This resort was very clean and well taken care of . Restaurants were excellent with the exception that men had to wear pants in 6 of 9 restaurants .
Short walk to everything and they served top shelve liquor and Beer . No wrist bands or booking restaurants required , just show up .
Only real negative was that there is not a lot of shade around the pools .
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Wilma -
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Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort: Beautiful resort and friendly people
We travelled for one week in July with our two sons, ages 13 and 11. We had a wonderful time and would recommend this resort. There was an error with our reservation which was the fault of the resort - the 1st room they sent us to was under renovation, when we went back to the reservation desk the gentleman did not speak English and did not understand what the problem was. Once a manager was consulted he accompanied us to another room which we did not find acceptable as our 13 year old was charg[... read more]ed as an adult and we had asked for a room large enough to accommodate an extra bed. We explained this to the manager and he took us over to the Tropical side which has much nicer rooms. The room he showed us was great and we were not charged for the upgrade as they had made the mistake. The room was always cleaned beautifully, the minibar was always restocked with drinks and plenty of water. The beach was lovely with very little seaweed and calm waters. Very easy to find loungers and shade. The pools were busy and it was a little more difficult to find loungers in a shady area. We enjoyed the waterpark - the slides were fun for our boys, the pool was nice and it was great to have a restaurant right at the waterpark. The food overall was very good, we enjoyed the Japanese and Italian restaurants. The buffets were very good and our server Eddy was excellent.
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Tirz -
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Excellence Punta Cana: Fabulous experience, more than I expected
The resort was immaculate, clean, beautiful and more that I expected. We were in the least expensive room and it was spotless, great facilities (ie rain shower and amazing water pressure). The pool and grounds were clean, large and never over crowded. Food was good and lots of variety. The beach had seaweed, that is apparently at a record high this year, but every day they cleaned as best as they could. The staff was friendly, kind and professional. The gym outstanding (best gym I've seen so far[... read more] at a resort) the only negative comment I have is the shops are ridiculously over priced (ie $180 USD for a pair of earrings that should normally be $40). Overall, the trip was wonderful! I wouldMy hesitate to go back.
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Juliejulie -
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Grand Palladium Select Bavaro: Beautiful Resort
My family and I had an amazing time at the resort! The staff and grounds people were constantly working to keep everything clean. The property was immaculately kept at all times. The room we stayed in was beautiful as well. Tons of food and a variety of it every day as they held different theme nights, Italian, Mexican, international, Asian etc... There were also several À la cart restaurants to choose from as well so you could never get bored from the food. There are so many activities that yo[... read more]u can do with the family. We went on a village tour which was amazing. Also did the pirate tour where we swam with sharks and got close to stingrays after being taken out on a huge pirate boat by some very entertaining pirates!
If I had one negative thing to say about the resort, it's the same as with most resorts, don't get sucked into the sales people trying to "give" you something as no one will give you something for nothing. Otherwise, great resort for kids and the whole family. The beach had a lot of seaweed but that's happening all over the Caribbean and isn't avoidable. Luckily there are lots of pools at the resort and they are amazing pools. Lots to do..would go again!
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Chris Jakub -
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Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: A Vacation to remember!!!
If you have any reservations about going to Gran Bahia Principe, throw them away we have been to D.R previously but this hotel has met all of our expectations. Beach is perfect, food is great and tons of things for children to do
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Bugg -
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Viva Tangerine by Wyndham: amazing - kiters/windsurfers paradise
a la carte dinners were amazing! thanks for organizing the beach party!!! michael jackson tribute was incredible.
drinks could be improved and I'd reccomend different glasses
overall very satisfied!
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Shiningshack -
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The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Still the best view in DR
This is our second time in Bahia Principe Cayacoa.
We decided to visit this place again because of the amazing scenery.
It's scenery will alway be etched in our memory and will make us to visit again in later years.
As was in the winter of 2013, all services were excellent.
Resort ground, staff, food, room service were all very good in this August.
Though there were minor glitches, you see them in all other resorts and we have no complaint.
But there may be something they can improve.
We always [... read more]visited Caribbean destinations during winter times for past 9 years and this was the first time in summer.
As expected the weather was hot outside in the open to the point we were sweating under shades during day times.
We were trying to cool off in the main pool, but the water was very warm that it did not refresh us. It seemed the pool water was not changed in timely manner. Due to small body of water, the whirlpools were even warmer that we thought they were hot in the afternoon.
If the pool water was kept cool, guests during summer time would feel quite refreshed from the hot climate.
We avoided the pool after the first try and stayed at the beach where water was cooler than the pool.
Another reason we chose Cayacoa is that there was no sea weed at the beach.
Over all our vacation was excellent in the resort and we decided to visit Cayacoa in the future.
Thanks to all the staff who were always eager to serve us.
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Barry78 -
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Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Great getaway!
Got there in the afternoon. Was told to go eat lunch at the buffet and then the room would be ready which it was. Stayed on the third floor of building 5 which is good and quiet. AC worked amazing. Beds were great. Safe was included in our package. Was told we'd receive a bottle of rum which we didn't have in the room when we arrived but we told Guest services about it and then they brought it. We had water provided everyday in the room. Most of them were gallon bottles which really helped with [... read more]the heat. They also gave two cans of beer and two pops which were free the first time. If you wanted more, you'd have to pay but drinks at the bar were free. They had one cash bar in the lobby which was a waste of space but there were still people at the bar buying drinks (doesn't make sense to me). Had some water issues one day where the water just stopped but it was the whole building which they fixed really quickly.
Have to pay for Wifi. We got the 25 hour Wifi deal which costed a little over a 1000 pesos which we didn't even finish using during the week.
Daily buffet was great. Staff at the buffet work really hard and are still pleasant. Ended up making a lot of staff friends there. Not sure why people write reviews saying the food sucks but we loved it. In the morning there was an omelette station and then a pasta station during the day/dinner. There is always something good at the buffets for breakfast lunch and dinner. And if your not a fan of trying new food then you can eat at the snack bar where they always have cheese pizza, fried chicken, fries, rice and beans, burgers and hot dogs.
There were three a la carte restaurants. The seafood and oriental restaurants require guys to wear long pants and no tank tops as their dress code which is pretty stupid considering how hot and humid the weather is. I understand they are trying to create an atmosphere but c'mon, its over 35C all day, every day and I'd rather not wear long pants but such is life.
Beach was great. Felt like you could walk along the beach forever. Tonnes of vendors there selling things like excursions, necklaces, wraps, henna tattoos, massages, manicures, pedicures. We are used to saying no to vendors so by day two or three they stopped asking and bugging us however they work from 8am to 5pm everyday in the heat, walking along many resorts so have some sympathy for them.
Beach bar was very convenient (snack bar in the same location) and they make great drinks. At night the same bar becomes the clubbing area. There is no actual disco.
On the weekends the locals kinda take over the resort but hey, they need a vacation too.
Didn't spend too much time at the pools but they were very clean looking. There is one pool bar where people sit in the water and drink, not sure how often they leave the pool to go to the bathroom so you get idea.
Gym was basic, has a treadmill, elliptical and recumbent bike. Also has dumbbells up to 50lbs, a couple of exercise balls and stretching mats. Same area was the spa (didnt go) and a smaller pool/jaccuzi. This was a non-smoking area where there was a coffee machine (great) and a couple juice machines,all free.
The resort on the whole looked great, workers maintaining all day, every day. Very clean everywhere. Pools were cleaned daily. The buffet was decorated differently everyday based on their themes.
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Cocobecky -
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Riu Bambu: Disappointed
It was not a 4-5 star as they claim to be. The resort was dirty, it smelled like sewage , sanitation and we could smell fecies from the septic tanks. Our room was not cleaned for days meaning we had no new towels room was filled with sand n sheets really needed to change. I had to call and request someone to clean our room! Now the most disturbing part is the male staff! I felt very uncomfortable on my vacation which is unfortunate because I should be able to enjoy what I paid for! They were mak[... read more]ing cat calls and sexual comments trying to touch me and my friends at every chance they got inappropriately! Staring at us very sexually n making us feel extremely uncomfortable. It wasn't just one specific area it was all the males at the resort! As staff they should learn to respect the people who come to visit! I feel like it made my trip even worst! I was utterly disgusted by their behaviour towards me and my friend highly inappropriate! And the flights going and coming back were both delayed by 6 hrs which is ridiculous!
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Rena -
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Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Luxurious Resort
The rooms were nice and big, great food at all the restaurants, nice pools, good selection of alcohol at the lobby bar, awesome entertainment at night, friendly staff. Beach was full of seaweeds and was not good swimming. Mini fridge in the room was not replenished daily. Cashier at the front reception did not have change of smaller bills. Overall, a very nice resort.
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JuneD -
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Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Ok resort
I visited this hotel for a family reunion/celebration and even though we was determined to have a good time there are some stuff that I cannot let go. When we got there it took us about 2 hours to check in, then they gave us rooms 10812 10813.. the balcony faced a swamp area and it smelt like sewer. We had to be moved over to a building#7. I fridge did not work and there was cockroaches in my washroom. My brother-in-law fridge and TV did not work, his sister telephone did not work and the size o[... read more]f the hotel you need the phone to call the rest of your party to let them know where you were at. The web apps to book your a-la-carte did not work neither for your complaints. My brother-in-law went to the front desk to change his US money ( which he got from his bank in Toronto) turns out they did not have smaller bills but they changed his $20.00 US and gave him a counterfeit bill. Then the manager tried to claim my brother-in-law was lying... this was very infuriating. Then there was the occasion of the Caribbean night party which the hotel charged an additonal $15 US for adults and $5.00 for kids. I made friends with another mom who bought her tickets to attend. Turned out when my group went by to the event we all got in free. The manager opened up the door for all to get in since the attendance was very low. My friend then told the manager on check out time that she should not be charged at which time he told her I was lying we did not get in for free and still charged her card $20US. The staff was very friendly however I felt it a bit fustrating since most could not speak or understand basic English like gin and soda or crushed ice. However the loveliest people ever! During our stay one of the pools was fouled and they did not drain the pool just blocked it off and did whatever they did. As for the set up of the place they need a snack bar at one between the 2 pools.. both snack bars was at the beach which made it hard for getting something to eat if you were at the other 2 pools. Entertainment at the pool was poor and there was no floating devices at the pool you had to purchase everything for yourself. I am disappointed since I have been to 2 other Gran Bahia properties and was so happy with it. I will not recommend this location to anyone. Management really needs to get better at this location... Best thing of all was the food and the friendliness of the staff.
Well maintained , huge as all Bahia Resorts.
Great food, clean big rooms with quiet A/C.
Unfortunately, after 8 years in Bahia Resorts , I had to pay for safety box :-(.
For so expensive vacation I expected that gratis as in Bahia Principe Coba .
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Dritraveller -
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Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Great vacation.
I will make this short. The hotel was good but certainly not a 5 star. The staff are simply amazing all very friendly and everyone has a smile. The wait staff is second to none especially Manolo ( # 1) Lionel and Freddy Cruz. Guest services manager Frederick was the nicest we have met. Always a good laugh with him. The rooms are very clean and also the restaurants. The food was very good and always fresh and tasty. Only complaint would be lack of hot water and air conditioning. But that was only[... read more] twice the other days were great. Also lack of shade by the pool. U have to get up pretty early to get loungers in the shade by the pool. By 8 o'clock they were all taken. But then there the beach which is beautiful. A little windy but nice.
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Swisspa -
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Sunscape Puerto Plata: Great Value
Wanted an inexpensive holiday and that what I got. Pool great ,beach cleaned every morning, food tasty. Went to all 5 a la carte restaurants, couple good, others average. People friendly, room ,dated but clean. Would go back again.
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Fann -
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The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Super
I was happy to spent a week with my husband! Nice people, Nice room, great food! I would recommence this hotel.
The beach is calm and beautiful
There is a lot of stairs and the service for the shuttle is not convenient...
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EdithH -
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Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: Bad beaches
The hotel stuff we're not friendly at all, the room was not so good but tolerable, the door keep getting stuck, and even though we complained, they never went to fix it and the bath tub was disgusting but since we take a shower, we didn't care, but we were sandals when taking a shower, just in case. The food wasn't that bad but boring everyday of the whole week. A lacarte, not so bad but not excellent, the pools weren't so cleaned but ok. The beach had a lot of seaweed that it was almost impossi[... read more]ble to swim, which mind you that it is Mother Nature and there people trying every day to clean it but it was impossible. A lot of entertainment every night until late. My son got sick with diarrhea and nausea almost the whole week so take some medication for that just in case, cause I heard a lot of people were getting sick, could be because of the food, I am not sure but wanted to share that we you
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ChristineG -
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Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Ok Resort
The resort was clean & well kept. The person who checked us in was very efficient & friendly, but overall customer service at the front desk sucked cos a couple of staff members were quite rude, especially if you didn't speak Spanish. The food was ok....entertainment was catered mainly to the Spanish speaking crowd, so most of the time we didn't know what was happening. Turning off the A/C during the day and the water mains after midnight was absolutely inconvenient & unheard of for us as it's n[... read more]ever occurred at any resorts we've ever stayed at! Karen, the Air Canada guide was excellent at her job and went out of her way to help us when we had questions and the housecleaning lady was also very nice. Other than that, we found most of the staff very unfriendly.
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Lisa L -
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Sunscape Dominican Beach: Good resort
My sister and I booked this trip for my birthday. Upon arrival the resort was very nice. Happy that it wasn't too big, but I did find that the people weren't too friendly as we didn't speak Spanish. Nathaniel at the front desk was great. He helped us with everything we needed. Entertainment staff was nice. Keep in mind when booking an oceanfront view room most beds are king. My sister and I had to change rooms as we requested two doubles. We were then moved to the elite club. Nice room and close[... read more] to the beach. Closer to the end of the week we noticed that there were possibly fleas or might I say bed bugs as we experienced bites over night.
We were happy to be going home needless to say.
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Loker -
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Tropical Deluxe Princess: Don't expect much
Rooms outdated and warm
Food ok but not muc variety.
Locals take over on weekends and are are very loud!!!
Beach full of seaweed.
Me and my son got sick for a few days.
You better speak spanish or else good luck!
I wouldn't return to this resort.
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Avid -
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Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: worst vacation I've ever experienced
Upon arrival I told staff my phone was not working. It took 6 days for then to fix it. On the airplane on the way to DR I was given warm water from the back of the plane (before the drink cart came around) which led me to contract travellers sickness, which I didn't know until I was back in Canada after a doctors visit. On my third day the aqua marine staff coaxed me to leave my bag beside his and just as a procaution I asked the security guard if he would be staying there to watch all our thing[... read more]s and he agreed in English. A few hrs later my phone was stolen. When I spoke to other security guards about this they forced to check my room and told me they would be conducting an investigation. 3hrs later I went to the head manager of the hotel and he was not informed about my phone being stolen. I was told I could not see the video tapes for an extra day. On my fifth day there I was finally allowed to watch the video Andy bag was stratigically places exactly where the camera cuts off. With that being said the only people in that area for the time my bag was there there were only security guards and aqua marine staff which even the head manager of the hotel agreed with. For the last 2 days he promised to let me have a meeting with se other official and let me file a complaint with the police. They lied about that and kept putting it off knowing my stay way only 7 days long. My activities director who was hired by air Canada was absolutely no help. I spoke to her about leaving the DR and in a nutshell she told me I would not be able to leave unless I paid an additional charge of over 200$ American which is ridiculous. Every time I ate I threw up. My friend asked the head manager of it was possible for the chef to make me something small that I'm use to in hopes I could keep it down; fries. He refused because he said it was too late. Mind you it was 3:30 and dinner was to begin at 6pm. My friend then found the head chef and pleaded with him and he had no problem helping me with a plate of fries. I still vomit it back up. It was on my 5th Night there my family kept calling the hotel in hopes to talk to me. After numerous tries they had to get in Contact with the Canadian embassy in DR to get a hold of me. While I spoke to my family on the phone in another room a staff member listened and that is what urged him to fix my phone in our room right away. Keep in mind we spoke to maids, head office, and head manager about the phone and told them it was a safety Hazzard because we were on the highest floor closest to the beach and me being sick and alone in the room was not safe without any phone in case of emergency. My doctor told me the people on the plane should know better than to give me water that was not filtered on the plane. In the end I ended up with traveller sickness, no phone, no respect, no edible food, no drinks, and virtually no vacation . I've been to south America twice through Sunwing and nothing like this has ever happened. I will never use this website or air canada as a method of travel ever again and I have already made a video review and plan to post it on youtube in hopes no one goes through what I did on this "vacation ". The staff was lazy and only looked out for each other. If that was not the case then I would have been able to make a complaint with the police like I was promised and my room phone would be fixed right away. Instead the staff who stole my phone is still there living it up with my property.