TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

I have been back a week and a half now and waited before writing this review to try and do it favourably. Cannot be done. 10 days later and still remember all the awful things about this resort and the culture in Dominican Republic. Most people do not like to read essays so will try to keep as brief as possible. There are a few shout outs to the few helpful people I encountered. 1st night, key does not work, and rooms is disgusting and dirty, urine and faeces on toilet, hairs everywhere, dirty bedding. Baggage boy who bought me to room was no help at all, told me to get new key, no explanation about golf carts that take you around resort, would have been helpful. Kept hold of the tip as he was not helpful to me and then he walked out. AGM Gerdwin was fabulous, moved me immediately and apologised, also took pictures, which I have too on email, should any response to this review try and dispute my statements. Food in main buffet. Few words. Inedible and disgusting. Not fit for consumption. Was like this the whole visit. To see I am not embellishing this, look at the pictures. Anyone who ever said Egypt or Turkey hotels has poor food can now say they are 8 stars, compared to this 2-star quality Only omelette at breakfast was edible as it was made fresh. Jojue in Guest Relations was my saviour. Fortunately, it was out of season, so I was able to book each night at different a la carte restaurants. Cooking is really not a strong point in this resort. Best a la carte was Japanese and Dominican restaurant for me. Onsite sellers, boat trips, pictures in resort, all out to rip you off with extortionate prices. Some guest even heard and understand what touts/staff were saying in Spanish about ripping the tourist of. Even when it was reported directly to reception or guest relations, they did nothing. They contribute to it themselves as some were directly their staff. Examples, book tour via beach, which is advertised as theirs, $170 for an hour jet ski. 67 digital pictures taken around the resort and not by a professional, $525. When disputed, couple were told $10 per pic. Girlfriend picked 15 out and was then charged $15 per pic and 18% card fee, which she was not told about. This couple had to wait 2 days for same lady be in onsite digital photo place, to get a full refund and then pay again in cash, minus the 18% card fee. Would not have waited 2 days if it were me but they got it resolved. Tablets (Urodina) bought in shop for me, $15 per 4 tablets. Entire box is only $76 online. Found chemist who delivered and sold box of 100 to me for $110, so was happy with that. At resort shop prices, this box would have cost $375. Have heard of mark ups but this place is ridiculous. Tourist trips also try rip off tactics, 37 digital pictures only at Monkey Sanctuary wanted $125. Caribbean was always going to be expensive, but this is a whole different level. Hardest working at the resort seem to be the Groundsmen. Housekeeping (with the exception of my first room), guys who drive golf cars ferrying guests about and the animation team. Top call out for Alejandro, who was really friendly and helpful. 80% of the staff are only interested in engaging with you if a tip is involved. Limited interactions from staff, it is like they are just doing their jobs and nothing else. They are definitely not interested in solo travellers. Just glad I was not there peak season. You can wait 20 minutes to get a coke at the pool bars as one or 2 staff working and they are busy making cocktails, for the numerous tourist who start drinking at 09:30 in the morning. Reception, not interested in anything, other than the helpful AGM, mentioned earlier. Rooms are damp. Had to wash every item, including bag on return as all was wet. Spoke with many other guests who said the same. There was mould on my nets. Met some lovely guests on holiday, mostly at this hotel and sister hotel. Consensus was the same, unless you speak Spanish, or were Western, you will basically think the same, food appalling, prices rip off. One guest even made a sign and wore it, parading up and down for the day complaining about rip off trip he booked via company on beach at hotel beach. Don't know the outcome, as he left the next day. Guest from sister hotel told me how they stayed at Dreams resort 4 years back and it was amazing. She was like me and booked all a la carte restaurants after complaining how bad the food was. I am gobsmacked that this hotel ever won an award. Even paying VIP not worth it if you don't drink alcohol, as you get very little more and I also spent a day with 3 ladies who did buy this, so saw their fresh prepped food, it was not much better. Internet dropped every day, even the upgraded premium package. Key broke twice and they expect you to go all the way to reception, not even a phone in the corridor to contact them and ask them to send someone down to let you in and bring a new key. Based on the size of the resort, they need this. Would never book again at this hotel or even go back to Dominican Republic. Having to complain on alternate days about one thing or another was too stressful. Resort itself in a glorious setting. Loved the nature walking about. Truly made the holiday. Worst holiday in years. Lovely island ruined by greed and poor service.

Best swim-up bartenders ever!!! Wellinton, Handsome, Juan, and Wally. They took great care of us everyday and made sure our drinks were always flowing. They were very friendly, nice, and attentive. When we asked them to make gus drinks that were a specific color, they were creative. We enjoyed hanging out by the pool everyday, having fun in the sun.

The resort was one of the best in Punta Cana so far. We would like to give a special and enthusiastic shout-out to the staff at the main buffet: Ivan and Rosa were absolutely phenomenal. The restaurants were also great. We loved the natural beauty and the views. It was wonderful to see the animals like the ducks, peacocks, and pink flamingos roaming freely around the property." The only thing we didn't like was the hugh pillow, it was hard to sleep and they were not able to provide any other options.

Excelente! One word to best describe my vacation at Caribe Deluxe Princess. The best time for me was volleyball and dancing . And who to best guide you through both then Eunice. She's amazing , excelent customer experience skills and she's more than just animacion...she s a new friend i have now in Dominicana!

Had the best 2 weeks here I didn’t want to go home the rooms had such a amazing view everyone was so friendly totally loved the foam party the animation team always got everyone involved all the staff went above and beyond to make feel welcomed I’m going to give a special thanks to Algelis ( yullie) he was so funny such a big fun character in life house keeping did a amazing job everyday bar staff always kept the drinks flowing and the food was good definitely recommend trying all the restaurants I had a birthday while I was there and my birthday cake was delicious