Apr 27 2010

NH Real Arena in Punta Cana

Hi Laura,
 
Here are my thoughts on the NH Real in Punta Cana:
 
The hotel, grounds, and beach were lovely.  (The beachfront allowed for some really beautiful and long walks along a stretch of aqua waters.  By the way, we had excellent weather the entire time we were there.)  I believe Apple has it accurately rated as a 4.5.  The rooms were very clean and neat, maybe just not quite as lush as some 5 star hotels we've been in. 
 
The staff everywhere was extremely accommodating and gracious.  One day our room had not been made up when we returned in the late afternoon, and they couldn't have apologized more or responded more quickly!!  The front desk even called the next day to ask us when exactly we would like to have the room scheduled for cleaning during the rest of our stay!  The front desk also called the night before we were scheduled to leave and asked for our opinions on several areas.  (I was very positive ... maybe avoiding some of the areas we did not care for as much.  Shame on me!)
 
The dining room staff was always smiling and ready to whisk away used dishes.  They were always close by if we needed anything and responded immediately.
 
The help desk came to the aid of my husband on several occasions (for example, to receive and send an urgent fax when he could not otherwise in the business center because it was closed).
 
The Apple representative was extremely informative about several things ... warning us about strolling beach vendors, where the best prices were for souvenirs, etc.  Since we've traveled with Apple for many years, we had grown accustomed to the usual info, but I must say we were very glad we attended his welcome meeting.
 
The food in the buffets was plentiful and varied.  It seemed to me one can certainly find something they like no matter what meal or what theme.  In comparison to some other resorts, perhaps the food was not quite as lavish but certainly was right up there.  We ate at one of the specialty restaurants (the Italian) on one evening.  (By the way, the staff had originally scheduled us in advance for seating at certain times for four restaurants.  We wanted to eat earlier than their times and had no problem changing the time through the help desk.  Also, four reservations are more than we usually experienced for a week's stay, which was very nice of them.)  Having said that, we chose to eat at only one of these restaurants.  We found the food to be a little less to our liking than the buffet.  I felt bad in a way, because the waiters surely tried to make our dining experience a nice one.  We just did not care as much for the food itself.  That might also be said of some of the food at the buffets, but there you are able to select from such a variety it doesn't matter.
 
The activities staff was really one of a kind!  While, my husband and I didn’t participate in group sports and games, I found it very entertaining to listen and watch as they led their guests in hilarious competitions.  They looked and acted like they really enjoyed themselves and interacting with the guests.
 
Overall, we found the hotel really trying to please us, maybe even more so than our experience at other resorts.  Although I hate to say it, I'm not sure we would choose to return to the NH Real, rather opting for a higher 5 star or plus rating, but it was a wonderful vacation, beautiful location, with extremely hard working and accommodating personnel.  Maybe they just need to up their fineries to rate higher.
 
-Terri

About Laura Bonchonsky

Prior to becoming an agent, I was a Legal Secretary. While booking a cruise with a local travel agent, I asked what they thought about attending a travel school. The answer was "save your money," find an agency that will train you. And so I did. I've now been in the industry for 18 years. I've traveled to Australia, French Polynesia, Hawaiian Islands and Alaska. Most of my early travels were with my mother to her birthplace, San Luis Potosi, MX. I have traveled throughout much of the country that she lovingly referred to as "Mexico Lindo". From mainland Mexico to Baja California, including the Colonial Cities, to the beaches on the Pacific, Yucatan and the tip of Baja Peninsula, plus very busy Districto Federal, Mexico City. Cruising has taken me to such ports of call as the Bahamas, Aruba, Barbados, Grand Cayman, through the Panama Canal and Costa Rica. While in the Mediterranean, I visited unforgettable stops at Palermo, Barcelona, Tunisia, Malta, Monaco and several Italian ports to name a few. Land travels have taken me to St. Lucia, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Ireland, The Eternal City and more.

I've sailed on Crystal, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and most recently the newest Celebrity ship, the Silhouette...modern Luxury at it's best. If you'd like to chat, I specialize in Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Contiki Vacations, SuperClubs, Escorted Vacations and most cruises. I've received award certifications from Sandals, Club Med, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, Regent Crystal and Cunard. I enjoy this industry and it's satisfying to know you're the vehicle that helps people realize their dreams…Travel – who doesn't love it?