Pros

  • Large, private white-sand beach with water sports
  • Four pools, including one with a swim-up bar and ocean views
  • Rooms are large, with private patios or balconies
  • Kids’ club has a playground and daily activities
  • Above-average food
  • Unlimited bottom-shelf liquor
  • Simple spa features calming spaces such as a thatched roof hut with whirlpools
See More Pros

Cons

  • Loud partiers during peak season (a pro for some!)
  • Standard Rooms are dated, with tube TVs
  • Some common areas show wear and tear
  • No free in-room Wi-Fi (free Wi-Fi in the lobby is on a daily time limit)
See More Cons

Bottom Line

With plenty of on-site activities, above-average all-inclusive food, and extremely reasonable rates, the Bahia Principe offers a good value for budget-conscious travelers. Rooms are bland, there’s no free Wi-Fi, and the remote location takes an hour to reach from the airport; most guests, however, feel that the large, private beach, the four pools, and the unlimited bottom-shelf liquor make overlooking the negatives easy enough.

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Casino
  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Kids Club
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Grand Bahia Principe San Juan

Scene

Attracts budget travelers of all types

Though collegiate partiers flock to the resort during peak season (particularly spring break), the Bahia Principe attracts plenty of families and couples as well. The young crowd can get a bit rowdy at times, but generally the resort is relatively calm, with plenty of space on the beach and at the pools.

Overall, the facilities are in need of an update; common areas show some wear and tear, and dated rooms -- with tube TVs and no Wi-Fi -- are certainly in need of renovations. The grounds, however, are lush and well-maintained, and the property size is manageable. Nonetheless, a free resort shuttle is available.

See More Scene

Location

In a remote area between Puerto Plata and the Samana Peninsula

The Bahia Principe is located in a remote area on the D.R.'s north coast, between Puerto Plata and the Samana Peninsula; it is the only resort for miles. It sits off a two-lane highway and is surrounded by countryside; reaching any town of significance can take nearly an hour, and almost all guests choose to simply remain on the resort’s grounds throughout their stays.

The Puerto Plata airport is a pricey one-hour cab ride away.

See More Location

Rooms

Rooms are spacious and bland.

Rooms at the Bahia Principe have not been updated for some time and it shows; decor features typical (read: cheesy) tropical accents such palm tree emblazoned light fixtures, floral curtains, and wicker furniture. There’s no free Wi-Fi and tube TVs are tiny. The upside is that rooms are spacious -- and all feature private patios or balconies. Mini-fridges are stocked daily with bottled water, sodas, and beer, and each room has a coffeemaker, a safe, and robes in the closet.

Suites are not available.

See More Rooms

Features

The large, white-sand beach is private and therefore rarely crowded.

The long list of on-site features makes the Bahia Principe a solid value for budget travelers. The private, white-sand beach is the highlight. Spring breakers, couples, and families can be found on the sand -- either relaxing on one of the many lounge chairs, playing beach volleyball, or enjoying activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. While these non-motorized water sports are free, guests are limited to one hour of use daily.

The resort also features several pools, including one main pool with a swim-up bar and ocean views, and two children’s pools. Families may also appreciate the large kids’ club, complete with daily activities and a playground, and activities such as tennis and dancing lessons. Evening entertainment includes family-friendly shows, as well as a lively nightclub and casino.

The on-site fitness center is simple, with several weight-training and cardio machines, and the spa is also relatively minimal, but nonetheless relaxing. Facilities include tranquil treatment rooms and a thatched-roof hut with whirlpools.

Another noticeable perk is the resort’s all-inclusive food. While the Lifestyle Holidays and Riu properties are more expensive, the food at their restaurants is subpar; food at the Bahia Principe, on the other hand, is above average. Snacks are served all day, and the buffet restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The three a la carte restaurants require reservations and have a more upscale vibe for dinner; there is a Tex-Mex option, as well as an Italian restaurant and a Mediterranean restaurant. Several on-site bars serve bottom-shelf liquor.

The resort is not particularly large, but it offers a free shuttle for guests. Wi-Fi access requires an additional fee, unless you choose to simply rely on the free hour of Wi-Fi provided daily in the lobby.

See More Features

Things You Should Know About Grand Bahia Principe San Juan

Also Known As

  • Bahia Principe San Juan Resort
  • Dominican Republic Bahia Principe
  • Bahia Principe Dominican Republic
  • San Juan Dominican Republic
  • Bahia Principe Puerto Plata
  • Bahia Principe San Juan Dominican Republic
  • Bahia Principe San Juan Puerto Plata
  • Bahia Principe
  • Bahia Principe Dominican

Room Types

  • Standard Room

Address

Ctra. Gaspar Hernandez-Rio San Juan, Km 18, Rio San Juan 33000, Dominican Republic

Phone

(809) 226-1590

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Grand Bahia Principe San Juan

Scene

Attracts budget travelers of all types

Though collegiate partiers flock to the resort during peak season (particularly spring break), the Bahia Principe attracts plenty of families and couples as well. The young crowd can get a bit rowdy at times, but generally the resort is relatively calm, with plenty of space on the beach and at the pools.

Overall, the facilities are in need of an update; common areas show some wear and tear, and dated rooms -- with tube TVs and no Wi-Fi -- are certainly in need of renovations. The grounds, however, are lush and well-maintained, and the property size is manageable. Nonetheless, a free resort shuttle is available.

See More Scene

Location

In a remote area between Puerto Plata and the Samana Peninsula

The Bahia Principe is located in a remote area on the D.R.'s north coast, between Puerto Plata and the Samana Peninsula; it is the only resort for miles. It sits off a two-lane highway and is surrounded by countryside; reaching any town of significance can take nearly an hour, and almost all guests choose to simply remain on the resort’s grounds throughout their stays.

The Puerto Plata airport is a pricey one-hour cab ride away.

See More Location

Rooms

Rooms are spacious and bland.

Rooms at the Bahia Principe have not been updated for some time and it shows; decor features typical (read: cheesy) tropical accents such palm tree emblazoned light fixtures, floral curtains, and wicker furniture. There’s no free Wi-Fi and tube TVs are tiny. The upside is that rooms are spacious -- and all feature private patios or balconies. Mini-fridges are stocked daily with bottled water, sodas, and beer, and each room has a coffeemaker, a safe, and robes in the closet.

Suites are not available.

See More Rooms

Features

The large, white-sand beach is private and therefore rarely crowded.

The long list of on-site features makes the Bahia Principe a solid value for budget travelers. The private, white-sand beach is the highlight. Spring breakers, couples, and families can be found on the sand -- either relaxing on one of the many lounge chairs, playing beach volleyball, or enjoying activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. While these non-motorized water sports are free, guests are limited to one hour of use daily.

The resort also features several pools, including one main pool with a swim-up bar and ocean views, and two children’s pools. Families may also appreciate the large kids’ club, complete with daily activities and a playground, and activities such as tennis and dancing lessons. Evening entertainment includes family-friendly shows, as well as a lively nightclub and casino.

The on-site fitness center is simple, with several weight-training and cardio machines, and the spa is also relatively minimal, but nonetheless relaxing. Facilities include tranquil treatment rooms and a thatched-roof hut with whirlpools.

Another noticeable perk is the resort’s all-inclusive food. While the Lifestyle Holidays and Riu properties are more expensive, the food at their restaurants is subpar; food at the Bahia Principe, on the other hand, is above average. Snacks are served all day, and the buffet restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The three a la carte restaurants require reservations and have a more upscale vibe for dinner; there is a Tex-Mex option, as well as an Italian restaurant and a Mediterranean restaurant. Several on-site bars serve bottom-shelf liquor.

The resort is not particularly large, but it offers a free shuttle for guests. Wi-Fi access requires an additional fee, unless you choose to simply rely on the free hour of Wi-Fi provided daily in the lobby.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Casino

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Kids Club

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Smoking Rooms Available

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.