Bahia Principe Explore La Romana

This place was highly recommended by a friend who said he’d go back again. My experience? It was 90% one of the loveliest resorts I’ve visited. The place? Beautiful. Very well kept, clean (when guests would do their part and not throw their drink glasses and litter just anywhere). The pool area was spacious with enough loungers and umbrellas/palapas for everyone. Our room in Villa 18 was spacious, well light, with a great view of both pool and beach, and our housekeeper (sorry, did not catch her name) kept our fridge well stocked daily with soft drinks, beer and water, as well as kept our room always welcoming and clean. As we usually went back to our room around 4pm, we made sure to shower right away and never had issues with lack of hot water. Drink? Bars open at 10 am, and close at 11 pm, but if you wish to keep drinking, the casino is open after the main bars are closed. Food? The buffet had a wonderful varied selection of food for all meals. For supper, we’ve had beef Wellington, roast duck, roasted pig, all done and seasoned so well! Hats off to the chefs!!! The à la carte restaurants? My favourites were La Pescador (Mediterranean) and La Capriccio (Italian). The seafood meals were so well prepared at La Pescador. I had lasagna one night and another night, their genovese pizza was to die for but I just couldn’t finish it. Le Gourmet (French) was just ok. Shoutout to Kerley and Adolfo (Jefe!!!) for being so attentive wherever and whenever we had a meal! They work breakfasts at the buffet and most of the à la carte restaurants we were at. Angel, at the beach restaurant, deserves the same kudos. Jose E, at reception, was most helpful when we discovered that our original room was ground level and asked for a second level room. It took a couple of days but he kept on top of things to ensure that we were moved. Entertainment staff (so many!!) made sure everyone, young and old, was involved in their activities, whether it was poolside, on the beach or evening shows. The shows were lively, as well as their evening beach parties. Note that I don’t normally go to either but did this trip because they made the activities really fun!!! Now for the 10% that I didn’t like. I go to a beach resort for the sand and ocean. The beach itself was well kept and there was plenty of space for everyone. BUT there is a nearby river that empties into the ocean close to the resort. As a result, the ocean was not clear, turquoise blue and you cannot see your feet when you go in the water up to your ankles. There is also jellyfish present. If the water was clear, you could see them and steer clear. Unfortunately, this is not the case and you hear that 2-3 guests have been stung on a daily basis. Every weekend, locals come to the resort. I don’t know if it is done during slow periods, but that is not a problem however during our last weekend, it seems that they brought in a camp of youngsters who ran rampant around the restaurants and pools with no regard for other guests, and their guardians seemed to be there to relax themselves versus taking charge of the youngsters. All in all, we did enjoy our time despite the ocean was not desirable.

Pictures look promising, but... beware of BED BUGS, JELLY FISH and MEAN STAFF. I wouldn't have bothered leaving a negative review just because of the first two issues. Bed bugs happen - DR is a humid country and not every resort can afford fumigation. Being stung by jelly fish is common un these waters too. However, rude staff - this is where I draw the line! I met a family of Canadians during my stay. We often spent time together. They had an 8 year old daughter. On our last day, prior to departure, her and I went to grab a few bananas from a buffet - for the road. As she was approaching the restaurant's exit, there were 5 staff members standing chatting. The girl accidentally dropped the bananas in front of them. Instead of offering her assistance, one of them - a male waiter, made an inappropriate joke about the girl and the bananas. They all began laughing. Little did they know I was in the close proximity to see and hear everything. I located a floor supervisor and shared with him what I witnessed. He promised to handle the issue, and update me shortly. That didn't happen. Instead, before boarding our transit shuttle, a lady from customer experience approached me and girl's mother and offered her "sorry". No explanation why the staff acted the way the did. No mention of course of action chosen by the management in effort to prevent this from happening again. Only a single "sorry". Meanwhile the girl was humiliated in public. By the same staff members whom her parents thanked and tipped throughout their family's stay. Go figure. Turns out to some we are just privileged money bags deserving no respect. This is BAHIA resorts.

Just com back from a 2 week stay, This is a great place to stay, the room was spacious well appointed and clean The choice of place to eat and the food at each of these place was great. The ground, and the pool were well kept as was all of the hotel, and plenty of sunbeds for everyone. The beach was clean and tidy and ample sunbeds, and it has its own bar, just a shame the sea is not clear, but I knew this before I booked the holiday. Al the staff were friendly and helpful and the entertainment team keep you busy if that's your thing.

Nice beach, lots of loungers, however the water has many jellyfish and is murky. Friendly staff except the bartenders at the pool bar. They totally ignored English speaking patrons and dedicated their attention to all Spanish speaking individuals. Weekends very busy with locals with day passes. Pool very busy.

Visited oct 26 for our 3rd visit, nothing has changed. location is good about 1 hour from airport , hotel is clean rooms are ckean maids visit everyday .pool and pool area are clean ,bar staff are friendly enough.The entertainment team are brilliant good sense of humour when playing games .Food has plenty of choice only down side is as there is so much its sometimes not always hot.waiters are friendly and helpful,all in all cant fault it really,would visit again .