Great place

the nite music is far to loud lots of french who leave their manners at home finger in the soup then their mouth sorting the bacon with their hands then into their mouth lick clean and repeat arrive at d r airport behind 2 other planes 45 min to clear customs then sit on a bus in the parking lot for 40 min waiting to fill bus

Had a great time!!

We had a great time at the resort. Everything was always very clean and the staff were incredibly accommodating. The beach was great! The water just depends on the weather of course but regardless it was great for swimming, very clean. Juan, the bartender at the tiki bar, was our favourite of the staff!! He is so friendly and his drinks were always perfect!! We would come back just for Juan!!

Great Resort for Value Minded Travelers

After doing much research on where to get a decent resort at a reasonable price - VH Vantana was the winner and we were not disappointed. We were able to book 14 days for $1550 Canadian for first 2 weeks January. We arrived from the airport in good time - hotel being 25 minutes from the airport. We had requested rooms side by side with friends on upper floor. Unfortunately, the ones assigned were facing the noisy entertainment square- but after 2 more tries, we got a great superior room fac [... read more]ing beach trees on ocean side- thanks Edward. We got room 2228 - convenient to beach - pool and restaurants with an ocean view - and when it rained, we could walk under cover to entertainment- restaurant and lobby. Beds and pillows were comfortable. The resort is about 30 years old which would make a lot of people shy away from it - but management takes good care of the property - so there were not too many issues even though water went off for a few hours one day - power went off another day momentary - and rooms needed to be sprayed with pesticide while we were there Age shows in some areas but management tries hard to keep things in order. The food was very good - 3 a-la-carte restaurants. Restaurants have a good selection without too many frills and extras - but there something for everyone. I must say that the red table wine was terrible - many glasses were left on tables. And they want to sell you bottles of wines in many places for double the price you pay in Canada. They also need a better sports bar – they only had 1 TV ny the pool bar. The service was slow at times at the pool bar - due to volume. The entertainment group tried hard but it was terrible 90% of the time. The water ballet was ok and the Karaoke was funny. The local’s pedlars do roam the beach but that didn’t bother us much. The beach was very nice and lounge chairs were available most times. If you like walking – the beach cove is a great walk both ways with lots of natural habitat to explore. We met many people that where repeat customers- so this place has something going for it and we loved it as well. It’s not the biggest or fanciest resort we’ve been to - and the ocean can be rough at times - but the size of the resort was perfect and the people and staff very friendly. This resort appeals to young families- singles and retirees as well. I figure that 75% of the customers were Canadian – no wonder it’s a friendly crowd 😊 We’ll probably return if the price is right.

Highly Recommend!

This resort delivered more than expected! The food was incredibly delicious, not just for resort food! My party of friends was delighted at each meal, which was always varied. The grounds are well laid out and nothing is far away - very short walk to the beach, restaurants, pool - all very convenient. The staff are all very lovely, helpful, and fun, and the resort itself is also located a 5-minute walk to a local mall where you can buy souvenirs, services, and conveniences. I went with two  [... read more]girlfriends, and we had a great time, but there were also couples of all ages, families, and many different types of groups on the resort, all enjoying the amenities. I would recommend this resort for anyone looking for a basic all-inclusive vacation to the Dominican Republic!

Great Resort

My second time visiting VH Gran Ventana. I really love the location. It's got a great beach. The staff are always cleaning and maintaining the grounds and facilities. The people are really nice. It is a great resort for older people as the pool, beach and restaurants are relatively close together. The food is good, although the a la carte restaurants aren't as good as they used to be. On my first visit in 2011 I was impressed by a la carte's not so much this time. The room was clean and we had a [... read more] view of the water which was nice as we were on the ground floor. I prefer a much lighter bed cover, ours was very physically heavy and I found it difficult to get comfortable. They had entertainment every night but it was repetitive and can use improving. I would visit again. Location, beach, people and food made for a great vacation.

Enjoyable Stay

We liked the VH Gran Ventana. The food was excellent. The grounds were well taken care of and cleanliness was a priority. The beach was amazing and prime snorkelling only steps away. We were ANNOYED by the vendors on the beach. Perhaps a Market or them coming to the resort at a scheduled time to sell their goods would more appreciated by vacationers. More bar tenders are definitely required at all locations to speed up the service. Chilled pop and blenders would make better drinks! We purchas [... read more]ed the Premium package upgrade. We did not like that you had to remain in that room to consume premium drinks. Your bracelet should allow you to get premium liquor at all bars. The furniture in the premium area needs to be upgraded. The couches were disgusting. People should not be permitted to save beach and pool loungers when they are not present to use them. Often by 8 AM all the loungers were occupied by towels not people. New Year’s Eve Bash was FABULOUS. Overall we had a very enjoyable stay and are even talking about returning in March. The drawing card is the beach, food and snorkelling.

Old but nice!!

excellent value for money. old resort but well maintained and pleasant staff. near convenience ! I recommand this resort for familly and couple not really for single !

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!