Casa Marina Bay Hotel

This is a great place to stay. I was worried because there were no reviews (look under the old name: Casa Marina Bay), and the property had just changed owners. Superb BEAUTIFUL location, spread out in nature, on its own bay, under lush vegetation. The resort has 300+ rooms, 1/3 reserved for French tourists. Amenities are great, 3 pools, 2 buffets, 1 a la carte restaurant (seafood/italien), many bars, watersports, lots of activities and also lots of loungers for those who want to do "nothing" :) Our room was great, facing the beach (worth the extra $50), spacious with a wide terrace. They are in the process of upgrading the property. The grounds are impeccable, raked daily (lawn and beach). The great news is they have their own water purifying center, and they use only purified water in the food and drinks preparation. They re-stock the room mini-fridge daily with water, Sprite and Coke bottles. The food is fine with some pasta/meat prepared while you wait, food selection is great - to please the multi-cultural guests (a lot of Europeans) but service is "a la dominicaine"... The entertainment staff is wonderful. Everyone is extremely friendly. There is a village 10 mns walk away, and the new Samana airport is about 1h30 away. On a practical note, you need the door card to have electricity in the room, but they only give ONE card per room. I suggest that when you go back after check-in to pay for the in-room safe ($15), nicely request a second card (money helps ;) ) so that you can have the mini-fridge and the A/C working while you're away. I was there with my teenage daughter and we both had a blast. Will be back next year! There is internet, laundry, mini-store etc...(PS/ there are a couple of videos of the resort on the net, don't worry if they are in a foreign language, they do a good job at showing the resort/activities)

30+ people traveled to Casa Marina Bay for my daughter's wedding. The bus ride from Santa Domingo was Long, but well worth it! When we arrived ( late evening) we were very cordially greeted. The Seascape Restaurant was open and we were all allowed to order off the menu and were served promptly. The resort is a beautiful tropical paradise! Flowers wherever you look and the beach area is also beatiful. A short walk on the beach to Las Galleras, where shopping is not particularly cheap,but fun things to look at. We took several side trips from the resort. Toured the National Park mangroves and caves by boat, horseback riding in the mountains, and took a boat from the resort to Playa Rincon, a world known beach. Overall our experience was great! The hotel manager and staff all went out of their way to make our stay the best it could be!

For comparison purposes we are a family of 4 with 2 children that are 8 and 13 and this was our 3rd Caribbean vacation together. We arrived at the new Samana airport with no problems on Mar 4th. The bus trip to the resort was much longer then expected at almost 1 3/4 hours including stops at two other hotels. Check in was easy and we had immediate access to our bungalow. Although it was showing its age it was 'okay'. The 3 beds were lumpy and the bed covers didnt fit any of them. The maid service improved as the week progressed, likely as a result of the approximate $2tip and little gifts aimed at children. The buffet was pretty much the same each night but the quality was 'okay'. The lunch buffet was better for the kids but the dinner wasn't tailored to them at all. The Seascape dinner was quite good but the staff just couldnt figure out how to do something simpler for the kids. The kids club was referred to as a jail by both our kids and some friends we met while at the resort. There were no activities outside of the 8X8 room and they all felt as if they were trapped in until we bailed them out early. The France kids were much better served (as noted in many other reviews). Speaking of French... the place is overwhelmed by them (France-French) who live up to their reputation of rudeness and expectation of entitlement. This isn't the resort's fault other then the resort is clearly focused on serving them as a priority....likely because of the rumoured $2Million annual up front payment sent by the travel company called Lookea. There were lots of activities in the beach area (other reviews accurately described the area...it's "okay" but it doesn't compare to Cozumel, Bavaro, or Punta Cana.) Everyone is welcome to do archery, mini-putt (on grass), volleyball etc. The staff was responsive to requests for minor repairs. Most have never had a reason until recently to learn English. Some key individuals can speak some but the majority know very little. They can all communicate with the french. Did I mention how rude they are? Our kids provided content to this review and feel it was "pretty good". They would like to have seen snacks and meals aimed at them of course. The would also have enjoyed the kids disco being open when it was promised at 830 (never opened until 10 or so). There is very very little alcohol in the draft beer and not much if any in the house brand liquor. This ensures NOBODY is drunk but if you enjoy a drink by the pool bring something from home. We feel we grossly overpaid at about $6500 but that, again, is not the resort's fault. Nolitours will be hearing about that this week. In summary, loooong trip to/from the airport, basic buffet, reasonable beach, safe environment, reasonable pool. Would we go again? No. How would we rate it? "okay". E-mail me if you have questions.

We flew in at the new Samana Airport and arrived at our resort in an hour and a half time. The road was in relatively good condition for D.R. The bus ride can be nerve racking for first time travellers to the D.R. as the bus drivers love to pass scotters and other vehicles and it doesn't matter if you are going around curves or up hills. The scenery on the way to the hotel is beautiful. As you are in the tropics it is far more lush than in the La Romana area and you see glimpes of the ocean frequently. Check in was uneventful, you will not see the entrance granduar you see at other hotels, but still quaint. We had an ocean view room and worth the little extra we paid. The room was clean, some tile was chipped and the bathroom was aged, the furnishings were nice although the bed a bit on the hard side and the pillows lumpy. There is also a safe which was $15 US for the week. The air conditioner always worked, toilets were good and in the morning you could have a warm shower, but at supper time you could bet it was usually on the cool side. As the hotel is a bit older you cannot expect more. The grounds were decently maintained. We have seen it more manicured at other resorts. There are three pools in total, a little aged and no swimup bar. Each pool did have a pool bar and plently of chairs. Free towels daily, but don't loose one then you would have to pay. The beach area was excellent in my opinion, the scenery was breathtaking and plenty of lounge chairs. You could walk in a fair distance and it was not stoney or rocky. Excellent for families. You could wind surf, kayak and use the paddle boat free for one hour a day per room. There is a trail that goes into a near by town (15 minutes walk). This trail goes through the resort near the beach and it would not be unusual to see the locals, mainly children, go through on their donkeys/horses carrying their supplies. Surprisingly, they never ask for money. You will also see many people take advantage of the hour free use of the bikes on this trail to go into town. We felt the most comfortable and safe at this resort in the D.R. to step off the grounds and venture around the area and visit the nearby town. One day we rented on the resort a four wheeler ($45 per person). They like to have 2 people on one vehicle but we paid at total $118 and each had our own. Best money we spent, a guide took us through the country side, through small villages, farm land and saw some of the most amazing views ever and then took us too an undeveloped beach (Playa Rincon), even more beautiful than the beaches in Mexico. Here we stayed an hour. There was a make shift restaraunt where you could have something to eat and drink and a bathroom close by. The main negative for me on this holiday was the food. Lunch was my favourite time. I cannot quite pin point the problem, I know I missed the variety in fruits as it was the same fruit all week long. A lot of the foods were "puree", so I always felt we were eating left overs. Any of the fish dishes were just to strong for me to enjoy. Another heads up with this resort is that it mainly caters to the travellers from France and the staff are therefore more fluent in french. There were also a fair amount of German and Itallian travellers. The week were there, there were only 14 adults and 4 children speaking english. If you are there to relax, not gain a lot of weight and just take in the scenery this is the place for you. All in all, for me, for the money we paid, one of the best holidays we ever had!! March 3 - 10 - from Elmira, Ontario

A group of 24 of us went to the Casa Marina Bay (some for 1 week and others for 2 weeks). We had a great time at this resort. While it's been around for a while I've been told it's a newer offering for us Canadian's. I had emailed the resort beforehand asking for a free room upgrade and was pleasantly surprised to be given a bungalow/villa at check in. The room was larger than any hotel room I've been in and was a great way to start the vacation. The room looked exactly like the website photo's so I now know that those rooms do exist. The food was good (though you get tired of it after 2 weeks), drinks were good and the resort itself was kept clean. I was told while there that the resort is about to start a major construction project to basically double it's size from the current 300 rooms (or there abouts). Not sure when it will start or finish but it's supposed to happen. The Italian a la carte was good as well, we went about 3 times and we all enjoyed our meals. The beach was raked each day though the tide didn't go out till around noon so it was an afternoon job. The beach is very long but narrow so most of the chairs are on the lawn above the beach. The only downside to the trip and we were told this (by a staff member) on our last day is that the resort staff have been told to "keep the french tourists happy or lose your jobs". By french I mean France (not Quebec). The french tour company has such a hold on the resort that they have their banners up throughout the resort (which I've never seen before), their own pool as well as their own animation staff. I have no issues with the french tour company as that is what they've worked out with the resort, but until the resort decides that all guests are equal I would not return. Once everyone is seen as an equal I'd gladly return. The above didn't prevent us from doing anything we wanted but it explains some of the little things we noticed (i.e. them being served before others). It sure didn't ruin our vacation as we still had a great time.

Six of us flew out of Toronto on Feb. 3 and enjoyed 2 weeks of complete rest and relaxation!! Staff were most congenial, courteous and spoke good English! We were upgraded to bungalows ... very nice! Kept immaculate by the maids .. very appreciative of our $2./day tip! Food was pretty good .. good selection .. much better than in Punta Cana! About a 7 out of 10. Our excursion got screwed up by our Sunquest rep ... other people at different hotels as well .. so we booked our own tour with cabbie Marcos (out of Casa Marina Bay) from 10 am to 5 pm for $90 for all four of us .. he spoke good English and gave us a commentary on each area of the peninsula as we went. We went cycling twice .. into Las Galeras (local town) and we rented the ATV's with a tour guide ... went up into the mountains and on Playa Rincon ... beautiful beach. The hotel's beach was narrow but you could walk along for a good stretch ... lounges were plentiful and you were shaded by the palm trees when needed. No one bothered us .. the activation staff were fun .. evening shows were "high energy" ... and we enjoyed the interaction with both staff and guests even though most of the guests were either French/German or Italian .. not many Canadians and no Americans while we were there.. however, we were a party of 6 so we made our own fun. Make sure you take plenty of $1 dollar bills for tipping .. these people work hard and get very little for their efforts. The weather was a perfect 10 ... hot, hot, hot!! Rained 1 morning out of 14. Felt very safe at the resort .. the only negative is that the lighting on the pathways has to be improved .. stumbled a few times over craggy angel stone .. but otherwise enjoyed our stay very much! It's an area still in a natural state ... some floating seaweed in the ocean .. they try to clean it up daily .. they need a boat to dredge it .. but the whole area is pretty natural with coral and caves .. tons of greenery .. grass ... sort of unspoiled.

Travelled on xmas day after a 7 hour delay at Gatwick!! The airport is 10 minutes away and ive never slept so much on a two week break in my life It rained every day...sometimes for 5 mins sometimes longer The complex is laid back and guests seemed either British German or French Canadians....There is very little to do except relax. Like most other reviews the place is a little tatty but the food is ok and the drinks wont get you drunk,,,but are fine. Downsides on 3 occassions we saw cockroaches scuttling through the buffet area and a christmas tree was infested with mice. Would I go back...no But if your expectations are realistic you can have a. ok time

Dec,23 to 30th we traveled to Las Galeras, Casa Marina Bay. We flew Sun Quest Sky service out of Toronto. We were the first Sky service flight into El Catey, our plane returned empty! El Catey will officially open in Mid January 07. If you are traveling, be aware that at present there are No services at the airport. No snack bars, shops, not even a pop machine, so stock up with snacks off the plane, for the 1hr 45 min trip to the resort. Check in at the resort was smooth, Nicholas was very willing to assist, but nobody was that experienced in the check in process. Hey, we're here now!! We were 11 people, we booked 1 ocean-view, three garden and one bungalow. We were upgraded two three ocean-view, without asking. We experienced a couple of minor issues that were all corrected right away!The rooms were clean and spacious,the veiw was beautiful, however two of us with bad backs found the beds alittle hard for our liking.Room 1119 had a leak in the bathroom ceiling and the hair drier didn't work .The bungalow lost air condtioning one night, but as stated they corrected it immediately, actually followed us to the room.We later asked to upgrade the last garden view but the hotel had become full. Not a problem as all the rooms were nice! Exchanging $'s, we took travellers cheques(exchange was 30 peso+ $1us. I might just take money the next time. Small bills for tipping.You must buy the safe for the week , its not a deposit? We went to the room and found it non functional which meant a trip back to the desk for a key.( it might have been explained at check in , but wasn't). !( we heard some guest bitching at not having a TV Remote , so you know they would bitch at anything, come on!!!) We arrived at about 3:30 so the lunch buffet was coming to an end and the snacks weren't out yet. we had not fully explained the all inclusive routine to all(kids) traveling with us so,there were 5 upset teenagers( that the food was terrible, our mistake) We took an early dinner buffet, well, it was GREAT, the selection was HUGE!! And the TEENS , all filled up and the whining stopped!! Xmas GALA was amazing, a selection to die for, Duck, Rabbit, Chicken, Pork( stuffed Roast Pig) Turkey and all the trimmimngs, Salad selection was great and always Pasta. The Deserts were cakes, Flans, bars, icecream, fruits ,puddings, always nicely displayed. Wine was out of a jug(alittle sweeter than dry) but a pay wine list was also available. Snacks, daily at the pool, chicken wings, Crepes, fruit, cookies. Bars, main dining room, pool ( at the twin main pools aswell as at the new pool) the disco bar, the outdoor patio by the disco and the beach/ ala carte bar, so you never had to go far! Ala carts were Great, you had a choice of Sea food or Italian!!The Italian was very good as was the Sea food! You should be aware that the fish is not deboned as we would normally like it filletted and shrimp tails are on even in the prepared meals( kids found this alittle bit of a problem).Breakfast, lunch and diner all were great, Huge selections, nobody in our group went hungry, we were usually suffering through a cigar and licquor after every meal!! Activities all on-site made it great! 4 wheeler ride, diving, horse back riding, pool and beach activities all great. I had read earlier reviews that were about snorkeling. This was something we have always done on our trips( usually on excursion/ catamaran). The Aquarium??? Run buy a Japanese gentleman and his grandson, well at first I was a Little upset( having read other comments, its a free ocean?)Well, for 10 euros $12 us at 11:30, 2:30 & 3:30 they guide a snorkeling experience you won't forget. They feed the fish, All kinds of fish , you wouldn't see these fish if they weren't holding there attention. I snorkeled, the bay on my own, and there was nothing but sea grass!! I saw one, small fish, one starfish, on my own. So, at the price of $12us several of the 1st timers went a couple of times. They only take 6-8 people at a time so they aren't making a killing( a great wage for there), but they are offering a service otherwise not available! They also keep a watchful eye on the bay and you will see them putting the run on the Spear fishermen when ever they get close to the markered area! We did have an issue with the wind surfing( non motorized sports free) well be prepared!!! Who goes to the beach will 4000peso . They wanted a deposit on the board and an hour lesson. We got away with the 3000 deposit but they demanded the teens to take the lesson. And they watched that we didn't let anyone else try the board. This was the only downside , but you should be aware. Some night shows were good some not so, but we did so much and played so hard we were usually down by 10pm. The kids did the disco a couple of nights, 5 of them hand no trouble and felt safe all the time! The resort was better than advertised, property was great for walking and getting around for all ages. The beach was very nice, but not as nice as some we have stayed at. Yes the Sea Grass does lie on the beach at low tide, they did start to rake the beach but the floor of the bay is covered in the grass. I don't think there is much that can be done. The bay is shallow and there is alot of swimmimg area that is grass free. Alot of the arobics are done in these areas in the water.The resort was full but neither the beach or pools seemed crowded.( we got the same spot each day at the beach and pool), Loungers and chairs were always available,equipment was great. Vender ar few ( at the moment. The Boss Mr. King, seems to control the site for now. He has one other guy selling with him, the typical stuff, and a cigar guy. They also have a craft night in the lobby, Everything is expensive, so take the price and start at 1/2 is were you will likely but it. If you have good SLIGHTLY used stuff try and trade. I had a pair of nike sandels ( Hurt my feet), I traded for a box of cigars) They all wanted to trade for our insulated mugs( take extra for your favorite staff) we bought some at Cnd Tire got the local sign shop at home to Lable them, we gave them to our friends how traveled with us. Every bar tender, beach staff who saw them wanted one! They all wanted to have our ball caps, so if you have stuff at home, and you want to donate it, pack it, it will find an appreciated home on your trip!Staff was great( spoke less English, than anything else) but you eventually got what you were after. Canadians were always the loadest at games and challenges, but seemed to be the most relaxed! We heard compaining from some individuals( couldn't understand, their language,( we only speak English) but you could always see somebody else who couldn't believe the behavior( it was usually another Canadian in disbelief). People cut in line for toast, towels , at the bar, what's the rush!!!Relax, its the Dominican Way, and really, were do you have to be in such a rush!!! We would recommend Casa Marina Bay as a family resort, something for all ages. Have a great New Year to all, and enjoy Casa Marina Bay. Smarty

This hotel is not bargain. You get what you pay for. The management and service are far from being perfect. First of all, they are renovating rooms and have built 2 new buidings. Those new buildings have very nice rooms with a good A/C system and really nice bathrooms. However these rooms are only offered to customers from the French "Look Voyages" club. Therefore if you book your room in the US, you won't be able to obtain these new rooms. We booked, with Expedia, a garden view room. We got 2 rooms in building no. 1. We got a 1st room where the A/C was not working, the door was not locking, and the bathtub had a hole around the faucet. Plus they put us in a room on the second floor, even if we were travelling with an infant and a toddler, and therefore a stroller. We asked to change rooms. We were able to get another room 2 days later. The day we got our new room, they asked us to come 4 times to the reception to check if they was a room available. The second room was OK, but the bay window did not lock and the A/C was not really working. In terms of accomodation, you get what you pay for. Also when we got the crib for the baby, they provided the first night a towel instead of a sheet. "Look voyages" unfortunately provides entertainment. It's really cheesy and loud. In the main dining room, they start at 8:30 p.m. and it's really really loud. They play the "chicken dance" for instance. They also provide aerobics classes with loud music on the beach during the day. Otherwise the food was OK. The wines were not good, but you can get better wines at the restaurant if you pay separately for them. The service at the main dining room and restaurant was a little slow but that's fine because you're on vacation and it's the Caribean afterall. The landscaping of the resort was nice. One very important note: the Santo Domingo airport is 5 and a half hour away from the hotel by taxi ride. Samana is 45 minutes away and the closest place with an ATM. To summarize, this place is not a bargain. The service is far from being great.

Room...excellent! Food...incredible! Beach...memorable! It was just all incredible and excellent. Staff really friendly and helpful! Had a great itme which i will remember for the rest of my life! Good job, Casa Marina Bay!