Is Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana Worth It? The Ultimate Guide to the Pros and Cons
- BFree Adventures
- May 4
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Hey there! It’s been a little while since my trip to Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, but the experience stuck with me — so let’s talk about what it was really like. You know how some reviews just rave about everything, and you’re left wondering if they actually stayed there or were just trying to get a free trip? Yeah, this isn’t one of those.
This is just me, sharing what I genuinely loved — and what made me go, “Ugh, really?” — so if you're considering booking a stay, hopefully, this post helps you get the full picture.
First Impressions
When we first pulled into the resort, I have to admit — it looked like paradise. Palm trees swaying, golf carts zooming around, and that warm Caribbean breeze that instantly makes you feel like you made the right decision.
Check-in was pretty standard. Not super fast, but nothing awful. They handed us our welcome drinks (yes, please) and gave us a little map of the resort. And I quickly realized... this place is huge. Like, wear-comfy-shoes kind of huge. Which brings me to the good stuff.
The Pros (aka what I really loved)
1. The Beach Was a Dream
Let’s start with the obvious: the beach. It’s everything you’d hope for in a Caribbean vacation — soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and enough palm trees to shade you when you’ve had too much sun. It wasn’t overly crowded, and we always managed to find a couple of loungers, even mid-day.
There were a few beach vendors walking around, but they weren’t pushy. I actually ended up buying a bracelet from one of them and had a nice little convo in broken Spanish. Vibes = immaculate.
2. Pools for Days
There are multiple pools across the resort, so you can kind of pick your vibe. Want a chill, quiet pool? You got it. Want one with music, a bar, and a bunch of people dancing in the water by 3pm? Also an option. I loved that variety — especially on days when I wanted to switch from “zen” to “let’s day drink and pretend we’re 22 again.”
Bonus: The pool bars serve up drinks fast, and they’re not shy with the alcohol. Be careful, though. Those fruity cocktails sneak up on you!
3. Rooms Were Comfy
The room was cozy and had all the essentials, though the style could use a bit of an update. The bed was big and comfortable, there was air conditioning that worked like a charm (thank God), and the balcony had a cute little view of the garden. It wasn’t ultra-modern or fancy, but it was clean and cozy.
There was a mini-fridge stocked with water, sodas, and beer — all included. A small touch, but super appreciated after being out in the sun all day.
4. All-Inclusive Perks
Ah, the magic words: all-inclusive. Honestly, this is why I booked this place. I didn’t want to think about money once I got there, and for the most part, I didn’t have to.
There’s a big buffet that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tons of food options — I’m talking everything from pancakes to paella to sushi. Is everything mind-blowing? No. But you’ll always find something you like. I especially appreciated the fresh fruit and the omelet station in the morning.
They also have a few à la carte restaurants (more on that later...) and bars basically everywhere.
5. Entertainment & Activities
There’s always something happening — from water aerobics to beach volleyball to nighttime shows. We caught a Michael Jackson tribute one night (don’t ask), and while it was a little cheesy, it was surprisingly good. The performers give it their all, and it shows.
You can also book excursions right from the resort if you want to do something more adventurous, like ziplining or visiting Saona Island. We stuck to the beach, but it’s nice to have options.
The Cons (aka what kinda sucked)
Alright, now let’s get into the stuff I didn’t love. No place is perfect, and I think it’s only fair to talk about the things that could’ve been better — because I know I appreciate honesty when I’m planning a trip.
1. Room Maintenance Was... Meh
While our room was clean when we arrived, it didn’t stay that way consistently. Housekeeping skipped us one day, and when they did come, they kind of rushed through everything. One day we came back to find towels missing, and another time they forgot to restock the toilet paper.
Also... ants. Not a full-on infestation, but there were definitely some tiny ones by the bathroom sink. We called and they sent someone to spray, but it was a bit of a buzzkill.
2. The Food Got Repetitive
Remember that buffet I mentioned? It’s great at first, but by day 4, I was definitely craving something different. The options didn’t really change much day-to-day, and while there was variety, the flavour didn’t always deliver.
We tried booking the à la carte restaurants to mix things up, but that turned out to be a bit of a pain. You need to make reservations way in advance — like, ideally right when you arrive. We didn’t know this and ended up only getting into one, which was fine but not life-changing.
If food is a big deal for you, just go in with realistic expectations.
3. WiFi Was Barely a Thing
Okay, this one annoyed me the most. WiFi only works good in the lobby, and even there, it’s super spotty. The Wi-Fi in the room isn’t the best—the signal can be pretty weak. I know, I know — “you’re on vacation, unplug!” And I tried, but I still wanted to send a few pics and check in with people. Not having consistent internet was more frustrating than freeing, to be honest.
4. It Gets Crowded
This resort is big, but it also gets busy. If you’re not up early, you’ll probably struggle to find a good spot by the pool or beach. And some of the restaurants get packed fast.
Also, the vibe can get a little party-heavy depending on the crowd. One night, we were kept awake by drunk guests yelling in the hallway at 1am. I’m all for people having fun, but I wish the resort staff enforced a little more quiet at night.
4. The Resort is ... Huge!
The resort is massive — so big that you’ll likely need to use the complimentary shuttle to get to the beach. Only a few lucky buildings are close enough to walk, but most are a good 10–15 minutes away. And with the heat and humidity, walking isn’t exactly appealing. Unless your room is near the shore, expect to rely on the shuttle.
Would I Go Back?
Honestly... maybe. I had a good time. The weather was perfect, the beach was stunning, and I came back with that relaxed, sun-dazed vacation glow that makes everything seem worth it.
But would I go back to Bahia Principe Punta Cana specifically? Only if the price was right and I was going with a group who just wanted to chill without too many expectations.
If you're big on food, quiet, or top-tier service, this might not be your dream resort. But if you're looking for a fun, affordable getaway with a beautiful beach and unlimited drinks, you’ll probably have a great time.
Final Thoughts
Every resort has its ups and downs, and Bahia Principe Punta Cana is no different. I’m glad I went — I made some great memories and soaked up a ton of sun — but I also left with a few “meh” moments I wouldn’t want to sugarcoat.
If you’re thinking of booking it, my advice is:
Make restaurant reservations as soon as you arrive (they fill up fast).
Bring bug spray (trust me on this one).
Don’t expect five-star luxury, and you won’t be disappointed.
Pack some snacks—room service is limited, and late-night options are pretty basic.
Claim your pool chairs early in the morning if you want a good spot.
Download offline entertainment—Wi-Fi in the rooms isn’t the most reliable.
Wear comfy shoes; the resort is big and you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
A reusable cup or tumbler comes in handy for drinks by the pool.
Check the nightly entertainment schedule—it’s hit or miss, but some nights are really fun!
Have you been to Bahia Principe Punta Cana? Or are you planning a trip soon? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your experience or answer any questions!
You’ll find more info on the hotel’s website, which you can check out here.
If you’d like to explore more of this resort, feel free to check out my video here