We were disappointed at what we saw. The pictures online were totally different. The pictures online are pictures of "The Reserve". We were greeted by a "Vacation Concierge". The next day we found out what that meant. The day we arrived, we were checked in which was a smooth process, then had to sit in the lobby so the Vacation Concierge can go over a few things with us. Basically to explain how the Restaurants operate. Once that was done, off we went to our rooms. The rooms were okay but definitely not 4, 4 1/2 or 5 star quality. Vacation Concierge tells you to meet him for a 90 minute presentation about the vacation club. The vacation club is "The Reserve" which is on the other side and is very nice. The Reserve are the pictures you see online. You have to be a member to stay on this side. We all went at different times and were quoted different prices ($56,000, $38,000, etc.). We did receive a $100 voucher for attending. The Restaurants - that was a joke. If you are a member at the Reserve, you are guaranteed a spot. If not a member, reservations go fast and you are stuck with eating at the buffet spot. Trying to get a good meal was a challenge and very frustrating. Perks and headaches - the first night after returning from dinner, we all received a note (except one couple) to pick up vouchers from the front desk. We all received vouchers for wine, dinner at Gabi (which is a very nice restaurant on the Reserve side), spa for 2 and casino vouchers. So the next morning, the ladies went to the front desk to obtain the same vouchers for the couple who did not receive them. They would not give them to us. I had to get real ugly trying to prove they were a part of our group. Luckily I brought the receipt with everyone's name and amount. Once I provided that, they took it in the back then came out realizing they messed up on our spa vouchers. It appears they are only keeping the Paradisus part open so they can trick folks into coming then try and sell them on the Reserve side. We were with a fun group so we made the best out of it and had a great time.

The grounds of the Paradisus are beautiful and well-maintained.
The rooms are adequate and housekeeping was not consistent - some days we got supplies and some days we did not, despite leaving a tip each day.
The food ranged from marginal at the steakhouse to good at the Italian and French restaurants.
No need to pay additional for royal service. For a small gratuity, we had our own personal concierge who made all our reservations and even accompanied us to the Plaza Bavaro, a shopping village within walking distance but outside the hotel grounds. He also arranged for us to be picked up and dropped off at the side gate for a trip to the casino at the next hotel.
We were also granted access to the royal service section of the beach where drinks were delivered regularly. Perhaps because it was off season, but we were able to avail ourselves of many of the perks without paying more.
Although we enjoyed our vacation there, the service left much to be desired. Unless you asked multiple times, you did not get what you requested. Sometimes it was lack of communication and sometimes we were just ignored. Either way, it was unacceptable. The club was under renovation but the music and dancing took place in the lobby, which was fine.
Having said all that, the single biggest problem, and one that will insure I never return to the DR was the airport.
On our previous two trips, the airport was an annoyance, but this trip was unbearable. There was only one (yes, one) security scanner operating for thousands of people. Needless to say, it took hours to get through. The lines snaked around until there was no place left to go at which point, people just began getting on line wherever they wanted, causing huge gridlock. The officials did nothing to help. It was a nightmare.

We arrived at the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort with high expectations. Last year we stayed at the Paradisus in Rivera Maya Mexico and had a wonderful time. We were three couples. One couple was promised a VIP room and the other two were promised either the same building or one close to it. The first room we were given was horrible. We were all separated and each room had a very horrible smell of cleaning liquids (I think) - certainly not VIP.

We moved within an hour into buildings far from the restaurant and beach area. We were supposed to be located close to each. We were then promised we could move the following day closer to the beach. They claimed that they put us on the list for the room change.

The day of the change we verified if we were on a list and told yes. Come back at 3 pm and it will be taken care of. Lo and behold we come back and are NOT on the list. It took 2 hours before we could move. The rooms we were given were not adequate nor close to the beach or VIP as promised. After an hour we finally received decent rooms but not before a lot of fighting and arguing.

Take note that this hotel does not cater to the American traveler. They DO NOT speak english unless the answer is no or involves money. They are quick to take the all mighty dollar but also very quick to say no. They do cater to the spanish visitor.

Pool and Beach

Both the Pool and Beach were wonderful saving the Paradisus a terrible rating. The beach water is clean and blue while the pool even though warm was pretty and large. There were plenty of beach chairs and huts and the same goes for the pool. There were people who left their empty drink cups on the pool edge and even in the pool but the staff did clean up.

Towels were supposed to be ready by 8am and were NEVER available until at least 10am. Using your towel card you were only allotted one towel. When we arrived to ask for towels at 8 we were always told uno momento, that is their favorite phrase. They were always lying to the guests. If you asked for additional towels they would say no. We were forced to take dirty towels from their towel bin and returned them for clean towels. This way we were able to accumulate enough cards for the number of towels we needed. They force you into being liars just like they are.

Grounds - they are well manicured and nice

Transportation - you need a tram to get around. They are not totally reliable. One night we got out of the restaurant area around 11pm and waited 1/2 hour for a tram. I called the office to be told uno momento. After 15 minutes I called again and told another uno momento. I told them we had a medical emergency and they will be sued unless we got a tram immediately - they responded within moments. Again, we were forced to lie.

Restaurants - Many restaurants were closed for dinner including 3 nights in a row the Buffet restaurant which should always be opened as a "just in case". Most of the open restaurants required reservations which are nearly imposible to get and you are limited to the remaining open restaurants. It was so bad one night that both the seafood and steak restaurant as well as buffet were all closed the same night, giving very little choice as to where to go.

The first day at the hotel we booked restuarants including the Fuego twice. We went there only to be told it was closed for the week. We were left with nothing after dressing for dinner. Again lies from the staff. You could never get a straight answer from anyone.

The quality of the food was very uneven for the same restaurant. One night the food could be good the next not very good. I would not recommend the Japaneese or Chineese restaurants but would recommend the French (lamb chops), Seafood (very good shrimp appetizer, Steak (tenderloin) and Italian restaurants. However beware of the service. At the seafood restaurant it took over an hour to get my soup. They delivered 5 of the 6 main courses and would have forgotten all about thge last main dish if I did not go back to the kitchen and was forced at yelling at them. Finally, I got some action. They were totally disorganized.
At the Italian restaurant, 5 of 6 meals were delivered. Each time I aske about the last meal I was told uno momento. It took 45 minutes for the last meal to arrive. Generally lousy service.

Breakfast and lunch buffets were fine (I guess when you serve yourself you have less problems).

Housekeeping - I had to call every night for extra towels and the bar to be restocked. Terrible housekeeping. Once when I called for extra towals I was asked how many people in the room and why I needed them - how insulting. Please note that we were told by the beach towel folks to bring our room towels.

Our room was bug free but the other two rooms were crawling with ants and nothing was done to stem the ants.

Wake up calls - I set the clock to my Verizon phone. Every day the wake up call was 15 minutes late. We asked why and they had the audacity to say they had the correct time.

I could go on but the service was terrible. We travel at least once and year and have been doing so for years - this was the worst service I EVER experienced. The staff did not care at all about the guests. Constantly lied to (I went to the Public Relations desk and asked if the US newspapers arrived yet - which are 1 foot from his desk. I was told no. I look and there are the newspapers)

They will yes you and do nothing. Unwilling to give on any issue. Its their way or no way.

I will never go back to this Paradisus nor recommend it to anyone. There are so many other islands and hotels to choose from that I do not have to accept their treatment. Incidentally, I spoke to MANY other US citizens who interestingly enough had the exact same feelings as me. I would have questioned if it was just me but after speaking with others I knew this was a consistent issue with this hotel.

I will not mention names of those who were very uncooperative but there were a couple of employees who were helpful and again saved the rating from being terrible.

I was extremely worried about staying here from reading the previous reviews. I have never written a review but I feel obligated based on my experience. We checked in at a private check in and served cocktails.

Room: Stayed at the Reserve in a junior suite. It is further from the beach but the trams run constantly and the concierge will call them to pick you up. We had a jacuzzi which was very sizable. Nice size living room. Anything that we needed for the minibar we just asked. The first night we stayed in a room facing the side. Asked for a pool view and the next day we were moved (Thanks Jennifer).

Beach: Tourqoise blue and beautiful. The waves were rough but nothing dangerous. There was a little seaweed but what can you do. Plenty of bali beds and lounges. There are lots of activities included on the beach, volleyball, catamarans, etc. Many are included. We went parasailing and used ScubaCaribe which is right on the beach. We were in the air only about 10 minutes but it was a good experience. We also took the Sunset Cruise. They take you to a reef snorkeling, pretty nice. Then you go to a natural spring where the water is waist deep. They bring out rum into the ocean and you drink right there. I highly recommend that you take the cruise with Ishmel and Orlando. Ishmel is a live wire and gets the party started. You must do the horsebacking riding. Its included and they take you to a ranch where you ride to a beach. Don't wear your good shoes.

Restaurants: The food could be better. We had breakfast at Gabi everyday. It was a pretty nice buffet, good omelets. Vento and Fuego were the best. We went to El Romantico for my birthday and they brought out a big cake which is excellent. I think you do have to pay for the cake (worth it).

Staff: I cannot understand why anybody would have a problem with the staff. First of all, you are in a foreign country and you should have respect for the natives. I understand you are on vacation but being nice goes a long way. These people have nothing. If you can afford to stay here, then you can afford to tip $1. Stop being cheap!!!

Entertainment: The Michael Jackson show was entertaining. Skip the casino. There is a club (Mangu) down the street that everyone goes to but we didn't. The lobby has a band at nights and everyone joins in, pretty fun. Great pool at the Reserve with a nice grill and swim up bar. Never a problem getting a tiki bed but this is the low season.

I have been to several all inclusives throughout the Carribean and Mexico. This tops them all. Trust me if you get to know the staff you will not want to leave. Tell Osirus, Eli, Jean, Juan, Ronny Garcia, & Marcos hello. And you must have a drink called the green Reserve and plenty of mamajuana. If you need anything else feel free to contact me.