Royalton Punta Cana Resort: Best Family Vacation Yet!

My family of 5 travelled to The Royalton Punta Cana from Feb 21st-28th. We travelled with Sunwing airlines which was just okay. We had some delays in leaving related to weather conditions and de-icing. On the way home, we decide to stay at the resort longer and cab to the airport instead of taking the provided transportation. Unfortunately, our flight home was delayed 1.5hrs and we were not updated on this until we had been waiting at the airport for a while. Despite this minor setback, we had a [... read more] FABULOS family vacation. We chose to purchase the DIAMOND CLUB package, which proved to be the only major disappointment of the trip. We were told we would be treated to premium booze but every time we would ask they either didn’t have it or were out. In addition, we are not really ocean people and did not spend much time on the beach; however, this resort has an exception beach (beautiful sands and clean clear ocean water). The beach service appeared to be the only real benefit of the package. We travelled with another family who did not purchase the DIAMOND CLUB package and they received equal service as we did. They were able to get into each restaurant without needing reservations and had access to all of the amenities we did minus the Diamond Club lounge (which provided nothing but mini appetizers aka mini cupcakes or a piece of shrimp in a cup). They also did not have a butler, but that also proved to be a disappointment as our butler was very hard to track down and provided very slow service—he often forgot things. If we were to go back, we definitely would not make this purchase again. On a positive note, the resort was beautiful and we could not have asked for better weather. We were located in a central building (6) and found the rooms were beautiful and updated. There was a slight lack in storage space but other than that they were more than accommodating. The concierge in our building was exceptional, his name was Francis and he went above and beyond to help us and make sure we were always satisfied. Francis definitely helped make the trip enjoyable and relaxing. We spent most of our time around the main pools. They were always warm which was nice. They appeared to be a central attraction during the days. Because of this and due to a lack of seating it was very difficult to get a spot around the pool. One day we got up at 7:00am to reserve chairs (as suggested) and even at this time it was difficult to find any. A big issue causing this is that people from the Memories resort come over to use Royalton’s pools and amenities even though they are not supposed to. There was no enforcement against this obvious issue which left many disgruntled. We also found this resort to be highly populated with young families with kids. This was not bothersome as we have a 9 year old but for our 21 and 19 year old may not have been as well suited. During the day there were several activates held during the days by the entertainment crew including yoga, Zumba, dance lessons and games. We have never participated in these activities on previous trips but thanks to Nemo, Francel and Cappacino was encourage to do so. The entertainment crew was energetic, enthusiastic and fun and kept our days busy. We were able to interact with them every day and they were friendly and always making us laugh. The Memories waterpark (which you have access to if you stay at Royalton) also helped keep us busy an entertained. The slides were thrilling and fun for all ages! In terms of the food, we were very satisfied. We were skeptical due to things we have heard in the past about the food in Dominican. Of the 5 members in my family and the 5 in the family we went with no one got sick during our trip. Our favourite 3 restaurants that we strongly recommend to anyone going to The Royalton would be 1. The Hunter Steak house 2. Zen 3. Grazie Tattoria. The buffet was also good, typical buffet for an all-inclusive vacation. Opa also offered a fantastic lunch for seafood lovers. The restaurant and bar staff were hit and miss—for the most part they were good. The bars often got congested and sometimes service and attention were difficult to receive. There was also a language barrier for us which caused some confusion and difficulty in ordering sometimes. The post dinner entertainment was fantastic! We have travelled to many places in the Caribbean and find that the entertainment can get repetitive and sometimes can be boring. This resort had some of the most captivating and memorable entertainment. They presented a range in entertainment including shows, live music, acrobatics and beach parties! Overall, this was one of the best vacations my family has been on. We would definitely choose to go back to this resort if the opportunity presents itself in the future. If you are contemplating visiting this resort, we recommend you visit and see all it has to offer!

Be Live Experience Hamaca Suites: Only a low 3 star resort

We traveled March 7 to 15 2015. The first room we were given was an absolute mess, door would not open fully due to rubbing on floor. No hot water in shower, and dead bugs in the picture frame. After some hassle, and being shown the presidential suite (only possible upgrade for 100.00 per person per night), we were given a new room that was in much better condition, but still very old and dated. The Nolitour site rates this resort as a 4 star resort, but I would rate it as a low 3 star, and I am [... read more] not a very picky person. Also the Nolitour site said that the Garden section rooms were Beach Front, but in actual fact the Garden section is across the street and through the Beach section building from the actual beach. However after saying this it was not that big a deal as the Garden section has the larger pool, buffet, and 2 of the 4 a la cartes. so we just stayed on our side of the street and didn't bother with the beach. Having paid under 800.00, taxes included, per person we were able to overlook the downfalls of this resort and enjoy the sun, but had we paid any more it would definitely not have been worth the money.

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Disappointing Speciality Restaurants

The hotel was very nice--the rooms were spacious and very clean. Overall it was a lovely hotel. Staff were friendly and the grounds were well kept. The only drawback was the booking of the speciality restaurants. We were a group of 10 on our last family vacation with my mother who is 91. My mother can't participate in many activities--but she enjoys dinner with her family in the speciality restaurants. We were totally shocked to find when we went to book the restaurants on the first day of our s [... read more]tay that all of our choices were unavailable. We were never told that you could book your speciality on line three weeks in advance. Every year we travel to a different resort and this is the first time we have hear of this policy. When we booked this resort--we should have been informed of this policy. My mother was disappointed in the restaurants, and it spoiled the holiday for her.

Be Live Experience Hamaca Suites: Nice......:)

It was a realy nice vacation....me and my friend realy enjoy everythink......met realy nice peoples...we went on a tour that was called Sonana VIP......(y).......the food was good and the rooms was clean that was the important thing.....:)

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Great value for the cost!

This resort was a great value for the cost. We paid approximately $875 each after redeeming $400 worth of airmiles. The grounds and rooms were immaculate, a little outdated but super clean. The staff were very kind and accommodating. The food at the buffet was average. They did ensure to change up the buffet menu with something a little different everyday. We attended three of the restaurants. We couldn't say enough about the Mediterranean restaurant. Beautiful atmosphere and incredible meal. De [... read more]pending on your taste, I found the food at the Italian restaurant far too salty (and I like salt). The Asian restaurant was average. The sushi was good but the meal didn't sit well with myself or my husband the next day. If I went back, I would book all three meals at the Mediterranean restaurant. This is a very lively fun resort. Lots of great entertainment by the pool staff. The beach was not very nice but we knew that when we booked it. The sand and water is dark but this is expected on the Atlantic side. We had a lot of fun at the Karaoke bar and Discotheque. Overall, great value for the price. If we were looking to book another cheap trip, we would definitely return.

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: 4 star resort, but "good deal" rooms are 3 star

I have traveled over 10 times to different all-inclusive places in mexico, Cuba and Dominican. So here is a short impression: On the good side: true 4 star premises (mind you not 4.5), mature vegetation and landscaping and interesting cosy plazas and gardens. Good kid club - our 8 year old liked it and stayed there willingly almost every day. Users of Cofresi are allowed to go to the other hotels of the complex and use their pools and second buffet restaurant. Food it good, 4 star. On the not-s [... read more]o-good side: if you bought yourself a "good deal", you should be prepared that you will have the so called "standard" room which is a truly 3 star room. Those are small and very old furnished rooms circa 30 years old. Freshly painted though, but looking old, feeling old and the windows are not tight. And noisy because the air conditioners are very close to the doors especially on the first floor. So you are paying for what you get. Better buy their "junior" room, but that will cost a proper 4star price - so it's the decision for money. In the end I think still a good deal because you pay as for 3 star but get a 3-star room in a 4-star hotel otherwise. And you only sleep in the room, the rest of the day you do enjoy the 4-star facilities and food. The beach in Puerto Plata happens to be with dark muddy sand that is wet and doesn't feel like sand, more like ground. But it was interesting to visit the city and their cable car to the mountain top.

Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro: Beautiful

This resort was beautiful . We had a few hiccups when we first arrived but the staff solved them very quickly .they are very helpful and friendly . There was an abundance of food which was great . Lots of entertainment every night

Sunscape Puerto Plata: Staff Friendly Resort with good food!

Nice Resort, very nice people, rooms were clean & comfortable. Beach was breezy & the sea was a little cool for my liking. I'm a beach girl & this trip will not have me visiting DR North Coast again in mid-March. Nightly entertainment could be improved, and the activity staff during the day didn't get you motivated to do to much, they preferred to mingle with the same guests for the 7 days I was there. Mostly couples & groups, not many singles. Overall good for R&R.

Sunscape Puerto Plata: wonderful resort

I went to the Barcelo Puerto Plata from the 6th of march to the 13th. I found this resort to be a great value for the money I paid. I found the staff to be very helpful and friendly. I liked that it was compact and easy to find my way around. The buffet always had enough variety, lets just say i didnt lose any weight . The other dining choices were average, but fine. The beach was lovely minus the venders overall it was a great value for the money, rooms dated but clean. Id go back again,if the  [... read more]price was right. Made new friends and great memories,thats a great vacation had by all.

Grand Palladium Palace: Very large resort

The grounds are beautiful and most of the staff were helpful. A la carte restaurants are good but the favourites (Italian and Japanese) are more difficult to get into unless you go very early. Trolley around the resort is a nice added feature to help get around. Beach area is very clean with smooth sand and the two BBQ's at lunch time were good. Pool are and swim up bars were fun but never enough chairs for lounging. Our room was a bit of a disappointment -- relatively small and dated -- twice t [... read more]he fridge not stocked as it should have been and initially not cold, TV did not work for 3 days (reported it 4 times) and trouble with hot water. I would recommend if you want a large variety of restaurants, bars and activities.

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Beach Resort: Great Resort

The resort is large and very well kept by hotel staff. The pool and beach are awesome with lots of lounge chairs available so you don't have get up early to reserve. I found the food to be very good with lots of variety. Our room had a great view of the pool and ocean. Everything in our room was functional and in working condition. The only thing I really had an issue with was the service from hotel staff at the bars however, we were there during spring break so it seemed busier than normal. Ove [... read more]rall a fantastic trip that I would recommend to friends and family.

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Great Stay !!

We had a great stay at Casa Marina Reef hotel it has beautiful grounds nice pools in need of a few upgrades but overall worth the money !!! Animation team was great they were very entertaining. Night shows were great !!

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: It's an opportunity of a life time to remember

It's a place you can make your dream come true, we had an amazing time more than we expect, friendly people, always smiling and pleasant , service was great, food all kind what ever you choose it's in there, place very clean and brite, activities and entertainments all kinds it's what ever u want to do with ur time, I wish it for every one to visit this place

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: excellent resort

Excellent adult resort for the price, beach is beautiful and great for a long walk. Food very good and service staff very accomodating. I have recommended this resort to many friends. We will be going back for our third visit, maybe this weekend.

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Wonderful staff

The various staff that served us and kept the resort neat and clean were friendly and professional. The rooms were simple but neat. The food was good. In particular the Mexican restaurant was good. The beach area is small.

Catalonia Bavaro Resort: Good resort

Food was great at the buffet. Always a good variety and well presented. Wait staff friendly and helpful. Drinks very good and good service. A la carte restaurants not worth the wait, except the Japonese restaurant. System of making reservations(or I could say no system) could use improvement. Entertainment was not great and rarely any music at the beach or pool. Beach was not the greatest Rooms somewhat clean but need a facelifht.

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Great Stay!

My husband and I just returned, and can't wait to go back! Food was great, staff was very friendly and helpful. The only down-fall was the sewer smell that occasionally could be smelt in one part of the resort.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: WONDERFUL RESORT - AWFUL S-TRIP

This was our second trip to the Grand Bahia Principe, San Juan, so we knew the resort. It is spread out, but beautiful, long beach, lots of pools, tons of loungers.........until the students arrived. It was absolutely disgusting. They were loud, drunk, knocking on doors at all hours, throwing up in the dining room, falling off their chairs in the dining room. I have never run into such an obnoxious bunch of students in all my life and it completely ruined what could have been a wonderful, relaxi [... read more]ng trip at a very nice hotel.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Fairy Tale Resort

Once you check in, you just get to stop and be pampered, get to eat food that is beyond words, be served by staff that are so pleasant, professional and very courteous-swim in beautiful pools, walk on a beautiful beach-So lucky to have found this place to travel to.

Catalonia Royal Bavaro: Many positives, but not a wow resort.

The staff are wonderful, always smiling and helpful. The property is beautiful and kept perfectly. The beach in front of the Adult side of the resort has been eroded by the ocean and is not great. Seaweed is a big problem. The replenishment of towels and robes in our room was hit and miss. The hotel should have each room inspected by head of housekeeping after cleaning to make sure that they are completed properly each day. As a partially disabled person, I found that access to the bar pool did  [... read more]not exist. The food at the adult resort was far better than the family side. The main diningroom menus are wonderful, nicely prepared and presented. Lastly, the main desk should have a person who is fluent in English. We found that language was an issue at times.