Tropical Casa Laguna Hotel, Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £103
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
Located 50 meters from the wide sandy bay of Cabarete and directly across from the Beach Club, Casa Laguna is quietly nested in to tropical gardens which have 164 different tropical plants. Most rooms were renovated mid 2002. loading...
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Tropical Casa Laguna Hotel Reviews
" Me and my boyfriend went to Dominican... "
Submitted By: Miss D Mackay
Me and my boyfriend went to Dominican Republic in July for 2 weeks and it was one of the best holidays we have ever been on!
The hotel Casa Laguna was lovely; all the staff bent over backwards to help you and made you feel very welcome, especially the animation team.
The rooms were clean and the cleaners worked very hard.
The main road in between the two hotels was busy but in all wasn’t too much of a problem.
It was great having the beach right next to the hotel. Food was ok could have been better some of the time but everything else made up for it.
If going on any trips then get them from the guys on the beach, Vincent was one of them, they do the trips far cheaper than your rep and it’s still the exact same trip. Ocean world, 27 waterfalls, quad biking and the scuba diving are definitely recommended! Remember to take plenty of batteries for your digital camera because everything is so beautiful you’ll want to remember it all!
I’ve noticed in other reviews a lot of people are complaining about the locals who sell stuff on the beach. Please remember these people are doing this to make a living and rely on our custom. Reasonable bartering with them and a good sense of humour doesn’t go a miss!
I would definitely recommend this holiday to anyone of all ages!
TIP: Also it is good manners to tip any local or staff that goes out of their way to help you.
The hotel Casa Laguna was lovely; all the staff bent over backwards to help you and made you feel very welcome, especially the animation team.
The rooms were clean and the cleaners worked very hard.
The main road in between the two hotels was busy but in all wasn’t too much of a problem.
It was great having the beach right next to the hotel. Food was ok could have been better some of the time but everything else made up for it.
If going on any trips then get them from the guys on the beach, Vincent was one of them, they do the trips far cheaper than your rep and it’s still the exact same trip. Ocean world, 27 waterfalls, quad biking and the scuba diving are definitely recommended! Remember to take plenty of batteries for your digital camera because everything is so beautiful you’ll want to remember it all!
I’ve noticed in other reviews a lot of people are complaining about the locals who sell stuff on the beach. Please remember these people are doing this to make a living and rely on our custom. Reasonable bartering with them and a good sense of humour doesn’t go a miss!
I would definitely recommend this holiday to anyone of all ages!
TIP: Also it is good manners to tip any local or staff that goes out of their way to help you.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Global Late Deals
" We were faced with 3 disco speakers... "
Submitted By: Ms A Markey
We were faced with 3 disco speakers blasting out meringue and Spanish music from 9-11 at night. We demanded a room change and they did accommodate us so we moved away from the pools to the front of the complex near the road.
3 couples in our party all suffered from diahorrea for half the holiday and it continued for 10 days thereafter.
The hotel is one complex divided by a very dangerous busy road and this road you have to cross for every meal if you stay in the Laguna, but if you stay in the Beach you have to cross it to get a decent size pool swim with sunbeds next to the pool in the Laguna.
The animacion staff are absolutely rude and ill mannered and will think nothing of belittling you beside the pool.
You may have experienced hawkers in other places but this is aggressive and invasive. One lady in our party was attacked by someone trying to force beads into her hair and wanted to charge her $1 for each bead - she was left bruised and had to be rescued by her husband who had to threaten violence to stop the assault. She wouldn't leave till they gave her money.
If you go near the balcony of the complex to eat your meal and look out onto the surf you are accosted by them trying to sell you stuff. The guards do nothing about the security.
In our party we were faced with inadequate plumbing etc. One gentleman was in his shower and the ceiling fell open above and a rat landed on him while he was showering.
If you like to sit in a sauna all day and night then this is the heat you will experience while over there.
We recommend a trip to Ocean World - fabulous adventure. Also to go to Saona Island if you can - wonderful package put together but you need to be travel hardy and adventurous.
We complained to Thomson rep and the hotel manager but nothing was done. We do not recommend staying here in 3 star accommodations. We met other people and they fared better with 4 stars and above accommodation.
Mosquitoes eat you alive - only take Deet stuff with you - nothing else works.
We will never go to Dom Rep again - not recommended.
3 couples in our party all suffered from diahorrea for half the holiday and it continued for 10 days thereafter.
The hotel is one complex divided by a very dangerous busy road and this road you have to cross for every meal if you stay in the Laguna, but if you stay in the Beach you have to cross it to get a decent size pool swim with sunbeds next to the pool in the Laguna.
The animacion staff are absolutely rude and ill mannered and will think nothing of belittling you beside the pool.
You may have experienced hawkers in other places but this is aggressive and invasive. One lady in our party was attacked by someone trying to force beads into her hair and wanted to charge her $1 for each bead - she was left bruised and had to be rescued by her husband who had to threaten violence to stop the assault. She wouldn't leave till they gave her money.
If you go near the balcony of the complex to eat your meal and look out onto the surf you are accosted by them trying to sell you stuff. The guards do nothing about the security.
In our party we were faced with inadequate plumbing etc. One gentleman was in his shower and the ceiling fell open above and a rat landed on him while he was showering.
If you like to sit in a sauna all day and night then this is the heat you will experience while over there.
We recommend a trip to Ocean World - fabulous adventure. Also to go to Saona Island if you can - wonderful package put together but you need to be travel hardy and adventurous.
We complained to Thomson rep and the hotel manager but nothing was done. We do not recommend staying here in 3 star accommodations. We met other people and they fared better with 4 stars and above accommodation.
Mosquitoes eat you alive - only take Deet stuff with you - nothing else works.
We will never go to Dom Rep again - not recommended.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We have just returned from our 2 week... "
Submitted By: Miss R Williams
We have just returned from our 2 week holiday in this hotel and I can honestly say it was the worst 2 weeks of my life. Never before have I or anyone else in my party stayed in such a terrible hotel.
The rooms at the Cassa Laguna were disgusting, dirty, with water pouring in from the balcony, a patio door that didn't lock, no lights in the second bedroom or air conditioning. Eventually we were moved to the Tropical Beach hotel across the road, but under much protest from staff. My group and several others who arrived on our plane complained and we were all moved to the Tropical Beach. The room was better, but once again the patio doors did not lock.
The food is terrible at both of the restaurants in the hotel. There is limited choice of food, and often not enough. The food that is served was mostly cold, and not to a very high standard. Unfortunately 2 members of our party were ill, which we blame on the food, and many other guests at the hotel were also sick over the 2 weeks we were there. One of our party was so ill we had to get the doctor twice, and was rushed off to hospital as soon as our plane landed with gastric problems.
There is little to no room to sit out at night having just 5 tables around the pool to house 310 rooms. The only bar is a shack by the tiny pool. I was horrified to watch the pool being cleaned one day by a man standing in the pool with a brillo pad and soapy water, which was mixed in with the pool water. Moments later children were playing in the pool without it being drained. Every night a man would sprinkle some chemicals into the pool. That apparently is all it needs.
Rated as a Thompson 3* the hotel did not have a lot of amenities, which is to be expected, but clean rooms, safe quality food and personal safety should be standard. In saying this staff at the hotel work very hard and try their best to please. I can safely say it has been the worst holiday I have ever been on and would advise people to be careful when booking.
The rooms at the Cassa Laguna were disgusting, dirty, with water pouring in from the balcony, a patio door that didn't lock, no lights in the second bedroom or air conditioning. Eventually we were moved to the Tropical Beach hotel across the road, but under much protest from staff. My group and several others who arrived on our plane complained and we were all moved to the Tropical Beach. The room was better, but once again the patio doors did not lock.
The food is terrible at both of the restaurants in the hotel. There is limited choice of food, and often not enough. The food that is served was mostly cold, and not to a very high standard. Unfortunately 2 members of our party were ill, which we blame on the food, and many other guests at the hotel were also sick over the 2 weeks we were there. One of our party was so ill we had to get the doctor twice, and was rushed off to hospital as soon as our plane landed with gastric problems.
There is little to no room to sit out at night having just 5 tables around the pool to house 310 rooms. The only bar is a shack by the tiny pool. I was horrified to watch the pool being cleaned one day by a man standing in the pool with a brillo pad and soapy water, which was mixed in with the pool water. Moments later children were playing in the pool without it being drained. Every night a man would sprinkle some chemicals into the pool. That apparently is all it needs.
Rated as a Thompson 3* the hotel did not have a lot of amenities, which is to be expected, but clean rooms, safe quality food and personal safety should be standard. In saying this staff at the hotel work very hard and try their best to please. I can safely say it has been the worst holiday I have ever been on and would advise people to be careful when booking.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" We have just returned from a 2 week... "
Submitted By: Mr J Coles
We have just returned from a 2 week trip to this hotel and there were 2 adults and 3 children. We were unsure what to expect after reading some of the reviews that are posted around but we went with an open mind.
This hotel is not a 5 star but it is very clean, in a nice position and is worth every penny. We booked 2 rooms with connecting doors but this was not available when we arrived but was sorted out the very next day. The rooms are very spacious and have A/C and a TV. The food is okay but can be a bit repetitive after 2 weeks but most all-inclusives are the same. The staff are all very friendly and will do their best to help you if you have any problems. The sister hotel is across the road and this is where you have breakfast and access to the beach. Beach sellers are not a problem as long as you are polite and firm with your response. The entertainment is quite boring and is not on for that long but there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied.
We went on almost every trip available and did not use the rep but chose MEL tours who are very good and the price is always negotiable. Trips that are worthwhile are ; Paradise Island, Ocean World, Gri Gri Lagoon, Quads, Marlin fishing, jungle safari. Cabarete is a safe place to visit and my son and I hired a motorbike and went through the local surrounding villages without feeling threatened at all.
Sosua is a good place to visit during the day as the beach is beautiful. It is set in a bay and has banana boats, snorkelling and lots of beach side shops.
Remember to save 20$ each person for departure tax though.
We had a fantastic time and while we met a few people who were unhappy with the hotel we thought for the money that we paid it was worth every penny and we have travelled around the world and stayed in 5* hotels that have not always been quite so good overall.
In our opinion this is a great place to stay. It has everything you need on-site or nearby and is great value for money. £3700 for 5 people for 14 nights all inclusive - you couldn't go to Spain for that!!
This hotel is not a 5 star but it is very clean, in a nice position and is worth every penny. We booked 2 rooms with connecting doors but this was not available when we arrived but was sorted out the very next day. The rooms are very spacious and have A/C and a TV. The food is okay but can be a bit repetitive after 2 weeks but most all-inclusives are the same. The staff are all very friendly and will do their best to help you if you have any problems. The sister hotel is across the road and this is where you have breakfast and access to the beach. Beach sellers are not a problem as long as you are polite and firm with your response. The entertainment is quite boring and is not on for that long but there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied.
We went on almost every trip available and did not use the rep but chose MEL tours who are very good and the price is always negotiable. Trips that are worthwhile are ; Paradise Island, Ocean World, Gri Gri Lagoon, Quads, Marlin fishing, jungle safari. Cabarete is a safe place to visit and my son and I hired a motorbike and went through the local surrounding villages without feeling threatened at all.
Sosua is a good place to visit during the day as the beach is beautiful. It is set in a bay and has banana boats, snorkelling and lots of beach side shops.
Remember to save 20$ each person for departure tax though.
We had a fantastic time and while we met a few people who were unhappy with the hotel we thought for the money that we paid it was worth every penny and we have travelled around the world and stayed in 5* hotels that have not always been quite so good overall.
In our opinion this is a great place to stay. It has everything you need on-site or nearby and is great value for money. £3700 for 5 people for 14 nights all inclusive - you couldn't go to Spain for that!!
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Global Late Deals
" We have just returned from Tropical... "
Submitted By: Mrs H Reynolds
We have just returned from Tropical Laguna beach in Cabarete, the reason I am writing this is to reassure people that the other reviews are nonsense. - from a British respect - take a step back and realise where you are and then start again.
First the hotel - the maids and rooms are spotless - our towels were changed every 1/2 days and our beds made daily and changed - I lost count, - when I got there our fridge had an ice problem and I had water on the floor - I went straight away and they followed me and changed it instantly - it was only excess ice but they changed the whole fridge immediately. The maid was lovely very friendly taking fresh flowers from the garden and placing them in the rooms. Cannot fault in any way a plus
Location - the hotel is sound - entertainment - (animacion) team are the stars - the entertainment is funny and relies on the participation of the clientele, the more outgoing the better although they never push you into anything. Other than that it is on a very limited shoestring so don’t expect west end performances cause they aren’t that!
They made out holiday they bend over backwards for you - I mean to the extreme it was my mom’s birthday - speedy (animacion team) organised a cake and champagne (of course paid for it) and all of them sang happy birthday - we had a Dominican band playing songs and they poured the drinks - it made her day (61st) - a hand mad cake by the chef superb - thanks speedy and crew = he gets married today or tomorrow on the beach and we were all invited I hope it all went well for you!
Food - very well prepared mixed over the road - Italian and Mexican on our side - although very hot and well prepared it was very tiresome - the salad (no one’s fault) had flies (little tiny ones) and the fruit which was over fermented - that’s the heat - there was rice beans curried goat, fish a barbeque on Fridays (very nice baked potatoes and t bone steak) - but one you have had rice and beans twice and pasta three times you get fed up - dinner was chips which suited my son and to be honest it was the only food he ate - breakfast was odd croissants, bread, sausage, - bacon? Eggs everywhere - they made omelettes to order everyday - and twice we had cheeses and potato pie for breakfast which was nice and was a relief from the eggs - the eggy bread was nice
The road - well we travelled with me my disabled mom and a nine year old boy -the road can be a pain especially at lunch time - but only if you make it! - we had to time the traffic to my mom’s capability to walk completely over - sometimes straight away, others 5 minutes but what's the rush? - you see sights that you will never see again - I set you a challenge - how many people can you see on a motorbike ? we saw one complete with a washing machine, surf boards and ladders - you will understand when you go!
Trips we went on the outback trip because we were advised that my mom could not get on the monster truck because of her disability and enjoyed it our rep Jessie was amazing.
Ocean world was the best me and my son swam with the dolphins and my mom had a dolphin encounter ( she stood next to one and hugged it and danced with it) it was amazing she never thought because she could walk well that she would be able to and she did they were great and I made her holiday and ours to see her face .
Friends of ours went to paradise island an thought it was great - we did and thought it was terrible - we had a 4 hour transfer the an 45 miniature boat tide to a sand bank with huts on with a force 10 gale!!! They had 2 hours 40 20 minutes boat and hot sun - I didn’t think it was worth the travel to be truthful although it the personal opinion that counts.
The airport = fantastic single female - disabled mom - 9 yr old boy - fantastic better that England (they left us once they got there wheel chair back and the taxi firm Alborg (wton) let us down on the way back - stranded) we didn’t ask for help it was given straight away - excellent - amazing.
Overall we met some outstanding people - hi to Aldo, Jason Mandy the kids, we all had a great time and the trips to Sosua beach we fantastic , banana boats, donuts, big mables (chairs), we had our own personal gentleman on the beach that looked after us when we went - he fetched the lilos - the drinks, food cocktails, beers - he even arranged a boat to take us to a coral reef and snorkel he was fantastic -
We had a great time and you need to get over you britishness and enjoy yourself the hotel and the people we met and the fun we all had was fantastic - we really had a good time it was fantastic - and no tummy troubles and the pool is inspected and treated daily so no problems there
Have fun.
First the hotel - the maids and rooms are spotless - our towels were changed every 1/2 days and our beds made daily and changed - I lost count, - when I got there our fridge had an ice problem and I had water on the floor - I went straight away and they followed me and changed it instantly - it was only excess ice but they changed the whole fridge immediately. The maid was lovely very friendly taking fresh flowers from the garden and placing them in the rooms. Cannot fault in any way a plus
Location - the hotel is sound - entertainment - (animacion) team are the stars - the entertainment is funny and relies on the participation of the clientele, the more outgoing the better although they never push you into anything. Other than that it is on a very limited shoestring so don’t expect west end performances cause they aren’t that!
They made out holiday they bend over backwards for you - I mean to the extreme it was my mom’s birthday - speedy (animacion team) organised a cake and champagne (of course paid for it) and all of them sang happy birthday - we had a Dominican band playing songs and they poured the drinks - it made her day (61st) - a hand mad cake by the chef superb - thanks speedy and crew = he gets married today or tomorrow on the beach and we were all invited I hope it all went well for you!
Food - very well prepared mixed over the road - Italian and Mexican on our side - although very hot and well prepared it was very tiresome - the salad (no one’s fault) had flies (little tiny ones) and the fruit which was over fermented - that’s the heat - there was rice beans curried goat, fish a barbeque on Fridays (very nice baked potatoes and t bone steak) - but one you have had rice and beans twice and pasta three times you get fed up - dinner was chips which suited my son and to be honest it was the only food he ate - breakfast was odd croissants, bread, sausage, - bacon? Eggs everywhere - they made omelettes to order everyday - and twice we had cheeses and potato pie for breakfast which was nice and was a relief from the eggs - the eggy bread was nice
The road - well we travelled with me my disabled mom and a nine year old boy -the road can be a pain especially at lunch time - but only if you make it! - we had to time the traffic to my mom’s capability to walk completely over - sometimes straight away, others 5 minutes but what's the rush? - you see sights that you will never see again - I set you a challenge - how many people can you see on a motorbike ? we saw one complete with a washing machine, surf boards and ladders - you will understand when you go!
Trips we went on the outback trip because we were advised that my mom could not get on the monster truck because of her disability and enjoyed it our rep Jessie was amazing.
Ocean world was the best me and my son swam with the dolphins and my mom had a dolphin encounter ( she stood next to one and hugged it and danced with it) it was amazing she never thought because she could walk well that she would be able to and she did they were great and I made her holiday and ours to see her face .
Friends of ours went to paradise island an thought it was great - we did and thought it was terrible - we had a 4 hour transfer the an 45 miniature boat tide to a sand bank with huts on with a force 10 gale!!! They had 2 hours 40 20 minutes boat and hot sun - I didn’t think it was worth the travel to be truthful although it the personal opinion that counts.
The airport = fantastic single female - disabled mom - 9 yr old boy - fantastic better that England (they left us once they got there wheel chair back and the taxi firm Alborg (wton) let us down on the way back - stranded) we didn’t ask for help it was given straight away - excellent - amazing.
Overall we met some outstanding people - hi to Aldo, Jason Mandy the kids, we all had a great time and the trips to Sosua beach we fantastic , banana boats, donuts, big mables (chairs), we had our own personal gentleman on the beach that looked after us when we went - he fetched the lilos - the drinks, food cocktails, beers - he even arranged a boat to take us to a coral reef and snorkel he was fantastic -
We had a great time and you need to get over you britishness and enjoy yourself the hotel and the people we met and the fun we all had was fantastic - we really had a good time it was fantastic - and no tummy troubles and the pool is inspected and treated daily so no problems there
Have fun.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Holiday to Dominican Republic was... "
Submitted By: em_uk02
Holiday to Dominican Republic was fantastic, although the hotel was quite disappointing.
The hotel is reasonably close to the airport and situated on a long street of shops, opposite its sister hotel.
On the first day we were placed in a room that had not been cleaned (rubbish in room, belongings left behind, very dirty bath etc), had a door that wouldn't close let alone lock and air con that didn't work.
However, we did complain and after being apologised to, were put in a much nicer room - it was spacious, clean and had a bath, shower, fridge, air con, balcony, and a door that shut!
Food also was disappointing - lack of choice and often cold - except the Mexican and Italian restaurants that could be booked. They were excellent - I would have been very happy to eat there every night.
There was also plenty of entertainment on during the day and night and staff were friendly and very helpful. Bar should stay open longer though!!
On the whole, after the bad room and food experience I don't think I would return but there were some good points to this hotel.
The hotel is reasonably close to the airport and situated on a long street of shops, opposite its sister hotel.
On the first day we were placed in a room that had not been cleaned (rubbish in room, belongings left behind, very dirty bath etc), had a door that wouldn't close let alone lock and air con that didn't work.
However, we did complain and after being apologised to, were put in a much nicer room - it was spacious, clean and had a bath, shower, fridge, air con, balcony, and a door that shut!
Food also was disappointing - lack of choice and often cold - except the Mexican and Italian restaurants that could be booked. They were excellent - I would have been very happy to eat there every night.
There was also plenty of entertainment on during the day and night and staff were friendly and very helpful. Bar should stay open longer though!!
On the whole, after the bad room and food experience I don't think I would return but there were some good points to this hotel.
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" We had booked 18mths in advance. On... "
Submitted By: kn1ghtleigh
We had booked 18mths in advance. On arrival we had been upgraded free of charge. We were on the beach side. What more could you ask for?
Some reviewers state the food was repetitive. The evenings meals were themed. You could go across the road for a Mexican or Italian at no extra charge you just needed to book in advance. The pools were cleaned regularly and the whirlpool was fab.
Towards the end of our second week the breakfast took a turn for the worst when a different chef arrived and they closed the hotel across the road for breakfast.
The beach sellers leave you alone if you ask politely. Hubby undertook some of the free introduction to the sports available. Daily games were played on the beach.
The entertainment couldn't be faulted. Staff were very friendly. Also, the odd local trying to get you to move to another hotel and purchase a timeshare. They don't like to hear you say no but will accept it. Couldn't fault the service at the free bar.
The day time snacks were a bit of a let down. Coffee and tea was provided but if you weren't there when it was put out, you were out of luck.
I injured my ankle a few days before going and staff bent over backwards to assist as I had difficulty walking. Rooms were kept clean. Unfortunately no plug was issued for use in the bath! Air conditioning was a godsend. Plenty of space in the rooms.
Would definitely consider a return trip.
Some reviewers state the food was repetitive. The evenings meals were themed. You could go across the road for a Mexican or Italian at no extra charge you just needed to book in advance. The pools were cleaned regularly and the whirlpool was fab.
Towards the end of our second week the breakfast took a turn for the worst when a different chef arrived and they closed the hotel across the road for breakfast.
The beach sellers leave you alone if you ask politely. Hubby undertook some of the free introduction to the sports available. Daily games were played on the beach.
The entertainment couldn't be faulted. Staff were very friendly. Also, the odd local trying to get you to move to another hotel and purchase a timeshare. They don't like to hear you say no but will accept it. Couldn't fault the service at the free bar.
The day time snacks were a bit of a let down. Coffee and tea was provided but if you weren't there when it was put out, you were out of luck.
I injured my ankle a few days before going and staff bent over backwards to assist as I had difficulty walking. Rooms were kept clean. Unfortunately no plug was issued for use in the bath! Air conditioning was a godsend. Plenty of space in the rooms.
Would definitely consider a return trip.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" The hotel is split into two parts... "
Submitted By: Mr D Glover
The hotel is split into two parts separated by a busy road. The Beach Club side is on the beach and is the place to be and worth the small additional cost of £120 to upgrade and have sea view. The other side of the road is noisy and the rooms are not of a good standard.
Our room was on the third floor and was spotless. It was cleaned everyday, with new towels and bedding changed 3 times per week. The hotel is cleaned what seems to be 24/7 and again is spotless.
The food was good with plenty of variety, which from the reviews I have read, surprised me. It was good quality and was there was always plenty of it.
The staff are brilliant, as long as you are polite to them. Our waiter Roberto was excellent. We did notice that the people who were rude to staff had poor service, but can you blame them.
The beach was clean, although the seawater gave us dodgy stomachs, so best to swim in the pools. You do get a lot of stray dogs on the beach which can be off putting, but they are usually chased off by security.
Do not buy excursions from the beach sellers. The first day we were approached by many sellers but a firm ‘no thanks’ keeps them away for the rest of your holiday.
If you are looking for good excursions then Monster Truck Safari, Ocean World and Saona Island are a must, avoid Paradise Island and Puerto Plata city tour. Make sure you purchase from holiday reps.
If you are looking for a cheap all inclusive holiday with lots of sun, this is an excellent choice.
Our room was on the third floor and was spotless. It was cleaned everyday, with new towels and bedding changed 3 times per week. The hotel is cleaned what seems to be 24/7 and again is spotless.
The food was good with plenty of variety, which from the reviews I have read, surprised me. It was good quality and was there was always plenty of it.
The staff are brilliant, as long as you are polite to them. Our waiter Roberto was excellent. We did notice that the people who were rude to staff had poor service, but can you blame them.
The beach was clean, although the seawater gave us dodgy stomachs, so best to swim in the pools. You do get a lot of stray dogs on the beach which can be off putting, but they are usually chased off by security.
Do not buy excursions from the beach sellers. The first day we were approached by many sellers but a firm ‘no thanks’ keeps them away for the rest of your holiday.
If you are looking for good excursions then Monster Truck Safari, Ocean World and Saona Island are a must, avoid Paradise Island and Puerto Plata city tour. Make sure you purchase from holiday reps.
If you are looking for a cheap all inclusive holiday with lots of sun, this is an excellent choice.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" First things first! What a great time... "
Submitted By: Mr T Watson
First things first! What a great time we had at the hotel! My mate woody, my sister and I set off to the Caribbean on June 9th.
It would be the 1st time we had been on more than a 3 hour flight!, on arrival the airports friendly just remember keep your luggage to yourself because the "porters" can be a bit overboard with what they want for carrying your baggage! Ohh about the hotel, if I had to mention it in two words it would be impossible. The staff really do make the hotel the standard that it is.
No disrespect to the cleaners because the rooms are kept spotless! We met loads of friends over there some of them our ages (23) etc and some of the older folk and we had a great time. The activities are good and all we need is some audience anticipation but if you care to just sit back around the pool bar and catch the sun then there’s no bother!
And plus if you ever fancy a change or to watch your local team on sky TV just pop down to Jose’s Irish bar. Great food. Good prices on drinks and your bill in English pounds. Euros and dollars if you like it.
It would be the 1st time we had been on more than a 3 hour flight!, on arrival the airports friendly just remember keep your luggage to yourself because the "porters" can be a bit overboard with what they want for carrying your baggage! Ohh about the hotel, if I had to mention it in two words it would be impossible. The staff really do make the hotel the standard that it is.
No disrespect to the cleaners because the rooms are kept spotless! We met loads of friends over there some of them our ages (23) etc and some of the older folk and we had a great time. The activities are good and all we need is some audience anticipation but if you care to just sit back around the pool bar and catch the sun then there’s no bother!
And plus if you ever fancy a change or to watch your local team on sky TV just pop down to Jose’s Irish bar. Great food. Good prices on drinks and your bill in English pounds. Euros and dollars if you like it.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" I have arrived back from Casa Laguna... "
Submitted By: Miss C Freestone
I have arrived back from Casa Laguna at the weekend after a two week holiday... I am quite amazed at some of the reviews, I really don't know what these people expect!!
I am 20years old and went with my best friend, and absolutely loved Cabaret. The country itself is poor and some of the sights are quite disheartening, but this will only be a problem if you are ignorant to the poverty in many parts of the world - we should feel grateful that we can afford £600 for a Caribbean holiday.
The hotel was immaculately clean. We didn’t have a great room to start with but we 'politely' asked at reception, and they were totally accommodating. The pools are very clean, and the food was brilliant. I am a fussy eater by most stretches of the imagination but how could you possibly not like something on the menu!!!
The entertainment is a good giggle, and should not be taken too seriously, the entertainment team work really hard to make a fun atmosphere and Wellington, Manuel, Nandito, Kenia, Sexy Boy, Adam and Ricardo are assets to the hotel! I’ve made some firm friends and hope to visit again in the summer.
I think the people who wrote the negative views need to see a bit more of the world before they comment - I have been to many countries in extreme poverty, and contrasting wealth - but it’s the people that count. They are all smiling, happy and accommodating. This hotel allows for all sorts of people, just be yourself and enjoy the relaxing pace, don’t be rude and let things run its course and you wont be disappointed!!
I am 20years old and went with my best friend, and absolutely loved Cabaret. The country itself is poor and some of the sights are quite disheartening, but this will only be a problem if you are ignorant to the poverty in many parts of the world - we should feel grateful that we can afford £600 for a Caribbean holiday.
The hotel was immaculately clean. We didn’t have a great room to start with but we 'politely' asked at reception, and they were totally accommodating. The pools are very clean, and the food was brilliant. I am a fussy eater by most stretches of the imagination but how could you possibly not like something on the menu!!!
The entertainment is a good giggle, and should not be taken too seriously, the entertainment team work really hard to make a fun atmosphere and Wellington, Manuel, Nandito, Kenia, Sexy Boy, Adam and Ricardo are assets to the hotel! I’ve made some firm friends and hope to visit again in the summer.
I think the people who wrote the negative views need to see a bit more of the world before they comment - I have been to many countries in extreme poverty, and contrasting wealth - but it’s the people that count. They are all smiling, happy and accommodating. This hotel allows for all sorts of people, just be yourself and enjoy the relaxing pace, don’t be rude and let things run its course and you wont be disappointed!!
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- Date of Holiday:Apr 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Global Late Deals
" Upon arrival at the hotel, we were... "
Submitted By: Mr L. J. Pearce
Upon arrival at the hotel, we were welcomed at reception in fairly well-spoken English. The check in was easy and efficient and we were told that, because they were busy at the time, we had been allocated a room across the main road in the Tropical Beach Hotel - a better room than we had booked and paid for - and at no extra cost. Both hotels belong to the same complex and, in fact, share the same facilities, dining rooms, etc. but they are on opposite sides of the main road. On the subject of the Main Road, it can be fairly busy at times but is not impassable by any means although guests with young children should be aware of it.
Our room was excellent and, over the course of our stay, it was well serviced with clean towels every day etc. The staff at the hotel were all friendly and helpful and there is always someone on reception at either hotel who speaks sufficient English to deal with most circumstances. Even those few staff who did not speak English, you could share a laugh and a joke with.
The food was excellent and although I have read some complaints about it being repetitive, I certainly did not find this to be so. And there are two excellent restaurants which you can book for an evening meal if you fancy a bit of a change (at no extra cost) - a Mexican and an Italian.
On our side of the road, the beach literally bordered the hotel and, although the waves were quite powerful at times, you could still swim and enjoy yourself in the sea which was clean and unpolluted.
We incorporated several excursions into our stay and, contrary to what your tour operator might tell you, the cheapest and best deals for these are to be found from the local travel agents in the street. The cheapest and best of these we found to be a place called 'Freddie's Tours' which was a shop on the beach side of the main road a few doors down from the hotel. Be warned though - do not buy your excursions from the sellers on the beach. We talked to some people who did and they paid over twice as much as we did for a tour that was nowhere near as good.
On the subject of beach sellers - yes, they are there, but they usually go away with a polite 'No, thank you', the few who did not go straight away will quickly disappear with a slightly firmer (but not rude) refusal.
The hotel has a full and varied entertainments programme available but, if you do not feel like joining in, you are not pressured to do so and are left alone to relax in your own way. We never had a problem getting served at the bar and, even in the busiest periods, we were served within a few minutes waiting - I would suggest that those who are kept waiting longer are those that are rude to the bar staff.
All in all an excellent value for money three star holiday that I would not hesitate in recommending to anyone.
Our room was excellent and, over the course of our stay, it was well serviced with clean towels every day etc. The staff at the hotel were all friendly and helpful and there is always someone on reception at either hotel who speaks sufficient English to deal with most circumstances. Even those few staff who did not speak English, you could share a laugh and a joke with.
The food was excellent and although I have read some complaints about it being repetitive, I certainly did not find this to be so. And there are two excellent restaurants which you can book for an evening meal if you fancy a bit of a change (at no extra cost) - a Mexican and an Italian.
On our side of the road, the beach literally bordered the hotel and, although the waves were quite powerful at times, you could still swim and enjoy yourself in the sea which was clean and unpolluted.
We incorporated several excursions into our stay and, contrary to what your tour operator might tell you, the cheapest and best deals for these are to be found from the local travel agents in the street. The cheapest and best of these we found to be a place called 'Freddie's Tours' which was a shop on the beach side of the main road a few doors down from the hotel. Be warned though - do not buy your excursions from the sellers on the beach. We talked to some people who did and they paid over twice as much as we did for a tour that was nowhere near as good.
On the subject of beach sellers - yes, they are there, but they usually go away with a polite 'No, thank you', the few who did not go straight away will quickly disappear with a slightly firmer (but not rude) refusal.
The hotel has a full and varied entertainments programme available but, if you do not feel like joining in, you are not pressured to do so and are left alone to relax in your own way. We never had a problem getting served at the bar and, even in the busiest periods, we were served within a few minutes waiting - I would suggest that those who are kept waiting longer are those that are rude to the bar staff.
All in all an excellent value for money three star holiday that I would not hesitate in recommending to anyone.
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Tropical Casa Laguna Hotel is lovely.... "
Submitted By: Miss M Metcalf
Tropical Casa Laguna Hotel is lovely.
The pools are large and cleaned every day. The rooms are as nice as the pictures, but ask for a pool view if you can. Food was OK, I am a fussy eater and I didn't go hungry so they must be doing something right. I would recommend the Mexican.
Drinks are plentiful, sometimes you have to wait a long time to get served, but all you need to do is let reception know and they will send more staff.
The Beach was alright. I only went twice. It is just like a hot beach in England, the waves are strong though.
The entertainment staff are friendly. There is always something to do. If you don't want to join in, they will stop asking you within a couple of days.
I would recommend the Dolphin Swim at Ocean World, very expensive, but well worth the money.
The pools are large and cleaned every day. The rooms are as nice as the pictures, but ask for a pool view if you can. Food was OK, I am a fussy eater and I didn't go hungry so they must be doing something right. I would recommend the Mexican.
Drinks are plentiful, sometimes you have to wait a long time to get served, but all you need to do is let reception know and they will send more staff.
The Beach was alright. I only went twice. It is just like a hot beach in England, the waves are strong though.
The entertainment staff are friendly. There is always something to do. If you don't want to join in, they will stop asking you within a couple of days.
I would recommend the Dolphin Swim at Ocean World, very expensive, but well worth the money.
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Oddessy
" We have just returned from the... "
Submitted By: Mr J Lloyd
We have just returned from the tropical casa Laguna hotel in Cabarete, and can truthfully say that we had a great time and the hotel was exactly as was described by Olympic holidays .
The rooms were spacious ,pleasant and regularly cleaned , the staff were pleasant and helpful and while the bar did close at 11 pm you were served as many drinks in that time as you could want as quickly as you could want and no rola cola in sight.
The food was fine a bit repetitive but mainly because we do not like fish which was plentiful, the air conditioning worked all the time and was free ,a charge of 30 dollars was made for a safe, the road outside was easy to cross with just a little extra care than normal and the beach sellers did keep coming to you but were polite and left when you politely declined to buy.
For the price we paid £562 a.i we feel we had a bargain and would go back again although we would rethink if we had to pay a lot more definitely a good 3 star holiday with beautiful gardens.
The rooms were spacious ,pleasant and regularly cleaned , the staff were pleasant and helpful and while the bar did close at 11 pm you were served as many drinks in that time as you could want as quickly as you could want and no rola cola in sight.
The food was fine a bit repetitive but mainly because we do not like fish which was plentiful, the air conditioning worked all the time and was free ,a charge of 30 dollars was made for a safe, the road outside was easy to cross with just a little extra care than normal and the beach sellers did keep coming to you but were polite and left when you politely declined to buy.
For the price we paid £562 a.i we feel we had a bargain and would go back again although we would rethink if we had to pay a lot more definitely a good 3 star holiday with beautiful gardens.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
" We have just returned from the... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Naylor
We have just returned from the Dominican, we stayed at the Tropical Casa Laguna Hotel. Having read reports before we went we have some reservations.
When we arrived we were very pleasantly surprised, the check in was very efficient and we were quickly shown to our room. This was quite large and spacious, a double bed for us and a single for my 11year old son. The back balcony was overlooking the neighbours piece of land which was quite unkempt, but the front terrace more than made up for that, we overlooked the main pool and the stage area, but could also see the bar area and the lower pool. We dropped our bags and went to explore, the pool and the gardens were kept immaculate at all times.
We crossed the 'main road' easily but at times it can be busy and you do need to watch out for the motorbikes. The beach is lovely, the sellers do approach you on a regular basis but a polite 'no thank you' and they move on. If you buy from them barter with them they usually drop the price by 50%. The food at the hotel was OK, yes as others have said a bit repetitive, but you are in another country and you can not expect home cooking, we went with a very open mind, took everything in our stride and had a fantastic holiday. The animation team are brilliant, very amusing and very friendly.
Anyone going, please give Luis, Christopher, Wellington, Kenya, Ellie and Sexy Boy our Love - Phil, Judith & John. We also went on some of the trips- many available, we booked through Hurrah Travel on the main street - cheaper than the reps. The rooms are cleaned every day and the maid are very pleasant, people that did have small problems with rooms or air conditioning units, the maintenance team were quick and effective to repair. We simply did not want to come home at the end of the 2 weeks, other families did though. It would not be everybody’s cup of tea- but if you go to enjoy yourself - you will.
We did not go out in the evenings but some of the younger couples did and had a ball by all accounts - coming back at 5am from the clubs. Talking to other holiday makers there were more people that had a good time than the few that did not enjoy the holiday. If anyone wasn’t to know anything further or more photographs, please email me - I am more than happy to help if I can, I could write for ever, and would go back tomorrow. Thanks
When we arrived we were very pleasantly surprised, the check in was very efficient and we were quickly shown to our room. This was quite large and spacious, a double bed for us and a single for my 11year old son. The back balcony was overlooking the neighbours piece of land which was quite unkempt, but the front terrace more than made up for that, we overlooked the main pool and the stage area, but could also see the bar area and the lower pool. We dropped our bags and went to explore, the pool and the gardens were kept immaculate at all times.
We crossed the 'main road' easily but at times it can be busy and you do need to watch out for the motorbikes. The beach is lovely, the sellers do approach you on a regular basis but a polite 'no thank you' and they move on. If you buy from them barter with them they usually drop the price by 50%. The food at the hotel was OK, yes as others have said a bit repetitive, but you are in another country and you can not expect home cooking, we went with a very open mind, took everything in our stride and had a fantastic holiday. The animation team are brilliant, very amusing and very friendly.
Anyone going, please give Luis, Christopher, Wellington, Kenya, Ellie and Sexy Boy our Love - Phil, Judith & John. We also went on some of the trips- many available, we booked through Hurrah Travel on the main street - cheaper than the reps. The rooms are cleaned every day and the maid are very pleasant, people that did have small problems with rooms or air conditioning units, the maintenance team were quick and effective to repair. We simply did not want to come home at the end of the 2 weeks, other families did though. It would not be everybody’s cup of tea- but if you go to enjoy yourself - you will.
We did not go out in the evenings but some of the younger couples did and had a ball by all accounts - coming back at 5am from the clubs. Talking to other holiday makers there were more people that had a good time than the few that did not enjoy the holiday. If anyone wasn’t to know anything further or more photographs, please email me - I am more than happy to help if I can, I could write for ever, and would go back tomorrow. Thanks
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Olympic Holidays
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The rooms in the hotel are basic but they are clean. (Definitely up to 3* standard anyway). One of our friends wasn’t happy with her ground floor room and the hotel was very quick to move her into a different one at no extra cost. The staff are really helpful and will go out of their way to do you a favour; in fact you will find that with most of the Dominican people.
I agree that the choice of food in the evenings isn’t great, but the food itself is ok – you just get a bit sick of eating the same thing all the time. (There are usually 6(ish) dishes to choose from) . However, this is just the Dominican way of life; the locals eat beans, rice and fried chicken 365 days a year. There is a Mexican and an Italian buffet as well as the international buffet although they did serve pretty much the same dishes most nights in these. If you fancy a nice meal out go to Grill 15 on the beachfront where you can eat steak and lobster with fries and salad bar for $15, in fact everything on the menu is $15 (and I can definitely recommend the T bone steak!).
The entertainment in the evening does finish a bit early (10:30 ish) but the Animation team are fantastic and organise trips out to clubs in Puerta Plata and to the Casino and are always up for taking you down to the bars on the beach if you want to party on. The Beach is buzzing at night with locals and holidaymakers; there are clubs, bars, restaurants etc all with seats on the beach. There are lots of tourist police and it’s nice and safe so I recommend you spend a night in the bars on the beachfront. The casino down the road also has a club and there is a free bus 3 times a night from the hotel to the casino. The animation team absolutely made my holiday so don’t be afraid to join in and have some fun!
One advantage of being in Cabarete is that there are a number of traders selling tours on the beach – your rep will tell you not to book with them as you get bad tours and no insurance but this is not the case. The tours are the same whether you book them with the rep or the beach with the traders and they are much cheaper with the traders. We went to Paradise Island for $40 and a woman on the same trip had paid $85 for her place as she booked with the rep. We booked a lot of our trips with Freddy tours, they have an office on the main street in Cabarete and are very professional and give good prices.
There are a lot of traders on the beach and they do hassle you for the first few days but they will get to know you and stop approaching you, in the meantime a polite but firm “no thanks” will send them on their way.
This was the best holiday I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to go back – don’t let the other reviews put you off!