Bahia Principe San Juan

Dominican Republic

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*This was the best time of my life! I was impressed.* Visited: May 2008
Posted by drifterfubby
	After arrival, the bus ride to the resort was around an hour long. It passed very quickly, though! They checked us in on the bus, and it was a pleasant and easy arrival. I highly recommend going Club Diamond. We had our own pool, area of the beach, and buffet area (I was looking for fries one day, and the chef made some especially for me!). There was also a lobby right there if we needed anything. It was nice not having to go to the big, crowded main pool. The sand wasn't white, but we hardly noticed. It was still a beautiful beach! We ended up walking a bit to get where we wanted to go, but they circulated little shuttle buses! The rooms were beautiful, and the service was good. The rooms were cleaned and restocked daily. We had no problems with bugs. The first night, our air conditioning didn't work. We reported it the next day, and it was fixed immediately. Excursions were offered. We went to Ocean World to swim with the dolphins, and see everything else there (there was lots to see!). It was $155 each, (including the $10 bus pick up for Bahia Principe). It was worth it for what you experience. Horseback riding was also amazing - even for beginners! Our friends did the Jeep tour. Their pictures say it all! I recommend any of these. We also went dancing some nights on the street - fun! There were free drinks everywhere. They also offered free non-motorized water sports. Shopping huts were located at the end of the beach. The restaurants were exceptional, and made for beautiful evenings. Overall, it would be ideal for groups or young people. I sincerely felt looked after. The staff really went the extra mile. They were wonderful people. I loved it, and would go back tomorrow!

3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
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*It was a great resort that was nice and laid back.* Visited: February 2008
Posted by tbcan
	This place gets you away from the hustle and bustle, yet it has a great variety of attractions to keep you relatively busy. It's not the shoppers paradise, but a day trip could fix that. The staff was amazing and very helpful; and the grounds were second to none. Although part of the beach was damaged and being repaired, we hardly noticed the interruption. The buffet was better thsn adequete, and the a la cartes were better than most other four star accommodations. I would visit again in a heart beat, and feel it is a great recommendation for a relaxing getaway.
6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
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*It was amazing.* Visited: March 2007
Posted by ericaca134
	I'm really surprised by all the bad reviews! I just returned, and it was one of the best vacations I have ever been on. I didn't see any insects; most of the staff spoke English; there was a lot to do; and I never got up early to get a seat in the shade - and I went during one of the most crowded time. Even though it was March break and there were teenagers everywhere, I had no problems with rowdy teens. The power went out for a couple of days, but it wasn't the resort's fault. They fixed it as quickly as they could. Also, the staff was amazing and the beach aerobics were so much fun! I really recommend the dolphin swim and shopping trip.

14 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
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*It was an excellent holiday, but I miss the animation team!* Visited: November 2006
Posted by kellkin_
	A friend of mine and I stayed here for two weeks, and those two weeks were filled with fun. I can honestly say it was one of the best holidays I have ever been on. However, I don't think it would have been half as good if it hadn't been for the animation team - especially Luciano, Daniel, Rickey, and all the others. We particulary enjoyed the variety show, and even though we saw it twice, it didn't get boring and we were in stitches. Without the animation team, I can safely say the hotel would be boring. The rooms were of a good standard, the pool was lovely, and all the restuarants provided good food. I would definitely come back here for another holiday.
19 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
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*I loved this hotel!* Visited: July 2006
Posted by lilly
	I have stayed here three times, and I am going back on the 22nd of June 2oo7 to stay for two weeks.
6 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
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*This was the most amazing holiday ever!* Visited: July 2006
Posted by misstaryn
	I can't believe some of the reviews I've read. It makes me wonder if were we staying in the same hotel. I thought this hotel was fantastic! The food was great. It was so good, in fact, that it's inevitable that you'll put on a pound or two! The burger bar was great for those hangovers! Being a group of four "twenty-something" girls, we were slightly concerned that we might get a bit bored. However, that couldn't have been further from the truth. Water aerobics, dance class and the Discotequa meant there was no risk of that! I definitely recommend the Laguna Jeep safari, Montana Horse riding and the party bus (where the rum or Ron is in full flow!). As for the animation team, they were a group of the most talented and nicest people I have met. Where they get their energy from, I will never understand! Look out for Fernando, Camillo, and Carlos -they definitely provide the giggles and will make sure you have a fun! Be prepared for humming the Bahia Principe dance weeks after you leave the hotel. It will definitely bring a smile to your face. Also, get ready for tears when you leave! This is the kind of place you want to stay at forever, and when you do get home, you start counting down the days before you can go back again. I will definitely return!
9 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
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*This was our worst holiday ever.* Visited: May 2006
Posted by paul_2004
	We saw giant cockroaches, beatles, huge spiders around the complex and in the rooms. The beach was crawling with crabs. Also, the rooms were basic, but clean. The food was okay, but repetative. In addition, the drinks were all watered down. I thought the shop was very expensive, and there was no entertainment other than kids. Very few staff members spoke English, so it would be handy to know some Spanish. Also, everyone seemed to want tips for doing nothing.
4 users found this review helpful. 12 found this review unhelpful.
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*Here they have good facilities andfriendly staff, but it is definitely not a four-star accommodation.* Visited: May 2006
Posted by derek2
	I have just returned from a very enjoyable holiday at this hotel. We were upgraded to Club Hacienda, which gave optional use of a separate pool and dining area. Most of the staff were really friendly, but the hotel was well below the claimed four-star rating. The rooms and bathrooms were quite tired, our party had problems with broken air-conditioning, and it took two visits to reception to get our mini-bar stocked (we couldn't phone as that was broken as well!). Four guests from our group suffered stomach problems for a day or so, despite only eating within the complex. It was nothing major, but enough to need self-medication and a day in bed. They had a nice beach with totally safe swimming, but you need to get down early to get a place with shade and loungers. Speciality restaurants were very good, but food was pretty average in the large main buffet restaurant, with long lines. There was very little shade around the main pool, so that area was unsuitable for families with young children - but great if you like row upon row of sunloungers with constant music, noise, aquarobics, etc. On the plus side, the hotel was superbly laid out, the grounds were immaculately kept, the beach was raked every morning, and the rooms were kept very clean. Most of the staff were really charming, attentive and eager to please. Some of the service seemed a bit lacking in supervision, but the individuals seemd to really be trying hard. A nice idea was that the main complex shut down at 11:00 pm after the evening's live show (different every night on a 14-day rotation, with a separate children's show earlier each evening). Thus, the entertainment and inevitable noise moved a short walk away to the 'village' on the access road, which had shops, bars, casino, burger bar, karaoke, etc. It stayed open until the early hours, but was still within the hotel's secure grounds, keeping the accommodation areas quiet. Water sports were average, with quite tatty equipment, but all non-powered activities were free. There was very little to see snorkeling on the reef, but an option was to take a day trip to a remote tropical island. They offered a good selection of tours, but they were fairly expensive. They also charged for use of your room safe. Overall, it was well worth a stay, but don't expect true four-star comfort. Take the upgrade, or be prepared for crowds - it was a large complex. It was a good value for the all-inclusive price; we would recommend to friends, and we intend to go again. After thirty-four years staying in world-class hotels as a crew member with a leading international airline, I�m probably more critical than the average holidaymaker. But then, that's what a review is for! Come here with moderate expectations, and you'll have a great time - we certainly did!
6 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful.
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*It's great - you would be mad not to go!* Visited: November 2005
Posted by jo_x_62
	My boyfriend and I stayed here in November 2005, and had the best time of our lives. There was so much to do - if that's what you want. But it's a nice place not to do anything and just soak up the sun! We were really worried when we read all the bad reveiws before we went. But when we got here, all our worrying went out the window. This was the best place I have ever been on holiday. The staff was so nice, the hotel was lovely, and the beach and pools were great. Also, the drinks and food were nice. Watch you don't come home with a few extra puonds! We swam with dolphins at Ocean World, and that was something I will never forget. It was great. We also went on the outback safari. It was amazing. We had George as our guide. He was ace! I hope you have a great stay like we did. The people were great and we had nothing to worry about. It was all worth while!
4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
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*We had the best holiday!* Visited: August 2005
Posted by caroline_cameron
	This was one of the best holidays I have had! Bahia Principe is an excellent resort.
5 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
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*We loved every minute of our stay.* Visited: August 2005
Posted by lauram
	My boyfriend and I visited Bahia Principe in August 2005. We loved every minute of this holiday and would have no hesitation in going back. We were quite worried with the reviews we read, but went with an open mind. The hotel was always clean, and the food was great - there was something for everyone. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and the entertainment worked non-stop to keep the guests happy. The rooms were pretty basic and I wouldn't say they were of four-star standard. But they were cleaned every day, and we didn't spend too much time indoors to be bothered anyway. The only hints I can give would be to take plenty of sunscreen, things to read, and snacks like crisps because the shop was very expensive. Also, if you want to use the phone, get a 15-minute phone card (which cost $15). We used the phone for three minutes, and it cost us $25! In addition, take single dollar bills for tips. You can't get any at the hotel. If you are planning excursions, definitely do the Outback safari - and ask for Jesse as your rep. He was hilarious. Make sure you also take books, pens and sweets because you will visit the kids on this trip. Also, swim with the dolphins if you can - it was fantastic. The catamaran trip was also a good value for the money. Lunches and drinks were all included in the cost of these trips. All in all, we had the best time and met a lot of great people. We would definitely go back again.
4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
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*I definitely recommend Bahia Principe, but it's not a four-star accommodation.* Visited: August 2005
Posted by vicci_o_neil
	Bahia Principe is a lovely complex. It is clean, and the food is okay with lots of choices (even for veggies!). Also, the entertainment team works non-stop, and there is always something happening. I suggest using Campo Tours for your trips. Take candy and small toys for the kids you'll see. Also, book a la carte restaurants quick. You'll also need to get up early for sun loungers. Take coconut oil for sand fleas. Bring extra $1 bills for tips. It will also help if you learn a few Spanish phrases. Go to the bar on the beach to the right for lovely cocktails. Try fresh fruit smoothies for breakfast, too. Be careful, you may cut your legs if you climb on top of the sand dunes in the sea! Have a fantastic holiday!
4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
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*If you're going to the Dominican Republic, you should know this.* Visited: April 2005
Posted by flopper332
	Sorry, but I cannot submit my review on this site because of length restrictions. Taking material out would not have served the review well. So very briefly, this resort was the worst four-star resort I have ever stayed at in my entensive travels around the world - both business and pleasure. When I was there, it was under construction so it looked like a war zone. Go, if that's what you like.
1 users found this review helpful. 9 found this review unhelpful.
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*It was the best ever.* Visited: March 2005
Posted by come_an_get_me_98
	This was the best holiday I have ever been on. After visiting the first time, I returned with a friend of mine. We loved it so much, we booked another trip as soon as we got home. The staff was very friendly. This is definitely the place to go!
2 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
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*It was good for what it was.....a cheap getaway.* Visited: January 2005
Posted by 2mer
	When we went, we were offered the upgrade to Club Hacienda for an extra $50. Take that, if it is offered. It was well worth it, if only to avoid the line-ups at meals at the main dining area, and the pool area crowds. It was a decent, fairly inexpensive spur-of-the-moment destination. Don't go expecting anything more than average service and food. It was a typical mid-winter getaway spot for a decent price. It wasn't The Plaza, but it never pretended to be, like some places. You could do far worse. Trust me, I have.
3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
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*It would have been perfect - except for one thing.* Visited: November 2004
Posted by vanren
	We enjoyed our stay at Bahia Principe San Juan for the most part. We travelled with our two little girls and the staff were very accomodating, resort facilities such as Mini-Club and the kiddie pool were good. The food was very good - we enjoyed it all. The buffet had a generous range of items, fresh and local being highlighted, and the reservation-only restaurants were very good. We did wish that an earlier dinner seating was available, as the 7:00pm and 7:30pm times were too late for our kids to be having a healthy dinner (beach bbq was available earlier but that's mainly burgers & fries). The resort itself is clean and picturesque. We liked all the staff we met and everyone seemed very friendly. So what was our complaint? We had things stolen from our room. Yes we were told to get a hotel safe, but thought the $28 US a week a bit steep. We've been to many other Caribbean resorts and never had a problem. In any case I don't think it would've done much good. We had carefully-hidden money stolen, but we know of two other couples (in our travelling group alone) who also had things stolen! In their case it was toiletries and personal items, like expensive (used!) lipsticks and condoms! I guess the thieves couldn't find the cash, so the rest of the suitcase became fair game. What was more troubling is the "can't do anything" attitude by the front desk. There wasn't any information taken about when it might have happened or who had access to our room. It's a real shame. This incident marred what was otherwise a really wonderful trip. I can't recommend this resort to my friends.
3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
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*This was the best place ever!* Visited: August 2004
Posted by cozzy_supreme
	This was the best holiday I have ever been on. The weather was great, and the hotel was amazing. The staff was really friendly and I got on with them all dead well. I can't wait to go back next year!
2 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
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*I want to go back!* Visited: August 2004
Posted by xbibzx
	I stayed in the Bahia Principe and I had the best holiday ever! Every one was so polite, and the place was very clean - everywhere we went there was someone cleaning up! I personally loved the animation team because they always had a smile on their faces and I got along with all of them really well. When it was time to go home, I didn't want to. I cried because I knew I would miss the animation team and I loved this place so much. If it was up to me, I think could have stayed here for the rest of my life. It was the best place I have been to in a long time.
2 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
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*This place was amazing.* Visited: June 2004
Posted by piperhall
	The people were really friendly and they all seemed to care about their guests.The food was great, and the people were terrific. It was very clean, also. I would definitely love to come back again. You can count on seeing me here again next month. I like to travel a lot, and this was the best hotel that I have stayed at so far. Keep up the great work!
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*I wish I could have stayed longer!* Visited: February 2004
Posted by allisonorr
	This place was absolutely amazing. The entertainment was wonderful and exciting. Also, they had so many options for things to do. The jeep tour was by far the best, but be sure to take things for the children in the towns you drive through. The food was great, and I loved the idea of a snack time where they served popcorn in a hut. The different restaurants were wonderful, and the drinks were delicious. All in all, I would recommend this place to anyone. It would be great for couples or families.
3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
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Bahia Principe San Juan Overview

BAHIA PRINCIPE SAN JUAN is located on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, at 70 km. from the airport of Puerto Plata (60 minutes by car) and to a comfortable distance from the cities of Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata. It was opened in July 1995...