Wow!! These reviews are all over the place. I have been there twice and I can not say enough about the service, I stayed at the TRS and it was top notch. Everyone there way very friendly and attentive. The room was always very clean, frig was restocked with water, beer. Got fresh fruit and new bottle of Brugal rum everyday. They even made my dinner reservations so I did not have to wait in line like most people did. The staff always remembered my name and made me feel welcome. The pool and beach is fantastic and it never rains when I visit this country. I will go back after covid for sure.
Thank you for your comment, it helps other people understand that the experiences in this resort can be different and it's not all bad. Just like reading the reviews in TripAdvisor, they are very mixed.
I've been here in every Grand Palladium hotel (except Palace). It makes me wonder about your review. It sounds horrible but doesn't add up to my experiences nor that of my relatives.
I totally agree that experiences can be different for other people, I am just sharing my and my relatives experiences and the way the staff treated us. I'm glad to hear that you had a great vacation there!
Hi... im staying now at the grand palladium bavaro and i had the same experience. Looks like here just run with tipps$$, if not they will treat bad or not look at you at all. Sad 😥
@@fernandamagno2128 Hey! I was back like three days ago and I didn't get to experience such but you can always go to Guest Service and ask for Juana, she's real nice and more than willing to help, such a nice person and proactive
I'm with you Ruth. I'm at the resort while writing this. This place is amazing. Today was spa day. My wife and I took advantage of a deal for two. It came with a bottle of champagne. The food is good and plentiful. There is no waiting in line or long wait for coffee. Ether the cat with the blog is either lazy or wheelchair bound, it is no problem walking to most of this property. Or, jump on one of the many transportation vehicles constantly on the prowl looking to pick you up. But I'm on the final few days of my 8 days here. Loved it. The beach is clean and freaking amazing this time of year. And No one failed to provide services They were tipped if we felt so inclined to tip. I can only imagine the kinds of people you must be to be treated the way you claim by everyone on staff.
I stayed here on my 1st trip to D.R., and had a fantastic stay. They were still working on the gardens, etc. I learned it changed hands a few years later, and slipped a little. A classic case of going too big, too soon.
It’s like this at most resorts. I just expect to tip and you should because these workers make terrible money. Like $75 per week!!! I always bring at least $500 -$1000 US in small bills and constantly tip everyone I see. Needless to say my whole family gets first rate service. Heck we tip the room maid $10 each day! Next thing I know the workers are treating us very very well. Stop being so cheap!!!! $20 for the room upgrade like that’s a problem???? I’m not getting this review all due respect. I do appreciate your video for the visuals thanks for posting. Peace out.
Hi! I'm sorry perhaps my English is not so good and I did not make myself clear. I am all for tipping hard working people, but sorry it is against my principles to tip a person who does not do their job. No service - no tip. Who should I tip if no one even comes to my table? Do I have to wave a 10$ bill to get a cup of coffee on breakfast? I have been to many resorts in Dominican Republic (and other Caribbean islands) and I have never had this problem before. I always tip generously if people do their job, the housekeeping too. Though I am happy to hear that you never had this problem, and that you appreciate the video for the visuals, thank you! :)
@@fiberlockabatement592 5 grand holiday and you call someone cheap for not paying extra for expected service? The price of the holiday includes everything you expect
@@jhbestview3608 Fair enough, but the price of a holiday includes everything they are willing to give you and you will have to fight (or pay) for anything more. I just got back from here a few days ago, not a bad resort overall probably 4 stars at best give or take. I can tell you right now Jamaica is miles better, in my humble opinion.
I went there 15 years ago. In that time most of the costumers were from Spain and paid their holidays in a travel agency. So, no one expected a tip and the service was perfect. Nowdays you find too many people everywhere.
That's great! If you read some of the comments below, you can see that others have had a great vacation in this hotel, so it's definitely worth a try! :)
Thanks man! One of the BEST review vids I have ever seen. Very, VERY good impressions - useful at its best! We are going there - hopefully - next march. GREAT JOB, WELL DONE!
My family and I are planning to come here in the summer. I was wondering if you had traveled around outside the resort for other activities (such as water sports/excursions and price comparisons) or any nearby restaurants (or if it's even a good idea to travel around outside the resort) ?
Hi! We have went to Saona island excursions a couple of times and it is always fun and relaxing, prices are around the same, they depend on the boat that you chose - more people - less money, less people - more money, thats true for all excursions. Also went horseback riding to the waterfall's, but I deeply regret it seeing how horses are treated there and how dangerous the ride really is. There usually are plenty of restaurants at the resort, but if you would like to go outside the resort I recommend booking some kind of tour, don't go on your own outside the hotel. Every hotel has a tour desk, they will help you find the best excursions and tours for your taste. Hope you have a wonderful vacation!
Looks pretty much like the Palladium set up in Mexico, Hemmingways best kept secret! Punta Cana seems a bit bigger. Unfortunatly family likes the bigger places I prefer smaller, Dreams Huatulco is my fav so far.
Your absolutely right about the tipping, they already expect one from jump. I had a great time when there. We keep business on the water & other off the resort excursions. Room service took well over a hour & food was cold & horrible by the time we received it. Went off the resort to get actual Dominican food. This place had hits but there were misses.
The food is not the best but it isn’t the worst. I ate it without ay problems. The only restaurant that I actually can say that was delicious was the Argentinian restaurant. The skirt steak with chimi churi sauce was delicious. The Japanese restaurant wasn’t bad but it’s not what I expected. Maybe because I eat Beni Hana all the time and like a idiot I expected Beni Hana. 🙄 The resort club is ok but we’ve been twice to the club that’s outside the resort call drink point. That place gets really good! For real good seafood, I went to one of the restaurants outside the resort. I just had to walk to the right, Eve you’re in the beach. A little long walk but the seafood was very good. The resort itself is paradise. Amazing staff and pools. Try some of the excursions, like the boogies. Those were cool.
Hello, I wish to inquire myself as we fly this year to our honeymoon. How did you do that you got an upgrade? Did you just ask at check-in? Many thanks Nice Viedo
Hello! When we arrived at the hotel we stayed at our originally booked room for one night and then took the resort map, walked around and choose the part of the hotel where we would like to stay and then went to front desk and asked for an upgrade and of course paid for it. P.S. Congratulations and have a great honeymoon!
Thank you for the review of this property. Very nice video and helpful. We Are thinking of staying in the TRS or the Majestic Colonial this March 2020. Can’t decide, any recommendation.
Hmmm, I haven't been to Majestic Colonial, but the reviews look good. If you stay at TRS I believe that way better that Grand Palladium an the reviews of TRS are very good too, but just because I had this bad experience I would not recommend TRS only because you will be going to some of the Grand Palladium facilities too. My favorite hotel in Punta Cana is The Level at Melia Caribe. Hope you have a wonderful vacation in March!
Ive also experienced the no tip= bad room we got a loft (which we paid for) and we had no air conditioning... it was the middle of summer. *face palm* and then we asked for a room with air conditioning we got down graded...
Hi! I took cash out of the atm regularly. No specific amount for the trip or the day, if the staff was nice and helpful then I tipped around 2$-20$ depending on the services.
Hi, very informative video! Just wondering about the lobster and wine costing extra... was it much extra? Were there other wines available that was part of the all inclusive package? Thanks in advance
Hi! Yes, of course there were other wines that were included in the all inclusive package, not a huge selection, but the wine was ok. I think the lobster was around 40usd per person.
Our family went there for Christmas 2015. Funnest vacation to reminisce about now but holy cow that was a rough gig. Women were mean and glared at my wife and daughters and the men were rude and physically aggressive towards all of us. All 4 of us got the shits cuz they wash the produce with their tap water so that was fun. My wallet was stolen on the 3rd day at the mini mart. We got stuck there 3 additional days because of a snow storm in the states but the upgrade to 1st class from Miami to LA was fantastic!
Are you asking is there a difference between Palace, Punta Cana and Bavaro? If so, then you are basically correct. We choose Palace simply because it looked like it's in the center of everything. The TRS hotel is the only one that is different.
Its funny to me because I and my husband were raised on the largest fresh water Island in the world and he cant swim. And refused to go into the sea. Strictly pool guy. lol
WELL, BELIEVE IT OR NOT TECHNOFAN, SOME PEOPLE PREFER POOL AT TIMES DUE TO, YOU KNOW, IT BEING MORE RELAXING AND LESS SALTY. HOWEVER, AT THE SAME TIME, MAYBE THEY WANT TO GO TO THE BEACH AND ENJOY SOME SAND IN BETWEEN THEIR TOES AND IN THEIR NO-NO ZONES!
As you can see in the video that at tikes there can be a looot of seaweed in the sea and it's not very pleasant to swim in a water full of seaweed. It's nice to have a pool so you can cool of in the heat.
Hi! It is a huge hotel and there are plenty of activities to do if you get bored. But I myself love to just lay by the pool or the beach, read a book or go for a swim or have a Piña Colada at the swim-up bar and chat so I definitely didn't get bored at the hotel :)
@@PoolsideTravels Thanks for answering I went to Cancun and punta Cana, ir course the beaches are amazing at punta cana I'm looking for a great hotel. Last visit I booked at Riu
I just imagine what you paid how much and all your complaints omg so ridiculous I know the history go to dubai or France. Or Capri but you gone paid more. Is just ridiculous. Your booking was more of what you paid for
An average European does not holiday in France or Italy - those destinations are for the rich people. We go to places which like Mexico or DR have all inclusive resorts - they can be found in Spain (both in the mainland and in the islands in Europe and off the African coast), in Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey. Thailand is also cheaper, the same is with Cape Verde where you have summer all year long. The island of Zanzibar in Tanzania is also popular among people with average incomes, some Europeans go to all incl in Kenia as well. I have never met a person who's been on holiday in Dubai - if people in here go to the Arab countries they choose Egypt, Tunisia or Morocco where the prices are better than in UAE. I've been to many European all inclusives, no pressure on tipping at all and the food was always much better than in my last holiday in Mexico.
Cara da pra ver como vocês gringos são insuportáveis kkk vocês devem ser enjoado demais, foi um dos melhores lugares que fui ja vida sem ter dado uma gorjeta pra ninguém, deixei claro que sou Brasileiro e nossa moeda está muito desvalorizada, mas demos humildade, atenção aos funcionários. Americanos, russos e argentinos são tudo folgados e tem que se ferrar, quer o que que beija os pés? O Grand Palladium é incrível e todos os seus funcionários também.
Wow!! These reviews are all over the place. I have been there twice and I can not say enough about the service, I stayed at the TRS and it was top notch. Everyone there way very friendly and attentive. The room was always very clean, frig was restocked with water, beer. Got fresh fruit and new bottle of Brugal rum everyday. They even made my dinner reservations so I did not have to wait in line like most people did. The staff always remembered my name and made me feel welcome. The pool and beach is fantastic and it never rains when I visit this country. I will go back after covid for sure.
Hi! So glad to hear that you had a wonderful vacation in TRS hotel 😊
This is an awesome resort, we have returned multiple times back and been to their other Carribean resorts and they are all awesome!!
Thank you for your comment, it helps other people understand that the experiences in this resort can be different and it's not all bad. Just like reading the reviews in TripAdvisor, they are very mixed.
@@PoolsideTravels Would love to see your review for Yucatan Princess Adult only section!! Thanks! ☺
I've been here in every Grand Palladium hotel (except Palace). It makes me wonder about your review. It sounds horrible but doesn't add up to my experiences nor that of my relatives.
I totally agree that experiences can be different for other people, I am just sharing my and my relatives experiences and the way the staff treated us. I'm glad to hear that you had a great vacation there!
Ruth Lopez I also stayed there and didn’t experience these problems mentioned in the video In fact I’m looking at going back
Hi... im staying now at the grand palladium bavaro and i had the same experience. Looks like here just run with tipps$$, if not they will treat bad or not look at you at all. Sad 😥
@@fernandamagno2128 Hey! I was back like three days ago and I didn't get to experience such but you can always go to Guest Service and ask for Juana, she's real nice and more than willing to help, such a nice person and proactive
I'm with you Ruth. I'm at the resort while writing this. This place is amazing. Today was spa day. My wife and I took advantage of a deal for two. It came with a bottle of champagne. The food is good and plentiful. There is no waiting in line or long wait for coffee. Ether the cat with the blog is either lazy or wheelchair bound, it is no problem walking to most of this property. Or, jump on one of the many transportation vehicles constantly on the prowl looking to pick you up. But I'm on the final few days of my 8 days here. Loved it. The beach is clean and freaking amazing this time of year. And No one failed to provide services They were tipped if we felt so inclined to tip. I can only imagine the kinds of people you must be to be treated the way you claim by everyone on staff.
I appreciate your input. Real reviews, from real people.
i was in this hotel last month and i had a wonderful week.
I was there in November 2019. Great trip!!☀️☀️☀️
I love seeing this, this was made right after I was there, I was there in April 2018 so now during COVID I love seeing this and re living the memories
Me too! 😭
The best video about a hotel. THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!!!
Thank you, happy you liked it!
I stayed here on my 1st trip to D.R., and had a fantastic stay. They were still working on the gardens, etc. I learned it changed hands a few years later, and slipped a little. A classic case of going too big, too soon.
It’s like this at most resorts.
I just expect to tip and you should because these workers make terrible money. Like $75 per week!!!
I always bring at least $500 -$1000 US in small bills and constantly tip everyone I see. Needless to say my whole family gets first rate service. Heck we tip the room maid $10 each day! Next thing I know the workers are treating us very very well.
Stop being so cheap!!!! $20 for the room upgrade like that’s a problem???? I’m not getting this review all due respect. I do appreciate your video for the visuals thanks for posting.
Peace out.
Hi! I'm sorry perhaps my English is not so good and I did not make myself clear. I am all for tipping hard working people, but sorry it is against my principles to tip a person who does not do their job. No service - no tip. Who should I tip if no one even comes to my table? Do I have to wave a 10$ bill to get a cup of coffee on breakfast? I have been to many resorts in Dominican Republic (and other Caribbean islands) and I have never had this problem before. I always tip generously if people do their job, the housekeeping too. Though I am happy to hear that you never had this problem, and that you appreciate the video for the visuals, thank you! :)
@@PoolsideTravels its all good im just venting:)
thanks for the tip. I though so.
@@fiberlockabatement592 5 grand holiday and you call someone cheap for not paying extra for expected service? The price of the holiday includes everything you expect
@@jhbestview3608 Fair enough, but the price of a holiday includes everything they are willing to give you and you will have to fight (or pay) for anything more. I just got back from here a few days ago, not a bad resort overall probably 4 stars at best give or take. I can tell you right now Jamaica is miles better, in my humble opinion.
I went there 15 years ago. In that time most of the costumers were from Spain and paid their holidays in a travel agency. So, no one expected a tip and the service was perfect. Nowdays you find too many people everywhere.
Thank you for your honest and very interesting review. Even if it s negative, it makes me want to spend my vacation here :D
That's great! If you read some of the comments below, you can see that others have had a great vacation in this hotel, so it's definitely worth a try! :)
You get what you paid for.... it looks perfect to me !
It looks fantastic in your video
Thanks man! One of the BEST review vids I have ever seen. Very, VERY good impressions - useful at its best! We are going there - hopefully - next march. GREAT JOB, WELL DONE!
Hi! Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it! Hope you will have an amazing vacation! 🙂
My family and I are planning to come here in the summer. I was wondering if you had traveled around outside the resort for other activities (such as water sports/excursions and price comparisons) or any nearby restaurants (or if it's even a good idea to travel around outside the resort) ?
Hi! We have went to Saona island excursions a couple of times and it is always fun and relaxing, prices are around the same, they depend on the boat that you chose - more people - less money, less people - more money, thats true for all excursions. Also went horseback riding to the waterfall's, but I deeply regret it seeing how horses are treated there and how dangerous the ride really is. There usually are plenty of restaurants at the resort, but if you would like to go outside the resort I recommend booking some kind of tour, don't go on your own outside the hotel. Every hotel has a tour desk, they will help you find the best excursions and tours for your taste. Hope you have a wonderful vacation!
Looks pretty much like the Palladium set up in Mexico, Hemmingways best kept secret! Punta Cana seems a bit bigger. Unfortunatly family likes the bigger places I prefer smaller, Dreams Huatulco is my fav so far.
Your absolutely right about the tipping, they already expect one from jump. I had a great time when there. We keep business on the water & other off the resort excursions. Room service took well over a hour & food was cold & horrible by the time we received it. Went off the resort to get actual Dominican food. This place had hits but there were misses.
Can I ask how your experience was traveling outside the resort for food/excursions? Or any recommendations?
I’m here now and it’s awesome!
Happy to hear that. Have a great vacation!
How is food and the night life?
The food is not the best but it isn’t the worst. I ate it without ay problems. The only restaurant that I actually can say that was delicious was the Argentinian restaurant. The skirt steak with chimi churi sauce was delicious. The Japanese restaurant wasn’t bad but it’s not what I expected. Maybe because I eat Beni Hana all the time and like a idiot I expected Beni Hana. 🙄 The resort club is ok but we’ve been twice to the club that’s outside the resort call drink point. That place gets really good! For real good seafood, I went to one of the restaurants outside the resort. I just had to walk to the right, Eve you’re in the beach. A little long walk but the seafood was very good. The resort itself is paradise. Amazing staff and pools. Try some of the excursions, like the boogies. Those were cool.
JessicaWhite that’s how people get snatched up..smh
CHOSEN PEOPLE well I’m back home soooooo. Yea. I’m Latina so I got along well with the locals.
Hello, I wish to inquire myself as we fly this year to our honeymoon. How did you do that you got an upgrade? Did you just ask at check-in? Many thanks Nice Viedo
Hello! When we arrived at the hotel we stayed at our originally booked room for one night and then took the resort map, walked around and choose the part of the hotel where we would like to stay and then went to front desk and asked for an upgrade and of course paid for it. P.S. Congratulations and have a great honeymoon!
Thank you for the review of this property. Very nice video and helpful. We Are thinking of staying in the TRS or the Majestic Colonial this March 2020. Can’t decide, any recommendation.
Hmmm, I haven't been to Majestic Colonial, but the reviews look good. If you stay at TRS I believe that way better that Grand Palladium an the reviews of TRS are very good too, but just because I had this bad experience I would not recommend TRS only because you will be going to some of the Grand Palladium facilities too. My favorite hotel in Punta Cana is The Level at Melia Caribe. Hope you have a wonderful vacation in March!
Ive also experienced the no tip= bad room we got a loft (which we paid for) and we had no air conditioning... it was the middle of summer. *face palm* and then we asked for a room with air conditioning we got down graded...
So sad to hear this, but to be honest I'm not surprised. Hope that you still were able to enjoy your holiday in Dominican Republic!
How much money did you bring for tipping? I’m just curious how much.
Hi! I took cash out of the atm regularly. No specific amount for the trip or the day, if the staff was nice and helpful then I tipped around 2$-20$ depending on the services.
Hi, very informative video! Just wondering about the lobster and wine costing extra... was it much extra? Were there other wines available that was part of the all inclusive package?
Thanks in advance
Hi! Yes, of course there were other wines that were included in the all inclusive package, not a huge selection, but the wine was ok. I think the lobster was around 40usd per person.
Our family went there for Christmas 2015. Funnest vacation to reminisce about now but holy cow that was a rough gig. Women were mean and glared at my wife and daughters and the men were rude and physically aggressive towards all of us. All 4 of us got the shits cuz they wash the produce with their tap water so that was fun. My wallet was stolen on the 3rd day at the mini mart. We got stuck there 3 additional days because of a snow storm in the states but the upgrade to 1st class from Miami to LA was fantastic!
Uf, that sounds like a rough experience. I am glad to hear that at least the end of your vacation was enjoyable 🙂
Very good and honest review thank you.
Do you have access to TRS if staying at Palladium
Hi! No, as a Palladium guest you don't have access to TRS, but TRS guests have access to all Palladium though.
I've been wondering if it makes a difference where you go since it seems all are the same..
Are you asking is there a difference between Palace, Punta Cana and Bavaro? If so, then you are basically correct. We choose Palace simply because it looked like it's in the center of everything. The TRS hotel is the only one that is different.
Its funny to me because I and my husband were raised on the largest fresh water Island in the world and he cant swim. And refused to go into the sea. Strictly pool guy. lol
Why is there a pool when the sea is not far away? This is completely useless ..
WELL, BELIEVE IT OR NOT TECHNOFAN, SOME PEOPLE PREFER POOL AT TIMES DUE TO, YOU KNOW, IT BEING MORE RELAXING AND LESS SALTY. HOWEVER, AT THE SAME TIME, MAYBE THEY WANT TO GO TO THE BEACH AND ENJOY SOME SAND IN BETWEEN THEIR TOES AND IN THEIR NO-NO ZONES!
As you can see in the video that at tikes there can be a looot of seaweed in the sea and it's not very pleasant to swim in a water full of seaweed. It's nice to have a pool so you can cool of in the heat.
Un Edén en el Caribe
Did you get bored at the hotel?
Hi! It is a huge hotel and there are plenty of activities to do if you get bored. But I myself love to just lay by the pool or the beach, read a book or go for a swim or have a Piña Colada at the swim-up bar and chat so I definitely didn't get bored at the hotel :)
@@PoolsideTravels Thanks for answering I went to Cancun and punta Cana, ir course the beaches are amazing at punta cana I'm looking for a great hotel. Last visit I booked at Riu
Lindo hotel en mejor
the gringos like the POOL
The gringos like the pool bar more than the pool itself. Myself included.
@@PoolsideTravels Brother your in good company!!!! Love the culture
War dort ^^greetings from Germany
Hi!
I’m staying at The Grand Palladium and the food is terrible. I would rather eat mac Donald’s every day.
Mucho paso de coches, muy ruidoso, y el personal de los Buffett muy maleducados
Service is not good.The food is very salty.who is thinking to go there have to think again...good luck...
I just imagine what you paid how much and all your complaints omg so ridiculous I know the history go to dubai or France. Or Capri but you gone paid more. Is just ridiculous. Your booking was more of what you paid for
Hi! I'm sorry but I think for paying 450$ - 600$ a night I at least deserve a cup of coffee that I don't have to beg for in the morning 😅
An average European does not holiday in France or Italy - those destinations are for the rich people. We go to places which like Mexico or DR have all inclusive resorts - they can be found in Spain (both in the mainland and in the islands in Europe and off the African coast), in Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey. Thailand is also cheaper, the same is with Cape Verde where you have summer all year long. The island of Zanzibar in Tanzania is also popular among people with average incomes, some Europeans go to all incl in Kenia as well. I have never met a person who's been on holiday in Dubai - if people in here go to the Arab countries they choose Egypt, Tunisia or Morocco where the prices are better than in UAE. I've been to many European all inclusives, no pressure on tipping at all and the food was always much better than in my last holiday in Mexico.
War dorr
Cara da pra ver como vocês gringos são insuportáveis kkk vocês devem ser enjoado demais, foi um dos melhores lugares que fui ja vida sem ter dado uma gorjeta pra ninguém, deixei claro que sou Brasileiro e nossa moeda está muito desvalorizada, mas demos humildade, atenção aos funcionários. Americanos, russos e argentinos são tudo folgados e tem que se ferrar, quer o que que beija os pés? O Grand Palladium é incrível e todos os seus funcionários também.