Gran Bahia Principe La Romana Hotel

We been there 2 weeks and Sea was very dirty all the time beacause very dirty river near by.
Food went off then check what you eat.
Staff dont speek english and swimming pool full of flyes but not all the time and to many local people coming to resort.
Resort look nice but the rest is big problem specialy the sea rivers are better in england???
SEA DIRTY SEA DIRTY SEA DIRTY

7 readers found this review helpful

A mixed view of this hotel and resort.
The good:
The grounds are beautifully landscaped and well tended - fabulous. Numerous birds (including a hummingbird that we never actually managed to capture on film), butterflies, flowers. Paradise.
The main hotel lobby is very classy with marble floors, numerous comfy sofas.
Our room (3713 in block 37) was right by the beach, with fabulous sunset views. Beautifully appointed with hairdryer, iron and ironing board, coffee filter, minibar (topped up daily) and towel art most days.
Staff always smiling and happy to please. A small tip goes a long way...
No complaints whatsoever on any of the above. Wonderful!
The bad:
Very ISOLATED (2km from main road, and miles from nearest town San Pedro. Taxi quoted at $40). This is fine if you're happy with a resort-based holiday, but very limiting if you like to get out and about.
FOOD. Usual AI buffet, mainly tasty. The speciality restaurants were very variable - from excellent to inedible (think it depends on the cook on duty for the day). There seemed to be quite a lot of tummy upsets (and worse) whilst we were there. However, I gather the hotel is under new management and there seemed to be a big 'shake up' of dining areas during our second week. So hopefully things will improve.
The ugly:
The SEAWATER is very, very cloudy (see photo). Apparently this is due to environmental issues (hurricane Olga was mentioned) that the hotel has been battling to improve for many months with no apparent success. So don't plan on snorkeling - we took a couple of trips to Catalina Island for crystal clear seas ($55 from Dive Centre on beach. Expensive, but fantastic snorkeling).
Useful info:
There's an ATM to the right of main reception. Worked fine. Research which bank account/card to use, you may end up with a real bargain on exchange rates etc. Exchange rates at reception are predictably poor, but they will change large notes down (for tips).
Brush up on your Spanish - most waiting staff have very little English, but reception and senior staff seem to be very multi-lingual.
Take insulated beakers (buy in UK, very expensive in resort shops) for keeping drinks cool on beach, and sand free.
Mossies are a real pest - use a good repellant, and pack something for bites (if anyone knows of anything that works to stop the itching, please let me know).
Early mornings can be very cool in Winter, so pack a sweater.
3 hour transfer from Punta Cana airport, so be prepared with snacks/water.
Both US$ and Dominican Pesos are used here, but it's easier to use just the latter if you're from the UK. Take a few with you, and just withdraw whatever you need from the ATM in Pesos. ATM only issues 500 or 1000 notes.