The resort was clean. Staff very friendly and great service. It wasn’t a busy week which was fine so we had no problem getting a chair by the pool or the beach. Much busier on the weekend with the local people and much noisier. Pool music got way too loud and a lot of drunk noisy people at 3am.
Food was very plentiful and tasted wonderful. No complaints there. Enjoyed the popcorn at the theatre bar each night. The a la carte restaurants served very delicious meals. The wait staff were all so[... read more] friendly and gave us good service. The pool snack area served good good for lunch. Service a bit to be desired until the bosses were around and then top notch. Our room was a lovely size and kept clean. We lacked towels every day and had to call for more. Overall we enjoyed the resort!
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Crissypoo -
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Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort: One of the best Hotels in DR
I have been going to the DR for many years and this Hotel by far is one of the biggest I have ever stayed at. Lifestyles is a beautiful well maintained resort with wonderful staff. Food at the buffet was great, drinks were delicious, shows were entertaining, rooms were clean. Overall I would give it an 8 out of 10. There were a couple of things that I was not pleased with. My mini fridge was not restocked daily as advertised, water pressure in the shower was not that great, I got very sick after[... read more] eating in the Chinese restaurant (so just stuck to the buffet)
I also didn't like the fact that there were no lounge chairs on the beach. I am a beach person and like to have my chair down on the sand for when I come out of the water. You had to ask security to pass one to you over the wall and then you had to drag it along the beach to where you wanted to sit. These were all minor problems and in no way ruined my vacation. Only other downfall is for people with mobility issues. The resort is so big and there are hundreds of golf carts but not everyone has access to use them if you are not VIP so it's hard to get around. There is a shuttle but I believe it runs every 25 minutes so u do spend a lot of time waiting around to get from place to place within the resort.
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Otro planeta -
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Paradise Playa Dorada: Grand paradise 4 real
I thought the hotel and the people working there were great a little more propinas from the tourist would have been better but hey I was there to take their place the pool the rooms and the food was spectacular I would recommend this hotel for family's and singles don't forget to visit the city for the car cable it's all love and family there don't listen to take news see you soon 're amo republic Dominicana
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John Mario -
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Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Always something to do don't have to leave resort
Ive been there few times great place always something to do been to 10 different pools always meet different people. Night shows amazing from the Coliseum to the Dome always something different. I go for the weather beautiful and hot get to met many different people form all parts world. The workers are very special always happy from someone sweeping the grounds to the girl at the desk. to many people to name all great people with respect i love the place and will continue to go there.
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Private -
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Playabachata Hotel: Not for Coffee Lovers
The hotel was nice, the rooms were comfortable and everything worked. The grounds were immaculate. The staff was very friendly to us foreign tourists, but not so friendly to the local guests who stayed over the weekend. This made me feel a bit uncomfortable because I feel that a resort is not a place to make these kind of class distinctions --a guest is a guest.
I usually travel to Cuba so this was my first trip to the Dominican Republic. At first I was impressed and jokingly called it "Cuba V[... read more]IP". I changed my mind when I tried to get a decent cup of cappuccino. It was not to be had. They had ''vending machine'' coffee where the cappuccino is from an instant mix. (In comparison, every Cuban 2 star hotel has an Italian coffee machine and they know how to use it.) Another twist in this tale is that there was a special coffee shop at the Senator hotel, just a few steps from my room. But here class distinction came into play again. Although both hotels, we were told, belong to the same company, we were not entitled to the same coffee. As a red-band guest from Playa Bachata, I could get an espresso, but for a cappuccino I would need a different color band from the Senator. At first I was willing to accept that and said that I would gladly pay for the coffee, but they would not accept money.
To uncover this mystery you need to understand that there is a company called Ultimate Leisure Club that wants to sell you a membership which then makes you a VIP and a cappuccino would then be one of the benefits. I went to their presentation, but they weren't happy with me because I didn't hand over my credit card which would have been ''necessary'' to receive the free gift. I declined the gift. The apartments they showed us were impressive but obviously over my budget. We also had an ominous feeling that we were the only real prospects there and that the other potential prospects were employees who were play acting. Of course I can't prove that but my queasy stomach warned me to watch out.
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Gail M -
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Paradise Playa Dorada: Outstanding 2nd Honeymoon
Terry and I checked into Grand Paradise on Dec 2 2019 and began to settle into a very nice room. Ground floor as we have some mobility issues. Room was very nice clean and was perfect location to everything. I went to get a couple of beverages and on my way to the table I popped into the grill. I use a cane and used the ramp. After checking it out I proceed to the table using the other enter/exit there and thinking it was a ramp imagine my surprise when I found out it was a step I went flyin[... read more]g dropped the drinks and the cane and landed on knees. This was not marked with any caution signage Other areas are clearly marked. SO BE VERY CAREFUL THERE.
The remainder of our stay was amazing the food was good as were the beverages. The staff are so nice. Ocean is so warm,loved our 11 days.
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RobynS -
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Casa Marina Reef Resort: Our home away from home and then some...
This was the 12th week that I've gone to this resort. Six times x 2 weeks each time.
We just love this resort and Sosua. With the renovations over the past couple of years (and still ongoing),
it's refreshed and just so lovely. The food is fabulous, as are the grounds and the staff.
We look forward to going again in 2020.
Our hotel room was in pristine shape.
The grounds were impeccable
The staff were extremely welcoming and accommodating
Food was delicious. Plenty of fish and meat dishes.
Many pools.
This was our fifth trip to the resort. In the past, the wine had been substandard. Great improvement in wine selection this year
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JustinT -
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Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort: Last time here
Generally the management is making the resort to go down. Needs new ideas and new team to better organize this facility, otherwise the investment will loose money. Asked receptionists for nights event (example location for “Welcome party†on Sunday night ?) and they don’t know anything or they will tell you something else! They will give you usually direction to Dome, which is a totally different party$$$! Are they temporary hired there? Disappointed. Do not come back and do not recommen[... read more]d.
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Private -
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VH Atmosphere: Nice, clean resort.
We had a lovely time at the VH Atmosphere. It met our expectations in most ways. The beach was good, the pools were nice, the staff was very helpful, and the suite was spacious and clean. The food was not as good as we had hoped and the restaurants were closed several nights resulting in the buffett being the only option. We were there in low season. We were flooded out of our room one night but the staff responded immediately and helped us move to another suite. The views, privacy, cleanl[... read more]iness and ease of access to everything was excellent. The entertainment was bad and definitely must be improved. It is a quiet resort for middle-aged and senior couples.
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Private -
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Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Nice Resort
The resort is just the perfect size, with lots of quiet areas, as well as enough activities to keep you busy if you want to be. The rooms were clean (though getting run down and not fancy) and the staff were lovely and fun.
Caution about ordering items from the a la carte restaurants (those that cost extra). If the food is not cooked well (in my case a burned $32 USD lobster), they will not refund you or make it right (i.e. prepare it again or offer something else). I took my complaint to [... read more]the Customer Service Manager, who said "no one else complained so we won't refund the money or let you eat there free". That was disappointing.
When we arrived (my daughter and I who share the same last name) they put us in a King Bed suite (we had Platinum VIP). We had to wait till 7 p.m. the next night to get switched to a double room (after being told 5 p.m., then 6, then 7). The room was ok - it had a terrace, but it was not as nice as the other room. I also had to go ask for our free bottle of rum (which was supposed to be in our room along with a welcome fruit plate (we never got that). But it was delivered eventually.
The beach was lovely - lots of day beds and chaise lounges. The food was excellent in the buffet and (other than the lobster dinner) the a la carte restaurants. Staff was amazing and personable!
Overall a great 10 days. I would go back again for sure!
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John -
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Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: Somewhat disappointing.
We arrived at approximately 8:30 in the evening and were the only customers to check in , so all went well except waited approximately 10 minutes for a bell boy so finally followed the map and took our own suitcases. Our Superior deluxe room was truly disappointing. The furniture was paint splattered and chipped in numerous locations. The air conditioning duct grill was dirty. The pool, colourfully lighted was, however, spectacular and relaxing. The buffet was the best option for meals. We did e[... read more]njoy the Mexican and the Brazilian a-la-Carter’s restaurants. Mylos, Mediterranean restaurant was not worth the effort and could not eat much of the food as it was less than pleasant. The pool was cold and lacked shade so we opted for the beach each day and found it pleasant other than the litter of plastic straws, cups and spoons littering the area. Disappointing to see these items used in such great quantities and not being recycled. We also had to go to the front desk on four occasions to have our key cards redone in order to get into our room. The grounds are clean but the entire resort appears “tired.†Weekends in the Dominican are the same at every resort we have stayed but this resort seems to be totally over run with locals. Food, scotch and snacks became scarce for the weekends. We always found ample lounge chairs both at the beach and the pool area, however, not always in the shade. Our final day was rainy and it was difficult to find a dry place to sit, relax and have a drink or a coffee. In all, we would not recommend this resort and would not return. P.s. the bar fridge beer is CoorsLight in the mini cans. This in itself is a good reason to avoid this resort.
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Lainey -
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Senator Puerto Plata Hotel: Amazing
The resort was very clean. Food was very good. Service was a little slow. No beach bar.Awesome beds and bedding.lots of activities to do. Maid service excellent. We stayed in the BIP building for a small upgrade fee
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Matt83 -
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VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: 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.
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Private -
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Cofresi Palm Beach and Spa Resort: Overall great trip! Big Resort!
My husband and I went to Cofresi resort for 12 days on our honeymoon. Despite being given incorrect information by our trip central travel agent about the VIP package, we are VERY glad we got the upgrade. This allowed us to use The Tropical part of the resort including buffet, a la carts dinners and the VIP beach with free wifi. (Although the wifi is VERY slow and doesn’t work at times) We were also able to get wifi at the sports bar with the upgrade.
The resort is very large and confusing w[... read more]ith multiple resorts in one. Upon arrival, after the long and hot wait to check in, no one told us where we could go or where we couldn’t go on the resort/s. They just gave us a map and pointed out a few main places. Because we had the VIP upgrade we thought we could go into certain VIP beach areas, as they had signs saying VIP beach. We assumed this was our upgrade. But we quickly got kicked out. We were very upset about this and had to take the long trek back to the lobby for them to explain. We were also told by our trip central travel agent we would get wifi in our room, which we did not.
Our room was building 40, close to the Cofresi main buffet. It was newly renovated, big shower and jacuzzi tub. This too was part of the VIP upgrade. The room was clean and the maids always did a great job! The room they gave us on check out to shower before departure showed us what the other buildings rooms are like, and again we were happy for the upgrade.
There is a definite sewage smell in a few spots on the resort. Probably the reason they have a sign on all toilets not to flush the toilet paper down. Clearly a sewage issue.
The resort is very big and lots of bars and things to go to. Once you get to know where your going it’s not too bad, and only a few places you have to catch a shuttle.
Both my husband and I got very sick at the Casa Blanca buffet at The Tropical on different nights. Food poisoning? But overall the food was decent at both buffets. The Brazilian restaurant was probably our favourite, and the Mexican. I wish there were more 24 snack places open. The only place was the Mexican restaurant on The Tropical resort with very little selection. Or nachos and cheese at the sports bar.
The VIP beach was where we spent most of our days when we were not doing day trips/activities. We loved the cabanas, the servers were great, and the cool jet tubs were awesome. Although on weekends they do let what seems to be locals come visit the VIP beach and they turn the wifi off and don’t have servers around anywhere until after noon-1pm it seems like? We came around 10:30am on a Sunday and almost couldn’t find a cabana.
The beach isn’t the best. We went in November so not sure if that affects the waves? Cloudy water so not ideal for any kind of snorkeling. Very wavy, which can be a blast at times, just not to relax in the water and a lot of debris/garbage in the water at times. We ended up buying a floaty to enjoy the ocean some more.
This resort seems to cater to the VIP members, and time share owners etc more. The ones with the gold, red or black shiny bracelets. They get golf carts to drive around in and just seem to get better service overall.
Not sure if I would go back. I’ve been to other resorts that are still big with lots to do, but less confusing with all the different areas you can and can not go to. I’ve only been to resorts where the whole resort is all inclusive, not just certain areas. Just my preference.
For the resort to improve I would recommend more signs with clearly marked bracelets where you can and can not go or a better map that clearly marks guest areas.
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Rachelletravels -
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VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: 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.
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Kass12 -
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Blue Bay Villas Doradas: Great trip!
The hotel was nice, rooms need some updating. Having a quiet pool was great. Merchants continuously asking for you to buy things on the beach made the beach area not enjoyable. Overall was a good resort for relaxing week.
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Private -
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VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort: 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.
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Private -
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Marien Puerto Plata Hotel: My First Resort
The resort was extremely clean, the excursions I went on like ziplining, cliff diving, and horseback riding were memories that will last I life time. There was very little vegan or vegetarian options for the meals. I got food poisoning on night two and I continued to get sicker as the week continued. The beach was amazing though, great views and access to the Atlantic Ocean. I would never go back there again. I am still sick and I've been home for two days now.
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Jeremy -
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Viva Tangerine by Wyndham: Good Family resort
Overall a good resort rooms were a bit small beach was very nice but there were a lot of vendor's walking around tying to sell you anything you would buy food was okay but for the price the value was good. I would say 3.5 stars.