New and current info on Moon Palace - Punta Cana

[ladyluvspv]

Moon Palace

Sorry I didn't get a chance to post to this site sooner. There are 8 reviews now posted on Tripadvisor.com, moon palace punta cana and many reviews in their forums. Rather than to try to repeat what everyone is saying there, I would suggest reading some of these posts. I've posted photos there too. Needless to say, I wouldn't go back anytime soon. There is very much to be done yet and they have alot of bugs to work out. Some people were able to get a free week at another palace resort. We did not receive this benefit. Most of the reviews will paint a very clear picture of what is happening there now.

 

[laurajane]

that's a plan,
007 Jane Bond,
he he
how's it going with your show?
i hope all runs well like you planned.
good luck
Mike

Show going REALLY well, We have two shows a day and tomorrow we have four shows!! You must try and see it sometime, I am dying to go to Moon palace but everytime i plan too something comes up. I pass it very frequently and i have to say on first impressions i would be a extremley worried tourist entering through that building site of an entrance. :ermm:

 

[MikeFisher]

sounds great Laura.
2-4 shows a day i assume you are working with more than just 1 resort.
where are you present to take a sneak?
Mike

 

[bellakins]

Moon Palace info?

For those of you have provided info about The situation at Moon Palace, I thank you. I was able to get my deposit back from RCI. but not without some hassle. The delayed openings and continuing construction aren't an inviting experience for me.

 

[laurajane]

sounds great Laura.
2-4 shows a day i assume you are working with more than just 1 resort.
where are you present to take a sneak?
Mike

mondays- casa del mar, L.T.I & Serenis.
Tuesdays- Moon palace, Dreams uvero alto, Majestic.
Wednesdays- Fiesta & Palma Real.
Thursdays Bahia principe 9pm & 10.15pm.
Fridays- Excellence.
Saturdays- Melia, Canoa.
Sundays-Dreams cabeza del toro, Fiesta, Oaisis.

Send me a pm when you plan on going and i will make sure i go too.

 

[tricia]

Does anyone know how I can speak to Roberto Chapur??

 

[Audra]

site inspection

I was in Punta Cana last week, I stayed at the Paradisus Palma Real, (still wonderful)!

We did a site inspection at the Moon Palace, last Saturday. The place is massive, will be spectacular when completed, but has a looong way to go.

If I had booked a vacation there I would have been very disappointed, when the bus pulls in to the resort it looked like a desert. The golf course is no where near complete, just a bunch of dirt and sand, I can imagine how spectacular it will be once completed.

The check in lobby had temporary furniture in it, there are 2 lobbys, one for groups and one for individual travellers. The casino, spa and gym will be very big but are not ready. All you see is fine plaster dust and the constant banging of hammers. They have a couple of restaurants open as well as stores, there will be 24 hour food as they have 2 deli's open.

We went into 3 room types. The standard room is big enough, a little bizzar with the jet tub in the middle of the room ..... literally. If you had a few drinks and stumble out of bed, you could really hurt yourself. I think it will be tricky finding your room at night as well. Right now there are no signs anywhere, so you should drop bread crumbs to find your way around.

13 pools, all with their own bars, the resort is based on "water".

I think this place will be amazing in say ... September, I saw the faces of the people that were staying there, not too many big smiles. I hope the tour operators are honest with these people, or they read the posting on their website.

You have to like the big resort feel for this place, it will be great for big groups, and a select clientelle.

Any hoo, hope this helps people thinking of heading there.

 

[LJA]

I stayed there for a week in January...

It wasn't too bad. There was a lot of construction, there were 4 restaurants open, one "inside bar" and the deli and the ice cream shop. The evening entertainment was kinda cheesy - except for one night they had "cirque du soleil" type performers.

The place is MASSIVE. There was only one building open for people to stay in while I was there, and even then, the rooms were unfinished (for the most part). It was about a 40 minute walk from my room to the lobby (only the main lobby was open - the group one still was under construction). It was very easy to get lost, but there was always someone around to help you find your way back.

If you'd like to see pictures, I took a bunch - just let me know.

What the accomodations lacked, the staff more than made up for. They were all incredibly kind and went out of their way to help us (now, this may be because there were only a few people at the resort at the time, and they were handing out free weeks like it was el presidente beer, but still...) They remembered our names and were very kind to my son (he's 4).

Things were very unorganized, though. Even though we were assured by the front desk, the reception line (oh - when you press 0 from your room phone, it doesn't go to reception at the resort, it's some kind of call centre) and other patrons that local and international calls were free, some people still got dinged for them at check out. Also, excursions were supposed to be included, but people were being charged, the casino runs were not on time and there never seemed to be enough room in the bus, and if you needed something fixed in your room, there was a pretty significant waiting period involved before you even knew how it was going to be handled.

The food was very good. Only a few people got sick (but I don't think it was because of the resort's food... it may have been "liquid" induced - I have never seen so many drunks in one place ever!) but the doctor(?) at the resort was very attentive and caring.

The 24hr construction crews were kinda disconcerting, though... you couldn't go anywhere without seeing guys painting, digging, or planting flowers or trees. From what I understand, they were mostly all haitian workers, and were just as friendly when my son was practising saying "hola!" to anyone he passed

The kids club was run out of a towel hut, but had excellent attendants. They took the kids to the beach, played with them in the pool, taught them how to play card games and dominoes, and really seemed to care. My son had lots of fun.

The drinks were all unlimited and we even had a bar in our room with full bottles of vodka, rum and something I didn't drink! There was a HUGE selection of alcohol and the bartenders made strong, tasty drinks.

There was only one little (VERY LITTLE) store and it lacked a lot of the things we would find necessary. The staff were very sweet, though, and after my son's sandals were stolen, one of them went into town and bought him a pair and brought them back the next day (along with a little toy).

Security was always present - even if they weren't seen - and the lifeguards were amazing. They were very vigilant, and were out there 24 hours a day.

One thing that peeved me a bit was their "currency exchange". They would take canadian and american bills, but they would only ever give out pesos... even when american dollars were specifically asked for. Some excursions only took american, and cab drivers seemed to have the same preference. I found that the local's exchange rate didn't always match - and to this day I still can't figure out whether or not it would have been better to pay in american or in pesos.

I have to admit, though, that my opinions are very biased. This was the first resort I've ever been to, and I have no idea what it cost. My entire trip was a gift. Had I been the one paying for this everything, my impression may have been drastically different. For pete's sake, one of the highlights of my trip was that they had paved one part of the road leading from the first gate to the lobby! LOL

My vacation companion (my mother in law) stayed for an extra 3 weeks after my son and I left. She told me that by the end, the place was drastically different. They had opened up 4 more pools, more restaurants, and even the excursions were better organized and managed. I plan to go back in January (again, courtesy of my travelling companion!) and I can't wait to see how it's changed.

 

[MikeFisher]

hi LJA,
welcome to the bord and thanks for the detailed trip description.
sounds like you and your boy had a ball, that's what finally counts.
by the descriptions if i would have paid money to stay there i sure would have been p.o., doesn't sound that anything been ready and running and the little that was had been unorganized, lol.
have fun
Mike

 

[GeeDee]

Any updates on moon palace. Orbitz says will be fully operational Dec 2009. Has anyone been there within the last month? Im thinking of staying here a few days next week. Thanks.

 

[MikeFisher]

early december til shortly before x-mas eve is anyways a very low occupancy period, so at the Moon where all around not many people are i guess you should bring some company to not feel alone there.
i had 7 charter groups from the Palace the last 3 weeks, all those customers enjoyed their stay a lot, but i did not ask details about what is finished or not. looks like the place is running now, even that all stated there been not so many guests present.
Mike

 

[GeeDee]

Thanks Mike...

I will be there w/ a guest. So i dont mind if the place is empty. Just wanted to make sure it was for the most part up and running. Alot of reviews at the beginning of the year didnt sound to positive. Greg's picture of the roof on fire from lightning strike kind of made me think of booking elsewhere too.

 

[STEVE G.]

Palace Resorts and Hard Rock International announce the first ultimate all-inclusive

Moon Palace becomes Hard Rock Hotel & Casino .

''Hard Rock and Palace Resorts ?Change the Rules? with the Biggest and Most
Spectacular Resort in the Dominican Republic

Orlando, Fla. (December 1, 2009) ?Hard Rock International and Palace Resorts today announced an agreement to bring the world?s first ?ultimate all-inclusive? to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Slated to be re-branded in Spring 2010, the 1800-room Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will combine the distinctive atmosphere and unparalleled guest experience of the Hard Rock brand together with the five-star Moon Palace Resort all-inclusive experience.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana?s expansive 121-acre property rests on Macao Beach, one of the most beautiful, palm tree-lined beaches in the Caribbean that overlooks perfectly clear blue waters on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. The property will combine Hard Rock?s signature ?Rock Star? suites with Moon Palace Resort?s signature all-inclusive luxury accommodations, including double Jacuzzis and double showers. The property will also feature an extensive collection of Hard Rock?s authentic music memorabilia, highlighting both international and local artists, as well as incorporating diverse music genres throughout.

?We?re eager to bring the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brand to the Dominican Republic, and we look forward to establishing this property as a premier vacation and gaming destination in the Caribbean,? said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO, Hard Rock International. ?Our collaboration with Palace Resorts and their track record of creating the best all-inclusive resorts in the Americas, we are confident this project will be a success.?

?We are very excited to develop the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana,? adds Roberto Chapur, President of Palace Resorts, owners of Moon Palace. ?Hard Rock has brought excitement to many destinations throughout the world and we are thrilled that the brand has chosen the Dominican Republic for its next project. We look forward to working with Hard Rock to create the most exciting hotel and casino concept in the Caribbean.?

?Punta Cana is a world-class location and one of the Caribbean?s top travel destinations, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is a perfect complement to the region,? said Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia. ?I am confident that Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will have a significant economic impact on our country?s growing tourism."

Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos are ideally situated in destinations with unique character and appeal, and cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today?s savvy traveler, who seeks a reprieve from traditional, predictable properties. Hard Rock properties offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all ? music.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will feature one of the largest casinos in the Caribbean with more than 48,000 square feet of gaming space. The casino plans to offer a high-limit poker room, a VIP lounge and a Race and Sports Book, in addition to 457 slots and 40 tables, where guests can try their hand at traditional Las Vegas-style gaming, including Baccarat, Black Jack, Craps and Roulette.

?As one of the world?s most successful gaming operators, we look forward to bringing the excitement of U.S.-style gaming and our industry expertise to the Dominican Republic,? said Jim Allen, Chairman, Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment. ?Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will quickly become the premier gaming destination in the Carribean.?

The property will be fully equipped to handle the largest events, from full-sized rock ?n? roll performances, to small, intimate occasions. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will feature more than 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, equipped with state-of-the art technology. For those looking to celebrate a rockin? romance, the hotel will have numerous eyecatching locations throughout the resort, including three floating wedding pavilions.

Guests will be able to enjoy 11 expansive pools, four swim-up bars, a dedicated kids pool and a lazy river. The 15,000 square-foot Body Rock fitness center, the Xtreme Center?s rock climbing wall, two tennis courts, mini-golf, billiards, ping pong and various other table games will keep even the most active guests entertained. Hard Rock?s smallest guests will also have the benefit of a dedicated Kids Club offering daily activities and childcare services. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana?s guests will have access to an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course spread over 155 acres with 7,200 yards of amazing golf.

Retail outlets, including Hard Rock?s signature Rock Shop, a 1,200-seat amphitheater and the Caribbean?s most expansive spa, will round out the vacation experience. Hard Rock?s signature ?Rock Spa? is an incredible 60,000 square-foot facility with 48 spa suites, including 11 total indoor and outdoor couples? suites and two Golden VIP Suites, and one of the world's most complete hydrotherapy circuits. Additional services include a Beauty Salon with kids? salon services and a wedding suite.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 158 venues in 53 countries, including 128 cafes and 12 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau and Penang. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in: Singapore and Punta Cana, scheduled to open in 2010; Panama, scheduled to open in 2012; and Atlanta, Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013. Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard
Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit Hard Rock Hotels. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit Rock | New Hard Rock Music | Hard Rock.

About Palace Resorts
With 12 oceanfront resorts overlooking sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea or the tranquil Pacific Ocean, Palace Resorts celebrates 25 years of setting the highest standards for five-star allinclusive vacations in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Riviera Nayarit in Mexico and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Palace Resorts provides an exceptional experience for travelers, offering luxurious and spacious accommodations accentuated by their signature in-room double Jacuzzi ?, nightly entertainment, included select off-site excursions, the Caribbean's most extravagant spas and premier championship golf courses. Palace Resorts? unparalleled level of service and comfort found at each property makes them a leader in providing world-class resort vacations. For more information about Palace Resorts, please visit Palace Resorts - Welcome to the Official Site , Palace Resorts - Welcome to the Official Site - Moon Palace, Casino Golf & Spa Resort, Punta Cana , Hard Rock International Announces the first ultimate All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana

 

[rubio_higuey]

So, as I read in FAQ, they will just rebrand the resort... hopefully, more people will be willing to pay $400 per night per room with "Hard Rock" brand.

 

[badpiece33]

So, as I read in FAQ, they will just rebrand the resort... hopefully, more people will be willing to pay $400 per night per room with "Hard Rock" brand.

They are doing much more than rebranding it, They have a very nice casino a LasVegas style sports book with literally hundreds of TV's watching every game imaginalble. Love watching football there. So if you are living in the Bavaro area and need your sports fix like myself, this is definately the place to go. They are also opening a multi million dollar disco from the people who run Liv or something like that in South Beach. So I would think they are doing more than just rebranding the place.