This was probably the most enjoyable place we stayed in recent years.
There were two sides to the resort, the Tropical side and the Carib side. We stayed at the Carib side. This was an older resort (maybe ten + years - just a guess), but it was well looked after.
The beach and pool were great and fun. Bring your family here. If you like beaches and pools, you'll probably like it here.
There was no supermarket nearby, so I don't know why the rooms come with kitchens. You're going to stay on site, and probably not leave until you head back to the airport.
Go with the all-inclusive meal plan. It was worth it. We were very impressed with the restaurants. There were several of them, and all were good (except the American Steakhouse - you can skip that one - nothing special there).
An upgraded resort was next door and within walking distance (Paradisus Palma Real). Take a trip over there a look around. The Melia Caribe Tropical was a three-star resort, and the Paradisus was a four-star (maybe five) resort. The restaurants in the Caribe Tropical were four-star.
One bad thing was that we got hasseled on the beach by vendors. Some actually yelled at us if we didn't buy what they were selling (like Cuban cigars). Hopefully, the hotel got rid of these people.
Other then that, it was great! We would go back.
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They made us stay until we paid them $1000.Visited: September 2008
Posted by ilanagav
Do not stay in this resort! My boyfriend and I came here for our first vacation in September, and were less than impressed over the course of the stay.
The food was greasy, the beach was tiny and unappealing, and the entertainment was almost nonexistent.
Our room, on the other hand, was beautiful.
However, when we went to check out (we had won a free week stay and were paying nothing), they informed us we owed them almost $1,000 for a "room upgrade". We refused to pay because we had never agreed to an upgrade and had not even been aware we were in a "spa" suite. We asked to see our check-in papers to prove that we agreed, and they "couldn't find them".
To make matters worse, they called the police and told us we could not leave until we paid, despite the fact they had no proof of their accusation. Eventually, we paid the money so that we could leave the property.
Never could I imagine such a dishonest and disorganized corporation. They practically held us hostage and threatened us with imprisonment if we didn't pay a charge that we had never agreed to in the first place. I couldn't believe the lack of corporate responsibility and highly advise everyone to stay away from this place unless you don't mind being mistreated.
5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We (four young guys from Germany) stayed at La Cana for three weeks. It became one of our best holidays ever.
Do not trust everyone's posting. Especially the one who mentioned that things were never cleaned up. Our rooms were cleaned every day. Once a week there was a lady distributing steam in our rooms. I guess it was for disinfection.
In fact, the staff was very friendly and helpful. They even helped us get the best price for renting bikes.
Everything was great and beautiful. The food was delicious. But to be honest – there was no variety. Every dinner was nearly the same.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This was my third trip to the Dominican Republic and by far in accommodation, my best one yet. It felt like home away from home as advertised.
The entire community was very well kept, and I guarantee that by the time you leave there, you would have made a couple more friends than you started the trip with.
I would like to thank Nadia for all her help with planning this trip. I would like to thank Hada for making sure everything in the house was clean and spotless. I would also like to thank Danny for the long talks, and for making the whole experience as friendly and enjoyable as it could have been.
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
My friends and I love to travel, and we wanted to go somewhere really nice. We picked the Dominican Republic. We had such a great time.
Nadia was wonderful to work with, as far as trying to plan and make arrangements for this trip. Hada was so welcoming, and Danny was just so nice. They all made sure we had everything we needed - no matter what it was.
The property was very well kept, and the people in the area were just like family. It was my first time out of the country, and I really enjoyed myself. I almost cried when I had to leave .
If you are looking for a nice, warm, welcoming place to stay - this would be the perfect choice. Once again, my friends and I had a ball. We look forward to coming back real soon.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This seemed like a prison compound for women, with creepy security staff.Visited: September 2007
Posted by tkellat
Let me start by saying that the grounds were the most beautiful and intricately manicured, the rooms were amazingly furnished with high end furniture, and bathrooms were lovely with marble and glass. All that rates a total five-star resort. It was one the the best I've visited in my very extensive travels around the world.
However, as far as the security personnel went - they were like prison guards! My husband was down with the "rum flu" one evening. I let him to sleep it off, and went to take the trolley into the main restaurant area to find a meal.
On my wait for the trolley, I was approached by two of the security personnel and was questioned about where I was going, where was my husband, and how late was I staying out. It was a very, very uncomfortable encounter. I was quite shaken.
The trolley came, and I went ahead with my plans. On my return home, the same thing happened. Now, I don't mind people inquiring whether or not I need help when I'm in a resort that commands more than $600 per night, but being questioned about my plans...no!
One afternoon, during a nap, a security guard helped himself into my room to view the pool area from my balcony. When it was reported (and after confirming with my husband!), the management said they could determine who he was, and take care of it. That was the last I heard. They never got back to me. It was very violating, and very creepy.
I will never stay in this or any other Melia resort - ever! I will relate this problem to every travel blog out there!
0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
We were at the Sun Village September 2007, and we are going back September 2008. It was great - we couldn't fault anything.
The staff was very helpful and friendly, and the food and accommodation were excellent. I now do not read any negative reviews regarding this accommodation.
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
My husband and I visited this resort last week to celebrate our honeymoon. I have stayed at many different resorts in the Caribbean, and I have to say this is the best resort I have ever stayed at.
I was extremely impressed with the staff. Everyone we dealt with was so friendly and helpful. We were very well taken care of. Every request we had was addressed immediately. The staff was extremely competent.
The resort was very well maintained. The landscaping was gorgeous, and the pools were beautiful. The rooms were a good size and very clean. The maids put fresh flowers in our room every day, too.
The food was fantastic. They had many different restaurants, and each one featured a different ethnic cuisine. We ate at a different restaurant every night, and we always left satisfied. We found La Pagoda to be our favorite - although it was very hard to choose.
There were so many different bars and lounges at which to have a drink. Many places had couches to just sit and relax on. This resort had such a laid back atmosphere. At night, there was always something to do - whether it be a show, the casino, or a beach party.
The beach was beautiful and clean. There were plenty of chaise lounges, so we never had a problem finding a chair.
This resort had everything you would ever need for a vacation. For the seven days we were here, my husband and I never left the resort - there was no need to!
I highly recommend this resort for your next vacation!
4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This was the worst birthday trip ever.Visited: March 2007
Posted by mejia23
My husband's family is from the Dominican Republic, so they decided to take me here for my birthday.
The check in was a nightmare. Mind you, I went with my two toddlers, my sister and brother-in-law, and their two kids - so it was kind of annoying.
The staff didn't seem to know what they where doing half of the time, and didn't help much with information on what to do around the resort. Also, the staff lacked good people skills.
The food was alright - I have had better. The rooms could have been kept cleaner, too.
One of their staff members told us we were able to visit their sister hotel, and that the kids would be able to enter the pool for a while. Mind you, this was on my birthday, so we went with the kids and all their pool toys.
When we got there, we had to take a tour around the hotel first in the hot afternoon sun. The kids were fussy because they were tired of walking in the hot sun. Well, it was a trick to get us to join their membership. As soon as we said "no thanks", the man got mad and said the kids couldn't get in the pool. He said we had to go back to the hotel. At that point, I was very angry because I had a two-year-old and a four-year-old fussing around and crying.
We asked for water, and out of the seven people we were with, they only gave us three bottles of water. The man was really rude to us after that - it was awful.
Every year I travel to the Dominican Republic, but I will not return to Ocean Bavaro, and do not recommend it to anyone I know.
On the upside, the beach was beautiful. I will return to Punta Cana.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We have a justified reason for not returning.Visited: June 2008
Posted by tulip123
The resort was clean, and every day we noticed the beach itself was raked by staff and well managed.
Our room was pleasant, large in size, mopped daily, and cleaned. We left additional tips even, to appreciate the service.
The food was where there was a problem. There were a large assortment of foods available. We tried everything - but when it came to dairy products, soft serve, yogurts, milk, dessert cakes don't eat them. I had terrible stomach "issues" - let's put it - for seven days in a row once I arrived here. My boyfriend is currently laying in bed, and sure to visit a doctor this week because he is fatigued and plagued with wrenching stomach cramps and other problems.
If you have traveled to Europe or other countries, and have been fine as we have, this will be the one place to be cautious. They were very careful with the ice and drinks. However, dairy products do follow different guidelines. Please keep this in mind.
Also, open buffet also means "open". There were birds in the food, and flies cultivating the hot dishes while a man fanned them away.
The social atmosphere at the front desk was lacking. They seemed snobby, and didn't seem to like Americans.
Our biggest issue was what another reader mentioned. If you are not Spanish, you won't be eagerly served here. I had to wait in line while everyone got served and I was completely ignored. Understand that I wasn't boasting being American, I speak a little Spanish, and managed to blend at times.
It was very surprising for a tourist-reliant hotel. I won't return.
2 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
This was a second honeymoon with relaxed written all over it!Visited: February 2008
Posted by storm
My wife and I stayed here in February. Yes, the swim up suite was nice, but the upgrade was worth it for the private concierge.
The food was okay - it's all-inclusive, so it was what you would expect. I didn't understand having a Mexican restaurant when you are in the Dominican Republic. Surprisingly, the buffet was the best. However, the private lounge for breakfast was awesome!
Unfortunately, my wife and I figured out about boogey boarding the last day we were here. It was free, good exercise, time together, and it was a blast. The Atlantic side always had waves.
On our plane trip back home, we were already planning our next trip. It was much better than Belize and Mexico!
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
The Riu Bachata offered everything and more. They provided friendly service, comfortable rooms, great food, and even better - an excellent party scene!
My friend and I met some great people, and we felt at home being out of our country. I will definitely stay here again!
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
My friend and I made our first trip to the Dominican Republic, and we couldn't have been happier with the choice to stay at this villa. Everything was immaculate, and the staff was friendly and accommodating.
Nadia was excellent in helping us with all the details - including transport to and from airport. She made everything go smoothly and hassle free, and anything I asked for - she was spot on.
The beach, casino, and restaurants were all close. Everyone in the area was friendly and helpful, too - especially since neither of us spoke much Spanish. But it was not a problem at all.
We found tons of things to do, but when we were back at the villa, everything was peaceful, quiet, and relaxing. This was just what a vacation should be.
I would stay here again in a heartbeat. In fact, I'm working on plans now!
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
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!
7 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Five of us (from Pennsylvania, USA) stayed here from May 11th to 16th, 2008. We booked through Susan Judd at Berwick Travel. She was very helpful and took care of all our travel needs.
We stayed in three Platinum Suites (793, 795 and 796). I would highly recommend the upgrade to Platinum Club. Margarita, Anna and Juan were great to deal with.
On Sunday night, we booked the entire week for the time we wanted each night. We ate at Licey (no charge, included with Platinum upgrade), Tanuki, Chopin and Bella Pasta. We were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. Food selection was very good, while both buffets had chefs preparing fresh food (to your order) in addition to all the staged buffet food.
Drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and specialty coffees at the Platinum Lounge were consumed daily. The no-charge stocked mini-bar and liquor in the room was a nice convenience, too.
Lehandro, our VIP representative was on-site, and very knowledgeable. He took care of scheduling our transfers back to the airport. We also booked a 4-wheeler excursion with him. We all had a great time 4-wheeling in the country-side.
The weather was great. We had about 15 seconds of rain (light shower) the whole week. The ocean and beach were awesome - no words could describe them, you must see!
Overall, I would highly recommend Bavaro Princess. We didn’t experience anything negative here.
10 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
This was our first resort vacation.Visited: April 2008
Posted by lisa68
This resort was quoted as a four-star, but was not to our standards of a four-star. It was closer to a three-star.
We were not placed in the room/building we requested. Also, on the web site they offered in-room safes. It was in the room, but we were unable to obtain a key for it the entire stay. Needless to say, we could not lock up our passports. Who runs a resort with not enough keys for the safes?
We went with a group of 19. On many occasions, we were told we could not sit/eat together at the restaurants - and that was a group of eight at the time.
The pools closed at 6:00 pm, so for those who like to swim after supper - pools were not an option. At the child pool area, women where topless - even though the sign read that tops were to be on. There were a lot of topless women at the pools and on the beach area.
The staff was okay. It seemed if we tipped, they fell over us to help. If we didn't, we would wait a long time for our next drink. I found as a female, the female staff didn't smile at me or go out of their way to wait on me - as opposed to how they were with the male guests.
My housekeeping staff was wonderful. I had no complaints there. However, no room had face cloths (bring your own).
We had joined up for some excursions that where cancelled the day of. It was very frustrating. The rooms were not sound proof, either, so you could hear what was going on next door.
4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
The rooms were superficially cleaned; there were dead flies on the window-sills of the restuarants; the food was passable (at best); and the staff was dismissive or down-right passive-aggressive in their dealings with guests.
Our air conditioning did not work, and it took us calling our agent from the room, and them calling the front-desk to get any help.
Also, the beach was no better than the Jersey shore. Stay away!
3 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful.
I had visited Dominican Republic once before, and received high quality service.
Let me start off by saying my room was very dirty. The bathroom needed a good scrubbing. The beds were awful, and the sheets were not changed.
Also, the TV never worked, and the hotel asks you to sign out a remote control!
I am from New York, and it felt just like it when I visited the pool there. And forget about getting any peace - the peddlers keep harassing you to buy stuff.
Also, the food was not so great - when I was able to get some. I thought the tours were a rip off - big time! They had me believing we were going to watch the sun set. We actually saw the "hood". It was a horrible experience.
Lastly, (but not least!) the hotel service was the worst. They never spoke English, and had the nerve to be rude.
Once again, I would rather have been at work instead of the Barcelo Talanquera! For any one who may be interested in coming to this shack - don't!
5 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful.
Caribbean 
We enjoyed it! 
They made us stay until we paid them $1000. 
This was the best time ever! 
This seemed like a prison compound for women, with creepy security staff. 
This was the worst birthday trip ever. 
