Wyndham Alltra Samana: Will never come back

We traveled to the Grand Paradise Samana Hotel in Dominican Republic with an all inclusive package from Dec. 9, 2013 to Dec. 16, 2013. It was very disappointing and frustrating at times the poor customer service that we received at the Grand Paradise Samana Hotel. During check in, we were never advised that we can request a remote control free of charge. The room that was given to us had several issues. The first one was the brown water coming out of the faucet in the bathtub. We had to let the [... read more] water run for 10 minutes before in became clear. Secondly, there were no blankets in the room, and we had to use our personal towels in order cover ourselves at night. Thirdly, we only had 12 local channels which were all in Spanish. I don’t know if it was because we spoke in Spanish to reception, meanwhile all of our friends who only spoke English had over 70 channels. When we went to the reception to change the room, the person at the front desk said there were no rooms available. It wasn’t until 20 minutes later, when we showed a picture of the dirty water to the receptionist, that the manager who witnessed the entire situation, decided to do something about it. We explained to him all of the previously mentioned concerns, and he still refused to give us a room immediately. He wanted us to wait until the next day in order to change the room. At this point we showed him the picture of our bathtub filled with brown water once again. This picture was so disgusting that they agreed to change us to a different room immediately. We also asked for a remote control at this point, however we were told that they didn’t have any available. Once in the new room, we had over 70 channels on TV. However, after a few hours the access was restricted to the 12 local channels once again. I went to the receptionist and told him about this. He immediately said that he will add the other channels. We felt that the reception of the hotel, including the manager of reception, discriminated against us because we spoke to them in Spanish and not in English like everyone else, because every single one of our Canadian friends, received the 70 channels from the very beginning. Another concern, was the fact that reception did not have money to exchange for Canadian Dollars. We then requested to use the reception computer for a few minutes to use online banking and transfer money to our checking account in order to withdraw from the ATM. The receptionist said that we were not aloud to use the reception computer and had to pay for WIFI in order to access the internet. However, we later found out that a Canadian couple was able to use the reception computer for exactly the same reason. During the weekend, the hotel was full with locals. When we went for breakfast both Saturday and Sunday at 9am, there was almost no food left, and no more food was being cooked, leaving us very few choices of food. Therefore we weren’t able to have breakfast both Saturday and Sunday. Lastly, during checkout we requested to speak to a service manager in order to bring our concerns to his attention. We were told that there is not even one available manager to see us. This has been by far the worst service we received at a hotel, and we will never return to this hotel or recommend it to our family or friends. Also, Air Transat never advised us that the hotel was under renovations, which added more stress to the already stressful vacation due to the constant noise (drilling, hammering, etc.) We paid a full price for a package hoping to have an amazing and relaxing experience, which turned out to be the opposite due to the circumstances previously mentioned.

Bahia Principe Escape Ambar: Lovely adults only resort

We thought this resort was ideal - location and all the facilities were excellent. Food in the main buffet in the lobby was good, and our favourite restaurant was the Don Pablo. Most days we ate lunch at the beach restaurant and found lots of variety, all well prepared and presented.

Sunscape Puerto Plata: Barcelo clean and good food, entertainment

Grounds and room were very clean, you could see the maintenace of the facility was very good, the place is a little dated but was expected. Food was very good, entertainment was excellent, every night something new, recommend for the price

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: lovely resort

the public areas and restaurants were excellent. The beach was very clean lots of vendors for local jewellery. People very friendly and try to make your stay enjoyable. The only issue I had was that there were so many stairs.Once I found the right place I was very happy.

The Eurostars Grand Cayacoa: Lovely resort

The hotel was very nice, super clean and staff exceptional. A few drawbacks include the up-and-down nature of hotel and property in general. Must be fit and energetic, even to get to some a la cartes. Big pluses include staff. Always friendly and helpful. Food was good, but nothing special. Prices in resort-based stores exhorbitant! Definitely go to town for any shopping, even for basics like snacks!

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: A resort you will never forget

we visited this resort the first week of April 2014 it was wonderful the staff were great the grounds were very well maintained and beautiful the food was delicious and an amazing quality to choose from you sure are not gonna walk away hungry!!! the drinks were refreshing and tasty....They always had something to do the entertainers are very funny and keep you busy they really do know how to keep a crowd excited...

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Very good resort

We like this sesort a lot because there are so many swimming pools. The family suite is spacious and clean. Beds in front beaches are convenient. You may meet some to stop you to sell time share. But if are not interest, they won't push. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay.

Wyndham Alltra Samana: Nice area - but problems with food supply

Grounds were very nice, beach picturesque, room, bed, etc. very good. However, food was very bottom end of Caribbean and many people got sick, including us. Our survey of travelers there indicated around 60% had some illness, diarrhea, vomiting in some cases, even some on the plane home. Other reviews going back a ways indicate this is a chronic issue at this resort. Would not go back. Cuba and Mexico have progressed far more than Dominican in the food both in quality, preparation and hygiene so [... read more] very few incidence of sickness. Move up to min. real 4+ resort so you wont miss part of your vacation. Suspect management are not giving the staff proper resources (enough stoves, thermometers, etc.) and training in food prep. Also quality of the food was very poor. Sept 2014 for 2 long weeks. Weather perfect. Beach is small and not enough spots on the actual beach are available, shade is hard to find. Would not go back.

Grand Palladium Select Bavaro: An average resort

We had just been to Bahia Punta Cana in October and preferred it to Grand Palladium. It was under some type on construction in the lobby and not very attractive. Restroom in lobby out of service most days. Front desk staff not friendly. The buffet set up was not very attractive at all.

Occidental Punta Cana: Great resort

Resort grounds were great but rooms definitely need some upgrading, other than that it was great!! Food was really good, even the pickiest Eater could find something to please them. The shows were great and all the activities were fun! Always something to do! We were at the kids pool most of the week, it was perfect!! The pool bar was way on the other side which was great kept the rowdy crowds away from the kids! The market was at the resort twice a week, very pushy trying to sell their stuff, b [... read more]e aware! Overall a great place and I would go back!

Grand Palladium Palace: Wonderful resort

This was our second time at the Grand Palladium Palace and we are making plans to go back next year. It was a perfect two weeks of heaven. The resort is stunning with so much vegetation. It is a very large resort and we enjoy walking the grounds.There are so many restaurants to choose from that even the fussiest eater can find something they like. We went to different bars nightly and the live entertainment was great. There is never a dull moment there. The entire staff are happy and attentive t [... read more]o your needs. The rooms are a little dated but very clean and restocked daily with cold beverages. Can't wait to go back next year!

Sanctuary Cap Cana Luxury Collection Adults Resort: Resort was beautiful!

My first time resort experience was at Sanctuary Cap Cana and had been recommended by a friend. Beautiful grounds; pool was lovely and the resort and room had such a Mediterranean feel. I loved the aesthetics of it all. What a relaxing time we had!

Bahia Principe Explore La Romana: Terrible service

The resort is gorgeous, but the service it's way substandard. Would not go back, if they would offer us a free week. Went there to talk about organizing our wedding. The lady said in the email that she will find us. Spent there a week, never heard from her.

Royalton Punta Cana Resort: Fabulous!

Great food, lots of choice. Amazing steak. Staff was very helpful. We had an infant with us and they set up the crib and always gave us extra bottled water when requested. When the beach was full, staff got guests extra chairs. Had fun at the attached resort, ate at the Mexican and visited the water park. Spa was very relaxing and nightly entertainment was better than most resorts. Only complaint was that the sun wing reps were not responsive or helpful. But that is no reflection on the resort.

VIK Hotel Arena Blanca: Pros and cons...

There were pros and cons. If you like a smaller resort with everything easily accessible, this is the place. The beach was absolutely beautiful, although this was the first time in 20 years of travelling that I have ever had sand flea bites on my legs. The resort was fairly clean. We had what they called an upgraded room but it was really only some badly painted walls and somewhat of a bathroom update. There was no full length mirror in the room or an iron and ironing board. They fumigated our r [... read more]oom once during our stay and my friend lost her voice and didn't get it back completely until a couple of weeks after we were back home. I didn't lose mine completely, but it was strained. We can't say if this was the reason but neither of us had colds. I think it is a 3.5 star at best. The food was ok but not what I expected. I stayed at another 4.5 star resort in Punta Cana two weeks prior, and it was a wonderful experience. I was disappointed that only about 10% of the other people staying there spoke English and there was a definite language barrier with most of the staff. I wouldn't return.

Paradisus Punta Cana: heaven on earth

every thing was amassing the food ,the rooms ,the water service was great the staff loved loved the spa ,cant wait to go back ,great casino loved the entertainment,the weather was absolutely beautiful,

Riu Bambu: Great Resort

Overall the resort was fantastic. Hotel entertainment team was amazing. There were multiple activities going on at once and they did a great job trying to include everyone. The location and beach was great! The beach was huge, you could always find a spot no matter what time you went down to the water. Food was good with lots of selection. Only down fall were the rooms. I did not stay in the newer updated rooms as I wanted to be close to the beach. I eneded up in one I the first rooms to the bea [... read more]ch and they were pretty dirty. However it didn't bother me too much as I was never in it. Only used it to sleep. With the hotel and te people I met I had a great vacation at Bambu and I would recommended to others who are thinking of booking here.

Paradise Playa Dorada: Perfect choice for our family's vacation!

This was the perfect resort to enjoy our family vacation. The staff were attentive, friendly and helpful. The resort was well maintained and small enough that we never felt nervous about letting our preteen daughter go around by herself. The beach was unbeatable and the food was top notch. Five stars in my books!

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Amazing resort for all ages

We had an amazing vacation. The grounds were kept well and the food was excellent. We travelled with our son 16, and our daughter 22. All of us had fun and there was always something to do. The resort is spread out so you could find a quite our a busy place on the beach and the palm trees give you shade. You get 1 hour internet/day free. We played tennis and Mini golf everyday and ate in the a la card restaurants. the buffet had everything you can imagine and was open 24/7 with a small selection [... read more] at night.. Outside( but still all in) they have a Karaoke bar and a disco for entertainment at night.

Barcelo Bavaro Beach: Beautiful!

It's right on the beach and the atmosphere is refreshing. Everyone is nice and pleasant, but they hardly anyone speaks English. The food is good, a lot of options between the restaurants. Great stay overall!