Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Great Vacation

Had a wonderful time. The resort was beautiful, staff was great, rooms were clean and comfortable. Had fun trying to figure out the shower but a quick trip to the front desk soon resolved the problem. Had a great laugh about it.

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: decent stay

The resort overall was nice. The pool areas are pretty good. The main bar doesn't leave anything to be desired but the bar by the secondary pool area by the gym had amazing service by Nicolas. The Japanese restaurant does not serve a la carte, there is only one option and it is not Japanese fare. The buffet was actually pretty good.

Bahia Principe Explore La Romana: Great resort

Great resort. Very well maintained. Very clean. Everyone was friendly, food was good especially a la cartes. Overall experience was excellent. Excursions a bit pricey. Did not like being bothered about going to meetings about future trip with the Bahi Principi group.

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: A great week

We had a great time we were traveling with two children one three and one six there was lots to do for everyone of course sun and beach. There was food that satisfied everyone. The children enjoyed the theratre where they went to several plays and came back wanting more. The grounds were unbelievable and the staff were so very nice and helpful. In all it was a great time had by all.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: very nice resort, great value for the price

grounds were fantastic , rooms were very nice and clean and really quiet , great selection and quality of food . well staffed resort and friendly , never felt pressured to tip even though I did many times , always greeted with a smile

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: good for family

very kid friendly, beach clean, sea not too rough. good buffet with big selection of types of food. staff very friendly. very clean public areas. for the most part, prompt response from the staff for most issues.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Nice Spot

Had been to the Ambar two years ago and returned home telling everyone that it was perfect in every way. Apparently things have changed since then, as there were several things amiss over our 14-day stay: buffet - area was messy & food quality was less, 3 in our party had 'traveler's diarreha' more than once; room was not touched on 3 different days; air conditioner not up to par; my husband found the drinks excessively watered down. On a pleasant note, the grounds and beach were extremely well- [... read more]maintained and beautiful. The al la carte restaurants were very good. The staff most pleasant.

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Great resort

Just got back on the 10th.had a great time!!lots to keep you busy or you can just relax!Recommend upgrade to junior suite!!!beautiful!!!service was great especially Edward and bar staff!!Food was good especially dominican restaurant!!The only drawback was the STEPS!!!There are lots!!!! Would definately return!

Caribe Deluxe Princess: Fabulous Resort!

The grounds were beautiful, well maintained and very spacious. Even though the resort seemed full, the pools were great and not overcrowded but sometimes difficult to get chairs. Lots of bars and eating venues and the waiters were very friendly. We had a family room with two bathrooms, two bedrooms with three full size beds and a beautiful balcony. No issues with cold water showers - always hot! They definitely could invest in new mattresses and beds and a bit of upgrading but overall the room w [... read more]as great. They do use bleach to clean so you need to make sure the outdoor furniture is totally dry before using it! The food was good but after talking to friends who stayed in other resorts it sounded like we obviously had better food! Lots of great excursions - my only recommendation would be to pay in cash. If you use credit you get dinged because they convert to peso and then to US from Canadian whereas Cdn to US would have cost us approximately $1.25 to the dollar we got hit with $1.36 to the dollar - not happy about it and wish we had known beforehand because we would have taken more cash with us. The beach is fabulous for walking, swimming, relaxing! Had a great vacation and would definitely go back to this resort.

Whala Bavaro: 2 star at most

We were on 3rd floor, no elevators, in a superior room. No phones in room, so couldn't call down to front desk for assistance. Bathroom door knob fell off in my hand the first night. Left it off for the remainder of the visit. Patio doors did not lock AT ALL (broken). Lighting was very dim in the entire room.

Melia Caribe Beach Resort: Beautiful resort !

The resort was beautiful and the staff nothing but helpful. Check in was a bit of a drag as it took 1.5hrs (wedding party of 53) but after that it was smooth sailing. Would recommend this resort to anyone, however, I would not have a wedding here. My dad had a wedding right down the beach at a place called "the jellyfish" and I would go there for a wedding 100xs over. Every bride we saw was in tears at the resort. The rooms were nice and our maid always had everything stocked up and cleaned, a c [... read more]ouple people in our group had issues with their rooms being made up, but we always left something for the maid, and to us it was very worth it. The resort is very big, so be prepared for a lot of walking, the beach and pool are about a 15 min walk from the front lobby (but there are trains). We went in April and there was always chairs at the beach and pool. The food at the el la carts was a lot better than the buffet, so we opted for something different every night. However was pleased with the selection of food everywhere !! The service was great! They naturally went to people holding money first no matter how long you were standing there so make sure you bring some cash for tips! The location of the resort was perfect! Close to absolutely everything. And only 25 minute ride from the airport which is very very nice! Would defiantly go back to this resort !

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Beautiful Resort

The grounds are beautiful and very clean. Our room was spacious with a KING SIZE BED .The room did not have a fridge but we never had any issue . We had a bottle of rum ,vodka , 1 bottle of COKE and ! bottle of SPRITE and 2 bottles of water. Foods was amazing roast beef and gravy dinner,fried chicken ,french fries,pizza ,salads ,beans ,pork and lots of tasty deserts.We enjoyed a BBQ compliments of air transat and nolitour. The BBQ food was amazing . The beaches are beautiful with carmel colored  [... read more]sand. The beach resort side was very rough ,Huge waves and not that great for swimming. There was a problem with a leak in our room it was FIXED in a few hours . No problems with any staff members .But they are not overly friendly. Which was not a problem for me . They were not rude, just didn t socialize . Now for the bad !!! There s a yound man working the beach resort beach who trys to scam people .BEWARE !!! You have to rent umbrellas which we didn t know .We tried to rent one from him and he said that they were rented for 3-6weeks . That was ok we found a shadey area . One morning we went to the beach and there was a group of 4 -5 young ladies who had a umbrella .The young man from the beach went over and it looked like he was giving them the same speach and we noticed that 1 young lady reached in her purse and took out some money . The umbrella stayed with the young women . So a little while later my husband and I went in the water for a swim . The waves very high but we seemed to be riding them ok . Here s where it gets interesting . We both had our glasses on . A huge wave hit me and turned me over and I lost my glasses . My husband was asking about my glasses when another huge wave knocked him under the water and he lost his glasses . There was some young children goggles on we tried to communicate with them but they did not understand english . The young man from the beach came to talk to us. he said he could find our glasses but wanted to know what we give him . We said $5(US) for each pair. He said no not enough . So we walked off the beach to the shower station . He then approached us again and ask if we could give him more. So we said $10 (US) for each pair .He said no not enough,they are expensive glasses . I told him no that I could get them replaced in Canada for free with my insurance . Once again we walked away .When I reached the pool area and was setting telling our friends what just happened I got upset and angry . I went to Alberto (Rep for Noitour) and tolf him what had happened . Alberto took me to the beach so we could talk to the young man about the issue . Alberto communticated with him in Spanish and the told me what he said . The young mand said we offerd a tip .We not really but i told him we offered 5 then 10 and it wasn t enough . The a few more words were exchaged and I got very upset and said I am not playing he said she said and that I was not lying . Alberto spoke Spanish to him again .The young man went over to a count and picked up 2 pairs of glasses that just happened to be ours . I grabbed them from his hand and walked off the beach . I know we should not have wore our glassesd in the water . But it was not right as a worker to try to scam a visitor . I had talked to a few other people and was told that they too had the same thing happen to them . I tod them to report it .Alberto came to talk to us a little while after and told us he knew the young man was lying to him because he wouldn t look him in the eyes . It made me feel better to know Alberto knew I wasn t lying . He aso was reporting it to the resort manager . Alberto was very friendly and helpful . BUT this still didn t not make me have a BAD vacation just to be more cautious about some of the people at the resort . The resort is in the city of Sosua .We walked around the city a few times .We had ice cream at BONI s and pursed some items from the markets. We went to a MINI MART where they sell groceries and liquor . We felt safe in the city in the daytime but I am not sure about the nighttime . I would go back in a heart beat . I enjoyed the experience to learn and see a new Country that I have never visited before. It is beautiful but the people are poor .

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Fabulous. First time without the kids!

From start to end we had a fabulous time. Thanks so much to our travel agent. Would definitely go again using your company. Would also recommend hotel and food too. The weather was perfect for April. Excursions were awesome.

Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort: 3-star resort

Just got back from a week at the Sirenis. We are Sirenis VIP club members and were disappointed with how the front desk treated us. Let me begin by saying that I called 3 times prior to our arrival to request a crib in our room, upgrade to an ocean front room and early check in. ( these requests for VIP club members are not unusual). Each time I called I was assured, " no problem- we will make your trip special). Upon arriving- I was met by Manuel who rudely told me - these are just requests no  [... read more]guarantees. He then had to scramble to find us VIP wrist bands. They looked used and kept falling off. When asked fro a replacement - we were told they didn't have any more. Room: I was told by Manuel that we booked the Cocotal side but because we were VIP they upgraded us to the Tropical Suites (better rooms - larger). We learned that other people on our flight also got "upgraded to Tropical side. So they lied no VIP upgrade. They over booked the Cocotal side. When we got to our room we found it was a corner unit and our balcony faced the busy avenue. Couldn't open our curtains without the whole resort seeing us also very noisy for a 3 and 1 year old. After much complaining we were moved to building O much better - more privacy. The bank machine on the resort does not work so take plenty of cash for souvenirs. We were told by staff to take an 8 dollar cab ride to the "plaza" or walk 15 mins. We took our 2 kids for a "15" walk which was really 30 mins in a remote area. Had to wait on the way back for a herd of cows to get out of our way. On the wednesday and Saturday market days barter with the vendors. You can talk them down below 50% of asking price. So to sum it up: Positives: our house keeper was great- very friendly and helpful Our servers Wendy and Blanca at the buffet were the best. They made our trip so enjoyable. The grounds are beautiful Staff are amazing - work hard and friendly Beach is beautiful Water park is great for kids especially small kids Food not bad - something for everyone. Even someone on a strict diet like myself Cons: the front desk - not helpful. Make you feel like you are bothering them when you ask for assistance. Manager did not even take time to speak to me when I requested to speak to Veronica No working bank machine Pool full of sand - not the staff's fault people are rude. Should maybe supervise pool area since it is close to beach West jet rep never around to assist us. Won't use west jet vacations again No VIP treatment- no beer in fridge - had to ask our house keeper. In Mexico the Sirenis gives VIP welcome gift, upgraded room, upgraded mini bar. Sirenis in Punta Cana does not compare to other Sirenis hotels.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: staff were rude and unfriendly

The rooms were musty and the staff couldn't care less about your concerns. The cleaning staff were fantastic! I have to admit. The gourmet restaurant staff ALL HAD ALTITUDE, the Mexican staff were great.The food overall was plentiful. We will never step foot on Dominican soil .All the vendors were as crooked as a cork screw.Cuban cigars sold there are fake.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Returning for the 7th Time So knew what to expect

We were there for 10 days which is the perfect amount of time I think. As a returning guest we did receive some extras perks, one of which was getting a very nice room way down the resort in front of the old Diamond Club pool. The weather was very good, a bit of rain but that allows our winterized bodies some relief. The food was fine as expected and the new Asian Restaurant was an unexpected pleasure. With that said, we were very disappointed with the service at both the buffet and the lobby  [... read more]in the evening. We used to go there in the past and never have to wait for a glass of water or a drink and once we had them our glasses would never be empty unless we stopped the staff. This was a common theme with a lot of the guests and I think it needs to be addressed before they can try to move towards being a 5 Star resort that they are aiming for. But overall we went there just to relax and enjoy the sun and we got that.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Expected more

This resort is very well reviewed. However it was really hard to see where these reviews came from. Food was good at the restaurants, however buffet was to small, not much variety. You will find yourself eating the same thing every day, and will be a real joy when you see something new. Pool was okay, but too many kids and Pool bar only has 1 bartender who is obviously overwhelmed. You have to get up at 630 - 7am to get a good spot at either the pool or the beach, especially if you want some sha [... read more]de. On the beach you get constantly harassed by vendors. I dont think you can sit for more than a couple of minutes without someone trying to sell you something. Other people mention that if you just say no they move on. But you will be saying no to the same person 3-4 times a day, everyday. Its a bit much. Service was okay, rooms were clean, and there are a couple of bartenders who are very very good. Overall, it was an okay experience. Went to this hotel based on the reviews, however didnt see much of what others have said. To each their own.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Best Vacation Yet!!

We travelled to Be Live Marien, Puerto Plata, DR. The resort was way better than expected. The room was very clean, stocked with water, pop, and beer daily. We observed them cleaning the rooms and they did a fantastic job. The food was amazing, different buffet theme every night, complimented by fresh salad and fruit, both my 8 yr old and 14 yr old were happy, especially with the snack bar, burgers, fries, amazing chicken nuggets and chicken wings. The a la carte restaurants we excellent, the Br [... read more]azilian was my favourite. Lots of stuff to do, the beach was nice, never crowded, same with the pool. My only issue is the local people walking the beach trying to get you to shop at their store, to aggressive. The Entertainment was excellent, great group of talented young people running the activities and nightly entertainment. " Aye Chihuahua"!! We will definitely come back to this resort in the near future.

Occidental Caribe: Don't go there, please!!!

Travelling with two young kids, day of arrival, room not ready before 5PM. I had a premium oceanview room that I paid extra for at the resort but it's probably with the least broken stuff, no shower pressure, watter leaking from ceiling lights in bathroom and sparking, broken fixtures, tiles. Beach towels are very rare, we were only able to exchange it twice the whole week. Towel staff very rude, refuse to exchange towels because I had 4 to exchage, also no towels after room cleaning, had to mak [... read more]e 15 calls to get 2 sets of towels, this happened on two occassions during the week. Restaurant and Bar staff were nice but the food was very poor. Food is recycled a lot in the buffet from lunch to dinner to next day. It was a constant hassle with front desk and customer service staff to a point were I gave up and just wanted to come home. Met two other families with the same issues as me. If you don't care about these things above, than it's fine. Pool (quiet pool and kids waterpark) and beach is very nice as well as the ground. The activity pool is where all the teenager hang out was disgusting with food and garbage floating. Great kids activities though.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Resort to be experienced!

Friendly, helpful staff ready to help with anything. Wide variety of good food. Nice al le cartes available for all tastes, Beautiful pools and beach, well maintained. A variety of entertainment available.