What a week at The Now Larimar in Punta Cana! Every team member of the Preferred Club made us feel like old friends and treated us royally. Special mentions go to Marcellino, Samuel, Yulancey, Ramona and Gabriella for making this trip fantastic. We wish everyone all the best and want to say thank you one more time. Also, to the best waiter in the Preferred Club section of the buffet, Modesto, many thanks to you as well.

Our travel agent, Nina from Out of Here Travel, recommended we try The Now Larimar. When we did the initial research prior to booking, we were a little hesitant due to some negative reviews. However, as we have come to find out, some people will never be happy. Many of the positive comments were justified; however, we experienced not one negative experience during our eight day stay. Just because it’s an all-inclusive resort, please remember that the employees work long hours and sacrifice much to make your vacation special. A few dollars here and there for some tips go a long way for them, and you will certainly be surprised how much appreciation you will receive.

Went there as a couple in April this year and as soon as our tired bodies arrived at the hotel we were subjected to a hard sell on their NEW RESORT, luckily I declined everything but I noticed as soon as i set foot in the reception area I was again hasseled to "upgrade".
We noticed lots of weary couples arriving to this same shameful treatment.
Otherwise a fine resort but this left a bad taste in ones mouth.
SHAME ON YOU.

Let me start by saying if this was Mexico they would be getting a much lower rating from me. That being said the tourism industry in the D.R. is immature compared so I have cut a lot of slack.
I stayed at the Now Larimar for my brother’s wedding on December 2nd. weather was nice for about three days and it was overcast almost the rest of our 10 day stay so be warned you won’t get a lot of sun if you travel at this time of year but the temperature is still very pleasant– also be warned of the mosquitos and sand fleas – almost everyone in my party suffered from either terrible mosquito bites or sand flees so don’t forget to pack the bug spray this time of year!
The resort grounds are lovely! Very modern and well kept, there are several gorgeous pools and all are just steps away from the beautiful white sand beach. Be warned though if you are booking at this hotel make sure that you don’t book the ‘’Garden view” rooms – they are a 15 minute walk or a shuttle from the actual hotel and beach. My sister found this out when she checked in and paid and extra $150 for a room close to the beach so this is an option but it costs$$.
The staff was very friendly at the buffet and the restaurants, very attentive and accommodating. The food at the restaurants was also very good. If you are from north America through – the dairy is terrible(anywhere in the D.R.) – don’t order anything with cheese as you will be very disappointed. The beach buffet was great – tasty burgers and nachos all day. The rooms we comfortable and very nice and modern (what you would expect from a 4 start hotel in a third world country).
I will definitely recommend that if you have any request or complaints to go to the front desk directly. Anything that was handled via the phone or e-mail was completely screwed up or wrong. I was delayed one day on my journey there and e-mailed the front desk to notify them that I would not be checking in for an extra day and to please notify anyone of (I listed 6 people) that I would not be arriving that day. My father waited in the lobby for 8 hours waiting for word on my whereabouts as they simply did not communicate my message. My father was convinced I was kidnapped and was threatening to call the police because I was missing by the time that my sister managed to convince the airline to tell them that I had missed my flight and was scheduled the next day. I will be writing the head office of the resort to complain about this and will update my review with how they respond.
We also booked an excursion on a catamaran through the hotel and my father called the front desk to ask if we needed to bring towels or if they were supplied and was told that they were supplied on the excursion. We were informed once we reached the boat (when it was too late) that towels were not in fact supplied.
The wedding package also was supposed to include several things that just never arrived (they were supposed to get breakfast in bed the morning after; they made their order the night before ad it never arrived etc.). They also were supposed to move them from a regular room to the honeymoon suite the day of the wedding but would not tell them when the room was going to be ready so that they could communicate to the rest of the wedding party where to be and when.
The bartender at the wedding was fantastic, funny, quick with service and had a giant smile on the whole time. The served appies on the beach at he wedding which were very good and the dinner of lobster and steak was really delicious, although it does not come with garlic butter for the lobster so if you order make sure to order melted butter on the side if you like it the north American way! The wedding cake and dessert were also delicious. Job very well done by the chef.
All in all this sounds like a negative review but it’s just a few things to be aware of – I think it’s a lot about communication there as their English in general is not very good. Just make sure that your expectations are clear and speak to them directly and you will enjoy the beautiful grounds, wonderful food, friendly staff and spectacular beaches.

Rooms were very clean and tidy. Food was very good and the only restaurant that you needed a reservation for was the Asian. Bar service was very good and they even have staff around the pool and beach to get you a new drink. Tip them a couple of bucks and they will be remember you. Beach was nice soft sand. I find the beach better in Cuba. Pool was excellent was closed for a day due to all the rain. Non smoking inside the public areas which was a plus. I would return again. My only complaint was that we booked a room in there garden view rooms which is in a separate area of the hotel away from the food and pools and ocean and had to pay to move to the main hotel.