Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Very nice resort

This resort is quite nice and the staff are excellent. My only complaint was that the locals were on the resort on the weekend. They kept to themselves and really weren't a problem, it just made the resort much busier - especially at the pool and restaurants. The beach is fantastic with plenty of trees for those who like a bit of shade. Lots of chairs at the large pool and at the beach. The food is excellent! Plenty of variety and everything is hot and fresh. The shows are great however they are [... read more] quite loud at night. We were in building 4 which has a nice view but is right beside the stage, so if you are someone who goes to bed early, you may want a building further away from the stage. Also, ask for a room on the second or third floor! There are no elevators but our room was on the ground level and was very, very damp The rooms are a bit dated - not 4.5 quality but clean. We paid $35 US for 7 days unlimited WiFi which worked everywhere on the resort, but they did have cheaper options available. There is a market off of the resort just down the beach a little that people may try to get you to go to. The people there are typically pushy, wanting you to come into their shop. I probably wouldn't go there alone. Overall, I would recommend this resort. It's very pretty with the tall palms, and it feels safe and clean. I just don't understand why locals are on this resort but not other resorts in the area.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Not exactly what I expected.

People who like to swim at the beach will be very disappointed. We visited first week in December 2014, the ocean and the beach area was dirty. The accomodation and the food was acceptable, the service was not.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Not a 4 star!

First of all, just to say....We have been to Punta Cana and would definitely go back there again in a second. Peurto Plata, not so much. The nicest things about The Gran Ventana were the room which was ok and the a la carte above the lobby which I believe was call the Octopus. The grounds are very small and are not kept up as in swept or cleaned walkways, everythnig looks like it's cracking and run down including the pool, the beach is covered in seaweed and palm droppings which were not being c [... read more]leaned up, there were hardly any people there and we arrived on a Sunday, thehe main buffet was was very small and small selection of food was just ok. If you are looking for a beautiful resort to have fun at, this is NOT the place. We talked to our Sunwing guide who was great, and moved to the Riu Merengue the day after we arrived in Peurto Plata. I will give the Sunwing reps a good review, they are very helpful and pleasant. At the Riu Merengue things were a lot better! Fun, good food, lots of people. Right beside the Riu Bahata and we could use those grounds too. Grounds were well kept and in spite of the one section of reconstruction of a restaurant area, the Merengue was nice. I will say the rooms and bathrooms and showers were on the small side but the rest of the resort made up for it. The only other downfall at the Riu was that the free internet in the lobby was limited to 90 minutes a day. Come on Riu, really?? So there you have it....if you are going to Dominican Republic, go to Punta Cana where the beach is white sand on the beautiful Caribbean not on the rough Atlantic like Puerto Plata. This is obviously only my opinion but I have been to nicer resorts with better food, service and beaches in Cuba, Mexico and Punta Cana.

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Fun, great food and wine

Only good things to say....we were very lucky with blue skies and great temperatures. l was surprised at the quality of good Spanish wine and premium brands alcohol....generally they are watered down, and not the case at all. Food was of well variety and taste. Beach, pool, staff and the Dominican people were all warm and friendly. Truly a great stay, especially with the fantastic price.

Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort: Yet Another Great Time at this Resort

Even though we were at the Tropical instead of the Confesi Resort . we still had a wonderful time . The resort staff was very respectable and Friendly . We enjoyed the animators even though we missed Speedy but did see him on occasion. A Very special thanks to Papi . Lenny,, Jorge. Romeo and Candy Love . We will try to come back again soon.

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Great resort and great people

The resort was very well taken care of and food was great!! It had very friendly staff who were very welcoming. There was always recreational activities to do if you were to stay there for the day. The shows at night were always very entertaining as well.

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Casa Marina Beach & Reef Resort

My two best girlfriends and I went to Casa Marina Beach & Reef Resort three weeks ago and we had a wonderful time. I would rate the rooms as a 3 but the grounds as a 5++. The food was very good, so much selection and everything was fresh, drinks were generous and yummy! We upgraded our package and quite honestly we got the BEST room in the entire resort. All the staff were outstanding, they knew us all by name, chased us down to talk, giggle and have fun. Keeping in mind we went at off season s [... read more]o there were no big fancy shows but it was perfect based on what we wanted on our vacation. We got the opportunity to watched a Dominican wedding celebration that was beautiful. Our Nolitour representative William was awesome and helped us plan an excursion that we will remember forever. We felt safe wandering around at Sousa Beach and in town...so fun. Thanks for having us, I am returning next year same time same place!!

Bahia Principe Grand San Juan: Best First Experience

We had a terrific vacation, simply the most amazing experience of my life!!! I cant beleive how well everything went. We met "Lode " from your company at the resort and she gave us a run down on what's what, the dues, answered all out questions, the do's and don't and dispelled many rumours with facts. She also saw us off at the airport before our departure. She was very nice and very helpful and we noticed that not all the guest or tours had a contact person to inform them. Excellent idea/serv [... read more]ice on your part. The hotel was great. It has a relatively fresh look and the rooms and grounds were clean. Thank you for the balcony room. We had a view of the ocean and were not far from the main centre. for a couple of bucks a day on the pillow, we had very clean rooms, spotless and a well stocked minibar (so important). The bed was good and plenty of towels and pillows. The hotel was not even half filled and this led to no line ups for drinks, food or information, so awesome. The staff was number one, they really love their jobs and you can tell. We met a lot of nice people, very helpful and inclusive in all events and lessons. they are a freindly gang and really helped in briging the guest together. the laughs and fun never stopped. they have a small spanish lesson everyday at 10 for about 15 minutes. This was a huge benefit to us and we got more positive responese with the efforts we were making to communicate. The beach is very nice, the winds were not too bad and the waves were excellent. The beach is clean and not too many local salespeople on the beach. They were pretty respectful of the guest and not too pushy. The pools are equally as nice and clean. not too many kids during our week so at times, the common pool seemed a lot like the adult only pool. The food was supurb and the drinks did not stop. We anticipated needing some condements and fillers and spicy sauce but had no need for any of them. The flavours are varied and bountiful. the fish is so fresh and the buffets were filled with several different cuisines. all beakfasts, lunches and dinners were all delecious and ample. The 2 a-la carte restaurants were classy and refreshing. The service was magnificent. Ladies need sleeves at these dinners, no wraps allowed. The entertainment was good. We stayed and watched every show that they had in the evening. they were mixed between skits and dancing troops. They had humour in most of their shows. the casino was fun and on the grounds, as was the night life. both were all but empty and many of the shops were not open. but by 10pm, after the show, you have already had a very long day. The wild life was present but not intrusive. not many misquitos, but sand fleas were biting people that they found tasty. Strange that I received very few bites but my wife got a dozen or more, she must taste better. The repellant that we brought from home was a great idea and solved that problem immediatly. We did not do many of the chargeable events, no excursions, no scuba ,no sailing, no need. :-) Thank you for the best vacation ever !! We had the most amazing time and would strongly reccoment this to all our friends.

Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Interesting place.

The first impression of the Blue Bay Villas Doradas is WOW! We had been to this resort 25 year prior and well, it was an improvement . The staff is very friendly, the grounds are beautifully manicured, the lobby and restaurants are very clean and inviting BUT...... the rooms leave allot to be desired. The first room we were put into didn't have hot water in it for 2 days - they finally moved us to another room after sending down a maintenance worker to show us how to turn the water on. - very in [... read more]sulting. That room had rust on the bathtub, broken floor tiles and a ceiling fan that had about 1/2" of dirt on it. The vent for the air conditioner was clogged with dirt so you were breathing in old, moldy air. The door to the room was almost an inch shorter than the opening and allowed bugs to come into the room. The Second room we were put into was better but again the ceiling fan was covered with dirt and the air conditioner desperately needed cleaning. if you wanted towels, you had to ask the maid as they would give you one hand towel and two bath towels, if you were lucky. These things were pointed out to the front desk but never corrected during our stay. I spoke to some other guest who had to move 3 time before they got a room that didn't have problems. If you go to an all inclusive, then why do you have to pay for drinks at the Lobby Bar????? This is supposed to be a 4 star hotel and you have to pay for drinks. I have travelled all over the Caribbean staying at all inclusive from 2 - 5 star and NEVER have I had to pay for drinks at any of the bars. The entertainment leaves allot to be desired. They must think we are all deaf as they play the music so loud that you cannot hold a conversation with the person next to you without shouting. Especially during the day. I understand that they want everyone to have a good time but not everyone wants to loose their hearing. The spa area was the best part of this place, very quiet - but only after the main stage area turns down their music and they are located at opposite ends of the resort. The beach was beautiful but unfortunately we were constantly bothered by people trying to sell us their items and they really don't take no for an answer. We were given prices for excursion when we arrived but when we tried to book them, they raised the prices even though the lower price was on the internet. I would never give this place a 4 star rating.

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Great Value!

Generally speaking, we really enjoyed our time at this property. The rooms and grounds were maintained very well, and the large pool was immaculate. While the buffet food was acceptable, it did become a bit repetitive over the 7 days. We enjoyed the Brazilian steakhouse two nights, and it was exceptional. The resort staff - especially the activity/entertainment staff - were very freindly and accommodating. They did a great job of organizing activities and keeping folks that wanted to participat [... read more]e, busy. Well done!

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Good place. Like being in Sosua

Place was kept clean. Really like this resort. Nice being in Sosua, can walk around town and go out to other beaches. Casino is close by. Food was good. Lots of variety. The cold Jacuzzi's where nice on a hot day. The staff was helpful and friendly.

Celuisma Cabarete: butiful place

god room, very good bathroom, and 2 piscine and spa, flowers all around the hotel, quiet place Varity for lunch and dinning. near to location scooter and service to explore area and horsing rent many restaurant near the hotel, bar, and service , massage, manicure or pedicure or air style,

Sunscape Puerto Plata: amazing resort all workers are so helpfull .

I like it soo much and all workers are soo friendly and they work as a team for making u happy .Swimming pool clean and big bars are so nice u feel that u are full peace of mind .Aout food is clean too and lote of choices .

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: amazing place for the price

hotel clean very friendly the grounds are amazing very relaxing always remember there is two hotels the Casa Marina Beach and Casa Marina Reef but there together. What is very nice is there are Dominicans on holidays in the hotel which is great and there a lot of fun. They show us how to have fun,

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Great resort! Awesome staff!

The grounds were breathtaking, the food in the main dining room was delicious with a generous assortment of choices for every meal. The entertainment staff were friendly and outgoing. The bar staff and dining staff courteous and friendly. Made feel at home. Will definitely go again.

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: The rooms were clean and free of bugs

The grounds were well kept, the views and the outdoor area were amazing. There were small private dipping pools overlooking the ocean. The buffet was good enough, the extra restaurants were just adequate. They need to put some money into the rooms. On the weekend locals come for a family get away. It was very close to downtown and only 9km from the airport.

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Great Value and Super-friendly staff

This hotel is only 20 minutes from the airport and getting through customs and on the bus was very easy. Check in can take some time given the number of people all checking in at the same time, but the front desk staff are very friendly and efficient. We did have an issue with the first room they gave us, but this was rectified by the next day. As for food, the Buffet restaurant was decent and there are three a la cart restaurants that we had no problems getting reservations for. The pool is ver [... read more]y nice and well maintained. It is shaped like a three leaf clover. The organized water activites are all provided at one end of the pool so you can stay clear of that side if you are not interested. There are lots of loungers to sit on, but only a few of them had palapas for shade, so they got snapped up pretty quickly. We did not spend much time on the beach, but there are also lots of loungers there. This resort does need some upkeep but there were signs that they are making improvements. We stayed in building 5. The bathroom in our room was renovated and we had a king sized bed that was as hard as a rock. Otherwise the room could use a new (colder) bar fridge and a new TV. The staff at this hotel, in general, are amazingly friendly and interested in the well-being of the guests. I was amazed at how many languages the staff spoke; English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, even Dutch. The pool bar is a great place to hang out, the staff are great and keep every one entertained. there are lots of cocktails available, but if you can't decide, just ask Jorge to make you his signature drink called 'I don't know'.

Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Blue Bay Villas Doradas

The exterior grounds are well maintained and lovely. The food is good ... something for everyone at every meal. The staff are very friendly and service from the food and cleaning staff is fantastic. The spa and its services are great. The beach vendors are some of the most aggressive I have ever encountered, but they will eventually take no for an answer. The front desk staff are very friendly but issue resolutions are slow / never happen even with repeated visits. The rooms are basic and clean, [... read more] nothing special and need to be renovated not just refreshed with new paint... the rooms are at a 2 star level. We had an additional issue with the on-site tour reps ... the initial rep gave one set of pricing that matched the companies website and the second one increased prices for the same tour by 30% the next day. A visit to the local mall just minutes walking from the resort had flip flops for sale at US$46.50 - apparently if it isn't high season costs are adjusted upwards. The stores, room and on-site tour operator left us a desire to not return to this location.

Paradise Playa Dorada: Just okay

Grand paradise playa dorado was in my opinion "just okay" There was only approx 200 people at the resort with a typical 800 at full season and yet they said they had no other rooms available when we checked into a room right in front of the pool and actually paid for a superior garden view room. The rooms are dark and although clean not inviting at all. The food was excellent for resort food and the wait staff were also excellent. We found the air transat women that was trying to help us get a t [... read more]axi to another town should have did more to negotiate the ridiculous price the taxi drivers wanted to charge us. She was either getting a share of the obscene amount of money he wanted or he was a family member but we didn't go for the $170.00 US price he wanted to drive us to a town an hour away. I would advise anyone using this resort to not worry so much about the scare tactics they use at the resort to tell you about people offsite wanting to take advantage of you, it's the resort staff that you have to worry about. We found a taxi driver off resort that took us where we wanted to go, safely for $35 US It really is sad that the locals have no foresight to see that if they stopped trying to take advantage of the tourist more people would come to their country more often.

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Amazing resort and vacation

The resort was huge and way better then the website pictures depicted. Everything was very clean and well maintained. We tried the Dominican, Mexican and Italian restaurants. All where very nice, I wasn't a fan of the menu at the Dominican but I don't eat fish so my fault for not looking at the menu first. My favourite was the Mexican, lots of choices and amazing food. The buffets the rest of the week had lots of options and mixed it up everyday. The only time I was ever frustrated with the plac [... read more]e was during the weekends when the locals came and the place became total chaos. We went in November on purpose so that it would be nice and quiet (which the rest of the week was) so the weekends where disappointing. The Sunday celebration however was amazing and even in the off season they went all out to make it a great party. Our room was a garden facing room 300 building. It was very quiet and just a steps from the lobby buffet and three of the pools. We had awesome ice cold air conditioning. I was really worried about the separation between VIP and regular areas. I wasn't bothered at all and found it unnecessary to upgrade. There is so much to do elsewhere on the resort that the areas we weren't allowed to go to we probably wouldn't have had enough time to enjoy anyways. I do recommend doing the "tour" slash lifestyle sales pitch. It was a great way to get an overview of where everything is and they give you free stuff :) without huge sales pressure. The pools where really nice and almost all had bars either swim up or close by. I thought the beach was a little slimy but I don't like the ocean. They had lots of chairs and beds around everywhere and again a bar right by and a restaurant/snack bar.