The Westin® Puntacana Resort

The beach was wide and lovely, the pool area was well kept with plenty of room to spread out, and the walking and bike trail was safe and a nice way to exercise while seeing the area. The airport was only a five-minute ride, which left us more time to enjoy the place. We’ve just come back from a fantastic week and will definitely return. The property is gorgeous, our rooms were immaculate, and the food was delicious. The staff were joyful, welcoming, and attentive. Luis at breakfast each morning, Lilliana and Angelo at Brassa and Bao, and our wonderful housekeeper Nikayree made us feel especially welcome and like part of the family. Many others went above and beyond too. Highly recommend.

The beach was beautiful, but that was about the only good part. This place isn’t especially family-friendly, particularly with young kids. On our final night, a beach party at Playa Blanca went on until 3 a.m. The loud music and bass made sleep impossible and shook our room, where we had two young children. When we called the front desk, all we got was, “sorry, we can't do anything about it.” Our checkout bill didn’t match what was charged to our credit card, and the discrepancy still hadn’t been resolved a month later. Pool service was lacking too. We waited almost an hour for food. Staff said it was ready and they were looking for a box, but we saw the barbecue station had only just started cooking it. They brought the wrong items, then forgot the condiments three times before finally bringing them. What a mess.

The hotel sits in a great area with lots of nature around. You can walk along the beach and see untouched stretches, which was really nice compared with other parts of Punta Cana. The place was quiet during my four-night stay, with plenty of chairs at the beach and pool and a very relaxing feel. My room was clean, with a great ocean and pool view. I had a lounger on the balcony and lovely afternoon sun. The housekeeper kept me supplied with coffee and water, which I appreciated. Everyone I met was friendly and did a great job. I enjoyed the restaurants, especially BAO, then Brassa. The food was full of flavor and outstanding, and dinner service was great. These are the employees I interacted with: Karen at Arena Beach Club; Liliana, BAO / Brassa Hostes; Jason, BAO Server Sunday; Darien, BAO Server Tuesday; Jersison aka Jerry at Kite Pool Bar; Angelo at Brassa; and Luis at the Lobby Bar, who made great Old Fashioneds.

The Westin is beautiful, though the beach was just okay. The service, on the other hand, was hands down the best. Jose at the cigar bar got to know us, offered us rum, and recommended cigars that wouldn’t give us headaches. We were there for a junior golf event, and he was very attentive to our eight-year-old, always checking if she needed anything.