Punta Cana hotels & places to stay

This place is certainly a 5 star resort, but it's the subtle kind. There's nothing about the facilities, food, amenities, location, etc. that's gonna knock your socks off- they're all great, just not overly luxurious. Where Excellence El Carmen WILL knock your socks off is in the service/staff. I'd like to think I have a pretty well-defined perspective on this: in my professional life I'm responsible for building/managing large customer service teams (hundreds of people), and I've been to Caribbean many times... All that is to say that I have a pretty high bar for service. Excellence El Carmen's service is well beyond 5 star and they're doing it in the best way (and the most difficult): with amazing people that can connect w/ you genuinely and leave you feeling like you belong there. Can't say enough about the talent at this place: off the charts! Take a look at reviews on different sites, taking note of how often you see their employees names mentioned- not all that common.

I absolutely love the grand Bahia Principe Resorts. We originally booked at the Punta Cana side of the resort but found the amenities bleak and lackluster. food was subpar but the resort itself and hospitality were beautiful and welcoming. We upgraded to Ambar on our second day and didn’t turn back. My heart is really at the Esmeralda because even though Ambar is adults only, I felt you got more bang for your buck at Esmeralda and it’s so beautiful. I didn’t really need the butler service but the room service was a nice touch. Premium drinks are free at Esmeralda and not Ambar!!! But you feel like VIP ❤️ will definitely be going bk soon.

Have not been to this hotel since 2010 but nothing has changed in regards to resort look. Food & service were exceptional at all eating places. Bar staff could not do enough & were also exceptional and drinks were probably the best made I have had. I have been to Punta Cana 6 other times this year and stayed at other resorts rated in the top 10 and this was definitely up there. The only issue we found was that they do not guarantee bed size. This is problem when someone is 6' 4". We requested king and what was upsetting was we got there at 9am and check in is 3pm but we did not get room until 5:30pm and it was 2 rooms. We saw people come at 3pm and got checked in & they got king beds but front desk insisted no one got king. There were lots of 3pm checkins and I really find it hard to believe no kings. I am willing to pay more for king but I need to have guarantee. I would stay at this hotel over number 1 and 10 hotel but only if they can guarantee king bed. Our stay was great otherwise

Service was awesome! Someone was always available to help. The wait staff were amazing!! A few stood out more than others & rightfully so we tipped them more/ better as they were exceptional! Secrets is a great place for couples! Punta Cana was wonderful definitely going back! And will try breathless or another hotel that time. The experience was great for my bday & for us as couple overall.

First time in the Dominican Republic for my daughters as a birthday gift. They had a nice experience. They had the Elegance Club Room, Staff in the entire resort was excellent. The rooms were nice and clean. The location, the beaches, the water were awesome. My only concern was the food, they were really disappointed. They will keep anyway a good memory of their stay.

Clean, comfortable rooms, good food, good service. I came to the resort for a week as part of a wedding party and was a little concerned about negative issues brought up in reviews. Negative things that were reported by others that I did not experience: Internet service - good everywhere, queues for restaurants - none, aggressive sellers on the property - not aggressive at all, time share selling at check in, yes but politely declined breakfast meeting and no hassle at all, mosquitoes - hardly any - they spray regularly. Overall extremely good value,

Reynaldo went out of his way to make me and my boyfriend happy. We were celebrating his birthday and everything went amazingly!! Even when there was a little problem it was taken care of or made up for by something else!!! The servers and dancers are amazing!! This is a place that makes you feel welcomed and free on vacation. It is quiet and away from everything else but worth your money and more. The spa Oscar and Antonio were amazing!! They are the ones to go for the best massages. I highly and will always recommend this place to others.

By far the best vacation I have ever been on. Let me tell you, this resort caters to your every need. It is so cool to have a Butler looking out for you the entire stay making sure you are experiencing the best of the resort. The rooms are immaculately clean and very spacious. We had a room with a beautiful view and also had a Jacuzzi on the porch/balcony. I will continue to save my coins a to make sure that every time I go to PC I am stay in at Majestic Mirage. our Butler Marshall and Roberto were top class 5 star hosts

This resort is advertised as a 5 star all inclusive experience with gourmet restaurants. Instead of the concierge curating your experience you have to stop by their office everyday to make dinner reservations for the best restaurants. They trick you and tell you they are full when in fact half of the restaurants are empty. Employees working in the resort use unnapropriate language and it is not a 5 star environment. The rooms are not clean and when calling front desk for any services the call is transferred and often not answered. The Nickelodeon water park is small and unimpressive for the cost. The resort is located on the Atlantic side of the island remote from the airport where the beaches are not the greatest.

In a word, Spectacular My wife and I spent 8 nights, and we enjoyed every minute of our time in the resort. Beginnig with our check-in. Platinum is the way to go. The service from the start of our stay was excellent. We had decided on Punta Cana for our vacation and did our research reading reviews on many resorts. And decided on Bavaro Princess, #1 because of many good reviews, there will always be someone that can't be satisfied. But overall the reviews were good. #2 The photo's online of the Bungalows, Beaches. #3 The Price. And we both must say that Bavaro Princess came through on everything. Our room was next to the Platinum Beach Club with a good view of the beach, and the room was just as we expected. The food was great throughtout our stay. Room service was good and fairly timely for a resort of this size, but HEY who's in a rush. The Beaches were spot on and by far as beautiful as one can imagine. The grounds of the resort are extremely well kept, and we enjoyed just taking a long stroll looking ant the animals located around the resort. Spending our days relaxing at the Platinum Club Beach, and taking in the water excursions was fun and made for great time. The daytime poolside activities and entertainment were the best. The nightly shows were the best one could imagine for a resort. Bavaro Princess did it all right. We never left the resort. My wife and I were talking about trying different resorts in the future on the flight to Punta Cana, but after our fantastic time spent at the resort we both agreed we would rather know that we are going to enjoy our stay when we return. Go Platinum, I think the extra little bit of service will make for a great time.

The rooms could be a bit cleaner but it's made up for by the service. Definitely get the cheapest standard rate possible an expect to pay an additional $100/night to update to Diamon Club (which you should do). Everyone is so friendly, the food is ok (the steakhouse is the best). I'm mostly Vegan and had to let that go to have a real meal. Its a drink and be merry type of place.

I have stayed in this resort for 11 nights with my family,in the beginning I was very disappointed because of our room ,we booked 2 rooms and one room supposed to be arranged for our anniversary after sending few e-mails and been confirmed that our request been added to our reservation but guess what ? We have received the worst room from the resort (entrance door broken, Safety box not working,very bad mold smell and nothing been arranged in our room) after 2 hours i have decided to go to the reception and complain about our room and a lovely night auditor wanted to change and decorate our room right away but after a long journey we’ve been very tired and we told him to pass our requests for the next day,next day we come to reception and the manager changed both rooms for us . The resort was very nice and very well maintained . Most of the employees are very friendly but i would like to highly mention the housekeeping team as they are working very hard and they are a very big assessment for the resort,Chef Marcos from the main buffet very kind and professional also I would like to mention Jose E.Rodriguez(henna tattoo),Marbin (supervisor from the main buffet) Wilkin (porter) Emanuele (I think is his name)at the small pool bar was amazing so friendly and always ready to serve you ,every bartender should take some advices from him ,very professional and highly cocktail skilled. I recommend this resort for everyone. Thank you very much for your hospitality. Best regards, Alexandra Csomos

I stayed in the tropical view double room. Upon arrival, one of the beds had hair all over the sheets and pillow cases. Housekeeping came and put fresh linen on the beds. There were other occasions where they did not clean the room even after I called several times to request and put the cleaning sign on the door. The mini bar was not replenished daily. We both were celebrating our birthdays and we were told that they would do something special for us and that never happened. Everyday someone said they would do something and it never happened. I told them not to worry because I knew it was all fluff. The food is ok even as an Xhale Member. I recommend taking the short work next door to Now Onyx to eat. The food there is so much better. Carnival restaurant is pretty good. The ice cream shop is also good. If you like to party and don’t mind a little noise, then Breathless is your place. If I go back, I would stay at Secrets. Overall, the staff were accommodating and I enjoyed.

Some staff are helpful, some not. All room concierge hard sell with titles like “welcome pack” etc. Check in staff originally good, then slow and delayed for now reason. Shop purchases was cancelled as item didn’t have a ticket. The diamond club, hideaway and normal splits are a ridiculous pointless exercise in futility and perceived importance. One nexus guy was very friendly , helpful and great..

Attentive, welcoming and consierge level service. Staff knew our names after only two days and remembered our food allergies. Beach was clean and kept well. Spa was wonderful-relaxing oasis and we were able to use full spa facilities after our massages. Pools, grounds and buildings were pristine. Truly felt like we were in paradise. Anything we wanted we got, and they anticipated our needs before we even knew what we wanted. Food at all restaurants was excellent and there was a wide variety for all types of diets and tastes. Room was new and clean, our own hot tub on our balcony. Spacious and giant bathroom as well. We loved that the resort had a different look and feel where ever we went but it all fit together nicely. The castle part was very cool. Serene and wonderful stay. Cant wait to come back! Highly highly recommend for couples of all ages, or a group of friends that need a relaxing getaway!

Beautiful property but slippery especially in the rooms bc of ac and humidity. Got inaccurate information from staff about everything. Don’t book Coco Bongo there. Do it yourself. Village shops closed on Sunday by the way. Thx Westin. Food is terrible and served cold and room service is ridiculously expensive and the prices are not accurate in the menu. Room wasn’t cleaned until after 5 and I had to ask for it. Big problem with certificate for internet and had problems across the board but if you want to take out a 2nd mortgage on your home to stay here, you will like the view from the balcony, the size of rooms and beauty of property. There was some weird construction thing happening on the beach while there - not sure what that was about.

It was my first time in Dominican Republic but prior to going there I read several reviews. These reviews were very helpful helpful. Bahia Principe Esmeralda is a well kept property with staff who goes above and beyond to ensure you are comfortable. I got there the day before my birthday to celebrate alone but thanks to the wonderful staff I never felt alone. The rooms are clean, the food was delicious and the entertainment on property is a must. Big shout out to Nita, Edward, Jjohnny and Carlos!

Had reservation at Grand Bahia Principe Bavaro. Waited 30 to 40 minutes to then be told we have no rooms but we will upgrade you to Amber Green . Then 30-40 minutes later they tell us we only have room for 6 of the 8 so 1 couple will have to go back to the other resort. We said no and argued a while and finally all got at the same resort. Then our room key didnt work (no big deal ) after the 4th trip to the front desk and a repairman looking at it and Not fixing it. Then the Refrigerator not working the repairman comes in and unplugs it and turns it over then says its fixed. The drinks we sat out in the AC in the room got colder. The manager Michael tried to explain things. He said it was a temperature control box . They said get some ice .Could not get reservation to eat and were told everything was filled up. Out of 18 places We complained and we were able to get one for 1 night? 3 days to get remote batteries.Dropped us off at the wrong place missed 1/2a show. much more. Not enough