hi,,maybe if you talked to your travel agent you could switch hotels, i know it has been done, just tell them about the bad reviews and there shouldnt be a charge for changing. deb

Hi, check out ..debbiesdominicantravel.com..as they have many reviews and even better messageboards, plus lots of photos. We too are going to the Bahia Principe in Rio San Juan, on Dec 7th. Yes, there are some bad review, but the good far, far out-weigh them. All of the input from Debbies site, is what helped me to make my choice on this resort.

It is far from the airport, but when you get there, the beach is like your own paradise, as there are no other resorts in sight.

The evening entertainment is getting rave reviews, where other resorts aren't so great according to some reviewers. The Pueblo Principe (night party area that is full of even more entertainment, plus eating areas) sounds like so much fun...even better it takes the noise away from the main room areas so people that want to sleep will have lots of quiet.

With all that I have read, I felt it was the best choice for our family vacation.

I was there last March and was impressed. When you go to the Caribbean islands you have to expect a different standard. I have been to the DR 5 times and this resort by far had the best nightlife along the strip...ie disco, outside patio, casino. It's like a mini martigras..lot's of action. I will agree the pool leaves a lot to be desired..needs painting but all in all clean. The food was pretty good...nothing spectacular....but definitely had variety and flavor...which is what you need to look for at an All Inclusive. There are shuttle buses to bring you to your rooms and discos as the resort is very large. If you have any specific questions, please reply.

I think some people just like to complain! I was there last July w. my boyfriend and we had a great time. When you arrive you are welcomed with an island drink....what a great start! The room was adequate, good variety in food, friendly staff, beautifully landscaped, I can't really think of anything to complain about. Enjoy yourself, have fun.

I have nothing but good things to say about this resort. I travelled to the BPSJ October 23-30 with my mom, sister and 4 year old son. We had a blast!! Our whole intention was to lay in the sun by the pool or the beach and that's really all we did. There's a great kids club that you can take your children to in the morning, pick them up at lunch and bring them back in the afternoon. Wilson and Judy do a GREAT job with the kids! They are patient and provide the kids with alot of activities. I was very confident to leave my child in their care. We did go on one boat tour to Paradise Island, it was awesome. If your children are younger than 4 I wouldn't take them. The boat ride is a little scary at first. I brought my son's summer clothes that won't fit him next year as a tip for the maid and our room was impeccibly clean every day. There's lots of dancing, exercising, games by the pool to partake in every day. The staff is friendly, warm and welcoming. Everyone is full of energy and they look like they have alot of fun every day. My husband and I plan to return there in July for our anniversary. They have a kids disco at night and Judy takes the children on stage to dance with her, then it's followed by the adult entertainment. The Animation Team puts alot of effort in to entertaining you with their productions. They work hard and it shows. We ate mostly in the buffet restaurant for convenience and the staff there again are welcoming and pleasant. They do have a variety of food and cereal in the morning for breakfast for the children. In my opinion, they have thought of everything. We did experience some ants in our room, very small ones. A little bit of bug spray took care of that. You have to remember that you are in the Dominican and this can happen. We sprayed our bedsheets at night and none of us were bitten. The main pool has a portion for children that is shallow and it was always clean. Yes, it looked like it needed a paint job but...when would they be able to close the pool to do it? I would reccommend bringing some moisturizing lotion for your skin, I found my skin to be pretty dry with all the sun I got. And you'll pay a mint for it in the mini market! There's also a small park with a slide and swings for the children and lots of shade if you need a break from the sun. I didn't try out the disco or the casino but there is one on the strip. Oh, and you may see some topless sun bathers by the pool and the beach, but that was no big deal either. I wish I had converted my money in to Pesos rather than American, I think they appreciate their own currency better. I paid $10 American for a large tin of Pringles and 2 small tins!! Very pricey in one store. The ride from the airport seems long, but the bus was comfortable and air conditioned. If you enjoy the music they play, be sure to stop in the gift shop and buy a cd or two. I wish I had. I have nothing but great memories of this resort and I cannot wait to go back in July with my husband!...Natalie, London ON

I am going to bp sanjuan on dec 11. The review posted on Nov 18 made my heart skip a beat. This is suppose to be a 4 starresort. My agent said it was as good as most in the carribean.Is there any other reviewers out there that have had a positiveexperience at this resort. I also visit debbies dominican.com and I find the reviews are much more positive. Also is it a good idea to fax the hotel a few days before going to request a second floor room? Thanks Kim

Hey, nrt30, what was it that you sprayed on your sheets at night? We leave in 7 days...In Punta Cana a few years ago, we saw many prople with the big red welts from bites on their legs.I did get a few little bites (no welts), but I thought that it was from the perfumed lotion that I wore in the evening. I will take non-perfumed this time, we also have off spray and after bite type cream, but I could also fit something else in my bags for spraying the bed!!

Good morning. Before my boyfriend and I left for BP last July I did call the hotel to confirm we were getting a 2nd floor unit - and we did. We upgraded to the club Hacienda package and didn't regret it. That's not to say the other rooms are lower grade level or anything but we thought we had an easier time obtaining an oceanview room PLUS we had private check-in and check-out, private pool and restaurant, and this side of the beach was much more quiet and private. Overall we had a great time, I wish I was headed to the airport right now! Words of advice about the sandfleas....do not go to the beach or mini-put in the evening - this is when we noticed the little critters tend to come out. Also, make sure all of the sand is off your shoes and feet before entering the rooms and store all your 'junk food' in the fridge.

hi zscarrie.

We have been at the bahia san juan not long ago and just

loved it. Everything is absolutlly perfect. We did not

get any bites from bugs. And the people there are great.

Beach is fabulous. Food is very good. Room are adequate.

Go to the Bahia and do not be afraid. We will return this

spring and cannot wait.

i've never been to the bahia principe but it's very popular and when i went to book my vacation ,the travel agent told me i should go to the bahia principe because he had a great time there and has sent many ppl there and they have all had a great time there..... so i don't think you should worry at all!! anything in the dominican will be nice! the people there are so friendly and the scenery is beautiful and you will have such a relaxing fun time!

.... i ended up deciding not to go to the bahia principe, and chose to go to the Iberostar Costa Dorada in puerto plata and had the time of my life and if you were looking at other resorts, its definitely the place to be... beautiful piece of paradise, wonderful food, great entertainment, fun people...

but have fun where you're going! don't worryyyyyyy!