Gran Bahia Principe Ambar

We booked through Travelocity and arrived only to find that the hotel was overbooked (about 5 other couples were in the same situation). They compensated us by having us stay at the Majestic resort next door (which is just as nice if not nicer, you might want to check it out as well), gave us $150, and promoted us to the Ambar section of the hotel (which is nicer with its own pool, no kids allowed, own restaurants). Food is good to average but don't expect to be blown away by the food. We ate at the Mediterranean restaurant (so-so)... more

My husband and I have just returned from the Ambar resort. Our stay was from Jan5th-12th. Overall we had a wonderful experience. Upon arrival we had a very late check-in. It was fairly quick and efficient however we didn't wait for the bellman but instead found our room ourselves. Our room wasn't up to the cleanliness standards of a 5 star nor did the mini-bar have any beer in it. I found some management and they delivered a few beers which was pretty good at 2a.m. The next day we requested a room transfer and got it no problem.... more

We stayed at the Principe Ambar from Dec.26 to Jan.2, 2008. We abosutely loved it! In reading some other reviews people were concerned with the service. They were correct in saying that the service wasn't the BEST service I have ever had, but it is to be expected. Unlike life in Canada or the United States, life in the Dominican Republic is a lot slower and laid back. Once a person gets used to this, they realize that the service is really quite good. Another thing that is important to do is to always tip. Try to tip everyone. For a lot of... more

Just stayed at the Ambar from the 7th of January until the 14th. Filght in and out, customs etc went very smoothly compared to Costa Rica and Jamaica. Was slightly disappointed in the maid service, mini-bar and ala carte restaurants (only ate at one - the Don Pablo Gourmet) but overall was a beautiful resort, plenty of room and good food and selection at the buffets. Don Pablo had 2 courses and dessert. Food was good but nothing to write home about. Ala cartes were hard to get into sometimes as others have mentioned but... more

We stayed 1 week in this almost new 5-star. The ADULTS ONLY section was great: quiet, off by itself. While the resort is huge, with some sections quite a distance from the beach, we were very close. The food was great, premises spotless, staff seemed happy/helpful. English was not spoken as widely as say, Mexico- a good excuse to try your Spanish! The beach was beautiful: went out of sight in both directions. The resort has 3, 12- foot catamarans for use. Do not be 'sucked in' by the attendants' request for $25!... more

As my title states it was great--hotel grounds,service, beach,food were all excellent.The staff were friendly and helpful and took care of something when asked.Coming from NYC i'm always rushing so I had to get used to a little slower pace --once I did I had a great time.The hotel is brand new and beautiful--the pool could be a little warmer but overall great.Anyone going to this resort should attend the orientation offered and check out the map given them--it will save time and help in your navigation of this huge resort.I plan on returing... more

My partner and I spent 28th Dec to 4th Jan 2008 at the Ambar. The place looks great, we were very lucky to have an ocean view room which sat on the corner of the hotel, giving us more space and a bigger balcony than most other guests... BUT the service is TERRIBLE!! Hardly anyone speaks English, it was really hard communicating with the staff. I do not believe we received 5 star treatment, we basically had to do everything ourselves, the only we got towels in our bathroom was to bribe the maid! After giving her some... more

My wife and I stayed at the Ambar resort from Dec 20th to 27th. Upon arrival at the Bavaro, which is where you go prior to heading down to the Ambar, they could not find us in the computer system even after we had told them we were booked in at the Ambar. Took the person at the desk about 10 minutes to realize that we had to go down to the Ambar to check in. Minor detail but I thought they would have know ahead of time that folks staying at the Ambar would be made aware of this upon arrival because we boarded the bus at the airport the... more

Hi there, Just got back we stayed from Dec 30th 2007 to Jan06th 2008. Our stay got better everyday but the first night was a nightmare! We arrived at the hotel late at night and there was only one guy working at the front desk! Check in was slow, confusing and a complete joke! One bell boy working for a whole bus load of people from Toronto! Anyways so we got to our room after an hour or so standing at the front desk with our group from T.O....The rooms only get hydro when you put your key in the slot inside the room on the wall.... more

just got back, stayed from dec. 29th until jan.5th I had read alot about this hotel in the past few weeks and my expectations were high...i was a bit dissapointed We got there, the weather was beautiful and so was the place i mean everything is new and beautiful the beach is breathtaking...lots of room, deep beach with perfect sand our first days were really nice...i thought i had found the ideal destination but with time, we realized that we were suffering from the 'new' hotel blues i.e. the service was... more