Casa Marina Reef Hotel

This resort is at best average. It has 2 positives as far as I coud tell. 1 the price and 2 the buffett. After that it goes down hill. The power is a continual problem with multiple black outs occuring at all hours. No remote's in the rooms 1 bottle of water that is suposed to last the week and the worst is that these people never heard of a frozen drink. And I am sorry but how much presidente beer can you drink. And who let these idiots in the white shirts on the compound. Every time you go to the bathroom they want to sell you a time share. And last but not least the unrelenting non stop monsoon like storms that to my surprise last most of April and May. If you must go th the Domenican go to the other side and stay in Punta Cana everything is nicer including the Caribbean beaches and the weather. Very few Americans go down to the Domenican so be prepared with many language and culture differences with the guests.

Most of the reviews that I had read about Casa Marina Reef & Beach Resort helped me choose my vacation as well as provide me with VERY helpful tips. As such, I'd like to help others who are considering Casa Marina Reef & Beach Resort.The resort is officially ranked 3.5 on a 5 scale. I'd say its between 4.0 and 4.5. I paid $695 US dollars (including taxes) for air, hotel, food and alcohol; however, i would have easily paid $1,000 if not more. In other words, its well worth the cost. There are 2 sides to the resort - the beach half and the reef half. The reef half is newer (and better in my opinion) than the beach side. There are 2 entrances/gates --and lobbies-- the beach and the reef. Following is a breakdown of the resort: Rooms - are very basic, but include a phone and cable TV with quite a few channels from the US. They are cleaned daily and in great condition. Other areas of hotel - the lobbies, grounds and buffet areas are extremely clean. staff are constantly sweeping and hosing the grass and walkways. Staff - the staff for the most part were very pleasant. our toilet clogged a couple of times, and maintainance came up within 15 mins. Pools - the main/large pool at the reef is pretty busy during the day. The other 2 pools --by the beach-- are older but less crowded. Buffets/Food - was better than i expected. there was something for everyone. Variety changed somewhat from day to day. For picky eaters there is a large pasta area (various sauces, etc.). Rotisserie chicken is a staple in the DR. Plenty of deserts, fresh fruit etc. Breakfast served 7am - 10am, Lunch served 12pm - 2pm or so. Dinner served 6pm - 9pm or so. Alcohol - cheap brand booze is free, as well as one type of tap beer. I didn't drink excessively, so i didn't mind the set-up. if you're expecting to booze a lot, you'll be disappointed. the bar tenders are slow, and serve drinks in 6 oz. plastic cups. again, i didn't mind. A la Carte Restaurants - when you arrive, you'll receive a coupon book with (1) coupon for each ofry good), Mexican (very good), and Sea Food (terrible). Basically, you get to eat in each of the a la carte restaurants once during the week. The rest of the time, you'll be eating at the buffets. Beach - the beach was great. this was where I spent almost all of my time - less people, a bit more mellow. you can rent umbrellas from Felix (a tall, bald, black guy) for 60 pesos a day (its about $3 USD). the sun is VERY INTENSE, so i highly recommend renting an umbrella everyday. Waves are great. rough for most people and rougher than any place else i've seen in the Caribbean. Tours - All of the tour companies go to the same places (A jeep safari, horseback riding, tour to haiti, tour to paradise island, etc.). DO NOT BOOK A TOUR THROUGH THE COMPAINES IN THE HOTEL. You can book a tour through operators just outside the gates of the hotel for about 1/2 the price. I was leery at first going through someone outside the hotel, but glad i did. I booked a safari trip through "Mel's tours" just outside the "beach gate". They are a professional, legitimate operation! We also changed our money at Mel's. They had the best rate around. The town the resort is located in Sosua (about 15 mins from the Puerta Plata airport). We walked around the town a couple of times. The shops keepers are a bit pushy, but manageable. Personally, I dont think there was much to see in the town, but worth at least one walk through. Other tips/tricks:1) The reef buildings of the resort are better/newer and a bit quieter at night. 2) Book your reservations for the A La Carte restaurants immediately. We waited and almost got shut-out. 3) The buffet at the beach is better/bigger than the buffet at the reef. 4) You're allowed one beach towel per day. Pick up your towel early (by 10am or so). they go fast. 5) Bring a tall empty water bottle with you to the resort. there are free, drinkable water fountains on the first floor of each building. 6) if you want an umbrella, rent it early (by 10am). You can pay for it and go to breakfast. 7 the beach lobby. Its the Miami Herald. 8) if you arrive to the resort on a bus with 100 or so other people, send one member of your party in to check in as soon as the bus pulls up. the rest of you can pick up the luggage. we did this maneuver, and were checked in, had our bathing suits on and were ready for lunch before everyone else had checked in. HIGHLY recommend this move!!!9) Dont walk around outside the resort at night. Take a cab. The locals seem fine, but are pretty poor. Its an unfortunate fact.

Before I start, i would like to say that this website really helped me choose my choice of vacation. Therefore, i would like to help others, in a very honest, opinion filled review. I would like to share my thoughts on the CASA MARINA REEF in SOSUA PUERTO PLATA!I recently got back, and im SO depressed. i had the most amazing time. March 16-23 were the most amazing days of my life. First of all, I am 16 years old. But, i have been planning the vacations for my family, for 5 years now. I always had an interest in the topic. Do not worry, I will share my parents opinions, as well as my 18 year old sisters, and 6 year olds sister. First of all, the resort is a three star. For some, thats not enough. If you are looking for a resort that offers mini bars in your room, or nicely decorated rooms...and other uneccesary details, this resort is not for you.HOWEVER if you are looking for a fun-filled resort, disco, many people, GORGEOUS beach, good food, and cleaniless. then this resort IS for you. I have been to, Acapulco Mexico, Santa Lucia Cuba, Holguin Cuba , and puerto plata as well, in a resort that is now joined with another one.And i believe Casa Marina Resorts are the best.I still have the all inclusive wrist band on my hand, and it has been a week since i returned. I refuse to take it off....because i had such a blast.The resort is located 5 minutes from the city, which includes many shops, bars, and public discos.And is located only 15 minutes from the airport.DONT GET TURNED OFF. my family was a bit worried, that since it is located such a short distance away from the airport, the area will smell of gas, from planes..and other...however, once you arrive, you will notice that the casa marinas beach, is sort of on an angle, and you see that across the ocean, onto the left, that is where the airport is located! So no worries, its beautiful. In fact, its interseting to see planes fly across the ocean everyday. People always stop to take pictures.-----The Beach-----the beach is apsolutely gorgeous. Its private, and is shared with the people staying in the Casa Marina beach club. People staying at the Casa Marina reef, have full access to any of the facilities at Casa mArina Beach club.The beach offers umbrelas near the waters, for those seeking shade. But to get a shady stop by trees, you would have to be further from the water. The waves were what struck my family. As well as the total clean bottoms of the ocean.My sand is brownish, but beautiful. People always complain that in Puerto Plata there is no white sand, but the reality is..its JUST sand...as long as its soft, clean, and THERE, you should not worry. its all about the actual WATER.Some days, the waves were SOO high, people would refuse to go into the ocean.My sister and i however, loved high waves. The key is, to run into the water as fast as you can, so the wave wont catch you, and from there just let the waves LIFT you up and down. There are no words....its the most natural and amazing thing you can do while in Sosua.The entire landscapings there, are INCREDIBLE!....i wont spoil the surprises, you just have to see for yourself.-----The Pools-----There are two pools in this resort. The one at Casa Marina Reef is REALLY big. Volleyball, basketball, water polo, and tons of other games are available. ON ground, and in pool as well. Loud pool area- casa marina reef- quiet pool area is casa marina beach club. -----The Rooms-----The rooms were standard. nothing fancy, but hey, that never bothers us, because the only time your in your room, is when your sleeping, changing, or using the bathrooms.Two double beds, television, a sort of bureau thing, where you can keep your makeup, mirror, chair, BALCONY, which was a PLUS!....bathroom incuded, the towels etc, tub and shower, sink, with plenty of room to put your toiletries, and the room contained outlets. there are no hairdryers in the room, please bring your own. The outlets are located right at the mirror, so its very convinient.The only bad thing about the room where we were staying, was starting at around 9 in the morning, the music and everything starts, and its hard to sleep. Bring earplugs. thats only because we were on the second floor, with a balcony overlooking the poolIf your seeking a quiet room, stay at the casa marina beach resort. -----Food, and Bars-----Within the casa marina resorts, you have full access to any of the bars, or food.There are TWO buffet restaurants, and 3 a la carte. I will explain shortly about the a la carte.There are, a few large bars, and at every restaurant, another included bar. All bars close at 11pm. After that, you can purchase drinks in the city, or simply head to the disco. There is a paying bar there.The buffet restaurants were okay. there was always something for everybody, and a lot of variety. When you arrive, make sure to go to the front desk, and make reservations for EACH a la carte restaurant. they were AAAAAAMMMMMAZING!!! i didnt eat much at the buffets just because i didnt have much appetite. BUt once you eat at the a la carte, all that changes, its AMAZING. The bars offer you any drink you would like, they have great mix's. And the staff is very friendly. DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE ITALIAN AND MEXICAN STYLE A LA CARTE RESTAURANTS!!! my family indulged!...-----Enertainment-----The entertainment honestly sucks here, compared to every other resort ive been to. Some days its good, others its not. All entertainment takes place in the "theatre". this resort actually offers enough seats for everybody. and a full stage. There was one night, where four women, from different countries were chosen randomly to participate in a sort of Pageant, on stage. I was one of them, representing Canada. It was a blast. You had to do silly things on stage, while grabbbing men from the audience, and just making everybody laugh. I heard karaoke night was AMAZING too, but that takes place on Sundays, and unfortunately i arrived and left on a sunday. If people dont want to watch the show, they can head to the disco , where theres a bar, and pool tables, and just a "chilling atmosphere". Some nights that area of the hotel had a live band, games, limbo, and just lots of fun things happening.-----The Disco-----Unfortunately, all bars close at approximately 11pm, and the disco offers a paying bar. The disco is pretty small, but plays great music. People actually exxagerated. the disco is GOOD SIZE. because if you had a bigger one, it would appear empty since ppl would be more spread out.I recommend the discos to anybody 16 years or older. -----Overall----What made my trip amazing, was the people i met, and partied with, however, the beach and everything the actual hotel offers, defintely had a HUGE impact.THIS HOTEL IS AMAZING in everyway.If your looking for fun in the sun, as well as graet nightlife, or a relaxing vacation, or a party-filled one, this hotel is the one for u!~

Hi my name is briony and im 13.I want to tell u about wat i really think of the hotel.I think it is the best hoyel and it is clean big and brilliant. There are lots of activities to do all day long for the adults and the children. I think that casa marina beach is better than casa marina reef because it has much better baby facilites and its a bit more cleaner. The people who work in the hotel are brilliant they are so kind and helpful to you. The kikosk team who do the activites all day they are brilliant and the shows at the night are at a very good qulityI would come back anyday to the hotel and the country and would reccomend it to anybody

Totally amazing!I will definitely be returning to Casa Marina Reef. The view was spectacular, the beach was fabulous, the resort staff was amazing, and the jacuzzis!! WOW!! you couldn't ask for a better spot. My girlfriend and I are in our mid-20's and we had a great time. We met so many people from overseas (generally the U.K.) from all age groups. It's a great spot for couples, singles and families but, I wouldn't recommend this resort to young children just for the fact that the waves tend to be pretty strong down near the end of the beach. There are activities running all day long (if you choose) and there are shows every night but, be fair warned, the shows end at 10:45 and the all-inclusive bars close at 11:00...you do the math. But, the disco is open til' 3:00am every night so, no worries. The food was great, they have a different 'theme' for every night of the week, and the Mexican & Italian a-la-carte restaurants were top-notch!In closing, I DEFINITELY recommend the Casa Marina Reef, and Anthony at the Beach-Bar makes the trip all worth-while.Sincerely,MJO from Steel-town.

We arrived to a warm welcome after a long flight. The staff were friendly and the food was great a good varity. There are plenty of activities available, but plenty of room to relax. Accomodation basic but adaquate. Overall an enjoyable trip and lovely country

Got back from the reef last Wednesday after spending 2 weeks there. Had a great time. The food overall was good, especially the ham and the chicken. Omelettes made while you wait in the morning also were very good. The beer out of the tap at times got tiring so switched to rum occasionally to break things up a bit. The grounds as other reviews have said are very nice, the pools and the cool water jacuzzi tubs also were nice but the jacuzzis tend to pick up oil slicks by late afternoon due to the amount of pre-dinner socializing, great place to watch the sun go down and have 3 or 4 drinks before dinner. The beach is very nice except it seems that all the women who go topless are the ones who should keep the top on, with a few notable exceptions of course :). The same goes for the dudes in the speedos, way too many of those! The locals who work at this resort are way beyond energetic and put in 14 hour days to make it a fun place to stay. The location also is very good. Being in the middle of town made it easy to meet locals who came across as very nice people, beware though, they want your business. If you want to book tours, make sure you check around, the Jeep Safari with waterfall climb was a riot and a great deal for $23US , the river rafting turned out to be a long day, 3 hours on a bus each way for 2 1/2 hours on the river (not much water flowing), too long a day for the amount of time on the water, I would pass on this one unless the river is much higher. Overall, the price made this resort a great deal and will definitely go back next year if a similar deal comes along.

We just returned from a one week stay at the Casa Marina Reef and had nothing but a great experience! The hotel itself is kept clean and the grounds are immaculate. The view of the ocean and Puerta Plata are amazing. The food was great and make sure you book your A La Carte restaurants as soon as you get there... they don't seem to like to fill the restaurant and so there is very limited seating. The italian and the Mexican were great. We did not make it to the Seascape and heard mixed reviews about it. The town of Sosua is great for first time travellers like ourselves. Everyone is very friendly. The markets at the Sosua Beach are an experience. We found that if there was a crowd of people walking around the vendors are much less pushy although they weren't really over the top. Definitely have your conversions straight in your head before you go down there (or anywhere for that matter). Overall, the Casa Marina Reef is an excellent resort and we would recommend it in a heart beat!

Just returned from Casa Marina Reef hotel in Sosua Dominican Republic, best holiday ever, the people, the country, the hotel, beach, pool, food weather was second to none. Very clean, vast choice of food, something for everyone whether you want lazy days or energetic ones, basic but more than adequate rooms, very helpful staff. I would recommend this place to anyone thinking of going to the Dominican Republic, don't think... do it !

Casa Marina Reef is an absolute perfect vacation spot...by far my best vacation ever. No complaints to be had at all, I really can't think of one. The food was good and not repetitive at all, make sure to get up early and reserve a few dinners at the a la carte restaurants, it is worth it! We only made it to breakfast the day we were flying home, but it was good. And who can complain about free drinks? Not us! I'm not sure if its because we were 4 teenaged girls but the bartenders would even mix us special drinks upon request...super friendly. All the staff was more than friendly and also helpful, very personable, and we even became friends with some (poolside staff, entertainment crew, bartenders, every last one treated us like queens). The disco is small but if it were larger it would appear empty as it is solely for this resort and its neighbour Casa Marina Beach. We went every night and it never got old, you can make music requests and you have to pay for drinks but you can work your way around that :) Having the two resorts connected means you have double of everything, two pools, more bars etc. so its great. Do not miss the nightly entertainment, extremely funny and the staff obviously put effort into the shows and love their jobs. The rooms are clean and nice, there is drinking water in all the hallways as you can't drink from the taps which is great. The beach is great too, beautiful sand and water. All in all I would go back in a millisecond, it is a perfect spot for young travellers like myself but also families and adults. There was a mix of ages there while we were there but all travellers were sooo nice and everyone was just having a great time.