Bahia Principe San Juan Hotel, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £124
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Bahia Principe Dominican Republic San Juan Hotel is located 18 km along the Gaspar Hernandez-Rio San Juan road, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. The Bahia Principe San Juan Hotel was opened in July 1995 and stands on a private 5km long beach sheltered by a coral reef. The Bahia Principe San Juan Hotel covers an area of over 1.5 million sq m and is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, with myriad mangroves all over the area surrounding the Bahia Principe. The Bahia Principe San Juan Hotel also has two lake-type swimming-pools with children section, one of these with jacuzzi, and one activities pool, a large sundeck, sunshades, sunbeds and a towel service at the swimming-pools and beach. loading...
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Bahia Principe San Juan Hotel Reviews
" On arrival to your hotel you will get... "
Submitted By: Mr D Heathfield
On arrival to your hotel you will get a very warm welcome and a nice fruit cocktail, which is just what you want after a long day!
Your may find your room a little basic but then you are only using it to shower and sleep in! The hotel grounds are fantastic and very well looked after.
The buffet style restaurant is a+ with over 10 different main courses to choose from every day. My only problem with the al la carte restaurants is that you have to wear long trousers in them and the air conditioning is very poor, so this can become very uncomfy to say the least!
The staff at the hotel are very friendly and always try and help. The local alcoholic drinks are not great but they do the trick if you have enough of them.
One bit of advice, as soon as you get there buy a flea deterrent band from the hotel shop, as the bites are very sore!!
Your may find your room a little basic but then you are only using it to shower and sleep in! The hotel grounds are fantastic and very well looked after.
The buffet style restaurant is a+ with over 10 different main courses to choose from every day. My only problem with the al la carte restaurants is that you have to wear long trousers in them and the air conditioning is very poor, so this can become very uncomfy to say the least!
The staff at the hotel are very friendly and always try and help. The local alcoholic drinks are not great but they do the trick if you have enough of them.
One bit of advice, as soon as you get there buy a flea deterrent band from the hotel shop, as the bites are very sore!!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
"
The hotel was so incredible I... "
The hotel was so incredible I keep begging my mum and dad to take me again. The rooms are very clean and the maids even leave you little chocolates on your bed or make swans out of your towels which I thought was really sweet.
The animation team are so awesome and they have poolside games every day for you to join in with. The evening entertainment was really funny with so much fabulous dancing.
They do this special show every Friday that is called Madonna on Holidays and this is such good fun to watch. The manager of all the dancers always seems to be really cheerful and has a really cheeky face. He will do everything he can for you.
Luciano, who does the shows every night can speak at least eight different languages and the rest of the animation team, can speak at least 3 fluently!
They own at least a mile of beach so it’s always easy to find a sun bed. The complex itself is at least a mile in each direction so if you want a good night’s sleep there is no chance of you ever hearing the nigh time entertainment.
The street is really good because it’s like a shopping mall in itself and you always have loads of room because it’s so big.
We went on a banana boat and that was really good because the sea was quite rough so we were bounced and jumped all over the place.
I guarantee you will get lost in the buffet area because it’s just so big! They will even cook you an omelette with whatever you want in it, right in front of you!
You really must go to this hotel and the Bahia Principe song is so catchy, you won’t want to miss it!
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" The poor man's Caribbean? I don't... "
Submitted By: Mr W Smith
The poor man's Caribbean? I don't think so! A great resort, brilliant, friendly staff, and rating amongst the best holidays I've ever had in more years than I care to remember.
Booking off the internet meant that we got upgraded without realising, to the "Club within a Club,” Hacienda Principe - bit quieter surroundings, right at one end of a mile or two's beachfront.
Own private this, that and everything, and a little bus to pick you up and take you back after a hard day's pub crawl around the numerous bars on site.
Choice of restaurants, great selection of food although those who went there and expected a fry-up for breakfast voiced their disappointment, and better than average entertainment.
Even a 24 hour beer and burger bar - dip your feet in the water (the Atlantic in the North, not the Caribbean) and wash your midnight chicken and chips down with a lager - the height of decadence, but it has to be done.
Best thing is the "strip" - the driveway that runs off the main road up to the reception. It's where the fun starts after the complex shuts down at 11pm. Disco, Casino, more restaurants and bars, karaoke, shops etc all open till the early hours and part of your AI package except for the casino.
Even live bands and Meringue lessons in the road after they shut the main gates.
Don't get hung up on the "Sandals" type packages until you've tried this.
Booking off the internet meant that we got upgraded without realising, to the "Club within a Club,” Hacienda Principe - bit quieter surroundings, right at one end of a mile or two's beachfront.
Own private this, that and everything, and a little bus to pick you up and take you back after a hard day's pub crawl around the numerous bars on site.
Choice of restaurants, great selection of food although those who went there and expected a fry-up for breakfast voiced their disappointment, and better than average entertainment.
Even a 24 hour beer and burger bar - dip your feet in the water (the Atlantic in the North, not the Caribbean) and wash your midnight chicken and chips down with a lager - the height of decadence, but it has to be done.
Best thing is the "strip" - the driveway that runs off the main road up to the reception. It's where the fun starts after the complex shuts down at 11pm. Disco, Casino, more restaurants and bars, karaoke, shops etc all open till the early hours and part of your AI package except for the casino.
Even live bands and Meringue lessons in the road after they shut the main gates.
Don't get hung up on the "Sandals" type packages until you've tried this.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" A fantastic resort for all the... "
Submitted By: Mrs LA Cox
A fantastic resort for all the family. Excellent staff that are keen to please.
The entertainment is great fun and it was a holiday to remember for us.
We had heard some reviews of the resort which were not too positive and were concerned that it might not live up to our expectations, however, as soon as we arrived and saw the pools, restaurants and the beach we knew we were going to have a good time.
Thoroughly recommended.
The entertainment is great fun and it was a holiday to remember for us.
We had heard some reviews of the resort which were not too positive and were concerned that it might not live up to our expectations, however, as soon as we arrived and saw the pools, restaurants and the beach we knew we were going to have a good time.
Thoroughly recommended.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We arrived at the airport, put on a... "
Submitted By: vtaylor
We arrived at the airport, put on a coach and the check in procedure was done on the coach.
So on arrival at the hotel we taken straight to our room, we could not believe what we were seeing!
The room smelt really bad, and was not very clean, nothing in the room matched - even curtains and pelmet were different fabrics.
I pulled back bedclothes, the blanket was filthy, underneath the blanket was sand, the sheet was stained and there was sand between sheets.
The electrics were hanging off the wall, the hand basin was cracked, the bath plughole was rusty the shower curtain was stained.
Every surface was smeary, but worse of all there was mould/fungus growing on a very cracked ceiling.
This was reported to reception directly the only response was a shrug and I will inform housekeeping, we said we want a different room this was greeted with another shrug.
We then contacted the company rep, who arranged a transfer to another hotel the next morning.
Housekeeping did come to the room, remade the bed and shook the sand out. Two maids arrived next morning with clean sheets and blankets.
We can't comment on the rest of the resort except to say it is very large crowded and noisy. The two meals we had there, were passable although we waited a long time to get a table.
So on arrival at the hotel we taken straight to our room, we could not believe what we were seeing!
The room smelt really bad, and was not very clean, nothing in the room matched - even curtains and pelmet were different fabrics.
I pulled back bedclothes, the blanket was filthy, underneath the blanket was sand, the sheet was stained and there was sand between sheets.
The electrics were hanging off the wall, the hand basin was cracked, the bath plughole was rusty the shower curtain was stained.
Every surface was smeary, but worse of all there was mould/fungus growing on a very cracked ceiling.
This was reported to reception directly the only response was a shrug and I will inform housekeeping, we said we want a different room this was greeted with another shrug.
We then contacted the company rep, who arranged a transfer to another hotel the next morning.
Housekeeping did come to the room, remade the bed and shook the sand out. Two maids arrived next morning with clean sheets and blankets.
We can't comment on the rest of the resort except to say it is very large crowded and noisy. The two meals we had there, were passable although we waited a long time to get a table.
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" This holiday was amazing. Everything... "
Submitted By: Miss K Rogers
This holiday was amazing. Everything was really good.
Ok the rooms were basic, but you don't need a fancy room when your on holiday because all you do is sleep in it. So as long as there is a comfy bed and storage for you to put your clothes away.
Although if your like me, things mainly end up on the chairs in the room and not in the draws, then there is no problem.
The animation staff were amazing, all of them were really good at there job and they could all speak at least 3 different languages, with the main entertainer speaking 8 different languages, ladies you will love the guys out there they are so hot! (sorry but it has to be said!) they are really easy to get along with and are great at making you laugh.
Go down the street at night and listen to the band playing in the street (top tip: if you want a chance to dance with the hotties sit near the front!) Go into the club at night and you are likely to see them all in there as well.
Keep an eye out for lucianio he is an excellent dancer even though he doesn't take part in the dancing during the show that is on every evening! Ricky Martin and Daniel Enriques (cant spell his last name sorry) are definitely the hottest two dancers but the others are pretty hot as well.
Stay by the pool and enjoy the games and the water aerobics, although you will be asked to join in, but you should do because it is great fun.
By the end of the holiday it will be guaranteed that you will have the Bahia Principe song stuck in your head! I have been back in England for 2 weeks now and i still have it stuck in my head.
I hope you all enjoy your holiday, and don't worry about being bitten as long as you put plenty of insect spray on you will be fine.
Ok the rooms were basic, but you don't need a fancy room when your on holiday because all you do is sleep in it. So as long as there is a comfy bed and storage for you to put your clothes away.
Although if your like me, things mainly end up on the chairs in the room and not in the draws, then there is no problem.
The animation staff were amazing, all of them were really good at there job and they could all speak at least 3 different languages, with the main entertainer speaking 8 different languages, ladies you will love the guys out there they are so hot! (sorry but it has to be said!) they are really easy to get along with and are great at making you laugh.
Go down the street at night and listen to the band playing in the street (top tip: if you want a chance to dance with the hotties sit near the front!) Go into the club at night and you are likely to see them all in there as well.
Keep an eye out for lucianio he is an excellent dancer even though he doesn't take part in the dancing during the show that is on every evening! Ricky Martin and Daniel Enriques (cant spell his last name sorry) are definitely the hottest two dancers but the others are pretty hot as well.
Stay by the pool and enjoy the games and the water aerobics, although you will be asked to join in, but you should do because it is great fun.
By the end of the holiday it will be guaranteed that you will have the Bahia Principe song stuck in your head! I have been back in England for 2 weeks now and i still have it stuck in my head.
I hope you all enjoy your holiday, and don't worry about being bitten as long as you put plenty of insect spray on you will be fine.
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We came back on 26 November 2006.
We came back on 26 November 2006.
Rooms. Our room was average was not what we expected but it was cleaned everyday and fresh towels so can’t complain really. The mini bar was good could have done with some more alcohol and would have been nice to have snacks in there nuts or crisps.
Staff. Most of the staff were really happy and nice.
Food. The food in the buffet was nice and a big choice could have been better in some of the restaurants but not bad.
Drinks. We were not happy with the wine as it was watered down you could not taste the difference between white wine and water not very good considering we were all inclusive.
Pools. The pools were big and nice but not the cleanest they could really do with been cleaned little more often possible with proper cleaning equipment instead of a net.
Beach. I'm afraid if you are looking forward to clear blue sea and white sands you come to wrong end of the island we were little disappointed with this as that’s one of the reasons we wanted to go to the Caribbean. But can’t be helped overall the beach was ok just like any other beach really. Lots of beds to choose from.
Bites. Well we had about 40 -50 bites between us and apparently when I read some reviews when I got back they are flea bites what can I say not nice and they itch like mad.
Trip. The best part of our holiday must be our trip to ocean world it was excellent and well worth the money getting to touch the dolphins and watch them in shows and see the sea lion shows and big tigers etc.
Holiday overall. We paid nearly £2600 in total with our spending money and we are really disappointed as we went for both our birthdays and its not what we expected I would definitely go back to the Dominican Republic but not to this hotel I would rate this 2 or 3 Star Hotel not 4 Star Plus.
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Flight - Flew over in premium cabin... "
Submitted By: Miss C Govier
Flight - Flew over in premium cabin very enjoyable it’s a must do experience.
Airport & transfer - When we arrived at the airport there was a massive queue to purchase tourist cards but lucky for us we contacted the embassy before we left its a good idea to do this in peak season its costs £20. After going through immigration didn’t have to wait long for the bags, started to walk out towards the rep when a bellboy approached us and asked if he could take our bags being we had never been to the Dom Rep before we let him he was very kind. (Bellboys liked to be tipped $1 per bag so make sure you take small change.) We got on an air conditioned coach which was very nice indeed the transfer must of took about hour and a quarter in which we got to see the beautiful island (be warned their driving is mad out there!) Whilst on the coach you get your room key and a map of the complex.
Hotel complex - When we arrived at the complex we had staff dancing to their local music and a cocktail drink handed to us. The bellboys bring your bags to your room so all you need to do is find your way it’s a massive complex so getting lost is quite easy we were in room 2167 which is near the Bahia Spa & Gym. The complex has 3 small pools and 1 large pool with a swim up bar (I must say the large pool was always busy and if you wanted a drink from the bar it wasn't easy). The room was ok it had air conditioned I must say thou the bathroom wasn't up to 4* standard the shower unit was rubbish we very rarely had hot water but other than that I couldn't complain about the room. Oh yeah the mini bar is free There was 1 main restaurant and 4 A la Carte restaurants all of which were great!
Staff - The staff were lovely. The maid would make odd shapes with the towels and she would place a flower on the bed with a couple of chocolates next to it she didn't do this everyday so it was fantastic when she did.
Weather - The weather was brilliant! Couldn't have asked for better weather!
Airport & transfer - When we arrived at the airport there was a massive queue to purchase tourist cards but lucky for us we contacted the embassy before we left its a good idea to do this in peak season its costs £20. After going through immigration didn’t have to wait long for the bags, started to walk out towards the rep when a bellboy approached us and asked if he could take our bags being we had never been to the Dom Rep before we let him he was very kind. (Bellboys liked to be tipped $1 per bag so make sure you take small change.) We got on an air conditioned coach which was very nice indeed the transfer must of took about hour and a quarter in which we got to see the beautiful island (be warned their driving is mad out there!) Whilst on the coach you get your room key and a map of the complex.
Hotel complex - When we arrived at the complex we had staff dancing to their local music and a cocktail drink handed to us. The bellboys bring your bags to your room so all you need to do is find your way it’s a massive complex so getting lost is quite easy we were in room 2167 which is near the Bahia Spa & Gym. The complex has 3 small pools and 1 large pool with a swim up bar (I must say the large pool was always busy and if you wanted a drink from the bar it wasn't easy). The room was ok it had air conditioned I must say thou the bathroom wasn't up to 4* standard the shower unit was rubbish we very rarely had hot water but other than that I couldn't complain about the room. Oh yeah the mini bar is free There was 1 main restaurant and 4 A la Carte restaurants all of which were great!
Staff - The staff were lovely. The maid would make odd shapes with the towels and she would place a flower on the bed with a couple of chocolates next to it she didn't do this everyday so it was fantastic when she did.
Weather - The weather was brilliant! Couldn't have asked for better weather!
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" We traveled on a two week All... "
Submitted By: Mr IR Manton
We traveled on a two week All Inclusive holiday to the Bahia Principe in august 2006. The flights with Thomas Cook were first class with no problems encountered either through the Airport or on the plane.
However the hotel was not up to the same standard. It was marketed as a four star plus hotel but probably only warranted three stars. In particular:
We had three rooms for our party and the paintwork in each was peeling off giving all the rooms a shabby and dirty appearance.
One room had a blocked toilet and they only agreed to move our daughters after three unsuccessful attempts to resolve it and the room having flooded twice.
The hotel has 940 rooms and only two public pools (one of which is fairly small). The main pool is taken over by various activities especially Water Polo in the afternoon making it very difficult to use for leisure purposes with a family.
The buffet is very poor with a limited choice and inadequate facilities to service the number of customers using it. The staffing is adequate enough to clear the tables but they struggle to provide any sort of drink service for you.
The A La Carte restaurants are limited in quality and very rushed in there desire to serve you (they take a desert order when you order your starter).
Overall this is a poor hotel. The tour company were fine but a similar starred hotel in Cuba last year was substantially better on all counts.
However the hotel was not up to the same standard. It was marketed as a four star plus hotel but probably only warranted three stars. In particular:
We had three rooms for our party and the paintwork in each was peeling off giving all the rooms a shabby and dirty appearance.
One room had a blocked toilet and they only agreed to move our daughters after three unsuccessful attempts to resolve it and the room having flooded twice.
The hotel has 940 rooms and only two public pools (one of which is fairly small). The main pool is taken over by various activities especially Water Polo in the afternoon making it very difficult to use for leisure purposes with a family.
The buffet is very poor with a limited choice and inadequate facilities to service the number of customers using it. The staffing is adequate enough to clear the tables but they struggle to provide any sort of drink service for you.
The A La Carte restaurants are limited in quality and very rushed in there desire to serve you (they take a desert order when you order your starter).
Overall this is a poor hotel. The tour company were fine but a similar starred hotel in Cuba last year was substantially better on all counts.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Had a fantastic time at Bahia... "
Submitted By: Miss A Weilding
Had a fantastic time at Bahia Principe, probably my best holiday yet. It could have been pretty boring for me being a 17 year old girl with just my mum and dad but it was quite the opposite. Because I was just under 18 there wasn't anything totally accommodated for my age but it was still really good.
Our room at first was crap but the next day we got moved to a different one which was right by the beach and was really nice. Was quite basic but very clean.
The food was brilliant and could always find something to eat and it is a very good opportunity to try different foods. Every night has a different theme but a lot tend to have similar foods. The a la carte restaurants were OK but I wasn't over keen. The best one was the Italian for food but for actual restaurant the Mediterranean was best.
The beach was lovely and there were always spare sun beds. It is much better up the end with the green sun beds as the other end seems dirtier. The water sports are located halfway down the beach so you tend to get a lot of people trying to sell you trips and stuff. These people are really nice including a man called Luis. We went on one trip where we went scuba diving and spent some time on the beach with local children. It puts us to shame really because all the children are so poor but so much happier than us.
The entertainment was brilliant. The animation team don't seem to get worn out at all and just keep going - its amazing. The shows are a bit samey in the evening but are still really good as the dancers are good as professionals and take it so seriously. My favourite had to be Ricky Martin as i think the case was for every other female lol. The man who was the assistant, Mickey Mouse, was really funny and very clever speaking up to 8 languages, but made everything a laugh. And I can guarantee by the end of the holiday you will know off by heart the songs and basic bits of the dance to do with the hotel which are 'Bahia Principe', 'follow the leader' and 'chow chow chow'. lol sad I know but trust me you will know it.
The local people were fantastic and couldn't have been nicer. All the waiters and cleaners etc were pleasant and always made an effort to speak to you. One waiter, Kelvin, told us off every time we went to get our own drink which was funny but exceptional service.
The Street was quite good in the evening but nearly dancing every night, but it is nice to dance with them. There are shops down there which aren't that cheap, but you can find similar products such as jewelry and cigarettes down in little shack stores at the end of the beach by the spa. Here you can haggle prices and you usually get a good deal. And if you’re female they tend to give you free gifts. Over the 2 weeks I ended up with 7 different pieces of jewelry free - obviously I didn't complain!
The only drawback is the fact that the complex is pretty big and you can't go walking out exploring by yourself as there is nothing around it. But then again you didn't really need to as there was so much going on.
I think I’ve covered everything.
So basically it was my best holiday so I can guarantee it will be for you and I will definitely go back there.
P.S. if you’re a single lady, there are plenty of gorgeous men out there lol!
Our room at first was crap but the next day we got moved to a different one which was right by the beach and was really nice. Was quite basic but very clean.
The food was brilliant and could always find something to eat and it is a very good opportunity to try different foods. Every night has a different theme but a lot tend to have similar foods. The a la carte restaurants were OK but I wasn't over keen. The best one was the Italian for food but for actual restaurant the Mediterranean was best.
The beach was lovely and there were always spare sun beds. It is much better up the end with the green sun beds as the other end seems dirtier. The water sports are located halfway down the beach so you tend to get a lot of people trying to sell you trips and stuff. These people are really nice including a man called Luis. We went on one trip where we went scuba diving and spent some time on the beach with local children. It puts us to shame really because all the children are so poor but so much happier than us.
The entertainment was brilliant. The animation team don't seem to get worn out at all and just keep going - its amazing. The shows are a bit samey in the evening but are still really good as the dancers are good as professionals and take it so seriously. My favourite had to be Ricky Martin as i think the case was for every other female lol. The man who was the assistant, Mickey Mouse, was really funny and very clever speaking up to 8 languages, but made everything a laugh. And I can guarantee by the end of the holiday you will know off by heart the songs and basic bits of the dance to do with the hotel which are 'Bahia Principe', 'follow the leader' and 'chow chow chow'. lol sad I know but trust me you will know it.
The local people were fantastic and couldn't have been nicer. All the waiters and cleaners etc were pleasant and always made an effort to speak to you. One waiter, Kelvin, told us off every time we went to get our own drink which was funny but exceptional service.
The Street was quite good in the evening but nearly dancing every night, but it is nice to dance with them. There are shops down there which aren't that cheap, but you can find similar products such as jewelry and cigarettes down in little shack stores at the end of the beach by the spa. Here you can haggle prices and you usually get a good deal. And if you’re female they tend to give you free gifts. Over the 2 weeks I ended up with 7 different pieces of jewelry free - obviously I didn't complain!
The only drawback is the fact that the complex is pretty big and you can't go walking out exploring by yourself as there is nothing around it. But then again you didn't really need to as there was so much going on.
I think I’ve covered everything.
So basically it was my best holiday so I can guarantee it will be for you and I will definitely go back there.
P.S. if you’re a single lady, there are plenty of gorgeous men out there lol!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Airtours
" Hi there, just arrived back from the... "
Submitted By: Mr S Anderson
Hi there, just arrived back from the Dominican Republic. 14th July to 29th of July.
First, the flight. We flew from Newcastle with Monarch and the flight was 3 hours delayed. Cram packed like sardines, no room to move and spent 8 hours trying to get comfortable, arriving 11 hours later. There was no fuss getting through airport, about 5 mins waiting for $10 entry visa straight through onto bus no hassle.
The coach was nice and cool and we saw some sites on the way to hotel including the way the people live over there.
Arrival at hotel - Bahia was great and was just what I expected, nice and friendly people. We already had our room numbers and keys handed out on the bus, so we just had to go to reception for a safe key.
Rooms – We made our way to rooms which were easy to find, we had three rooms near the beach front all together. The rooms are basic but clean, beds comfortable aircon great but noisy. Also, try and email the hotel like I did to get good rooms. Keep on emailing until you get some feed back.
Beach - Where we were was good, just left from where the volleyball pitch was at the other end is a bit rough though. The sea was nice and warm and clean. Watch out in the sea as you get little bites from something in there. I don’t know what, but we got stung by something in there. Hurts for about 3 mins then goes away. Stung three of us. Take an after bite stick, it works great.
Pools were good but we stayed at the beach every day.
Food and beer – There was loads of food to chose from but the way they cook it ,it is different, steaks half cooked still red raw in middle - the way I don’t like them ,hard to find bits that are well done the way I like it. If you are cocky about food you might not like most of the food they serve but the chicken and cakes were spot on. The food was nearly the same every day but dinner time was the best. Tea and coffee okay but sometimes water not hot. The beer was crap, bottles okay but not like at home.
Entertainment - Not much for kids to do, they try to do their best to put shows on for everybody but we got bored watching them after a while. The night life after 11 o’clock was up the street. Nothing for kids up the street, kids can’t go in disco if you call it a disco and the beer crap up there as well. Pool table only had 1 working cue.
The casino was small and we never saw anybody win. The shops very expensive, cheaper at asda.
Trips - Jeep safari was good but I would not call it a safari but more a look at the way some of the people live. They live in little huts which was a good experience.
Swimming with dolphins is good but once you’ve done that there’s not much else to do for rest of the day so you get bored walking around seeing same things over and over again, it’s not cheap either £80 per person.
Overall - We went for a relaxing holiday; yes that’s what we got.
Would I go again yes when I am about sixty with no kids.
First, the flight. We flew from Newcastle with Monarch and the flight was 3 hours delayed. Cram packed like sardines, no room to move and spent 8 hours trying to get comfortable, arriving 11 hours later. There was no fuss getting through airport, about 5 mins waiting for $10 entry visa straight through onto bus no hassle.
The coach was nice and cool and we saw some sites on the way to hotel including the way the people live over there.
Arrival at hotel - Bahia was great and was just what I expected, nice and friendly people. We already had our room numbers and keys handed out on the bus, so we just had to go to reception for a safe key.
Rooms – We made our way to rooms which were easy to find, we had three rooms near the beach front all together. The rooms are basic but clean, beds comfortable aircon great but noisy. Also, try and email the hotel like I did to get good rooms. Keep on emailing until you get some feed back.
Beach - Where we were was good, just left from where the volleyball pitch was at the other end is a bit rough though. The sea was nice and warm and clean. Watch out in the sea as you get little bites from something in there. I don’t know what, but we got stung by something in there. Hurts for about 3 mins then goes away. Stung three of us. Take an after bite stick, it works great.
Pools were good but we stayed at the beach every day.
Food and beer – There was loads of food to chose from but the way they cook it ,it is different, steaks half cooked still red raw in middle - the way I don’t like them ,hard to find bits that are well done the way I like it. If you are cocky about food you might not like most of the food they serve but the chicken and cakes were spot on. The food was nearly the same every day but dinner time was the best. Tea and coffee okay but sometimes water not hot. The beer was crap, bottles okay but not like at home.
Entertainment - Not much for kids to do, they try to do their best to put shows on for everybody but we got bored watching them after a while. The night life after 11 o’clock was up the street. Nothing for kids up the street, kids can’t go in disco if you call it a disco and the beer crap up there as well. Pool table only had 1 working cue.
The casino was small and we never saw anybody win. The shops very expensive, cheaper at asda.
Trips - Jeep safari was good but I would not call it a safari but more a look at the way some of the people live. They live in little huts which was a good experience.
Swimming with dolphins is good but once you’ve done that there’s not much else to do for rest of the day so you get bored walking around seeing same things over and over again, it’s not cheap either £80 per person.
Overall - We went for a relaxing holiday; yes that’s what we got.
Would I go again yes when I am about sixty with no kids.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" The hotel was absolutely wonderful!... "
Submitted By: Miss J Osborne
The hotel was absolutely wonderful! We had the best time! Everyone was very helpful and accommodating. Beach was absolutely beautiful, as was the sea. Sunsets in the evening were amazing.
Good choice of water sports and activities day and night. Wide choice of food all day! Put on too much weight! A la carte restaurants are really nice! We didn't leave the hotel much, stayed within the resort and loved it! Beautiful mix at the swimming pool of activities and liveliness around pool and peaceful and calm down the beach. Very relaxing holiday!
Want to go back!
Good choice of water sports and activities day and night. Wide choice of food all day! Put on too much weight! A la carte restaurants are really nice! We didn't leave the hotel much, stayed within the resort and loved it! Beautiful mix at the swimming pool of activities and liveliness around pool and peaceful and calm down the beach. Very relaxing holiday!
Want to go back!
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We had a great holiday here. the... "
Submitted By: Miss S Edgar
We had a great holiday here. the food was good, the resort was clean and the people were friendly.
The resort seemed pretty quiet at this time of year so probably a good time to go as there were always plenty of loungers, room at the bar etc.
Only one negative point - Canadians! nothing against people from Canada but this resort seems to be a like the Canadian equivalent of Magaluf! lots of 'woo hoo's' heard into the early hours!
The resort seemed pretty quiet at this time of year so probably a good time to go as there were always plenty of loungers, room at the bar etc.
Only one negative point - Canadians! nothing against people from Canada but this resort seems to be a like the Canadian equivalent of Magaluf! lots of 'woo hoo's' heard into the early hours!
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" First class resort, staff extremely... "
Submitted By: ewanrobbo
First class resort, staff extremely friendly, could not do enough for you, if you take the trouble to learn a few simple Spanish phrases, they will bend over backwards to help you.
The food was first class, with 5 restaurants to choose, all food types served, spinach Italian, French, English, American, Mexican, seafood, Mediterranean, and local there was always something that you could eat.
Superb choice.
Amenities brilliant all free, except jet skis, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, boogie boarding, volleyball, basketball, tennis, golf, mini golf, bicycles, soccer, and loads of events every day, you could do them or not, it was your choice.
Location right on private 5km beach with plenty of sunbeds for everyone, over 2500 here and we never had a problem getting a sunbed. Free towels for the beach, changed as often as you liked.
On the beach you had 7 bars where you could stroll up to for your free cocktails or soft drinks all day every day. They had a selection of board games you could borrow if you felt the need.
There was plenty of shade in the shape of palm trees and tables.
Four pools to choose from with a swim up bar again serving free drink and snacks. Plenty of sunbeds too. In one of the pools, you could take a free scuba lesson daily
10 bars and 8 restaurants made sure you never went hungry or thirsty. Staff very helpful.
Resort had ten shops on the 'street' and a casino. Everything superbly clean and safe.
There was onsite security for your wellbeing.
This was a fantastic holiday.
They have a selection of books you could borrow if you wanted to read.
Go here you won’t be disappointed.
The food was first class, with 5 restaurants to choose, all food types served, spinach Italian, French, English, American, Mexican, seafood, Mediterranean, and local there was always something that you could eat.
Superb choice.
Amenities brilliant all free, except jet skis, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, boogie boarding, volleyball, basketball, tennis, golf, mini golf, bicycles, soccer, and loads of events every day, you could do them or not, it was your choice.
Location right on private 5km beach with plenty of sunbeds for everyone, over 2500 here and we never had a problem getting a sunbed. Free towels for the beach, changed as often as you liked.
On the beach you had 7 bars where you could stroll up to for your free cocktails or soft drinks all day every day. They had a selection of board games you could borrow if you felt the need.
There was plenty of shade in the shape of palm trees and tables.
Four pools to choose from with a swim up bar again serving free drink and snacks. Plenty of sunbeds too. In one of the pools, you could take a free scuba lesson daily
10 bars and 8 restaurants made sure you never went hungry or thirsty. Staff very helpful.
Resort had ten shops on the 'street' and a casino. Everything superbly clean and safe.
There was onsite security for your wellbeing.
This was a fantastic holiday.
They have a selection of books you could borrow if you wanted to read.
Go here you won’t be disappointed.
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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The Thomson flight was ok in length, the plane was nice but pity about the crew who seemed disorganised and safety didn't seem their top priority.
Upon arrival we were greeted with cocktails checking in was great and the porters delivered our bags straight away. The main restaurant was big and at dinner it caters for every taste from burgers and chips to squid.
To be honest there was really too much choice but you manage to squeeze in dessert and your glass is never left empty they keep filling it up with wine, water or pop.
Breakfast and lunch are the same but at night we booked the Italian which was nice, the Mediterranean was like an English restaurant with steak, but the fish restaurant was the best as long as you do like fish and lots of it.
When you arrive don't have pina coladas or banana mamas because they use coconut milk, which acts as a laxative and take diarrhoea tablets because everyone has a bad stomach from time to time.
The pool is large but people are crammed in like sardines when you've got this sandy beach right in front of you. To the right of the beach by the water sports it isn't that good, its stony but if you go left you've got white sand and a bar and snack bar so your well catered for.
The maids come in everyday and the man comes in and stocks up your fridge with 2 beers 2 waters a coke and sprite. The people are great everyone's got a smile on their face and says hello, they can't do enough to help you. The entertainment is from 10-11pm it then stops including the bars and everything moves down to the street which is open till about 3am.
We went to Ocean World and swam with dolphins which were great it cost $155 and the Puerto Plata and Sosua tour; it was a full day out with lunch included and free drinks when you stop at places like gift shops and the rum factory. That cost $42 and you can get your hair braided on Sosua beach for about $20, all the tours were booked through our tour operator and your picked up and dropped off at the hotel.
We had never been to the Dominican Republic before but our travel adviser suggested it and we trusted him to provide us with a relaxing holiday, and it was. We can't fault any part of it except for the fact that we had to return home.
The only word I can use is amazing, it was all so perfect and we are already looking up to book again and we haven't even been back a week yet. Hi to Wendy and Lee hope your drive back was ok.