Nice resort

Nice, very well kept resort. The food and most of the services were excellent. Our superior room was very basic not even one hook to hang up anything. The service from the front desk was very poor, our phone in the room was dead,we had to ask for drinking water several times without any improvement. After all we enjoyed our week in this resort.

Beautiful resort

Hotel Room - we got the superior room - beautiful beach view - maid was absolutely wonderful! Room cleaned when we needed it and she left us alone when we had DND on door. Drain issue in tub - hubby reported it but maid already had. Was fixed before we got back to our room. AC was amazing! It was so hot that week there. Food - very delicious (salty like any other DR resort) but plentiful and good selection in Buffet. Only got to Italian a la carte - great food. Beach restaurant - awesome [... read more] 'snack food' as my husband calls it, pizza, DR chicken, fries, burgers, hotdogs, nachos. Beach - best we've seen in Puerto Plata to date. Loungers taken up early in the morning but for the most part people were using them. I'm not picky so if I can't find a chair, I'll go to the pool. Always loungers available at main pool. Entertainment staff - pretty good but somedays it didn't seem they were that interested in engaging with the resort people. Would I return? Probably not but I prefer a larger resort than this one.

Very Good Resort

We stayed 10 days end of October to begining of November. We were happy with everything. Couple things shoul be improved. 1. The room does not have enough power outlets. To charge you phone you have to go to a bathroom. 2. 3 storey buildings don't have elevators. We stayed on a third floor and for my wife it was a small problem. And I am realy sorry for the service people, especially for guys who have to lift a cart filled with water, and soft drink bottles.

Disappointing Experience – Would Not Recommend

Disappointing Experience – Would Not Recommend The resort has a relatively small and compact territory, but unfortunately, it accommodates far too many guests for the facilities available. There is only one buffet restaurant and one swimming pool, which are clearly insufficient for the number of vacationers. We experienced long queues at the buffet and overcrowding throughout the resort. The service in the restaurants was particularly disappointing. At the Italian restaurant, we waited  [... read more]approximately 10–15 minutes just for a waiter to pour us wine. The waiters seemed to ignore us completely. Our food orders were mixed up, extra dishes were brought that we had not ordered, and we had to wait a long time for our meals. The overall restaurant service was extremely poor. The beach was another major disappointment. It is quite small and overcrowded, with far too many guests for the available space. Most of the beach loungers were worn out, sagging, or torn, making them very uncomfortable and practically unusable. There were not even enough loungers for everyone. Some guests had no choice but to lie directly on their towels on the sand or leave the beach altogether. Unfortunately, the resort does not seem to have the capacity or facilities to comfortably accommodate the number of guests it accepts. Overall, our experience was disappointing. We expected much better service, more comfortable facilities, and a more relaxing vacation. I cannot recommend this resort.

Emazing resort

i been in the same resort 15 years ago, now is different, have 2 more buildings biger lobby dinning area , look everiyhing different and beter. ,food is good with variety sort of food,a lot of emloye everithing is organized with new standard Beach is short not enough shadow to protect tourist of the sun but weather was raining all 7 days , so for us , was okay.

Very nice reaort

We had a great time, the resort was extremely clean. It was great having water fill up stations all over the resort. The people were sweet and nice. The room was a little disappointing as we are Cuba people and I guess I was expecting a better room. But have that being said it was clean just needed more storage spaces. I don’t want to complain about anything but every weekend the resort was full and I mean full of Dominican people. The lobby was lined up with them checking in. I will say that  [... read more]I would not go to Grand Ventana during the high season like January or February I feel it would be way too busy.

A1 RESORT

The Hotel is almost 5 stars. Food, 5 stars, Grounds, 5 stars, Staf and cleanest, amazing, Washrooms, exceptionally clean also disinfection alcohol every were even walking in for meals the staff will put some on your hands. Beach is private and perfect at the best until 11am, after 11am most of the days wind and a bit bigger tise. I can say that this hotel is worth the money spend.

Small but feels like home

At first we were a bit disappointed as the resort is really small with only a central small pool/area and the activities like pool, tennis table close at 7pm so in the evening except the daily evening activity/show there is nothing else to do. But after 2days or so you start to feel like home, the food is great (best I have ever had in an resort) the staff is super sweet, the beach has a reef so you can snorkel every day at low tide (your feet can still touch the ground and fishes are swimming a [... read more]round you!). As there is only one central main area with the pool the daily activities like games organized by the resort are all happening there so youre not going to be quiet by the pool there is very often music, laughter! But for adults only they have another dedicated pool with another lobby/bar which is amazing if you don't have kids!

The Crown Jewel of Puerto Plata All Inclusives

We chose to be pampered by their Royal Service option and it did not disappoint. Upgraded room with ocean view in a spotless building. Access to an exclusive area of their wonderful beach ( with bala beds and padded loungers) where Aquino, David and team provided steady and impeccable friendly service. The beach is protected by a reef and is nestled in a bay so no issues with Sargassum or waves. The water was clear, clean, warm as a bathtub in June and one could spot some smaller fish amongst th [... read more]e rocks. Royal service has unlimited a la carte dinners which we enjoyed every night. Food was very good at all three and we were spoiled with upgraded wines included in the package. The buffet was very good but usually with a more limited variety.than some other AI's we have been to but quality was above average. We regularly took advantage of the Vintage club for mimosas and Spanish coffee in the morning and cocktails in the afternoon with upgraded ingredients.The staff at the Vintage lounge was friendly and service orientated. Pros - long, walkable, beautiful, clean beach. Consistently excellent service. High standard of cleanliness. Spacious bright room with modern air conditioning. Choice of two pools - one for families and a quiet pool for adults (except during high season).Well managed and safe. Cons - can be noisy and crowded during high season, door to balcony was stiff, limited outlets and hangers in the dated but super clean and freshly painted room,limited entertainment, no kleenex provided (byok),and the toilet paper was subpar (byotp). Not a party resort for the younger demographicalthough weekends can be noisy. Superior value and we are "hoping" to be back again every year for a week. As their slogan says, "Come as guests and return as family."

Beautiful beach

Food was good.Beds were not king as mentioned during booking , our kids room washroom was flooded with water, there was leak from somewhere from tub . Ceiling of their room was moulded and leaking. Everyday they took awhile to put back towels for bathroom. There was no snack bar if you feel hungry in between breakfast lunch dinner , you can just have drinks only.

Great compact resort

Just got back from a week long vacation with my family. There were 7 of us. We loved that everything was close by. The staff were amazing and very friendly. The buffet and Al a carte restaurants were delicious. There was always a variety. The only negative was that you had to reserve chairs at the beach early in the morning to get an umbrella. They need more palapas.

Fantastic place

Super friendly staff. Very well maintained. Great food, nothing fancy, but the basics are down pat. Grilled food, salads, diversity. Freshness. The soup du jour at the beach grill always interesting! I would have liked the hamburgers cooked. As a Canadian, I am more used to eat patties well done and nothing else… and that is the only thing I can come up with from a 10 days stay!!! Perfect!

Amazing resort

The hotel was excellent—our room was very clean and the beds were extremely comfortable. The buffet and restaurants were fantastic, offering a wide variety of fresh food and drinks. Every day featured different meals, which made dining exciting throughout our stay.

Pleasant

We visited April 22-29. It was our third time to this hotel The room was very nice, perfect entertainment and we had fun. The quality of the food seemed to had gone down a bit from the last time we were there in 2023. I thought that the returning guests get a welcome back present ( we were given the special repeat guest bands) but that was it. I like it that this resort is small and compact and I would go back.

Great vacation

Trip Report May 15th to 29th Wow Being a Cuba vacationer for the past 3+ years we really took a gamble on VH Gran Ventana. Of course we did the homework, checked reviews and like resorts but thankfully settled on Gran Ventana. Prior to arriving I dropped Solange/Mr.Marcos an email indicating what area of the Catalina Building we would like and they came through for us 100% Club As we were going for 2 weeks, we selected the Royal Package which gave us some perks (Beach, Bar & Dining). I must [... read more] say that we took good advantage of the package. Whether it be a la carte dining 12/14 nights, shaded lounger daily (no chair game stress), morning cappuccinos and nightcaps in the Vintage Club … oh and lest we forget bottles of champagne and booze for each week. I can’t thank the staff enough in the Vintage lounge Santa, Sujeidy and Ricardo et al. The one hiccup was they took care of the taxi reservation for a day … driver didn’t speak a lick of English other than “Yes”, this made it a challenge, but it didn’t ruin our day. Rooms Overall, the room we had 2115 was good. The cleaning staff kept it spotless and we had sufficient towels everyday. One day we needed face cloths, and the Santa/Sujeidy handled it well, as we didn’t go without for our stay. Beach Being a self diagnosed “Beach Bum” this was important to our trip. The beach was very wide lots of sand; the water was a bit limited as to how far in you can go without getting into coral/rocks etc. We always sat in the Superior/Royal section and had great service from Jose (Dirty Banana), Amable (Papa) as well as others. The only comment here is the vast number of people trying to sell you souvenirs etc. on the beach … 95% are no problem, but some are more persistent. Wind – not sure if it’s seasonal but the beach had a constant wind (right to left) which was great in the morning and early afternoon but kicked up a notch after 1ish. Food Like I said we dined exclusively at the a la carte Italian (Sempre de Mare?), Octopus and Beach Grill with two nights at the buffet (White Night). I must say after 3+ years going to Cuba the food was great! Breakfast was a steady dose of made to order eggs, bacon and fruit. Lunch was okay, but often we had fruit. General I did notice that the resort was open to locals on the weekends, but since we generally were on the beach and in a la carte we didn’t notice them as much. We found staff and management very approachable and genuinely happy. On site stores are crazy expensive (go to Jumbo) asking $7USD for a small box of Kleenex. Animation team did their best … people were able to participate if they wanted. Would we return or recommend Given the vast array of resorts/countries it’s nice to be able to find one or two that you know what to expect and fits your needs. So yes, we would return and recommend. Probably left out some stuff and may revisit to edit.

Wonderful resort

I always enjoy my stay at VH Gran Ventana, I believe this is my fifth time there, and each time is totally enjoyable. The food is always good and there is lots of it. The bartender at the pool,Andrea, is wonderful. She remembers all the people who were previously there before and treats them all like old friends.

Good Resort

Being at this resort for a week-long vacation (May 11 - 18) for a first time in Puerto Plata, here are some thoughts that I wanted to share so that you can plan your vacation. I've visited D.R. many times at 5-star resorts in Punta Cana and am curious about Puerto Plata. My selections were based on reviews from travelers who had been there for the last six months with some judgements towards unpleasant feedback. I chose Gran Ventana with the Tripcentral' agent's advice and am very satisfied wi [... read more]th her recommendations. For 4-star resort, this place is amazing in terms of service, delicacies and beach. Room is outdated but kept clean (Air conditioning is working fine). Entertainment is limited as well as daily activities at the pool and beach. Overall is acceptable, and I would recommend it.

Beyond our expectations!

Hotel service was great, the bedroom very clean and comfortable, the food was great and the beach was just beatifull! Service staff was very kind and helpfull. Flights was on time and also very kind staff! Please keep up the good service. We will be back.

Best resort beach, food and staff!

It was our first time at VH Gran Ventana and definitely will not be our last! The beach is crystal clear with beautiful tropical fish swimming around us. The food is absolutely superb! The rooms could do with an update, but on an all inclusive you don’t spend much time in your room anyhow! Our maid did an excellent job everyday, we never needed any towels and our mini fridge was well stocked. Staff are warm, friendly and really make you feel welcome! Andrea at the pool lounge bar makes the best [... read more] iced coffee! One small improvement would be to add more umbrellas to the pool and beach areas.We are already planning to return next year!

Okay resort

I did like the resort. Everything close by. Rooms clean but outdated. Beautiful beach. Food plentiful and lots of variety. What did ruin the Damien our trip was that during the week the hotel has cruise ship people coming in anywhere between 30-100 people almost daily. Also no entertainment between 1130-330. Then very little. On the weekends the locals come in which is fine but they do seem to take over everything. We were unable to even get a chair with shade. Pool was like a can of sardi [... read more]nes. No one anywhere gives out this information. The staff are amazing and friendly and hardworking. Tip well and you will get even better service and attention. We had the premium package and yet the locals were the ones being catered too. I would not return to this resort as I prefer adults only. Seemed great for families.