Occidental Allegro Playa Dorada Hotel, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Hotel Information
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Hotel Description:
This charming hotel is found on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, on the magnificent Playa Dorada. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and palm trees, the hotel is only 15 minutes from the international Gregorio Luperón airport, only 10 minutes from the city of Puerto Plata and only one hour from the second most important city, Santiago de los Caballeros. The hotel is surrounded by an impressive golf course, designed by Robert Trent. loading...
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Occidental Allegro Playa Dorada Hotel Reviews
" Brilliant Holiday - would go back again!!!! "
Submitted By: joness05
I travelled to the Occidental Allegro on 17th November for a 10 day holiday with my friend (both single girls aged 28 & 29). Our first impression of the hotel was extremely positive, check in was very quick and our bags were delivered to our room within 10 minutes. Our room was spacious, clean and had more that enough storage for all our clothes, bags and shoes etc. Our room was cleaned everyday and we were given fresh towels each day.
The staff at the hotel were all friendly and eager to help with any requests or queries. Throughout our stay we found all staff (Reception, Catering, Cleaning, Pool, Bar etc) all friendly. The entertainment staff made a huge effort to keep everyone of all ages entertained day and night and a special mention needs to go to Camouflage and Teddy!!
The food was of a really good standard and my friend and I felt there was a wide variety of choices. As well as the main buffet there are three restaurants (Mexican, Italian & Bar and Grill) and you can reserve each of them once a week. We tried all three and they were all a lovely change from the buffet. Our personal favourite was the Italian.
The hotel is directly on the beach and there were always enough sun beds available and the beach was swept every morning for any debris that might have washed up. The only negative of the holiday was the people constantly trying to sell jewellery or excursions. But to be fair once you tell them no they tend not to hassle you.
On the resort there is a Plaza with shops and payable bars, we would recommend Coco Bongos where we had a brilliant nights of dancing and mixing with people from the other hotels.
After reading previous reviews I was a bit worried, but my experience of the hotel and resort was amazing and I would not only recommend this hotel but would go back again.
The staff at the hotel were all friendly and eager to help with any requests or queries. Throughout our stay we found all staff (Reception, Catering, Cleaning, Pool, Bar etc) all friendly. The entertainment staff made a huge effort to keep everyone of all ages entertained day and night and a special mention needs to go to Camouflage and Teddy!!
The food was of a really good standard and my friend and I felt there was a wide variety of choices. As well as the main buffet there are three restaurants (Mexican, Italian & Bar and Grill) and you can reserve each of them once a week. We tried all three and they were all a lovely change from the buffet. Our personal favourite was the Italian.
The hotel is directly on the beach and there were always enough sun beds available and the beach was swept every morning for any debris that might have washed up. The only negative of the holiday was the people constantly trying to sell jewellery or excursions. But to be fair once you tell them no they tend not to hassle you.
On the resort there is a Plaza with shops and payable bars, we would recommend Coco Bongos where we had a brilliant nights of dancing and mixing with people from the other hotels.
After reading previous reviews I was a bit worried, but my experience of the hotel and resort was amazing and I would not only recommend this hotel but would go back again.
Advice: A lovely resort all enclosed so you feel completly safe!!
Activities: Coco Bongo's Nightclub is a must!!!!
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" An Amazing Holday! "
Submitted By: joness05
I travelled to the Occidental Allegro on 17th November for a 10 day holiday with my friend (both single girls aged 28 & 29). Our first impression of the hotel was extremely positive, check in was very quick and our bags were delivered to our room within 10 minutes. Our room was spacious, clean and had more that enough storage for all our clothes, bags and shoes etc. Our room was cleaned everyday and we were given fresh towels each day.
The staff at the hotel were all friendly and eager to help with any requests or queries. Throughout our stay we found all staff (Reception, Catering, Cleaning, Pool, Bar etc) all friendly. The entertainment staff made a huge effort to keep everyone of all ages entertained day and night and a special mention needs to go to Camouflage and Teddy!!
The food was of a really good standard and my friend and I felt there was a wide variety of choices. As well as the main buffet there are three restaurants (Mexican, Italian & Bar and Grill) and you can reserve each of them once a week. We tried all three and they were all a lovely change from the buffet. Our personal favourite was the Italian.
The hotel is directly on the beach and there were always enough sun beds available and the beach was swept every morning for any debris that might have washed up. The only negative of the holiday was the people constantly trying to sell jewellery or excursions. But to be fair once you tell them no they tend not to hassle you.
On the resort there is a Plaza with shops and payable bars, we would recommend Coco Bongos where we had a brilliant nights of dancing and mixing with people from the other hotels.
After reading previous reviews I was a bit worried, but my experience of the hotel and resort was amazing and I would not only recommend this hotel but would go back again.
The staff at the hotel were all friendly and eager to help with any requests or queries. Throughout our stay we found all staff (Reception, Catering, Cleaning, Pool, Bar etc) all friendly. The entertainment staff made a huge effort to keep everyone of all ages entertained day and night and a special mention needs to go to Camouflage and Teddy!!
The food was of a really good standard and my friend and I felt there was a wide variety of choices. As well as the main buffet there are three restaurants (Mexican, Italian & Bar and Grill) and you can reserve each of them once a week. We tried all three and they were all a lovely change from the buffet. Our personal favourite was the Italian.
The hotel is directly on the beach and there were always enough sun beds available and the beach was swept every morning for any debris that might have washed up. The only negative of the holiday was the people constantly trying to sell jewellery or excursions. But to be fair once you tell them no they tend not to hassle you.
On the resort there is a Plaza with shops and payable bars, we would recommend Coco Bongos where we had a brilliant nights of dancing and mixing with people from the other hotels.
After reading previous reviews I was a bit worried, but my experience of the hotel and resort was amazing and I would not only recommend this hotel but would go back again.
Advice: It is a lovely resort and is only 15 minutes from the airport.
Activities: You must visit Coco Bongos. But we also went on the Safri to the Waterfalls which was amazing.
Good for: Beach
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" My boyfriend and I are just back from... "
Submitted By: Miss S Lamont
My boyfriend and I are just back from a holiday here. We had a good time and would reccommend Dominican Republic. Only thing I can say about the hotel is that you get what you pay for! Entertainment staff were very nice, although I can't say the same for the reception staff, who weren't very helpful. Myself and other people we met got flea bites and we were all certain they came from the beds. There are guys that are trying to sell time shares, if your not interested just ignore them as they offer a "free gift" which is you signing up for a $650 fee for time share.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" I cant think where the previous... "
Submitted By: Mr Roger Duckworth
I cant think where the previous commentator stayed. As far as I am concerned this was the best holiday my wife and I have ever had. The rooms were clean and the linen changed every day, The food was varied and a theme e.g.Spanish, Mexican etc was arranged every day. As for the entertainment I agree with the comments of the previous but one commentator they are not the Royal Variety but they tried and were friendly and enthusiastic. As indeed were all the staff. They were friendly, helpful and no reasonable request was too much for them. This was our second visit to the DR and I can guarentee it will not be our last.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Myself, my partner and our friends... "
Submitted By: Miss R Cowley
Myself, my partner and our friends with two children went to the Occidental last September and I can't fault it. If you are expecting 'english' food when you arrive here then more fool you. You need to remember that you are thousands of miles away from the nearest tin of Heinz baked beans! There is plenty of selection and we even got birthday cakes on our birthdays.
Overall our room was cleanly but I do warn you that things can go on the missing list (as in every hotel) if you don't get a safe which works out much cheaper than having money go missing. You need to remember that the cleaners are extriemly poor and are working for next to nothing so we left a tip of a couple of dollars on our pillows.
The trips were fantastic and we booked them with Louis on the beach who you will be able to haggle with. The only problem I found was that there was no regard to the fact that I was pregnant and there was even a girl who could not swim on our trip to the waterfalls so be aware that they are only interested in sell sell sell. I had to wait at the bottom while my boyfriend went leaping off 30ft waterfalls and I was told it would be ok for me to go.
If you do go on a trip the dolphin encounter and paradise island was fantastic. Paradise Island is a long journey though.The buggies are excellent and we had great fun driving through the puddles in the sugar cane fields but don't buy sweets for the children. This may sound harsh but we were accosted by about 30 children who surrounded our buggy and were grabbing, scratching and pinching to get to the sweets and we only just got away!
The entertainment in the hotel is a bit like butlins but the entertainment team (Teddy, Coca-Cola and Stanley) are brilliant at getting everyone to join in and have fun. If you can't have a laugh here with free beer there is something wrong with you!
We enjoyed our holiday so much we have already booked to go back next year with our friends again and my baby, nephew and cousin as I feel it is a safe place for children. There is loads for them to do and loads for the adults to join in with as well like beach olympics, golf and archery and they even present the winners with certificates. They had to stop awardng my boyfriend certificates because he joined in everything so I hardly saw him for 2 weeks (Bliss!)
The local people do come into the hotel at weekends but we never had any problem The hotel just seems busier but make sure you get a sun lounger on the beach. To ensure this you can tip the man $1 and he'll save you the spot you want every day.
Overall we had a brilliant time. For what you pay for in the Dominican you would get a lot less in somewhere like Spain and I would recommend anyone to go here and try it. For those people who moan............let your bloody hair down! Who cares if your pillow smells a bit iffy? You are spending far too much time in bed!
Overall our room was cleanly but I do warn you that things can go on the missing list (as in every hotel) if you don't get a safe which works out much cheaper than having money go missing. You need to remember that the cleaners are extriemly poor and are working for next to nothing so we left a tip of a couple of dollars on our pillows.
The trips were fantastic and we booked them with Louis on the beach who you will be able to haggle with. The only problem I found was that there was no regard to the fact that I was pregnant and there was even a girl who could not swim on our trip to the waterfalls so be aware that they are only interested in sell sell sell. I had to wait at the bottom while my boyfriend went leaping off 30ft waterfalls and I was told it would be ok for me to go.
If you do go on a trip the dolphin encounter and paradise island was fantastic. Paradise Island is a long journey though.The buggies are excellent and we had great fun driving through the puddles in the sugar cane fields but don't buy sweets for the children. This may sound harsh but we were accosted by about 30 children who surrounded our buggy and were grabbing, scratching and pinching to get to the sweets and we only just got away!
The entertainment in the hotel is a bit like butlins but the entertainment team (Teddy, Coca-Cola and Stanley) are brilliant at getting everyone to join in and have fun. If you can't have a laugh here with free beer there is something wrong with you!
We enjoyed our holiday so much we have already booked to go back next year with our friends again and my baby, nephew and cousin as I feel it is a safe place for children. There is loads for them to do and loads for the adults to join in with as well like beach olympics, golf and archery and they even present the winners with certificates. They had to stop awardng my boyfriend certificates because he joined in everything so I hardly saw him for 2 weeks (Bliss!)
The local people do come into the hotel at weekends but we never had any problem The hotel just seems busier but make sure you get a sun lounger on the beach. To ensure this you can tip the man $1 and he'll save you the spot you want every day.
Overall we had a brilliant time. For what you pay for in the Dominican you would get a lot less in somewhere like Spain and I would recommend anyone to go here and try it. For those people who moan............let your bloody hair down! Who cares if your pillow smells a bit iffy? You are spending far too much time in bed!
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" if your looking for fun stay away... "
Submitted By: Mrs L Hoyle
if your looking for fun stay away from this place,i have just come back today after staying for 2 weeks and couldnt wait to get home. The place is filthy,the food is disgusting and the entertainment is tripe. The peddlers on the beach are painful. Our kids caught impetigo from the pool area and all group of 14 had the runs. Worst holiday ever !!! watch out for invites to the vip lounge as this is time share and book excursions at the weekends as the locals come in there droves and use all the facilities and you WILL get treated as 3rd class guest. Would never recomend it to anyone apart from locals
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Just came back from our 2 week... "
Submitted By: Mr J FORREST
Just came back from our 2 week holiday at this hotel and book up again for next year, as have our friends who had been last year as well.
The place is spotless and the staff friendly.The food in the buffet is okay and there is always lots of it, If you dont fancy anything or just for a change there are the a la carte, restuarants as well as a pizza place to choose from.
The only downside we felt was that due to the law out there the hotel does get busy at weekends with locals with weekend passes although that lasts from Friday night to Sunday lunchtime.
Yes the entertainment isnt the Royal variety show, but a couple of rum punches and good company make it "spot on " Get booked up.
The place is spotless and the staff friendly.The food in the buffet is okay and there is always lots of it, If you dont fancy anything or just for a change there are the a la carte, restuarants as well as a pizza place to choose from.
The only downside we felt was that due to the law out there the hotel does get busy at weekends with locals with weekend passes although that lasts from Friday night to Sunday lunchtime.
Yes the entertainment isnt the Royal variety show, but a couple of rum punches and good company make it "spot on " Get booked up.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" We went to Allegro last year i... "
Submitted By: Miss H Browne
We went to Allegro last year i couldnt really give it a rating.
we went for two weeks and in that two weeks one of the weekends was their fathers day. On the weekends the Hotel let the locals in for $20 and that included everything! we hated the weekends you'd always be fighting to get your food but dont let this put you off. if you dont mind eating your breakfast and lunch late you'll be fine. after the reastraunt is closed in the morning and afternoon they open a snack bar by the big pool which is for people who get up late or just dont want to go in to the reastruant! which is quite good ther snack bar has all the breakfast esentails! overall the food was alright and theres nothing to complain about! but as i was saying about the locals on that weekend the whole village come in it was a nightmare! but its okay they are only there from friday night to sunday morning! also there are three restruants but you have to book them in advanced and can only go to they once a week but you dont have to pay! theres a mexican, Italian and a grill. the pools are okay not the cleanest but they'll do. their are two a big main pool and a smaller one which they do arobics in on the mornings. everyone is welcome to join in with this! the pool bar comes in handy too. but the main bar is alful to get surved at during the night. but thats only if your small. you can also help yourself to drinks on the drinks machine. im rely not trying to put you off but the rooms are alwful if your a family there are two smallish double beds. so theres not much room. on the night there will be amature entertainment and a kids disco which i myself enjoyed! I will warn you now thought by the end of the holiday my dad was covered in bites! so be carful because he did cover himself in alot of spray but we are also not sure if it was the bugs in the room because he had them in the morning even when we had the air con on so it also coundnt have been mosqutos!!!!! so take some tablets or somthing before you go but im sure you'll be fine. I would really advise you to go to ocene word to do a dolphin swim it really is worth it and if you do go youve got to buy the dvd its fantastic if you do the dolphin encounter like my mom and sister did it may be a while before your on the screen but its still worth it! i also like the tiger grotto there the tigers are lovely a white one and a normall tiger. (so adorable) i wont tell you all about it beacause i might ruin it for you but please go on that trip then come back and tell me all about it please! i think thats all i have to say about allegro im not really complaing beacause i think we all thought the same its good really you will enjoy yourself please dont let me put you off enjoy your holiday then come back to tell me about it!!!!!!!! H Browne ps sorry to go on
we went for two weeks and in that two weeks one of the weekends was their fathers day. On the weekends the Hotel let the locals in for $20 and that included everything! we hated the weekends you'd always be fighting to get your food but dont let this put you off. if you dont mind eating your breakfast and lunch late you'll be fine. after the reastraunt is closed in the morning and afternoon they open a snack bar by the big pool which is for people who get up late or just dont want to go in to the reastruant! which is quite good ther snack bar has all the breakfast esentails! overall the food was alright and theres nothing to complain about! but as i was saying about the locals on that weekend the whole village come in it was a nightmare! but its okay they are only there from friday night to sunday morning! also there are three restruants but you have to book them in advanced and can only go to they once a week but you dont have to pay! theres a mexican, Italian and a grill. the pools are okay not the cleanest but they'll do. their are two a big main pool and a smaller one which they do arobics in on the mornings. everyone is welcome to join in with this! the pool bar comes in handy too. but the main bar is alful to get surved at during the night. but thats only if your small. you can also help yourself to drinks on the drinks machine. im rely not trying to put you off but the rooms are alwful if your a family there are two smallish double beds. so theres not much room. on the night there will be amature entertainment and a kids disco which i myself enjoyed! I will warn you now thought by the end of the holiday my dad was covered in bites! so be carful because he did cover himself in alot of spray but we are also not sure if it was the bugs in the room because he had them in the morning even when we had the air con on so it also coundnt have been mosqutos!!!!! so take some tablets or somthing before you go but im sure you'll be fine. I would really advise you to go to ocene word to do a dolphin swim it really is worth it and if you do go youve got to buy the dvd its fantastic if you do the dolphin encounter like my mom and sister did it may be a while before your on the screen but its still worth it! i also like the tiger grotto there the tigers are lovely a white one and a normall tiger. (so adorable) i wont tell you all about it beacause i might ruin it for you but please go on that trip then come back and tell me all about it please! i think thats all i have to say about allegro im not really complaing beacause i think we all thought the same its good really you will enjoy yourself please dont let me put you off enjoy your holiday then come back to tell me about it!!!!!!!! H Browne ps sorry to go on
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Great Place to Get Sun
Great... "
Great Place to Get Sun
Great Place to Get Away
Beach disappointed me. a few blocks of walking to other hotels beach was much beautiful than allegro's.
Food was okay as you have to take in consideration how nutral the food has to be in order to cater world wide tourists.
If your European guest then you will get more special treatment than any north american guests.
Friendly staff all around the resort, they treat you the way you treat them, so be friendly and say ola.
Over all this is my first trip to the south and I give it a 7/10 my friends who have been to cuba rated this trip as a 5/10.
If you love the white sand and the turquise beaches please this is not for you. but you do get what you pay for so enjoy.
Great Place to Get Away
Beach disappointed me. a few blocks of walking to other hotels beach was much beautiful than allegro's.
Food was okay as you have to take in consideration how nutral the food has to be in order to cater world wide tourists.
If your European guest then you will get more special treatment than any north american guests.
Friendly staff all around the resort, they treat you the way you treat them, so be friendly and say ola.
Over all this is my first trip to the south and I give it a 7/10 my friends who have been to cuba rated this trip as a 5/10.
If you love the white sand and the turquise beaches please this is not for you. but you do get what you pay for so enjoy.
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Exit.ca
" Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed staying... "
Submitted By: Mr C KAY
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed staying here. I read the mixed reviews with a little concern but found it to be as described in the brochure. The staff were friendly from the second we stepped off the coach to leaving. We were booked in and shown to our room promptly.
The room was all that you could need. It was large and clean with a balcony. Bathroom was clean and the shower was very powerful with hot water 24/7.
There was a deal of renovation going on in some of the accomodation blocks but this did not affect us.
There are 5 restaurants. The main buffet restaurant, grill, mexican, italian and pizzaria. The food was of a good standard although not too varied. the food in the buffet restaurant could become monotonous if not broken up with other restaurants.
The bars were good. the local beer, Presidente was much nicer than expected from an all inclusive. Wine selection was limited, red or white!! I quite enjoyed the red but the wine was like vinegar!! Wide selection of cocktails although these did vary dependent on who made them!! Waiting time at the bar was excesive at peak times and it is advisable to double up on drinks when watching the shows or entertainment.
Both pools were clean and well presented at all times.
The beach was not as I pictured. the beach and sea were quite dirty with branches and litter. We did attend shortly after the flooding so I dare say this accounted for the majority of the mess.
The most annoying part of the holiday were the reps trying to sell time shares or something similar. They try to attract you with a free t shirt and a bottle of wine and won't take no as an answer. If you see "Eddie Murphy" as he introduces himself walk on past!!!
All in all it was a nice relaxing holiday. For the money I would certainly go again.
The room was all that you could need. It was large and clean with a balcony. Bathroom was clean and the shower was very powerful with hot water 24/7.
There was a deal of renovation going on in some of the accomodation blocks but this did not affect us.
There are 5 restaurants. The main buffet restaurant, grill, mexican, italian and pizzaria. The food was of a good standard although not too varied. the food in the buffet restaurant could become monotonous if not broken up with other restaurants.
The bars were good. the local beer, Presidente was much nicer than expected from an all inclusive. Wine selection was limited, red or white!! I quite enjoyed the red but the wine was like vinegar!! Wide selection of cocktails although these did vary dependent on who made them!! Waiting time at the bar was excesive at peak times and it is advisable to double up on drinks when watching the shows or entertainment.
Both pools were clean and well presented at all times.
The beach was not as I pictured. the beach and sea were quite dirty with branches and litter. We did attend shortly after the flooding so I dare say this accounted for the majority of the mess.
The most annoying part of the holiday were the reps trying to sell time shares or something similar. They try to attract you with a free t shirt and a bottle of wine and won't take no as an answer. If you see "Eddie Murphy" as he introduces himself walk on past!!!
All in all it was a nice relaxing holiday. For the money I would certainly go again.
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- Date of Holiday:Nov 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We set off on our dream holiday and... "
Submitted By: Mr P Kearney
We set off on our dream holiday and weren't disappointed. A smooth flight and we arrived just in time for some local dancing late evening.
But nothing could prepare us for the friendliness of the staff. Everyone was so helpful and courteous that you could not help but warm to everyone on the resort.
Activities and fun were in the ascendancy and winning did not go unrewarded. I found myself proud of staying in the hotel and genuinely joining every activity against other hotels with a sense of pride in where I was staying.
The staff worked over their shifts to make sure our stay and that of our (acquired on holiday) friends was the best it could be. We made so many new friends and this was facilitated simply by the friendly collective atmosphere at the hotel.
Food was lovely but make sure you like banana, though there is exceptional choice for the evening meal. Top Entertainment every night, Top Activities, Top Staff, and Top Hotels.
I would give it 11/10 if I could.
But nothing could prepare us for the friendliness of the staff. Everyone was so helpful and courteous that you could not help but warm to everyone on the resort.
Activities and fun were in the ascendancy and winning did not go unrewarded. I found myself proud of staying in the hotel and genuinely joining every activity against other hotels with a sense of pride in where I was staying.
The staff worked over their shifts to make sure our stay and that of our (acquired on holiday) friends was the best it could be. We made so many new friends and this was facilitated simply by the friendly collective atmosphere at the hotel.
Food was lovely but make sure you like banana, though there is exceptional choice for the evening meal. Top Entertainment every night, Top Activities, Top Staff, and Top Hotels.
I would give it 11/10 if I could.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" We were at the Allegro Playa Dorada... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Eadie
We were at the Allegro Playa Dorada last February and thought it was awesome! You have to understand, if you have never travelled to the Dominican Republic, that their resorts are not the same as most other tropical locales; their infrastructure is less developed and therefore the quality of accomodation is lower than most other countries. Nevertheless, the level of service and personal attention from the people of the Dominican is unsurpassed in my opinion.
The rooms are simple but comfortable, and any problems will be fixed eventually. The food at the restaurants and buffet is pretty good and there is enough variety that you won't get too tired of the fare.
The pools are great and the location of the hotel along the beach is excellent. There is great snorkeling down the beach from the resort, and you can take fantastic day trips to Cabarete and Sosua beaches where you can pay a guy to sit with you and watch your things while you swim. He will also bring food and beers right to your chairs! It's a great deal, and an excellent way to talk to the locals and make friends.
The city tour into Puerto Plata is worth it if you want to see the way people live in that city. There isn't much to buy, besides the regular tourist crap, but definitely stock up on rum and coffee. There is so much to do outside the resort, take advantage of it to get a real sense of the area. There are better beaches just 20 minutes away and you can take taxi tours (make sure you bargain).
We absolutely love this resort and the people at it. We had so much fun the last time that we're leaving again in a few days for a two week holiday!
If you're expecting 4 star at North American standards, please adjust your expectations. This resort is well-run, fun to go to and despite the occasional shortage of drinking glasses or poolside chairs, it is the best place we've been to and we'll keep going back.
The rooms are simple but comfortable, and any problems will be fixed eventually. The food at the restaurants and buffet is pretty good and there is enough variety that you won't get too tired of the fare.
The pools are great and the location of the hotel along the beach is excellent. There is great snorkeling down the beach from the resort, and you can take fantastic day trips to Cabarete and Sosua beaches where you can pay a guy to sit with you and watch your things while you swim. He will also bring food and beers right to your chairs! It's a great deal, and an excellent way to talk to the locals and make friends.
The city tour into Puerto Plata is worth it if you want to see the way people live in that city. There isn't much to buy, besides the regular tourist crap, but definitely stock up on rum and coffee. There is so much to do outside the resort, take advantage of it to get a real sense of the area. There are better beaches just 20 minutes away and you can take taxi tours (make sure you bargain).
We absolutely love this resort and the people at it. We had so much fun the last time that we're leaving again in a few days for a two week holiday!
If you're expecting 4 star at North American standards, please adjust your expectations. This resort is well-run, fun to go to and despite the occasional shortage of drinking glasses or poolside chairs, it is the best place we've been to and we'll keep going back.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2006
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Transat
" Firstly we were very happy with the... "
Submitted By: Mr D Nelhams
Firstly we were very happy with the holiday, we travelled from Gatwick with MyTravel who had a 4 hour delay (these things happen), but they were not helpful in conveying information of why we were delayed.
The flight was tightly packed and some people did not have the entertainment screens in the headrest of the seats working. The cabin crew seem more interested in the hard sell of their wares other than the comfort of their passengers. Never the less we arrived somewhat crippled.
The MyTravel Cabin crew did not have the necessary blue entrance visa documents on board(which would have been handy filling them in for your family while sitting about for 8 and half hours, but we had to fill them in before passport control and hand them to the visa control with your $10 per person entrance Tax.
Hold tight to your cases as the local "porters" grab them and move them 1m onto your bus and demand payment.
The drive from the airport and the knowledge of all the bad reviews that you have read make you feel "did we make the right holiday decision". You turn into the guarded entrance of the complex and the barrier drops behind you.
We arrived at our hotel the reception staff were very helpful, we were checked in, collected our safe deposit keys and the bellboy took us to our room.
We had a room overlooking the ocean; it was very clean and was maintained clean throughout our stay. The maids are very honest and hard working and if you give them a few dollars now and then you can be assured that your room will be fresh and well stocked. The rooms air conditioning was a bit noisy but effective.
I cannot believe the previous reviews regarding smelly rooms either we were lucky with our allocation or time of year anyway you really do not want to stay too long in your room with such beauty outside. The weather when we were there was around 95F every day with low or no humidity just a refreshing cool sea breeze.
The food was good well prepared and plentiful in choice. The Italian and Mexican Restaurant were very good eating your dinner overlooking the Ocean was very nice.
The bar staff were very busy and would eventually get around to you, the beer was ok the cocktails more like slush puppies. But if you were thirsty then you would find something you liked.
As you would expect plastic cups and beakers around the pool, but it would have been nice to have a drink in a glass now and then but we acknowledged that glass and bare feet do not mix.
The pools and gardens were very well maintained with staff busy all day with their allotted tasks. They have a large infinity pool, bar and grill within the complex and the larger pool with pool bar by the beach entrance. Every morning the army of staff would be up at sunrise scrubbing, washing, and sweeping the whole area in readiness for you to enjoy the day.
We booked some tours with "Lewis" he is always around the beach entrance. The waterfall, Jungle tour, and Ocean World swimming with Dolphins is a must. We travelled to Paradise Island they said it was 2 and half hours each way but in Dominican hours this is more like 4 and half hours each way. Worth a visit.
As for the staff who are employed to sell time share, a polite no seems to work and actually calling him Mr Timeshare seemed to shame him that he had been rumbled by you. Can't understand how people are so daft enough to go along with them let alone sign up for the promise of a free T shirt (they need to get out more).
Beach was very clean with locals racking the sand and picking up the seaweed and rubbish discarded by holiday makers. Sea was warm-don't swim out too far as undercurrents and possibly very hungry large fish!!
The free Canoes, snorkels and stuff are always available also the bikes in the hotel are fun to ride around on as they are about 20 years old with min maintenance( done by holidaymakers) fixed wheel -no brakes etc.
The entertainment was ok if you have young kids a sort of Butlins participation program but all seemed to enjoy. Not a lot for the clubbers amongst you but we have Ibiza for that!!
Try and speak to the locals in their own language even if just a small amount they respond much better. Change your US dollars into Peso as you need them as they will not change them back when you leave with such excuses as they do not have any dollars today etc.
I can only speak as I see, many Americans in the hotel seemed hell bent on preaching about the service, lack of certain foods and their expectations of staff etc. But in our eyes we had a lovely relaxing holiday with everything we expected of such a lovely place.
If you wish to roam around the hotel finding fault then you should learn to relax, possibly the Dollar exchange rate makes the American visitors holiday costs more so they expect more. I
would not fly with MyTravel again as 8 and half hours of someone trying to sell you scratch cards, soft toys and cigarettes is not a relaxing flight.
Have a great holiday and relax!! Remember your $20 exit Tax per person and Mosquito sticks.
The flight was tightly packed and some people did not have the entertainment screens in the headrest of the seats working. The cabin crew seem more interested in the hard sell of their wares other than the comfort of their passengers. Never the less we arrived somewhat crippled.
The MyTravel Cabin crew did not have the necessary blue entrance visa documents on board(which would have been handy filling them in for your family while sitting about for 8 and half hours, but we had to fill them in before passport control and hand them to the visa control with your $10 per person entrance Tax.
Hold tight to your cases as the local "porters" grab them and move them 1m onto your bus and demand payment.
The drive from the airport and the knowledge of all the bad reviews that you have read make you feel "did we make the right holiday decision". You turn into the guarded entrance of the complex and the barrier drops behind you.
We arrived at our hotel the reception staff were very helpful, we were checked in, collected our safe deposit keys and the bellboy took us to our room.
We had a room overlooking the ocean; it was very clean and was maintained clean throughout our stay. The maids are very honest and hard working and if you give them a few dollars now and then you can be assured that your room will be fresh and well stocked. The rooms air conditioning was a bit noisy but effective.
I cannot believe the previous reviews regarding smelly rooms either we were lucky with our allocation or time of year anyway you really do not want to stay too long in your room with such beauty outside. The weather when we were there was around 95F every day with low or no humidity just a refreshing cool sea breeze.
The food was good well prepared and plentiful in choice. The Italian and Mexican Restaurant were very good eating your dinner overlooking the Ocean was very nice.
The bar staff were very busy and would eventually get around to you, the beer was ok the cocktails more like slush puppies. But if you were thirsty then you would find something you liked.
As you would expect plastic cups and beakers around the pool, but it would have been nice to have a drink in a glass now and then but we acknowledged that glass and bare feet do not mix.
The pools and gardens were very well maintained with staff busy all day with their allotted tasks. They have a large infinity pool, bar and grill within the complex and the larger pool with pool bar by the beach entrance. Every morning the army of staff would be up at sunrise scrubbing, washing, and sweeping the whole area in readiness for you to enjoy the day.
We booked some tours with "Lewis" he is always around the beach entrance. The waterfall, Jungle tour, and Ocean World swimming with Dolphins is a must. We travelled to Paradise Island they said it was 2 and half hours each way but in Dominican hours this is more like 4 and half hours each way. Worth a visit.
As for the staff who are employed to sell time share, a polite no seems to work and actually calling him Mr Timeshare seemed to shame him that he had been rumbled by you. Can't understand how people are so daft enough to go along with them let alone sign up for the promise of a free T shirt (they need to get out more).
Beach was very clean with locals racking the sand and picking up the seaweed and rubbish discarded by holiday makers. Sea was warm-don't swim out too far as undercurrents and possibly very hungry large fish!!
The free Canoes, snorkels and stuff are always available also the bikes in the hotel are fun to ride around on as they are about 20 years old with min maintenance( done by holidaymakers) fixed wheel -no brakes etc.
The entertainment was ok if you have young kids a sort of Butlins participation program but all seemed to enjoy. Not a lot for the clubbers amongst you but we have Ibiza for that!!
Try and speak to the locals in their own language even if just a small amount they respond much better. Change your US dollars into Peso as you need them as they will not change them back when you leave with such excuses as they do not have any dollars today etc.
I can only speak as I see, many Americans in the hotel seemed hell bent on preaching about the service, lack of certain foods and their expectations of staff etc. But in our eyes we had a lovely relaxing holiday with everything we expected of such a lovely place.
If you wish to roam around the hotel finding fault then you should learn to relax, possibly the Dollar exchange rate makes the American visitors holiday costs more so they expect more. I
would not fly with MyTravel again as 8 and half hours of someone trying to sell you scratch cards, soft toys and cigarettes is not a relaxing flight.
Have a great holiday and relax!! Remember your $20 exit Tax per person and Mosquito sticks.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:MyTravel
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Advice: take the tours this is a nice place
Activities:
Good for: Beach