Staff was great resolved our issue right away when we got there, food was great, beach was beautiful just a short walk, we stayed in the resort the whole time, esmeralda is quite and more exclusive but you can wonder into the other sections of the resort and use their facilities, ambar is a bit more lively and no kids there. Make sure to stay in building 90 or 91 ... do not stay where the construction is because it is very loud deff stuff that gives a headache...the donpablo restaurant is amazing!

Spent a week at this resort in December 2012. The Gran Bahia chain did not disappoint. Service was excellent and our butler, Ramon Diaz was fantastic. The resort and grounds are spotless and at the end of each day, the pool areas and beach are all cleaned and ready for the for the next day. If I had to make a comment it would be about making dinner reservations. When trying to book the a la cartes for the week upon arrival, the hotel said we should have e-mailed in advance of our visit. Although they easily accomodated all of our requestes and everything was great, if they expect/suggest reservations prior to arrival, they should say so on the website. Overall, excellent trip!

The entire week was wonderful. We stayed in Esmeralda and had a Wonderful location . Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Our butler Jenny went out of her way to make our trip memorable with all the little extras. It was so unexpected. The beach was exquisite and you could walk forever. The food was all great, and even with the daily rain showers it didn't stop any activities as it was always very warm. Can't wait to go back.

We LOVE the Dom. Republic and go often for rest and relaxation not fancy food, shows or shopping - this resort provided us with everything we wanted. Bahia Principe is a MASSIVE property - if you chose the Bahia Principe stick to the Esmerelda or the Ambar sections or you will be walking a very long way to the beach. People must remember the time of year and price point when visiting this resort - for the money we found this resort to exceed our expectations! The staff was exceptional. We have never experienced such helpful employees. We witnessed associates running to help families with children, always smiling - they could not do enough for you! This was OUR experience - 12/8/12-12/12/12.

Check in was very swift as we were immediately taken by cart to the Esmerelda section. We arrived AFTER 3 so our room was ready - if you arrive before check-in time pack a suit or shorts to change into. It is high season and this resort is full- chances are if you arrive before 3 your room will not be ready - prepare yourself for it.

We were given a room in building 90 which is closest to the beach and right across from the buffet. Our room was ready when we arrived, bed comfortable, ample towels, good A/C, good water pressure,bvgood Hair dryer ladies! Beach towels are already in the room no need for those annoying towel cards! Easily chaged out by the pool during the day for clean dry ones. Our house keeping team was the best we have experienced ANYWHERE- always restocked minibar/fridge. TIP - Request building 90-92 this will change your experience IMMENSELY!

OK onto issue others have mentioned - There is almost NO availability in the specialty restaurants unless your reservations are made in advance- our stay was 4 nights and we were only able to eat at Sante Fe (Mexican) which was just ok. We ate at the buffet the other nights and found the food to be fine - it is a small buffett but there is plenty to chose from. The trick was to go either at opening 6:30pm or after 8pm after the "rush". We were never hungry and the deserts were FANTASTIC! This was the first vacation we did not order room service because we were not hungry for a snack because dinner was always fine. The room sevice menu is limited.

The beach and pool chairs - This was the first time that we had to wake up early to get a palapa on the beach. This does not bother us because we usually spend from 9am-4pm on the beach HOWEVER we saw towels on chairs at 6am!!! This being said we never had a problem because we are early risers. The chairs towards the back of the beach (the brown ones) were great as they laid flat - Yea! Water fantastic soft white sand - Heaven. Tip - bring ear buds - this is a family resort = children crying, etc = earbuds NO problem with noise..lol!

Spa, shopping, shows are spread all over this Massive property. They do offer trams and bus stops (no I am not kidding) so you can get to these other areas. The specialty restaurants are spread throughout the resort. bring comfortable shoes ladies!

Overall I believe that this resorts' staff is fantastic, beautiful beach, nice rooms, decent food and flowing drinks - Great value for the dollar found at this resort!. Even though I realize that this is high season for this resort I think that they should rethink adding more rooms as overcrowding WILL be an issue in the future.