Playabachata Hotel: Playabachata

Good location and resort. We had a great 7 day vacation. We would go again is the price was right. The beach is not at the level of Varadero. We enjoyed being able to share some of the Senator neighbouring location especially the large wifi zone!

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Premium level

The hotel is dated but very clean. We had no issues with hot water for showers and everything in the room worked well. Our room was near the entertainment so in the evening it was very loud until 11:30pm. This was our only complaint and if we were to return we would absolutely ask for a quiet room. Purchasing the premium level upgrade is an absolute must. The beach chair area, private lounge and other upgrades make the cost well worth the bit extra you pay. The food was consistently good and we  [... read more]enjoyed the 3 Al a carte restaurants as well as the buffet. Staff were friendly and helpful. Tipping is not expected but appreciated. We loved the beach. Did not use the pools.

Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata: We will definitely be back!

This hotel was great. The food was excellent and there was always enough for everyone and even my picky eaters found stuff to eat. The room was okay. When we checked in initially the room was not cleaned properly. I called reception and less than 5 minutes later 4 people came into the room to clean up. The AC worked perfectly. The rooms were also cleaned everyday. The pools were great. The pool and beach bar served nice drinks all day. The coffee shop also had coffee, hot chocolates and pastries [... read more] all day. The beach was stunning and very clean( they actually sweep off the seaweed every morning). The three restaurants were great and I liked the Dominican one(Oregano) was our favourite and we visited twice during our stay. I liked dressing up to go to the restaurants. ALl the staff we met were friendly and looked like they loved their jobs. We took a day trip downtown to see the sites and it cost 40$ in total. Our guide, Angel was great. They will try to sell you the Elite collections and I would advice you just get the meeting over with. They will stop bothering you afterwards. We did get coupons for massages and photoshoots and gifts for the kids from attending. You just have to be firm with what you want. In all it was a good vacation and resort. We will surely be going back!

Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: Perfect Resort!

Lived up to it's name & reputation. The service was excellent and very professional. Friendly staff throughout and the housekeepers were very attentive. The optimal size - great beach with lots of shade, close to bar, lunch buffet & restrooms. Self-serve pop machine with ice dispenser at beach, with soccer nets and a volleyball area. The surf was gentle and sand was fine; there was some sargassum but only in a small area. Rooms were clean and in good repair, with both local electrical outlets an [... read more]d U.S./Canada plugs as well. Main buffet restaurant always stocked with plentiful choices, lots of fresh seafood with great selection of salad veggies, sweets, breads, and condiments. Next time we come to Puerto Plata we'll be looking here first!

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Disappointing stay at Cofresi!

We booked a 7-day all-inclusive vacation stay with my girlfriend at Puerto Plata's Cofresi Palm Beach Resort through TripCentral. It was an all-inclusive, SUPERIOR ROOM with Airport-Hotel Transfers included. After consistent delays from the get-go, we checked into our assigned room and immediately noticed several serious issues related to cleanliness, maintenance, and overall room condition. The room lacked in multiple key areas: 1. Ventilation System – Unsanitary and Poorly Maintained The  [... read more]air vents are visibly covered in dust build-up, mould and dark residue, resulting from a lack of proper cleaning over an extended period. This raised concerns in us about air quality, hygiene, and potential health risks. Additionally, the ventilation system is noticeably loud, impacting our sleep and overall stay in the room. 2. Bathroom – Lack of Cleanliness The shower curtain, faucet, and tub are stained and visibly dirty, also containing visible dark spots and marks that suggest mould or mildew. This indicates the bathroom has not been properly cleaned or maintained before our arrival, which is unacceptable for a newly checked-in room. The room also did not come with any of the standard issued towels and washing equipment, like body and hair wash. 3. Door and Structural Condition – Damaged Fixtures The door frame near the handle is cracked and visibly damaged, showing clear signs of wear and lack of repair. While the front door was able to be locked, the door on our balcony was not, making it very easy to step in and out of the room. This not only reflects poor maintenance standards but also raises concerns about safety and security. 4. Overall Room Condition The room appeared outdated, poorly maintained, and not properly prepared for new guests or anyone, for that matter. These types of rooms should not be given out to anyone. Multiple elements (ventilation, bathroom cleanliness, structural damage) collectively indicate a systemic lack of upkeep rather than an isolated issue. Given the above issues, we confronted the staff of the resort and were sent from one department to another with no help and forced to stay in the room for a night longer than we should've cause the resort was fully booked, although that was a lie, as they had options available with an extra cost ($). That is totally unacceptable, and the false information provided by the resort staff is clear misinformation which they knew about. After switching us into a different room almost two full days into our trip, we got sent to another part of the resort with the same room level but better room conditions. While the rooms were suitable for newcomers, there were quite a few problems with these units as well. The front doors in the new room broke down quite often, causing us to travel to the lobby on a consistent basis to have a technician come and replace our keys or the key entrance fobs to the room. While this is not a major issue, the neighbours around the room were. In this section of the resort, there were a lot of mentally unstable residents banging and kicking things around throughout the whole day and night. Oftentimes, we couldn't get any sleep from the shouting and kicking of objects. We called the front desk and security on multiple occasions during our time there, getting no answer on most nights, with some nights a singular security guard coming to do a routine check-up on the unstable residents. It was a chaotic and stressful time for the whole duration of the trip. We filed a formal complaint with the SunWing representative who was available on the scene, but besides switching us out of the initial unsuitable room, he was not of much help. The staff around the resort did not seem to really care about any of these issues and were quite dismissive with their actions and tones. After all these issues, all we got as an apology was a fruit bowl and a cheap bottle of champagne sent to the room, which we couldn't consume cause of the stomach flu we caught from eating at their buffet. Hope this review helps a family or an individual in their booking decision with Cofresi and similar resorts around the area. For the amount of money being asked, I would rather book at a totally different region or a different part of the country altogether.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Would Not Go Back

I think the 4 star rating is a stretch but we did enjoyed our stay, this despite the room being quite awful. We walked into a flood on the floor from the bar fridge (a very rusted fridge), no coffee maker & a safe key that didn't work. The pool area was nice but on one day a large group of people from a cruise ship arrived causing over crowding, it also caused delays in the dinning area. Towels were a problem in both the room & at the pool, with long enough delays that I doubt they have su [... read more]fficient stock of both sorts. The food was fine but always had long line ups, to book for one of the featured restaurants you had to join a long line at 8am to try and book for the following two evenings. We would not go back.

Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Older resort with some issues

Hotel grounds are very large. Many hills and stairs. Rooms need upgrading. Not enough chairs on the beach or pools. Party of 5 people on our stay. Everyone got sick for a day or so. Staff are hit or miss.

Playabachata Hotel: Nice clean resort.

Great staff, always cleaning. The washroom needs a little makeover. Suggest taking out dated ,tired tub with shower only. A la carte not the best, but ok. We had a good week. Lovely large balconies. Like the size of the buildings. Great walking resort. Visited the Gelato place a few times. Yummy. Internet in the rooms would be nice.

Viva Tangerine by Wyndham: Would not go back

The rooms were dated but was clean. They advertised 2 bars but one a folding table by the pool with limited drinks. There was not enough tables in the buffet and when you did get a table you could wait through the meal to even get a glass of water. I will say that all of the staff was great

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Disappointing

This resort is old and dated and could really use some updating. I have never encountered resort staff that cared less about their job. We travelled in a group with 4 rooms we asked that our rooms be close together which we know is not guaranteed. The rooms were not close together and we were told that trip central lied to us and that nothing on our booking said we wanted rooms together. When I showed them proof that it was requested they said “well it’s not guaranteed” when I inquired about [... read more] moving rooms around we were told that there was no way they could do that. Which is fine if that was their policy but when speaking to another guest they got a room in a building that wasn’t their preference and tipped the front desk $20 and got the room they wanted. Apparently they are only willing to accommodate guest requests if you pay extra. I Spoke to security after my teen daughters were chased by a naked man in the halls, they were not interested at all. Other guests also had issues with that unruly guest exposing himself to them and security didn’t care. They did however take a small child with physical disabilities using the adult only pool seriously and kicked him out of the pool when it was the only pool that was accessible to him.

VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Great resort, great food, and great staff!

We are a family of four, two kids aged 7 and 5. We had an amazing time during our 7 night 8 day stay. We stayed at the building by the quiet pool which looks beautiful but we never used it with the little ones (we preferred the main pool). The main pool is beautiful and has a swim up bar with amazing staff, shout out to Ernesto (bartender). The staff was amazing with our family from Francisco in the dining area to the best entertainers Carlos and Isaac. The beach is a short walk from the [... read more] main pool and is gorgeous. The main beach has a coral reef further out where the larger waves break leaving the beach calm for swimming, and snorkeling. We took a walk down the beach and built an inukshuk with several others that were already there (beautiful site). Past this point there are larger waves and it is great for swimming and looking for sea shells. The food was amazing at the main buffet. We also went to one a la cart (octopus I think), and it was amazing. We hope to go back again.

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: The Senator Dominican

We just came back from the Senator Hotel in the Dominican Porta Plata. The Hotel was beautiful! Check in was easy and our room was ready at 3:30pm. Rooms are dated but clean and pleasant to sleep in. We purchased three garden view rooms but 2 of 3 were facing the local street littered with garbage and very loud! We went to the desk to complain and they at first gave me a hard time but switched our 2 rooms the next day. As we were packing a maid came in our room and asked me what I was doing. I t [... read more]old her that the hotel found me a different room. The maid then rolled her eyes and was upset with me. As we were leaving she was rude to my mother who had the other room and I told her she needs not to be rude to guests. She then tried to tell me she didn’t understand me. We found that most of the staff made you feel like a bother to them and occasionally you’d get an amazing staff member. Food in the sports bar was absolutely amazing except whoever thinks 3 wings is a serving is crazy! When we ordered 30 wings between the 4 of us they thought we were crazy! The food at the buffet was okay as you could always find something to eat. À la carts were great we book the Japanese and steakhouse. The always seemed to run out of Pepsi in the buffet and would bring sprite. They would run out of Diet Coke in the sports bar and at the pool bar their blender wasn’t working the whole week so you couldn’t get a blended drink. When they served you a daiquiri is was never frozen. They didn’t know how to mix drinks! Pool space was great! Little to no activities for kids and if there was it wasn’t posted so you would find out last minute. Beach is beautiful but some parts rocky. Definitely book the excursions for the paradise island and monkey land! We did both and definitely worth the trip! All in all it was a good trip but I wouldn’t go back to this resort!

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Senator Puerto Plata

Loved size of resort. Able to walk to all areas in a few minutes. Very clean grounds and room and dining room. Good choice in buffet. Lots of shade available at the pool with umbrellas and palm trees.

Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: nice resort

The first 3 days our building had no hot water in our room that made showering very difficult. Day 4 we had warm water. Food was good and service was good. Clean rooms. The staff were good and the games poolside were fun.

Viva Heavens by Wyndham: Average, would not go again.

Service was not so great. No one is willing to address service issues if they are not selling you something or trying to get your money they are not interested in you. Had an issue with the room request. Asked for 1 king bed for 50th birthday celebration got room with two double beds. Front desk was very dismissive when we tried to get the issue resolved and it never was. We were told no request was sent to them and there are no rooms with 1 king bed. The day of my birthday it rained hard al [... read more]l day. The tile used on the walkway from the hotel to the beach is very slippery when wet, no signage at all. I was walking barefooted but still slipped and fell hard, banged up my right knee pretty badly and twisted my right ankle and toe. I limped my way down to the beach restaurant and bar as we were closer there than to the lobby. When we got there I was bleeding, the staff just looked at me but offered no help. Another guest saw what was going on and offered help, he called his wife over, she spoke Spanish and she got the staff moving to call someone to help me clean and dress the wound. Food was average, very salty overall. When we mentioned it they said oh yes we like the salt in DR. Overall it was somewhere to escape the cold so that was ok but we will not be going there again ever.

Casa Marina Sosua Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Lacking appeal and vibe

Entire resort is lacking appeal and vibe! No quality information upon arrival or documentation anywhere to assist you in learning about the resort and what your stay experience included will be. Cold water all week only almost warm 1 morning 4-5 am housekeeping had door entry issue but nobody fixed it all week I was able to remove a sliver of wood and a screw that seemed to help allow the key card to allow the door to open. Housekeeping didn’t even come the last 2 days of my stay at all! Th [... read more]e room was very old and the bed frame was broken and dangerously sticking out from under the one bed I used the other bed the patio door wouldn’t lock most of the light switches and wall sockets or bulbs were not working No drain plug for sink no or tub! Lack of staff at every bar usually a lineup of 5-10 people to get a drink no coffee bar u til 10 am had to go to buffet for morning coffee The PH was not satisfactory in the 3 pools by the shore all week The only good server was at the coffee bar other bars had u friendly servers and not good drinks except 1 guy at the bar near the lobby the customer relations rep saw me waiting for him while he was with others and then left and ignored me when I tried to get his attention The resort stores pricing was beyond outrageous I’ve never seen such high markup at any other resort I’ve been to! The watersport and also mini put was non existent and I didn’t see a youth club anywhere or kids club No lifeguards and the ocean was only green flag 1 day and in my opinion it appeared as high waves crashing the shore as yellow flag days Whatever entertainment there was was ??? Never found any and I was told 9 at the theatre but left at 930 and nothing happened Vendors were pushy at buffet nightly Lack of staff for March break and it led to a massive loss of enjoyment for many people on holiday Lots of smaller issues and other issues I haven’t addressed here :). Expensive week! Not great! Much improvement needed!

Viva Tangerine by Wyndham: Beautiful resort away from the huscle of Puerto Plata

Grounds are lovely good situation on beautiful beach. Usually very windy which is why its a Kite surfing spot.Most staff helpful and friendly. Building maintenance needs improvement. We had problems with our room AC and door lock, both of which needed to be replaced thus waisting one day of our holiday !!

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Amazing Resort

We just spent 28 Days at this resort and we loved everything about it. We have been here several times before and it is still one of our favourites. Staff are friendly and our room was wonderful. The grounds were always well maintained. Special thanks to Louise from Trip Central for going above and beyond.

Select Sosua Adults Only, Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: Beautiful

We had a great trip! Beach was beautiful. More chairs and parasol would have been better beach side. Seems that Select people never got any. Wish there was a smoking section instead of people smoking everywhere and actually don’t care. Staff was amazing so were the restaurants. The fact that their was no daily activities and entertainment I would no recommend unless this is what you want .

Select Sosua Adults Only, Trademark by Wyndham All Inclusive: What a great resort.

I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the resort. There were always someone cleaning the grounds and pols on the adult side. Cannot say about the regular resort as we did not spend any time there. we shared the buffet with the whole resort which was very crowed. we were under the impression that it was a separate buffet. We chose mainly the ala carts. Not overly impressed with the food of choice or the service. It was like we were an inconvenience to them. One night we had a glass of win [... read more]e and they came to top it up. First sip and we knew there was something wrong. We mentioned it to the waiter, they said it was the other persons job for the wine and no one investigated. We left. The Select side was great. Bar service no complaints. Nice and quiet.