Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo

“The staff are the stars...”

The beach is amazing but the staff make this resort the best. The ladies who make the early morning coffee in th sports bar; Ana, Paola, and Esmerlyn... the staff in the sports bar in the evening; Martina, Evelyn, Rosa, Yan Carlos... the Beach staff; Jesus Antonio so willing to assist...and the se… more

The beach is amazing but the staff make this resort the best. The ladies who make the early morning coffee in th sports bar; Ana, Paola, and Esmerlyn... the staff in the sports bar in the evening; Martina, Evelyn, Rosa, Yan Carlos... the Beach staff; Jesus Antonio so willing to assist...and the security at the main entrance Manuel, goes above and beyond always with a huge smile... These are a few on the staff who put the 'icing on top' of a great vacation.

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“Not what it used to be …..unfortunately 😢 Time to invest some money and updating.”

We have been to this resort at least four times over the years. It has really gone down hill in all respects. The rooms are not cleaned well. The linens are old and well worn. The rooms need a good facelift. Food was Ok…..you can always find things to eat. The personnel are great and the servers wo… more

We have been to this resort at least four times over the years. It has really gone down hill in all respects. The rooms are not cleaned well. The linens are old and well worn. The rooms need a good facelift. Food was Ok…..you can always find things to eat. The personnel are great and the servers work hard and are very pleasant ! The weekends become very overcrowded with local visitors . It becomes very noisy…..overcrowded at the pool and buffet. All bunched at the pool bar and loads of young children floating around and not being watched well with drinking adults. Garbage left all over….not pleasant until Monday when the weekend groups leave. Unfortunately we will not be returning to El Portillo….even through the ocean and beach are one of our favourites .

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“Great hotel, great stuff. Need some repairs.”

It is very nice hotel and this was the third our visit in one year - we were in December 23, May 24 and September 24. Hotel is little bit worn out - needs some repairs. Wi-Fi is not stable and does not work everywhere - the best is near lobby and sport bar. Food is great - good quality and always … more

It is very nice hotel and this was the third our visit in one year - we were in December 23, May 24 and September 24. Hotel is little bit worn out - needs some repairs. Wi-Fi is not stable and does not work everywhere - the best is near lobby and sport bar. Food is great - good quality and always fresh. Beach is very clean, no sargassum, a lot of small fish in reefs right at the beach. Staff is working very hard to make everyone happy. Our special thanks to Armando - bartender at the pool bar. His attitude is exceptional - very professional, hardworking, polite, always smiling and friendly.

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“Pros and Cons, straight up”

Looking for an inexpensive hotel this is it. It isn't 5 stars but gets the job done if you want an awesome beach and great weather. There are upsides and downsides to everything so will keep this as to the point as I can. All in all we would return again because it is remote and less crowded. Beach… more

Looking for an inexpensive hotel this is it. It isn't 5 stars but gets the job done if you want an awesome beach and great weather. There are upsides and downsides to everything so will keep this as to the point as I can. All in all we would return again because it is remote and less crowded. Beaches insanely gorgeous. Cons: 1. Food at buffet will get a bit repetitive but you won't starve. Wished they had fried yucca and fried cheese. They did have a fantastic Sancocho! Dinner reservations fill up quick, don't delay in booking. Have soup also at the beach buffet. 2. Pillows are lumpy and beds a brick. They need to be updated. 3. Bartenders pick and choose who they serve instead of taking customers in order. Sometimes we were on the good end of this and others times not. 4. Locals visiting on weekend is just fine, but increase the staff on Thur-Sun to make up for the additional guests. The current staff cannot keep up. Do not allow people to swim in undergarments under any circumstance. It isn't the place for it. ( Local women in a bra and child in underwear) 5. Air conditioning in rooms is basically non-existent, we slept in a sheet. That needs to be addressed. There is 86% humidity most times so there is only so much you can do but clearly their current system isn't working well. 6. Lobby area needs more fans, air flow due to high humidity. 7. Buffet service for coffee/water is hit or miss. Either add more staff or have them be more proactive. Many times they are standing around and not monitoring the tables. 8. A lobby bar would be a nice touch. Pros: 1. Front desk wonderfully nice and accommodating! Enjoyable change from the Punta Cana snippy front desk agents. 2. Beach is stunning, clean, and they do rake up the tiny bit of seaweed. You can walk for miles and miles. 3. Maids are very good, room was always clean, had towels and mini bar stocked. 4. Lifeguards...WOW, honestly cannot say enough here. Most hotels you see them just wander around, but not here. They are on point! Always paying attention, always blowing a whistle if something is wrong, politely addressing the people. I was utterly amazed by them. TOP KNOTCH, Bravo! 5. Chairs and shade really not issue. You may not get a palapa at the beach but plenty of shade still with palms and sea grape trees, don't worry. 6. Plenty to eat, you cannot starve here. Watch if you are gluten free as I did see a lot of cross contamination. 7. Water refills at all bars, and in the lobby. 8. Booked Los Haitises National Park and Cayo Levantado Island with the hotel. Great tour, worth every penny. 9. Small enough that even though they have a tram car the walking is easy. Everything is close. Any questions feel free to ask!

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