AD | This may be the first time you’re seeing th AD | This may be the first time you’re seeing this corner of my bedroom because there was nothing special about it...until now! Thanks to @spacekit.co this little space got a facelift - a customizable, ever changing facelift!

Spacekit is a customizable modular wall decor system that is DAMAGE FREE ((aka renter friendly)), insanely easy to install, sustainable made and the design options are endless!! These half moon tiles were just the dreamy look I was going for, but head over to my stories to see all the different configurations these tiles can be installed in!

Who else LOVES the idea of being able to switch up their wall art in seconds? 

#homeaftermidnite #spacekit #spacekitdecor
Took my new Spring @ahdorned bag out for a spin du Took my new Spring @ahdorned bag out for a spin during the last snow ❄️ storm

Maybe Mother Nature saw me because ever since then it’s been sunny ☀️ and the temps are climbing!

The 3 ft of snow we have may not melt until like April, but we can’t win them all 🤣 and at least it makes for a pretty backdrop! #westchesteraftermidnite #mynuuly
It was 50 degrees today so here’s a snow free ph It was 50 degrees today so here’s a snow free photo to celebrate!

Drop a ☀️ in the comments if the weather was perfect where you live today too!

Also just saw this dress is still in stock and on major sale so the day just got even better 😍

#westchesteraftermidnite #ltksalealert #ltkcurves #ltkunder50
While I wish I had my new couch for all of quarant While I wish I had my new couch for all of quarantine...I’m VERY VERY happy to have it for all of these snow storms ❄️

I never really showed my living room before because I wasn’t happy with it and now I’m in LOVE! The rug and couch make me SO freaking happy!

Changing out a few more things shortly and I can’t wait to share! ALSO my rug is on sale so if you want it I’ll include a swipe up on stories and the link is in my bio 😍

#homeaftermidnite #ltkhome #stayhomewithltk #ltksalealert
AD // Why wear one necklace when you can layer on AD // Why wear one necklace when you can layer on three!

I was so excited about the new Rebecca Minkoff @shoplctv Collection so much I couldn’t decide which necklace to wear first, so I just put them all on at once and I’m LOVING it!

I’ve always been a fan of the layered look, but I’m even more for wearing ALL THE THINGS after a year of not wearing much jewelry!! If you’re looking to up you jewelry collection enjoy 20% off your purchase with code: JACKIE20 ✨ #deliveringjoy #weshoplc
The face you make when you find a new local based The face you make when you find a new local based brand that makes the most versatile bags!! AD

I’m so excited to introduce you to @ahdorned - the Westchester based handbag company that sells the cutest bags with interchangeable straps so that you can customize the perfect combination for each of your looks! I love that I can match my bag to compliment my outfit by just changing out the strap!

Head over to my stories to see how changing up the strap on this mini faux suede bag completely changes up the look and to pick one up for yourself! #westchesteraftermidnite
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a pink It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a pink & red heart manicure ❤️

Are you getting a festive V-Day mani or skipping this holiday?

#nailsaftermidnite #valentinesdaynails #valentinesdaynailart #heartnails
AD Introducing you to the 2 products that help me AD  Introducing you to the 2 products that help me achieve my signature sleek low bun! göt2b® Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel and the new göt2b® Glued Spray Wax, which gives me the structured hold I need without making my hair sticky or crunchy!

Head over to my stories for the full tutorial on this signature hair style & to find out where you can pick up these products to recreate this look on yourself!

@target #trygot2bspraywax #got2battarget #got2bpartner @got2busa
My ridiculously large collection of pom pom hats h My ridiculously large collection of pom pom hats have definitely come in handy this year ❄️

This one is on super sale! Shop it by clicking on the link in my profile or in the @liketoknow.it app!!

#liketkit #LTKsalealert #LTKunder50 #LTKstyletip http://liketk.it/37PZr
Load More...
  • About
  • Explore
    • Home Decor
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Beauty
  • My Apartment
  • Westchester
  • About
  • Life
    • Home Decor
    • My Apartment
    • Travel
  • Style
    • Fall
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Winter
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Skincare
  • Shop
    • Shop my Instagram
    • Shop my Apartment

living after midnite

  • Life
    • Home Decor
    • My Apartment
    • Travel
      • Bahamas
      • Charleston
      • Florida
        • Florida Keys
        • Orlando
      • Hawaii
        • Kauai
        • Maui
      • New Orleans
      • Punta Cana
      • Vermont
  • Style
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Winter
    • Holiday
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Nails
    • Skincare
    • 31 Day Lipstick Challenge
  • Shop
    • Instagram
    • My Apartment
    • Weekly Favorites
    • My Favorite Amazon Purchases

Lifestyle, Travel · August 6, 2018

Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana

Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst Resorts in the Caribbean | Where Not to Stay in the Caribbean

I debated writing this post for a few weeks, but honestly I like to keep it real with you guys and while my family and I made the most of our trip to Punta Cana in July, we most definitely did not have the best time. I really didn’t want to give this resort bad press, but honestly I don’t want any other families spending their money by booking a trip here and having a disappointing time just like us. There are plenty of amazing resorts in Punta Cana (I’m sharing the awesome one I stayed at last year at the end of this post + another one that my family has stayed at that they loved), but this is 100% where NOT to stay in Punta Cana…

So let me preface this by saying that we booked this trip at the end of the Summer 2017 for July 2018 with a group of around 30 other people. My youngest brother graduated from High School and this was graduation trip for him and a few of his friends and their families. Also I didn’t take a ton of photos of the resort itself so unfortunately I don’t have photos of everything, but believe me these couple are enough to get the gist!

So the trip got off to a bad start at check in, when they told us our rooms were on a completely opposite side of the resort than the entire rest of our party. Now this wouldn’t be a big deal if this was an average sized resort, but this place was MASSIVE. I’m talking it took about 10 minutes to walk from the area where the beach and pool were to the main lobby, there was a golf cart “train” and individual golf carts to take you from one area to the next, but our entire group was suppose to be placed in the same area and we weren’t. Then when we asked for our rooms to be near everyone else’s (like they were suppose to be in the first place) we were told we had to upgrade to that area…((INSERT EYE ROLL #1))

So we finally got to our rooms (my family had 3 rooms) and they were ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. I honestly was in shock. I’ve stayed in a LOT of hotels, from super high end to super low end, and these rooms were one of the worst (if not the worst) I’ve ever stayed in. Our bathroom looked like it had never been cleaned, there was also a ton of patching in the bathroom, there was a light hanging off the wall, wires from the TV everywhere and outside our window was a construction site. In one of our other rooms there was a massive leak under the sink in the bathroom that was never take care of so the floor was wet the entire time we were in the room. Then in someone else’s room from our group the air conditioning broke and when they tried to call up to the front desk to get it fixed the phone didn’t work.

Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst Resorts in the Caribbean | Where Not to Stay in the Caribbean
Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst Resorts in the Caribbean | Where Not to Stay in the Caribbean
Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst Resorts in the Caribbean | Where Not to Stay in the Caribbean
Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst Resorts in the Caribbean | Where Not to Stay in the Caribbean

The food was pretty bad and while I’m not expecting the most amazing food on at an all inclusive resort, this was way below par. Many people in our group got sick during our stay and one actually ended up being sick with stomach issues for almost a week after we got home.

But the absolute worse part, even worse than the room, was the pool! The water level of the pool didn’t reach the filter so the pool was filled with debris and who knows who else. I honestly don’t even want to think about what could’ve been in the pool. Everyone was literally wiping hair off of them when they got out.

Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst Resorts in the Caribbean | Where Not to Stay in the Caribbean
Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst Resorts in the Caribbean | Where Not to Stay in the Caribbean
Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst Resorts in the Caribbean | Where Not to Stay in the Caribbean
Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst Resorts in the Caribbean | Where Not to Stay in the Caribbean

Another thing that was extremely disappointing was the fact that we were not informed that almost the ENTIRE resort was under construction. There were construction workers everywhere and they were building a massive structure right next to the pool. I understand that resorts are constantly being updated and thats a good thing, but I think that guests should be informed of it. Also a huge area of the resort actually caught fire in January and was closed and we weren’t informed of that either.

Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst Resorts in the Caribbean | Where Not to Stay in the Caribbean

After 3 days we honestly couldn’t take it anymore and we wandered over to the Adults Only section of the resort and couldn’t believe the difference. We upgraded (again) on the spot and literally never looked back and I didn’t step foot at the other side of the resort for the rest of the trip. I was even getting tons of messages from followers while on our trip saying how they had the same or similar experiences that I did.

If you follow me on Instagram then you already know what resort we stayed at, but if you found me and this post through another avenue then Melia Caribe Tropical is where not to stay in Punta Cana, and The Level at Melia Caribe Tropical is the Adults Only area that we switched.

I know all the of the photos of our trip that I posted on Instagram didn’t necessarily convey the fact that we weren’t having the greatest time, but I’m not one to ruin a vacation and I always make the most of a trip and a bad situation, but maybe that’s why I thought it was so important to write this post. And if I would’ve read a post about “where not to stay in Punta Cana” before we booked out trip, we obviously wouldn’t have booked here.

One thing I will say is that once we switched over the The Level we had an amazing time. The room was significantly nicer, the restaurants were amazing, the service and staff couldn’t have been better and the pool was immaculate, but it was a shame that the entire resort wasn’t like that.

If you are planning a trip to Punta Cana I highly suggest staying at Now Onyx. I stayed there last April with my roommate and we had an amazing time. The resort is the perfect size, the staff was amazing, the food was great and our room was perfect! We stayed in a room with a swim up pool and it was SO perfect. Here are a few snaps from our trip last year so you can check it out.

Now Onyx Punta Cana Dominican Republic Restaurant
Now Onyx Punta Cana Dominican Republic Pool

And if you have any other questions about it, please feel free to email me! Many of my friends and family members have also stayed at the Hard Rock Punta Cana and had amazing trip so that’s another amazing option if you are planning a trip to Punta Cana! I honestly NEVER thought I would write a post about where not to stay in Punta Cana, or anywhere for that matter, but hey it happened and I hope this post can deter other people from staying there and having a bad vacation!

Looking for positive travel posts? Check out these popular ones:

The Ten Best Things to Do in Kauai
Five Fantastic Reasons to Visit Maui Right Now
The BEST Hotel in Maui You Need To Know About
How to Do Universal and Disney in Three Days
The Best Camera to Take on Vacation
Ten Outfits That Will Make You Want to Book a Tropical Vacation

You can also follow my new Travel Hashtag on Instagram #TravelAfterMidnite

pin for later

Where NOT to Stay In Punta Cana | Dominican Republic All Inclusive Resort Review | Worst All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Worst Resorts in the Caribbean | Where Not to Stay in the Caribbean

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

In: Lifestyle, Travel · Tagged: Dominican Republic, Punta Cana

join the club

You’ll Also Love

The Best Camera to Take on Vacation | Tropical Beach Summer Vacation Outfit InspirationThe Best Camera to Take on Vacation
Ten Outfits That Will Make You Want to Book a Tropical VacationTen Outfits That Will Make You Want to Book a Tropical Vacation
Spring Fashion Outfits Inspiration Florals May 2018 Round Up Living After Midnite Jackie GiardinaMay 2018 Round Up

Comments

  1. Margarita Berges says

    March 3, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    I just returned from my 6 days vacation at Melia resort.Everything was “TOP OF THE LINE”!! The four of us had a fantastic experience. I don’t know about last summer, but that is a place I gladly recommend to family and friends. Margarita

    Reply
    • Jackie Giardina says

      March 5, 2019 at 2:14 pm

      What location did you stay at? I’ve heard good things about other resorts they own, but this one was honestly just terrible. And sadly after I wrote about my experience hundreds of people responded on social media with the same thoughts. If you did stay at this one I’m glad to hear it made improvements.

      Reply
  2. Kathy White says

    April 13, 2019 at 11:18 pm

    Hi,

    My fiancé & I are planning our Honeymoon and we have chosen Punta Cana as the place we want to go. I read your review about Now Onyx and that is one of the Properties we have considered staying at. We have also looked at Breathless, right next to Now Onyx.
    I wanted to ask if you knew anything about Breathless because we have also considered that Resort? The other question I have is both Now Onyx and Breathless say they are All Inclusive and have A La Carte’ Restaurants. Do you have to pay extra for the A La Carte’ Restaurants?

    Reply
    • Jackie Giardina says

      August 15, 2019 at 9:50 am

      I think there were only a few higher end restaurants that you had to pay extra for on the property! We really enjoyed staying at Now Onyx because it seemed the rooms were a bit newer but we loved having access to both resorts!

      Reply
  3. Taylor says

    May 12, 2019 at 5:34 am

    Hi, I am planning my wedding and we’re doing destination to punta Cana! Do you mind sending me some recommendations of places you liked that were family friendly?! Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Jackie Giardina says

      August 15, 2019 at 9:49 am

      Hi Taylor,

      So sorry I’m just seeing this now! I’ve only been to one other resort in Punta Cana – Now Onyx – and it was definitely family friendly! I’ve also heard great things about the Hard Rock.

      Jackie

      Reply
  4. Lauren says

    October 6, 2019 at 8:48 pm

    What is the resorts name that was bad?

    Reply
    • Jackie Giardina says

      October 8, 2019 at 12:41 pm

      Hi Lauren! It’s listed in the bottom of the article – Melia Caribe Tropical.

      Reply
  5. Marc says

    November 9, 2019 at 3:23 pm

    Stay at Iberostar. Never any issues. Been there many times in DR and it other countries.
    I will say that plumbing and repairs to the structures in DR are not the same as those done in the US. There is nothing wrong with that though. It’s a different lifestyle. Enjoy the island, stay at Iberostar.

    Reply
    • Jackie Giardina says

      November 11, 2019 at 3:14 pm

      I’ll keep that in mind if I go back. I’ve heard good things about that resort. Now Onyx and Hard Rock are also great in DR.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Why Wear Regular Stripes When You Can Wear Rainbow Stripes

I'm Jackie. A 30-something New Yorker staying up AFTER MIDNITE in her eclectic 1 bedroom apartment in Westchester.

Reader Favorites

  • The Best Decorated Small Outdoor Balconies on Pinterest | Boho Apartment Patio Inspiration | Wicker Outdoor Furniture | Balcony Plants | Small Patio Decor Ideas The Best Decorated Small Outdoor Balconies on Pinterest
  • Ten Cozy Beds That Will Make You Forget How Cold It Is Ten Cozy Beds That Will Make You Forget How Cold It Is
  • All White California Spanish Style Bathroom | Gold Hardware Rustic Wood Accents | 12 Small Bathrooms that Inspired my Renovation 12 Small Bathrooms that Inspired my Renovation

Where I Shop for Fashion

  • ASOS
  • Nordstrom
  • H&M
  • BaubleBar
  • Anthropologie
  • Free People
  • American Eagle
  • Old Navy
  • Mango

Where I Shop for Beauty

  • Ulta
  • Sephora
  • Ilia Beauty
  • Supergoop!

Where I Shop for Home Decor

  • Wayfair
  • World Market
  • Anthropologie
  • Terrain
  • Rugs USA
  • Target

Shop my Instagram Stories

Shop my Apartment

Archives

trending now

  • The Best Decorated Small Outdoor Balconies on Pinterest | Boho Apartment Patio Inspiration | Wicker Outdoor Furniture | Balcony Plants | Small Patio Decor Ideas The Best Decorated Small Outdoor Balconies on Pinterest
  • Ten Cozy Beds That Will Make You Forget How Cold It Is Ten Cozy Beds That Will Make You Forget How Cold It Is
  • All White California Spanish Style Bathroom | Gold Hardware Rustic Wood Accents | 12 Small Bathrooms that Inspired my Renovation 12 Small Bathrooms that Inspired my Renovation
  • Green Tile Pink Kitchen | Devols Kitchen Showroom Clerkenwell London | 20 Photos That Will Prove Decorating with Pink and Green is the Next Big Thing 20 Photos That Will Prove Decorating with Pink and Green is the Next Big Thing

instagram

Follow @jackiegiardina

AD | This may be the first time you’re seeing th AD | This may be the first time you’re seeing this corner of my bedroom because there was nothing special about it...until now! Thanks to @spacekit.co this little space got a facelift - a customizable, ever changing facelift!

Spacekit is a customizable modular wall decor system that is DAMAGE FREE ((aka renter friendly)), insanely easy to install, sustainable made and the design options are endless!! These half moon tiles were just the dreamy look I was going for, but head over to my stories to see all the different configurations these tiles can be installed in!

Who else LOVES the idea of being able to switch up their wall art in seconds? 

#homeaftermidnite #spacekit #spacekitdecor
Took my new Spring @ahdorned bag out for a spin du Took my new Spring @ahdorned bag out for a spin during the last snow ❄️ storm

Maybe Mother Nature saw me because ever since then it’s been sunny ☀️ and the temps are climbing!

The 3 ft of snow we have may not melt until like April, but we can’t win them all 🤣 and at least it makes for a pretty backdrop! #westchesteraftermidnite #mynuuly
It was 50 degrees today so here’s a snow free ph It was 50 degrees today so here’s a snow free photo to celebrate!

Drop a ☀️ in the comments if the weather was perfect where you live today too!

Also just saw this dress is still in stock and on major sale so the day just got even better 😍

#westchesteraftermidnite #ltksalealert #ltkcurves #ltkunder50
While I wish I had my new couch for all of quarant While I wish I had my new couch for all of quarantine...I’m VERY VERY happy to have it for all of these snow storms ❄️

I never really showed my living room before because I wasn’t happy with it and now I’m in LOVE! The rug and couch make me SO freaking happy!

Changing out a few more things shortly and I can’t wait to share! ALSO my rug is on sale so if you want it I’ll include a swipe up on stories and the link is in my bio 😍

#homeaftermidnite #ltkhome #stayhomewithltk #ltksalealert
AD // Why wear one necklace when you can layer on AD // Why wear one necklace when you can layer on three!

I was so excited about the new Rebecca Minkoff @shoplctv Collection so much I couldn’t decide which necklace to wear first, so I just put them all on at once and I’m LOVING it!

I’ve always been a fan of the layered look, but I’m even more for wearing ALL THE THINGS after a year of not wearing much jewelry!! If you’re looking to up you jewelry collection enjoy 20% off your purchase with code: JACKIE20 ✨ #deliveringjoy #weshoplc
The face you make when you find a new local based The face you make when you find a new local based brand that makes the most versatile bags!! AD

I’m so excited to introduce you to @ahdorned - the Westchester based handbag company that sells the cutest bags with interchangeable straps so that you can customize the perfect combination for each of your looks! I love that I can match my bag to compliment my outfit by just changing out the strap!

Head over to my stories to see how changing up the strap on this mini faux suede bag completely changes up the look and to pick one up for yourself! #westchesteraftermidnite
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a pink It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a pink & red heart manicure ❤️

Are you getting a festive V-Day mani or skipping this holiday?

#nailsaftermidnite #valentinesdaynails #valentinesdaynailart #heartnails
AD Introducing you to the 2 products that help me AD  Introducing you to the 2 products that help me achieve my signature sleek low bun! göt2b® Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel and the new göt2b® Glued Spray Wax, which gives me the structured hold I need without making my hair sticky or crunchy!

Head over to my stories for the full tutorial on this signature hair style & to find out where you can pick up these products to recreate this look on yourself!

@target #trygot2bspraywax #got2battarget #got2bpartner @got2busa
My ridiculously large collection of pom pom hats h My ridiculously large collection of pom pom hats have definitely come in handy this year ❄️

This one is on super sale! Shop it by clicking on the link in my profile or in the @liketoknow.it app!!

#liketkit #LTKsalealert #LTKunder50 #LTKstyletip http://liketk.it/37PZr
All of the rugs in my apartment are ON SALE! Figu All of the rugs in my apartment are ON SALE!

Figured I would let you guys know because the 3 rugs I currently have are my most clicked pieces so far for 2021 and honestly I can’t recommend each of them enough!

I’m putting together a blog post with all my rugs + others that I love, but in the meantime you can shop them all now by clicking on the link in my profile or the @liketoknow.it app!

@liketoknow.it.home #homeaftermidnite #ltksalealert #ltkhome #stayhomewithltk
Load More...

Work With Me

  • About
  • Work with Me
  • Contact Me

join the club

Shop My Favorites

  • Shop my Instagram
  • Shop my Apartment
  • Weekly Favorites
  • About
  • Work with Me

Copyright © 2021 living after midnite · Theme by 17th Avenue