TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

I can not stress enough that no one should be a member of the Bahia Principe Privelege Club. We were sold this years ago and promised premium accommodations and experiences. This promise could be no further from the truth. While booking our vacation we were told that one week out someone from the concierge office would reach out and manage our requests. On Wednesday of this week we still had heard nothing so WE contacted them and asked what was going on. We quickly got a response asking us to check-in online and email our requests. Upon arrival today they said that we never responded, which we did the same day so they handled our room and dining choices. We requested to be close to the ocean and pool in either Villa 1 or 3. We were put in Villa 27 as far away from the beach as possible. The garden view is of dead branches and overgrown shrubs that it appears haven’t been maintained in over a month. The sounds of traffic going by outside are the only thing that make it even worse! We immediately went back to the lobby and said this was unacceptable and are being told that there is nothing that can be done because the Villas we requested are full. Walking by those Villas it’s obvious that several are uninhabited currently. To say we are absolutely disgusted with our accommodations and this “Privelege Club,” is an understatement. Spend your money elsewhere with resorts that actually strive to please and go above and beyond, not this chain that advertises a premium experience which is anything but!

Service is what makes the difference at this hotel. Personnel is extremely affable and accommodating. House maid service was excellent, always smiling and good natured. Cooks and servers in buffet had a great attitude and whenever something was asked for, the responded with a smile. Hotel employees make the stay worthwile.

There is water leaking from the ceiling in the room. There isn't enough air conditioning in the restaurant, and the heat is unbearable.

This resort is not what I expected from a Bahia, we visited Punta Cana and Jamaica before. However, it grows on you and I would go back. The bad - it is hit and miss depending on the front desk clerk - our vacation would have been so different if it wasn't for Jimmy at the check in. We emailed in advance, we asked for rooms closer to the beach on a lower floor as we have some mobility issues in our group and we do not use the pools. We know nothing is guaranteed but by the answers we received we were hopeful. After a very long day of travelling, when we finally got to the hotel, we were given rooms at the end of the resort, at the 3rd floor. Near us, people that were ckecking in in standard rooms were offered upgrades in junior suites for $140 US for the week. So I asked Jimmy politely to try to help us. He tried and then another one came, looked for one second in the computer and told me to "take it or leave it" very rude. His name was Alexander (or Allesandro, something like that), and I asked to talk to the manager on duty. I don't like to fight and I am aware that it's not easy to work with people, however his comment rised my blood pressure. This is not how you treat guests, many of us worked hard and saved in order to afford a vacation, and take it or leave it is not what you expect upon arrival, it is unproffessional. The manager found us rooms that suited our needs, in different blocks but it doean't matter. Since then, our vacation was good. We were in bloc 3 ground floor, our children and kids in bloc 7, 3rd floor. Both rooms were nice and spacious, air conditioning worked well, no issues with bathroom, shower, toilet. Our cleaning lady in the first week was amazing - our room was always clean, towels and face cloths, coffee and fridge restocked. In the second week we had to ask for face cloths every time we needed, coffee or beer. She had them in her carriage but just didn't put them unless we asked. We did tip daily. So, make sure you get a good room, it can make or break your vacation. We met people on the beach that were not that lucky. All of us got sick in the first days, one after the other - some with food poisoning, some from the sun but each of us got better in 24hrs. We tried the brazilian resto twice, it was ok, the French also twice - they had the best service and food, Greek once (ok-ish) and the worst for us was the Italian, because of the service - we felt rushed, barely sat down and we were asked to order ( pizza had blue cheese on it, and we didn't find the food very good, but it is a matter of personal taste). The bufet - long lines to get in, very small for the capacity of the resort, but food was tasty and variate. We didn't try the other one (outside and open during the day) but we tried the hotdogs from the beach grill and we enjoyed. Drinks were good, and staff from all the bars were nice, especially at the Sports Bar. I found everything very sweet. Coffee - they have coffee machines in the lobby, bufet, sports bar and you can choose what you want - espresso, cortadito, dominican, cappuccino or coffee with milk. The last ones come premixed and sweet. If you want ice coffee, you can ask at the sports bar but depends who makes it - in the morning they make it tasty but in the evening they just add ice to the ones from the machines and it's something icy and watery. We did not go into any pools, as we love the beach. It seems that there are lots of chairs however people wake up before sunrise to get a good spot and by 8 am there are none left. We had to take turns and be there @ 6 am and we would never leave all together even to have breakfast or lunch. The security would come and pick up towels from some chairs before 8, but would not bother after. And it's true, some people put towels there and leave for hours, and others that would enjoy the beach, can't. We were at the beach until 5pm every day, but because we had to get up so early, at night we were exhausted so we never made it to the shows in the Village. Beach is beautiful, you can take long walks left or right of the resort. The water was clear and very good for snorkeling. It was little seaweed on the beach in the morning but they would pick it up early and the beach was clean. Customer service - was very helpful, nice and always there, We did 2 trips - the Los Haitises national park and Bacardi island ( Cayo Levantado) and Monkeyland - we all enjoyed it. It is an older resort, but it didn't bother us. It grew on us every day and we met nice people. There were lots of people from Argentina, Portugal, Italy and Canada, few from US. In the end it's what you make of it, go with open mind and ignore little things. Our kids were crying when we left, they made so many friends and had so much fun. I would go back if the price is right.

I’ve lost count of how many times my wife, our friends, and I have visited this wonderful resort. Sometimes we come twice a year; other times, a couple of years pass between visits. What we absolutely love about this place is the magnificent beach stretching two miles in either direction, the pristine cleanliness, the buffet, the sports café, and the casual restaurants. We have stayed in various room types over the years and learned that saving on a room means losing out on the full experience; upgrading is truly worth it. Most of all, we love the wonderful people who are dedicated to turning a vacation into a true celebration. During our recent trip in June and July, the weather was superb. The ocean was calm and warm, with sunlight shimmering on the sandy bottom. The resort offers nice snorkeling opportunities that, while modest, are always interesting for enthusiasts. Kayaks are readily available, and those with the skills can even take out a catamaran. We had a wonderful time and are deeply grateful to the entire resort staff. We would like to give a special mention to Ceneida and Nathy at the buffet, Alba at the café, and Esmerlin, who introduced us to the resort's amazingly rich vegetation. We will certainly be back!