TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Huge resort hut stayed at the Esmeralda, which is the”luxury” property. Beautiful and updated. Staff seemed new so weren’t the most attentive after the first move but not for lack of effort (think it’s the training). Very nice service, terrific food and options, and accommodations were great. Pool scene and beach were fantastic as well. Been coming to Punta Cana for the past 20+ years and specifically around the holidays 4 years.” Now since COVID. Fantastic overall property but minimal on the holiday theme (holiday music non-existent and feliz navidad from the staff…). But would totally come back, even for Christmas. As I said, overall fantastic but some negatives. I can single out the amazing staff but that’s a combo of their service and the lack thereof of their workmates. One or two to carry the village is tough…. Thy really need to step up the entire staff to be as good as their best, tbh. And I’m shouting out to Alexis at the pool, Emanuel in the beach buffet, Alejandro in the main buffet and Cesar(?) mega Rodizio rockstar. You all are the best and feel bad you are carrying the rest!! Water pressure in shower was pretty bad no matter time of day but no biggie. And the pool filtration was straight up poor - meaning area by filter was gross…!!!!! That said, beach is the best!!! As a NYC and pain in the butt guy to please, those were minor items to an otherwise fantastic experience at a terrific resort. Would definitely consider as a repeat in the future!

Unfortunately, Bahia seems to have a different definition of luxury. For the price we paid, this was a major disappointment. While the property has potential, it falls short in several key areas. 1. Check-in Process Why did it take nearly 3 hours to check us in? The process was incredibly inefficient and made no sense. Who the hell wants to spend 3 hours in the lobby after a long day flying in. Very frustrating 2. Room Issues We paid for an upgraded room and were placed in Villa 1, which was conveniently located by the pool and close to the beach. However, despite the upgrade, the plumbing was far from satisfactory. There was a constant sewage smell in the bathroom, and sewage flies were visible. We reported this to guest services, and one employee even admitted that Villa 1 had plumbing issues – his words. Despite this, nothing was done to offer us a different room, and we were stuck with a smelly bathroom for five days. 3. Poor Room Service Room service was practically non-existent. After 9 hours, 4 phone calls, and an in-app order, we finally received an extra blanket. The room was cleaned at random times. For example, when we called to have our room cleaned, the housekeeper arrived at 7 PM, dropped off clean towels, and informed us she’d be back to clean tomorrow. 4. Food Quality While there was a variety of food options, the quality was mediocre at best. For the sit-down restaurants, you need to book as soon as you arrive, or you’ll be stuck eating at the buffet for your entire stay. There simply aren't enough restaurants to accommodate all guests. The food's quality was underwhelming, and the seafood was not fresh. At the Christmas Eve gala, where they served lobster and prime rib, the lobster was terrible – it literally disintegrated in your mouth, suggesting improper storage. Most of the wines tasted like vinegar, and the buffet restaurant was only okay. The space could also use a fresh coat of paint. 5. Lobby and Staff The lobby is outdated and a hotspot for mosquitos and timeshare salespeople. Unless you want to deal with those, it's best to avoid it. Overall, the staff wasn’t very helpful or friendly. Most of the time, the answer to any request or question was “No,” unless you slipped them a $20. Suddenly, everything would change. Good luck finding the supervisor. He/she hides behind their staff. 6. Activities The resort offers activities like kayaking and sailing, but good luck actually getting to do them. There were only one or two available, and again, you need to book days in advance. The activities seem to be more of a marketing tool to push other paid experiences. Overall Experience This was a very disappointing experience. We're not asking for royal treatment, just basic respect and a level of service that matches the price we paid. We're happy to spend money as long as we feel valued and treated well. The constant upselling and lack of genuine hospitality left a bad taste in our mouths. Needless to stay, we won't be back and will be taking our money elsewhere.

Having read some of the reviews, I was a wee bit apprehensive of what we would find at the Grand Punta Cana, but it turned out well for us. We were there on an RCI exchange, so we were treated as members of BP's Privilege Club. That gives you a private lounge in which to check in, access to more restaurants than just those normally available to guests at the Grand Punta Cana and more often as well, and access to marked off parts of the beach chair area and private bars. We must have been given a remodeled room because it was not at all dated. Furniture and decor were newer and in good shape, while the overall design was helpful - lots of built-in USB-A and USB-C charging ports. The room was refreshed daily although they never changed the sheets during our one-week stay. The minibar is stocked with Pepsi, orange soda, Presidente beer (regular or light), and water. All of that was restocked daily. There are battery carts that take people to and from the beach and around the complex, which is fairly long if not too wide. Never had to wait for one of those although we mostly just walked since the villa we were in (#29) was closer to the beach than some parts of the Grand Punta Cana. Landscaping could probably use a bit of work around some of the villas - the nearly bare ground around ours became a swamp during the few rain showers that passed through. Never really had a problem with mosquitoes despite being right next to the on-site mangrove swamp. I did see what must have been fogging once at night, but that was it. The grounds are nice, although all of the Greek or Roman statuary seems a little incongruous. Service was inconsistent at the restaurants. Some of servers were super friendly and quick to refresh beverages or provide other assistance. Some just tossed silverware on the table between courses and didn't seem pleased. Food quality varied as well. Many of the soups were salted to death, but on the other hand we had a very nice meal at the Fish Market and it was beautifully prepared. My favorite restaurant was Taino where we enjoyed very good seafood prepared Dominican style. The gourmet restaurants El Olivo and Limbo let us down, with hit or miss food preparation and sometimes inaccurate description of dishes. A la carte restaurants have very limited menus, so they generally get food out to you quickly. Overall, however, the all-inclusive price was quite fair for what we got and it's a lot cheaper than some of the Punta Cana resorts. This was my first all-inclusive stay anywhere, so read my thoughts above in that context.

Myself and my wife went in December 2024 for 2 weeks to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We had a private transfer from the airport which was ‘interesting’ to say the least! Check in was the only thing I could fault about the whole holiday experience. The staff were friendly at reception but it did take around 80 mins to receive our wrist bands etc. I felt this was a little too long especially after a day of travelling but it wasn’t the end of the world. We got upgraded to a newer style room nearer the beach which was a nice touch. We got taken there by ‘train’ and dropped at the door. The room itself was very clean with ice cold air conditioning. It was cleaned, restocked the mini fridge and towels etc every day with out fail. We spent the first few days on the beach which was stunning although it does get a bit busy. The rest of the time we spent around the pool by the beach which was a very good size. Easy to get a bed, even if you were late getting there. Lots of pool side entertainment every day which was fun to join with or even just watch. The entertainment staff were amazing by the pool. The service staff by the pool were very attentive and we preferred to eat at the restaurant near the pool which was also lovely. The food overall was very good. A great selection in the main buffet and we enjoyed all of the a la cart restaurants we attended with special mentions for the Japanese and Italian which were our personal favourites. The night time entertainment was also excellent with a wide selection of things to do and see. Service in the evening was also very good. We tended to tip most of the staff (dollar here and there) which seemed to ensure that we were kept regularly topped up. The transport around the hotel was done by various ‘trains’ and were very frequent and you never had to wait more than 5 mins even at peak times. We loved Massimo who always had fun when he picked you up. Overall, I think the hotel was fantastic and great value for money. The staff are amazing and speak basic English. The hotel is huge and coupled with another 6 (I think) but never felt overly busy in any of the communal areas. We will certainly be back next year. I’m not sure where some of the negative reviews come from ?????

I have been to Punta Cana quite a few times. Been going there since Barcelo openned up 20+ years ago! I have to say that i have been to Bahia Principe properties before as well. In 2019 we visited Bahia principe La Romana(bouganville). Bouganville was an expecional experience. I have also stayed in the Punta Cana Bahia Principe Ambar property. Ambar property, again was exceptional. This particular property "Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana" was a bad! 1. The check in was way too long. they held all of us there for hours. At least two hours psent trying to get a room. Jaime was extremely lacksadaysical. Didnt give a crap. Told us that if we had complaints, to go to guest services. 2. The rooms we got for what we paid were crap. my room was a remodeled room. It did not have hot water in the show for 3 out of the for days spent there. I called several times. they said it was fixed, sure enough yes there was hot water in the shower. Then when we started taking said shower, the water went cold again. My wife and i had to take a show with two cups we found. We would fill them up with hot water in the small sink and would alternate these cups constantly to shower! The AC unit was leaking down water constantly and i had to put down towels so we wouldnt fall. My Daughters room though was good they had zero issues there. 3. Literally, this property smelled like sewer everywhere. Main buffet area smells extremely bad. very uncomfortable to eat at Orquidea due to the smell. The food was ok, the smell there would kill your appetite. Note that the buffet would run out of plates constatntly. we would have to wait for plates. We also saw roaches in the bread toaster. The cooks where however very uplifting as were the waiters, but i hate to think that they must endure the smell at this buffet. 4. The tram , golf cart operators were a pain in the ASS! they woulnt stop for you sometimes(note that i was even tipping them). I would get picked up and someone would yell out to them to stop at the staion, the guy would literally say " Voy a dejar eso gringo que caminen", they were Russians. But since i understand spanish i would tell the cart operator to stop and he would completely ignore me. So i stopped tipping them>> actually i stopped using that service all together. Note the this place is huge>> 3/4 mile ling at least. 5. Pool area also had no towels two days we went to the pool. Pool was very nice. But we had to air dry. in closing, i met a lot of good folks working there, but the few that wouldnt even crack a smile, ruined it for everyone. I would make sure that the mood is set for your future visitor for i would not come back to this property for issues listed herein.