Trip report: Paradisus Palma Real
Hi All,
I just got back from a 7 day trip to the Paradisus Palma Real (PPR). I booked the trip through Air Canada Vacations after learning the Bavaro Princess had a fire. I had an Ocean View Royal Service Suite and had the Executive Class upgrade with Air Canada from Toronto. This was my fifth visit to Punta Cana, and like almost all of the trips we took, we did nothing but lay on the beach and hang out in the pool and party at night. Excursions -- dunno about that stuff. The only thing we did was the free snorkeling.
From here, I'm going to switch to point form...
1. Royal Service
- Check in: AWESOME experience. There is a list of names at the hotel entrance of persons who have royal service that day. You are escorted to the lounge and check in while sitting down on a sofa. All of the staff that work in the lounge are efficient, friendly and reliable.
- Butler: VERY disappointing. We were assigned Henry, who showed us around, and left...for three days! Nobody came and stepped in. We found out about this from the beach concierge when our requested beach bed hadn't been reserved. Going to the lounge and asking that something be done didn't help much either. They assigned Fernando, who was scarce and also fouled up our reservations. There is a female concierge whose name I do not know that really seemed to be doing her job. I'd try to get her if I could next time. I gave up complaining so I could enjoy my vacation.
- Beach concierge: Excellent. Ahmed easily made up for all the sh**ty butler service. He remembered us and always made stuff happen. I suspect he wouldn't be able to help me as much in high season.
- Access to Vento for breakfast and lunch: very nice.
2. Beach
- Grassy this time of year. They try their best to clean it...but have no control over this...just an FYI.
- Nicer at the Bavaro Princess
- Chaise loungers very nice.
- Bali Beds under Palapas...very nice.
3. Food
- Passion was awesome one time, bad another.
- Bana Tepanyaki and Bistro was somewhat substandard.
- Market Grill was my favorite.
- Vento was nice.
- Gabi Beach was OK, Market Grill was better IMO.
4. Bars
- Lobby bar is well stocked and serves excellent drinks, but the lobby isn't very breezy.
- Gabi Beach is the nicest area to chill out, but the bar was understocked and the drinks were not as good as the lobby.
- Pool bar guys work really hard and are constantly entertaining.
- Bellini bar was good, tasty drink -- guys, just order the fruity drinks there...they actually work.
5. Entertainment
- Terrible. fagetaboutit :-)
- Onsite disco is actually better than others I have been to in resorts.
6. Checkout
- Easier than check-in.
All in all, enjoyable. Want nightlife...go offsite to Mangu. We didn't, but others did and seemed satisfied with it.
Royal Service is valuable for the better liquor and a la carte lunch.
|
(10)
