The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club, Dominican Republic [Master Thread]
 

Does anyone know anything about this new resort opening in December in the Dominican? I tried searching on here to no avail.

Is this a brand new property is this simply a case of the Westin taking over another hotel and/or renovating an older property. Also, what is the risk of booking a property a few days after the planned launch. How would Starwood deal with delays if the property failed to open when planned?

New Construction...the web site used to show the progress as it was built. The link on the SPG site shows its going to be a
SPG Category 5
12,000 to 16,000 Starpoints for a free night.

Most of the pictures are renderings...here's a link for the other resorts in the same community which appears to have real pictures of the area. Golf course and beaches look great!

http://www.puntacana.com/picture-gallery/tortuga-bay

Here's an old link with some of the details of the new Westin Resort

http://development.starwoodhotels.co...nican_republic

The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club is currently one month ahead on their construction deadlines, with very strong likelihood of opening on December 19th. They are located within the Playa Blanca area of the Puntacana Resort & Club and only minutes away from the Puntacana International Airport (PUJ).

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

That's great...looks like a good spot for a beach/golf getaway!

Did anyone book here 12/19-2/1? Avail is blacked out which is never a good sign.

Blacked out? January - after New Years Day - is wide open for standard free night awards.

The site says "accepting reservations from Dec 26". Cash, points and C+P are there from this date

Booked 5 nights in February using points, will be eagerly awaiting early reviews.

i'm booked for 1st week of Jan so I'll post review upon return. very anxious about all amenities being open and up to westin standards so close to opening day

Does anyone have a management contact at this hotel? I'd like to inquire about hosting a wedding @ this location but I can't seem to get a hold of anyone.

Booked 5 nights with points as well for January

It's about time! The worst vacation I ever had was in Punta Cana at an all-inclusive where everyone was drunk. I caught a member of the hotel staff taking advantage of a VERY drunk woman, and watched a husband and wife fight (both drunk) at the pool, then the hubby took off with the only key while the woman asked me if she was too drunk to swim and what to tell her husband IF she drowned! Rooms were disgusting and I don't use that word lightly, and the smell was nauseating. And this was supposed to be a nice resort!

I was praying for a Starwood to show up so I could give Punta Cana another chance. This is very good news. :)

Going 12/28...will post photos and comments

send a PM to Starwood Lurker@:-)read quickly, didn't see any wording that this property would be all-inclusive as many (most?) resorts in the Dominican Republic are.

The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club - Opening December 19, 2013 DELAYED???
 

Trying to see if it is open right after xmas but it says nothing available and the entire calendar is blocked out until Feb 1st.

Lurkers?

Hi schley,

Nothing on the hotel’s website indicate a delay at this point of time.

We will reach out to the hotel for an update on its opening date. We will update this thread after we hear back from them.

Best Regards,

Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

Is 12K/night a good deal for a Cat 5 property? I'm trying to weigh the value in using points vs. Cash & points 6K + $110 vs. $250/night. I need two rooms and will book one with points or cash & points. I'm a Plat and have about 150K points that I've never used. I appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

Can anyone weigh in on activities and overall kid-friendliness of the resort? I'm considering booking an April trip with 2 kids between 5 and 10, but not sure if the resort is focusing on families or adult travelers.

We are booked for 9/2014 with two children, but are still looking for lodging. IMHO this resort looked okay from the online pics; however I was not blown away. So, I am anxious for the forthcoming reviews/pics!

Still can't book for end of December. Any word?

Let me check again.

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Hotel is still opening on the date mentioned on its website.

Would advise to wait for the channels to be opened for bookings.

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Any more news on this property?

Booked a stay ~Q1 '14 - flexible rate though, so I can make a judgement as more info becomes available on the resort.

Can't believe how little I have been able to find with the property opening in just a few weeks from now.

Booked for Jan. 3
 

We are booked for a January 3rd arrival. Will be interested in hearing your comments. Any info you can share will be appreciated. Thanks.

Looks like we'll be staying here the last weekend in January 2014...I'll keep an eye out for comments. I will also post a trip report and/or photos if the trip comes to fruition...it's a bit iffy right now!

I'm booked end of January for a week. I will definitely report.

Check out the facebook page too. They have been posting progress pictures. Really amazing how fast the property has been coming together.

We are booked for 12/26-12/31, there is not much info on the website. If anyone is staying before then could you please share details from the trip. If not I will be sure to post about our experience.

Info about immediate beach and golf
 

I am booked at this property for 5 nights mid January 2013. My family has vacationed at the Punta Cana Resort and Club each year for the last 5 years which is adjacent to this hotel. I've played golf at both La Cana (27 holes) and Corales. This area is a spectacular hidden gem in terms of beach, golf, and amenities at the Resort and Club. I would highly recommend playing golf at these courses and also using the pool and bar at the La Cana golf clubhouse which has a spectacular view and happy hour. There is also a beach bar / restaurant on Playa Blanca that is very nice for relaxing on the beach / renting paddle boards / and drinking Presidente. The beach is sweet, and the access from the airport is unmatched. I know what people always say about Punta Cana, I get it, I stayed at one of those places 10 years ago. This area in and around the Punta Cana Resort and Club is very different and will not dissapoint. The three men that created this area and own the airport will make sure this Westin delivers. For a 4 or 5 night vacation this spot is very very hard to beat.

House Rentals if staying a week or longer
 

One more thing to add. The Westin looks great from the photos on their facebook page pre-open. But if you are staying with a group and are staying for a week or longer - definitely look into renting a house at the Punta Cana Resort and Club. Most home come with a golf cart and a housekeeper / cook for the week. You can definitely find some great deals and since you are staying at a house you have access to all the facilities and are afforded discounts at the golf courses, etc....

Great feedback bhq, thanks.

Frustrated With This Hotel- Any Advice?
 

Having some difficulties cancelling a stay at this resort.

At first I just wanted to move the reservation, but was told I was outside of the cancellation window when I called. 3 SPG platinum line calls (where they promised to call the hotel & email them) & 2 international calls later I looked at my original email - which stated I could cancel up to 3 days prior (tomorrow for my stay starting on the 27th).

Since then I've been asked to send my cancellation email daily to a variety of people within SPG's social media, the hotel, the punta cana resort (I assume they're manager/owners). Today an SPG Platinum line manager called the hotel & within minutes I received a new email confirming my stay... And saying the cancellation window was now passed and any changes would result in a fee.

If I wasn't out of town & holiday shopping I'd just cancel all credit cards associated with my SPG account. But that would be a hassle & frankly I shouldn't have to do that since I've provided proof.

After 10 days of this nonsense I'm at a loss. You guys have a wealth of experience - what do you suggest for next steps?

If anyone's got any intel, it'd be much appreciated. I just booked a 5-night stay for a few days from now and I'm debating whether to apply suite nights. I would definitely do it if there were a decent description of what I'd be getting (instead of simply "executive suite" or "suite"). Platinum chat offline for Christmas. I might have to dust off the Spanish and try calling. I'll report back on what I do and how it is when I get back.

Happy holidays!

staying here 28-31 actually till 30 and need that extra night just went dark last night when I was booking! ugh will report back.

ok short story this property needs work.

1. Opened on Dec 20 and I was there 28-31. So they didn't have but a week or so to fix issues so I'll cut them some slack, however there are issues.

2. Location - Very good location has a patch of private beach and the last one going north on this beach thus you have a kite beach area which I think is public right next to westin beach but nothing to the north. Golf course maybe 1/2 mile down the beach is all. Very close to airport the maybe 5-7 minute drive.

3. Transport - hotel doesn't offer shuttle to and from airport at all, you must pay the $20 taxi mafia for the 5 minutes ride to Westin. Total BS if you ask me but whatever you can't walk so rent a car where there is free parking on site, or pay the fiddler.

4. Check in - only 3 computers to check people in and they were overwhelmed. Need faster check in process or more stations. No separate gold/plat check in that I could see.

5. Rooms - received a standard room (no suite for plat upgrade and missed on my SNA request) but great view. I think all rooms have a view of some of the ocean but ours was on the 3rd floor right over the lobby so we got a great straight on view of the pool and backdrop beach/ocean. Great views here and as I said you can get a view from any room that isn't on the ground floor. Bed was standard heavenly bed which is nice, room has tile throughout so it was a little less comfortable imo as I prefer carpet in the bed area. Shower was rainhead with decent water pressure. There is no door or private area for the bathroom. It is right off the main door and no privacy for anyone using the toilet. Balcony was large and impressive for our room. 2 chairs and a table.

6. Breakfast - you could go to the buffet in the restaurant or the beachside option restaurant. 12 noon they stop serving on weekends and 11 on weekdays. We found out the hard way it was 11 on weekdays. Very disappointing to say the least. First plat breakfast is continental which only is breads and fruits with juice, nothing else. They charge an upgrade for full buffet which I think is 10 USD Per person and we did it. English is a major problem through the food outlets i general. In the 6 meals we had there, 4 of the 6 times we had the wrong item and my companion spoke spanish even. Don't know what they can do outside of using numbers for ordering as they clearly don't have a grasp for those taking orders. Overall the 20 full buffet could be ok, but the food gets cold as the day goes and they didn't keep the flies away from the buffet items which is a real problem IMO.

7. Bar - drinks are reasonable with mixed drinks 8-10 bucks and non alcoholic ones 4-6. Nice staff at this location with good english skills which helps a great deal.

8. Workout room - they have it 24 hours but very small. Primarily cardio which is fine and some dumbells with one machine. With the size you can't do much more.

9. Room service - Food was ok and reasonably priced for being room service. They charge 18% tax/service charge plus $5 room service charge for everything so be aware.

10. Pool - pretty nice with 2 kid areas with infinity edge on one of them. They have a decent amount of chairs around. My only complaint was that the whirlpool, which was very large could fit 20 people was not hot. Not sure if it was not heating properly but that needed fixing.

11. Beach - They issue a towel control card which must be redeemed for a towel each time and handed back to you. You have to give it upon checkout or it's 35 bucks. Not a bad system, but you have to remember to bring it with you all the time when you go to pool or beach. Quite a few chairs/umbrellas on the beach which was welcomed although they could have someone help reserve these ahead of time for it was a free for all taking chairs, moving them when someone wasn't there etc. Very nice white sand beach that had guys come by each afternoon and rake up any seaweed washed ashore. They also had food/beverage service from the beachside restaurant but they were overwhelmed and don't write down your order and forget things or get it wrong. MUCH needs to be done about this as the few staff are overwhelmed. They need to assign areas to staff and make them write down items.

12. Checkout - very confusing looking at the bill for they itemize the 10% service charge and 8% tax on every damn item. You get tired of looking at it and i used a pen to itemize every three lines just to focus.

13. would I be back? I got 2 days on cash and points and the third on cash rate all in of about $350. I like having a punta cana option for sure on the beach but they have to work out their restaurant issues and english issues which is hard to compensate for with the staff employed IMO. If I do come back it wouldn't be at the cash rate I can tell you that as all inclusive rates at some places are around 300-400 if you go for a package.

Hope you enjoy the property.

Thanks for this very thorough response. Hopefully things are improving, otherwise it's going to be a very long week.

Thanks for the review...was just about to pull the trigger on a trip there tonight, but this gives me significant pause...looking to go with my wife and 2 kids (7 and 9) and not really sure this sounds ready for prime time.

One quick question for schley if you don't mind...is it crowded at the resort? When you say "overwhelmed" I get the impression of a ton of people...is that the case?

Really want to have a suite with my kids being there....hmmmm...not so sure this is gonna be the place for us!

I was ready to book, as well. Now I think I'll wait for a few more reports.

In regards to all chairs being taken and tables full etc., no not at all. You don't get the impression that it is wall to wall people it is the wait times you have when in a line for anything or simply want service. You are on the beach and there are maybe 2-3 guys who are aimlessly walking around for 100 people for example. Do they have enough staff? I would say not sure, but I can say that the beach restaurant that serves the guests laying on the beach in chairs has about 3-6 people surrounding the one point of sales system at any one time. It is like a bee hive with staff just watching what is being done or waiting to have their own ticket put in etc.

I like the view, I like the beach, the rooms are pretty good (although no suite), prices of food/drink are reasonable for being isolated in punta cana, however the big issues are service and I didn't even mention housekeeping.

Housekeeping - sorry i forgot this. We left our room at 11 am our first morning for breakfast and returned at 12:30 with the room not being done. Called the desk who said they would have it done and returned at 6 without the room being made up. I called the desk and they said they would send someone. We were taking showers and someone came and I told them 15 more minutes and we will be gone. Go down to the bar, and 2 hours later just wanted to check to see if it was done and nope it wasn't. Went to front desk now at about 8:30 pm and they said they would send someone. Got to the room at 9:30 and they were just finishing up.

Next day went to breakfast at 10 and returned at 11 not done. Left and came back at 6 not done, called. No one came. Left at 7:30 pm and told front desk who said they would have someone clean. Went back up at 8:30 and no one, called and 2 minutes later a lady came to clean.

Really annoying as my thought is that there is no protocol in place to ensure rooms are being cleaned. The protocols in place to organize work to ensure services i don't think are there or are not being followed. PLEASE, PLEASE, management get these problems solved for I wouldn't go back until these service issues are resolved.

Oh btw because of the bill issue being itemized by price, 10% service charge, 8% tax, then any tip you have 3 or 4 lines for candy bar from the mini bar, I totally forgot to apply my platinum breakfast credit to the full buffet. I was trying to see if there were any big charges on there that shouldn't be and totally forgot to ask for this, but again they know I'm platinum and should apply this credit. The restaurant waitress told me that they apply the credit at check out, well they didn't and I forgot to ask to guess what? Because of a lack of protocol IMO I'm paying for a full buffet. Going to email them now and get that back for the buffet was disappointing regardless.

However I do like the property and think it will be a nice destination if they get these service issues solved which I think are much easier than building a nicer hotel, or moving it to a great location that they have. Great things going for it, but service needs to be upgraded asap to forgo a bad reputation.

After allowing my better half to read the reviews...she looked out our window at all the snow blowing around and our driveway covered in it...she said just book it! We'll deal with whatever service issues they have, but it has to be better then this! :-)

So we are booked arriving on (Feb. 22nd, departing on the 26th).

I used my 35% discount and booked 4 nights for 41,600 points (couldn't swing the 5th day even though it would have been free). I'm going to try and upgrade to a suite...any advice how I should do this? Should I call ahead, or try at check in?