Occidental Hotel Grand Flamenco Punta Cana Dominican Republic. Best Hotel Deals & Reviews

Date of Stay: June, 2009

Picked up an undetectable parasite, that has lab technicians mystified. But if you saw the kind of pig swill that they call food that was served to you, you would understand. Relentless pestering from the Time Share people from the hotel. Musty smelling rooms... So bad so I thought I was on the Vancouver downtown east side! Mattress was the shits. Bottom Line, best part of the trip was the ride back to the airport to get back on the plane to go home! Save your money and your health.

Date of Stay: March, 2009

After reading other reviews, I think it was a plus that they were overbooked and moved us to another all inclusive where we had good rooms, good food, good service. Occidental Grand Punta Cana told us they would give a voucher to go back there but now they can't seem to figure out how to do that. And I wouldn't want to do that anyway. I'm trying to find a corporate headquarter's phone number but have not been able to do that.

	Date of Stay: June, 2009
It was great but the food was not so good.

	Date of Stay: April, 2009
I enjoyed my stay. The hotel was nice and the beach was wonderful. Lots of things to do and see without leaving the resort. There were plenty of food options and great night club.

Date of Stay: July, 2008

As soon as we arrived we got attended to by the bell man but the front desk agent was very slow and seem incompetent. We had problems with our rooms. The bathroom from my room smelled , so immidiatly I called to tell them but I saw nothing being done so I went straight to costumer service to request my room to be changed. About two hours later we got transfered to a single bed room when we payed for a two double bed room, but we left it like that. On the plus side, waiters, bartenders, housekeepers and the entertainers are very attentive, friendly, and accomodating. Some are a bit too friendly and always hit on guests which is extremely uncomfortable. Some of the food is okay. In my opinion, the buffet is better than the 3 or 4 a la carte restaurants they have. A huge plus for those who like to party is the Club they have. Mangu is extremely fun and its open until 7 am. Guests get to go in without making a line. On the other hand, beverages are not included and if you want to drink, it's*dollars per drink. Overall, it was a great experience, hotel was okay, been to better ones. Would I go back? Maybe. If I decide to go back I would rather check out anotehr hotel. Do I recomend this hotel? You get what you pay for.

Date of Stay: June, 2009

This was one of the best vacation resorts I have been to in quite some time. It was gorgeous and the food was great. Our room was very spacious and for the price, I was floored! We had a huge bed, sitting area and a breakfast terrace. There were lots of kids around, but they didn't get in our way because the resort was so large. The kids and families primarily stayed around the pools and adult couples stayed on the beach. I'm guessing thats why it was so peaceful and quiet. Also, even though there were plenty of kids and families there, none were in our building. They group people staying with children in on the opposite side of the resort so if you don't have kids, you won't be bothered. We never had an issue getting a dinner reservation -- maybe because we are early risers, but it wasn't an issue. The specialty restaurants were very romantic and initmate. The beachside lunch buffet was our favorite place to eat. the food was seasoned really well and fresh. The fruit was amazingly fresh and sweet. The activities were really free and a great time. Oh- the beach was beautiful.. white sand, warm clear blue water. The club Mangu was also a very very good time. I was hesitant about it, but they played music for everyone, primarily music from DR.. which was expected- but very fun. The staff was very very pleasant even though they didn't speak much english- but they knew the basics so it was never a problem. I lift weights, so I was surprised when i seen the gym with the equiptment i use. It wasn't 'state-of-the-art" but it got the job done, and better than the nautilus equiptment at the Westin's and Hiltons. I have been to the carribean several times and this was by far a great CHEAP trip. I will definitely be going back - next time with the children. I'm not really sure what all the other people are saying about this resort but I went with lower expectations because the price was so cheap.. and was blown away. I got far more than I paid for this trip, and had a great ti

Date of Stay: March, 2009

I have to say this resort was absolutely beautiful. The grounds were beautifully maintained and the beach was breathtaking, although water was cold. The only thing I had a problem with was that our concierge was so pushy about the timeshare tour even after we said no, so was someone else who worked for the hotel. Me and my husband actually would sneak in and out through the side of the building every day just to avoid him. Pretty pathetic. Also, the vendors at the hotel are beyond pushy and some of them were downright rude. We booked everything with Prieto Tours and they were great. Very helpful and gave us good tips regarding money, safety, etc. The flea market right outside the resort is great but they harass you to go in all of their stores. My husband is spanish and spoke spanish to everyone the whole trip. The Buffet was the only real good restaurant, besides the pizza place. I would definitely go back. I must say though, if you don't speak spanish, it is hard to communicate with all of the staff.

Date of Stay: June, 2008

I went wtih my girlfriend and the members of the staff kept flirting with her right in front of my face and wouldn't stop. One guy I particularly disliked was named x I told them to stop but they laughed and said they were just joking. If they were in my country instead of the other way around they would have been layed out to pasture. The hotel is nice overall but the shower pressure sucked, there is a * fine if you lose a single towel and * fine if you lose your key (big rip off). I would only go back if I get single.

	Date of Stay: June, 2009
It was a very nice resort, clean, friendle people, awesome location, lots activities, easy access to food, would recommend to friends and family.

Date of Stay: March, 2009

Many of the problems listed here were not problems for us at all! The rooms were gorgeous, as was the beach. The lobby bar was great (though a little tipping definitely goes a long way). The Oriental restaurant is truly terrible - but the main dining room is fantastic (considering that Dominican cuisine is not really anywhere close to American - fresh vegetables do not exist in their food!). Their fresh fruit selection is great, the drinks were not top shelf but definitely good. My only compaint was that it was slightly too crowded, but then again we knew they were overbooked. We got a free seven day stay by agreeing to move to their "sister hotel", the Tropical Princess, after the first night (do not ever go to the Tropical Princess!!!), and we spent all our daytime hours at Occidental. We will be glad to return!

Date of Stay: May, 2008

Some friends and I decided to take a 4 days quite get away to Occidental Grand. The same day we arrived some of us had to have our rooms change immediately, because the rooms are crappy, some of them had broken showers, air condition, and smelled moldy. The food was cold and not good, even the food at the restaurants we had to make reservation. Ssome of the staff were friendly, but not helpful. The only thing I like was the spa.

Date of Stay: June, 2009

This was my third time staying at the Occidental in Punta Cana. I love Punta Cana and have traveled there a total of 6 times. I tend to go back to the Occidental because I know what to expect, the beach seems to be nicer than other sections of Bavaro, its only about 25 minutes to the airport, the grounds are beautiful and the Mangu Discoteca is directly outside of the front doors. It seems to be great for all types: honeymooners, friends, families, etc. I liked the disco option because there is very little to do at night other than watch a show or go to the lobby bar. If you want to access Mangu from other resorts it involves a taxi ride and seems like too much of a hassle that its not worth going. Be prepared for all walks of life at Mangu, a crazy techno room upstairs and expensive drink prices. Keep and eye on your purse and camera and have fun! Other than that I loved the Occidental and found the staff to be very helpful and friendly. Please keep in mind that you are in the Dominican Republic and they will speak Spanish. The only thing that annoyed me was when I would see my fellow American tourists complaining that the "workers didn't understand!" Keep in mind that you are in a different country with a lot of foreign tourists. The staff members speak a variety of languages and will generally be able to help you with your needs. Learn a few Spanish phrases, act out the ones you don't know and enjoy the beach!

Date of Stay: March, 2009

We liked the looks of the place. The staff is not real proficient at English. We got to our room and noticed water on the bathroom floor, they cleaned it up and said everything was ok, 2 more times a waterfall/flooding of the bathroom, they removed the ceiling to reveal a leak in the shower upstairs. They were booked and couldn't move us, bu vacated the room above. The manage gave us a free lobster dinner. We didn't like all the pushy sales staff to buy a timeshare. We were told it would take half an hour, 3 hours later after much dickering, we refused their offer, we had an invitation that stated we'd receive 2 t shirts, a tote bag, and 2 one hour massages. They had closed up while we were there, they said come back tomorrow to get it. They handed us a certificate for 2 HALF hour massages. They argued and all but called us liars. We held our ground and flashed the managers card...We were given 4 half hour massages and the rest of what was promised. Someone was in trouble for that one. Then there was a letter in our room saying they were overbooked, would we mind moving to another resort. We did, not quite as nice but ok. We got a free 7 night stay at Occidental for our trouble, but the blackout dates suddenly expanded after we got our certificate cutting out almost the 3 most desirable months to go. All in all, I rated I would not go back, mostly because I've been there once now I want to go to a different island/country.

Date of Stay: March, 2008

This was my first spring break with my friends and we were so dissapointed since the time we got there. We were six people and got two rooms and one of them was filled out of ants, yes ANTS, we demanded to be moved right away and instead of upgrading us they gave us a room far from where my other friends were staying at and on top of that the shower was not working. The staff was unprofessional, especially the guys, they were cursing and speaking sex related comments about us, they thought we didn't speak spanish and we could understand every single word they said. I was shocked of those nasty dominicans. We complaint but they didn't pay any attention to us, I guess was because we were just 19 year olds and we were not with a "real adult". The service in the restaurants was bad as well as the food, cold and disgusting. I would never ever recommend this property to anyone, I rather pay more money and be treated decently. We requested a wake-up call at 6am because were going to be picked up for an excursion at 645am and of course they woke us up just to let us know they had left without us. We had to get on a cab and follow the bus to pick us up on the way...This is just to say the least.

Date of Stay: June, 2009

Basically everything was cool until the last night...when i slipped down some stairs do to a bad, or lack of a dry job.(lawsuit any1?)..mix that in with a on-site hospital staff of 1..and you are getting wheel-chaired around the airports(those who have recently traveled might have seen me in either Philly, Vegas, or PC)...all 3 of them due to orbits finding me the cheapest way to my destination(no matter how long it takes)..(that's another story).. Food:...nothing but pizza for me, with the occasional piece of bacon and toast...i was told by some1 with more experience than i to stay away from anything creamy, that includes scrambled eggs....Omelets which are made fresh before u r good to go...never got a chance to eat at a reserved dinner..tho i made plenty of reservations...due to the fact that i was wasted by 5..just being honest..all i can say is drinks like "ready to go" and anything else they light on fire need to their consumption limited. Drinks: guess i just covered that..."Dominican flag"..not a bad option.."ready to go" will have u ready to go somewhere....bed, club, pool...it will also warm u up pretty nice...Be aware! Anything that gets lit up is really that fire! meaning it will do the trick..just give it time Hotel..Grounds/Rooms: Start with the grounds..immaculate, clean pools crystal clear, chlorine content just right, pools cleaned what seemed nightly...beaches had white sands turquoise waters...now every1 complains about the bites they receive and the # of...i will say this, i didn't get bit until i went out on the beach in the early morning like 3-8a.m. before the sun was out to scare the critters away..b4 then i had none, and all of the people i spoke with had none either...so i'm not sure about all the talk...but none the less i did end up bitten so i guess its a tolerance thing..to each their own..Rooms: i was on the first floor of building 25 pool-side view.(darn) but it was cool, (btw they claimed this was an upgrade when i checked in the guy

	Date of Stay: November, 2008
it's got the best club in dominikana! and its really good. The food is good/ stuff -5 ocean-4 rooms-4 . p/s its very moist there// my bed was always wet

Date of Stay: March, 2008

This was by far the worst all in clusive ever. The food was awful. I am from Dominican Republic and this was not Dominican cooking. The food wasn't the only nasty thing, the beach was full of ants and trash. You can look over to the other resorts and tell that you were in a lower scale. The other resorts were much cleaner. Every 5 minutes their staff was trying to get us to buy a time share. Even after we said not interested they would not leave. I am going back to Punta Cana but not staying here.

Date of Stay: June, 2009

We were at the Occidental from June 3 - 9 and were a little nervous about some of the reviews we had read about this hotel. We stayed in the Royal Club section of the hotel and it was the best vacation ever... I would recomend going on the Fun Buggy tours, we did on our first day and it set the tone for the entire trip(awsome time). I would not recomend going to the Italian or Mexican restaurants, but all the others were good. Also if you are in the Royal Club section, you have your own area on the beach with a bar and the locals trying to get you to take boat tours and parasailing, etc. cannot come into your area and bother you and the Royal Club restaurant is the best restaurant on the resort, also they have a beach party on Monday nights for the Royal Club guests. We just got back and are trying to see when we can go back again.

Date of Stay: November, 2008

We went to this hotel again against our better judgement simply because the Mangu Club is on-site. However, it went downhill since the last time we've been there. Here are the highlights: 1. Get to my first room, no hot water (not even lukewarm), leaking ceilings in the bathroom. I demand to be changed. I was lucky that they found me another room. In the second room, there the water pressure was usually poor and lukewarm. I had a hot, normal pressure shower only twice. Another guest told us he had just lathered himself full of soap and the water completely cut out. The electricity cut out once. Two other separate guests had cockroaches in their room. A "royal club" guest also had water problems. The food is not that great... (especially the a la carte restaurant). My room's main light did not work and I did not have a ceiling fan - not that big a deal but considering my friend's room had these working just fine.... what else.. ah.. the coffee maker and the lounge area bar broke down and there was no replacement available at that time. The only good thing I have to say is that the layout is nice and pretty clean. The BEST FOOD I had was at a large hot dog stand about a 20 minute walk from the resort called "RICO"... steamed hotdogs with grated hashbrown, grated onions and mayonnaise. That hotdog was AMAZING - better than anything I had at the resort. In fact, best hot dog EVER. Go to RICO.... :) Hot water and water pressure were the big issues. Water would sometimes dribble from 5 little streams (as opposed to 20 to 30). Never again...........

Date of Stay: June, 2009

It was very humid there so our bed sheets constantly felt damp. The room in general felt like everything was damp. water from the shower would also flood the bathtub rim, therefore flooding our bathroom floor. The beach had too much boat traffic and the water was murky. The beach was not as spacious as I had hoped, it was not serene at all. I say this place is good for families. The restaurants only had so-so food. The only place we enjoyed was the pizza place outside the italian restaurant. There were also many mosquitoes coming out at night. The hotel staff are very friendly though, and service was quick. Compared to all other vacations, DR certainly had the most affordable activities such as: Parasailing, swimming w/Dolphins, Snorkeling, Horse back riding...etc. They offered activities half of what other carribean islands had asked for. I personally will not come back only because I did not experience anything "local/non tourist". Unless you were on an activity, you couldn't wander out of the resort so at times it felt like you were on a cruise and just run into the same people and you can't get out. It wouldn't be safe to wander out of the resort area so I understood that. We knew of another couple who was staying at a different hotel, but resorts there are secluded from one another, so we were not able to meet up. I hope resorts in general there, can create an environment where guests can leave the confines, go shopping, go to casinos..all in walking distance...

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Occidental Hotel Grand Flamenco Punta Cana

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