The Caribbean - Paradisus Palma, Punta Cana, DR

Hi Guys--

I was thinking of going to Punta Cana and staying at the Paradisus Palma Hotel, which is one of the Sol Melia resorts. Anyone have any experience there?
Thanks,
LittleFlyer

Still thinking?
Haven't been to the Paradisus Palma Real yet, but I've been to the Paradisus Punta Cana (a mile or two up the road) twice. The return trip is proof I thought that was a great place to stay. My brother, who was at both and also enjoyed the PPC, said the Palma Real was a big step up, so that's where we're going later this year.
If you play golf, greens fees are included. You can play all day for only the cart fee (about $40 with tax). The course, Cocotal Country Club is adjacent to the Palma Real (a shuttle bus from the PPC), has 27 holes, and is very nice.
There are plenty of reviews from recent guests at tripadvisor.com. Everyone agrees it's beautiful and the rooms look just like the pics on the web site. I'd take any complaint about the food or service with a grain of salt, though, because I was totally shocked to read complaints about those at the PPC. I thought the food there was quite good, and excellent for an all-inclusive. In fact, the breakfast buffet was better than at Casa de Campo - more variety, and the hot food was hotter. (The custom omelets were great at both.)
As for the service, I suspect the complainers are "ugly Americans" who shouted in rapid-fire English, and expected everything to come instantaneously. That level of impatience basically dooms you to disappointment anywhere in the DR. The service was friendly and polite, and - by Latin Caribbean standards - relatively efficient and timely. Besides, you're on vacation, and ought to be enjoying a slower pace instead of stressing out about it.
The one complaint that probably has some validity is that Royal Service is not worth the premium. We were in a regular room first time at the PPC, and in Royal Service the second. It was well worth what we paid, but that was only about $80/night/couple extra. It's now considerably higher at the PPC, and at least double that at the PPR.