TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

There are goods and unfortunately bads with the hotel. We paid for a 5* superior junior suite so we had certain expectations including a hot shower. On atribal we even paid a further £340 to upgrade to black bands that would allow the use of the Bougainville facilities. After a 9 hour flight plus the transfers etc all you want is a hot shower to freshen up, not to be I’m afraid. I immediately contacted customer service thinking it may just be a problem that could be fixed easily, unfortunately that wasn’t the case. We were told for 4 days this was an acceptable temperature until I involved TUI and the rep agreed it wasn’t acceptable. The to and fro for the first 6 days put a bit of a dark cloud over the holiday and we feel we couldn’t enjoy it. We were given a room at the Bougainville as a gesture of good will (although if you book that it’s only £330 more expensive so I suppose I overpaid upgrading bands!) but at last we had hot water and it was great. The room was lovely, however the air con was poor (we didn’t complain as felt we had lost enough holiday time prior) but, overall it was a much nicer more comfortable experience and place to be. Plenty of eating choices, don’t be surprised when you can’t book into Al-a-carte as the hotels are massive and restaurants can’t cope with the volume. Like I say a nice hotel but needs some $$$ spent on the plumbing, rooms etc and only then you could say it’s a 5*. At time of writing I’d say a low 4* to a very high 3*. If booking please note that the sea is very dark/sandy and absolutely no chance of snorkelling. I believe the river is to blame so don’t expect Caribbean aqua sea. I’m not sure if I would re book unless I knew there had been an extensive refurbishment of the interiors. I feel a little deflated knowing I paid £340 extra on top of the holiday price but we live and learn. (Photos show temperature at shower) The gardens are stunning and well cared for

Positives:- Very clean complex Both the main restaurant and the beach restaurant serve a wide variety of food and different selection every day. Staff very good and accommodating Generous alcohol measures Entertainment team around pool Fantastic with lots of activities and great kids club Very large bedroom suites quick check in and check out Own phone app which makes extras on the complex easy to book. Pool is very big Plenty of sun loungers on beach and around pool Housekeeping very good Negatives:- Lobby shop VERY expensive Location is very far from anywhere so unless booking excursions there is only the beach to go for a walk and the only minimarket not at the hotel costs $15 for a return taxi although they will wait up to an hour for you but wouldn't need anywhere near that amount of time. Sea water not clear but that is not hotels fault Spanish speaking guest served quicker at bars Evening entertainment poor Expensive cost for Spa services Air con in room VERY noisy and would just cut out at times Bedrooms need furniture modernising Mini bar in room was not working correctly and was frozen over inside Electricity would just cut out randomly however it would get fixed very quickly Didn't go to the casino or nightclub so cant comment on those. Its such a pity as overall its a pretty good Hotel but mainly due to its location and proximity to places, the quality of the sea water and need of modernising I wouldn't come back to this hotel but would definitely stay at a Bahia Principe hotel again.

We booked Bahia La Romana only a few days before we travelled, so got a really good deal with Tui. We are also Bahia black band members so also had access to Bougainvillea adult only side. Location is a bit out of the way of any towns so really just a chill holiday. The hotel is on the Caribbean side of the island so the best beaches and warmest waters. The sea in front of the hotel is murky from the local river, but if you walk 500 metres to the left near to the beach club it is gorgeous. 90 minutes from Punta Cana airport. The pools are great with daily aqua aerobics. There is also pilates and zumba, with a timetable near where you change your towels. There are some caves- Cuevas de Maravillas - just outside the hotel well worth a visit. Reception can order you a taxi and they wait for you, return journey is $35US. There is a local bus to Santo Domingo but it's a long walk to the main road to catch the bus. Taxis are expensive. La Romana is a bit nearer and worth going to. We ate at all the hotel restaurants including those on the adult only side at The Bougainvillea, enjoyed them all. The buffet is great for breakfast and lunch, though the outside setting for breakfast is nicer on the adult side. They offer an upgrade at check in to access the adult side and it gives a better experience having the choice. There is nightly entertainment, circus being the best show at the open air part in front of reception. There is also a nightclub and quite a few shops for souvenirs and beach wear. There are free water sports- kayaks, catamarans and paddle boards and easily available. We also rented bikes near to the tennis courts, very safe cycling within the whole complex. The gym is small but has enough for a workout and is open long hours. The golf course is very good also with some holes with ocean views. Our room was fine, standard bahia suite with a balcony, a/c and fan, safe, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, plenty of wardrobe space and a mini fridge. Our maid kept our room super clean and the fridge was restocked daily. We met some really nice couples; it's generally not a rowdy place specially over on the adult side. Except of a weekend, lots of Dominicans visit on packages and seem to have a great time. A really good atmosphere by the pools all day. The weather was really hot and humid in October, very little rain. I think we will be back.

Just returned from another fantastic holiday in the only place I wanted to be for my birthday This was my 3rd visit in 2 years and it never fails to be enjoyable The room i had had an ocean view (block 26) perfect 3 mins to the pool and 5 mins away from the lobby,as always the service in the restaurant's was first class as was the selection of food for breakfast and dinner i choose not to eat lunch but could always get a snack from the beach restaurant every day there was also food by the pool Bar staff are very busy during the day and night but I never had a problem with being served and some of the comments i see in other reviews about needing to be Latino or speak Spanish are false you just need to be patient The animation team as always keep you busy during the day and night around the pool or in the lobby and at the shows My birthday dance was a big hit with my friends and I thank you all ?? During my stay it is amazing how hard all the staff work from gardeners, housekeeping,waitresses and the management team are always ready for a chat with the guests and are always around they seem to never sleep All in all my vacation was great and I will be back soon for more of the service this hotel offers Each and every day missing you all already

Pros: - Budget friendly - Supervised activities for kids (both indoors and outdoors) - Entertainment team is awesome (circus, magic show, dance show, beach party, kids disco) - Tons of adult activities - The Bouganville resort (adults-only) a short walk. We had kids so weren't allowed to enter. - The buffet is grand and awesome - Lush green and well maintained - Free activities like kayak, etc. included in reservation Cons: - Very limited food options. - We didn't like the food at any 3 ala-carte restaurants (just stuck to the 2 buffet places) - Nothing much to do outside the resort unless you take a long drive - Beach water is very murky