We just got back from the Hard Rock with my son and 10 other boys and their parents. I can safely say that I probably won’t go back to the Dominican Republic, much less any Hard Rock again. I just wish I had thoroughly read the reviews here.
The property is in need of being updated big time. It’s showing its age. The resort is dark and HOT. Some places have AC, but not much so it’s still hot, but the temp in the room is worse. We all think they ultimately control the thermostats bc you can turn it down low and it doesn’t change anything. Some of the families we were with were in another building and when they complained about the AC they were told someone would come look at it and never did. They asked to switch rooms and were told no. Also it was so extremely hot the last night we were there and you couldn’t even temperature we all suspect they either cut the AC to the room or locked the thermostat. So we were hot the whole time. And I know humidity bc we live in New Orleans. Food is also meh. Had worse, but it was not that great. The alcohol is off brand and watered down, as we expected. But the whole place just seemed cold. There is endless jackhammering at all hours of the night. One night it literally sounded like someone was chipping away at the wall to our room.
The trams guys will stop at the bus stops when they feel like it and you feel like you are being scammed the entire time.
There are no shows here. They had a Michael Jackson impersonator one night. Although he was very talented it’s not your typical “show”. It felt more like a second grade production.
But here is where it went horribly wrong for us. Our room phone rang at 1:30am one night and were told we needed to come to the front desk bc they had my son. I asked what he did and was told they’d tell us when we got there and hung up. My husband and I practically ran there bc the call was so ominous. When we got there we realized it wasn’t our son but his friend. He was under 18 and had his bracelets on so that’s why they called us. But then we were told by a man named Eduardo we need to pay $300. Nowhere in Hard Rocks policy’s is this stated. I have no idea where this figure came from either. We said no. Eduardo said and I quote “you pay or we call the police”. I was so mad that I kept saying no and he kept repeating himself. I did notice no one was at the front desk and it was just us and 4 men wearing dark clothes, but no real identification that said Hard Rock security. We started to feel uncomfortable so my husband paid them. The men had to be with Hard Rock bc he ran our credit card. This was a total shakedown and a total abuse of power if you ask me. I have never seen anything like it. They also fined the other boys parents. The next night they did the same to another dad on our group.
I also had a John Hardy bracelet stolen from our room. They didn’t care when I told them. At this point I was done and wanted to go home.
I plan on emailing the General Manager and anyone else associated with this hotel. It basically ended our memorable trip with our son. I wouldn’t stay here again and I don’t know that I’d go back to the Dominican Republic. Unless you like damp hot hotel rooms, mediocre food, watered down drinks with cheap alcohol, not to mention people stealing things from your rooms then I would avoid the Hard Rock...
Read moreTitle: A Total Letdown at the Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana
My experience at the Hard Rock Hotel in Punta Cana, which claims to be a 5-star establishment, was deeply disappointing and did not meet the expectations set by its high cost. First and foremost, the service was subpar; the staff seemed overwhelmed and inattentive, which is unacceptable in a luxury hotel.
The facilities were also lacking, with air conditioning units failing to function properly both in the rooms and in the common areas, including the restaurants. This was particularly uncomfortable given the warm climate of the region. Speaking of the restaurants, the quality of the food was far below par, with limited and low-quality options that did not match the price paid.
Upon my arrival at 6pm, my room was not ready, adding to the frustration. Additionally, the service was extremely slow, further diminishing the overall experience. The hotel itself is a massive complex with nearly 1800 rooms, making it crowded and noisy—more suited to tourists looking for a non-sophisticated all-inclusive experience rather than a refined getaway.
For high-level travelers or business individuals looking for a premium, peaceful experience, this hotel is definitely not suitable. The value for the price is very poor, and I would advise any discerning traveler to seek other options that truly worth their time and money.
In conclusion, the Hard Rock Hotel in Punta Cana is a place to be avoided if you are seeking a quality and comfortable stay. There are many other options in the area that will surely provide a much more satisfying experience at a...
Read moreI was thoroughly disappointed with my experience at this resort, especially considering the high price point. Despite their 5-star rating, the service fell short in several key areas:
Understaffing Issues: Waitstaff were overburdened, each managing far more than the ideal 3-5 tables. Long wait times for basic services such as check-in, food, and even getting ice cream for children, often exceeding 10 minutes.
Subpar Food Quality: Limited variety and mediocre quality of food. Other resorts, like Bahia Principe, offer superior food options at a fraction of the cost. Food quality is crucial for my resort stays, and this was a significant letdown.
Cost vs. Value: Given the many other resort options in Punta Cana that offer better service and amenities for less, I cannot justify the cost of staying here.
Conclusion: The Hard Rock Hotel in Punta Cana does not deliver a quality or comfortable experience. There are numerous other resorts in the area that provide a much more satisfying stay at a reasonable cost. I would recommend avoiding this hotel if you are seeking value...
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