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 This was our first resort vacation. Visited: April 2008 |
| Posted by lisa68 |
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This resort was quoted as a four-star, but was not to our standards of a four-star. It was closer to a three-star.
We were not placed in the room/building we requested. Also, on the web site they offered in-room safes. It was in the room, but we were unable to obtain a key for it the entire stay. Needless to say, we could not lock up our passports. Who runs a resort with not enough keys for the safes?
We went with a group of 19. On many occasions, we were told we could not sit/eat together at the restaurants - and that was a group of eight at the time.
The pools closed at 6:00 pm, so for those who like to swim after supper - pools were not an option. At the child pool area, women where topless - even though the sign read that tops were to be on. There were a lot of topless women at the pools and on the beach area.
The staff was okay. It seemed if we tipped, they fell over us to help. If we didn't, we would wait a long time for our next drink. I found as a female, the female staff didn't smile at me or go out of their way to wait on me - as opposed to how they were with the male guests.
My housekeeping staff was wonderful. I had no complaints there. However, no room had face cloths (bring your own).
We had joined up for some excursions that where cancelled the day of. It was very frustrating. The rooms were not sound proof, either, so you could hear what was going on next door. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 It was horrible! Visited: April 2008 |
| Posted by oferdlips |
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This is not a five-star, luxury resort.
The rooms were superficially cleaned; there were dead flies on the window-sills of the restuarants; the food was passable (at best); and the staff was dismissive or down-right passive-aggressive in their dealings with guests.
Our air conditioning did not work, and it took us calling our agent from the room, and them calling the front-desk to get any help.
Also, the beach was no better than the Jersey shore. Stay away! |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
A Dominican Republic travel review
 Catamaran Banana Republic Excursion Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by zarit |
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I have recently been in Puerto Plata. I had a nice time with my friends.
We did a great excursion - Catamaran Banana Republic. It leaves from Playa Dorada to Sosua Bay. It was a fabulous, sunny day. They have a great staff, give excellent service, and serve a very good lunch. |
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| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| I'd rather be at work! Visited: April 2008 |
| Posted by horrible |
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I had visited Dominican Republic once before, and received high quality service.
Let me start off by saying my room was very dirty. The bathroom needed a good scrubbing. The beds were awful, and the sheets were not changed.
Also, the TV never worked, and the hotel asks you to sign out a remote control!
I am from New York, and it felt just like it when I visited the pool there. And forget about getting any peace - the peddlers keep harassing you to buy stuff.
Also, the food was not so great - when I was able to get some. I thought the tours were a rip off - big time! They had me believing we were going to watch the sun set. We actually saw the "hood". It was a horrible experience.
Lastly, (but not least!) the hotel service was the worst. They never spoke English, and had the nerve to be rude.
Once again, I would rather have been at work instead of the Barcelo Talanquera! For any one who may be interested in coming to this shack - don't! |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| I had a horrible stay. Visited: April 2008 |
| Posted by horrible |
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I can't express how angry I am about my stay at Talanquera. It was the most horrible stay I ever encountered.
Let me start with the room. They weren't clean at all, and the bathroom was digusting. The bed was not comfortable at all, either.
The hotel service was no help. They were not welcoming at all. We had to fight for them to move our room. Once they did that, the room was just as bad as the first one.
I wouldn't recommend anyone to stay here. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| Caution - stay away! Visited: April 2008 |
| Posted by cmore10 |
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I would give this place a negative star if it would let me.
This place was the most horrible place I've ever stayed in. The pictures that were shown were non-existent. The rooms were musty, and the air conditioning did not work.
Also, the employees acted like they hated Americans and Europeans. It seemed like they were doing guests a favor.
It was not all-inclusive. We had to pay to eat in certain areas - and that was not advertised.
In addition, security did not respond when I had items stolen from my room. The management did nothing, either - except to say "Too bad - sorry".
It appeared they had an open door policy, too. Anyone could come off the street for the day. We did not even get to use the pool because of the behavior of the people they let in. They also raided the buffet like they hadn't eaten in days.
I suggest you save your time, aggravation and sanity, and stay away from this hotel. You been warned! |
| 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 It was wonderful. Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by sassafrass |
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The hotel room and patio were spotless. We had fully stocked liquor dispensers, and a fully stocked fridge with water and soda.
You just wake up, drop your stuff on a beach chair, go have breakfast, come back to the beach, and your stuff is still there!
The food was good, but it got old after about the fifth day. I do not eat fish though, which there was a lot to choose from. They had the best donuts and chocolate ice cream ever!
The bartenders and staff were fun, energetic, and helpful.
In addition, they cleaned the beach every morning. There was more sea weed in the water than I would have expected.
Overall, I loved it. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was bad. Visited: April 2008 |
| Posted by ricogoss |
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The service was horrible. The hotel needs more English-speaking staff members.
Also, the rooms are old and outdated. If this is a Hilton property, I am very disappointed in Hilton.
In addition, the hotel needs to cater to guests from other countries other than Spanish nationalities.
We will stay with US hotels from this point on.
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic traveler review
| It will be hard to go anywhere else now! Visited: April 2008 |
| Posted by basilpallisdds |
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After the disgruntled views, I feel compelled to state how absolutely wonderful our stay was in Casa de Campo.
First, let me say that if you're looking for the typical Caribbean resort (long white sand beaches, huge pools, waterslides, and dance contests), this is not for you.
Casa is what I call a resort for adults. It's more than a resort, it's something like a small principality with an enormous staff of kind people willing to serve your every need.
We dined on lobster, filet mignon and sushi, and sipped endless Margaritas. We rode horses, kayaked, tried skeet shooting, saw a polo match, hit golf balls and yes, lounged on the beach.
As for honesty, one day I left my room safe open with cash for the taking! I returned to the room and the maid had notified security who safely locked it up for me. Not a dime was missing.
As for the bill, we had the all-inclusive plan, and left extra cash tips (10% was already included) as we went when we felt it was appropriate.
Check out took one minute, and we were not charged anything more. In fact, they even forgave (didn't charge us!) a couple of mini-bar items. They were gracious people.
I don't understand the confusion on the part of the other travelers in this regard. It might help to actually read the information they provide or ask a question!
We had been here twice before as guests when we did some volunteer work in the country. But this was the first time we stayed as vacationers. I now have trouble thinking about going anywhere else. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was excellent. Visited: July 2007 |
| Posted by jojo |
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Every associate of this resort always treated me with respect and courtesy. The smiles on their faces and joy for life made my family and I extremely happy |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| I had a great holiday, but a nightmare catamaran trip! Visited: April 2008 |
| Posted by mazandco |
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I had a fantastic time. There was lots to do if you like sports or just laying around. This isn't for the clubbing type, though
The food was good, and the people were nice.
Don't book your catamaran trip with Petra at the pool, though. Aguara Catamarans took us out in high seas, torrential rain and driving wind it was both unpleasant and dangerous! A thoroughly sick and miserable time was had by all! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Wow! Visited: March 2008 |
| Posted by dincerm |
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My husband and I just got back from Sun Village (March 23-27, 08). After having been to two Sandals resorts in St. Lucia and Jamaica, I can honestly say, this place ranks at the top of our list.
I cannot describe how beautiful the grounds were, with the cascading pools. Also, the staff was friendly and at our service at all times.
It was quiet, romantic, and clean. also, the food was good and fresh. No complaints, there, especially for the money.
Top shelf liquor was not here. But if they provided it at the price they were charging, they would not stay in business. However, local rum and local tequila tasted great. Just do not expect Jack Daniels.
Please go to this resort, if you are going to Puerto Plata. The spa was out of this world. It was so gorgeous.
In addition, there was a mini bar in the room, and that is a plus for an all-exclusive.
I did not gain an ounce due to all the steps on the property (it is built on a hill). So, if you are lazy or disabled, consider that.
You will love it! I want to go back right now, but Monday is workday! |
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| 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| I can't wait to go back! Visited: March 2008 |
| Posted by barbtallica |
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I just got back from a week-long stay at the Occidental Grand PC. I would definitely recommend it to everyone.
The price was reasonable (though a little more at this time of year due to spring break). The food was really great, too. There was a big variety at the unlimited buffets (even for vegetarians!). Also, the special themed restaurants were really nice.
I am from South Philly, and I swear to you, we thought the food in the Italian place was better than some local places we have been to...and this area is known for Italian food!
The service was top notch. The employees truly went out of their way to help us, and the language "barrier" actually made it more fun. They helped us learn their language, and were very enthusiastic to learn to communicate with the guests.
There were many activities and shows. They also had great pools. And the beach.... it was so beautiful with the turquoise water. It was warm and calm. They had white, soft, sandy beaches and palm trees and palapas to provide shade.
Also, excursions were offered for an extra fee (horseback riding, banana boats, parasailing, etc.). The Mangu night club was really fun. Even if you don't dance, it is fun to people-watch. I would recommend having a few drinks before you go, though as the prices were really high in the disco ($75 for a bottle of cheap champagne!)
I could go on and on, but you will just have to go and check it out for yourselves! |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was amazing. Visited: March 2008 |
| Posted by _beach_babe_ |
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I came here with my parents (as I'm not old enough to go alone). It was just my mom, my dad and me, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to go.
However, there were plenty of things for me to do. I met lots of great people. The disco was a lot of fun, and their shows were very entertaining. I also liked the music they played on the beach.
The Dominicans were very nice, too. |
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| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was a good hotel for the price. Visited: March 2008 |
| Posted by katlvsfernando |
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My fiance and I had an overall great time.
The pool and beach were great. The staff was friendly, and the entertainment at night was good.
The rooms could use some renovations. However, overall, we had a great experience. |
| 8 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was a great resort that was nice and laid back. Visited: February 2008 |
| Posted by tbcan |
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This place gets you away from the hustle and bustle, yet it has a great variety of attractions to keep you relatively busy. It's not the shoppers paradise, but a day trip could fix that.
The staff was amazing and very helpful; and the grounds were second to none. Although part of the beach was damaged and being repaired, we hardly noticed the interruption.
The buffet was better thsn adequete, and the a la cartes were better than most other four star accommodations.
I would visit again in a heart beat, and feel it is a great recommendation for a relaxing getaway. |
| 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| I'm coming back next year. Visited: February 2008 |
| Posted by sami |
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I am 14 years old. I have been back home for a week, and I am already wanting to go back to the Luperon.
My mum, dad and I loved everything here. We could not fault.
I met some locals, and I stayed with them for the whole two weeks I was here - apart from the few days I stayed with my family.
I did not want to leave. I was very upset when I had to say goodbye to the resort and to the people I met.
I will definitely be back in February of next year, and will move there when I am 18! |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was a wonderful experience. Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by juliofernandez |
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I have stayed in this hotel four times.
The location is ideal, and there are good taxi services always available on call. You can walk to the downtown area in five minutes.
The hotel rooms are cheerful and comfortable. The staff at the reception desk, the restaurants, and the business center are very cordial and helpful.
I will be happy to come back here any time. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| I wouldn't recommend Melia Caribe Tropical. Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by lucyball |
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I would not ever come here. They overbooked, and when I arrived at the hotel they did not have a room for me. I had made the reservations in October (for a February stay).
I was not the only person that this happened to. There was a family with a six-month-old baby who did not have a room!
I will never stay at this hotel! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| It's the best for the money. Visited: November 1999 |
| Posted by vitomerenda |
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March 3rd we will go back to this resort, and it will be the third year in a row that we will spend our winter vacations in this resort.
We usually stay 14 days, and we love it. The food is good, they have a white sandy beach, the rooms are clean, and the staff is super. Every time we got off the bus, I had lot of the animation guys calling my name because they still remembered me.
I recommend this resort. |
| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
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Caribbean 
