Hi, Just got back from one week in Punta Cana at the Grand Bahia Principe Premier. We are so desapointed as we were expecting (and paid for) a five star which it isn't. We were told we would have full access to the resort including buffet and it wasn't the case. When the employee called to see how our trip went, I asked why we couldn't go to the other buffet and she told us that it was because it was our first time there. Nothing to get me back to their resort. I will never go there again. I felt like a second class guest. Even the employees were like 'oh...premier, no!'. The attitude was bad, the food at the buffet at our resort sucked, no variety, and aweful taste. I am not fussy with food but that was very bad. We fed on chicken, fries, pasta and bread. By the end of the week, we were jocking and were saying: what' s new for lunch/supper? We'll have something new: chicken/fries. It was bad. It's too bad because the resort itself and the beach is super nice but for me, a huge part of my vacation is how I am treated and the food I eat and it was horrible. Not going there ever again!

My friend and I stayed in the Premier and we were really nervous because of all the bad reviews. I had nothing to worry about. I just want to say that overall the hotel was wonderful. I understand why some people had their issues, but it really was a wonderful and relaxing vacation. I would go back in a heartbeat.

The grounds were so beautiful and clean. The staff there worked very hard to keep it that way. With 7,000 people at the entire resort, you would be surprised how well it was maintained. We were nervous because of high season, but being at the premier felt like it was our own private resort. We never had a hard time finding a spot by the pool. We had a lovely lobby that we hung out in everyday and everything was so close! After checking out all the sections, we concluded that the Premier really was the best section. Most private.

With being on the ground floor, I was terribly worried about security (I even brought my own piece of wood to put to jam the sliding door) – but the sliding door has a pin that you stick in that prevents you from opening it and it has a lock on the handle. I didn’t have to use my stick it at all ;)

We loved the drinks (so yummy). On the rainy days, we enjoyed the lobby and satellite TV in our room. Otherwise we just read and relaxed. There were a ton of activities to do (pool exercises, dance lessons, pool volley ball, ping pong) so you can’t get bored.

The food was delicious and a great variety. Of course there is something for everyone so you won’t love it all, but there was enough of a variety to go last the week. We did 3 out of 4 a la cartes: Italian (yummy), Mediterranean/Seafood (not good) and the Steakhouse (fabulous!). Take advantage of the snack bars. Their food is really good and you have more variety (calamari was fabulous!).

CONS:
- I really wish that they had room service. Sometimes you just felt like sitting on the balcony and eating something small rather than inside at the buffet.

- Coffee service outside of the buffet didn't start until 10:00am (My friend is a coffee-first-thing-in-the-morning kind of girl and even though we had a coffee maker in the room, a good coffee was needed.

- Beach was lovely, nicely shaded, but it was crowded with chairs which took away from the waterfront.

- Service -- You have to keep in mind that people run on Caribbean time. I have seen this a few times but forgot, everything moves very slowly! The service was not good-- however, the people are so nice. All of the staff member were so kind, but it was a bit chaotic and sometimes we didn't get our drinks in the buffet (or service at all-- I had to grab my own fork and knife!). But the people were so friendly so you have to learn to relax a bit and have patience.

- The nightlife! Okay -- I know I am getting older, but when you are on vacation, it is hard to fill in the time. The karaoke bar didn’t open until 10 pm and the disco didn’t open until midnight - so we just couldn’t relax all day and stay up for that – good luck to those who can.

- The premier is the furthest away from the beach – but with the train that was no big deal and things are closer than you think.

This was our second time at this resort, the first time I did not like, I could not find my way around and thought it was too big, this time I went and I studied the grounds before i went, I had no problem finding anything this time, lots to do, pools were awesome, 15 minute walk to the ocean on foot or you can take trollies. We toured Esmeraldo and what a great new part of Bahia. There are guys on the grounds from the privilege club want to show this new side but it is to buy into the privelege club, we just got the free gifts no pressure. Once you know the resort set up was very easy to follow. Great variety of food, Japenses buffet was more of what we liked. open for lunch at 1:30 and breakfast.

Feb 23-March 1st , I am so trying to be fair on this review.. Room was clean but way to far from everything. I think if they had somewhere to have coffee for early risers like myself It would nhave been a little better. IF THEY GOT A BETTER SUQUEST REP it would be better as well. I didnt even get to our room at check in and knew it was not going to work for us, the desk clerk brought me to sunquest and we asked to be moved (offered to pay more even) He was just nasty to us ! He even said we should go back to mexico or jamaica if we didnt like it here. (sure wish we could have) But we had no choice but to stay there. We also were the only ones that were not told our flight was delayed . We went to airport for 6 am and were told to get back to the resort as we were delayed 5 hrs. (had to find our own way back to resort . then when the airtransat rep opened at 9 am . They told us it was not cancelled and we should have been to airport Just total messed up. ended up we had to pay an extra 80.00 for taxi cab for this mistake. Just one more thing that went wrong.
Other than these huge problems. I do have to say the rest of the week was ok (altho i was still upset we got thru the week. and made the best of it. i found the buffet staff, food, bartenders, servers, all to be very friendly and helpful. pools and grounds were clean , Did smell sewer on the tram to the beach in a few places but held our breath till we passed it. wasnt to bad.
Will I go back to Bahia Premier ?? NOPE NEVER. ( we did stay at Iberostar Punta cana the week before and will definitley go back there..) SO very hard to rate staff and service we got when checking in and the rudeness from the REP at SUNQUEST>