Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: resort dump

nice grounds yes nice grounds, pool and beach, bad stay home and go to sand banks, oh don't look under the bed LOL what can I say nice ground yes very nice ground, now I am having a flash back,so I am off to the park, its that under the bed thing. Enjoy sorry La cuenta

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Very nice resort. Our second time at the Ambar.

All the features of the resort were great. Clean and well maintained property. The rooms were nice, and the staff was always very professional and helpful. The beach was clean and there were lots of areas to sit in the shade. Lots of beverages and the food was great.

Grand Palladium Punta Cana: Beautiful resort!

We returned to the Grand Palladium for the 2nd time this year - last year we stayed at the Grand Palladium, this year at the Punta Cana, next year hopefully at the Bavaro which seems to be the nicest of the 3. We enjoyed restaurants at all 3 resorts and most enjoyed the steak house at the Punta Cana, and the Mexican at the Bavaro. We would prefer to be able to make reservations for dinner in advance; for the hotel to advertise "no reservation necessary" is misleading because at the steak house,  [... read more]for example, we had to line up to make a reservation at 5pm the day we wanted it. I would prefer to make all my dining reservations for the week in advance. One thing we did not appreciate this year was receiving a telephone call from our Sunwing representative at 8am telling us we had missed our briefing. We had no intention of attending the briefing, as we find this is a waste of our time given we are not interested in having excursions forced upon us, that we don't intend on taking. To be awakened by an early morning telephone call while on vacation was not appreciated. Also, we were given an "up sell" while enjoying a drink in the lobby from somebody in guest services trying to convince us to book directly with Grand Palladium next year. That said, with the exception of these 2 minor experiences, we had a wonderful time. The grounds are immaculate, beautiful beach, clean and comfortable rooms, good food. We would definitely go back for a 3rd visit and recommend this resort to others.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Almost there

We stayed Apr 16-23 in a Junior Suite 2nd floor in the quiet area overlooking the Beatta pool. The room was very spacious, with great air conditioning. We travel light, but I could see other people might have an issue with there not being enough drawers for clothing. We appreciated being away from the noise, and the walk wasn't far. It was also pleasant relaxing at the bar, away from the noise. The overall layout is well thought out. It doesn't feel cramped, yet everything is a short walk away. [... read more] It's also nice being able to take a walk to/through the other resorts on Playa Dorada There was quite a large variety of food at the buffet. Most of the food was quite tasty. Even picky eaters should be able to find something. We tried 2 of the 3 a la Cartes. The Octopus was fair. The mixed grill at the Ocean Grill was delicious. People mentioned in other posts that they had difficulty making reservations. We got in late at night, so went the next day after 10am, and had no problem. There is some great snorkelling (when the water is calm enough). Entertainment is hit & miss. We have been to other places with better. The staff is very friendly, and aim to please. Now, the Bad (I believe these are management issues, NOT staff): They say in a brochure in the room that they are water eco friendly, however daily they removed our towels off the racks to wash them (even when it was obvious that we hadn't used them) That bothered me greatly, there is no need for it. How many people wash their towels at home daily?. Apparently they have a towel shortage in the resort. They collected ours in the morning, and didn't return them until the evening, which left us without towels for most of the day. Nothing to wipe our hands on after using the washroom, we couldn't shower mid-day. In short, this is crazy. They would not give us washcloths, unless we asked for them. We had to do this on a daily basis. We did not always get a full complement of towels/bath mat. It's supposedly a 4 star resort, but no bathrobes, or slippers. You should NOT have to pay for a safe. I have travelled the world, and this was a first. There are not enough loungers & umbrellas, selfish people come pre-dawn and claim them by putting towels on them. There is a sign saying that staff will remove towels etc if it is unoccupied for 15 minutes. The staff NEVER does anything. 15 min is a bit short, as people might be swimming, BUT if they are unoccupied for 1/2 hour then staff should open them up for people to actively use. Their free Wi-Fi was absolutely horrible. More often than not, you couldn't use the internet without huge delays. Many times we just gave up, as we couldn't access anything. In this day, and age it's ridiculous to make your guests pay for Wi-Fi. The bed was closer to rock than a firm mattress. The pillows were way too soft, they offered zero support. Would I go again? It's a maybe.

Ocean Blue and Sand: Beautiful resort

Wonderful resort and the staff were great. Beach was amazing and just a hop to the gorgeous pool. Rooms were very spacious and the comfortable. Staff looked after all our needs with a smile. Will definately go again.

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Great place to relax!

The resort was great, worthwhile going over to Bacardi Island, absolutely beautiful! If you take a water taxi from the scuba shack on the beach be prepared to get wet, really wet! Alex on the animation crew is a lot of fun! Make sure you check out the pools at the garden rooms, it is open to everyone at the resort, not many people seem to know this because the gate has security guard at it, they think it is not part of the resort.

Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort: amazeing staff

We had a super great time. food was great , staff so nice, grounds were all kept clean . The pool was showing it`s age but heard they were going to redo it soon . The beach area was awesome we fed the fish everyday. always lots of chairs to sit out in . even lots of shaded areas for those how don`t want to be in the sun all day . redoing some building so there was a lot of noise of building during the day but very calm and quiet nights

Catalonia Bavaro Resort: very nice resort

t he grounds were very nice, but the smell was terrible most of the time. the each was very nice. beautiful sand and the water was marvelous. the food was good at the buffet, and try all the a la carts for dinner, as you don't have to book. third floor not good for a/c. for my first time in the Dominican and this hotel I was really impressed.

Catalonia Bavaro Resort: Catalonia Bavaro Resort

The grounds were great . The rooms were nice size .The shower was very small.The food was very good in some spots and average in other restaurants. The layout of the hotel was average.The cheek in was very slow. The bar fridge was never stocked all week. The staff were Ok . The pizza spot was fantastic. entertainment was great. If you would like your hotel to be on the upper class please call me and we can take. Thanks A lot Randy

Ocean Blue and Sand: Great Resort

The resort was really nice, the food was awesome, the pools were cool, lots of chairs around pool, didn't have to search for any or wait for one. It was a great experience. The only thing I found wrong was the bathrooms were not thoroughly cleaned. I found dried toothpaste on the walls (god knows how long it was there cause it was there the whole week I was) and the floors had urine stains on them all around the toilet that would not come out. They also picked this week fix up the unit we were i [... read more]n and everyday had to walk by paint being sprayed onto furniture.

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Clean, Attractive, Compact Resort

Went second week in May and the weather and temperature of the pool was perfect. Beach has a lot of seaweed (raked daily), crushed shells in sand, and there was a considerable amount of wind pick up usually around 11:00 a.m. so cannot comfortably stay at beach past noon. Plenty of palapas and chairs at beach and pool. Food and atmosphere at main buffet I found to be very good. Tried Japanese and Brasilian a la carte restaurants which were good. Rooms were dated but clean and fine. Three story bu [... read more]ildings with no elevators. Attractive surroundings and everything is within short walking distance. Daytime entertainment good as well as the entertainment staff. Evening entertainment could use some improvement as not as varied as Iberostar Punta Cana / Dominicana - i.e. band for dancing each evening, and there was not any professional shows the week I was there only audience participation. Locals come in on weekends and national holidays which makes it very busy and loud. Staff on the whole were very pleasant.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: no peace

Good food, good pool but you could not relax with the contast harrassing from the staff day and night it did not stop. Buy this buy that come with me i need to show u something. Will not be making a return trip to that resort

Grand Sirenis Tropical Suites: It was alright but not up my ally.

This is my first time going to Dominican Republic. I have also been to Cuba and Panama. I don't know if it's specific to this resort or not, but when I'm having difficulty getting beers in a can so that I can drink after 2am when apparently everything is shut down, it makes for some frustrating times. I like to go to these resorts to have a good time and not have to worry about having a specific wrist band to get specific top shelf booze. I was told by tripcentral on the phone that I would have  [... read more]access to all top shelf and that wasn't the case. When I spoke to the airtransat supplier of the issue I was told nothing could be done. The food and weather we're great. The pools were a bit dirty and needed some work. The grounds were well kept. Staff was friendly. Apparently I am not able to get an espresso at the lobby bar before 9am because they are closed. Both times I went to Cuba, I could get whatever I want 24/7 and that includes having fresh fries at 4am not fries that have been sitting in a buffet for hours on end. Also, every 3rd day at this resort, they have local vendors. Avoid at all costs. They are extremely rude and pushy. Were not the nicest rooms in the world, everything I brought back home with me smelled of mold. I didn't have a horrible time but I think this resort is better for families and older couples.

Occidental Caribe: Beautiful Resort!

I traveled with my daughter and we had a wonderful time. The staff were all so nice and helpful, the pools and the beach are beautiful and at this time of year not busy at all. We loved the food! So much fun it was hard to say goodbye. Can't wait to go back!!

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Outstanding Resort

Upgraded to Preferred Club area, worth every penny! Upscale, clean, beyond friendly staff. Preferred Club pools, lounges, services, food, all excellent! Surprised us with cake and champagne for husband's birthday, extra little touches too numerous to mention, would return in a heartbeat!

Viva Tangerine by Wyndham: Fantastic Stay

After reading reviews of Viva, I was hesitant to book. But I've been to this beach before so I took the chance. And thankful I did! Grounds/Room - Room 2516. Room was white/turquoise theme. Very pretty. Small, but who needs lots of room in the hotel? You don't spend much time in there. Had a mini fridge that our maid always stocked with water. Patio with chairs and a table. Nothing crazy, but just enough. Pathways are lined with bushes and flowers. They take good care of the property. Service/Fo [... read more]od - The food in the buffet was great. In the mornings, there was always lots of fruit, pancakes, French toast, sausages. Lunch and Dinner had many pastas, salads, fresh cooked burgers, pizzas, etc. Fruit and desserts were always available. I didn't get sick from anything, and I have a sensitive stomach. Service in the buffet was okay. We weren't catered to but our plates were always collected. The bartenders were great (but we always tipped them). They started giving my fiancé the "good liquor" which was captain morgan. Entertainment - The entertainers at this resort are fantastic. The Michael Jackson performer was fantastic, and they include guests whenever they can. They were constantly doing something around the pool, whether it was playing darts, marco polo, dancing, water aerobics, or yoga. Lots to do if you don't want to just lay around! The entertainers also were very friendly with the guests. Would sit and chat with people around the pool. Beach - AAAHHH... the beach *sigh*... I had been to this beach before. I knew how long and beautiful it was. The seaweed that washed ashore was cleaned up every morning. It was always clean. Water was warm and crystal. Amazing beach for windsurfing. Overall, this stay was fantastic. If you are without super high expectations and have been south to an all inclusive before, you will be pleased with this small but lively resort. We were here in low season, so I can only imagine how fun it would be when at full capacity. Would DEFINITELY go back here!

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: worst stay ever!!!!

My husband and i have been staying at this same resort for the past 3 years, never a problem.....till this trip!. The manager at the front desk was very rude, she was snotty and rolled her eyes. The first 2 rooms we stayed in had broken air conditioning ( she said that building was under construction). I asked her why would you check us in a place that you knew was under construction? Her answer....i don't know, can you believe that! So we finally get a room on the first floor with a working air [... read more] conditioner, meanwhile the room stunk! That's why we always choose the 3rd floor..but they stuck us on the 1st. The bar service was great. The food was good, but unfortunately i ended my trip with food poisoning. My very last night was over the toilet throwing up...not to mention others things. To sum it all up, we will not be returning to Be Live Collections Punta Cana.

Riu Merengue: Cant wait for my next visit!

Food was great, beach is amazing, staff friendly. A little too much North American music for my taste but still a wonderful vacation location. Safe and clean, rooms were well kept. Planning my next visit and have others interested in going as well. Wish our direct flight season in the Atlantic was longer tho... have to wait longer to go.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Very clean and relaxing

Beach was very nice but windy in the afternoon, had to move to the pool area. Food was excellent, plenty of selection. Staff was happy and friendly but English speaking staff was difficult to find. Did not like the fact that you had to pay for safety box.

Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Excellent Resort

The Blue Bay is a beautiful resort. The grounds are clean and well kept. The dining is great. The beach is a wonderful place to see the sunrise and spend the day under your palapa. It is an adults only resort. People from all over the world are there and we met some fantastic people. This was our second visit and we will certainly be going again.