Dreams Dominicus La Romana: Very good stay

Dreams Dominicus is very good vacation spot with crustal clear warm water and very nice amenities, buildings, and rooms. I have to say, the service was 5 stars. I have requested additional towels, I got them within 10 minutes (!) Gym is new, sparkly clean with nice equipment. Yoga teacher Casie made my days! The only thing that was really not 5 stars was the food. I would give it 4 stars maximum. It was not bad, but just not on the level of this hotel. The hotel is small, I lik3d that. But i [... read more]f you like to walk, it is not for you. The sea is shallow, but you can swim. An the water is so warm! The pools are nice and clean. The only thing I did not like very much becide of food was the crowded beach. The beach chairs in the Preffered section were placed so close to each other, you could not pass in between. So, people were lying too close to each other. Because of that I gave 4 stars to beach. It did not have very bad impact to our stay. We had very good vacation, thank you tripcantral!

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: More than expected

April 2024 for 10 days. We booked with Air Transat through tripcentral.ca (excellent service). 1h10 minutes from Punta Cana airport; sleepy driver, had to talk to him to wake him up. Upon arrival, we were immediately transferred to Bouganville. Great service, quick. We went to the buffet while waiting for our room to be ready (we were there at 1pm). We waited 50 minutes for our luggage once our room was ready. Room: spacious, clean, beds were very comfortable. Excellent service from all [... read more] maids. We couldn't have used the jacuzzi in the bathroom even if we wanted to as the drain plug was deficient. Notice that you may not discard the toilet paper in the toilet; you have to toss it in the bin. AC was a problem: you can't turn it off without turning the lights off. You have to pull out your card at the door to turn the power off. But we were reading and charging our phones during the night so AC was working all night long. We both ended up with a cold. Our room was close to the beach pool in building 53 but still very quiet. Buildings 52 and 53 are closer to the beach and beach pool. Buildings 50 and 51 are the closest but more expensive (view of the beach). Building 57 is closer to the quiet pool. Buffet: Jasmin restaurant (in the lobby) had all three meals, Las Dalias (at the quiet pool) had breakfast and Los Corrales (at the beach) had lunch. Food was excellent. They had themes on some nights (maybe every night?) like italian, mexican, mediterranean, etc. Most desserts were mediocre while ice cream was very good. Very good service. We tried the buffet at La Romana one morning (Bouganville clients have access to the whole resort) and it wasn't as fresh. Plus the employees weren't smiling much. Restaurants à la carte: we tried four of them, reserved through Bahia Principe app around 7 days in advance. 1. Don Pablo: most definitely the best of them all. Gourmet, gastronomic cuisine, very nice environment with quiet music. We went twice. The beef was not very tender but everthing else was excellent. 2. Rodizio: brazil-style restaurant at the beach (Los Corrales for lunch becomes Rodizio at night). Excellent service, especially from Omar who was singing and had a good sense of humor. Food was pretty good. We had a table by the beach, beautiful view. 3. Takara: asian cuisine. The environment was quite disappointing, nothing related to Asia. Banquettes were too low and too deep. Sushis were mediocre at best, everything else was easily forgettable. 4. El Pescador: mediterranean cuisine. This restaurant was on the other side next to La Romana lobby. They shared their entrance with Le Gourmet. Dimming lights would have improved the atmosphere; a little too bright. Food wasn't bad but the seafood casserole was the same broth as the fish soup. A béchamel would have been a better idea. We ended up eating the same meal twice as entrée and main dish. We might try Rodizio again, definitely Don Pablo, but we'd stick with the buffet the rest of the time. Bars. There are two bars in the lobby along with a coffe station. By the way, that coffee was very tasty: from dominican to italian cappuccino to mochaccino, all excellent beverages. A pool bar in each pool, one bar by the jacuzzis and another one on the beach. The pool bars had some issues with their mixers and couldn't make some of the drinks at time (like Coco Loco). Service was fast at all bars. Activities: Pools. There are two pools: one quiet and one more active where you will find the animation team. Plenty of room in both pools to swim or to relax and a pool bar. We spent more time with the animation, playing games, doing aquarobics or just watching the shows. Spa. We didn't go. They don't actually have a thermal circuit so it's mainly massages. Games. Two billiard tables in the lobby and one ping pong table at the beach. No charge. There is a new escape room: small but still fun. Night shows. We were pleasantly surprised with the evening activities in the lobby. Some good shows, silent disco, karaoke, game shows. We didn't expect much of anything. We did go to the theater at La Romana a couple nights, including the night of the dominican show. Well worth it. Animation team. They're really fun. Some of them can barely speak english but they're all charming, enthusiastic and funny. Big shutout to Mireisy (spelling?), Carlos, Smith, Mickey Mouse (aka Wellinton), Juan and the lovely Roxana ( y su hermana gemela Anaxor). Chairs: there are still some people who put their towels on sunbeds/chairs at 6am and go back to their room despite the rules but we would always find good chairs whether at the beach or either pool. Beach. Yup, the water is murky. We had no intention of swimming in it before buying some anti-jellyfish lotion. As it turned out, we spent quite some time in there. No jellyfish, no seaweed, cool salty water. Small waves, nothing like the ocean. It really looks like a lake. But the view, especially of sunsets, is beautiful. The beach itself is really nice; very inviting, lots of palm trees and sunshades, a volleyball court along with a space for petanque/bocce/horseshoes. By the way, no more access to the Beach Club (used to be that Bouganville clients could go to the Beach Club a little further on the beach and use their pools). Weather. It rained often. Would last 15 minutes and the sun would return. It was sunny and cloudy everyday, rainy at times 6-7 days out of ten. But it was so hot, we welcomed the clouds now and then. In conclusion, this is an outstanding resort. We paid a few hundreds more for the adult side (Bouganville) and it was worth every penny. Staff is very friendly, helpful, attentive, always smiling. Note that nobody harassed us to buy anything. Tours people walk on the beach with a sign, spa ladies asked us on the beach if we wanted a massage, and that's it. For a fraction of the price of some of the luxury resorts in DR, we have had an awesome time and intend to return soon. P.S.: We went to Saona with Dominican Attitude: best of times!

Sunscape Dominicus La Romana: Better than expected!

My overall experience was better than expected based on the negative reviews I read prior to my stay. Service: I would say that majority of the staff were quite friendly and attentive except for when we checked out very early in the morning….the service we experienced was way below par. The man serving us had no smile, no acknowledgment, no thank you for staying with Sunscape or even have a safe trip…..nothing, just a sour face! Rooms: It was a bit dated but it was clean and had everything w [... read more]e needed. Hotel: overall the Hotel was very nice and quite big. No elevators. Pool: Many pools including the VIP pool. My only negative is with people reserving loungers/huts by the pool/beach early in the morning when they are not physically present and that remains an issue. It is unfair to other guests who do not get the opportunity to have one. Beach: a bit rocky with a bit of seaweed however if you walk further down by the Hyatt towards Iberostar Hotel the ocean is awesome with no rocks. Entertainment: was better than expected! Every night there was some form of entertainment whether it was in the Theatre and/or “live’ music by the bar near the lobby. One night a week is a “white party” by the beach and that was a ton of fun. Also one day a week there is a “pool party” which is also very entertaining.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: BAHIA LUXURY

Since our last trip, 5 years ago, we found that there were areas that needed more love. We had mold spots on our ceiling and around the shower. Something we would not have seen before. Arrived to very noisy AC and fan that was not functionning properly. Fan was replaced immediately and attempt to fix the AC was also handled. We also have worries with staff entering our room for 2nd time in a day to make bed or not at all (only once). Our friends on 3rd floor would get a knock on their  [... read more]door at 9pm asking if they wanted fresh towels when the room had already been taken care of earlier ????

Dreams La Romana: Hilton La Romana Family Resort

A beautiful resort with a wonderful staff. Need more spaces for smokers and benches to sit on. A very friendly, hard working staff. The grounds were beautiful and the pools were lovely. I would go back.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Nice staff / resort needs work

The staff were very friendly and polite. The rooms need upgrading, and a cockroach visited our bathroom on the final evening. Best a la carte restaurants were the El Prescador and the Takara. Not impressed overall.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Beautiful hotel

Lovely resort. Beautiful grounds and gardens. Clean pools. Nice rooms. Good food and drink. Friendly staff. Beach was pretty but the swimming was a downer. Murky water with a sludge bottom. For this reason alone I would not return to this particular property however the Bahia Hotels are lovely and I will continue to book Bahai vacations just not in La Romana.

Catalonia Royal La Romana: Everything was Amazing

We were more than happy with the Royal Catalonia La Romana. Our room, the food, but mostly the staff were all wonderful. We had a swim up room connected to the main pool & the pool bar…what more could you ask for. Definitely paradise! We were there last year & are already planning on returning next year!

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Great Resort!

This is a great resort. The landscaping is the nicest I've ever seen. The most beautiful lush palm trees, shrubs and overall gardening. The entire resort was very clean, & rooms were also well maintained. The service was outstanding and the staff are Wonderful!! Love the DR for this!! Food was also very good overall. Good selection at the buffet. The only a la carte I wouldn't recommend is the Italian. The ocean is not your typical windy ocean since it's situated in a bay so for some thi [... read more]s might be a good thing but for others maybe not. There's also a river running through this bay so it's not 100% ocean water. It's more like it's situated on a lake rather than the ocean. Water is not so clear but swimming was great. Not a good area for snorkelling but you can always do an excursion or drive to another area on the ocean.

Catalonia Royal La Romana: Not truly adult only. Don't waste money on Jr. Suite

Paid for a junior suite thinking it would be closer to the beach, water, quiet and diving shop...and it wasn't! All suites are actually located right near main reception. Ours view: right into the al acarte restaurant looking over the lounge and entertainment area backing onto the tennis courts and main road in. Explained this was not what we booked and were moved to the "only room available costs and extra $500US$". So, we have to pay for an upgrade we already paid for??? The resort Sunwing/Nex [... read more]us rep was not helpful, had to go to the kids resort to see him & was only there from 9-12 IF you were lucky. We were diving every morning from 830-130, so weren't able to connect with him until the day we left. The buffet breakfast, dinners, lunch, snacks, Juice bar, coffee bar most al acarte restaurants, pool near the beach and evening shows ALL shared with the sister resort so KIDS EVERYWHERE! My idea of Adults only means I don't see them or hear them. If you truly want ADULT ONLY...don't go here. Food was average at buffets and al acartes. Staff kindness was hit n miss. Grounds are beautiful and well maintained. Beach has plenty of sun and shadey spots, clean and water is wonderful!

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Amazing resort!

The grounds surrounding this resort were impeccably maintained. The hotel needs some updating but well kept. The service is outstanding everywhere. The front desk, the dining areas, the bars and the pools greeted you as if you were the only guest there. Everyone was very pleasant at all times.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Best sun destination vacation

The resort was amazingly kept. The grounds were beautiful, the room was perfect. The food was very good wether you chose to go eat at the buffet or the a la carte restaurants. All the staff were pleasant, kind and courteous. Always with a smile. I travelled with my sister and we felt safe at all times. The beach was always clean and no shortage of palapas. We will definitely return.

Sunscape Dominicus La Romana: Awesome experience

Hotel is still working on remodel, but our building 14 was great. Upgraded to sunclubs and were pleased. Sunclub is private adult pool, bar, and beach amazing. Could definitely use more palapas for shade!!! Buffet was awesome especially Sunclub Kaliedescope Buffet. Carmen and Anna and Domingo. Loved the Chopsticks show table, ate there 4 times. Mexican was good and Italian okay. Staff are fantastic, especially Sunclub girls, ALBA, INGRID, CHIKERA OUR BUTLER, ANIBELIS OUR BARTENDER. [... read more] All were amazing. Would definitely return if prices stay reasonable.

Catalonia Royal La Romana: Great vacation!

My husband and I just returned from a week at Catalonia Royal La Romana and wouldn't hesitate to return. We've been to the DR many times, typically staying at Excellence El Carmen but wanted to try the Caribbean side. We wanted great beach, good food and quiet relaxation and this resort delivered on all of the above. The beach was your typical calm, Caribbean blue water. The beach service was quick and the guys were very friendly. There are a lot of palapas and loungers but people do get up [... read more] early to reserve spots and although we are usually at the beach about 9am we could only gets spots near the back. We didn't encounter any beach vendors the entire week. We enjoyed all the adult side restaurants, didn't have a bad meal from any of those while there but can't say the same for the family side. The service and quality of food are not comparable. After trying the lunch buffet and Toscana we stuck to adult only restaurants. Our housekeeper Rosa did an impeccable job and our room was done by noon every day. Staff are friendly and you'd often hear them singing or humming while they worked. Grounds are well taken care of and your typical tropical landscaping. We wouldn't hesitate to return and have already recommended this return to family and friends.

Catalonia Royal La Romana: Wonderful resort

The room was amazing! We had a junior swim up suite which connected right to the main pool and bar it was awesome! The food at the restaurants was fantastic for an all inclusive. Definitely the best we have experienced. The buffet food was pretty average. Staff were very friendly and worked hard. The beach was spectacular, clear turquoise waters and white sand.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: It was a very nice resort

Overall the resort was clean and well maintained The ocean front is beautiful but the water is murky You have to use the pools.Insect spraying happens daily. (Not nice) They should do this at night.

Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus: Great resort. Will definitely go back.

Stayed at Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus at end of Feb. We have only complements for the resort. First and foremost, all workers and staff were friendly and attentive to serving guests. Our room was super clean and mini bar kept stocked. The bathroom had been renovated and featured walk in shower booth. The grounds well kept and clean. The beach was the nicest for quite a stretch on either side of the resort. There were plenty of palapas on the beach as well as around the main pool  [... read more]throughout the day. The water at the beach was clear and fairly shallow for quite a way from shore. If you like water sports, take out a kayak or Hobie Cat. Take in water exercise class each day before noon. We ate most meals an the main buffet restaurant. Every night had a dinner theme ie Italian, Mexican, Dominican etc. Quality was excellent and plenty of variety. We stuck to light lunches at the Spiaggia seaside grill. Enough said. We have been to other Iberostar resorts in past and have always enjoyed our stay Hacienda Dominicus adds another check mark on our list.

Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach: NEVER GO HERE!!!!!!

The bad outweighs the good, it all started upon arrival at the front desk, the room was not ready so they said go get a drink at the bar, big line up. Then we tried to get beach towels to go for a swim, no beach towels, after complaining to many people 2 towels magically appeared . The room if finally ready @ 5pm , the room was nice i opened the mini fridge it was EMPTY. Went back to see why, bottom line is NO drinks get put in the fridge the entire stay !!! The entire week i met 4 english spe [... read more]aking people, this resort is Italian owned , 70 % were from Argentina and 30 % from Italy, NO Americans , NO Canadians, i met 1 man from Edmonton . The beach was nice, the water was clear, No drinks on the beach, no service. The mixed drinks were horrible and the bartenders did not know how to make many drinks. The beer was the crappy watered down draft, only in the a la carte restaurants could you get beer from a bottle. Avoid the Club Viva, its a scam, basically its a time share. Some of the workers were like zombies, especially in the La Rocca restaurant at breakfast, coffee was very slow to arrive so we had to help ourselves. To top it all off they encourage cell phone use, they put all apps on your phone so people walking around like zombies staring at their phones not watching where they are walking. I told them NO cell phone use for me ! There was NO real hotel manager visible to talk and complain to. It's the management and ownership being the problem ! Half way through i got sick from the food, i believe it was from breakfast as my travel partner did not get sick as i ate something different that day. It was clearly from bacteria , massive diarrhea , body aches and had to spend 1 day in the room to recover, i missed my snorkeling excursion because of that. This resort is NOT english speaking friendly !!!! Rating out of 10, Grounds - 8 Food - 1 Service -1 Beach - 7

Viva Dominicus Palace by Wyndham: Spend your money and time elsewhere

The first day set the tone. We were approached five times in three hours by staff attempting to convince us to attend a one hour meeting to learn about the Viva membership benefits (read : time share) It was as stressful as being on a used car lot with their hard sell tactics. By the fifth approach we were admittedly curt and spent the balance of the trip avoiding them and not making eye contact. It was relentless and not what you hope for when going on vacation to relax. Retreating to our room  [... read more]proved to be worse. It was old and outdated and our wing bordered the public beach beside the resort. We were unable to sit on the ocean view balcony that we paid a premium for because there was the music coming from the pool that blasted (almost) all day that competed with the blaring music coming from the public beach. Bring ear plugs if you like afternoon siestas. Never going back to a Wyndham property if they think this is okay to do to their guests.

Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville: Beautiful resort with lovely pools and good food. Beach area is poor with seaweed and mucky bottom.

We were in room 57019 and bar fridge did not work. When I asked for a working fridge, I was told that staff were aware that our fridge was not working and they would see that we got cold drinks and ice each day. This happened for 1 day and for the next four days I had to go the reception and complain. Management assured me that this would be resolved immediately but this did not occur. On the fifth day we went to the Air Transat rep. who accompanied us back to the same manager we spoke with th [... read more]e previous day. He remembered us and agreed that it was not acceptable that we had to complain each day, wasting our valuable vacation time. We did get a replacement fridge that day. I find customer relations to be very poor. They were very friendly and made promises to correct the issue but did not act on them. My stress level while on vacation should never be as high as it was due to their lack of action. I cannot see any reason why the fridge was not changed after my first complaint. We are Members of the Privilege Club and have been to Bouganville before as well as other properties. We will not return to Bouganville due to the poor customer relations that we experienced and will not recommend this resort if anyone asks.