72 Hours at One of the WORST RATED All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana

[@marcleblanc5970]

I really appreciate the blunt honesty in this review (and in ALL your reviews). This would be a "no-never" for my wife and I. The only all inclusive we've stayed at was at Excellence Playa Mujeres and it was great. Eventually, we will do an all inclusive again, but we're more cruise people. We live in Bradenton Florida, so world class beaches are a short drive away, and we find that with all the cruise ports a simple drive away, cruising is a great way to see some of the world. After your reviews and ship tours of the MSC Seascape and Seaside, we are considering booking one or the other for our 40th anniversary. It's something different besides a Celebrity or Carnival cruise that we've taken multiple times, and you've introduced us to a couple of beautiful ships, which in all aspects compared to this all inclusive, is a no brainer. All in all, your descriptions are highly well thought out and incredibly articulate. The work you put in shines through in the quality of your productions.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for this incredibly kind and thoughtful comment. It makes us so happy when our videos help people discover new things and consider new travel destinations. And we don't blame you for not considering staying at Occidental Caribe. It's not going to be the right fit for most people.

[@billyc3757]

@@Explorcation But we're all still waiting for the bloopers reel. :-)

[@ginsil7284]

I just wanted to say, I hope your channel grows and grows. I love watching your videos and travels.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for the kind and encouraging comment! We really appreciate your support.

[@joanneloach9931]

I've stayed here twice in a standard room and it's exactly as you described. Once you get over the shock and you consider the price, we had excellent deals both tines, it's not too bad.

[@Explorcation]

We're glad to here that you've been able get through the initial shock and enjoy your time at this beautiful resort just as we were able to!

[@craigslist9176]

Awesome review, as usual! We stayed at an all-inclusive hotel in Cancun and slipped the lady at the front desk a $20 bill to upgrade us, and she gave us a honeymoon suite with a giant jacuzzi tub with marble columns and ocean view. I'm wondering if they have a handful of rooms like the one you had and expect people to "pay more" or give them money to move you to a nicer room. I definitely would've complained though. That shower with the mildew and the hole in the ceiling would've been my red line. LOL You two are troopers for pushing through. Thank you!

[@Explorcation]

We're glad you enjoyed the video, and we appreciate you sharing your experience in Cancun. At first we were wondering if we somehow did something to upset them which lead to them giving us such a bad room. Perhaps slipping them a $20 would have gotten us something slightly less terrible 😂 We'll have to try that next time!

[@scareddog5450]

You’re troopers. I would have peaced out after seeing the room.

[@Explorcation]

Yeah we were definitely considering at least demanding a new room, but figured it was only 3 days so we just let it ride.

[@cottagefulloflove4090]

Wow! I was expecting some cons but your bathroom in the suite was crazy!! That mold 🤮!! But that beach is so lovely! This doesn't seem like a terrible option for someone on a super budget that just needs to get away to lay on the beautiful beach! Thank you so much for this great review!

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, we certainly weren't expecting anything close to perfection, but the whole in the ceiling was still a little bit more than we bargained for! The amazing beach almost made up for it though!

[@billyc3757]

That room.....never seen anything like that. WOW!

[@Explorcation]

Neither have we, Billy!

[@Letthem0911]

TY both 💕💕 I plan on saving for an all inclusive vacation hopefully sooner than later. Your vids are so informative and fun!!!

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure! We're really glad you are enjoying the videos, and we hope you are able to experience an all-inclusive first hand very soon!

[@kylepokigo6293]

This review was spot on and exactly same experience and opinions that we had from our week-long stay here a month ago. We had a standard room with ocean view, so no special breakfast / lunches for us. We ate at the regular buffet for breakfast & lunch each day and the food was not very good at all, but we didn't go hungry. And as you said, the drinks were also terrible because the juices were so cheap and sugary. However, considering the low cost, we were not expecting 5 star quality, and the beach and pools more than make up for the quality of the food and rooms. Because of the low cost we would definitely stay there again!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to share your experience, Kyle. Sounds like we are pretty much on the same page! Bad food/drinks but beautiful property and still worth the bargain bin price point!

[@apopcalip]

I feel so sorry for that bad experience in our country… i’ve been in that place twice; first one was 20 years ago, school promotion trip and I almost died there in the pool, then 2012 and nothing changed but the name.. now I see your video and still NO changes… that place, even though is in Punta Cana, sucks! I recommend any other place! DM for recomendarions in DR … glad you survive this resort.. regards!

[@ThereandBeck]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@JillianaMariah]

I must say that this is one of the worst places that you have ever visited. Your honesty is refreshing. Your optimism is so cute, though. 😊 It's kinda hard to be excited when you walk into a place that has so many flaws. Love the video, though. As always, top notch! ❤

[@vickimae3802]

Hi! Thanks for the video. Weren’t you afraid to eat at the resort after seeing your room. I can’t imagine what the kitchen looks like in that place.

[@Explorcation]

I (Skylar) pretty much have a stomach of steel lol so I was not too nervous. But Jamie was a bit nervous and was definitely selective about what she ate. Neither of us got sick at all though thankfully.

[@jimsizzles]

we stayed at this resort when it was Barcelo Punta Cana in 2009...my wife would never go back. There was little we liked about it, other than it was the first time I ever spent an entire day on the beach, thus the beach was very nice (water could get very rough) but that's where everything good ended. We had a normal room (could see the ocean if we leaned out) and had friends in the Premium Suite and they loved it but your room was unreal and I agree it would turn me off completely. Thanks for the truthful review.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for sharing your experience. The beach at this property will always be beautiful, but the rest of it sure does need some work! We're glad you enjoyed the video and appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@RC_cola_and_a_moon_pie]

Skylar is so stinking adorable! And Jamie too! My new fav you tube couple. Love your content!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for this incredibly kind comment! We really appreciate you watching our video and we're glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@gonefishing4204]

Thank you for this informative video

[@Explorcation]

Absolutely. Thank you for watching!

[@ScullyPop]

I admire your courage. It's gorgeous outside, though.

[@Explorcation]

It really was a gorgeous resort but yeah, definitely took some courage to stay in that room!

[@xiiibujinkan]

Thanks for sharing...I realize everyone is different...but that scene really gives me the heebee jeebees....so to speak...You're real troopers to tough it out and share with us....Though.....I can understand that a lot of ppl will spend little time in their room, and everyone has different standards of living....another quality video from you !

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, we weren't expecting great things out of such an inexpensive resort, but we were still a bit shocked by how bad that room was. But yeah, everyone is different and this resort could be a great option for the right type of person, but we could never recommend someone book a Premium level room after that experience with our "Premium" suite.

[@genehinders9639]

The opening shot at the Beach looks amaaaaaazing.

[@Explorcation]

It really was. We loved the beach there.

[@Carriesue1982]

Been living here in central Florida for a month and a half now, getting ready for my first hurricane! Hope you guys stay safe over there, she’s looking like a monster

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, it's looking like this one is going to be quite the doozy! We're all hunkered down and ready for her. We hope you stay safe too. Even 40 miles inland it sounds like you may still be getting some pretty strong winds!

[@TheAverageTourist]

I wish I saw this a few weeks ago! I had clients interested in this place and based on the reviews I suggested finding another resort - but this would have been a good reference point. The beach and pool areas do look very nice there. I never trust hotel photos of the rooms anymore! I always go to KZbin and TripAdvisor to get the real deal.

[@Explorcation]

The beach and the pools really were amazing especially for this price point. The room was obviously a disaster, but if not for that we would say this resort was a good deal for what we paid. We'd potentially still recommend it to someone with a limited budget that doesn't really care too much about food quality. But yeah, probably not the best pick for most of your clients! And good tip on going out to KZbin/TripAdvisor for the "real" room pics.

[@HugeGamma]

good balanced review

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment! We really appreciate it.

[@brentsabourin4607]

Learned a long time ago, that cheap doesn’t equal good!

[@Explorcation]

LOL nope, usually not.

[@rhondalyn100]

Maybe because I've never been to the DR before I would go to this resort if I wanted to go budget friendly. The grounds look amazing and the pools are beautiful as well. It would be great to see a compare/contrast video of all the inclusives you've been to in the DR so your audience can decide which would be best for them. Perhaps it is the fair and unbiased way you present this resort, but I'd go there for sure if I were trying to save a few dollars. Thanks, as always, for your wonderful travel videos. 🙂

[@Explorcation]

We feel the same, Rhonda. If funds were tight and we were looking for an inexpensive getaway with beautiful beaches and pools, this resort is it. I could just sit on that beach and drink passionfruit mojitos and be happy for at least a couple of days! We would definitely not book the Premium room again though after our last experience.

[@sandrathomas6161]

Great video!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you, Sandra!

[@ikreate4u]

Still watching, but from the beginning my first question is why didn’t you request a different room? Update: I finished watching and still the same question remains. Especially since this resort looked pretty empty and you mentioned it was off season. I can’t see why they wouldn’t offer you a better room unless all were booked. I would’ve downgraded to a a smaller nicer room than staying in there. It made me itch just imagining what else wasn’t visible there.

[@Explorcation]

We discussed it, but we already had to wait so long to get into one (as it still wasn't even ready by 3 pm) and we didn't know how long we'd have to wait for another. We decided that as long as it kept us cool and we could sleep at night we would stay. Our time there was limited and most of it we'd be out filming.

[@garyK.45ACP]

So...compared to a $160/night room in the USA. Pretty awesome. (except for the birds sharing the buffet)😲 After going on many cruises, my wife and I are considering a vacation at an all inclusive resort (somewhere). Since we live within 2 hours drive of FOUR cruise terminals in Florida, we have to figure the airfare as an additional cost compared to a cruise. Many times those comparisons come out in favor of the cruise and we just look for an itinerary going somewhere we haven't been before. Our upcoming cruise (December) includes a stop in Punta Cana, so we'll check it out for the future. But I appreciate the video and your suffering through the slings and arrows of a tropical resort for our benefit! 😜

[@Explorcation]

Yea, that price to stay right on that gorgeous beach 😍 it would be so much more 💰 💰💰 in the states..

[@treynolds94]

Been to Domincan many times 14 to be exact. Only in Puerta Plata. My fav resort was the Fun Royal that closed down many years ago my fav room has to be one we had at the Grand Paradise had stairs which were really cool but bad after a long day of drinking. Pretty sure passed out on them trying to make it up. Staff have always been amazing and so welcoming to visit their casa and famillia.

[@Explorcation]

We've only been to Puerto Plata on a cruise stop but we loved it. Hopefully we'll get to spend more time there someday.

[@sabrinamerrick1271]

Thank you for staying here, so we won't have to.

[@Explorcation]

We're always happy to take one for the team, Sabrina!

[@Ocean2OceanTravel]

New subscriber here. Great review and information. The suite is very disappointing especially with it be a premium suite. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Explorcation]

Welcome and thank you so much for watching and subscripting. The suite was anything but what we'd consider to be Premium... other than the size. That being said, at the price we paid, the quality of the room probably shouldn't have been all that surprising.

[@tony-ce7qp]

very nice review and you were kind to the workers but i would have went nuts with the room no doubt...lol!

[@Explorcation]

Yeah it was pretty bad. On the bright side the bed was comfortable, there were no bugs, and the AC did keep the room pretty cold, so at least we were able to sleep pretty decently. Definitely room for improvement though. 😂

[@stevevirag8282]

You're braver than me getting on the trapeze lol after seeing the lack of maitanace of the room, there's no way I'm going on that thing lol

[@Explorcation]

Well to be fair there was at least a net under the swing, although it did have many holes in it 😬. I figure some day I'm gonna have enough common sense to stop doing risky things like that, so I better do them all now before that day comes 😂

[@c.i5326]

Hi! You mentioned staying at other resorts i Punta cana. What resorts were they and how did you like the stay?

[@Explorcation]

Previously we stayed at Occidental Punta Cana, Bahia Principe Ambar, and Lopesan. We enjoyed them all. Lopesan was probably our favorite of those 4, but it was also the most expensive. We also stayed at two other Punta Cana resorts shortly after Occidental Caribe (bringing our total up to 6). We'll have episodes on those coming up on our channel over the next few weeks... but aren't wanting to ruin the surprise!

[@c.i5326]

@@Explorcation ooh, got it thanks! Looking forward to the other videos

[@rea8755]

Should of done that dance class by the pool.

[@Explorcation]

Lol probably shoulda!

[@patriciajuszak5784]

Thanks for doing this one! I MIGHT consider this place as a really affordable option for a few days just to enjoy the pool and that gorgeous beach - not in a premium suite though. That room was scary! And mamajuana in coffee, never thought about that. I have a bottle at home so I just may give it a try tomorrow morning! I've been to the DR once but I stayed in a super nice place with 2 other ladies that most likely is totally out of my and my husband's budget. So even though I preferred the nicer one, I might try something very low priced like this one just to get a beach vacation in on the cheap.

[@Explorcation]

We feel the same as you, Patricia. If we really needed a beach vacation, but didn't really have the budget for a vacation, this would be a good option... so long as we were able to get a room that was at least in reasonably ok condition. You'll have to let us know what you think of the mamajuana in coffee if you do end up giving it a try. I don't think I'll be spiking my coffee with it on a regular basis, but it was better than I thought it would be!

[@patriciajuszak5784]

@@Explorcation So didn't really care for the Mamajuana in coffee - rum works better lol!

[@vicp99]

Wow that suite was horrific 😅 made me itchy. Seems like Your room attendant did the best she could and glad u remember to tip.

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, it was definitely the worst room we've ever stayed in at a resort, but the attendant did her best!

[@mdduet]

I truly would have refused to stay in that "premium" room, asked to see a " regular" room to move to. If the other rooms were the same then time for a complete refund and a change of resorts.

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, this seems to be the general feedback we've been getting. It was a pretty bad room.

[@johndefalque5061]

Room is big. but damn no TV. Not a beautiful room, but you're on vacation, just get out on the beach. Spanish is my 2nd language, French is a distant 3rd for me barely better than my Mandarin. $65 a night is better than any cruise ship and you could get such a deal in a motel in a small Quebec town but the room would be very small. One beer-wow-it's like my brother who only drinks Bud. I'm a variety micro brew guy who even makes his own.

[@Explorcation]

Yes, it really was a massive room. We spent very little time in it though, which is why we didn't bother requesting a less dilapidated one. There were no bugs and the AC worked, so not bad when considering the price! Thankfully Presidente is a pretty good beer for a caribbean beer, but it needs to be very cold, which could be a bit challenging at this resort.

[@judyrosario7342]

Could you have requested a room change? I mean maybe mention that your room didn’t match what was advertised at all. Because as you said, the beach wasn’t crowded, I would assume there were other rooms available. Thank you so much for this review. It will save many ppl a huge disappointment. I’ve never been to Punta Cana, as I hate touristy areas n I’ve heard many ppl say they’ve been disappointed with the food at PC resorts. I’d prefer Terrenas or Cabarete! Hope you try those places sometime! Keep up the great work you guys, you do it very well❤️🫶

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, we probably could have got a room change if we had requested one... especially if we were willing to be moved into a smaller room (which we gladly would have). That said, we were there for only 3 days and wouldn't be in the room much, so we decided to just roll with it.

[@ginsil7284]

I'm sorry I would have demanded to be moved because of the issues. We don't usually use the tv much, but we do use some before going to bed.

[@Explorcation]

Yeah I think most people would have. In fact we probably would have if we would have been on a true vacation and were staying for more than 3 days. The TV thing didn't really bother us since we knew we'd be busy filming, but it was still a bit annoying.

[@ElvisGarciaDeJesus-bl4cf]

For 69 dollars this is a great bargain, jajajaja. Thanks to both, good job.

[@Explorcation]

We do think this resort would have been a good deal for what we paid if our room wouldn't have been in such disrepair. Yes the food wasn't too good, but we found a few things we enjoyed and you really can't expect much more at that price point.

[@pippilongstocking-qs7fm]

Riu Hotels & Bavaro hotels are more expensive but much much cleaner, up to date & the beaches are fantastic, from what I recall. I've toured all the all inclusive hotels in Punta Can, Puerta plata & Cancun. For the price you paid, you didn't do too bad, imo.Also, I recommend a voiding soups, salads & brushing your teeth from the faucet when in any foreign country

[@DaBriggsBoys]

thanks for sharing...

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure. Thank you for watching!

[@ladamionwilcox3473]

Punta Cana is beautiful.

[@Explorcation]

It absolutely is!

[@pauliwalnutz]

We stayed at the sister resort last year. Wasnt too great either but it was cheap.

[@Explorcation]

Yeah we stayed at Occidental Punta Cana almost two years ago. We agree that it wasn't great, but it was actually quite a bit better than Occidental Caribe when it comes to quality of the food and the rooms (at least ours). And the Premium level beach bar and restaurant were actually pretty great.

[@washboardjim]

I am trying to figure out what resort you went to

[@MichaelGiordano777]

Occidental Caribe- Punta Cana.

[@877-MASH-NOW]

No amount of money is worth staying at a resort like this. 😂 Yikes! You both are serious troopers.

[@Explorcation]

Well we did LOVE the beach and we didn't get sick... so it wasn't all bad. But yeah, I think that is the first and last time we'll be agreeable to staying in a room with a hole in the ceiling 😂

[@ElvisGarciaDeJesus-bl4cf]

I disagree with you, that is a very cheap price. You will never find so much food, drinks and stay for that price.

[@877-MASH-NOW]

@@ElvisGarciaDeJesus-bl4cf I would need to be intoxicated and in a food coma to stay there. 🤣😂

[@ElvisGarciaDeJesus-bl4cf]

@@877-MASH-NOW Dont exagerate. We eat out all the times and nothing happen to us. I'm not recommending this place, but if I ever need a vacation and I dont have a good budget, yest I will be going to this hotel.

[@minacakes2]

@@ElvisGarciaDeJesus-bl4cf I think it would be good for locals who just want to enjoy the beach and don't HAVE to stay there and can bring their own food or know where to go close by. The problem is though anytime I want to stay at a place that is OBVIOUSLy cutting costs is I start to wonder...if they're not cleaning the bathrooms, or repairing holes in the wall or even caring to make the room look nice....what else are they not doing behind the scenes? I wouldn't eat the food b/c I'd assume if it's going bad they'd still serve it. It something fell on the floor, they don't have the budget to replace so it's still getting served, if they run out of disinfectant for the pool they'll just wing it etc. Coming back home with bed bugs or a staph infection isn't worth the savings to me! LOL

[@genehinders9639]

If the Premium Level was that disappointing would a lower level be worth checking into? That problems with the room were disgusting...and you'd think that'd be their best amenities too. That beach though!!!!

[@Explorcation]

Yeah I do believe that some of their rooms are smaller but remodeled. We would have MUCH preferred one of those rooms, especially if they had a decent view.

[@frankxd9232]

Don't take the risk.

[@judithmiddleton8996]

I would never stay at that resort, premium or otherwise. I’m surprised you didn’t ask for another room upon entering. I would have.

[@Explorcation]

Yeah I think in most situations we would have. But ultimately we decided that we'd just deal with it since we'd only be there 3 days and wouldn't be in the room to do anything other than sleep.

[@alejandrodelrio2619]

What month were you there?

[@Explorcation]

Early September of 2024

[@nancyarmisto5377]

No way. No how. I don't care how cheap the resort is, if we had this I would be aggravated we spent money to go here.

[@Explorcation]

We don't blame ya Nancy. That room was pretty sad.

[@amerettasour82]

Wow that room was scary! Did you have to pay extra for the rock climbing ?

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, scary is a pretty accurate description of it. There was no extra charge for the rock climbing. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@zeropressureacoustic7255]

I'd spend more money and stay somewhere better. A huge leaking hole in the ceiling and birds pecking at food. No thanks. I would even care about the TV, as I don't use them on vacations. When a resort can't proactively fix such obvious problems, they are on the way to closing up shop or being bought.

[@Explorcation]

We were thinking the exact same thing about them perhaps closing and or being purchased. They have such an amazing stretch of beach, we'd sure think there would be lots of interest in purchasing the property.

[@Jayjay-ji7ty]

Which hotel ? I may have missed it

[@patrickbeach3070]

Were willing to eat and enjoy to eat are so far apart lol. Great description of food. Aka. I wont go there it sounds like

[@Explorcation]

Yeah... Things we enjoyed to eat were very few and far between here for sure. Definitely ot the resort for a foodie.

[@daxc1972]

Went to Punta Cana twice, super cheap including airfare....wont go back. All in our group got intestinal problems and one time the ceiling on the balcony started falling down. And then a overzealous timeshare salesman constantly harassed us the whole week no matter how many times we said no thanks.

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for sharing your experience. This we've now been to Punta Cana four times (six resorts) and have yet to have any sort of sickness during or afterwards, but we have heard plenty of stories from people who have. Either we are lucky or our bodies are just really good at fighting off foodborne illnesses! We encountered a similar timeshare situation at the second resort we styed at on this trip. It was a bit annoying for sure.

[@Mike-vt7wq]

Stayed at Rio Bambu - totally discussed, food was terrible!

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for sharing, Mike. We have yet to stay at a Riu Property. We'll keep this comment in mind when planning future resort stays.

[@samo8204]

Did I miss the price? I'm assuming it was SUPER GOOD or you were comped? This would be a no go for us.

[@Explorcation]

We paid around $130 per night (for both of us)... so it was incredibly cheap for a 600 sf room with unlimited food and drinks. That said, the quality (at least of the room and the food) did turn out to be about what you'd expect to get at that price point!

[@JillianaMariah]

Wait was that an actual crow eating in the restaurant!? That's just wrong! 😂

[@Explorcation]

Yes, Jilliana. Sadly it was 😂

[@frankxd9232]

The food is Baaaaaaad .

[@Explorcation]

We found a few things we liked. But it wasn't easy.

[@jennifernicholson8715]

Occidental Xcaret in Cancun didn't have very nice food at lunch or the dishes were odd. The breakfasts were good and I got bored there.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for sharing, Jennifer!

[@toddrannbartley1684]

I would have demanded to be moved to a different room.

[@Explorcation]

I don't blame ya. If this was an actual true vacation for us and not a work trip we likely would have done the same. But we new we'd be moving on to another property in 3 days so we decided to tough it out.

[@jeffbalut7391]

Bartenders awesome in main lobby

[@Explorcation]

There are two lobby bars. But for the most part we agree that the bartenders at both were very good.

[@michele250000]

I stayed at occidental punta cana and really didn’t like it. Stayed in a club level room, not the highest level but in general the service was awful. The a la cart restaurants weren’t bad. I wouldn’t go back.

[@Explorcation]

When we stayed at Occidental Punta Cana we booked a premium level suite which meant we had access to the premium level restaurant, pool, and beach bar. We Spent nearly all our time at those spots. We both agreed that we'd return to the resort, but only if we booked premium level. It was 100% worth the upcharge in our eyes.

[@ladycancer9330]

What resort is it ?

[@Explorcation]

Occidental Caribe in Punta Cana.

[@sabrinamerrick1271]

Looks like a by-the-hour love hotels 😅😅

[@Explorcation]

I can't say I know what a by-the-hour hotel looks like from experience... but yeah, pretty much what I'd imagine one to look like! 😂

[@johndefalque5061]

It sure doesn't look like the brochure but hey, budget motels throughout Quebec are that bad and the rooms are far smaller. They may also be located on a freeeway, main artery etc.

[@Explorcation]

Agree. The room was pretty bad, but still not all that terrible when considering the ridiculously low price we paid for it.

[@bethsilnieks7645]

did anyone get sick at the end of the trip?

[@Explorcation]

No. Neither of us got any sort of sickness, thankfully.

[@charlesturner1377]

Amen but hahahaha those glasses on your head make you look Mickey Mouse

[@RalphCamilo]

I simply woud not accept that room until I get one that is worthy.

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, we have a feeling that most people probably wouldn't have.

[@nhgriff1]

Isn't there a hurricane down there right now?

[@Explorcation]

There sure is. Gonna be a doozy!

[@mobandz380]

I’ll stay home

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for watching!

[@michellehopperdietzel4154]

It’s just common sense to throw in your suit and things like that because you don’t know when your room will be available even at high-end resorts

[@Cerealkiller_4reel]

Are any of the Dominican resorts cannabis friendly?

[@Explorcation]

We're probably not the best people to ask about this, but I can tell you that I've been approached on the beach by local vendors on numerous occasions in Punta Cana asking me (Skylar) if I want weed. It's probably due to my long hair 😂

[@user-323LakeRetire]

😂😂😂​@@Explorcation

[@oceanwave4142]

How terrible looks like the shower caulking was done by an animal, another water damaged moldy building.

[@Explorcation]

Come on now... I'm sure most animals could do a much better caulking job than that 😂

[@Chrisell]

We just stayed at the Majestic Elegance in Punta Cana and though the resort was pretty nice (they are closing down for a remodel on 9/28/2024) but the food sucked, the presentation was out of this world but the taste sucked.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We'll definitely keep this in mind!

[@kerrydennard4921]

I would never stay there. Because if they're not. Keeping up on the maintenance. Then they're not cleaning properly. And that is my biggest concern. Kitchens and bathrooms. In the bedrooms are a wreck. What is the kitchen. And bug situation. Cheap it's not always better

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, sanitation was definitely on the back of our minds. Thankfully we never felt ill whatsoever.

[@frankxd9232]

one of the worst resorts in PC.Avoid Bahía Principe Grand Bavaro, another waste of money.

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, we figured this to be the case based off of the price and the reviews. Honestly the beach was one of the best we've seen and the pools were pretty decent too, but the rest was subpar at best. We've stayed at Bahia Principe Ambar which was pretty decent, but never at Grand Bavaro. We did; however, walk around Grand Bavaro and noticed that the Property seemed to be not nearly as well maintained as Ambar and Aquamarine. So it doesn't surprise us to hear that you'd avoid that one.

[@minkmindy]

Maybe I’m over reacting and showing first world expectations do forgive he but that place looks like a rent by the hour type. It’s so dirty the walls the glass , the fridge, everything ewwww. ☹️ I hope you didn’t bring your black light lol I’m glad that you had the beautiful ocean and sound like overall good service.

[@Explorcation]

Yup, the room was really bad, but beach was beautiful and service was mostly good.

[@minkmindy]

@ btw I love your videos! Thank you for the honest content.

[@Bronx_Yankee]

I went for a morning jog and jogged past the breakfast buffet table and the seagulls and pigeons were all over it I’m not an alcohol drinker buy my buddy got mad at the waiters in the bar because he was served moonshine, the waiters got nervous and opened a locked cabinet and gave him another drink. Apparently these guys were stealing the original liquor, filling the bottles with moonshine, and these guys were making pure profit sellling outside

[@Explorcation]

Wow. I guess we can be thankful that we only had a few black birds on our buffet and also didn't experience the issue with the liquor during our stay. We have heard stories about other resorts filling higher quality liquor bottles with lower quality liquor, but never with actual moonshine.

[@Bronx_Yankee]

@@Explorcation they can make alcohol concoctions for pennies on the dollar, I know there’s been a few deaths with people poisoned by alcohol…I was safe with the bottled beer…I think

[@truthabovelies]

Why did you guys not request another room? That room is awful

[@Explorcation]

It was an awful room. But we were only there for 3 days and knew we'd be spending little time in it, so we just rolled with it.

[@jeffbalut7391]

No negatives about anything

[@Explorcation]

Glad you had a positive experience. Thanks for watching!

[@SunsetRS-20]

Don't think so.

[@Explorcation]

Don't blame ya.

[@ejkrakowiak6905]

"Premium"

[@Explorcation]

LOL yup.

[@ericleaper-t1d]

You get what you pay for...

[@Explorcation]

Generally speaking, we'd have to agree. Thanks for watching.

[@pauldonaldson1359]

where are you

[@Explorcation]

Occidental Caribe in Punta Cana

[@pauldonaldson1359]

what country

[@j.j.vargas3626]

So, let me get this straight: you KNOWINGLY booked a room in the WORST all-inclusive in Punta Cana, just so you could give a negative review? As with every destination, there's good/better/best options, you CHOSE the worst. You get what you pay for, this is basic travel 101.

[@Explorcation]

One of the worst, but not THE worst. Yes, we knowingly booked it because we were genuinely curious what it would be like and we thought that many of our viewers would be too. Also, I wouldn't say that we left a "negative review". We actually pointed out quite a few things that we liked about this resort, even though we literally had a hole in the ceiling of our room, no working TVs, and constant water on the bathroom floor. While the "you get what you pay for" rule generally does apply, it also over-simplifies things. From our experience some resorts are much better values than others... but of course it all depends on what you prioritize.

[@jeffbalut7391]

Just went there had no problems u guys exspect to much smh. Should be happen u in vacation in Dominican

[@Explorcation]

For the price point we didn't expect much. As we mentioned in the video, we thought some parts of the resort were great. Put expecting to have a room that doesn't have active leaks and a large hole in the ceiling is definitely NOT expecting too much.

[@debicarol463]

Gross.

[@Explorcation]

LOL we've certainly stayed in finer accommodations.

[@shosho8393]

They do have a nice beach! What is the beautiful beach you show at 17:10?

[@Explorcation]

They really do. The beach at 17:10 is the Barcelo Bavaro property in Punta Cana. Thanks for watching!

[@shosho8393]

@@Explorcation thank you! Enjoying all your videos & reviews! I think you guys do the best overall reviews of resorts in the DR!! They’re just done so well and you really cover everything and answer any questions anyone could possibly have. You really are doing an awesome job! 🌴🌴🌴

[@Explorcation]

What do ya think? Would you consider staying at this resort 😆 Thanks to Aura for sponsoring this video! Visit www.aura.com/explorcation to try it for free for 2 weeks!

[@genehinders9639]

The opening shot at the Beach looks amaaaaaazing.

[@Explorcation]

It reallu was one of the most beautiful beaches we've ever seen

[@apopcalip]

I feel so sorry for that bad experience in our country… i’ve been in that place twice; first one was 20 years ago, school promotion trip and I almost died there in the pool, then 2012 and nothing changed but the name.. now I see your video and still NO changes… that place, even though is in Punta Cana, sucks! I recommend any other place! DM for recomendarions in DR … glad you survive this resort.. regards!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching our video and taking the time to comment. Even though a lot about this Property was pretty bad, we did still find some things we enjoyed. The beach at the Property is truly beautiful, and a lot of the staff members we met were fantastic. Don't worry, we still love Punta Cana. We've been to 5 other resorts there and also stayed in an AirBNB for a few days and always enjoyed ourselves.