Ocean Blue Sand and Beach Resort All-Inclusive Resort, Punta Cana

The hotel and beach are beautiful!!! Our biggest complaint is that you are constantly bombarded with sales people that are trying to sell you time share or other goods. Unfortunately a simple "No thank you" does not deter them. They follow you and mock you if you get upset. Also, the staff's English is not great, so we were given false information numerous times because they made pretend to understand us when they didn't. 3 of the 7 days we were given 3 towels for 4 people and had to call the room service each time for an additional towel. We took a Outback Safari excursion that was terrible. After about 10 minutes on the bus we pulled into a shopping mall with a guard that had a shotgun. We were asked to get off the bus and told to get into a car on the side without explanation. After getting into the car, the driver explained that one of the buses broke down so they were consolidating buses - it would have been nice if they told us that from the beginning. When booking the excursion, we were told that we would learn about the country but after about the first 15-20 minutes the tour guide stopped talking about the country and it turned into a booze bus stopping at different destinations so that they could guilt you into buying things.

Just returned on 12-18-2009 and the resort as a whole was very good and the food outstanding. The buffet was always fresh with a great variety of foods. One evening they actually set up the buffet in the kitchen which was both a unique experience but also allowed you see the pride they took in how clean the area was. The service was great from freshly made juices to omelettes to order. We ate at the seafood restuarant on the beach and had one of our most memorable meals. The service was so personal. My wife ordered champagne and I expected a chilled glass to come out. Rather the waitress brought out a bottle and ice bucket stand to our table. The lobsters we had were grilled to perfection and served seconds after coming off the grill. Mike's Coffee cafe was a Starbuck's (but better) type experience and it gave me an excellent opportunity to experience coffee and teas that I would never try at home. The show's each evening were well done and we made sure we were there early enough to sit down front. After the show the entertainers partied awhile with the guests in the main lobby which was a nice touch. We stayed in Villa 6 closest to the beach and enjoyed the sound of the ocean surf our entire time at the resort. There were no bugs and maid service was outstanding. We had 2 queen beds in our rooms but some had single king beds, so if you have a preference you should specify. I tried the climbing wall and the catarman and was pleased. I have been to Puerta Plata and must say that Bavarro Beach and Punta Cana were much nicer. The clientele was largely Canadian and US.

This is the first all-inclusive resort I've been to and it was a fantastic experience. There are so many great things about this place. The rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, have balconies, and come with an electronic safe for travel documents and valuables. There are two large pools with swim-up bars and plenty of shaded sunbathing chairs. The beach is covered with soft white sand and also has plenty of shaded sunbathing chairs. The ocean water is perfect temperature for swimming. There are plenty of choices for eating. Of all the restaurants the Italian and Dominican were the best, with a great coffee shop. Some restaurants have a dress code for men, and some cost extra and require reservations There are half a dozen bars, all with good staff. It’s all-inclusive, but make sure to tip the barkeep, they’ll treat you much better. For beer they have Presidente (pilsner) and make sure you try the mamajuana. You have the opportunity to buy into a timeshare and upgrade to VIP treatment, it’s your choice. We did, so we got liquor in our room, bathrobes, slippers, and an extra restaurant for breakfast. There is an array of water sports to do that cost extra but sure are fun. The afternoon poolside games are good entertainment. My only gripes are the bed being slightly uncomfortable, and our Do Not Disturb sign disappearing leading to the maid walking in on us a few times, and turndown service being a bit inconsistent. Learn some Spanish and bring plenty of singles for tipping, those will help a lot. We plan on going back for our anniversary and doing more day excursions.

The one thing that was very odd to me was that there was not an alarm clock in the room, so when we had excursions booked we needed a wake up call. It was off season when we were there so they would close some of the restaurants for a night. The rooms were clean and the staff very nice. Absolutely no complaints. I would definitely recommend this hotel. It is a good value.

It was beautiful, VERY clean, helpful and friendly staff (and we didn't tip at all). Lots to do. Our kids are 18, 16, and 12 and all were happy. The buffet food was just okay, but no one could go hungry there. The a la carte restaurants had better dinners. Don't expect gourmet; that's not what this place is about. Everyone was helpful. My kids met other kids from around the world. The boat excusions that can be booked at the beach were well worth it. Snorkeling is a must! We would definitly go back to Ocean Blue!

All staff were great, friendly and helpful. Very clean. Rooms great. Wonderful experience. Would not stay anywhere else in Punta Cana.

I would definetely reccomend this hotel and the DR. The hotel was very clean, everywhere, our room was wonderful, there was nothing that needed repaired and I saw employees cleaning the pool, rooms & grounds constantly. There was not one bug to be found! We enjoyed the food, mostly buffets, but they changed the food nightly, we enjoyed the specialty restaurants and loved the coffeeshop. The shows were ok, not as good as Carnival Cruise Lines, but enjoyable. The casino & nightclub are nice. Sign up to have the professional photographer take photos, you can puchase the ones you like, they were absolutely beautiful. We paid the extra charge I think it was $150 per person for the upgraded suite. ( could see the pool & ocean from the room) It was worth every penny & then some. We had a speedy check in & out, tons of alcohol in bottles stocked in the room, fresh friut delivered every day, a special dinner at the steak house ( i got lobster & filet minion would have been $50.) 1/2 hour massage for both of us on the beach, and watersport activites which were a banana boat ride, catamaran and more. It also included a horse back riding tour that would have been $35-50. Lovely tour, maybe 2-3 hours. The beach was always clean with chairs available. I did not feel like this resort was overcrowded at all. It is family oriented, but was so large that it offered privacy in the pools & elsewhere. The shopping was nice too down the beach, and they sell some things outside in the evenings at the main entrance. This vacation was definetley worth the money, the people were very friendly and hardworking. American people couls stand to learn from our fellow Dominicans. They really appreciated the tips and always kept the drinks coming. You can also bring small toys, trinkets & school supplies for the children there, if you go on any excursions, you can pass them out & the children are very excited & appreciative. Punta Cana was by far the most beautiful beach vacation I have ever been on!

We made good friend with the staff.Yes they love the green but they become part of the family. we miss it so mouch and cant wait to go back Ben & Maria

My family and I had stayed at the Ocean Blue last year, and thought it was a very good family resort, so we returned this year. What a difference a year makes...as many people have written the standard rooms are in serious disrepair, with broken furniture, water leaks, broken doors, etc. However, our main problem which I found completely unacceptable is that a 9 INCH RAT got into our room on the third night and completely traumatized my kids and family. I could not believe it, as you might imagine. I can accept some insects and small lizards that run around all over the place in the Caribbean, but rats carry diseases, and are a sign that the place was not clean. We complained, got moved to another room which had no air and was full of flies. Got moved again to the "Privileged" rooms, which are the type of rooms you might expect to find in a Caribbean resort. Front desk refused to offer any type of compensation over the rat issue. Must not be that big of a deal there, I guess. Grounds are very nice, food is OK and plentiful, but the issue with the rat is so off the charts that I have to rate the place as terrible, and will never return.

They do not like Americans. They do not want to speak English. Two members of my family got very sick and the General Manager and 3 other managers had told me to go back where I came from. They also told me if I will get upset or act out on this issue I will be kicked of the property. We had to fly back early to seek medical attention. They had also stolen $500 dollars out of my safe. I do not know how something like that can or could have happen - But after my experience, I guess I am not surprised. I have been to the Dominican Republic 4 times, and not once did I have such a terrible and horrifying experience. I spent a lot of money for the Vacation and having to make arrange to comeback home. I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN!!! Do yourself a favor and pick another hotel.