Resort Details
Customer Ratings & Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
9409 reviews
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May 10, 2025BE AWARE: CUBAN-AMERICAN FAMILIES AND OTHERS
As someone who values respectful communication and conflict resolution, I was shocked by the treatment my family and I received at Bahia Principe Esmeralda. We were abruptly forced to leave a jacuzzi due to an unplanned event nearby. From the start, the staff’s attitude was hostile, treating us as though we were causing trouble. They even went as far as calling security on us without justification — a humiliating and unnecessary escalation. To make matters worse, a staff member named YULIS made a blatantly offensive comment, saying, “Se nota de dónde vienen, Cubanos, se creen los dueños del hotel.” If that’s not discrimination, then what is? Adding to the discomfort, other guests, including Americans who didn’t understand what was happening due to the language barrier, were also dismissed. We came to this hotel to relax and feel welcomed, not to be judged and humiliated. As a Cuban-American family of 11, we will not be returning to a place that employs individuals who display such open hostility and prejudice. There are many other options where guests are treated with respect and care. Choose wisely
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May 07, 2025
Skip this resort
I have never been to a resort where i could not get food for half of a day until now. Turned away from breakfast at 9:30 (breakfast served until 10:30) and told to return at 11. Went back at 11 and told come back at 12. Went back at 12 and told no come back at 12:30. I have health issues and require some kind of food regularly throughout the day, but management all just said sorry and pretended not to understand me. If you do not speak Spanish, you are treated very poorly here. Will never return and will maybe never return to Punta Cana. Jamaica and Mexico are much better for luxury, customer service and good food and drinks. Plus all of the small children at the bars and hot tubs and screaming all day and night long. Very bad experience!
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May 07, 2025
Americans beware
I hate to ever give a bad review because I deal with bad reviews in my line of business. However, this may be the worst all inclusive experience I’ve ever had and I’ve been to many. My husband and I came here after reading great reviews and had high expectations. We attempted to leave our room at 9:30 today to go to breakfast and were intercepted by a hotel employee who told us that, although breakfast is served until 10:30, the buffet is full and not accepting any further people. She told us to come back to the buffet at 11 and we could get lunch. We returned at 11 to be told they would not be opening until 12. At 12, we returned and were told no, lunch is at 12:30 every day. My husband does not do well with no food until afternoon as he is diabetic. He went to the lobby to complain and was basically blown off because we do not speak Spanish. Note…..if you do not speak Spanish or French, you will not receive any customer service at this resort. Please also understand that if you stay here, you will be woken up daily at 6:30-7am by screaming children and all jacuzzi’s will be full of toddlers. The water in the jacuzzi’s is no hotter than the pool. The pool bar has a toddler on almost every stool as well. We really thought we’d get the best of all the resorts here by staying at Esmeralda because you have access to all resorts, but you do not have access to food at any other resort except dinner reservations at a la carte restaurants, we ended up loving Ambar’s pool, but once here you cannot eat. I would just advise all Americans beware and avoid. The staff and management do not care about the guests and will never help you.
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May 02, 2025Excellent
It's was our 4th time at Bahia Principe . 2x to Grande Punta Cana and once to LA Romana Bougainville and always had a good experience but this time at Luxury Esmeralda was the best . For us everything was excellent and we will definitely be back but next time we will book a room with a swinout as we were offered one into our stay for a very reasonable price but we decided that we were already settled into our room but next time we will opt for the experience.
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Apr 30, 2025
6 days of poolside fun and lazy days
I just returned from an excellent 6 night stay at Bahia Principe Luxury Esmerelda. I am a travel agent and I have been to a variety of different resorts. I will try to be as detailed as I can on what I liked, loved and what could be improved. 1). first off the staff were all friendly, eager to please and went out of their way to make sure we had an amazing stay. That to me is the most valuable thing at this resort, the staff. whether it be bellman, maids, concierge. massage therapists, spa sales, admin desk, sales, etc. every person seems to love their jobs and loved helping you have an amazing vacation. You just don't see that everywhere and I loved it. 2) rooms were beautiful, clean, bed was comfy. we had a room with 2 beds and a sofa bed. we only used the beds. room was spacious, had a jetted tub and separate bath and shower. shower had both rain water shower-head and hand held shower head and was alway perfect volume and temp. room also had an automation option where you can control lights, etc. on tv. The room also had its only patio area and also a sitting area with 2 chairs and a sofa bed. 3) there is an app you can download to your phone to check daily events and make reservations. 4) food at the daily buffet was really good. there was a great variety of things to choose from . steaks, lambchops, grilled shrimps , pastas, nachos, local fare. there is enough to choose from. Also the buffet was very clean, air conditioned and nice environment. I have been to much more expensive resorts where the buffets were disappointing. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice this one was. we rarely felt the need to eat anywhere else but we. did try 2 places to just see other options. 5). There were rarely flies or mosquitoes outside. I could see that they spray the premises to prevent mosquitoes and outdoor pests , and are constantly maintaining the grounds. this place is like a little city of several Bahia resorts in the same area. you have access to any of the amenities on the property, but again, we didn't need to leave too often. 6) spa services-- great rates and amazing services. treat yourself. 7) pools- there are so many pools at this resort. there were always more than enough chairs and towels. bar staff were very friendly and drinks were nice. 8) sports bar --several screens for those watching the game. best mojitos on the property in my opinion. 9). had a kids club and kids talent show. I don't have kids but the families I saw using this seemed very happy and the kids talent show was super cute.they also had character breakfasts. now a few things that I think could be improved upon did did not ruin my stay-- 1). I am not sure if it a culture thing or not but so far I have been to 2 different resorts in punta Cana and the deserts are just not that great. daily ice. cream choice is good, but the pastires are Kinda bland and /or hard. the donuts look amazing but taste hard and not sweet. same is true for the cakes. I think this may be an American style vs Dominican style. so if you like your deserts American style, stick to the ice cream. 2). resort is huge so you will be walking or taking the trolley carts. I am short and have difficulty climbing into the trolley carts. they need some steps to help the short folks with bad knees. they staff always helped me in and out, but. a few side rails would have made all the difference. 3) we tried 2 of the restaurants. Italian: food was good but not amazing. I ordered shrimp cheese ravioli. I enjoyed it, but never found the shrimp. :-) we also went to the Japanese hibachi place. not sure what happened but there is a strong mildew smell in the front entrance of the place, once you get in the restaurant it goes away. they have got to fix that. the smell is bad. once you get inside the food was pretty good. my favorite part was the sushi appetizer. If you are wondering- yes there is also a beach, but we hung out at the pool and never ventured to the beach. I am Sure it was beautiful but I didn't make time for it. Overall, I had an amazing time. will share a few pictures.
