Grand Palladium Palace Punta Cana Hotel Review and Room Tour
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- Опубліковано 4 чер 2024
- The Dominican Republic is home to hundreds of all-inclusive resorts of all sizes across its thousands of beaches. We recently stayed at the Grand Palladium Palace in Bavaro, thanks to our AmEx Platinum points.
In the review, we’ll tell you everything you need to know:
00:00 - Intro
01:56 - Location
03:18 - Lobby & Check in
04:59 - Rooms
06:37 - Service
08:48 - Dining
12:43 - Facilities
14:06 - Style
15:09 - Overall
19:08- COVID-19 RATING
The Grand Palladium Palace is located in the same complex as the TRS Turquesa, Grand Palladium Punta Cana, Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites and the former Royal Suites (now part of Turquesa).
Thanks to the low rates during COVID-19, we secured their highest end room, the Panoramic King Loft, on the second floor with direct ocean views. While extremely dated, the room was a great value.
The food and beverage options at the hotel were a nice surprise, although the reservation system was complicated and challenging to deal with since most guests have to book same day. Due to our booking through AmEx, we were provided VIP wristbands, giving us access to book restaurants upon check-in.
The property is on the older side and in need of a renovation, however, the restaurants that have shared access across all the properties in the complex are brand new and absolutely beautiful. The service overall across the hotel was great, as well.
If you're looking for our Destination Guide on the Dominican Republic, check it out here:
www.voyagerguru.com/destinati...
Looking for other hotels in Punta Cana area? Check out our review of the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana here:
• Hotel Review: Hyatt Zi...
Or the Sanctuary Cap Cana here:
• Hotel Review: Sanctuar...
So check it out and let us know what you think in the comments below! Have you been to the Dominican Republic? What was your favorite hotel?
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Come travel with us,
Maren Engh & Max Jallifier
#luxuryhotelreview #luxurytravel #beautifulhotels
Thanks for the wonderfully detailed review! I am considering going there in July and I am pleased to see how great it looks and hear that the food is nice. Food is the biggest deciding factor for me. 😄
Hi there!! Thanks so much for your comment. Have an amazing time!! don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions :)
Thanks for this review our group is staying at the Grand Palladium in July.
Your review was very informative and comprehensive. this is the first time I will be staying at an All-Inclusive resort Our cruise was canceled last minute so we are excited
to be traveling again.
Hey Angela! That’s awesome!! I’m so glad you were able to swap your plans and make the most of it :). Thank you for your comment and for the feedback- wears really glad that it makes you excited! Please let us know how you enjoyed your first all inclusive!! PS did you see our recent video “10 things that ruin all inclusive vacations”? Might be a good one in case there are things you are anxious about :)
Great thorough review thanks
Thanks, Dean! We’re so glad you enjoyed it. Safe travels!!
Great info. Very informative can't wait to visit
Thanks so much Terri!! Safe travels to you :)
Thanks for such an informative review …!
Thank you so much, Diana!
This is a great video well edited
Thank you so much! That’s so sweet!
Wow you definitely out did yourself with this review. Thank you
Thank you so much for your comment!! ❤️❤️
I love traveling too and love your travel tips and videos.
Thank you so much, Summer!! Really appreciate your comment and have a great day!
Thx for the review, we will be headed there in 2 weeks, our 5 time at the palladium resorts
Thanks for your comment, Mark! That sounds awesome- I hope you have an amazing time!!
Lots of good info, thanks
Thanks Doreen! ❤️
great review, I stayed at the princess Bavaro next time I might try Grand Palladium Palace for half the nights and Princess Bavaro the other half. Both look excellent as far as the rooms, beach, staff, food, etc. The white sand and teal water there is amazing and its not a far Uber from the airport. Such a nice place to relax.
Hi Jon! Thanks for your comment! We have not been to Princess Bavaro yet but good to know you enjoyed it! We will add it to our list! Just beware of the sargassum issues in the summer, but otherwise its a fantastic beach for walking for miles and swimming :)
Great video!
Thank you so much! That means a lot to us
Nice review! We were there 7 days and was a nightmare with the check in, the rooms and the people selling club membership. Overall I agree with your review! Thanks 😊
Hey Libby! Thanks for your comment and for letting us know about your experience there - it sounds like you had a very similar experience to us lol!
I been once and I loved it
Omg right?? It’s incredible!
Great review. We started on TRS Torquesa adults only back in 2019. We enjoyed our stay so much that we decided to go back to visit with family during COVID 19 since we knew we had such a great time and the food quality for us was there.
Were most of the pools open? And how about the activities? Was the white party/tiki show still going on? Thank you for your review we will be there in 2 days!
Hey Frankie! Thanks for reaching out! TRS is totally open - all their pools were open and their restaurants appeared to be open. TRS guests can also dine at any of the Palace property restaurants as well so that should give you some good options. We did not experience any tiki shows or parties, but that may have reopened as there were verrrryy few guests there in April. I would perhaps contact the hotel direct to inquire if that's important, but I am sure there's more going on nowadays :). Have a great time and safe travels!! please let us know if you have any other questions!
Any review for TRS Cap Cana? Going in September. This review was awesome, TY!
Thanks so much for your comment and your feedback!! We have not stayed at TRS cap cana yet but stay tuned - hopefully we will in the next few months :)
Appreciate your vids. I’ve been to PR 5x and going again with my daughter and her friend (14 & 15 yrs old). Looking for what resorts have the most activities or even a teen club for them. Have been to hard rock and barcelo bavaro palace deluxe. Looking at maybe Dreams, Grand Palladium, and Royalton this time. Any advice???
Hey Jamie! Thanks so much for your comment! That is awesome! And yes absolutely, so Royalton will have the best opportunities for your kids to have a good time. They have the lazy river, surf wave, teen club and an offsite water park. The kids will definitely not to bored - we saw a lot of families with teenagers when we were there and looked like they were having a blast! The other properties don’t quite have the same extensive activities for teens. Another option that will be somewhat comparable is Hilton - they have a water park, teen club and it’s a nice property for families. I’d say Royalton is bigger but Hilton’s a good backup option and is a bit more private. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks for the video, very informative!
P.S. please use a larger aperture on your camera =)
Thanks Alex, glad you found the content useful! This property had really dark lighting, so particularly with the food shots and the room the aperture had to be wide open or the ISO would be cranked way up 🤷♂️ always appreciate the critique though, open to suggestions.
Thank u I will be there in a day
have a great time!! we wish you safe travels and a fabulous holiday
@@VoyagerGuru thank u so much !! I all have a blast
Awesome review, my fiance and I are planning our babymoon in punta cana. Considering that I will not be drinking. Which hotel do you recommend for a couple who's going to be more into amenities and food options?
Hey Marylene! Thanks for your comment! Awww congratulations :). There’s so many amazing hotels in punta cana that will fit your needs. I’m happy to suggest a few but I’m curious your approximate budget and what type of amenities your looking for? (Beach vibes, pool, spa etc). Feel free to email me directly if it’s easier and I’ll reply with some of my faves! Team@voyagerguru.com
This video was so helpful! Me and my fiance are planning our honeymoon for fall 2022 and had been considering the Grand Palladium. I really like TRS but he likes that Bavaro has the rooftop terraces with an ocean view. But I've been seeing so many horrendous reviews lately about Bavaro I'm skeptical. We don't care as much about the rooms being dated, but I would hate to pay for a room where everything including the jacuzzi might broken... Do you guys have any opinions about the view from from TRS rooms?
Hi Jessica! thanks so much for your comment! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding :). how exciting! Regarding your question, I think overall TRS is a better hotel - they also have access to more facilities and restaurants so there are a few restaurants you can't go to if you stay at the other properties and that was really disappointing to us. TRS can come to Palladium but Palladium cannot go to TRS, so that alone is worth thinking about. TRS has only one completely beachfront roomtype called the terrace suite - their junior suites are kind of situated in a U-shape around the pool. Some of those will have a beach view, i would recommend calling them to see if you can request an ocean view for your honeymoon dn see what they say. TRS has a nice beachfront restaurant too, that none of the other hotels have. Let us know any other questions you have! Btw - if you want some recommendations let me know :) happy to send you some good hotels in your budget
If you want to go for your honeymoon, I highly recommend TRS! It's less crowded, and you get so much more service (like making all your dinner reservations at the beginning like Maren and Max, having a chance to be driven around in little golf carts - the rest can walk or use a fun train). I would recommend a junior suite pool site. This means you are right at the main pool, close to the lobby, and close to the Helios restaurant, where you would eat breakfast and lunch (always with a la carte options). And when you book you can ask for one of the renovated rooms. They still aren't perfectly new, but they are nice. Of course, you don't have a fancy jacuzzi rooftop, but you could even see if you can have an upgrade for half of your stay to try that out. And then just be strict about saying no to the sales pitch people. Wishing you all the best!!! And a great honeymoon.
I just came back from Brickell and I can't believe they tell their guest they can't walk around the pool and look at the Biscayne Bay with a drink. I hope I love punta Cana. I'm going to compare this to Cancun
Hey Lucas! Punta Cana is totally different from Miami so I hope you like it as well! It also has better beaches than Cancun's hotel zone :). Let us know what you think!
Thanks for your review it was very helpful for my next vacation on December 9, we are going to celebrate my birthday and my mom.
Hope to have a good time there, because I'm bringing all my family (18) there... I notice you don't mention any show or a place where we can dance ..they don't have that there ? Please say yess..
Hi Nurkis, thanks for your comment! They do have a number of bars on property- at the time - they didn't open many of the bars due to low occupancy, so to be honest, I'm not sure what the dancing and nightlife is really like. At the time, only the lobby bar was open and it was a bit more "chill" and less dancing. Hopefully by now, more things are open!
We just booked for that place for next June ! I’m excited ! I had a question are the alcohol beverages all included as well in the all inclusive? I also hope we don’t get that seaweed lol 😂
Hey there! Thanks for your comment!! That sounds amazing - you will have a great time!! The alcohol is included as is all food and beverages :). Their best cocktail was their gin & tonic during our trip. Their wine and beer was good as well! regarding the seaweed, it’s totally seasonal and sometimes it comes sometimes it doesn’t and you’ll have a great time either way!
Thanks 😊
Hello! What were the dates you stayed at the resort? I just booked for 5 nights in December for my birthday. Your video was very informative! Also did you get a room credit? What can you use it towards?
Hey Danielle! We stayed over a weekend in April and it was super quiet. December will be an amazing time to go! The water will be beautiful and the weather is usually perfect. We did not receive a room credit but assuming it’s similar to other resorts in the area, the credit is usually in the form of discounts on things like bottles of wine or the spa. For example, “$20 USD off a $100 usd treatment”. They’re usually not entirely a true credit so I would verify with the hotel before you count on it being a true “credit”
I’m going in December too for 5 nights around Xmas ☺️
Amazing! I hope you have the best time ❤️
Thanks for sharing, I’m caught in between Dreams Flora and palladium? Please give your honest opinion x
Hi thanks for this video. Question, do they offer Rapid test ? I know you mentioned PCR for extra cost. Im from USA. Does Punta Cana airport and hotel require a negative Covid test to enter the country?
Hey Gail! Thanks for your comment! Yes, they offer free Antigen hotel at the hotel and it’s super easy to do. at the hotel, they will schedule it based on your flight time and then they’ll deliver the results to you directly. To enter into the Dominican Republic, you are not required to take any COVID tests. At the hotel, they take your temperature but that is standard :). Let us know if you have any other questions!
@@VoyagerGuru Thanks , one more question if its ok… The Eticket and health affidavit??? im not sure what it is… i want to go to punta Cana but im nervous of the requirements to get in to the country. In glad they are not strict with the covid test ( though im already vaccinated). Im thinking of staying at The TRS hitel. I hipe im going to like it. Thinking of going in a few months…. Thanks again for your reply.🌺
Hey Gail! Anytime!!! Don’t worry about the sticker and the affidavit. Before you fly down, you’ll get an email from the airline with links to fill out the forms. If you don’t do it in advance, they also have it at the airport and on the plane so no big deal :) the eticket is just like our entry forms in the US. If you want to fill it out in advance online, it’s very easy you can do it here: e-ticket-dominicanrepublic.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu7bcsLWU8QIViZeyCh0O1Q4QEAAYASAAEgKmp_D_BwE. You’ll get a QR code to show when you arrive
@@VoyagerGuru Thank you 🙏 😀
Thank you for this video! Going next month with my hubby to the Palladium Palace resort and we've the beachside loft room booked. I was checking the google reviews and saw some people mentioned that they only local drinks are included in the all inclusive and you would have to pay for everything else. Is that still the case? When we called their customer service they said the Palace have the most updated rooms so we booked that. We are going for a special occasion - do you think we should look elsewhere? This is our first all inclusive and don't want to get disappointed!!
Hi Kinjal! Thanks so much for your comment - really glad it was helpful! In terms of the drinks, everything is included, but you’re not getting “top of the line” booze. However, we found the wine to be very decent, gin & tonic was the best cocktail by far. Apparently the hemingways bar is great but it was closed when we went. So palace to my knowledge is the second most updated compared to punta cana, but the palace room you booked I believe is the same as ours and the ocean view is great. If you’d like some comparable properties, feel free to message me on IG or shoot me an email with your budget and I’m happy to share my favorite properties!! Team@voyagerguru.com
@@VoyagerGuru Thank you! Just sent a DM on insta! :)
Do you have to make a reservation for all of the restaurants? Or if you don't make a reservation can you only go to the buffets?
Hey there! Yes immediately when you check in, get reservations!! You have to have them even if they are not busy. It’s quite intense. So be sure to ask at check in.
Hello. How did you get from the airport to the resort? I’m on their website but I don’t see an option for transfers
Hi Ahriana! The easiest way is going to be taking a taxi. They have a lot of taxis right outside the Punta Cana airport doors and pricing is controlled in the DR so you shouldn't have to be concerned over getting screwed. We had a rental car so we drove there and they have free parking
Can anyone tell me the difference between the grand palladium punta cana and grand palladium palace? Are the rooms all refurbished now? what are the differences and how long does it take to walk to the beach from the grand palladium punta cana as I hear the palace hotel is closer to it? any tips greatly appreciated
Hi there! Thanks for your comment! So the punta cana and palace properties are totally connected. They’re located right next to each other, which makes it very convenient. There are some punta cana rooms that are farther from the beach, so unless you’re booking the swim up or ocean view rooms, you could be farther back. We did see them renovating some of the punta cana rooms so they looked newer. However, the palace I don’t think is renovated at all and the rooms were very old. Palace is a smaller property so you’ll be closer to the beach in the most basic room, but for optimal room types look at the punta cana swim up or ocean view rooms.
I’m too going with my family in 2 months, hace a reservation in palladium punta cana but still trying to figure it out with one is better? Any help?
Hello, one question : Are the pools heated? Especially the swim ups...
hi there! When we were there, they were not heated. The main pools I think were heated, but the swim ups are not.
@@VoyagerGuru thank you!
Hi how long ago did you guys stay here. I’ll be arriving next Friday 7/16.
Hey Anthony! Thanks for your comment!!We were there for two nights only so very short stay :) but we had a great time
Does Dominican Republic have a 6 month validity? Going in November 2021 passport expires in exactly 6 months (may 2022)???
Hey there! Thanks for your comment :) typically that restriction is a US restriction and not a Dominican one. I just checked the us govt site and it looks like you’d be ok, but I would call you airline to make sure that’s 100% accurate because the airline is ultimately who would be rejecting or accepting you. Hope that helps :)
@@VoyagerGuru Thanks... I also looked the other day at the travel.gov website and it didn't mention it anywhere. I was hoping to not have to renew. But i will go ahead and renew just to be safe
@@MulataLinda8 that’s probably worth doing - if you get the wrong gate agent it could end your trip early! :( let me know if you have any other questions!
If you have your vaccine. Do you need to be tested existing Punta Cana?
Hi Angela, thanks for your comment. It will depend on where you are going to from punta cana. As of today, going to the US, you will need an antigen test within three days. The hotel does this for you for free, but it is still required before boarding your flight to the us. Hopefully that helps!
We’re the swimup bars open in the pool ?
Hey Anthony! At the palace, we didn’t see a swim up bar at the main pool- but they were doing drink service to guests in and around the pool area. At the Punta Cana property next door, they did look like they had a swim up bar - it wasn’t totally open yet so I don’t think it was open. We were there in April, so things are finally a bit more crowded and open
which one you recomend? there are three hotels next to each othewr
Hey Hamid! So in my opinion, I would say TRS is number 1 - they have the most access because they have additional restaurants and Palladium guests cannot go there. Second, I would say Palladium Punta Cana - it's the newest. Lastly, I'd say Palace and Bavaro. They are just older and not as updated as the others. Let me know your thoughts!
@@VoyagerGuru thank u so the palladium oubta cuna sauna and spa casino is the one u recommend?
@@hamidreza965 hey Hamid, yes, our personal favorite of the three palladium’s is the punta cana one. A lot of the rooms have swim up pools and they just generally look much newer :)
Hi there! You mention only the lobby bar was open during you stay. So was there no bar open near the pools? Only one bar on the entire resort?!?!
Hey Stephanie! At the time, the pool bar was open during the day and closed at 6pm. The lobby bar was the only bar open after 6 pm, which was disappointing. I’m not sure what is currently open because it’s mostly due to occupancy. I would recommend checking the latest TripAdvisor reviews for mentions of what’s open
Another questions I have is do you have to got to a restaurant for dinner, or is there buffet option? Thank you!!
Hey Stephanie! There is a buffet option, i believe they serve dinner as well as breakfast :)
@@VoyagerGuru Thank you so much!
is there drink service at the pool?
Hi there! Yes there is actually! A lot of things when we were there we’re not open due to COVID but we saw them bringing drinks at a couple of the pools - try the gin and tonic it’s great.
When you guys were there?
Hey Dariel! We were there in mid April :) the weather was perfect!
how was the seaweed on the beach?
Hey there! Thanks for your comment! In april, it was no issue. During the summer (June-august), it really depends on the day. According to the grand palladium Facebook group, yesterday was totally clear and Wednesday had some seaweed. It seems to be pretty ok right now :)
Is the seaweed a huge issue in June?
Hey Kim, to be honest there's really no way of predicting it. It tends to get really bad mid summer when the water is the warmest which often is end of June/July. Some days can be perfectly clear while others are covered in seaweed. The most consistent time of year is winter when the water is cooler. Hope this helps!
TRS is "The Royal Suites".... they are the same. If TRS is open how can you report that the royal suites lol. TRS has not been closed, a lot of guess reporting here.
Hey Steven! thank you for pointing out that TRS means royal suites, we asked so many management people at the hotel 🤣🤣 clearly so poorly communicated - we were told it was closed and a separate hotel! Great to know, thanks so much for your comment!!
When i see youtubers begin to "subscribe " i never do.
Thanks for your comment and feedback. I hope you enjoyed the video, at least! If you did, please subscribe ;)
It is a public beach? Meaning anyone can come and it is not for the resort guests only? Kinda sucks :(
Hey Skylar! Yes, similar to Cancun the hotels like the beach along the coast and all beaches are technically public. I would not leave your items unattended on any beach anywhere, but the beach is absolutely beautiful!
The struggles of yyz lol
Lol ❔
You look so damn weird staring at each other with that creepy smile while the other one's talking. But nice reciew tho
Haha glad you liked the review at least!
Haha I noticed the same thing.
Here now They only cater to reward members people here from now on go to a different hotel the whole time you are here enjoying the beach people come up to ask for a cigar or try to sell you, something people, at this hotel try to sell you club rewards the food is the same thing every day at the buffet it's impossible to get a reservation at any restaurant or less you are a club member has been here now for 5 days everything in the room is broken the AC is a joke feels more like a fan they just don't care
Hi Kassie! That's disappointing to hear!! Did you reach out about the AC? I definitely recommend writing a review on Tripadvisor to make sure other travelers see that too to be honest- maybe the hotel will reply. The best way to get anything out of it is to go to the front desk and speak to a manager ASAP! If they tell you it's not possible, they're lying so make sure to keep pushing. Let us know how it goes!
I just left here after a 5 day stay. Super disappointed. I will NOT be back and do not recommend
Hey ericka! That’s good to know - may I ask what went wrong? It’s helpful to get up to date tips and info for other watchers
Absolutely. I stayed at the bavaro and there were a number of issues. I stayed in a rooftop loft with the jacuzzi on the roof. Day one parts of the jacuzzi were falling off and into the water. When we reported it we were told it would be fixed once we left.. wow.
Next up the misleading travel club. I was approached right at the checkin counter and told he was our concierge and he needed to schedule our welcome breakfast, covid test and return airport transfer. All lies they were pushing the travel club but we didn’t know it until we were there.
Next up is communication. Not very much info is given at checkin. Trying to figure out what restaurants are open when was tough. Staying at bavaro but breakfast is at the palace is a crazy walk on 90 degrees for food. The cart/shuttle service seemed geared toward TRS and travel club unless you waited 30 mins for the slow moving train.
Oh man that sounds pretty terrible. The fact that the travel club guy misrepresented himself is really bad. Hopefully your message here is a good reminder to folks if they miss it in our video to avoid the guys in the blue!!! I’m surprised to hear they still haven’t opened all the restaurants - seems like a poor customer experience all around. Thanks so much for sharing. I recommend writing them on TripAdvisor as well
@@ImJustEricka thank you so much for this.
Me and fiance were considering Bavaro for our honeymoon next year, specifically for the rooftop suite with the jacuzzi. but I saw your review on trip advisor and started looking into it more and found a lot of bad reviews from recently. The package sounded great but I'd hate to have to go through what you guys experienced :(
@@jessicaplaggenberg7189 I think I’m more disappointed that they made no attempt to make any of it right. I spoke with front desk twice and left a trip advisor review.. nothing