We just got back from the Grand Palladium-Punta Cana, and as you can tell from the title we're still coming to grips with being back in the "real world". My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and we can't wait to get back. Here are my thoughts on the visit:
1. The resort itself is great; once we got use to our surroundings, we had no trouble getting around.
2. Our room (4123) was nice and clean, and probably 50 yds from the beach.
3. Speaking of the beach, this is one of THE NICEST stretches of shoreline I've ever visited. White sand, beautiful blue water--great place to be a beach bum!!!
4.We didn't go to any of the al a carte restaurants (I didn't bring slacks), but we ate our fill at the buffets! (I think I liked the food better than my wife--my only complaint would be that foods were sometimes not as hot temp-wise as I would like.)
5. The staff was great--friendly, and usually very attentive.
NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
* When you arrive at the airport in PC, you must pay a $10/person tax of some kind to get into the country. (Gouging, anyone??)
* As mentioned before on here, there are topless women roaming about the beach. If this sort of thing offends you, I would advise staying away.
* Lots of Europeans at this resort, and they are NOT friendly.
* You will be advised to get to the airport 2.5 - 3 hours prior to your departure. Make sure to do this, as the airport was a mad-house when we left.
*Also, if you buy alcohol, don't try to pack it in your carry-on, as it will be poured out!

All in all, this was a great vacation, and we feel like we got our money's worth and more!

My husband and I and two children stayed at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana the 3rd week of April. We have travelled to different countries (mostly in the Carribean) in the past and we like Punta Cana because it's very affordable compared to other places like Barbados, St-Lucia and the Bahamas. By the way, this was our sixth trip to Punta Cana in the last 4 years, so we were able to compare the Palladium with other Punta Cana resorts.

In terms of quality of service for the price we paid, the Palladium is a bit more affordable than other 4 and 5 star hotels. BUT, you do get what you pay for. And this was quite obvious starting with our arrival. The reception staff were all very rude and did not seem to care about us at all. At one point, in my best Spanish, I asked the reception supervisor where the washrooms were and he did not even have the decency to acknowledge me but just rudely raised his arm and gestured to his right (I was supposed to guess that the washrooms were at the end of the hallway towards the back of reception.) We also had a few minor problems with our room which could have been easily resolved, but we were disappointed once again with the reception staff's attitude (one staff practically laughed in our face when we asked about changing a light bulb that was burnt).

Ok, enough complaining about the reception staff. Now for the rest of the hotel, the accommodation were ok. The rooms were clean but outdated. The bed covers were soiled and we found mold on them, but the sheets were clean. But we did not go to Punta Cana for the rooms, but rather for the beach. The maids seemed to be very nice and always said a cheery Hola or Buenos Dias. This was probably one of the most pleasant part of our vacation!

The food at the restaurants was ok for the most part, but we became sick on our last day, despite being careful with what we ate. But I do believe that this can happen anywhere we travel and it may not be entirely a problem with the hotel itself, but rather just our immune and digestive system reacting to the different foods. Also, the service in the restaurants was good on some days, and really bad on others so it was pretty inconsistent, despite the (generous) tips we gave regularly.

As for the beach, well, that is the best part! It is totally awesome like the rest of the other Punta Cana resorts' beaches. However, it's not as wide as other resorts' so, as some people have commented before, you have to get up very early to find a good spot or even find a chair.

Overall, if I allow myself to compare the Grand Palladium with other Punta Cana resorts where we have stayed (like the Majestic, Iberostar Bavaro, the Excellence and the Riu Palace, all of which I would rate as strong 4 and 5 stars for their service, food, accommodations and beach), the Grand Palladium, however, gets only a 1 star rating. But, we would have given it a good 3 stars if it had not been for the rude and negligent service at the reception.

having read mixed reviews on this site we were not quite sure what to expect. We write as a 40 something English couple who have no option other than to suffer the terrible service industries thrust upon us in the uk : bad service, rip off prices, queues, small portions of mediocre food etc. Not to mention the traffic !
Our opinion is that many of the complaints about this resort are from non uk residents who may be more familiar with higher standards of service/environment than we have in the uk. It is all relative and one has to balance everything before making an informed choice or judgement.
The fact that hardly anyone including the staff spoke English was a blessing.We didnt have a clue what most people were talking about and it was great. The staff do their best even though some of them havent got a clue what you are talking about beyond basics but who cares ?
POSITIVES-- clean, friendly, great food, lovely cold beer (that often refilled itself without asking) selection of proper cocktails, spacious pool areas and grounds, numerous bars and restaurants,large rooms with all inclusive mini bar (nice touch)
NEGATIVES-- the shady spots on beach are reserved the night before, there is no problem getting a lounger but no way will you get shade. The people who do this dont occupy these beds until the hottest part of the day when they move in from the sun. Also men selling trips on beach are a real pain. The looky looky men are not a problem.One tip apart from ignoring them is to sit back from sea as they do not venture too far inland
CONCLUSION-- do yourself a favour and go

We stayed at the Punta Cana in block 4000 for one week in May 2008. We had a fantastic time!! I read the reviews before booking and was fully prepared to get up and find a bed at the beach or the pool but there was no need at all - quiet week.
The first morning, due to the time difference we were up early and at 6.30am there was no body in sight - we walked along the beach and it was very quiet, no problems with finding a sunbed - even at 10am we could find beds anywhere with ease. The room was very nice but maybe not worth the extra for the sea view as it wasn't that much of a sea view! The restaurants were all good with lots of variety at the buffet, something for everyone, you would have to be one very fussy eater not to find something you like!! The staff were all freindly and helpful, make sure you learn some Spanish before you go. As someone has previously mentioned, take lots of suncream and aftersun with you - it is very expensive in the shops - $25. Overall we had an amazing time and would definately go back to this hotel again, the Punta Cana Resort is in best location for the beach.