Allegro Puerto Plata

Very nice clean, love it. I will be returning this year. Big fun pool, and quiet bar pool. ( but lo't of fun...) Love the service. Adults only...whoooooo So went there with B-friend. Beautiful beach..nice bar on beach.... Enjoy

Yesterday, we just got back from our vacation, we had a wonderul time and I definitively would come back to this resort again. The weather did not cooperate too much with us, but besides that everything was like a dream.. What it made our vacation so perfect was the friendliness of people working in this resort, the surroundings and just the entire atmosfere of this place. Please drop me an email if you have any questions..

Hola Amigos Although having the pleasure of staying at the Occidental Jack Tar for one week in july2003{not long enough}My friend and I somtimes i often tended to venture out of the complex. we found Long beach after a swim/stroll in a west ish direction after about half an hour so i guess about 2/3 miles seeing the beachscape change many times from hotels,river deltas,local/tourist market/shack,fruit groves,dumping ground{opps someones lost thier fridge/trainer/knickers}, domincan famlies/lovers/fishermen outta sea. by this time i was thinking a beer would go down now DERN DERN DER the oasis appeared{i can see the pub from ere} a small strip of bars was infront off me. Now usually i would be straight in any kinda bar called the brittaina with bacon &eggs on the board. Even so we ended up being usherd in by a local next door to larger bar with a pooltable{nothing to do with the barmaid honest :-))}. It turned out to be a canadian owned bar where we ended up having such a good time, That it ended up being our local for the majority off the holiday. With the help of the proprieters and Pedro/our usher/pete as we called him we managed to have some fascinating conversation with las locas damos.IMHO If you are singles coulples groups of friends you will be rewarded for making the effort of venturing out of your safe surroundings as long as you use common sense{yes that means leave your medallions at home}anyway that's enough rambling from me even though iv'e got plenty more.If it aint broke don't fix it that's why i know a certain person who's going back on the 20/12/03 for 2 weeks to add to my portfollio:-)Merry Christmas

My boyfriend and I travelled to this resort for New Year's Eve 2002. Since it was the holiday season the resort was very full. It was difficult to get drinks. It was very much like the people were doing you a favour by giving you a drink. As for the rooms, they were filthy, very run down!!!A huge problem was that the bars closed at 12:00. We did not know this before we went down for New Year's. The food was excellent however. Just incredible! Maybe that is where the resort earns its stars.As for the excursions.... take the catamaran and jeep tour. It was out of this world and worth every penny!Just as a side note...the environment was more condusive to families then to young people.

Just returned 02/11/2003 from nine days of sun and fun at Jack Tar Village Playa Dorada. We flew down from Montreal with Air Transat and back with Skyservice arraigned by Signature vacations. The aircraft was packed on the way down but the seat space was fairly roomy. There was a small scare as we landed. As the aircraft was making its final approach to Puerto Plata the engines wound up and we ascended quickly. People on the ground later told us that two aircraft were on the approach at the same time. Nobody from the flight crew bothered to explain this to us and we all were left wondering what had happened. Once on the ground things moved quickly and we were through customs and on the shuttle in no time. Ignore the men in green jackets who volunteer to take your luggage as they only want a commission. There was only one other couple beside us going to Playa Dorada so we did not have to wait long. It was pouring rain on arrival and did not let up till late that night. Thankfully we brought umbrellas. When we arrived at the hotel check in was quick and we waited for the rain to let up before going to our room. There is a small bar across from reception and Carlos let us in to have a drink while we waited. When we arrived at the room we had been given we found that it had a queen sized bed instead of the king we had requested. Also there was no fridge which we also had asked for. Carlos then went back and picked up a key for another room. This room had a king size bed but no fridge. We were assured that one was coming. After unpacking we went to the main bar where everyone else was escaping the downpour. There wasn't a chance to check out the resort in the rain so we hunkered down and waited for morning. Things did not go well that night as the rain came in under the door and the toilet ran all night. The next day we went to the front desk and were given an upgrade to a deluxe room facing the ocean. Things were looking up. The sun came out and that was it for the rain except for during the night when all were in bed. The food at the resorts restaurants was very good but what really made the dining experience was the service. Beginning with breakfast you were greeted by Delico (spelling?) at the egg station who always had a humorous comment for you. You were also greeted in the buffet restaurant by the resident cat who seemed to adopt certain people and would sit with them during the meal. Lunch was available at the beach, the buffet or at the Pizza/Caribbean Grill. All were good and the waiters would quickly fill your water or beer glass as soon as it was emptied. The three a la carte restaurants were open on a rotating basis as the hotel was not very full. I enjoyed the Itallian restaurant however I was surprised to be served mashed potatoes with my veal parmigiana. The black bean soup and the Mahi Mahi available at the seafood or the Caribbean restaurants were our favorites however. Portions of the entrees were fairly large and made it hard to fight through to dessert. Geronimo the waiter seemed to adopt us and his service was exceptional. The beach was fairly narrow and when the tide was in sometime the waves would wash around everyones chairs. The beach is very long and good for a nice morning walk. Our tour representative told us that we could get to the shopping plaza by cutting across where the helicopter tours land. We did this until the last day when we were stopped by a security guard and told we were not allowed across because we were staying at the Jack Tar. We argued with him and went across anyway. The surf was also quite rough while we were there and there was only one day when people could take the catamaran out. I enjoyed the waves they were great for boogie boarding and kayak surfing, but they were strong, and kept many of the women out of the water. The pools were cool and a refreshing relief from the humidity. The whirlpool tub was enjoyable when it was heated but for some reason they did not always turn the heat on. A nice touch at the quiet pool was the waterfall where you could have a drink and get soaked by the falls. Elvis the bartender at the quiet pool was attentive and mixed a mean 151 rum pina colada. The only down side to the quiet pool was two older Canadian couples from Kitchener who loudly complained about everyone else in the pool area. They had been to Jack Tar 22 times and not learned a word of Spanish but felt they were owed everything. We sat at the other end of the pool feeling embarrassed to be Canadian. Nighttime entertainment varied and was enjoyable except for the Karioke night where only a couple of people sang. Thanks to my wife volunteering me I even became part of the entertainment during the magic show. Beside the show which lasted an hour on average there is Bogart's piano bar although we never saw the pianist, the casino and the disco. The casino was fun but never very busy and the one time we went to the disco they were playing 70s disco music. On the flight home we talked to people who had stayed at higher rated hotels who had next to no entertainment so we were quite fortunate in that respect. Our favourite and most attentive bartender was Cornellio who worked at both the main bar and the disco. While researching the trip prior to going down I found a link to the 'Café Cito'. The café is run by an expatriate Canadian and is located a few hundred metres west of the Playa Dorada gate. The beer served here was ice cold and the food was delicious. We had chicken wings for lunch one day and the lobster tails for supper were excellent. Chad at the bar was very helpful in putting things in a Canadian perspective and he also advised us to try the local bus at $20 D.R. instead of the tour to Sosua. He told us that eventually Café Cito will have a place in a new Plaza being built to the west of Playa Dorada on the beach. While we were there we saw that the land had been cleared but not much else. We took Chad's advice and took the bus into Sosua cars, minivans and even scooters stoped to offer us rides for the same price as the bus and told us that the bus when it came would be very crowded. On the contrary when the bus arrived it was easy to get a seat and as well with all the windows open we had a cool breeze. This was my wife's first experience with third world travel and she was a little frightened of the wild traffic. We made it to Sosua in record time and explored the shops and stores as well as trying the much calmer beach. We also went into Puerto Plata one day by taxi and were taken all around town shopping and to the fort with the driver as our guide. There were many stores here and the prices were better than the Plaza at the complex. All in all we had a very good time for the price we paid ($1800 Cdn for 9 nights) and would go back if there weren't so many other places to see. I don't know how packed it is in the peak season but the low occupancy allowed for some special quiet moments. Thanks again to all the staff for wonderful service. One additional point is that although the resort is all inclusive tipping the staff goes a long way. I was told by sources that many Europeans do not tip. If this is because they are unaware that this is an acceptable practice or not I do not know. Just remember that these people deserve somthing to show your appreciation.

Just back from Jack Tar Puerta Plata(was there during the earthquake). It was amazing. Service was outstanding,place was clean and the nightly shows very lively. I got a very good deal from expedia and was very happy with the results. The food was OK but plentyfull. This place is mostly for couples with the majority europeans. The beach is very nice and breezy but no white sand. The ocean was rough but warm. I highly recommend Jack Tar Puerta Plata. I got more than I paid for. If you go please remember to tip, every one working there is nice and I am sure they are overworked and underpayed... bon voyage

My girlfriend and I just got back from Jack Tar on a 5 day stay and I will simply say it was not enough. The weather was bad for a couple of days while we were there but that didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves like we never have before the entire 5 days. "Applauso" is how to sum up the "FUn Staff" who always kept everyone busy with activities in the pool to dart games and various other. Extra special "Applauso" to Coca-Cola (yes that's his name) and Rudy of the Fun Staff for making us feel very welcomed..wish we had met you from the beginning of our trip! If it was raining they even had a rainy day activities board to make sure that you were entertained even if you didn't want to hit the pool in the rain (which we did!). The 2 pools were beautiful and in excellent shape. One of them had a swim up bar where you could relax in the pool with a nice drink. The other one was kind of a party pool which included a volleyball net and was pretty big and spacious. My only complaint about the pools...it closes at 7pm...would've liked to have swam under the stars. But at an all inclusive place were the drinks are free...I guess they don't want any drunken mishaps at night! The open bar was great and while you may not find your favorite liquors like Absolut or Johnny Walker..you will definitely be satisfied with what they serve you...definitely not weak drinks. Hope you like Presidente beer also...they do not have a wide selection of beer. But still a great deal for not paying. I will admit to having a steady buzz from 10 in the morning and all through the evening evry day. Food was excellent....A big hello to Angel in the International Buffet bar which was itself amazing! I was expecting to find a cheesy buffet but no matter whether it wa breakfast, lunch or dinner...it was very pleasing and very satisfying. The food was very good and there definitely was a variety...something for everybody! The seafood restaurant (resevartion required but still part of the all-inclusive) was very romantic. Jaime and Guillermo were very attentive to us, the food itself was excellent and the ambience was perfect as the restaurant was right on the beach! Rumor has it the Italian Restaurant is excellent...wish we would have made it! The Caribbean restaurant was also superb and the service once again top notch! Furthermore the beach was pretty clean...at bit rough in the afternoon hours but the staff said that was due to the storms that were brewing in the area. The staff at the beach was attentive as they brought you comfortable beach chairs upon arriving...plus there were snorkeling, kayaking and jet-skiing at the beach. Even better is that they leave the chairs on the beach at night. I highly recommend if you are a couple to go back to the beach at night and relax on one of the chairs...very romantic! Hammocks around the resort are very cozy as well. The rooms were very clean and very comfortable...our maid service cleaned every day in the early afternoon. The terrace we had was very cozy..sometimes even a warm escape since the Air conditioning was very good and at times froze the room if we were away for a while! Overall this resort is great....the native Dominican people make the place livelier and a bit crowded on the weekends but the resort is not crowded at all during the week which is good because you want space to spread out. The staff is friendly as can be and the activities are plentiiful...basketball courts, tennis courts, pool table, darts, shuffleboard and a piano lounge are a few of the other added features from this place. Finally they have a casino (with a night club next to it!) which is quite entertaining. I may be biased in my opinion because I won 7000 (approx $300) pesos at the Roulette table..but for the small costs that we incurred while there...I was more than covered thanks to the casino! Overall...great time....great staff...great resort....can't wait to go back....APPLAUSO JACK TAR!

We just came back(07/24/03) from a FANTASTIC 6 Day stay and we HIGHLY recommend the Allegro!!! The staff is very friendly and Always smiling, and Always wanting to help. Where do I begin.... We arrived and were greeted at the Front Desk by a warm smile and were brought to our rooms via golf cart, which was a big relief after a long day at the airport. We had a Superior room and it was Fantastic! It was right in the middle of everything and the room's back patio was litterally 10 steps from the swim up bar where Elvis served us our first Pina Colada. I highly suggest you asking for rooms 04.1 through 04.4, or the others nearby, which are the best location. The reason I mention this, is because there are several rooms nearer the front of the property which are further away from the pools/bars/restaurants. The room was Very clean, had a refrigerator, great AC, TV, coffee maker and tub/shower, closet area and cool tile throughout.Everywhere you turned, the staff was always there to help and give information happily. The motivation and undying passion for their customers is something you will never forget.There are two pools: One is the "Party Pool", where there are activities, if you wish to join, and great island dance music, and the main bar. (next to this is the main buffet and one reservations only restaurant)The second pool is called the "Relaxing Pool". This has the swim up bar, a jacuzzi and a small waterfall.There are dart tournaments, morning Yoga classes, poolside jazz-aerobics, water-polo games, shuffle-board and other activities as well.The grounds are constantly being cleaned and are well landscaped.There is also a massage center(50 dollars per hr) which is well worth the price. And a medical center onsite for small emergencies, should you need it.The main buffet restaurant was very clean and offered something for everyone at breakfast, lunch and dinner( the "make your own" hot pasta bar was the Great!). Every meal included native fresh fruits and juices. Breakfast had an omlette station, french toast station, bacon, banana bread , cereals, assorted meats, and tons of other great dishes at lunch and dinner. We never had any upset from any of the food.They have three additional restaurants that require reservations. The Italian was superb!!! Plan on eating at the restaurants inside the complex. as water purification is a major concern. We used the bottled water provided freely by the hotel, and had no problems, and used common sense when eating.There is a beach-bar (Hello Maximo and Jason!) as well where they serve ice- coladas and other tropical drinks. Jason rents watercraft next door. Both give insight to the island and are always smiling.There is also a small casino near the front of the property(about a 4 minute walk from our room). In the daytime, shorts and t-shirts are okay, but you need to wear slacks and a nice casual shirt after 5PM. There are no large casinos nearby, but this was a good thing for us - ha! We stayed busy doing other things.At front drop-off area, there is a billboard list of tours they offer via taxi. A "Must See" is the City and Cable Car Tour. You see the most in the shortest time(3 hours). It includes the amber museum, some shopping in the nearby gift/jewlery stores, and the cable car ride. You have to pay 600 pesos(about 6 dollars) for a ride up and down the mountain. The view on the way up and at the top is awesome!!! Be sure to bring a camera. There is a huge statue of Christ at the top and beautiful land scaped sancuary. We had clouds roll in and got wet, but still enjoyes it. You do not want to miss this.The other tour I would highly suggest is the jeep tour that takes you to the native areas, a beautiful waterfall and then to a restaurant in the country where you eat what the locals eat(beans/rice/fried chicken/plantains, etc). All was very tasty and the free local rum along the ride which was provided by the tour, was well appreciated 80)On a side note, I am typically a "mosquito-magnet" but had very little (if any) problems. I did bring a can of Cutters insect repelllant and used it only once.But one thing I wish to stress: Please Tip Your Friendly Staff and Guides!!! These people work Very hard and give you back service ten-fold. Leave 100 (or more) pesos each day for the maid, tip you bar tenders and servers well. Remember- everything is free to us in the complex, but these people are like bartenders/maids here in the U.S., who rely on their tips - Don't Be a Bad Tourist!!! A Big Hola! to Jason and Maximo at the beach, Elvis at the swim up bar, Ramon, Rafael and All the Fantastic Staff for making our stay memorable and Extremely Enjoyable. Overall this was one of THE BEST and THE FRIENDLIEST Places we've been to, and plan on going back for Christmas. It was well worth our money.If anyone has any questions please feel free to email us.Our Best Regards to Everyone at the Allegro, Tim and Wayne.

Recently enjoyed a wonderful time in the Dominican and Jack Tar. The resort truly exceeded our expectations. Felt like we lived in a village community. The grounds were spacious, with beautifully maintained pools, tropical trees and plants. The staff should really be commended for being outgoing, pleasant and helpful - really tried to make sure everyone was having a good time; food was good, particularly the pasta and pizza; room was ok looking, but VERY clean. We were particularly impressed with the ball boy we discovered we had when we played tennis!! Our location was excellent! Near the plazas and the golf course. The only bad thing was the mosquitos, but what else can you expect in such a tropical area. Overall, we had a great experience and would definitely recommend Jack Tar.

Got back from Jack Tar in April and had the most wonderful time. Food was great, room was perfect, service was superb and it was an all round fantastic time. We met the best people and had so much fun. The room was clean and full of all amenities necessary. 4 restaurants allowed for diversity throughout the trip. Make sure that you take the snorkeling excursion to Paradise Island and really bargain with the vendors on the beach. We picked up some really great art at an enormous steal. No children running around allows for a casual and relaxed atmosphere. You wont regret your decision to go to Jack Tar in Puerto Plata. One small piece of advice. make sure you bring bug spray. The resort does have a convenience store to buy some if you forget, but it is a necessity in the Dominican.