Dunes Beach Resort Hotel
, Margarita Island
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Dunes Beach Resort Hotel reviews
- Holiday Date:Aug 2009
- Good For: Beach
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Transtar
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2 readers found this review helpful
We stayed at the dunes and had a fantastic time the staff were all fantastic the room was lovely and always spottlessly cleaned. The beach was lovely but the sea was very rough we will be going back for sure. We went for our 30th wedding aniversary we thought we might have got a complimentary bottle of wine or a few flowers but never mind.
Mr&Mrs Simmonds
- Holiday Date:Apr 2009
- Advice: we wiil certainly recommend it.
- Activities: All of the complex
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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3 readers found this review helpful
The Dunes is a large complex, on the opposite side of a headland to a very small fishing village. There is little in the surrounding area, but taxis are relatively cheap, just a few quid to Juan Griego, the nearest town. The sea is quite rough and does shelve quite quickly, so young children cannot really bathe in the sea, beyond a paddle. Our teenagers were fine.
Hotel rooms - We arrived Monday evening and were allocated a dingy room on the ground floor, just across the road from the main building. The bed had a permanent dip in it on one side and the shower only trickled. We asked to move rooms and had to wait until Wednesday lunchtime to get rooms on the top floor of the "tower" building, near the entrance to the resort. Yes some of the rooms are a little dated, but the hotel management are willing to help resolve problems. No complaints about the 2 rooms we had in the tower, we had views towards the lagoon, bay and hills in the distance, although many rooms had little view because of high trees overhanging them. . Air con was excellent in all bedrooms.
Staff - They were all very accomodating. Smile at them and they do smile back, give them a 1 dollar tip and they will be your best friend.
Hotel food - No better or worse than most all inclusive hotels and none of us got food poisoning. I had some gripes, but I am sure this was caused by minerals in the bottled water rather than food, as I got something similar in Egypt.
Drinks - Try the piano bar for the evening. A mozzie and child free zone!
Trips - We stayed for 2 weeks, but spent 2 days of the first week on the overnight Delta/Canaima tour in Venezuela. We booked with Marcos tours, a local travel agent, ask the jet ski man or the restaurant owner on the beach for him. I believe you can email him in advance as well marcostours at yahoo dot com. Don't be put off by the rep who will try to put you off using local operators, as they want you to buy from them. Marcos was significantly cheaper and you get the same trip, but we were collected in a taxi at the hotel reception (5am). No hanging around waiting for a coach that has already picked up at 3 hotels and then goes to another 2 en route to your destination. The taxi driver spoke English and was waiting for us at the airport when we returned. Marcos was extremely helpful and eager to please, he rang when we arrived back at the airport to see if we had enjoyed ourselves. We were extremely lucky to undertake this trip, as the Venezuelan authorities grounded all planes the week before we went and refused to allow planes to land in Venezuela the following week. I would recommend this trip to people with older children only (there was only one child on our trip about 11yrs and there was my 16 year old). It was absolutely superb. Well worth the Yellow fever & Hep A jabs and Malaria tablets (Malarone - no side effects for any of us four). We saw Water buffalo, Toucan, Macaw, Lizards, Red monkeys, Piranha, frogs, a snake, vampire bats (fear not they do not suckle human blood), scorpian and loads of birds and insects in their natural habitat. The guides spoke excellent English throughout our 2 days and were really good at spotting things of interest, especially Antonio, our guide in the Delta. Others staying in the hotel went on guided tours around Margarita with Marcos, you could chose what you wanted to do and see. Remember this is his livelyhood, he isn't going to let you down, or his reputation will suffer. We also booked a snorkelling trip with him, this was a very enjoyable trip as well. We chilled out and met some great people at the hotel, so much we didn't bother going on any other tours. I believe the Coche island is worth visiting, the sea being like a mill pond in comparison with that at the Dunes.
I could go on but...
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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3 readers found this review helpful
we booked here on the recommendation of firstchoice which i am now persuing a complaint against as the brochure details are way off actual fact , the hotel is a timeshare complex and a 2 star one at best , rooms in need of major overhaul , aircon very noisy , we had 3 rooms thru various reason , no hot water , no dial on aircon etc , which were dealt with very professionally , the bell boys ( men ) made our childrens holiday as the kids facilities were mosly out of bounds . all staff are very freindly , and i must admit i do miss them , a note to bear in mind though out side of the complex it is very dangerous do not stray!
it was not what we believed we had purchased and is not a place we would seek to book , totally not us , kindof like butlins here in the uk , food upset my stomach and my family struggled to find any of it appealling , but different country altogether
hats off to these guys they have nothing and a dollar here and their can make their
life a lot better
id like to go back to see the staff at some point but only for that reason , not because it blew me away ( beach wind is like being sandblasted and the sea too rough to be safe ) but because i loved the people
do not go expecting any thing remotely luxurious even drinks are served in plastic kids cups , beer flat and mantarayaa staff totally lazy!
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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2 readers found this review helpful
I must say that Isla Margarita is one of the most wonderfull place I've ever been.
The Hotel
I should advise that the staff there wasn't very sympatic, the weren't smiling and we seemed to disturb the reception every time we had a question. The rooms were not what we expected and i would rate the hotel more like a 3* stars. People there are mostly not talking English, hopefully I do speak Spanish. The night shows were not as funny as other hotels I visited and the day entertainment was poor...not to talk about the non-existing kids club entertainment.
I must admit that the food was very good- best food I've ever eat in a trip. The beach is nothing but wonderfull, very clean. It is a public beach but we never got disturb by sellers. The guy John John who took care of us was very funny. We also did an awesome Safari trip. All my good comments are going to the country itself since landscape are....amazing,wonderfull and fantastic!!
Would I go back to Margarita Island-I sure will. Would I go Back to Dunes hotel and beach resort- Unfortunatly not.
**please be prepared to queue at least 3 hours at the airport!
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Nolitours
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The island itself is beautiful, we took a walk up to a local lighthouse and a day trip around the island is a must.
I would also highly recommend the 2 day trip to the Orinoco Delta and Canaima. This included a flight over Angel Falls and was definitely the highlight of our holiday.
The hotel was ok, some areas where a little disappointing e.g. the pool was slightlyminging with tiles missing and looked like it could do with a clean.
Our room was really small and smelt a bit dodgy to begin. But hey who goes on holiday to stay in their room.
Overall a great place!
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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3 readers found this review helpful
WOW! What can I say!
What a fantastic holiday... travelled to Margarita Island on 18th November and stayed at the Dunes hotel.
I must say that I was a bit worried by first time impressions but had read the reviews so knew to give it a chance! I travelled there with my husband and 2 boys aged 10 and 12.
We had booked 2 rooms but when we got to check in my husband and I were on 1 floor and the boys 2 floors up! obviously this was not acceptable so they did all they could 2 sort this for us (which they did).
The rooms were a bit dated but eh so what! they were clean and comfy! The staff were amazing. They all worked so hard to make the holiday special. I never had to order breakfast! as soon as I entered the restaurant ANGEL cooked me a omelette then 5 mins later a pancake, this happened every morning for 2 weeks. The same at the bar! As soon as we walked in at night ENZO had 2 white wines waiting for us! What a man.
Entertainment staff were great! we’ve hardly ever saw our boys for 2 weeks. They had a whale of a time! They did every activity going and had the freedom to do whatever they wanted. They even started to go out at night before us and even stopped coming to meals with us ( they went with their mates). look out for John the entertainer he went beyond his call of duty to make sure the kids at a fantastic time.
Richard in the beach restaurant was wonderful and even had presents for the kids on the last day! once again we had drinks sent to us before we had even sat down!
We spent most of our time on the beach and YES there was quite a few beach sellers but quite honestly they were no trouble and it was quite good fun bartering with them.
Even if you didn’t buy anything from them they would come a shake your hand everyday and say hello. The shows were a mixture of fantastic and ok but I’ve seen worse! we were happy sitting in the bar and talking.
We went on a few trips. The land cruiser safari was vey educational. The kids learnt a lot on that and it was great to see all the wildlife in its natural habitat. The lost island was ace! my husband didn’t want to go! but once I got him in that mud bath on the island it turned out to be one of his best days on Margarita. My husband and boys went to golf down the road from the hotel and really enjoyed it! Quite cheap as well! The kids enjoyed driving the golf buggy.
Would I go back? You bet I would! Please give the hotel a chance! You won’t be disappointed.
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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1 reader found this review helpful
A very enjoyable holiday with excellent service and good food.
The rooms at this hotel need some refurbishment as some were a little tired, we had to change our room upon arrival, and however this was not a problem for the staff.
The tour operator and rep were absolutely amazing, nothing was too much trouble.
The excursions to the mainland of Venezuela ware really interesting and we were able to see Angel Falls.
A very nice location and also very cheap, with drinks costing as little as 25 pence for a beer.
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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2 readers found this review helpful
After a good flight of 8.45 hours and good service we landed in Margarita. Then 2 hours at passport control, and very hot.
We arrived at the resort tired and hungry and needing a drink, which meet us at reception. Our rep Pete was great, very good at his job and lots of info.
Not sure I would class the hotel as 4 stars, but the staff and entertainment staff are worth there wait in gold. I came back 2 pounds lighter with all that water entertainment.
The shows are ok and the food is ok. The beach is lovely and all was great. esp the day trips we did 4. Swimming with dolphins, Cache Island, jeep, the lost island.
And all we different and all were good. Sorry to go home.
Would I go back? No. too many other places in the world to see.
Or maybe if I win the lottery?
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
Was this review helpful? Yes
Great holiday to the Dunes Hotel, nice food, great staff and great entertainment. I got married at the Dunes on 25th June 2007 and we had a lovely day.
Weather was hot, two bouts of rain for 15 minutes, then sunny again. Entertainment Team are brilliant and don't force you to take part which is good.
Love food at the beach restaurant, try the chicken, and beef mixed at the grill, it is yummy.
Immigration awful though on the way home, be prepared to queue for 5 hours!
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
Was this review helpful? Yes
Our accommodation was in the annex beside the main gate, quite a distance from all facilities.
Hotel room very basic, no balcony, no English speaking channels on TV, although there should have been.
Transport to main complex inconsistent, especially when one vehicle broke down.
Pools were clean, plenty of sun beds. Games going on beside the pools organised by the animation team.
The Beach was picture postcard perfect, but heaven help you when the wind started to blow! The beach boys were bearable and not too persistent.
Bars and Restaurants were excellent, some of the best food that I have been served on holiday.
Evening entertainment shows ranged from poor to excellent.
Tours and sightseeing - Mainland Venezuela, definitely worth the effort to take the two day tour up the Delta and walk behind the waterfall at Canaima, the scenery was breathtaking.
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:First Choice
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The Dunes surpassed our expectations!
We are a couple in the 40/50-year-old range who spent two wonderful weeks at the Dunes Hotel and Beach Resort with our 14-year-old son from 25 December 2006 to 8 January 2007.
THE CHECK-IN
Part of the check-in was done at the airport where the Nolitour representative distributed bracelets and information pamphlets on Margarita. It was then a 40-minute drive to the Dunes where we were rapidly given our room keys as well as our towel coupons and a key to the in-room safe. No deposit was required. We were then escorted to our room.
THE ROOM
A week or so before our departure for Margarita we had sent an email to the Dunes requesting a large room with balcony on the second floor. Hotels usually ignore such requests but this time the customer service manager, Irene Cadenas, responded to our request and we were assigned exactly the type of room we had asked for.
But on our very first day at the resort, our son injured his foot while playing in the ocean. He was carried to the infirmary by the beach staff and from there Irene arranged for a doctor to come to the hotel.
Since our son had difficulty walking, she offered to move us to a ground floor room closer to the hotel facilities. Unexpectedly, we were upgraded to a Junior Suite for the remainder of our stay. Thanks to Irene and Mayra for assisting us.
It was heaven! The room was clean and spacious, towels were changed regularly and an ample supply of bottled water was provided every day. Twice during our stay we notified the chambermaid that the shower was dripping heavily and on both occasions the problem was solved within hours. The staff well deserved the US$5.00 we left in the room once a week.
THE FOOD
We took all our breakfasts and dinners at the main dining room and we always sat outside the dining room where a few tables were set and where we could enjoy the view in the morning. The food was good and plentiful. Nothing fancy but enough variety to satisfy most appetites.
The service was the best we have ever experienced in the Caribbean. The staff was efficient and seemed happy to be doing their job. At dinner we rarely had to ask for our wine glasses to be refilled and the waiters and waitresses went out of their way to please us. We usually left a $1 or $2 in the evening.
We fell in love with the beach restaurant where we had all our lunches. What a view of the ocean! Every day we had the choice between the buffet and the menu. We mostly ordered from the menu but, on occasions, we did enjoy the buffet. Good selection, good food, excellent service.
The staff got to know us and after a week we didn’t have to order our beer anymore. Upon sitting at a table two beers would come right up. We didn’t tip everyday but the service was always the best.
We didn’t try Luciano, the Italian restaurant located just below the main dining room. Every day, hot dogs and hamburgers were available at the bar by the main swimming pool from 12h00 to somewhere around 17h00.
A light snack was served around 16h00 behind the bar located between to main swimming pool and the smaller one. Then a midnight snack could be found at the same location. There was always food and drinks somewhere.
THE POOLS
The Dunes has three pools: the L-shape main swimming pool where most activities are held throughout the day, a smaller and shallower round-shape pool and the little kids’ pool. The pools and surrounding areas were cleaned regularly and we could always find some chairs except in late afternoon when people would move from the beach to the main swimming pool.
A bar was strategically located at each end of the main pool which made it a short walk from anywhere within the pool area. There were always towels available when you needed to replace your dirty ones, even when you showed up a few minutes before closing time.
THE BEACH
The beach is about 1½ km long, very clean with strong waves most of the time. There are a lot of chairs, lots of room and you can choose to sit in the sun or under the palm trees. This is definitely a much nicer beach than playa El Agua where we were last year. There is a bar right on the beach but you don’t even have to leave your chair to get your drinks because they can be brought to you by a friendly staff with a smile.
THE STAFF
The staff at the Dunes is probably what makes this hotel so special. From the chambermaid, the security people, the waiters and waitresses, the bartenders, the entertainers, the front desk staff to the general manager, the staff and management is always smiling and helpful and above all, they make you feel like a friend rather than a guest.
ACTIVITIES FOR TEENAGERS
The recreation room is the meeting place for teenagers and it is where our son made new Canadian, Venezuelan, British and Scottish friends. They would meet after breakfast and then divide their day between the beach and the pool area.
We would have dinner with our son and he would soon escape again to the recreation room to meet with his friends. What a group they made!
IN SUMMARY
Overall, we would rate the Dunes a 4 star hotel, ideal for families as well as couples. It is spacious and clean and the grounds are well maintained.
Would we go back? Yes, we are seriously considering going back next year. Would we recommend the Dunes to our friends? Definitely!
But keep in mind that not everything is perfect in this world or in Margarita or even at home. We chose to forget the departure procedures at the airport and not let this spoil our holidays.
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Nolitour
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6 readers found this review helpful
I read reviews before I visited the hotel and had mixed feelings but intended to enjoy my stay anyway. We got there earlier than check in time but a room was made available for us which I did not expect. Being English speaking there was a little difficulty with communication but there was always someone who understood, although, I do have a little knowledge of spanish. There was transportation to take us around on the facility from one point the next.The resturant staff was very pleasant and efficient.There we never went hungry and I also gained a few pounds. The taste of the food was not always what I am used to in the caribbean but healthy. I loved the desserts most of all. My daughter enjoyed the kids pool. Taxi service is very easy at the hotel for whatever purpose. There was also tour services. The night before we left the hotel we watched a play that was wonderful and fit for Hollywood. My only problem was the cats which gave my daughter who is 4 a fright. There is a great number of cats present on the compound and they also enter the resturant area. There should be some way to keep them out of the resturants. I will recommend this hotel to anyone and everyone and I do intend to visit again.