Viva Heavens by Wyndham: A great solo holiday!

Viva Heavens is a nice resort. This was my second stay and again it was exactly as I expected. The food is good, the rooms and grounds are very well kept. The staff go out of their way to make your holiday as relaxing as possible. Compared to other resorts this one tends to be quieter and more relaxing. I would definitely go back . I was actually called in my room twice to make sure everything was OK snd I was happy. Now that's customer service. A few employees who stood out, Estefani, Rosa and [... read more] Super Felix were great. Henry and Marie on the front desk helped me out whenever I needed anything. Also I must not forget Andrisson the great valet.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Amazing Vacation

Resort: overall 4.5/5 and we would stay again! Location: only half an hour from the airport so that was a bonus! Grounds: beautiful; very well maintained; no garbage anywhere Pool: one large pool (but can visit others around the resort); water was warm; service great at the pool bar Beach: only visited once; got bad sand flea bites on the first day and did not return Food: breakfast = always delicious; lunch = also always good; dinner = mostly tasty (still enjoyed the food overall; but some [... read more] a la carte restaurants were not as good) Drinks: enjoyed the selection; great drinks and could always find something we liked Service: excellent everywhere we went; staff was friendly Rooms: got a corner suite; loved the bigger room; bed comfortable; everything was nice

Serenade Punta Cana Beach and Spa Resort: Amazing week away!

We had an amazing week away at Serenade Punta Cana. The resort was beautiful and accessible, the food was amazing, it was clean and the staff were wonderful. Louise Endean at TripCentral was incredible in helping us book this vacation. We had a really small window when we could travel and 5 family members (one of whom is in a wheelchair). She send me a number of options the same day and she helped me book our private accessible transfer. All round it was a wonderful experience.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Marien family vacation

Nice enough resort. The rooms are a bit dated but clean. The pools are nice but not much for entertainment. No servers at the pool or beach. The food was average (better than Cuba) but plentiful. Lots of fresh fruit at every meal. The nightly shows were ok. The dancers were great. The beach had lots of seaweed but you could walk and find some clean spots. All staff were very friendly and accommodating. Overall it’s a good no frills value resort with an incredible mountain view.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Marien family vacation

Nice enough resort. The rooms are a bit dated but clean. The pools are nice but not much for entertainment. No servers at the pool or beach. The food was average (better than Cuba) but plentiful. Lots of fresh fruit at every meal. The nightly shows were ok. The dancers were great. The beach had lots of seaweed but you could walk and find some clean spots. All staff were very friendly and accommodating. Overall it’s a good no frills value resort with an incredible mountain view.

Riu Republica: Something for everyone

The resort itself beautiful. The bad: The rooms need a facelift. They are clean but the A/C wasn’t working and my TV wasn’t working either I was in room 2031. There was a funky smell maybe .. mildew?? And the elevators were temperamental, and the party pool was cloudy and gave me the ick .. but.. The good: ? The beach, is stunning , tonnes of beach chairs always available! I was impressed with the choice of food at the buffet, the JERK chicken hut was AMAZING! The bartenders were  [... read more]fast and the drinks were delicious! The resort staff were warm and friendly. They definitely contributed to the charm. Even tho the resort is huge.. it felt cozy! Special thanks to WILFREDO and his team in the buffet! He and the team went out of thier way to make my friends 50th bday a special and memorable occasion! The attention to detail was incredible! They celebrated with us and became our vacay family! Thank you soooo much! There is definitely a little something for everyone at this resort!

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Good resort!

The food and staff at this resort were amazing!! Cant say enough about them-absolutely great service. The beach was absolutely stunning and you can walk it in either direction for ever. Tons of beach chairs and palapas for everyone so there was no mad dash to get down there in the morning. the buffet was hands down one of the best-plates and plates of bacon every day and huge steaks and pork chops ready to be cooked for you on the spot. The resort itself was small (good for people with kids [... read more]-and there was ALOT of them/or mobility issues) It just didn't have that tropical beach destination feel-it was jammed in between 3 other resorts so there was no tropical breezes flowing through the resort. We tried to go for a walk around the resort but were stopped at each exit as you could not go through the Fantasia resort that was next door-stopped by security guards. As soon as you came up from the beach, the air came to a dead halt as you are just surrounded by buildings which made it smokin hot!! (and i LOVE the heat) tough to even sit on our balcony.

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Great Resort

This resort is Amazing, close to downtown, safe to leave resort to explore. Great restaurants nearby ( Canadian owned) Rooms are clean ( a little dated but comfortable) food is great, staff are friendly, show staff are amazing.

TRS Turquesa: Quiet Adults Only Resort

Loved the quality of the food and top shelf liquor available. Attention to detail is everything here, we stayed in a swim up room in 57 building at the back of the resort and enjoyed having our own private patio. Our group felt the Chic Caberet was definitely not worth the price and do not recommend it. The restaurants were fantastic and the selection at the buffet is amazing. The beach and pools were cleaned every day, our Butler “Cesar” went above and beyond making my mom’s birthday day specia [... read more]l by decorating her door and room. Beach chair holding game is the only downside at this resort

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Could be so much more

Needs upgrades, no beach service ,rooms clean ,front staff very rude ,keep passing you of to other staff.close to beach buildings also close.handcap room is in no way up to standards .shower is no where big enough only if you are a standing person with a cane. mirror to high.phone in room didn't work.,was told there was no late check out even for a handicap person.was old you could shower before flight ,was told no rooms to shower.Will not be returning.

El Beso Adults Only at Ocean El Faro: Beautiful resort, but with a major flaw…

We recently stayed at El Beso for a week at the beginning of April. My review will be quick and to the point: My opinions are similar to most others in regards to resort grounds, rooms, restaurants and beach. I only have two concerns really, one minor and one major Minor: no real beach / pool grill. There is a creperie which is rather underwhelming. I wish there was some sort of small lunch buffet / grill with quick grab items. Instead we ate at main buffet most of the week. There is a bur [... read more]ger place on family side but literally only burgers and hot dogs. Major: afternoon music. This was a completely horrendous experience. From 3pm to 6pm every day there was a party at the pool which made relaxing impossible. While in our room (building 15) we had to use ear plugs inside if you wanted to read. The choice of music was questionable as well - lots of vulgar language and most was completely inappropriate for the demographic. I would say at least 50% of the people around the pool were aged 60+. The resort details even stated “not for spring breakers” and yet every afternoon it was a huge party. If this type of thing is not for you then maybe try to get into building 12 or 17. 15 and 10 are the “party pool” apparently. This is the pool closest to the el beso lobby. So just be aware before booking. Sadly, as amazing as this resort truly is, we likely won’t be returning. We were looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation which for the most part was, except for the afternoons. Will probably try to find a quieter resort next trip. Other than that, if you’re ok with afternoon fun and not picky about the beach then definitely go to this resort, it delivers on all other levels.

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Can't wait to go again!

A lengthy, detailed, honest review: We had the pleasure of staying at the Bahai Principe Luxury Esmerelda for the second time: March 31, 2025, for 10 nights, 11 days, to celebrate my 60th birthday. It was enjoyable a year prior, but this time, they really upped their game! A big shout-out to Alfredo Michel, our butler, who went above and beyond! He got us checked in smoothly and he helped my boyfriend to have a fruit tray, swan towels, and rose petals forming HBD on the bed, as well as a big [... read more] bubbly bath with rose petals and champagne on ice. He always helped us out in many ways and became a real amigo! He made our stay so much better in every way! The a la carte restaurants were very good. 15 of them! I was able to book our restaurants at home before we left on the My Bahai app. *If you don't do this, book your restaurants the minute you arrive, or they may be full or only have very early or late times. The only 2 we do not recommend: Caicu Beach & Rodizio. The staff took a long time to get around to us, and we were all very uncomfortably bloated after eating and drinking there. The Fish Market, the smoke alarm was very loud and lasted a very long time. Also, the food was overcooked and very rubbery. The staff at the pool bar were very friendly. The staff at the Main Caney restaurant were also very friendly, acknowledging us every morning. A large group came to sing Feliz Cumpleaños (happy birthday) to me at breakfast! So nice! For dinner at Yurta, the Mongolian restaurant, they brought me a cake after I had mentioned it was my birthday! An entire cake! I have to say Tequila, Yurta and Limbo were my favorite restaurants. If I could suggest anything, it would be to change the music they played during exercise time at the pool. It was the same songs every day, and I was there 11 days, so it got monotonous. The maids were very good. I suggest using Google translate on your phone if needed, as a lot of the maids aren't fluent in English. (Because i was here a year ago, I took some basics in Spanish). Get the My Bahai app for your phone. It shows your dinner dates and times, menus, room service, plus you can get mini bar items, towels, maintenance, etc. with this app. The staff at Guest Experience were always asking how everything was. If you needed anything, they jumped to do so immediately! I had a massage twice near the beach. Those ladies were very good. Google translate will help with those not very fluent in English. Very friendly. Every staff member walking by you always greeted you with Hola! There is a sign stating you're not supposed to reserve lounge chairs, yet people do. Ongoing problem. I see people put towels on them, then don't show for many hours. Almost had a real problem with guests after i moved their unattended towels after no one was there for about 25 mins. They complained to staff but were told there was no reserving lounge chairs. Tipping the maids, bartenders, waitresses and drivers of the golf cart transports is optional, but I would recommend it, if you can. (I found out these people make very little money, and their faces light right up and are so very appreciative to get any tip). I was not told this before, but when you stay at the Esmerelda, you have access to the other Bahai resorts nearby (except Fantasia because of the children). You can go to the other resorts and drink at their bars, wander their grounds. They only state you use your own resorts buffet. A truly enjoyable and memorable birthday vacation! Highly recommended!

Serenade Punta Cana Beach and Spa Resort: Amazing resort!

From the time I arrived until departure 6 days later, I felt I was in paradise! The staff were extremely friendly and all seemed so happy to be working there. The attention to detail in every aspect was very impressive. The grounds were immaculate and the room was very clean. There was a constant rotation of cleaning the seaweed off the beach. The buffets were so abundant with so many varieties of food, after 6 days, I had still not tried everything. The spa, service, food, and property was 5 st [... read more]ar in my opinion and can't wait to return!

Ocean Blue and Sand: Gorgeous Dominican beach! Amazing resort staff!

Robyn Plante helped us for a 2nd year in a row to get the best girls vacation spot! Ocean Blue & Sand was so beautiful! I have never seen a beach more perfect! The resort staff were also superb. We used Robyn’s recommended private transfer to/from the hotel as well and it was very much worth it. 100% would recommend this resort and most definitely Robyn Plante to help you book! She makes everything so easy and organized.

Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus: Amazing beach

A good old hotel — very clean, though the room decor could use an update. The beach is excellent — actually, it’s my favorite in La Romana, and I’ve stayed at all the beachfront hotels in the area. As for the food, it was better during our first visit in 2023. This time, it felt a bit repetitive and not quite as good. That said, we still had another lovely vacation and are already looking forward to coming back.

Riu Palace Bavaro: Riu Palace: All around great resort.

Just came back from 5 days at Riu Palace: Elite Club, Swimout room. Before listing the items, I have travelled to many all inclusive in the Caribbean, last year staying at the Royalton Bavaro. I'm providing my objective review and you can decide what is ' good for you'. General Hotel Grounds and Lobby: Nicely kept. Beautiful upscale lobby with marble floors, and sculptures. Looks like a nice hotel in a big city rather than a Caribbean hotel. Beautiful. Lobby had a coffee shop and  [... read more]a bar. Hotel is not excessively big and everything seems to be within a reasonable short walk. NOTE: the kids area and waterpark is at the very front of the hotel. We only knew it was there because we passed it while on the bus-ride in. This could be good or bad depending on if you have kids or not. But, it's not close to the rest of the resort. Pools: There are 5 main pools (excluding the waterpark section). Elite Club and Adults only: VERY quiet. only a handful of people at these pools on any day at any time. Great if you want COMPLETE quiet. Activity Pool: Basic rectangular pool. Empty 90% of the day with the exception of water aerobics once a day. Drinking Pool: There is a separate pool with in-pool tables and bar. This is only for those who want to sit drink and chat all day. No swimming. Main Pool: Given the above, the main pool is very busy. As with most resorts, people reserve their chairs. if you want a seat in the 'front row', then you will have to do the same. But, if you don't mind being a row behind, then there are seats available. These back 'rows' also have a lot of shade. This pool can also be loud with kids. Given how far the waterpark is, I guess most parents just bring them to this pool. Surprising, no music or entertainment group throughout the day. They have some games a little later on (4pm), but nothing other than that. I would have at least expected some music playing on the speakers. Pool Service: There are waiters coming by taking orders, and a bar cart there during the day. I never had to wait for a drink. Room: Elite Swim-out: Swim out was kind of a waste (Royalton is 100% better). There are stairs, going into the 3ft pool. So, there is nothing you can do with it... if you go in, you are basically standing there. Royalton, had a shallow platform and had the two loungers partially submitted in the water. This has a patio area with loungers, but they couldn't be in the pool. Main benefit was you are on the main floor. Room was large and clean. Separate 'room' for the toilette (water closet), huge shower and restroom with double sink. No complaints. Elite Club: Your room will be closer to the pools. Separate loungers on the beach. These were at the back of the beach, so you couldn't even see the ocean. Not sure why they would have them so far back. Separate Pool: very quiet if you want that. Only Elite can make reservations at the restaurants for either 6pm or 8pm. This is helpful, but others just walk in since they don't see to be overly busy. Overall: My opinion, there isn't much benefit for paying for Elite. The only benefit is that you know you will have a room in a good location. Other than that, I don't see much use for it. Beach: When you walk down from the pool to the beach, it is VERY crowded. BUT... if you walk to the left for 30 seconds, you are still infront of the resort and the beach is almost empty! Huge beach area (length and depth), many chairs, and a lot of palm trees for shade. No seaweed, no rocks. We walked along the beach in front of other resorts (Grand Bahia to the left and Iberostar to the right). Riu had the best beach area (for size, flatness, and seaweed). Restaurants: Buffet: Large with a lot of selection. Lunch is the same everyday with little change, but there are many options. Dinner is mostly the same, with some variances for 'theme' nights. Nothing amazing, but always something good to eat. Food Court: There is a food court closer to the main pool. About 8-10 small restaurants, with Fried Chicken, Wok bowls, ice cream/crepes, hamburgers and Tacos. Fresh made tacos were great. Nice place to grab some quick eats without having to go into the buffet. AlaCarte: They were all good. If you are Elite, there is an Elite Cub restaurant which was the best. Service is top notch and food is excellent. American: Ribs, wings, etc Italian: good with antipasto buffet Elite: Great Krystal: High end. Very good. Japanese and Mexican: did not try Menus are outside the restaurants, so you can decide accordingly. Overall, the resort was very good and I would definitely go back. Everything was good with nothing to complain about. Nice hotel, good rooms, good service, no lines, and great beach area. I would put it inline with Royalton Bavaro, but Royalton would have a slight edge due to better SwimOut Room, slightly better restaurants and Diamond club amenities (ie beach loungers). But, you will not be disappointed with this hotel.

Serenade Punta Cana Beach and Spa Resort: Loved this resort!

Modern, clean and well cared for with wonderful staff. The best buffet I’ve experienced in all my travels. Great food, atmosphere, and you could always find shade at the beach. Right sized and never over crowded - even at capacity.

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Beautiful resort!

We booked this hotel fairly last minute based on some friends that had booked first. We have been to Punta Cana numerous times with mostly just “ok” experiences. We didn’t have high expectations going here but we were pleasantly surprised with this resort! Grounds- beautiful! The scenery is amazing, beach and mountains surround this resort. Rooms- only 3 buildings have been renovated. We started in a room that wasn’t reno’d and it was ok. No real issues except musty smell and the shower wa [... read more]s very dark and dingey. We upgraded to a newer room- still musty smelling but nothing Damp Away can’t help with. Shower was much nicer and open. however it did leak into the bedroom one time. Large room with big floor balcony. Beach- mostly sandy but does get a bit rocky going into the water. Was very clean, barely any seaweed. Much wavier than our previous Punta Cana beaches so can’t go out too far. Staff- can’t say enough good things about the staff at the resort from the cleaning personnel to the chefs, bartenders and housekeepers. Everyone was so friendly! Food- no complaints which we were shocked about. Something could be found at every buffet night for dinner. Lots of breakfast selections. Only 2 a la carts between our 2 rooms which we wished we could have gotten more. Only downside we could really comment on is that it is a hub spot for the cruise ships to dock and they block off a section of the beach along with many lounge chairs for the cruise visitors which kind of sucked for us trying to get a beach chair. They also made the pool and bars super busy when they were all there, so difficult to get drinks. Otherwise we loved the Senator and would 100% come back.

El Beso Adults Only at Ocean El Faro: Beautiful resort

Room was very clean. Grounds are kept beautiful. Food was excellent, good selection at the buffet and easy to book a-la-cartes. Staff are very friendly. Lazy river is awesome, bring your own tubes. Beach lounges could use replacing. Lots of palapas.

Majestic Elegance Punta Cana: Fantastic Resort

Just spent an amazing week at the Majestic Elegance. We have stayed at the Majestic Mirage twice and thought we would try the Elegance. The grounds are beautiful and the rooms were spacious. We found that the pools could use a bit of repairing - there were lots of tiles missing at the bottom of the pool. The beach is spectacular and didn’t have any problem getting a chair. The a la carte restaurants were fabulous and the buffets had a great selection of food. The staff at this resort, including  [... read more]the servers in the restaurants and the entertainment crew went above and beyond to make sure you had everything you needed and were having a great time.