Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: A divers review

The resort is nice, we got the trip for a good price. Could not find reviews of the dive shop before leaving. There dive shop is by the beach at the Cofresi resort. 2 tank dive $100 they drive you to Sosua Bay 45 min. very small dive boat viz. 40 ft. Reef has come back to life, (last time dove there 2005) good dives lots of small fish.Then 45 min. Drive Back to Cofresi. The dive shop at Sosua Bay has lots of rental gear which looked to be in good shape. ( I brought my own gear) I left the resort [... read more] at 8am was back at Cofresi 2pm.

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Not what we were looking for...

After 2 room changes and two cockroaches found in 2 of three rooms, and water seaping through the floor of one, we are not returning. We can overlook room problems for the most part, but this resort is for the young and healthy, not for those who require any assistance at all. 51 stairs upwards (no ramp) to get to breakfast from juniorsuites. 79 stairs upwards to lobby. Staff were very very nice. Food was great - except nothing is salted at all. Very bland, so just salt it yourself. Also, the VI [... read more]P bracelet system is so confusing you give up trying to figure it out. VIP bracelets saw during the week: black rubber, yellow rubber, blue rubber, blue plastic, blue sparkly plastic, yellow sparkly plastic, beige, ... Ask anyone with a bracelet whats hey all mean and no straight answer can be given. Very ineffective system. Oh well. Great if you want to drink and party and you are young to enjoy the resort.

Riu Merengue: Rooms need updating

Rui Merengue offers a typical all-inclusive resort experience. The rooms and grounds are kept clean, the food was good, the staff was friendly and helpful (for the most part). There are a few things that could be done to improve the experience: 1. Updating the rooms - the beds were old and uncomfortable, the bedding was clean but dated. The pillows were as flat as pancakes! 2. We booked a "family room" for 2 adults and 3 kids (ages 1, 4 and 6). We were told there would be 2 double beds and a twi [... read more]n bed. In reality there were only 3 single beds in the room! How do they expect us to sleep a family of 5 with that arrangement??? I was very disappointed ad were told that we already have the biggest room. Yes, the room is larger than most, but useless unless we have enough beds! Although we booked a crib for our 1 year old, we had to make many trips to the front desk to enquire about it and after a big fight a crib was eventually delivered to our room (after one of the front desk staff offered that we could buy a crib! Really!!) Aside from these issues, we had a great time, the beach was awesome and I would consider booking with this resort again if the configuration of beds could be improved.

Paradise Playa Dorada: Amazing vacation

The hotel was ok. The chairs must be replaced and some should be added. The food was good. My husband and I always found something to eat and none of us was sick. Our room was a little small but everything was functionnal. I was disappointed that the mini fridge didn't have a few beers.

Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Fabulous Holiday

Resort: Although, as you will see our overall review of this resort is great, there were a few glitches when we arrived. First our room was not ready until very late in the day so we had to go on the beach in our travel clothes. When we booked our room we requested a balcony. Our ticket indicted we were to get a room with a gardenview, these rooms have balconies. When we arrived and finally got our room we had to walk up 3 flights of stairs to a room with no balcony. My husband has bad legs an [... read more]d it was very painful for him. We were told at the front desk that they didn't have a balcony room and were told to come back the next day, we did this two more days. Finally, three days later a gardenview room became available but at this point we had unpacked all our belongings and were not interested in moving everything. We also had an issue with our safe and had to return to the front desk 3 days in a row before they finally understood that it was the key card for the safe to enter our password that wasn't working. It was not our room door key that wasn't working. They kept giving us a new card but it wasn't for the safe, it was for the room door. We therefore had to bring all our money and passports with us to the beach for 3 days because we didn't have a safe. Finally they sent someone to come check our problem and it was then that they realized we were not talking about our room key card it was our safe that wasn`t working. On our second last day at the resort, we were approached by a recruiter for Blue Bay Hotels and other Hotels. We agreed to meet with the representative at 10:00 am. the next day. We were told it would last no more than 15-20 minutes but on the day of we were told no more than 1 hour. We were told to bring identification and that we would receive a gift just for attending, we chose a bag with two towels, t-shirts and hats. When we arrived, we were asked for identification and I showed our passports, we were asked for a credit card and we advised that we did not have one. Our representative was late, when he finally approached us we were put through a 15 minute (if not more) display of pictures of his family and a long chat about him personally, his family, sports he played, jobs he had. Why? We don't know. It was our last day at the resort we were just anxious to get out to the beach. We made this quite clear to him. When he finally went into his selling pitch, about what this was really all about it was to get some sort of membership to allow us to get cheaper rates for various vacations. He explained this a number of ways, showed us pictures, re-explained it but would not tell us the answers to the one question that we continued asking him, how much it would cost us. He then led us to a screen on the wall again to show us the same pictures of various resorts, which we had already seen and began to repeat what he already told us about resorts, savings etc. Again we demanded to know how much and he again refused to tell us. We had told him numerous times, this was our last day, we wanted to be out on the beach, and that we were told it would take an hour at most...he kept refusing to tell us the dollar amount. We finally told him that if he didn't tell us now how much it was going to cost, we were leaving. He would not tell us so we left. As we were leaving I asked for our gift bag and was told that because we didn't give them a credit card we could not get the bag with the beach towels, just hats and t-shirts. I walked out and my husband waited for the bag. The rep followed us and continued to hound us about his promotion; again my husband asked how much, he then said he couldn't tell us it was up to his boss. We left very very upset and frustrated. It was a big smirch in what had been a beautiful holiday. On a very happy note, we were more than pleased with the staff in the dining room, in particular Pedro Hernandez who went over and above the call of duty to make our holiday, dinners and evenings stand out. Always a smile, always accommodating. He is an exceptional person who made our stay most enjoyable!!! Thank you Pedro, we are happy to call you friend. We also like to thank Carlos for his attentiveness. As well as all the other staff. The food was always very good and a wide variety to choose from. We were very impressed with the selection and freshness. We really enjoyed our A La Carte dining experience at the Chinese Restaurant. The entertainment staff was very very friendly and entertaining as well. We enjoyed their enthusiasm and presentation of various activities. The New Year's Eve dinner, show and music was amazing as were the fireworks, we danced the night away on the beach until 3:00 am. Thank you for such a wonderful evening. The bar staff was always very accommodating and most were very friendly as well. The swim up bar and beach bar staff were especially friendly. The beach was wonderful as was the water. Every day we went for a walk along the beach visiting neighbouring resorts and noticed that ours', Blue Bay, was the nicest beach of all. The staff on the beach were always accommodating, always finding us chairs if we couldn't find one. The only drawback was the constant popping up of peddlers on the beach selling things, we would be approached at least 10 times a day. The resort itself was very clean and well maintained. The pool area was very nice and the pool was always kept clean. The rooms were neat and tidied daily. On a few days however we did not get fresh face cloths or fresh soap and shampoo. Overall, we would definitely recommend this resort to our friends and we would like to come back ourselves. We are thinking however that we would like to look at a Villa, if not a Villa definitely insist on a room with a balcony with less stairs. We enjoyed our stay, enjoyed the staff and met some wonderful people. ******************************************************************************************* Travel: As for travel, unfortunately our departure flight with Air Transat was delayed on January 5th. We had been told to be in the lobby for 12 noon. At 12:50 one of the other passengers noticed a paper at the lobby desk saying our flight was delayed, we wouldn`t be leaving the hotel until 3:00 p.m. There was a representative from Air Transat at the hotel, he should have told us we were being delayed. It was quite obvious we were all waiting in the lobby to be picked up. When we were told about the delay we requested our hotel room back in order that we could change and enjoy the time that we had to stay because of the delay. We were told we couldn`t have our room back. Fortunately for us some of the people we met allowed us to put our suitcases in their Villa and change in their rooms. We had to keep going back to the lobby to check on our flight. Our flight was again delayed and we were now not leaving the hotel until 6:00p .m. Our flight was now arriving in Ottawa @ 1:00 a.m. on January 6th rather than at 6:40 p.m. on January 5th. As a gesture of goodwill to apparently compensate us for the delay, we were given a $15 food voucher for a restaurant at the Dominican Airport. When we arrived, it took over an hour to get our food because everyone on that flight had the voucher for the same restaurant which was essentially more or less a cafeteria style restaurant. There was only one cook and people were screaming they got the wrong order and some even left without their food because they were so frustrated. At one point we were told by airport staff that the plane was ready to leave, that they would wait for us to get our food but that we would have to bring our food on the plane. When we arrived at Ottawa, we had to wait again because we did not have a gate to pull up to. My husband was supposed to work on January 6th @ 6:00 am. but because we didn't get home from the airport until 3:30 a.m. he had to call work to say he couldn`t make it in (he drives City transit and could not be driving with not even 3 hours sleep). I also had to miss 1/2 a day on the 6th because we arrived so late. Due to this delay we both missed work and feel that we should be compensated by Air Transat over and above the $15 food voucher.

Riu Merengue: Want a great HOLIDAY! We love this resort!

The Merengue offers so much more than luxurious, luscious grounds, 2 swimming pools, and a great layout for those with mobility issues. The staff is exceptional, the food is plentiful and variety quite good. We stayed at the Merengue Gardens, but were able to enjoy the facilities of all 3 resorts, offering many eating and bar stations. The beach and entry into the water is a bit rocky! Even though the Riu offers so much they could get better at acknowledging their repeat customers. It is quite  [... read more]shameful. They could also acknowledge these reviews, with a reply!

Paradise Playa Dorada: Good time

Good food and friendly staff A nice relaxing vacation Rooms kept clean. Nightly entertainmmet ok and activities for the kids. Pools are clean but kinda cold. Beaches are nice but wouldnt go out late at night.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Nice stay

Stayed in jan 2015,good vacation.a bit far from airport.very pretty area.staff all friendly and helpful.we stayed in a suite close to beach.room good,quiet,ac worked well.minor complaints for low water pressure in room and slippery floors throughout resort after rain.food was ok but not great.would stay here again.

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Great Place!!

Nice staff , Good food, Good company, Good Times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Beautiful resort

The resort is beautiful. We loved how green and lush the grounds and the beach area was. Overall the resort was very clean. Our room was excellent, clean. Maid's took very good care of us. (shower head needing repair) The public areas were all clean. Restaurants were awesome. People are polite, friendly and helpful. * one change I would love to see is that there is no smoking outside of the restaurants. There were chairs and tables for people to sit at outside the main restaurant where people co [... read more]uld sit and smoke. Yuk for me

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: We will return!

We have enjoyed our third stay at this resort and we plan to return again. This resort is great if you enjoy good healthy food, but there is also the fast food option. Bars close at midnight so it is great if you want to rest. The pool and the beach are great. Everything is very clean. Great family fun!

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: worst resort I have been to

The rooms have mould in them. The staff didn't come to evaluate the problem. the rooms are very out dated and were not clean upon initial entry. There was filth on the outside of the bathtub from previous guests. The breakfasts were disgusting. Boiled potatoes,peas carrots, peas and carrots mixed,corn boiled yucca,spinach,squash,beans,hot dogs that they call sausages and boiled eggs with flies floating in it's bath of water. When explaining to the manager that hot dogs shouldn't be labelled as s [... read more]ausages,the next day the sign read "hot dogs". When showing the food manager these issues , he said the flies die when they hit the water. He then attempted unsuccessfully to remove them with the serving spoon, and walked away. The deli sliced cooked ham was severely dried up on the edges. This was every day. I had the runs for three days before trekking into town to the pharmacy to get a prescription. Most of the people I talked to at the resort also had fallen ill because of the food. I will never go to a BE LIVE resort again. The staff doesn't care about health and safety, weather it be mouldy rooms or substandard food. Stay clear of this resort.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: One word: Awesome!

My husband and I, my 20 year old son and 18 year old daughter spent 7 nights there. We had an amazing time. The rooms were clean, the food fabulous, the activities super fun. The staff were excellent. A special shout out to Danny the "towel boy" who charmed us with his smile.

Paradise Playa Dorada: Nice

Loved that the main restaurant and pool were on the beach and that the beach was lit up and usable at night. We traveled as a group of 6 which included two children. We all had a very nice time. The beach was beautiful.

Paradise Playa Dorada: grand paradise playa dorado

food was good 90% of the time - lots of sun shine - resort is clean rooms are nice - not enough lawn chairs for beach or pool since people seems to get up sat 7 am to reserve them ( i even got pictures of that that i'm happy to share with you ) 4 to 5 times a day i got approched for time share ( every day ) that i did not like ( very bothersome ) i would warn people about this if i recommended the hotel ===

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Bad experience

Had a very bad experience at the resort at first day we reach. It took us 3 hrs to check in at the resort. We got a third class room , furniture in the room was broken. Never ever recommend this resort to anyone.

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Nice Resort, staff very friendly

My family and I enjoyed our stay at this resort, the food was good, the staff were friendly and helpful as well. The only thing that wasn't great was the amount of stairs there were, however if you waited for a shutle bus to take you to where you wanted to go on this resort it was worth the few minute wait. I would not recommend this resort to people who have trouble walking, people with strollers or older people due to the stairs, other than that the resort was terrific, no complaints. Thanks T [... read more]ripcentral and Thank-you Confresi, we had a great time!

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Fantastic Pool and Gym!

There are many great features of this resort. The layout is functional and easy to get around,. You get a great view of the grounds and the pool area when you come off the main lobby. Bars are conviently located thorughout the resort for easy access. The pool deck is huge! I loved the pool area. There are a lot of activities and music that occur around the pool. I went at christmas so the grounds were decorated beautifly with lights and other christmas paraphanalia. The disco was located in the  [... read more]main lobby so there was no noise disturbances to the residences. The main buffet was large and was organized to allow proper flow of people throughout so there was miminum bottle necking. The food was very good. It had a lot of options. Fresh fruit, juices, pastas meats. I felt no reason to go to the restaurants. The hotel staff was very friendly. There is a publi casino and disco a short distance away and it is safe to walk off the resort. I lovd tthe gym that was located at the front of the resort. It had wall to wall windows air conditioning, it was clean and modern! A big plus!

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Relaxing experience

Overall very nice time, food was good, beach was nice and the pool always seemed clean. No swim up bar, but there was one really close to the pool. No problems with our room, but we did find that the washrooms through out the resort were not always clean.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Dissapointing result to a new years in the sun.

First off, I have always booked with tripcentral and I will continue to. Unforunately this vacation did not meet expectations what so ever. The resort itself was okay. It was clean, a little small, and the people were friendly. However, the food was not enjoyable. My girlfriend and I are not picky eaters. We have never had trouble eating before. This was not the case. Each meal was a battle and talking to others at the resort they felt the same way. This wouldnt have been much of a problem if we [... read more] both hadnt felt ill the majority of our stay. The reason we travelled was to enjoy a new years together in the sun. The New Years eve result, in bed by 10:00 pm feeling aweful. On to the beach. The water was warm and a little rough. No problems with that. The problem was with one foot in the sand the hounding began. Even trying to lay on a lounger with your eyes shut you were subject to hagglers. I understand they are trying to make a living but there needs to be boundaries. Finally our excursions, which I know are not part of the resort but since we booked them with our travel representative I thoguht I should mention them. First we did the Xtreme Mega (waterfalls/zipline/horseback ridding). The waterfalls were definately some fun. Slidding down some and jumping down others was a good time. The lunch served was probably the most enjoyable meal of the trip! Next was ziplining. Little slow, not so high, and no feeling of security. Landing on a platform, 50+ feet up a tree) and being completely unhooked and asked to climb steep wooden stairs is not safe. My girlfriend was shaking the entire time. The horseback riding made the excursion. We both very much enjoyed it! The next excursion, Tip Top Catamaran, did not go smoothly. To begin we waiting at the loby for 1.5 hours trying to get a hold of the representative becacuse the bus never showed up. Finally he answered the phone and said sorry it was cancelled. Thanks for letting us know! He then said he would meet us at 10:00 am to change the booking to the next day. Okay fine, except he showed up at 11:00 am wasting more of our morning. When we finally got going the next day we arrived at the catamaran. Problem time. To get onto the catamaran we had to climb onto a smaller boat from shore and ride it out. Woudlnt have been a problem except for there not being enough life jackets so I didnt get one, not safe again. Once on the catamaran we had a good time. Both snorkling spots were fun and the water very nice. However, I think I could speak for everyone on board when I say the lunch difference between the staff and passengers was flat out rude. We were served coleslaw, tuna salad, cucumber salad, and tater tots. While the staff pulled out containers of fried rice and bbq chicken. I think I heard almost everyone on board muttering wheres my chicken and rice. With food aside, the trip was still good fun. Overall I do not blame tripcentral for the outcome of our experience. You win some, you lose some. I just wish I had been more informed about the resort before booking. How it was ranked 4 star with good reviews on tripadvisor and tripcentral website is beyond me but hey the flaws made it memorable. I hope this review helps in some way to some one and I will definately recommend tripcentral but definately not VH Gran Ventana. Thanks!