I will love to come back

I love everything the service was great the people very friendly and it felt like home my family will come back again Great time and amazing memories from the vip room especially the treat received on our arrived there the nice welcome from Laura..Will never forget

Excellent food and service

Hotel and grounds were very clean. Food and drinks were excellent. It exceeded our expectations. Since it was a family resort, it was busy with lots of young kids. The beach was always full but there was always shade and chairs to be found. So no complaints.

Not that great... More like a 2 star

It's really run down Vendors on the beach are constantly coming up to you to try and sell you something. On one day I counted and in a time span of 15 minutes, I was approached 8 times by 8 different people. Good luck getting a drink here, coffee, alcohol and yes, even water seems like such a struggle. The Beach was horrible. You couldn't even swim because there were so many rocks and seaweed! The only thing that was good about this place was the food but then again, you are standing and w [... read more]aiting in line for at least 15 minutes just for a plate of pasta or for an omelette. Also please listen to this... No matter what time you get there and even if your room is ready, they will NOT check you in until 3 pm. That is really annoying because after a flight, you just want to freshen up and drop your stuff off and start off your vacation! We arrived at 12 and they would not give us the room until 3. The worst part was when we finally got to our room, it was clean but has not had anyone in there for awhile. There were cobwebs everywhere. It was really gross and the room was really old. Also, if you have to deal with Luis as your representative, good luck! He will definitely take up hours of your vacation because he is just so terrible at his job!

Amazing resort.

Not a huge resort but everything is centrally located. Grounds and rooms are kept impeccably clean but rooms are dated - could use a refresh. Mini fridges restocked daily. Beach is beautiful and there is lots of shade and chairs - no problem getting a spot at any time. No complaints about the food and all staff very friendly and helpful. Only complaint is that when you ask for something to drink in the buffet, most of the time you wouldn’t get it - not enough staff for amount of tables.  [... read more]Mall located within 5 min walking distance with souvenirs and liquor. Would recommend and will be returning.

Great Resort with a Local Issue

The VH Gran Ventana in Puerto Plata was a great stay with one or two issues which I will state last. The room that we stayed in (1237), was located close to all pools except the quiet pool. It was large enough for both of us without feeling like I was in a hall. The cleaning staff were very much on point for the entire duration of our stay, regardless of our location making this the cleanest resort that I have ever been to (room, lobby, pool etc.). The service staff was always kind and helpf [... read more]ul, and having the royal package was an exceptional experience from beginning to end of stay. The main pool area was very active, clean, and fun, but the music was very repetitive, it was like there was only about 10 songs that I heard for our entire stay. The WIFI was fantastic with coverage near anywhere I was located on the resort. The food was great in both buffet and a la carte. The only issue with the resort that really stood out were the vendors on the beach. We only went to the beach once, because the vendors would not take no for an answer. I was touched without permission, on multiple occasions on the one visit to the beach, and received the worst massage from a beach vendor (sand was not removed), that I ever have had the displeasure to receive disguised as a demonstration. We did not feel comfortable going back, so we stayed at the quiet pool for the remainder of our stay to escape the vendors. The only other issue was a minor one. The bus upon arrival was too small for our group. We were mashed into an uncomfortable van, but on our return to the airport on the last day, we were on a large bus (far more comfortable). All in all, I would return to this resort, but with the knowledge that I have now, it could be a 5 star trip.

Great Vacation!

This resort is perfectly sized and IMMACULATE! The rooms were comfortable and the staff was amazing. The only drawback that we noted was the beach vendors who were so relentless that we didn't bother returning to the beach after our first day.

Good people, good food

My sister and I really liked this resort. We appreciated the response we got through our Sunwing representative (Jamelle, thank you!) from the Hotel staff. The food is quite good but the buffet is outside and can get quite uncomfortable in hot and humid weather. We were able to sit under a fan almost every meal which made it ok most of the time (Johanna, we love you!). The room was nice, everything worked but would have been nice to have a TV station from Toronto or Montreal since a lot of gu [... read more]ests are Canadian and Quebecers. It would also be nice to install hooks in the bathroom to hang clothes. The beach is nice and the vendors get to know you and do not bother you too much if they realize you are not interested. All in all, a very nice quiet vacation.

Great Vacation!!

The resort is beautiful, by far the prettiest along the stretch of beach. Really enjoyed the Vintage club that you have access to with the Premium Pkg. Would highly recommend upgrading! There were a couple issues that arose but the resort was quick to accommodate and were always friendly throughout the entire stay. We loved our private concierge and waiter and will definitely be coming back to this resort!!

Great vacation - fantastic staff, prompt service

Overall I felt this was a great vacation experience, particularly at the price point we bought at under $1000 including flight. The hotel is a bit older and the room was a bit dated (we were across the road at the smaller pool) but was very clean. The towel rack needed some attention and the air conditioning was basically full on or full off, no middle ground. Wasn't really a huge concern but wanted to point out. The staff at this resort are great. I've been to a lot of different places an [... read more]d what I see here are happy staff who are friendly and there to help anyway they can. The entertainment was pretty basic but the entertainment crew were a fun bunch - shout outs to CoccoLoco69, Rayson and the little guy in particular. The pool is a bit aged but they were just in the process of closing it down for renovations, thankfully the same day that we left. It wouldn't have been a fun experience without the main pool area and swim up bar opened as we are pool people. When completed the pool could be 5/5 stars. The beach is nice with plenty of shady spots. The vendors can be a bit much at times but I'm a pretty big guy so they took the hint when I would tell the more aggressive to buzz off. My girlfriend got a fantastic massage - bargain hard they come in high with their prices but will come down if you haggle. Food was pretty good overall. Not 5 star food but decent and plenty of selection. The specialty restaurants could have been a bit better to raise the bar over the buffet food but no real complaints.

Speechless

Amazing! My boyfriend and I are beyond speechless at how wonderful this resort was. This was our first time going away together and we were blown away. The food was excellent- a lot of options at the buffet and 3 restaurants on the resort as well. The staff are just amazing. By the second day they knew our names and our orders. They treated us like family. The entertainment crew was probably the best part of the trip. They are so energetic and truly care about the relationship with the guest at  [... read more]the resort. They say “come as a guest leave as family” and that couldn’t be more true. Thank you so much Gran Ventana we will definitely be back. A special thank you to Mini me, coccoloco69, Ray Ray and Juan Carlos you guys are amazing !

Great service

Hotel needs refreshing rooms are a bit dated and worn but where this hotel really shines is the staff and their service everyone has a smile and willingness to make our stay great. I would recommend booking preferred level as you get to go to a private area and get premium alcohol. It is a great place to hang out.

Still very good resort

5th trip and still very happy with staff, food, grounds, rooms and value. We will be returning in 2020 for our 50th wedding anniversary. My wife loves everything about the resort! The staff have become Facebook friends and keep in touçh with us throughout the year.

Awesome resort!

The staff was amazing. Everyone was friendly. The food was delicious, with a wide variety! The beach was amazing and very clean. They had shows every evening and shopping was right around the corner. Very happy with my experience!

Amazing time

We stayed at the VH Gran Ventana .We have been there a few times now and had a great time every time the beach was great the food was ok the service was great! The flight there and back was a breeze and going through customs was so efficient and fast

Great staff and beautiful beach

We went during the rainy season so the resort was quiet but relaxing. The staff was awesome, the food wasn’t to die for but it was definitely enjoyable, and there were usually plenty of options. The rooms were pretty basic, the bed was a little firm but always made well. The mini fridge seemed to take forever to cool our drinks. Internet costed money which is okay if you don’t have people to keep in contact with. My main complaint is that the sellers on the beach are RELENTLESS! I feel the  [... read more]resort owners should monitor it more so that their guests can enjoy it more as sometime we just wanted to relax and we couldn’t because people were non stop swarming us to sell us something. Some of them would accept your no and others would keep pushing and get in your personal space. Overall, I’d recommend going here, although I don’t have anything else to compare it to as it was my first all inclusive.

Amazing staff ,amazing Place

we have traveled extensively over the years and this resort lived up to its reputation as a top notch resort ,Our room was spacious and had awesome air conditioning ,The food was delicious and the staff attentive to our every need. Beach area was fantastic great for swimming and snorkelling.

Great holiday

The only negative comment would be the rooms are very dated but are spotless clean. The resort and grounds are beautiful the food delicious. Location close to airport and city. Staff are all so nice and can’t do enough for you ! Great place. Plan on going back !

Wonderful Time

Well kept hotel. Room was well stocked and clean, Beach area very nice. Just beware you will be constantly approached by vendors. Food was average. Staff was extremely friendly and very helpful. My only concern is that the main pool needs to be renovated. Pool has some jagged areas as the cement is crumbling due to its age. My granddaughter cut her foot on the bottom of the pool. This was my 4th visit to the resort and I would return. All the entertainers were wonderful.

Amazing Resort

Myself, 2 daughters, son-in-law and grandson, booked ourselves this vacation for the week of Aug 9 - 16th. We all had a fantastic time, grounds were well maintained as were the rooms. Food was fantastic, and the others loved going to the beach to snorkel

Amazing Trip at the VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort

We were a group of 5 ranging from ages 13-62. Upon our early arrival at 11am we were told the rooms may not be ready until 1pm or 3pm. The staff was accommodating to provide our 3 rooms as close as possible unfortunately that meant 2 of our rooms weren't ready until 3pm. This is understood though that this is check in time and we proceeded into the hotel to check out the grounds. From here on out I will break this review down. Grounds/Pools/Rooms The grounds were immaculate. I did n [... read more]ot see a cup/ straw/ cigarettes/ paper plate anywhere. The ground looked swept and mopped at all times. The hotel uses hard plastic reusable cups and there are no plastic straws, cups, plates that can be easily littered. I like this aspect as it's better for our environment. There was always a lounger by the main pool and the quiet pool was a nice break from the crowd. Rooms was kept clean and the maid service was impeccable. They attempted to clean rooms if it was inconvenient for you well into the afternoon. I have one suggestions for those that like an afternoon "siesta" the beverage guy came a little late and would wake my Mom up during her nap but through the week he accommodated her as well! 5 stars Food/Entertainment/Beverage The food options were amazing. We had not one complaint from our group and we had a strict Vegetarian travelling with us. She was able to find something at every meal. The buffet was never a let down. The A la Cartes, we only indulged in the Octopus and the Italian as they booked up very quickly. The Italian was fantastic we all thoroughly enjoyed our meal. As for the Octopus this restaurant did not have much in way of Vegetarian options aside from the "cheese sticks" and my Sister indulged in about 8 of them, they were to die for! I ordered the Lobster at an additional cost of 35US but I received 3 lobster halves, potatoes, garlic butter, medley of vegetables. I barely finished the plate and it was a sight to see! There is a VIP bar if you upgrade that is airconditioned and inside we didn't choose this option but you can go up and charge a drink to your room if you're craving a Bailey's after dinner. The Entertainment was okay the staff work hard but I've seen most of the kind of shows that they put on at resorts. There were pool tables and ping pong as well. We opted to play cards most of the time after dinner as a group. The Bars close at midnight and there is no Disco which for me was a bit of a disappointment as the drinks at the off site disco were very high. About $10 Canadian for a Corona so if you're looking for a "club" night be prepared with cash. Conclusion Although this is a calmer/smaller resort than what I am used to it was a breath of fresh air. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this resort, the customer service is by far some of the best I have experienced and you can tell they enjoy their job when you try to speak Spanish with them. It's the small things that help when visiting someone else's country so a little effort goes a long way. I have no complaints about the VH Gran Ventana and will return one day.