Rating:
"Ocean Blue by H10 - aka Ocean Blue & Sand is a nice 4 star resort right on Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana. One side is Ocean Blue and other is the newer, more expensive Ocean Sand. It's about 35 minutes from the airport. Our package included the return airport transfer. The resort grounds is well-kept. There were staff always watering and maintaining the landscape. There are many tall palm trees, unlike in the Mexico resorts we've stayed. There are two large free-form pools with swim-up bars (the yellow activity pool and the quite blue pool). There are 2 buffet restaurants (main and beach bar), and several a la carte restaurants + Mike's coffee house. The food was generally good, we didn't get sick during the entire stay but we drank plenty of water to avoid dehydration.There is also a theatre, fitness centre, casino and bowling alley. We stayed in September and the resort was half-empty which meant we didn't have to worry about crowds or fighting to get the ideal spot by the pool or beach. The weather was also HOT like 36 degree celsius temperature and it was also sunny every day so we got lucky. There was thunderstorm one night which lasted for a couple of hours, but it was sunny and hot again by the morning. The beach is one of the best we've seen and we've travelled to Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas in the Caribbean. The water is different shades of blue and the sand is fine, but not as powdery as the beaches we've been in Thailand or the Philippines. Unlike in Mexico, you can walk the entire stretch of this beautiful beach for hours (42 km). You can take a water taxi if you're too tired to walk back to your hotel. We didn't like the smell of gasoline fumes from the many boats the pass by near the shores though! We've also seen staff comb the beach of sea weed. Most of the staff was also friendly - especially if you can speak Spanish and if you give tips. The rooms were clean but some walls had scuff marks from luggages likely and they could update the beds and tv, but we had no problem with the air conditioning. Maid service was also consistent at cleaning our room at lunch time. We tended to sleep in until about 11am, then leave and not return to the room to change for dinner. The excursions were also fun and exciting for those who may get bored staying in the resort the whole week. To conclude, we recommend this resort to people of all ages - we're in our late twenties.

Plus: 1) Beach, 2) Pool 3) Resort grounds |
Minus: 1) older rooms 2) aggressive vendors on the beach.

We just can't agree with those who have written negative reviews about this hotel. Some may never be pleased or just like to complain. We suggest they get informed and do some research on the country, city and its people before making the reservation to avoid disappointments and unpleasant surprises in the future."
Reviewer: jd.jeremie6681
Date: Sep. 08, 2009

Rating:
"We went with kids for 3 weeks on march break, We travel all around to diff. resorts and this one was for sure the best one for a family. Kids were 5 and 11 and they had a great trip. The kids club is the best ever. Can not wait to go back and visit the the staff in the coffee house. ( Benjermin and Argintina) say hi to them for me...
You will love the people. PS bring a couple light bulbs with you, it is very dim in the rooms....."
Reviewer: reviewer5366
Date: Jun. 01, 2009

Rating:
"Vacationed at this hotel in August 2008. Was amazed at how clean they kept the rooms and the grounds. The food was very good, with a great selection at the buffet and the resturants. They spoke english alot better than i spoke spanish. The alcoholic beverages were amazing also with plenty of name brand products. The beach was clean and there were plenty of chairs around the pool and the beach. Lots of activities if you wanted to participate day and night. Wine parties, beach parties, the usual activities. The only annoying part of the vacation was 2 evenings they had the junk venders lined up on the main street You had to walk by them to go anywhere and they harrassed you to buy cigars and whatever other crap they were trying to sell. The casino was also rinky dink. Overall i felt very safe, and i would definately return. "
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Aug. 15, 2008

Rating:
"Clean, spacious and very nice. Felt very welcome and had a blast all week. Plenty to do, but did not feel like we had to do anything. Everything was taken care of. Game Room needed a little TLC, but otherwise a great place. Would definitely return."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: May. 19, 2008