Gran Bahia Principe El Portillo- Samana- March 11-18, 2010
I had started a Trip Review but have decided to simply give my general impressions since I can really add nothing to all the positive trip reviews on TA and we did not encounter any of the negatives.
Air Canada Vacations lists this resort as a 4-4.5 star resort. According to their ratings a 4 star is:
“A superior property with many facilities, amenities and services.” GB El Portillo in my opinion is a very solid 4 star resort and what constitutes a half star is probably open to interpretation. Compared to the adult only 5 * GBP Ambar it was not quite as upscale in the eating areas and there were no butlers but in our opinion it is a true GEM!
The things we really liked about the resort were the beach and being able to swim and snorkel to our heart’s content, the smiles and friendliness of the staff and their willingness at all levels to go out of their way for you, the cleanliness, the food (varied and tasty and with breads to die for!!), the size (just over 400 rooms), the miles of beach on either side of the resort, and the fact that it is the only resort in the immediate area. There were no walls of tourists on the beaches. All this plus probably more we could enjoy amidst the backdrop of the mountains, lush vegetation, and absolute peacefulness.
The animacion staff are very outgoing and warm and work hard all day mingling with the guests but never pressure you to join activities. This resort is relaxing and laid back but definitely not boring.
There were lots of loungers, palapas, trees and palms and if you arrived at the beach between 8:30 and 9 AM you could find a place centrally located. So there was no getting up at 6 AM on vacation!!!
Things that might deter some: The 1.5 hour bus trip. If there are not many going to this resort the trip might be 45 min in a van going directly through the mountains. For the longer trip you might want to consider Gravol if you get car sick!! Our ACV representative gave us an excellent and clearly heard ongoing commentary as we travelled and prepared us well for our stay. We also did our check in on the bus so the hour and half was put to good use. I have to say that Joel, our rep, was definitely the best we have ever encountered and seemed to be always available (if not in person then by cell phone). He is a Canadian who has lived in the DR for the past 20 years and a virtual fountain of information. He works very hard to make your trip a success.
There are no resorts on either side so apart from the guests at El Portillo this is it!!! (unless you go for the taxi trip into the town of Las Terrenas which I would definitely recommend for the experience). There is a condo complex being built on one side of the resort by the former resort owner (doesn’t look like it will be finished any time soon) and on the other side are some private homes and villas where you would occasionally see workers out raking the beach.
There is no swim up bar and no server on the beach.
The beaches are not inches deep in superfine white sand. The sand is courser and where the water has been on it is a light golden tan in color. It is very easy to walk or run on though. One couple walked back from their trip to Las Terrenas along the beach in about an hour and half.
For us, this resort was a true gem in paradise.
Things to clarify for those travelling with ACV to this resort: the price of the safe is included in your package as are the entrance card and exit fee of $20. As well, we had turn down service at night, slippers, bathrobes and beach towels in room.
We booked this room as the Gran Bahia Samana Roulette which could put you either in this resort or the Cayacoa on the other side of the Peninsula. We found out approximately a week before departure that we were going to the El Portillo. I know of 4 couples who booked the Roulette and we all ended up at the El Portillo.
Topic: My General Impressions of the Gran Bahia Principe El Portillo, Samana (Read 27730 times)