Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Food is good

My first day was a bit chaotic since the phone in my room wasn’t working, and it took them two days to fix it. Also, the room’s locker isn’t digital—it uses a key and costs 3 USD per day to use. Aside from that, the food was great, the beachfront was very clean, and the pool area was fun and entertaining.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Great resort!

Great resort for the price. Food was good, drinks were good and all 3 a-la-carts were very good. Great sandy beach that was very easy to get into -no rocks and gentle slope. We did upgrade to Junior Suite to get oceanview and get away from the pool. The resort was very busy But the service was still good. There were no ocean activities and very few beach umbrellas.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Resort good, but small.

Small resort which could use a swim up bar and/or a sports bar. The all together room was a little bland. But Henry was kind enough to switch us to an amnesia junior room which was a great improvement. We had asked for a room on a higher floor but the all together room was on the lower floor and it really was not a pleasant room. Henry from front desk moved our room to 3rd floor and it was a huge improvement.

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Lousy Beach. Good Value

Hard to beat for the price. Good food, lots of booze, nice pools and lousy beach. Seriously, the beach had open sewer and smelled awful. We had to tip to get good rum. Our room was not a suite as advertised. Lots of nice people but not so much at the reception desk.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Terrible Resort

The food is horrible, there was a cockroach in our room and we were sick most of the time from the food. will never go back again. The only good part of the trip was the weather and the resort was beachfront. Anna was our housekeeper who I adored and did a great job. I talked to an agent at trip central who said this resort was nice. This resort is not even a 3 star im very disappointed in the feedback from the trip central agent as well as this hotel.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Okay vacation but more of a 3 star experience!

I travelled to this resort with my family celebrating a birthday. it was a short 4 day experience yet I was happy to go home. The hotel is very dated, and the pictures online make it look nicer, and larger. The rooms smelled musky and moldy and were nothing special. During my stay I was woken up on two occasions to loud guests screaming and fighting, with one of the incidences having the police called to the resort. The cocktails and drinks were made well and tasted great. The buffet had lit [... read more]tle to no variety with many of the dishes recycled daily, especially at the beach bar buffet. The a la carte restaurants were okay but nothing was fantastic, a lot of the food tasted bland. They did a nice thanksgiving dinner spread which was the best meal we had. The beach is nice with many options for seating. The staff is friendly and accommodating, however this doesn't change the overall feeling that the resort is much for of a 2.5-3 star rather than a 4 star. Overall I wouldn't recommend this resort, the negatives out weight the positives and even if you're on a budget pay I'd bit more for a better experience.

Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: A Resort I Recommend Very Highly

My travel partner and I travel 2 x a year to All Inclusives primarily to Dominican Republic and I tell you folks, this has been one of the best. The price was reasonable, the resort itself was amazing. It is on the smaller size so everything was just a short walk. We did not go VIP or Elite. We stayed for 9 days. Our room and our maid was great, lots of towels, hot water, soaps, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and had the perfect view of activities from the 3rd floor. Staff on t [... read more]he beautiful plush grounds, in the restaurants, front desk and entertainment areas and bars were so helpful and personable. The buffet food and a la cartes food was delicious. The entertainment was moderate but always fun ! The beach was clean and beautiful, lots of chairs as did the pools. I never heard any murmurs of complaints, only positive remarks. I hated to leave.

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Beautiful Resort

My family of 6 stayed at the Iberostar Waves for 1 week in Nov. 2025. The grounds were impeccable, the food amazing and all staff was very pleasant. I stayed in a room closest to the evening entertainment, which was loud but didn't keep us awake at all. I would definitely recommend this resort.

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Our second home

A perfect 2 week stay from the moment we walked up to the front desk and Michelle said welcome home. We are so fortunate to have so many friends working at the resort including the entertainment crew Skinny, Monkey Black Shampoo and of course Dora. We were there on remembrance day and they stopped the music for our moment of silence followed by Oh Canada. Wow there were people in tears. Thank you all. As far as our room we were in 823 and it was without a doubt the nicest room we have been in si [... read more]nce coming to the resort. Thanks Robin. It was a pleasant surprise to see our friend Alejandro the former manager had returned from Spain for a year or two. As for the food it was top shelf in the buffet. Enjoyed some steak on a bun courtesy of Juan Carlos for lunches. Our waiters Nunez, Jullien and Farera made sure we were well looked after. The girls in the morning in Legends made sure we had our morning coffee with a double tap of Baileys. Last but certainly not least kudos to all the ground keepers and cleaners for maintaining the resort to it's impeccable condition

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Rude staff

I had no A/C in my room the whole trip, and water was leaking from the ceiling. I complained a number of times, and it never got fixed. Also, the staff at the front desk were rude when I brought up the issue.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Great resort

Staff remember you and treat you like family. Everything is close ie pool, restaurants and beach. They always try to accommodate requests. Vendors are polite and not pushy. Security and lifeguard always on duty. Thank you to grand vantena for an amazing holiday and a special thank you to Beth at trip central for an easy booking experience as always

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Excellent Resort

Very clean, housekeeping was excellent. Lake access was a short walk away. All amenities such as restaurants, bars, washrooms were all easily accessible. Staff were personable and helpful with all requests. Our request for a King Bed was accepted. We were on the ground floor and only steps away from anywhere on the resort.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Good but dated. The food was quite bad.

First the primary reason for our 3 star review. We did not like the food. At all. But maybe by DR standards it is fine. So, if you're good with the food at DR resorts, you should probably ignore this complaint. That being said, we've stayed in one other DR resort and the food was quite a bit better there. But we have stayed in numerous other resorts (none in Cuba which has its own poor reputation) and in every other case the food was significantly better. So we won't be back to the DR I think.  [... read more] Second, it sucks that my first experience upon reaching this resort was to (apparently) being scammed by the check in staff. I booked a room with two double beds. When we checked in we were told that there was no rooms with two double beds available but only a single King. OK, whatever, the world won't end if we only have a King so I agreed. And THEN I was immediately told that, in fact, there was a room with two double beds available. And here is the thing, even with the extra crowd on the weekends (locals I assume - they were great to be around), at worst the resort was maybe 30% full. To the point where there were only one or two a la carte restaurants open at any one time) and the buildings seemed empty. Or at least ours. We were in building two on the top floor and did not see anyone else on our floor the entire time we were there and only occasionally did we see anyone else on the first floor or on the stairways. So, my assumption (and I invite the hotel to tell me I am unjust in this assumption) was that I was going to be pressured into some upsell to a more expensive room had I objected to having only a king bed instead of two queens. Also, the place advertises are having wifi throughout the resort. It is pretty bad everywhere but in our room (Building two) it wasn't just bad but simply non-existent for well more than 50% of the time. Like could not connect at all. And even when we could it was terrible. And, on the theme of continuing my complaints (honestly positives to come), the local alcohol was simply undrinkable. Even in mixed drinks. To the point where I saw many other guests carrying around their own bottles of booze instead of drinking what was available. But there IS a solution to the terrible alcohol problem. We upgraded to the VIP level which gave us access to a better quality of alcohol. For us it was US$25/day (not each, for both of us). That also gave us access to the VIP lounge which was kind of like a business center lunch room at the front of the property so was not very useful. But it also gave us access to the VIP section of the beach. It wasn't big but there were beds there (sheets changed daily). The most amazing thing about the VIP section and the best thing we've ever had at any resort was they had muskoka chairs to sit in. This was a godsend for us as the ubiquitous lounges every resort has are brutally uncomfortable unless you are lying down and we like to sit up to read. The muskoka chairs were, by far the best part of the resort. Now some positives. The bartenders were almost universally clearly enjoying themselves and provided great service. Particular shout outs to Joan/John at the snack bar and Evaristo. Both provided exceptional service. Many of the other staff seemed to not really enjoy their jobs or actively did not like them. Now it seems incredibly entitled on my part to want staff to pretend to be happy and it is. But surely the resort could hire people that actually liked their jobs? The beach was great. There is quite a lot of shade provided by trees. The best shade, I think, would be to the far left of the resort as you are facing the water. Lots of trees and not many people in that area. The water was warm. It could be rough. There was some seaweed but not that much. The water gets deep pretty quickly but there is a sandbar of sorts way to the left of the resort where the water is shallow for a while. The pool is great. The house white wine is awful. I could drink the house red but it was just barely palatable enough. We took a taxi tour into PP one day. Three or four hours for a private tour for US$40 (plus tip) and was well worth it. A couple of other things. The casino is right in front of the resort. It is not part of the resort. If you play poker, they apparently have a game every night but it is Omaha and not Texas Hold em. There is a cigar store right in front of the resort as well. Very expensive cigars. Even with the import taxes and sin taxes in Canada, I could get the same cigars cheaper back in Canada. I've read other reviews complaining about the cats on the resort. No need for that. They wander around but have absolutely no interest in the guests so do not demand to be fed or pet or anything. Indeed, if you tried to pet one (and I did a few times) they ran away. The room safes are weird. They use a key which you get at check in. Costs $3/day for the safe. Not much money but that isn't my real complaint. The biggest pain is that I had to keep track of that key instead of just the combination I've used at every other resort I've been to for twenty years. And I am sure, had I lost that key, they'd have charged me a fortune. And one final complaint (because why not) and if you've read this far, you must be a glutton for online reviews with lots of complaints... There are a number of stores on site just after the reception area. A few of them have the vendors calling out to you (ok, lets just call it harassing) as you walk by. Really annoying. I don't blame them. They are clearly not busy and need the business but this is not something I've experienced at any other resort. Sure it happens all the time in a local town etc. but never in a resort for us. It was tiring. Holy crap! You STILL reading this? Hope it was helpful. And, if not, hope you are so bored or content with your life that you did not mind reading it all. Happy travels.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Great resort

Stayed recently with a large group of friends. Rooms were clean and bright with excellent a/c. Pool and beach areas were great. Beach is great for long walks on nice hard sand. Food was excellent in the buffet area, and all of the ala carts. Most importantly the staff were amazingly friendly and accommodating. Will definitely return, and will recommend to friends and family.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Great small resort with excellent service

This was our third trip to Viva Heavens. Love this small resort. Everything is immaculate. The rooms are huge and the air conditioning is great. Wifi works throughout the resort. The food was great. Lots of choices and variety. Loved the fresh rolls and bread. Although we didn't participate, the animation team were friendly and seemed to get people involved. My only complaint is that there is no coffee available in the restaurants. We'd like to have a coffee after our meal, but you have to leave [... read more] the restaurant and go to the bar to get a coffee. The bartenders were not as friendly as before and although I got a "brown cow" the first night, ANY liquors (amaretto or coffee liquor) were not available after that first night. A very relaxing quiet week. The beach is clean and beautiful and so nice to walk along the "strip". During the off season the resort does fill with locals on the weekend, but they were friendly and polite.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Great Staff

The staff was very helpful. We had to change our room from the top floor to the ground floor as we had a baby in a stroller. took 4 days but after that we had a great time. we had to go for lunch off the resort sometimes for a better meal. they have lots of food but much of the dishes weren't to our tastes. the great thing is that they had the omelette stations and grilled meats. The water was a bit too wavy most days for a nice swim. but the long beach is just gorgeous beauti [... read more]ful beach

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Do not recommend

Was here to celebrate my birthday, I am a frequent flyer to Dominican, first time at this hotel. Was not greeted warmly at all upon arrival and everytime walked by front desk never a hello. Never given a map, a tour or anythng just room key and had to find it ourselves. Room smelled of mold, no balcony very small and stuffy so could not dry any wet towels or bathing suits etc. Very long walk to beach so be prepared. Long waits for a drink as only one person working at a time so be prepared  [... read more]for a line up of the same drinks day in and out. Bar staff very friendly though. Coffee shop amazing, the best thing about this resort really. One buffet, same food everyday, was good though. One mexican restaurant that was really good but you have to book it despite saying you dont. One other dominican restaurant that they neglect to tell you are only open on Saturday and you have to book. Rec staff very sweet and friendly, they have salsa classes and games going. Went there on Dominican holiday and the locals would just walk right infront of you and be served regardless if you are in line they would cut right in front and were very loud playing their own music disregarding those around them. I am a frequent flyer to dominican usually staying in a condo but I wanted my daughter to experience an all inclusive. I actually left the hotel three days in and rented a condo even though I was booked for a week, no reimbursement whatsoever. Staff didn't seem to care. The good reviews are definately fake. Forgot to mention towel rental. Went up at least six times in a couple hours to get blue towels, was told they are in the wash, not an issue I get it. But after the sixth time the towel girl (who is sitting on red towels that are larger and better quality) says "these are usually for the dominicans but since you have been waiting you can have these". Overall, I would rate this a two star. Thank goodness for the beach as the pool was small and not very clean.

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Disappointed

The resort is beautiful, nicely laid out. In the junior suite assigned to us we had no water and the power was on and off making for a hot room. Customer service sent 2 different people to check and they came up with different ideas to what was wrong with our power and water, but no solutions. Finally they moved us in a different room with working air conditioner but the hot water still had no pressure and the cold working depending on what time you decided to come to the room and take a shower. [... read more] Mostly we took cold showers for the rest of our stay. They had a big issue with securing enough towels for the resort and I didn’t understand why would they pick the towels that were NOT on the floor and change them when they didn’t have enough to replace them. Our sheets weren’t changed for the entire 10 day stay. Food quality and buffet: good, stay away from beef, is too chewy and not edible. Restaurants: We tried all three of them. Japanese restaurant is where I got food poisoning from ( chicken wasn’t cooked properly. After a had two pieces both of them uncooked I stopped, but it was obviously to late for me) I don’t recommend the Italian, but the steakhouse food was better and full, which resulted in a very slow service. Beach: there’s rocks in the water. Walk a little on the right side of the beach closer to playabachata resort for better beach.In all I would not go back to this resort

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Fantastic Stay!

Spent the last week at Gran Ventana and loved this hotel. Have already recommended to others and will visit again. The food is great along with the incredible the staff at the buffet; Rosa and Felix gracias xo Check-in was smooth, the grounds are spotless the room always clean. Love the beach! A special thank you to Dioncio for going over a beyond to make sure our staff was perfect. Your kindness will not be forgotten. Visit this resort, you won’t be disappointed.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Found the resort clean , the resort rooms were clean and well cleaned daily and the grounds were well maintained. The staff were friendly and helpful for any needs. The selection at buffet was good and a la carte restaurants were very exceptional , The Ocean Grill ,Octopus and Italian . The pool was quiet and easy to access. Nice clean beach area with many lounger chairs and very long for morning or afternoon walks. Found the price right for the value and would/will recommend this resor [... read more]t to everyone I know looking for a nice place to vacation in the Caribbean. Will be returning.