Secrets Cap Cana: Some challenges for sure, but overall decent

When we checked in they put us in a room right behind the restaurant that was under construction so there were literally jack-hammers running all day. It was brutal. After the first night they moved us to a different building which was better, but you could still hear the construction. We were only at the resort for 5 nights so it wasn't worth moving again. The food in the restaurants was decent, however they have very limited options for a restricted diet as we are both gluten free and da [... read more]iry free. I would not say this was a 5 star vacation, the facility is dated and needs updating in certain areas, but please let visitors know if there is signifcant construction going on as we would have picked a different destination. Our concierge Francis was excellent.

Playabachata Hotel: Loved it!!! Playabachata resort Puerta Plata

This was the best vacation I’ve ever had…..and I’ve been mostly to cancun, Mayan riviera and Cuba….the food was unbelievable omg….fresh juices were amazing….I had buffets for breakfast lunch and dinner…I didn’t want to do alacarts because I didn’t want to miss out on the amazing buffets lol ….the grounds were so beautiful and tropical… I loved walking around them…..it’s like the movie castaway you felt like you were far away on a desert island with the mountains around …. went with my sister….we [... read more] loved the resort….i sat in a lounger right at the ocean under a tree…..wow….went to the gym every morning….there was a special coffee shop I loved….got my decaf coffee and desserts there a few times a day….wish I was back there right now walking around these grounds…..I was so lucky to get Natasha Alleyne from tripcentral to do this trip for us….she was amazing….called me or emailed me back right away with my questions…….first time I’ve used a travel agent …what a difference….you get emails notifying you of things to do or reminders of things …so happy we had this wonderful agent….we will book next year too! Still dreaming of being back there…I was there may 18, 2026 for a week….it was great weather every day….the pool was so lively and fun too….the resort was the cleanest I’ve ever been to…staff were cleaning washrooms and areas constantly …I was floored by this resort…and food was better than any resorts I’ve been to….the staff so friendly there

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: It offered the warm weather and beautiful scenery.

We are Canadians who love traveling to Cuba and normally visit 3–4 times a year. This time, we chose Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, and we were pleasantly surprised by the Senator Puerto Plata Spa Resort. The resort grounds are beautiful and well maintained. In the evenings, the pathways and gardens are beautifully illuminated, making it easy and enjoyable to walk around. The public washrooms were always very clean, which we appreciated. Our dining experience was excellent, especi [... read more]ally at the Steak House, which was our favorite restaurant. Our room was clean and comfortable, and the Wi-Fi worked very well throughout our stay, including in the room. The beach is not the resort's strongest feature, especially when compared to the beautiful beaches of Cuba, but it was still enjoyable and provided a relaxing place to spend time by the ocean. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our two-week stay and would not hesitate to return. A special thank you to Emmalay Serrano, our travel agent(Tripcentral), for her outstanding service. She patiently answered all of my questions regarding Sunwing and WestJet and provided valuable information and helpful suggestions that made our trip safe, comfortable, and stress-free. Her professionalism, knowledge, and patience were greatly appreciated.

Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: As expected

The rooms were nice, and staff were excellent. Friendly and helpful. The food was okay but seemed largely local cuisine. This didn’t bother me too much though, as thats not the main reason for travel. My only complaint would be the massive amount of locals that come on weekends and their behavior, which is surprisingly allowed. Nothing is peaceful-they listen to music on the beach at a loud level and subject everyone else to that, which is not nice when you’re trying to relax and read a book. Th [... read more]ey also let their kids go crazy, it is quite unpleasant.

Grand Bavaro Princess: Beautiful Beach and Grounds!

Loved the beach and grounds. So well kept and full of peacocks! The room was very well maintained and no complaints other than outside noise from people coming and going but then again we were on the first floor. Food and drinks were fantastic too!

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Great vacation

Trip Report May 15th to 29th Wow Being a Cuba vacationer for the past 3+ years we really took a gamble on VH Gran Ventana. Of course we did the homework, checked reviews and like resorts but thankfully settled on Gran Ventana. Prior to arriving I dropped Solange/Mr.Marcos an email indicating what area of the Catalina Building we would like and they came through for us 100% Club As we were going for 2 weeks, we selected the Royal Package which gave us some perks (Beach, Bar & Dining). I must [... read more] say that we took good advantage of the package. Whether it be a la carte dining 12/14 nights, shaded lounger daily (no chair game stress), morning cappuccinos and nightcaps in the Vintage Club … oh and lest we forget bottles of champagne and booze for each week. I can’t thank the staff enough in the Vintage lounge Santa, Sujeidy and Ricardo et al. The one hiccup was they took care of the taxi reservation for a day … driver didn’t speak a lick of English other than “Yes”, this made it a challenge, but it didn’t ruin our day. Rooms Overall, the room we had 2115 was good. The cleaning staff kept it spotless and we had sufficient towels everyday. One day we needed face cloths, and the Santa/Sujeidy handled it well, as we didn’t go without for our stay. Beach Being a self diagnosed “Beach Bum” this was important to our trip. The beach was very wide lots of sand; the water was a bit limited as to how far in you can go without getting into coral/rocks etc. We always sat in the Superior/Royal section and had great service from Jose (Dirty Banana), Amable (Papa) as well as others. The only comment here is the vast number of people trying to sell you souvenirs etc. on the beach … 95% are no problem, but some are more persistent. Wind – not sure if it’s seasonal but the beach had a constant wind (right to left) which was great in the morning and early afternoon but kicked up a notch after 1ish. Food Like I said we dined exclusively at the a la carte Italian (Sempre de Mare?), Octopus and Beach Grill with two nights at the buffet (White Night). I must say after 3+ years going to Cuba the food was great! Breakfast was a steady dose of made to order eggs, bacon and fruit. Lunch was okay, but often we had fruit. General I did notice that the resort was open to locals on the weekends, but since we generally were on the beach and in a la carte we didn’t notice them as much. We found staff and management very approachable and genuinely happy. On site stores are crazy expensive (go to Jumbo) asking $7USD for a small box of Kleenex. Animation team did their best … people were able to participate if they wanted. Would we return or recommend Given the vast array of resorts/countries it’s nice to be able to find one or two that you know what to expect and fits your needs. So yes, we would return and recommend. Probably left out some stuff and may revisit to edit.

Royalton Bavaro Resort and Spa: Not a 5 star luxury resort

When you book this resort, there is the option of paying for an upgrade (Diamond Club). It is over $1,000 per person in additional fees. We didn't take this option. You also have the choice to book your own room, for an extra fee of $260 US minimum. We didn't take that option either. You are also asked if you want to upgrade to DC when you check in. We declined, and the room we were given was possibly the worst one in the resort. It was in the furthest building from the beach. The musty smell [... read more] was overwhelming, tv was broken. The bathtub had rust. The view was of the wall of the Majestic Mirage next door (which is absolutely amazing, BTW). There were no extra locks on the door, even the peephole cover was broken. Our first impression was not great. When the hotel is not at full capacity and this is the room you get, it is very disappointing, and you cannot help but think it was because you didn't pay extra. We called the front desk. They sent up a dehumidifier. We stayed one night but couldn't stay there any longer. They did switch our room the next day, and it was much better, though a little outdated. The room is cleaned every day. The fridge is restocked every other day. The first few days you are there, there are people constantly after you to buy spa treatments or go to a meeting and learn about the Prime membership. It's pretty annoying. Not only do you have vendors on the beach, but you have hotel staff after you as well. My husband and I love the beach, and one of the things we love is the Bali beds. One of the reasons I booked this hotel was because of them. It doesn't say anywhere on the website that these are for DC only, but apparently, they are. We were told by a security guard that it was DC even though 75% of them were empty. Another time, I had an issue making a reservation. We went to see someone, only to be told they usually only help their members. Everything seems to be extra. You want lobster, it's extra, you want a really good steak, it's extra, you want rose wine, it's extra. We were at the Majestic Mirage a few years ago, where we could have had lobster every night, we had crab, shrimp, paella for lunch every day. At the Royalton, it was hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza (to be fair, the restaurant on the beach was closed for repair). We felt like second-class citizens, those who don't pay extra, go and stay in your little corner and don't ask for more. There were some positives. The grounds are immaculate, the food was okay; however, the ZEN à la carte was amazing. The entertainment was good. For the most part, we didn't have any issues making restaurant reservations through the app. Most of the staff looked like they did not want to be there; there were some that were very helpful. Fernando at the beach was great, and so was Raudi at the sports bar! One other note, this part of the beach has a lot of seaweed (we were there for 2 weeks, and only the last 2 days were seaweed-free). We had to walk to another part of the beach to find an area where there was none. If you are thinking of going to this resort, don’t; it's just not worth the money.

Bahia Principe Explore El Portillo: Excellent resort

Fantastic Beach - protected by corral from large waves...sandy beach no need for shoes in water. Can walk for kms either way safely. lots of sun protection on beach. Buffet large and ample choices. restaurants are a pleasant surprise and provide nice treat. Staff friendly. Rides to further rooms constantly available. No close neighbouring resorts so feels secluded. Loved it.

El Beso Adults Only at Ocean El Faro: Nice Resort

Nice small walkable resort with a tropical vibe. Good food. Tennis club is excellent. Shower in the bathroom - the water is leaking past the shower door onto the bathroom floor. Only shower out of 2 was working.

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Great resort

I felt that the resort had a good atmosphere the basic rooms where dated but good the food was good and the beach was nice the staff was friendly and attentive they could use a better fittness center but otherwise for the price I have no complaints and hopefully will return

Bahia Principe Explore Punta Cana: Beautiful resort

Will definitely recommend this resort to family and friends The place was clean, friendly environment and great food except the Truck snack bar. The empanada and the chicken wings are not very appetizing. The alacarte are really good and the buffet selection are excellent

Ocean El Faro: Good but not great

Had issue with the room assigned to us for the first 3 days of our trip and then finally got the room which was included in our package. Didn't like the attitude from front desk when I initially brought to their attention about the room. If you are beach lover this is not your resort. They have nice short lazy river and many pools. Food is Okay

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Old but very clean resort

Surprisingly good resort, clean in room and all around, good drinks available every bar not only Vip , very busy on weekends when the locals arrive leaving public washrooms disgusting.Not their fault but the policy in Dominican Republic giving discounted rates for local residents

Select Sosua Adults Only, Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Attention Seniors

This review is written from a senior's perspective as my wife and I are both in our mid seventies but still love the "all inclusive" resorts. The resort has plenty of pools scattered throughout the Property but only the main pool has steps for access and egress the rest are all ladders only. There are no elevators and most accommodation buildings have 4 floors. Our room (by prior request from Tripcentral) was supposed to be on the first floor but we were assigned a second floor room. After some  [... read more]deliberation Francis fixed us up with a first floor room that was poolside and superb. The food was so so, nothing outstanding but plenty of choice in the main buffet. A la carte restaurants (4) were by reservation only with the International restaurant being by far the best, the other 3 were located main family resort. The walkways in the family resort consisted of all uneven flagstone, walking could be a bit precarious. Plenty of small bars throughout the property, but all were in the open, bistro style with tiny table and chairs, no lounge bar out of the sun with comfortable padded chairs to enjoy a quiet cocktail. The booze selection was pretty ordinary mostly bar stock lower to mid range quality. Staff were outstanding, helpful, cheerful, service was excellent. The grounds were clean and generally well kept. Overall as seniors we would give this resort a 3 star rating, still good but there are better ones out there

Playabachata Hotel: Nice resort for the price

This place is really clean, the rooms, the beach was above expectations, the staff was nice we just found it was missing entertainment at the pool . We love the fact that we did not have to fight to get a chair on the beach. The Playabachata is in front of the best quality beach compare to the Senator

Zel Punta Cana - All Suites: Zel Punta Cana – May 24–28, 2026

First and foremost, it is important to note that Zel Punta Cana is not located directly on the beach. While there is beach access via a short walk or shuttle, those looking for a true beachfront resort experience should be aware of this before booking. What truly sets this resort apart is its people. Every single employee we encountered was genuinely friendly, welcoming, and eager to help. Not once did we feel like we were imposing or inconveniencing anyone. The staff consistently delivered e [... read more]xceptional service and were undoubtedly one of the highlights of our stay. The resort itself is fairly new and offers a very peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. If you’re looking for a quiet, serene getaway focused on wellness and relaxation, this resort is an excellent choice. However, if you’re part of a younger crowd seeking a lively party pool scene, constant entertainment, and a high-energy atmosphere, this probably isn’t the resort for you. Zel is intentionally quieter and more laid-back. The accommodations are impressive. All rooms are spacious suites that are modern, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. We also never had any difficulty finding pool chairs, which was refreshing compared to many Caribbean resorts where reserving loungers can become a daily competition. The fitness and wellness facilities are among the resort’s strongest features. The tennis courts are excellent, and there are numerous fitness and wellness activities offered throughout the property. The spa was pleasant, although not particularly memorable or exceptional compared to other resorts in this category. One area that deserves more attention is the maintenance of the outdoor grounds, particularly the palm trees around the pool areas. During our stay, we observed several palm trees with large dead fronds and hanging branches that appeared overdue for trimming. Beyond aesthetics, this presents a legitimate safety concern, as falling branches could potentially cause serious injury to guests. Given the otherwise high standards of the property, this is an area that management should address proactively. Unfortunately, the biggest opportunity for improvement is the food and beverage program. While the food quality was acceptable, the overall selection was limited and lacked variety throughout our stay. The buffet, when open, is relatively small, and menu options quickly become repetitive. Room service was particularly disappointing. The menu is very limited and lacks many of the simple comfort foods that guests often look for while on vacation. Adding items such as pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, additional salad options, and other casual fare would significantly improve the guest experience. Even more surprising was the absence of a breakfast room service option, which feels like a significant oversight for a resort of this caliber. Similarly, the lunch offerings around the pool were limited and repetitive. The resort has tremendous potential, but the dining experience would benefit greatly from expanded menus and more variety throughout the day. During our stay, we also visited the neighboring Paradisus resort, which offers a completely different experience. Paradisus is a much larger property with separate family, adults-only, and more social or party-oriented sections. It features a larger buffet, more dining variety, and direct beach access. Guests seeking a larger, busier resort experience may find Paradisus more aligned with their preferences. Overall, Zel Punta Cana is a beautiful, tranquil resort with exceptional staff, spacious accommodations, excellent fitness facilities, and a relaxing atmosphere. If your goal is to unwind and enjoy a quieter vacation experience, it is certainly worth considering. However, the food offerings, room service program, dining variety, and outdoor maintenance require attention if the resort hopes to deliver an experience that fully matches the quality of its facilities and service.

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine

The hotel was clean, the food was delicious, and the staff was kind (especially Santa the waitress in the main lobby bar/entertainment area who always took care of us). The beach however had a lot of seaweed, which the staff did their best to clean each day. The bathrooms in the hotel rooms were also in pretty bad shape and need renovations.

Bahia Principe Explore Esmeralda: Beautiful Trip

We had a beautiful anniversary trip and made wonderful memories the week we spent here. Beach was stunning, and only minutes from our room. Our first night our air conditioning was broken as we asked several times to have it fixed until we had to go to the main desk. It really upset us as well as a fire alarm going off our first morning there. We addressed these concerns to the front desk and got put into a swim out suite. It meant a lot to us to have our concerns heard and dealt with. The vibe  [... read more]was right, entertainment was great, and food was good. You were never hungry and there were options. Was the food amazing? No. But it’s good and you get by just fine. Drinks were plentiful and the staff was friendly. Nice resort with maybe some miscommunication about how to book the kayaking but that didn’t bother us. We loved it and would definitely return. Thank you for an awesome vacation!

Wyndham Alltra Samana: Great resort

Would not go back because of medical issues. Otherwise great. Food and drinks were fun.. beach is not accessible. Pool is somewhat accessible. Not to many toursbpr r versions for people with limited ability.

Melia Punta Cana Beach Wellness Resort Adults: BEAUTIFUL PROPERTY!

Just got back from a wonderful 10-day vacation at this awesome resort. Grounds are immaculate, very clean. Same with our room, we were in building 4. Close to gym, pool and beach. Food is the best we've had in 7 trips to the Dominican. Lots of variety. yes, it repeats, but there is something for everyone. Top quality and fresh. Would not recommend staying here if you have mobility issues as alot of walking is required. 13 mins to main lobby and buffet. While golf carts are back and forth, we f [... read more]ound them passing us most of the time as they were full. We will definitely be back!