Situated between the Bavaro Suites and Palace sections of the Grand Palladium resort complex in Punta Cana, the Punta Cana section attracts a mix of couples and families. The three other sections of the complex are the Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites (Baa2), the Grand Palladium Palace (Ba1), and The Royal Suites Turquesa (A2, adults only). The complex is quite large, but there’s a shuttle to get around, and the Punta Cana section’s central location makes it a little easier to access the various amenities. The food is mediocre at best, check-in can be slow, the open-style bathrooms in the rooms lack an abundance of privacy, and some areas (such as the beach) can get crowded; but the resort offers a good beach, a solid fitness center, an on-site casino, outstanding restaurant variety, an impressive kids club, access to multiple swimming pool areas including a kids pool with a pirate ship, modern and well-equipped rooms with jacuzzis, and a spa with a hydrotherapy circuit (in the Palace section). Activities include sunrise and sunset yoga classes, dance classes, badminton, tennis (six quality courts), archery, banana boat and glass bottom boat rides, parasailing, party boat rides, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling excursions to Isla Catalina, and deep sea fishing. Guests have access to all complex areas except The Royal Suites Turquesa.
Free COVID-19 antigen tests are offered on-site to guests traveling back to countries that require it for re-entry, including the United States. In order to be eligible for the complimentary test, however, guests must be enrolled in the Palladium Rewards loyalty program before check-out (there is no cost for joining). Test results will be received the same day in digital format as required by the CDC. Guests should contact the Front Desk upon arrival to schedule. PCR tests are also available, at an additional fee. In the event of a positive test, the affected guest can quarantine at the hotel for up to 10 days at no additional cost, with up to three companions.