Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana

I genuinely wish someone had warned me before I booked, so I am writing this to save other travelers the same disappointment. If you have experienced genuinely refined five star resorts around the world, you will recognize very quickly that this is not one. Almost everything here borders on cheap, not necessarily in price, but in mentality, execution and attention to quality. There is plenty of everything, but very little of it is done particularly well. Even the steak, one of the more decent things we ate, arrived with nearly half of it being fat. The international restaurants are mostly international in name only. The crème brûlée barely resembled a proper custard, the fajitas were more like tacos with carrots, and the Asian restaurant did not even have chopsticks when we asked. Small details perhaps, but genuine quality is precisely about the details. We paid extra to upgrade to Preferred Club, yet received very little that felt preferred. Calling something “Preferred” creates an expectation that you actually have to fulfill. Drink service was infrequent, the minibar was poorly replenished, plates remained on our patio for days, towels were not consistently collected, and our room was beside restaurant traffic. The gap between what we paid for and what was actually delivered became so significant that we formally challenged the Preferred upgrade with management. Ultimately, the resort refunded the upgrade in full. I think that fact speaks for itself. The entertainment was equally disappointing and easily the worst I have experienced at any resort. Some evenings I honestly could not understand what the entertainment was even supposed to be. It felt amateurish rather than five star. Most disappointing was management. Problems happen at hotels, but classy hospitality is demonstrated by listening, taking ownership and recovering the guest experience. That simply did not happen until we pushed the issue ourselves. Five star hospitality is not marble, endless food, cheap limitless alcohol or putting the word “Preferred” on an upgrade. It is taste, quality, consistency, attention to detail and management that understands the difference. If your expectations are simply unlimited drinks, plenty of food and a beach, this may be sufficient for you. But if you are well traveled and accustomed to refined resorts where quality matters more than quantity, this is not the place. If you have experienced the real thing, you will recognize the difference very quickly. I only wish someone had warned me, so consider this my warning to you.

Stayed in Preferred Club section at Dreams resort. Really enjoyed the upgrades and quietness of this part of the resort. This was a family vacation for relaxation, and it did not disappoint. Our room had its own swim out pool which we loved and used several times, every day. We felt we were in our own piece of paradise. Our biggest dislike was that they consider 13 and 15-year-olds as adults and we had to purchase 2 separate rooms which were across the property from one another. We didn't raise a fuss but it took some getting used to for all to feel safe and secure, which, in the end, we did. With Preferred Club we had more options for dining and they didn't disappoint. Seaside Grill had terrific breakfast options and for lunch our favs were the fish tacos, empanadas and a daily Dominican special. We enjoyed these several times during our visit. Tides Pool Side Grill directly across the beach was also a quick easy option for late lunch when we needed, plus we ate at picnic tables on the beach so fantastic view! Side note- beach in August has lots of seaweed. The resort was diligent about raking and cleaning up washed up seaweed but it's heavily concentrated for 5-10 feet if you make your way in the ocean and then clumps after that. Still enjoyed going into the ocean though. We didn't like that the private vendors can come right up to us while relaxing on the beach chairs trying to peddle their merchandise. Don't like feeling pressured to buy something every 10 mins, but they respected us when we politely declined but shocked they are allowed that far up on private property. Highly recommend the spa for massages! Loved the nature and wildlife. Unfortunately, pond was too low for paddleboats (summertime drought) but the birds, turtles and fish were still enjoyable. Overall service was outstanding, amenities were fantastic and atmosphere was exactly as described.

We have just returned from this hotel with warm hearts after a lovely holiday. We stayed in the new preferred section and loved the laid back armosphere & beautiful rooms. We travelled with our 10 year old who loved the slides, the beach and the mocktails! Highlights were yoga overlooking the beautiful lake & a special dinner organised for us. A shout out to the bartender in the privellege lounge- he was always smiling and could rustle up any drink. Thank you for a fabulous trip.

Excellente! This all inclusive has it all: tropical grounds, largest winding river pool connecting several pools, on powder soft wide and long walkable beach, choice of restaurants ( Seaside Grill my favorite.. grilled to order steaks, ribs, seafood overlooking beach), swim up pool bars. There is even a bridge walk way over to the Preferred area with a large covered deck over a pond with egrets, turtles, etc—- a unique space for yoga class in am! But what makes the resort experience is the best in class Entertainment Team ( Luisa, Tony, BabyFace, Tarzan, Yummy, Rosa. Rica. Etc). Their energy is contagious, with warm smiles and hearts. And what amazing dancers!! They curate activities to appeal to everyone (yoga, beach volleyball, painting, Zumba, etc. )The evening shows are family friendly and include Dominican Show, Rock, Circus, and the best beach party with lazer and fire show, large lighted robots and giant panda bear. The Entertainment team leads everyone in dancing in the sand under the stars, creating a memorable time which will stay with you after the fantastic vacation ends! The kids clubs ( Explorer Club ages 4 and up) had activities in the day and evening. My grandkids ( 6 and 4) loved meeting and playing with other kiddos and we appreciated a safe and caring environment. Gracias Dreams Royal Beach!

Resort was as described and the cleanliness of all areas was wonderful. We had a preferred room, and definitely worth the extra money. Our Butler Michael was the best, anything we needed was taken care of. My husband arranged a birthday dinner for me on the beach, food was wonderful and our server, Diogenes, was the best! Buffets were great for lunch and dinner; Mexican grille was the best sit-down meal we had, the Seaside Grille was very good for breakfast and dinner. We spent the majority of our time at the swim up bar at the infinity pool, if you wanted a good drink and shaded areas to sit or stand this was the place. Evening entertainment was OK, wishing it was a little bit earlier than 9 pm. The resort shares ground with Secrets (all adult), we could go over there and drink, use their swimming pools, watch shows, use the sports bar (basically any amenities, you just could not eat their) which was a nice change. Would definitely go back and stay at this resort again.