I write this review with an open minded considering that I went with both my mom and girlfriend. As an American consumer i understand that you get what you Pay for . Me and my girlfriend paid $1000 for 6 nights 7 days . With that in mind I didn’t expect above and beyond service . A la carte Restaraunt are worth it.meat ,tequila . Beach is beautiful Drinks are mediocre Trolley trains are annoying since you have to wait and then when they arrive drivers don’t want to take you anywhere unless you bribe them (typical in Dominican Republic) Rooms are in decent shape. Additionally, my mom fell face forward in the main buffet , nobody knew what to do , there was no protocols set in place ! I had to immediately help my mom from the floor , and get employees attention . It was beyond my comprehension why no one knew what to do ! Overall I would not recommend this resort stay away from this place !…
My husband and I just returned from a one week stay at Esmeralda over Christmas 2021. We had an exceptional time -- very restful and luxurious, and half way through we were wondering if we wanted to extend our trip! I particularly wanted to leave a review because we had read many cautioning reviews here before we left and it had us questioning what our experience would be like -- we arrived to find them not in line with our experience, and I wanted to report back for travelers like ourselves in the same predicament. If you go with a good attitude and awareness of island time, you will have a great time. Some reports say that the rooms are a bit run down. I would agree that there are aspects of age showing in the rooms. It didn't detract from our enjoyment as we weren't there to inspect the rooms. Things we did notice are cracks in the bathroom, and bed frames visible since the frame was larger than the mattress. The rooms were well cleaned and comfortable. My husband found the mattress a bit firm, but I who usually love a very soft mattress found it comfortable. There's a wait with check-in if you arrive with a group (like Air Canada vacations) and we asked for two doubles instead of a king on arrival, and a particularly quiet room. This added about 30 minutes wait, so we got a drink at the bar and did a tour around the pool. We found the Riu side of building 96 to be very quiet! The service at the restaurants is not organized the way we would in Canada, instead of having a dedicated waiter, they serve in teams. This sometimes resulted in some service confusion, and on one occasion, our dessert arriving before our mains. We were happy to go with the flow and the waiters are always happy to help with whatever you need. At Portofino, we shared a welcome drink we liked particularly and remarked "wow, we should get another one of these" and within minutes a waiter who overheard us dropped one at our table with a wink. It was delightful! We had no trouble obtaining bookings for our a la cart dining each night. We booked some on the App, but only some appeared in advance, then more a few days later. The app will try your patience, so leave yourself plenty of time and come back later if you don’t succeed at first. If you can't get booked 5 days before, you can keep checking back with the app, or book in the lobby on arrival. We booked Portofino and Meat in the Ambar lobby since they were not appearing in the app options. It took a bit of extra legwork but was worth it! The PCR test scheduling is a bit haphazard, since they allow people to be tested at any time, regardless of when they book. The trick here is to pull your "number" and then go to breakfast and come back. They will also reenter all the information you registered with. This was helpfully explained to us by our Air Canada rep when we arrived. The above are all the things people have critiqued with some merit. You'll notice that a lot of them are aspects of delay or organization preference that can be countered by recognizing cultural differences, and applying a bit of patience. None of them were deal breakers for us, in fact we viewed them as part of our travel experience. Now, I'll cover the things we absolutely loved: The staff were excellent -- you could observe they were in good spirits and really cared about helping to make your experience better. I had a very genuine conversation with staff in the lobby who asked how our experience was and that he hoped we would come back. I've had lots of customer service experiences that go through these motions, but I found often that staff would take the time to connect in more than a surface way. The gardens are spectacularly kept. This to me was the very best part about Esmeralda vs Ambar. The plants and flowers are so diverse and something is always in bloom. Esmeralda has far more extensive gardens all around, and it added joy throughout the day as we walked from place to place. Not a lot of other reviews mention it, but Esmeralda also seems to be the only hotel with three separate pools! We loved exploring the different pools. I thought they were better than Ambar’s pool, although we really liked Aquamarine’s pools too. The big complex allowed for lots of walking and exploration. We loved wandering around all 7 of the resorts. There are so many things to see, and you get a sense of the different themes and styles of each. In the evenings, if you didn't like the entertainment at one lobby you can easily walk on to the next and try them all. We enjoyed the minigolf (you can get clubs at the activities hut further up the road). I spent many hours walking around and enjoying all there was to see. Wifi coverage was excellent -- this wasn't a decision factor for us, but I was amazed that we had wifi even on the beach. It wasn't 100% consistent, and dropped out from time to time, but was more than I was expecting. QR codes are used at all restaurants and bars for menus, so be sure to bring your smartphone! The beach was stunning! We had been to the Bahia Principe Akumal (and liked it) but this beach was infinitely better, and was the difference between us wanting to go back to Akumal or here. We loved the intensely blue water and lovely palm tree grove providing some shade. We enjoyed many long walks along either side of the beach and you can walk for miles! The water was clear and warm, some seaweed but just walk a bit down and you will find a clear patch. I'm not typically a big beach person, but we were drawn to it repeatedly and enjoyed many long swims. Beachside paella and grilling also was a real treat. We did find that even at reduced capacity loungers filled up, but there was always some to be found if you searched. The food -- portions were ample and buffet quality was good, the sports bar wings and mozza sticks were also fun in the evenings but we were usually stuffed from dinner. The a la carte dinners were often great and sometimes excellent, and we found the options at each were extensive and interesting. We went to Thali, (Christmas Eve Buffet,) Limbo, Dominican (Arrecife), Nikkei Mashua, Portofino, and Meat. These dinners really served as a big part of our evening entertainment, and are well worth the effort to book. Look and feel -- We love the architectural look of the Bahia Prinicipe buildings, especially the big open air lobbies. We had looked at other hotel chains and found they didn't have the same sense of class and luxury, and to us the care that has gone into the look and feel of the buildings and grounds is a big factor. Each lobby has different large art pieces and sculptures, and when open, the Village is a fun aspect too (the village shops were closed for covid during our visit, but the casino and patio karoke bar were open). We also loved walking around Ambar where they have "mood music" playing, which is somewhat comical but also sets a nice vibe. Access to all the resorts -- We booked Esmeralda at the last second when we were planning to book Aquamarine and we were really glad we did. We loved not having anything excluded to us and could go to any of the pools when one was loud or not having available loungers. The only thing you don’t have access to is the buffets, and it was great to be able to explore them all and chose your favorite for the day or for an hour. For me, access to Ambar without paying for Ambar made Esmeralda an obvious choice! Coffee shop at Ambar – This was a great added experience and easy to see why its so popular. Coffee was great as were the pastries. Other tips -- coming out of the airport, they try to siphon you off into a Hard Rock Hotel pitch that looks like it's from a tourism bureau. You can just keep walking through the doors to the exit. Airport transfers were fairly seamless. it’s a little hard to find your bus initially and lots of locals encourage you to follow them instead. If you’re with Air Canada Vacations (or another tour company) look for staff in correct branding only or you may be led astray. We benefitted from another review encouraging us to bring our insulated drink containers – the bar cups are small, but if you bring a “venti” size container, they will be happy to fill it for you! This will help cut down on your bar waiting time too. (We also found that “Grand” status hotels will measure your alcohol, whereas Ambar and Esmeralda would free pour.) During our stay, some restaurants were closed since the resort was at reduced capacity. There were still more a la carte options than we could enjoy in one week, but if you’re looking for one restaurant specifically, you may find it closed. As well, the village shops are closed, but lobby shops are open. The reduced capacity was a blessing in part as well as we never had to work too hard to find space for ourselves on the beach, and it had us wondering if reduced capacity is maybe a better way to enjoy this complex! We found that mask usage by the staff was extremely consistent, even outside. Mask usage by the guests was also fairly consistent, and encouraged and enforced by the staff. There is a Facebook group for Bahia Esmeralda, you can join it and ask questions of those who are there or have been. Be sure to do your electronic "e-ticket" for entry and exit for Dominican Republic before your visit. Some people were tripped up by this requirement. You can complete entry and exit at the same time if you do it in advance of your trip. We were happy to have come for Christmas, and thought it was well worth the money. This review is very long, but long reviews like this helped us make our decision and I hope they will help you too.…
We have just returned from a 2 week stay at the Esmeralda, the rooms were large clean and very comfortable. The Maid cleaned our room every day and the mini fridge stocked up daily we did leave a 2 dollar tip each day because she deserved it. The grounds were immaculate the gardners do a brilliant job . We went to most of the A la Cartes and they were brilliant good food good service and the staff were extremely nice, and the cocktails are lush. The Beach is beautiful !!! its bad with seaweed but they were out every morning cleaning it up. The lobby was grand and very clean. 2 very large pools and a adults only jacuzzi area which is ideal if you just want to chill and read a good book. We couldn't fault this place and we are so glad we never took notice of the negative reviews we saw, yes maybe the corridors need a lick of paint but I don't spend my holiday in the corridors. Highly recommend this hotel.…
Building 91 at the Bahia Principe "Luxury Esmeralda" was the worst 5 star hotel I have ever been to. We were a group of 9 people (with 5 rooms, 4 that were in building 91) and we all have a bad taste in our mouth & were ecstatic the leave on our last day. ( Which is never the case , even when I couldn't afford 5 star hotels in my younger days ) I was at the Royalton Punta Cana in Jan 2022.. That is a true 5 star hotel!!! We walked into our rooms, they all smelled like mold. Some worse than others... In our room, there was dust & hair EVERYWHERE. We spoke to our Air Canada Rep the next morning & he called for a "deep cleaning" which never got done. I complained a second time once we took our first shower the 2nd evening & the shower head was completely rusted as water was dripping. Already the pressure wasn't great after the shower head was changed. We further wiped down around the toilet bowl & found dust & hair that had accumulated for MONTHS... I complained a second time, now to the front desk & the head butler came to the room after I showed the tissue we used to clean around the toilet which was full of dust and hair. They ordered a 2nd "deep cleaning" which never got done. DISGUSTING and what a waste of my time & money. I would have to ask the maid EVERYDAY for something that was missing in the room after they would clean & I would still leave more tip than my other friends did in another building and we got horrible service. I think towels, water and toilet paper should never need asking for. Furthermore, service from the waiters at all the restaurants was unorganized. We would order WATER and beverages & EVERYDAY at least once per day the beverages would never arrive or arrive once we were finished eating. I'm sorry but water should be served instantaneously... I never complain but this hotel in rundown and was left to rot. And the service was unorganized in the buildings as well as the restaurants. THIS IS NOT A 5 STAR HOTEL... 3 stars at best.…
The hotel has a fantastic location, right on the beach. The buffets are great, with a lot of variety and quality. The buildings are very beautiful and the rooms are spacious, although a little dated. But none of this spoils the overall experience, which is fantastic. What I realy disliked was the reception staff. In addition to being unfriendly, arrogant and rude, they are not helpful at all. They don't treat all customers the same, doing things to some and then, if someone asks for the same, they say no. I saw a lot of customers saying they were going to make a formal complaint and asking for the name of the employees, who look at them with disdain. In a resort such as this they should be more careful with the reception service, which gives a bad image of the hotels. Next time I book a vacation in the Dominican Republic, I will probably choose another resort!…
Absolutely not a 5 star hotel!!! On our arrival we were supposed to have a welcoming drink - didn’t happen. Flying 10 hours and another hour in the bus we were so thirsty my head was spinning around but we couldn’t get anything before we checked in - we been told. Luckily there was one family who were already on holiday there she saw me and gave me water. What a disgusting first moment! Our room was on the ground floor which was fine but the balcony didn’t lock so my husband went to report it. Next day we report it again and 4 days later again. So that day finally someone come to fix it. Rooms were cleaned and minibar always full of snacks. Outdoor area So we have stayed most of the time by the pool close to the beach as we have our toddler in the baby pool. So the pool had lights at the bottom of the pool and they were broken i guess and they were just handing from its place so you can see the rust and the cables… we have called someone to check that and they said it’s safe!!! Children are playing in the pool how can that be save!! No one did anything to fix it. It’s a 5 star hotel this stuff shouldn’t be happening!! It’s not safe for the kids. Also what I didn’t like about this pool that I seen so many adults sitting in that pool. Once were sitting parents of a 6 months old baby booth grandma’s and a young girl. I mean it’s a baby pool right? The hotel should make strong rules that only one parent allowed to the pool WITH CHILD! Food: As a 5 star hotel was expecting something better. Food was ok nothing wow. Many times food was the same especially deserts. That was very poor collection. 80% had the same cream inside the cakes they just use the food colour to look different. Very poor. Again for 5 star hotel you expected something better. Beach: Very very very bad. Very dirty absolutely disgusting. I just broke down and cried when I saw the beach. Spending lots of money flying over the ocean for 10 hours to see this. I was very disappointed. It was not comfortable to enter to the sea because of seaweed on the beach. They were tons of them. And in the sea… Imagine you swimming and something got attached to your legs. I panic and run out. It’s the seaweeds they were just everywhere. They will attached to your body parts as you swimming. So for beach I will give only 1star. No one has bothered to clean it. Over all good 3 star hotel but definitely not 5. Will never go back.…
We stayed 10 days with the family and didn't regret it. The hotel offers everything you need from various pools and restaurants to changing entertainment programs at night. The staff was very helpful and welcoming and we enjoyed all amenities that were offered. You can also visit other sections of the complex which gives you the opportunity to mix it up during your trip. The beach situation was very good and we enjoyed the proximity. The food was also good and thanks to the a la carte restaurants you have a nice selection to choose from (try teh Asian!) . Thanks again for the great entertainment team around Francis, Mr Panda, Lily and all the others!
We just got back on the 28th after 11 days. We loved it. The staff was amazing. Always so friendly. We had certain people stand out for us. Teresa at the main pool bar was amaaazing and made the best drinks. The animation that took care of the kids were amazing and always had fun stuff planned for them. Carlos who we booked our dinners with was amazing and so helpful....what a happy guy. The cleaning staff (Ana) was the sweetest. Our room was 93231. Yes the beach water was covered in seaweed but that can't be helped. The grounds were impeccable and the hotel was so clean. The little shows that were put on in the actual resort was fun and always took the time for the kids as well. It's a great kid friendly resort especially due to the water park. The food was great, always so much selection at the 2 buffets. The 2 Asian a la carte restaurants were AMAZING. The pools were so clean, so giant pools and a private adult pool as well. All in all I would recommend this resort and would go back. I wish we were still there 💙…
Pros The pools and water park was amazing the kids had a blast. The nightly entertainment was really nice. The Indian restaurant Thali was just awesome if you are staying at this resort have to try it. The housekeeping and wait staff were really awesome. Cons The buffet was just horrible, the pasta was raw majority of the times. The hash browns were a hit or miss. The rooms could use an upgrade there weren’t enough outlets to charge cell phones.
Amazing food and beach/pool space! Just enjoyed a fantastic evening at the bella italia. All of the staff, ESPECIALLY ANGEL, were wonderful!! So much enthusiasm and very fun to chat with! Please give Angel a raise!
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Listing