Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo

aracelisb2025 wrote a review October 2025

“Awful Stay: No AC, Injuries Ignored, No Support”

⭐ 1-Star Review for Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo
Stay: September 20–24, 2025

My family of 6 stayed at this resort from September 20 to 24, 2025, and our experience was extremely disappointing. Before our trip, I specifically requested that all our rooms be close together because my mother is 94 years old and needs constant care. Instead, the hotel placed us in different buildings, which made it very difficult for us to look after her properly.

On top of that, the air conditioning in my room did not work for the entire stay. Despite multiple complaints, the staff never fixed it. It was uncomfortable, especially in the Caribbean heat, and unacceptable given the price we paid.

The most distressing part of our stay was that my elderly mother was injured on the hotel property due to negligence. She clearly needed medical attention, yet the staff refused to cover the cost of a doctor. This lack of concern for a 94-year-old guest’s safety and well-being was shocking and completely irresponsible.

What should have been a family vacation turned into a stressful and upsetting experience. Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo failed us in every way — from customer service to safety. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone, especially families traveling with seniors.

Date of Stay: September 2025

darial960 wrote a review October 2025

Very disappointed!!!

After going for a few years this place is now rundown without air-conditioning....I won't go back...the management doesn't care. It's very sad. Time to fine another island.

Date of Stay: October 2025

Connector729121 wrote a review October 2025

Pick another resort!

They are not an American friendly resort. It is quite dated and it is not truly all inclusive as far as dining in the speciality restaurants. Smoking is permitted everywhere (except rooms and indoors). All open air areas are polluted by second hand smoke including the lobby, beach and pool.

We were there for two milestone birthdays and an anniversary celebration and there were no special perks, acknowledgements or anything to make it memorable.

Date of Stay: October 2025

S5827THjoseq wrote a review October 2025

Needing a facelift…

The rooms rooms are very old. The food was still as good as the previous visit..One of the most enjoyable beaches that I’ve been to. I will plan on going back hopefully once a year once they fix up the place. Otherwise I will stay away because of the poor accommodations..

Date of Stay: October 2025

G3401HZmareks wrote a review October 2025
Montreal, Quebec

Never again, thinking of buying- go somewhere else

How can they sell holidays to people in a subtropical climate with rooms without air conditioning? Nobody, absolutely nobody, can rest or sleep in such conditions. We know, we know in advance your explanation, that you have a contract with the hotel that guarantees all rooms are air-conditioned. And you're selling holidays for a fortune. Maybe you should verify and check if it all works, what fairy tales the hotel provides? Almost every post on Trip Advisor complains about the lack of air conditioning. We also changed rooms because of this, to no avail. Furthermore, the website shows this hotel as having 7 restaurants!!!, there are actually 4, then it shows 7 bars!!!, there are only 3. Isn't that right? Check it out. Go to the hote. Thank you so much for such a holiday. Never again, us, my family, and my colleagues.

Date of Stay: October 2025

jostes2018 wrote a review October 2025
Elmhurst, Queens, New York

Gorgeous location, resort needs improvement.

The Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo is located on the Samana peninsula, in the town of Las Terrenas.

To get there from SDQ, I took a private transfer with Otium International. I highly recommend this company because of their drivers' professionalism—especially Martin—and their affordable price (they were the cheapest option available).

The atmosphere at the hotel was generally good for me. It's a family-oriented resort, so you should expect kids running around.

The rooms are big and spacious; however, the staff does not clean them well. I stayed in two different rooms, and both were dusty and full of spider webs. I let Guest Services know about this issue. The first room I was in also had a leak in the bathroom. Maintenance came to check it an hour after I notified them, around 9:00 PM. I was then moved to another room that didn't have a leak. Two days later, Guest Services contacted me and offered some gifts, which I truly appreciated, especially the help from Lidya. Thank you for everything!

For me, the value was good. However, many people complained that they paid for a five-star resort that was barely two stars. In my opinion, it's a remote location, and I was glad to have a good place to stay and have fun. The hotel services are good, but I didn't like the fact that I couldn't go to a different themed restaurant every night.

The amenities are sufficient for a good stay, but don't expect top-notch quality in anything.

To sum up: I do like the hotel/resort. However, it is not what is advertised. It's an older building, dating back to the late '80s or early '90s, and is currently under renovations (September 2025). It's also located in the middle of nowhere, so you must book tours to get out of the hotel. I suggest taking cash to get discounted prices on tours and booking them with Otium. Otium is located on the left side as you enter the lobby, across from the reception desk.

The staff is mixed: some are very kind and ready to help, while others don't even look at you. The entertainment is very poor, and the discotheque is small and dirty.

Once again, I liked it. I would consider returning after they finish the renovations, because right now I would say it is not up to standard.

Date of Stay: September 2025

F8669JPpatrickp wrote a review October 2025

Worst all inclusive I have ever been

Worst service I have ever had! Do not book junior suite a head of time. We got block 8 during registration and plenty of people who upgraded for a lesser price btw, on the spot they got block 1 and 3 at the behest of those who purchased it ahead of time! Never again will I go to a Bahia!!! Avoid at all cost!!!

Date of Stay: October 2025

ysidrol2017 wrote a review October 2025

Grand El Portillo

I and my whole family had a great experience at Grand El Portillo in Las Terrenas, beach and swimming pool were excellent the weather super. I just had an incident, one of the drivers of Otium transportation almost ran, I and my family over by the horse statue in the night of October 16th fortunately there were not injuries people and I reported the incident to the right people in charge of that besides that everything was excellent. Also I want to mention few people that treated us like kings and queens from El limón Buffet Yajaira Jones and Stephanie and from SPA Esther Fermin, Yesenia Jones and Elsa Moya. They are all professional, but I just wanted to mention this 5 people. Thanks.

Date of Stay: October 2025