Review of Radisson Blu Punta Cana – with video

Our review of The Radisson Blu Resort in Punta Cana is lengthy because the property impressed us. This is paradise! However, this particular destination has had issues over the past few years due to several changes in ownership and management.  And each has had its own vision of what the resort should include. Originally, the property was known as Blue Beach but was quickly taken over by BlueBay Hotels and Resorts and was renamed BlueBay Grand Punta Cana. Then there was an extended closure, followed by the takeover of Radisson Hotels. Much of what was originally included on the property continues to exist but has since been renamed. Additionally, the decor now seems to be a mash-up of what previously existed with BlueBay Grand and what Radisson has since incorporated with their own vision for the property.

Radisson Blu sits approximately 20 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport but is actually located in a small village called Cabeza de Toro.  It is located on the same stretch of beach as Catalonia Royal Bavaro to the south and 3 other well-known resorts to the north – Dreams, Be Live Collection, and Natura Park Beach by Blau. However, all 3 of these large properties are built side by side, creating a very crowded and noisy area of the beach, whereas Radisson Blu is separated by a small docking area for fishing and tour boats plus a small vacant area, so the hotel sits on a quiet stretch of beach all of its own and is protected by security.

⦿ To watch our resort tour of Radisson Blu Punta Cana, visit our YouTube video HERE and use the highest quality playback settings. Or, keep reading for valuable information and photos, as well as the pros and cons of the resort.

This luxury resort is exceptionally clean and modern with an intimate set-up and comfortable size. Guests don’t have to deal with trams or shuttles in order to access everything, like many Caribbean complexes. Plus, it is easy to navigate with all buildings bordering a lengthy zero-entry pool that meanders through the very center of the property and is absolutely stunning, especially at night.

The poolscape serves as a traffic route that connects all aspects of the property within a 5-minute walk. To simplify, on the west end of the pool guests will find the hotel lobby with a coffee bar called Cibao, a convenient gift shop, and an a la carte restaurant called Anthena for Mediterranean fusion cuisine.  The spa and fitness center are also at this end of the complex.  The Blue Agave Tequila Bar is centrally located, along with the casual restaurant of Chef’s Fresh Market, which serves up international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  On the east end of the pool, guests will find the remaining restaurants, some sports facilities, and most of the daily activities.  Plus, there is access to the beach and a beachfront lounge called Wave Bar.  It’s virtually impossible to get lost so guests can feel comfortable in a very short time.

There are 9 different room and suite layouts including a standard room with a king bed or 2 doubles, a premium king with a whirlpool, and a premium studio suite with a whirlpool. For larger families or groups, 2 or 3-bedroom condo-style suites are available with fully equipped kitchens and a second bathroom.  These come with the further option of with or without a whirlpool, and with or without an ocean view.

Though the 2-bedroom unit is the most popular choice according to management, for our review purposes we had a spectacular and spacious 3-bedroom layout, which was sparkling clean. The master bedroom features a wall-mounted flat-screen TV, a walk-in wardrobe-style closet with a digital safe, and a rather large ensuite bathroom.  We were surprised to discover the master bedroom actually contains a queen-sized bed.  The king bed is located in the second bedroom due to the larger room size, which was a bit odd. However, to consider this a drawback would be trivial and nitpicking when taking into account everything the 3-bedroom suite has to offer.

Room features include a convenient coffee maker, a mini-bar with a premium drink selection, and a fridge with complimentary bottled water. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, including in-room, plus flat-screen TVs with satellite channels (in the living room as well as select bedrooms). Bathrooms include rain showers, slippers, and bathrobes.

Wardrobe-style closets in each room provide plenty of storage space and are a nice upgrade to the bedrooms. Another great feature is the dual thermostat controls in the 2 and 3-bedroom suites, allowing for different temperatures in different rooms.

But, no doubt, one of the most convenient and unique features of a Caribbean resort is the in-suite washer/ dryer combo, which is surprisingly quiet and gives guests the option to launder clothes rather than overpacking. There is also an iron and ironing board. The laundry facility is perfect for families with small children. There is also the advantage of taking everything home clean for quick and easy unpacking.

Radisson Blu Resort features an all-inclusive experience for those that purchase a vacation package (with or without flight). In addition to the restaurants already mentioned, guests can dine at Kigen for Asian cuisine with indoor and outdoor dining, and an open-air restaurant called Blue Wave.  Creative cocktails, snacks, and appetizers are available on the beachfront at RBG Bar and Grill. Room service is also available.

Like the rest of the resort, the fitness center, beauty salon, and spa are intimate and offer a variety of services, including aromatherapy and various massages.

Unlike many resorts, Bali beds are complimentary at the pool as well as on the beach. Guests can look forward to artisan vendors who visit twice a week to sell their arts, crafts, jewelry, and locally-made cigars, all of which make for great souvenirs.

Expect to be entertained both day and night thanks to an enthusiastic and fun activities team that encourages participation in daytime activities like poolside dance lessons, beach volleyball, cooking lessons, and more.  At night, guests can look forward to live music and shows, Karaoke, and dancing. there’s always something going on.

Since this is a family-friendly property, most activities are quieting down by 11 pm and are over by midnight, so if you’re in the mood to party and are looking for something a little more lively, Radisson Blu offers a shuttle service to the disco at the Be Live resort down the street. Also offered is a daily shuttle service to downtown Punta Cana for shopping at San Juan Mall and Plaza Los Americas.

PROS:  Clean, modern, relaxed atmosphere.  It is a luxury property without being pretentious.  There’s plenty to do if you wish to participate. The staff is very friendly, outgoing, and professional.  The grounds and views are beautiful.  The resort is mobility-friendly.

CONS:  Room configuration suffers a slight design flaw in the 2 and 3-bedroom suites considering the king bed is not located in the master bedroom.  Restaurants and cuisine choices are limited… but, the food is delicious.

Overall, there aren’t many cons associated with this property.

Photos by Go GlobeHopper (except Kigen, living area, bedroom by Radisson). Please do not copy or share photos without credit and link back.  Thank you.