

Riu Bambu: Great Resort

Very clean resort, and great service. Everything you want for a relaxing vacation! Would recommend this resort to all ages, and families. If you like to be close to eveyrthing would recommend this be requested upon booking, as some of the rooms are a 7 minute walk to beach and restaurants.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Fabulous time, our new favorite!

Stayed for the first time in the adults only Ambar but toured all the other resorts. I simply cannot stress how hard the staff work, ALL staff to make the premises the most beautiful ever. Every single person makes sure you are happy 100% of the time. You want total R&R stay at the Ambar, looking for family fun, the other resorts have it. Perfect for couples and families alike!

Vista Sol Punta Cana: Excellent Resort!

The resort is laid out in blocks, and there are 3 pools, each close to your block. The main pool has the swim up bar. We had a foam party in the pool one afternoon. The food is good, large variety of cold food, salads hot food, pizza, pasta and lots of desserts! Staff are constantly cleaning the resort. We liked the "sports bar", which was close to the beach. That was nice because you didn't have to walk through the entire resort to grab some food. It is intended for people laying on the beach,  [... read more]and you pour your own beer on draft! I believe there are 7 bars overall. Nightly entertainment is good. There is a charge for the beach towel, but it is refunded when you return the towel. Rooms are clean, they are in the process of updating. Overall, excellent vacation!

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Loved my stay!

Beautiful place! Loved the staff, my room, the beaches just everything! I loved that there was so many pools and the resort didn't feel crowded cause there were so many places to hang out. Loved to have been able to take a beautiful bike ride around the resort.

Casa Marina Reef Resort: great value

this resort although older is very clean and well kept the pool is cleaned each day and the staff very friendly the food is above standard for a 3 star.there are three a-la-carts all were good the animation staff the location is great only 10 minutes from air-port.

Casa Marina Reef Resort: decent, lots to do

room was lovely, had a main floor corner room with wrap around deck, right across from the pool and facing the ocean. lots of games to play and helpful if not overly friendly staff, I enjoyed there breakfasts but lunch and dinner were not to my taste.

Melia Caribe Beach Resort: Clean resort, friendly staff, great food selection

I have been to many all inclusive and there were things about the Melia that were excellent and others that did not meet my expectations. The animation team was one of the big let downs for me. They are not present at the pool more than an hour a day and have very few activities and games happening. This was something myself and others guests discussed many times on the trip and could really have made this a better resort. Also there is almost never music at the pool!? The rooms were clean and n [... read more]ice but if they are going to stick you in a room surrounded by peacocks that squawk all day and night they should make you aware. I have a fear of birds and this was a horrible experience for me. The food was great and so was the selection and the effort the staff made to accommodate and get everyone fed without having to made reservations. Much better experience than I have had at many other resorts in this area. The resort is big and a long walk but the people on the carts pick you up as much as they an and the trains come often. The staff were kind and happy for the most part and a pleasure to be around.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Amazing Resort

The rooms in the Golden club are spacious and nice. The beach is amazing with the water nice and clear. The pool is small but the beach makes up for it. Restaurants are nice and so is the buffet. Enjoy the crepes lady in the buffet every night.

Vista Sol Punta Cana: Great solid trip!

This resort was affordable, clean and very good for the price. Staff were friendly. The grounds were beautiful, beach was stunning! There was plenty of shade with many trees on the beach and plenty of beach chairs despite it being march break. Beach was perfect for long morning walks. The entertainment crew was always on the go. We really enjoyed the stretch classes, merengue classes on the beach. Carlos was the best! They work so hard. Food was good, there was always something that pleased. It  [... read more]was hit and miss but we never have crazy high expectations - overall good. Drinks were great, beer was cold and delicious. Rooms were clean, some were more updated than others however the did the trick. We didn't use the pools but they were always busy. Overall, for the price and the beach we would return! Thanks to the Vista Sol.

Occidental Punta Cana: Just the right fit!

This hotel is the perfect size. No trains or trolleys to get around. Staff are friendly and upbeat! Beach is beautiful, food is good and the resort is incredibly clean. If you're looking for a quiet relaxing vacation in the sun, this is the place!

Grand Palladium Palace: Grand Palladium Palace in DR

Loved the facility and the service. Front desk staff were great and very helpful. Servers in the lobbies were amazing as they were always there right away as we sat down. They were always very pleasant. Restaurant choices were super. The evening lobby entertainment was available in five different locations every evening and was very good. You could tell by the number of people listening and dancing. Plus, the beach was beautiful and seemingly endless. The pools are well maintained and very relax [... read more]ing. Finally, the grounds are very all maintained and look beautiful. This is our second Grand Palladium experience (first was Mexico) and we will be back.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Fabulous resort

Spent 5 days at the Ambar. Had a wonderful time. Beach was beautiful, food excellent. Service good. Would stay again without question. Housekeeping staff were awesome. Nice to have drink service on beach.