Bahia Principe Grand Samana +18

This hotel offers a serene and luxurious escape, distinguished by its stunning cliffside location that provides breathtaking ocean and bay views from nearly every vantage point. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional service provided by the staff, the hotel's overall cleanliness, and its tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway and adults looking for a peaceful, quiet retreat. While the food receives mixed reviews, the comfortable accommodations and picturesque surroundings contribute to a memorable stay. To maximize the experience, guests are advised to request a room on a higher floor for unparalleled vistas and to be prepared for numerous stairs throughout the property.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a spacious pool area with ample sun-loungers and parasols, providing a relaxing environment for guests. A Jacuzzi is also available for unwinding. For those seeking to maintain their fitness routine, a well-equipped fitness center is on-site, complete with various machines and a dedicated area for stretching or yoga. Guests appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, which is accessible in all rooms and throughout the resort, including the beach. While some guests note the absence of a large swimming pool, the existing facilities are generally well-maintained. Additional conveniences include ice machines and vending machines, and a spa offering various treatments, including highly praised massages.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be very clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. The beds are often described as large and comfortable, though a few guests found them to be too firm. Rooms are equipped with ample wardrobe space and storage cupboards, ensuring convenience for longer stays. The bathrooms are spacious, though some reviews indicate they could benefit from modernization, with a few mentioning outdated designs or minor issues like slow draining. Each room typically features a balcony offering stunning ocean views, and amenities such as a coffee maker, refrigerator, and safe are appreciated. While road noise is present, the double doors in some rooms effectively mitigate it, ensuring a relatively quiet environment.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining at the hotel primarily revolves around its buffet restaurant, which offers a good variety of dishes, including fresh fruit, cooked vegetables, meats, fish, cheese, salads, pasta, and pizza, often with themed nights. The breakfast buffet, particularly the omelet station, receives consistent praise for its quality and selection. While many guests find the overall food quality to be good or even exquisite, some describe it as average, repetitive, or occasionally served cold. The availability of a la carte restaurants is limited, with some guests noting restricted operating hours or that certain dishes incur an extra charge, which can be a point of confusion for an all-inclusive concept. The drinks menu is generally acceptable, though some cocktails are noted as being very sweet, and the wine selection is considered average.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a prime cliffside location, offering panoramic views of the bay and nearby islands, which is a significant draw for guests. It provides direct access to a private beach that is described as small, beautiful, and peaceful, with exclusive use for hotel guests. This beach is noted for its cleanliness and calm waters, though some guests mention occasional seaweed or jellyfish, and some noise from a nearby road. The hotel is conveniently located approximately 10-15 minutes from Samaná city, making it accessible for exploring local attractions and excursions such as whale watching (seasonal) and trips to Limón Waterfall. However, the property features many stairs due to its tiered design, which may pose a challenge for guests with mobility issues. Parking is available, but it is off-site, and the walk to the hotel can be challenging due to a lack of sidewalks.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise, being described as exceptional, friendly, helpful, and attentive. Guests frequently commend their professionalism and efficiency, noting that many staff members are fluent in both English and Spanish, which enhances the guest experience. The check-in process is generally smooth and quick, and the housekeeping team is lauded for maintaining high standards of cleanliness. Specific mentions highlight the attentiveness of the wait staff in the dining areas and the helpfulness of the reception team. The overall commitment of the staff to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for visitors.

Additional Information
This hotel is characterized by its quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for guests seeking relaxation rather than a lively party scene. It is primarily an adults-only resort, with most guests being over 50, contributing to its tranquil ambiance. Entertainment is limited, typically consisting of live music in the lobby during the evenings for a short duration, with no large shows or discos. Guests should be aware that the hotel's "all-inclusive" concept can be confusing, as some services or menu items may incur additional charges. There is often limited or no bar service on the beach or at the pool during certain hours, and room service is only available during specific overnight times. The hotel, being over 20 years old, shows some signs of age and could benefit from a general facelift.