We stayed at this resort for five days in 2007. It was a business trip, so we did not choose the resort, we were just lucky enough to be included in the trip.
We had never been to Punta Cana before, and had no idea how beautiful it was. This resort is stunning from beginning to end. Had a garden view room, which was very comfortable and attractive. The food was fine, the staff was wonderful and friendly, and the pools were amazing and huge!! The pool bartenders were hilarious, and very enjoyable to be around. Everyone who stays here should have a wonderful vacation, and please keep in mind that the employees of this resort deserve to be tipped. Just because it says tips are "included" does not mean that they make a lot of money because they do not. Bring lots of singles to tip these deserving and hard working souls. We highly recommend this resort.

We stayed here the last week of May and had our wedding there as well. I was nervous because of all the bad reviews that I've read on here, but we are so happy we chose this resort. The place is so beautiful. Check-in went pretty quick. They do require you to put a $300 hold on your credit card for anything you want to charge to your room (spa, gift shop, etc.). We were upgraded for free to the 1-bedroom suite with a great ocean view. After we received our keys we were assigned to Wesley, and he went over everything about the resort and even set us up for dinner reservations, and some activities. After that they took us by golf cart to our room. The room was great...it had a wonderful view. We couldn't see the actual sand part of the beach, but we a great view of the palm trees and ocean. The fridge was stocked with OJ, beer, sprite, pepsi, etc. The bathroom was nice...it had a sink and counter area, shower, and toilet...only bad thing is the shower area did leak quite a bit so we had to put an extra towel on the floor so it wouldn't be so slick. (You should note that other rooms, like the garden view, the toilet is not very private. It only has a glass door that is open at the top and bottom so everyone in the room will hear what you are doing in there!!)
The beaches here was simply amazing! White sand, beautiful blue water, palm trees...I could have sat out there the entire trip! The pools were really nice too...I gues we must have been there during a slow time, because there were hardly any other guests there. We never had any trouble getting chairs or beds...One thing that parents should know is that we saw several ladies walking around the beach topless. It didn't really bother us, but if we would have been there with kids it would have. One family we meet there said it was the most un-family friendly place they had been too.
The food here was pretty good. The first night we just had Market Grill...it was good, but probably my least favorite. The breakfast buffet was so good! They have so much food to choose from and it almost everything I got was really good. I don't think the lunch buffet was as good, but still ok. They have pizza, hamburgers, hotdogs, fruit, dessert, etc. Again a lot of choices. We ate at Passions and it was different...They serve you in courses, there was only one thing that I like until they served the main course. The main course was really good...I had the steak and it was delicous! We ate at Bana with all of our wedding guests and it was probably my favorite restaurant. We ate at Vento for the reception and it was also pretty good...I think everyone enjoyed what they ordered here.
The activities that we did were the "party boat" (lots of fun), and the horseback riding (also fun, but it took a really long time to get to the ranch...it was nice to see more of the country, but beware that they drive CRAZY there!!!!) We also went to two of the shows at the resort..one was showind local dancing and other was kind of a circuis type show. We actually came in on the end of both, but they were ok from what we saw.
The wedding went great! Kelly, the coordinator was very helpful in planning and the whole Romance group did such a great job with it. We were so happy with how everything turned out!
The staff here are extremely friendly and so nice! They are always ready to get you another drink or help you out. Overall this was such a great vacation...I would definitely go back to this resort!

We just returned from our 5-day stay here (6/8 - 6/12). The resort is beautiful, the beach is beautiful. They have a huge staff, and they all work very hard. Security is very evident around the complex ... but

Our room safe was broken into. Somehow this was done without knowing the code, or changing the code, but it was done. Thank goodness they did not take everything. After this, we were very careful (on 3rd floor). We would be completely certain that when we left our room the balcony was locked and the room door was locked - still though, every time we returned we would just push on the door and it would open ... the balcony slider would be unlocked too. Really put it a damper on the trip (1st day).

The 2nd day a convention of 450 people came. They were treated extra special, but they did not act extra special. They were dirty and loud. Something to keep in mind that may happen to you if you book at a large resort with meeting rooms.

The food was presented beautifully and there was never a lack of; however, it wasn't all very good. The a la carte restaurants were, but very few things from the buffets actually tasted good.

Before going I had read a lot of reviews regarding the time share people. Yes, they were present, but if you said no they left you alone.

Bottom line ... it was very beautiful, but bad things can happen. If the food doesn't mean that much to you, you can tolerate a large group of people that are partying hard, and you know that you have to be safe (somehow), go here.

Paradisus Palma Real is paradise.

AIRPORT and RIDE - Watch your luggage when you get it from baggage pickup. There are tons of people and attempted to grab my pieces to get me to ride with them. Signs are everywhere of the travel agents/cabs/cars, etc. just find your company as quickly as possible and you will be on your way shortly thereafter. The ride from airport to Paradisus P Real was about 35 minutes and we were the first to be dropped off.

LOBBY - We were greeted with an offer of a cold drink at the front desk (pina colada) and a beer for him. Check in was fast and efficient, $300 card charge for incidentals, given keys, envelope with our name and welcome letter and other information and our concierge came over after that. Wilson - showed us around the resort, explained things, made our dinner reservations and assisted with other questions we had during our stay. Lobby bar was great, drinks great. I had many banana mudslides.

ROOM - We were taken to our garden view room by cart and the ride was quick, baggage unloaded in our rooms and we were ready for vacation. Our mini bar was stocked on arrival. My fiancé called room service to see if Presidente light was available and within 5 minutes a 6 pack was delivered to our room. Our mini bar was WELL stocked the entire stay and we never ran out of anything. Orange drink, 7up/diet, Pepsi/diet; Presidente/light; and loads of bottled water. After day 3 the light beer was automatic on their list and in our fridge upon our return from breakfast/the pool each day. There is a Jacuzzi in the rooms but we couldn’t find bubble bath so we used the shower gel and it worked out ok. Towels/linen were changed every day and we didn’t have to request it. Now to the washcloths, lol...not sure what the problem here is, but we had to request them each evening after they were used the first night. I found that they put a basket in the bathrooms in the lobby area and we would pick up a couple each morning after breakfast and take to the room to use later. One night the maid left on our bed two swans from towels and left fresh flowers in the bathroom and we returned and found little bugs all over the sink. No big deal, they were there within 5 minutes to spray and no more bugs after that. The room was musty upon arrival and we called, they sprayed everything (including the rug) we went to lunch and returned it was great. I did find this amusing - I was watching tv (they have DirecTV and Dish TV (beware the stations don’t match what they put in your information pack in the room)) and a box popped on the screen saying go to www.dishnetwork.com to pay your balance.

POOL/BEACH - The pool is fantastic and was never crowded. Pool bar service was good and there was a server at times who would walk around and get your order (not often, but I did see her a few times during my stay doing so), otherwise, we just went to the pool bar and got our drinks. The beds/chairs are fantastic. We never went out until well after 11 or so and we were able to get a bed 4 days and the other 2 we went to the beach so not sure if any were available on those days or not. Most of the chairs on the beach were covered and plentiful.

RESTAURANTS - Our concierge made 3 reservations for us the day of our arrival and confirmed with us. We missed two and rescheduled ourselves and had no problem doing so. You can phone guest services between 9 and 2 to make reservations or go to the desk. We made 3 reservations this way and were able to get same day reservations and the times we wanted. The Japanese was good, Tempura did not like at all and the Market Grill was very good, though I did hear others complain. I thought Market Grill service was a bit slow after being served main dish (not sure why), but we enjoyed the food. The breakfast buffet had almost any food you can imagine and for anyone to complain about it is beyond me. If I didn’t want bacon and eggs, there was bagels, fruit, waffles, pancakes, cereal, and the list goes on. The possibilities were endless and I never tired of it, even after 8 days, because I changed up. The lunch buffet was the same way, large variety and no need for anyone to say they starved due to lack of or quality food. We found the quality very good. Veggies green and crisp, fruits of excellent quality. There weren’t as many choices at the dinner buffet but we went and were satisfied each time. I think I went through 6 different wines one evening trying to find one I liked and the water just bought over empty glasses to the table with a few bottles, lol. He was very nice about it and I finally gave up. One our 4th night I just ordered some White Zinfandel and stuck with that the rest of the trip and even picked up 3 bottles from the bars during the week to take to my room.

ACTIVITIES - I cannot begin to give this team the credit they deserve. They work long, hard hours and participate in many of the shows and in putting them together. From the dance lessons, cocktail making and many shows, we always found the daily and nightly entertainment great. We had a Vegas, 80’s (break dancing, bush wigs, the bump), Latin night, Cirque du soleil night, wine & cheese tasting and nightly beach activities. If you didn’t want to go to those, there was always the casino. The party boat was very relaxing, drinks included and you could get off and swim. Horseback riding was at 3:00 one afternoon and the ride to the ranch was about 45 minutes and I’m not sure which was bumpier, the ride to the ranch or the horse back riding, but I enjoyed the horseback ride to the shore. They take your picture and put on a rum bottle and cd for you to purchase upon return of the horses. We saw many kids along the way and the homes and how they live.

There were quite a few weddings on the beach, as well as receptions and the decorations were beautiful. The coordinator there does a beautiful job and coordination and I applaud her as well.

There is a photographer on site, which we didn’t know until our last night, who will take pictures of you at the resort and give you the option to purchase. He has a pet monkey and will take your picture with it, and again, you have the option to purchase the picture.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me. I lloved the resort and would definitely go back. Will post a few pictures tomorrow.