Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: Good!

The resort has all the basic services, swimming pool, animation team, bars. It is an okay place to spend a vacation. The food could be improved and so are the rooms. Some services like power and hot water were often disconnected due to logistic reasons. Overall it has been a good experience

Riu Merengue: Rui Merengue

Hotel and grounds were well kept, rooms comfortable, air conditioning could use an upgrade. Food was great, variety and well presented. Service was great. People were accommodating. Sun Wing rep was questionable, his error cost someone in our party out of pocket money for their mistake.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Fantastic time at Viva Wyndham!

After years at larger resorts, it was great to stay at this boutique-like establishment that combined good food, great atmosphere, fantastic service, friendly and super-attentive staff (especially Candy, Michael and happy Boy), modern disco and well-positioned and well-maintained tennis court, gym and games room. As for the waterfront, Wyndham offered the nicest and cleanest beach of the entire strip, outshining the much larger neighbouring resorts.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: VH grand ventana comments

Our stay was wonderful. Very pleasant staff, food was very good. Very clean. The grounds were clean. The only disappointment for me was the decor. We had been there 2 years prior and had really liked the decor (lobby, pool area ect) The new colors are pale, curtains in lobby do not match the decor! Staff very kind and helpful especially reception front desk. Thank you for a wonderful week. PS. People should not be able to place their towel ALL DAY long around the pool area. I hated thi [... read more]s the most!!!

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Great people

The Be Live Collection Marien has everything you need to enjoy your stay. The safe in the room is offered at an extra cost, the wine or beer at the buffet at night is extra and if you paid for a waterfront room make sure you have the documentation to prove it otherwise you will not get it. The employees will try to sale you timeshares. The entertainment is fun, there's a volleyball court in the sand and pool activities.

Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Blue Bay Villas

I would definitely revisit this hotel again. The food was generally good. The beach was excellent and very clean. All staff were friendly and accommodating. We were disappointed that we did not have a balcony - we were under the impression that we would have one - so I will definitely confirm this prior to departure next time. The only other complaint was that our check out time was noon and we were not leaving the hotel until 7pm. We were told we could extend our check out time in order t [... read more]o pack and shower prior to leaving, however when we asked at the front desk we were denied. 7 hours before departure is a long time to not have a room - especially difficult as it rained most of that day.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Beautiful resort

The rooms were very clean and the staff was amazing. The beach was very large, but sometimes had garbage and excessive seaweed on it. The pools were beautiful and very clean. We very much enjoyed our trip. The only negative is that we were not made aware that their would be so many HS grad. Trippers at the resort...likely an excess of 600.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Amazing resort!

Nice and very clean, friendly staff, lots of activities, wheather was super! Pool was awesome! Food was excellent. Had a great time, will definitely recommend this resort. We have friends that are going to this resort in 2 weeks. Not a lot of shopping on the resort. We had a photo session that we would recommend. Did not do any excursions.....

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Older but still a nice place

We spent a week at this resort. The grounds are beautiful and the beach is very nice. Staff are nice and food was good. Rooms are dated but they are working on upgrades. Would recommend this hotel. We did have a few issues. We could only get hot water around 5pm. Any other time the water was cold. There also was no phone cord on our phone in the room. We asked for one several times and none ever showed up. We did have one event that was a little disturbing. On our last night the r [... read more]esort was doing a towel inventory. We were asked to have our towels in our rooms or a towel card between 5 and 9pm. We were changing in our room when the 2 staff doing the towel counts barged in. My wife was changing at the time and was seen by a male staff member. I went to the front desk and asked to speak to a manager but was told that the managers only work from 9am to 5pm. We asked to be contacted in the morning by a manager but no call came. The event was disturbing enough but not being able to speak to a manager made it even worse.

Sunscape Puerto Plata: Love love loved

From the moment we stepped onto the property we were treated amazing. Our room was beautiful, the grounds and pools were so nice, the beach was very clean and lots of lounge chairs to relax on. The food at buffet and All restaurants were very good, we had the romantic dinner on the beach and it was amazing.....from the beautiful table setting to the wine to the food!!!! The staff at this resort go above and beyond to make sure your stay is amazing!!! The spa was so nice, I had a aromatherap [... read more]y massage, so relaxing. The shows at night were very well done and kudos to the entertainment staff. I would Recommend this resort To couples, singles and families!!!!

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: very nice reort

We are coming regularly, this was our fifth stay. We are always satisfied. We like the place and the very friendly service. I like that there is a shadow on the beach. Entertainment in the evenings could be better but there are many competitions during the day.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Not the best resort

This resort is a one time only resort! Staff here where very unfriendly, not there fault but it rained for 5 days out of 7 and Water was all over our room floor in the morning I payed for a ocean view and couldn't enjoy it because the water was ankle deep on balcony. But sunwing was amazing! And the food was very good the restaurants where amazing all in all I would give this resort a 3

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Just awful

The hotel grounds were lovely however, we only found out once we arrived that the hotel books group vacations for teen grad trips, in the hundreds. To be specific, during our weeks vacation (Mar 9-16) there were 756 teenagers. They were horribly disrespectful, drunk, violent and inappropriate. This is completely the hotels right, however, families should be made aware of this when booking a vacation with young children. During our week, 8 were sent home (that we know of), there were multiple fig [... read more]hts and a young woman was found passed out, drunk and had been sexually assaulted (told to us by hotel security). There were countless complaints made to hotel staff, by our group and many others and nothing was done about this. In fact, hotel staff and the Air Canada rep assumed we knew that this was the party destination for graduation trips. These children were underage & drinking nonstop. The trip was hosted by a group called S-Trip, which was young twenty-something college students that couldn't control a thing. It was a terrible week and we will never travel back to the Dominican Republic because of this experience. Our vacation was ruined. We are extremely disappointed.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: RESTING VACATION

I thought the food was very good as all amenities were near by which was ideal less walking than other large resorts . The staff were very nice and the service was great. I think for a relaxing peaceful holiday this place is great I would go back again

Riu Merengue: Older resort with some hiccups

Food was great and lots of shady spots by the ocean. Al la carte restaurants good except that you cannot reserve ahead of time Towels and lawn chairs always available Clean resort Older resort so many things tend to break down such as water taps fridges. Toilets and a/c Didn't look at our requests for same building for all 5 female travellers and 2nd floor rooms.

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: TERRIBLE WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TO ANY ONE

Rooms had good space but bath tubs are rusted, along with door knobs. Occasionally, you couldn't twist open the doorknobs. The bathroom showers were old also add there was plenty of rust visible. Air conditioners were very loud and didn't allow you to sleep in peace. This resort is 4 properties combined to make it one huge resort.To eat for example, you were to go all the way to another area of the resort. Similarly, there were different places to go for breakfast, dinner and lunch. These place [... read more]s were so far from each other, and not walking distance. There were many ramps and many, many stairs. Although the food was absolutely amazing, we thought the resort was way too big. You have to pay seperately for internet $25, for locker $20 etc. To get to one place to another, you needed to grab a ride, either a shuttle or a golf cart. The golf cart was only available for VIPs, but occasionally, non VIPs could go. The drivers there also excepted a tip each and every ride. The resort had 2 main types of members: VIPs and Non-VIPs. The non VIPs had 3rd class treatment. The beaches were shabby, and treatment in general was bad. There were only some places you could go to eat, whereas VIPs had a variety of styles to try out that they could eat at whenever they pleased, such as Indian, Brazilian and more. Non VIPs had to make reservations days before, and hope that the areas were not booked out. VIPs could go and eat whenever they wanted. Pools and Beaches were badly maintained. The VIP beaches were beautiful, with beds and hammocks and many other luxury items. They also had staff waking around ready to serve you. This again, was only in the reach of a VIP member whereas a Non VIP had to walk around to the other side of the beach for food. How do we know this as Non- VIPs, Out side the different eating areas, were a number of staff members who were waiting to force you into buying VIP service. This was given to people who just came to the resort the day before. They will butter you into their office and then take you on a tour and then try to convince you to get the VIP service and the time share. It was of ALL THE VIP SPOTS, to convince you to buy this VIP package. Although it was appealing, it also had many catches. The inequality faced by the non VIP members was unfair. Entertainment was poor and consisted of badly choreographed moves and no hardworking dancers. Props were amazing, and could make an amazing show if used properly which they weren't. You pay for a resort for a relaxing trip, to get rid of stress. This resort treated us differently, and we didn't get the treatment we paid for. In conclusion, we will not be visiting this resort again. This also left a bad impression of the whole Island of Dominican THINK TWICE BEFORE BOOKING. IF YOUR NOT VIP, GOOD LUCK.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Never Again!!!

Hotel: First impressions of the hotel were good but during our stay that impression continued to disintegrate. During registration, we reminded the clerk that we were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary (the tripcentral.ca agent was supposed to inform them in advance) and we even provided a copy of our wedding certificate - which they kept. This was in response to the information included in the hotel description at tripcentral.ca. This was supposed to entitle us to a 1) welcome lett [... read more]er, 2) bottle of sparkling wine plus fruit basket in our room upon arrival, 3) One breakfast in bed incl. mimosas, 4) a room upgrade, 5) a free 55 min. massage for both of us, plus a few other privileges. Although the clerk said she would provide us with a "superior" room, it turned out that it was no different than any other room in the resort. We received none of the advertised benefits, in fact, in talking with a supervisor later in the week, she clearly stated that the hotel DOES NOT provide any of these services! Later in our first week, we encountered a leak from the ceiling in our bathroom. I called the desk and they said someone would be there 'right away'. I waited 1 1/2 hours and no one arrived. I informed the maid and she called for maintenance again. While waiting, I happened to notice that the small canopy over the bed was coming loose from the wall and sagging at a 70 degree angle and could easily fall and injure us I waited another 1/2 hour and finally went to the beach. The leak was slowed but never properly fixed that afternoon. 2 days into our second week, I awoke early to find water on the floor in our entrance as well as the bathroom floor. I reported it to the office and again they said someone would be there ‘right a way’. No one came and after breakfast, my wife went to the office and requested another room. Well that pretty much screwed up the whole day as we were unable to have another room before 3:30 p.m. It was after four before they finally assigned a room and only then could we transfer our repacked luggage and than unpack again. That evening when I my wife went to take a bath, the door handles came off the bathroom door. The wood was rotten and the screw just fell out unto the floor. Although we called the office the next morning, no one came to repair or replace the door and it remained hanging as long as we were there. And if that wasn’t enough, we were unable to even get warm water in the second room and my wife called the office at least 4 times. After 2 or 3 efforts on the Hotel’s part to rectify he situation, nothing improved. The patio door was so far out of adjustment that it was unable to be fully closed (one half inch gap at the bottom), never mind locked! Grounds: The resort area was nicely landscaped and quite attractive although there were a lot of fallen and falling leaves from Lariata and Ficus trees that littered the lawns and sidewalks. They were occasionally raked during the two-week stay – but not regularly. Not a serious problem but looked untidy. Public Areas: The public areas were neat and clean. There appeared to be adequate numbers of lounges at the pool and at the beach, however, at least 25% of the ones at the beach were broken, i.e., the backs were missing braces to hold them in the upright position. The beach as well as the pools were very good. We were quite taken aback when one day a pig from the adjacent farm strolled among the lounges rooting for morsels that may have been left behind by bathers. Fortunately, she did not stay long, although she did stay long enough for photo ops with the tourists. Electronics: The ‘free’ Wifi was at best, hit and miss. It was out in the designated area at least 3 nights and my wife ended up having to purchase internet time (at $7.00 US for an hour) to contact family back home. Television service too, was out a for a couple of days although on one of them we did receive a few channels but with a very snowy picture. Food: One of the highlights of our stay was the food. The buffet, snack bar and specialty restaurants always had a good variety of foods. They were flavorful, hot when they were supposed to be, and nicely presented. Beverages were average and lacked the flavor that one tends to expect from cocktails. Beer was good! Service in the bars and restaurants were very good. The weakest part of the food services was the ‘bouncing’ floor boards in one of the wings of the buffet. When ever someone walked by, your chair or table (or both) bounced up and down. Very annoying! We soon learned to sit in a different section.

Viva Tangerine by Wyndham: I won this trip from Jack FM London

Although the beach and the resort was beautiful, I was disappointed overall. The dining room was very crowded and is was rare to get coffee or wine served to us. Disappointed that there was only one bar. The bartenders could not speak english and did not understand how to make specific drinks. Drinks were also disappointing in that they were all from the slushie machine. Poor that the fridge in room did not work and only water was supplied. Venders on the beach were over the top annoying.  [... read more] Entertainment staff crossed the line with propositioning and flirting with my daughter. Other resorts they have been friendly, but not like this. The food was good and the a la cartes were good. The resort was clean and a nice size.

Riu Merengue: Great stay!

Stayed March 7 to 14 as a couple The resort met my expectations of a 4 star hotel and really I had no complaints. We got there at 10 pm and check in was just picking up our keys, it was perfect. We bought the 'super saver room' and yet both our room requests were met. In the AM I noticed our fridge wasn't working, we went down to let them know, had some food and checked things out and it was fixed by the time we went back in a few hours. Very clean resort and friendly staff is why I give this p [... read more]lace 4.5 stars. There are three sections to the Rui and they all offer the same amenities besides the disco being at the merengue and the Casino at bachata. It's all close enough together if you are an able walker, check it all out and enjoy the scenery! It was very busy so if you want quiet this place isn't for you. Lots of fun entertainment and very family friendly!

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Great!!

Our third time coming here. It would be nice to be acknowledged for being a repeat traveler like other resorts. The airport process is pretty quick. Porters will take your bags from the airport to the bus. Tip them. You can do it yourself though. The large cold beer just outside the airport went up in price now is 6.00usd. They have guides standing there With signs to tell you which bus to get on. The bus ride from the airport is about 40 minutes. We were on a large newer coach this time and hav [... read more]e been on a smaller 20 person. The bus ride was good, it was one of the quietest we've been on. They usually will tell jokes, teach a little Spanish and joke around with everyone but I'm finding it's less and less. The check in was fast. A cocktail is waiting for you when you get there. There's a large table with envelopes you wait your turn to sign for your room and are given your room key, safe key, towel cards, and coupons. The outside of the envelope has your internet user and pass word on it. A porter will take your bags to your room. The next morning they have a meeting to tell you about the resort and things to do and not do. They'll give you your blue departure papers that will need to be filled out before you get to the airport to go home. It helps speed up that part. My room was given away so we had to wait a few hours for another one. They were really good about it though. The rooms, grounds, beach, dining areas are very clean. The staff are working constantly always smiling, singing and say Hola!! You can use their room outlets for typical 110V but for a dslr camera or GoPro charger or certain hair dryers you'll need to get a special plug from the front desk for a 3.00 USD deposit. You get it back in peso. Or in one of the lobby shops at Riu Merengue in a basket you can buy one to keep its black for 85 peso. We had no problem getting a chair at the beach or pool by 9:30am. You can stay at our resort and spend time at the other two. Either watching shows or getting drinks. The early evening show with the little kids and giving out certificates to the people who won games during the day. They should just give them out at the time. It's very repetitive. For the night shows they have a different one each night. Some were outside entertainers and some were people from the audience with the animation staff. I saw the Michael Jackson and Rock shows at the Meregnue and they were top notch. They start around 9:30 and run til 11:00 or later some nights. They have a casino that's open til 2:00am. The lobby internet worked great at the Bachata and the far Meregnue but not the middle resort. You can pay a fee and get it around the resort. Six of us got a cab from riu Meregnue to La Serina (sp) and paid 18.00 usd a couple including tip. It's like a Canadian small scale department store with food, household, clothing, shoes, fridges. We got coffee, black pepper, vanilla and a few other things. You can pay there with peso, usd or a credit card. The food was really good!!The best we've ever had. We had no problem getting a seat to eat. We had to wait to get clean cutlery but they were fast to get it to you. For lunch and supper the staff are continually filling your glass with ice water and cleaning off dirty dishes.They have staff standing outside the buffets to give you hand sanitizer. The chefs work so hard!! For breakfast you can get cereal, smoothies, multiple fruits, bacon, ham, fresh made omelettes, eggs, waffles, pancakes, French toast, scrambled and boiled eggs. Fresh coffee. You make your own toast. Plus much more!! At supper We always had some kind of meat, rice, potatoes, French fries, pizza. We had turkey, pulled pork, beef, liver. Yummy ice cream!! The animation team at all three resorts work really hard. We spent time at all three in the evening. They work from 10:00am-11:00pm!! There's volleyball, darks, horse shoes, bocce ball, bingo, table tennis all going on thru the day. You can relax and do nothing or perticipate in all of it. The beach is well shaded with plam trees or full sun the closer you get to the water. On the beach they do come around once in awhile asking if you want your hair braided, go on an excursion. You can get a massage on the beach in a hut. There's a beautiful gazebo on the point that's beautiful for pictures and a look off. Your fridge is restocked every two days with 2 lg water, Diet Pepsi, reg Pepsi and 2 beer, tonic water. If you tip you'll get more of what you want. The maid always left a beautiful towel decoration, bedsheet fan with flowers. We had no issues with theft. We kept things Locked up though. I brought room spray to help spray our room and belongings and we left sachets in our luggage to keep things smelling ok. i brought snacks, gum and candy to snack on because it's very costly there. I found the duty free prices at the air port were higher this year than last. year. A 1L of raspberry vodka was 38.00 USD. You can barter with the shops on Carabena Street and in the huts on the far side of the beach but not in the lobby shops. They don't take Canadian money. They post the exchange rate at the lobby for peso to other currencies. They post the weather as well. travel reps are in the lobby. They give you a survey to fill out about your stay towards the end of your stay during supper. We found the beds hard and we took throw blankets to sleep under us and over us as the sheets are very thin. To each his own with bed and sheet preference. They do have a thicker blanket in the closet. If you don't have own just ask at the front desk. There's a huge umbrella in your room as well. We needed it a lot during our week. Block 800 is really close to the main stage, bar, lobby, main buffet. Last time you did have to make reservations for the a la carte but this year was first come first serve. As a nonsmoker I did find the smoke bothersome. On the beach there were some cigarette butts, and when you're watching the shows it's very prominent. Check out was fast. We had to be out of our room 1 HR before the bus left. We left for the airport 4 hrs before our flight. The airport was fast. You can get your own water, pop juice at the buffets. It was a great relaxing vacation with family! That part you cant beat and is priceless!!