We just returned from Punta Cana last week and I was really nervous about our stay before we got there. I read through all of the bad reviews and alot of the good ones as well. We were really nervous but booked anyway. Some of the factors in booking the trip was that only 10% of the reviews were really bad. Additionally, 25% of all the reviews were negative. Based on that I knew that it is impossible to please everyone, so we went with an open mind and some of the tips we read.
On the day we arrived we took a car service to the Hotel. That worked out just fine. I do believe the cab would have been cheaper but we never checked into that. Once at the hotel, the check-in process was easy. We were given building 3. We did request building 4 or 5 as another reviewer clued us in to do. It worked out perfect. We were given a room on the pool side of building 4. I not sure building 5 is better unless you get an Ocean view. Building 4 is the most centrally located. Ask for a pool view as well. The person checking us in seemed surprised that we knew about the buildings. He asked my wife in a whisper, " How you know about 4 and 5?" (Spanish accent) The funny part was my wife didn't know why I told her to ask either and her only response was, "You know about 4 and 5." (We laughed about that the whole trip, I digress)
Let me make this easy, the rooms are NOT 5 star, but ours was very clean, no bugs, and the combination of air and a large ceiling fan worked fantastic. Additionally, we had no plumbing problems, the water was luke warm on the first day. The rest of the time the water was hot. Another thing about the rooms were that the beds are a little harder than I believe most are used to. It reminds me of most hotels that are not chains in Latin America. It wasn't the most comfortable but it wasn't agonizing. If this is important to you, find a chain style hotel or 5 star. As for the window in the bathroom door, weird but easily remedied. Hang a towel over the door or use thumb tacks. TV worked fine, with American channels but didn't watch much.
An important factor that one previous reviewer mentioned is that this particular resort, you will be out numbered by Europeans. I think that explains the "rude staff" reviews. What I mean by that is, there is a small amount of the staff that speak english fluently. They also speak German and French. I think the rudeness comes from the staff not understanding english, so they either walk away or just look at you. My wife speaks Spanish so it was not a problem for us. The point I'm trying to make is ask the appropriate staff member. Don't ask the landscaper or the cup collector because they generally don't speak english. Just find someone who does. Lastly, for those with children, I mentioned there are European's, so the beach will be complete with topless women. My 10 year old asked why once and that was the end of that. No issues.
Food, this is a big one. The food can only be gauged by who's eating it and what your eating. I don't think it was bad but the tastes were exotic for me at least. They had dishes with Dolphin, Marlin, Rabbit, and various other seafoods. But honestly, I didn't come close to starving. There were stations you could have food prepared and then there was the buffet. Some of the food in the buffet was cold, but I enjoyed the food overall. I did not get to eat at the Italian resturant. All I brought with me was shorts and long pants are needed to eat there. Men's capri's are acceptable as well. During the day they served grilled chicken,(fabulous) hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza at little stands near the pool. The meat has a different taste than American beef, but once again it wasn't bad.
Next the bugs review. I didn't see the FLIES, nor did I see the MOSQUITO's. Had everything I needed to combat the problem, (Heavy duty bug spray) Can't say anything else about that.
Lastly, the beach, pool and amenities. Both were beyond nice. We spent all day everyday at both. The water was warm in both. Towels are next to the pool in a small building with ping pong tables. I'm telling you that so you won't search like every guest that asked us. "Where's the towels?"
The shows at night were hit or miss, but after a few Pina Colada's it really didn't matter.
One issue we had was whether to tip or not. That will be up to you. Some people did and others did not. My suggestion is if you plan to tip, Break down your large bills before you ever get there. It is nearly impossible to get change. (Even for a $5) Bring plenty of ones.
Also I will reiterate what another reviewer said. Do not pay more than HALF of what the vendors offer to to sell it to you for when purchasing your trinkets and cigars. Stay firm and you'll get your price. If not walk away. Everyone sells the same stuff.
The gift shop was outrageously priced. A (small) Three Musketeers bar was $3. You get the gist. If you want snacks for the trip home bring them and pack them away for when you leave, the airport prices are just as outrageous.
Overall, it was a good, cheap vacation (we fly free), and I would have no problem booking again.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.