Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa

First, a heads up. this resort is not on the Caribbean side of the island. If you are wanting the clear, calm, turquoise of the Caribbean this is not for you. This is pure Atlantic Ocean. Right now, nature has created a seaweed abundance. There is seaweed on the beach and in the water. The resort clears the beach in the mornings, but the weeds are in each and every wave so its on the beach. We were able to work around the weeds in the sand issue, but I couldn’t do the water because the weeds hitting me with each wave was not a good feeling. However, others in my family didn’t have a problem with it and played in the water. We paid to upgrade to preferred status and I would recommend that to all visitors. We had 2 adjoining rooms, one with a king-sized bed and one with 2 double beds, 3 adults and 2 children. I can’t say enough about the staff at this resort. Each and every single employee we encountered made us know that they were there for us to enjoy our vacation. They all had an attitude of service excellence. Some didn’t speak English and that created a few opportunities, but we worked around it. I’ll try to address some of the things I’ve read in other reviews as I go along. The resort was about 50% capacity the time we were there. I’ve had over 20 trips to the Caribbean and so I would rate this resort as a medium+. It isn’t our favorite, but this year it was half the price of our favorite spot and we definitely got more than half the value. Because of covid and lower capacity at the hotel the restaurants rotate on being open and had very limited menus. For all the resorts I’ve stayed at the food here is a solid medium. The main buffet wasn’t open for all meals and that was disappointing. The steakhouse – Sea Side Grill – was not open the entire 6 nights we were there. We enjoyed the hibachi, but you got what they served. The ala carte side of the Japanese restaurant was good. The Italian restaurant was also enjoyable. Because we upgraded to preferred, we could eat breakfast and lunch at the Oceana restaurant that was close to the pool and beach. We preferred breakfast at the buffet when it was open as the menu at the Oceana was limited. Other reviews have commented on the small portions, and taste of food from the beach snack bar. Portions are small, but probably what we should be eating, and since this is an all inclusive you can ask for more. And the hamburgers and hotdogs didn’t taste like an American hamburger or hotdog, but you are in the DR and not the USA. The menu even stated it was a German hotdog – it was a sausage! So, we were well feed and enjoyed most of it. Room service is fair. It was timely – we received everything within half an hour of ordering, but it is very limited. Late night ordering, between 11pm and 7am only offered 4 items. Minibar was stocked daily and very generously stocked. Snacks, potato chips and nuts, were left daily too. As part of our original reservation, we had a dinner on the beach and a champaign breakfast in bed. It rained the evening of our beach dinner and so it was held in the wine cellar. It was so good, fillet mignon cooked perfectly. Champaign breakfast was nice too – bacon, eggs, potatoes and mimosas – but no bread. I’d recommend either of those meals. Rooms are on the small side. This was not much of a problem as other than sleeping we weren’t in the room much time. Biggest issue with the size was having a place for things. The closet and bathroom were about the smallest I’ve seen in a resort like this. The grounds are beautiful. They are well maintained and very clean. We enjoyed the flamingos! One review was negative about the lighting at night. We found it quite adequate and very lovely. The beach and the pool have plenty of seating. Preferred status gets you a cabana on the beach and also an upgraded bar and lounge area with snack options from pastries and juices in the morning to deli meats and hors d‘oevours in the afternoon and evenings. Each bar serves the drinks a little differently. The preferred bar/lounge was the best of the entire resort. The pool runs the length of the resort and has amenities spread the length so you don’t have to walk far to get a drink or a towel. The waitstaff at the beach and pool never left us wanting for anything. The bones of this resort are old and worn. In the rooms the tiles are chipped and cracked. The woodwork was scuffed and worn. But it was all very clean. The toilet and sink in the bathroom were new. All the plumbing worked great. Air conditioner worked. A good assortment of personal care items was left in the bathroom each day. The furnishings were newer. The bedding and linens were nice. The mattress was one of the most comfortable I’ve experienced at a resort. Beach towels were a bit worn, but they weren’t totally past their useful life. It is definitely time for the buildings to be renovated, but again, they were extremely clean. Evening shows are a little amateurish but the entertainment team works its heart out and we enjoyed all of them. Willis always had a smile and a hello. Most every evening after the show there is a live band on the plaza. Lots of activities to chose from during the day. One of the crafts we went to was led by a non-English speaking person. It was interesting! There were always options for if it rained. The children with us were looking forward to the children’s area of the resort – the pirate ship with water slide and the playground. These are not open unless you register your children and no adults allowed. They schedule activities so you’d have to register and leave your kids for the hour that they allow for those activities. We never saw anyone in that area. It was a disappointment. One day a letter was slipped under our door informing us that the power to the entire resort would be out for 3 hours the next day, from 3pm to 5pm. They also had an Octoberfest scheduled for the plaza by the pool and beach. The buffet they served was excellent and the entertainment was fun. I felt sorry for the dancers in heavy German attire. It was nice that they scheduled something as nice as they did during the power outage. There was no water during this time, so they were flushing the toilets with buckets of water from the pool until they managed to get huge, laundry like tubs filed with water, up to the bathrooms by the festivities. No flushing in the rooms. The power was out for about 2 more hours than scheduled. When we returned to our rooms after the electricity came back on the water from all faucets had been turned on. Water was brownish for a while. Staff came later and turned them off. So, while the resort tried to make this as convenient as they possible could it was still an inconvenience. And while on the subject of water. They say not to even brush your teeth with the water from facets. They leave plenty of bottled water that using bottled water for brushing was easy – not rationing of the bottled water like some other resorts. The resort made our covid testing easy. They scheduled our test for us. It was convenient and quick. Didn't have to wait to be tested, had our results in a few minutes, and our reentry paperwork before end of day. This resort is well worth the cost when comparing to other resorts. It is old and worn, but clean. The staff makes this a really enjoyable resort. We would go again. Read less

Staff is very friendly! We really enjoyed talking to them and learning more Spanish. Willis, Sanchez, Miky, Candy, Heart were all very fun. Bar drinks are inclusive so you can try everything! They will do strong or light if you ask. Rooms are very clean. They have lots of activities to keep you entertained. Don’t be afraid to try! Especially dancing and night! They teach you and it’s very fun. Pool is nice and buffet is alright, you can find something you like. Seaside steak is WONDERFUL. Loved all the fresh fruit. Me and my family really enjoyed our vacation here. Read less