Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort And Spa

Our initial experience when we arrived, was a bit scary since they could not find our booking. Our names were not on the manifest at the front gate, and when we got to reception, they also did not have our booking information. So our first day there, we lost about about half hour of time confirming the booking with my travel agent. They did, however, figure it out, and give us a beautiful room with a beautiful view. I was a bit disappointed that from my booking I didn't realize that double occupancy meant I was getting two double beds for my husband and I. (I thought they were queen beds from the picture) There were no king beds available so they asked me to check back. We settled in and explored the resort a bit before settling into a few deck chairs to enjoy some sun and relaxation. I checked in on an upgrade the next and were given a partial ocean view, but on the second floor in the main building at the very very back of the resort so far from the ocean, you couldn't hear or really see it. I inquired again about a room that was not inferior to the previous one just one that had a king sized bed. I ended up being offered an upgrade for oceanfront and enjoyed waking up every morning with nothing to see but palm trees and ocean. No pools no other people's balconies etc… #WorthIt - shout out to José Maria, and Miguel for making that happen. [Details]

Family (kids 10/112) booked this hotel in the spring thinking that it was going to open earlier than it did, but we ended up in the "soft opening" period. Went with an open mind and to expect a few hiccups.
Flight from YYZ was good and transfer to the hotel took the advertised 90 mins with 1 stop before ours being the last.
We booked a "tropical view" room but were upgraded to a partial ocean view just above the lobby. Looking around the resort I am not sure if any rooms are "tropical view" since there is only rooms on 1 side of the buildings facing the pool or ocean.
ROOM: Bathroom has a tub and separate shower and 2 sinks with plenty of space for toiletries. Our toilet didn't work the first day but it was fixed promptly. Our large sliding door to enter to bathroom however kept coming off the tracks and 1 side wouldn't open.
We had 2 double beds which were extremely comfortable along with the pillows. With the kids getting older it was a little tight in double beds but we made it work and were usually tired from the sun that we passed out easily.
Balcony had 2 comfy chairs and a table
Housekeeping was always done early in the AM and no issues
Did not try room service
POOLS: 2 pools are between 3-4 feet deep all around and probably 85F. First pool is more of a sports pool with volleyball basketball net while the other pool was Infinity and fairly large. Swim up bar was great and fast service. We usually stayed near the beach bar in a pool cabana which was available prior to 9 (another perk of low capacity)
Beach was unfortunately at black flag for 6/7 days we were there.
ENTERTAINMENT: They did a great job at getting the kids involved in the activities but it was hard since there were so few people. Big Boy was great as was William with our kids.
Night shows we skipped most times but the Queen show was actually really good.
FOOD: Being a new resort it was honestly hit and miss with both food and drink. This is where we noticed the language barrier the most and often us and other guests struggled to explain what they wanted and got the wrong order many times. Buffet for breakfast was great but lunch / dinner the food was warm or even cold at times and you never knew how long it was out for.
excellent service at all restaurants
Bluewater Grill for lunch was amazing and a nice break from the pool. Himitsu also good as was Capers. Did not try Mexican or Dominican restaurants. During our stay there were 2 parties by the pool - 1 American and 1 Dominican themed. Food here was excellent but it was dark so hard to see what you were eating. [Details]