This is the 5th time we have been to the DR, and this was the best stay yet! Flew with WestJet Vacations, and would go with them again.
Your Arrival:
Arrived with no problems.. no food on flight, but we knew that ahead. Picked WestJet because they flew into LaRomana directly, therefore no LONG bus ride from Punta Cana.. spent 20 minutes on the bus. We booked "Preferred Club" and got separate check in (no crowds at counter),and were in two separate buildings at the end of the resort. The whole procedure was smooth, quiet and efficient. Our luggage was brought up by courteous staff right away. We were unpacked and on the beach in no time. "Preferred Club" also had internet access free of charge and our own congierge, and pool. Very nice
Rooms:
Rooms were exactly like the brochure says.. lovely, clean , and quite roomy. We were on the 3rd floor (No Elevators, so you get your workout)and partial ocean view..Wood loft style ceilings. Beds were Excellent.. My husband has back problems, and the mattress was luxury.(duvets, extra pillows and blankets) Marble floors, large bathroom (Just a shower though) in room fridge stocked with complimentary beer, water and soft drinks, in room safe, your own beach towels, and a wonderful bathrobe and slippers to use. ! all great.. The 1st night, we heard something in the ceiling (bats, birds?), At first, it was cute, by the 3rd night it was creepy! Went down to our congierge and requested a move, and got one with an "Our Pleasure". The staff was wonderful. They gave us a full ocean view room and moved our luggage.
Restaurants and Bars:
At this resort, you don’t have to make reservations at the restaurants. You can eat where you want, as many times as you want. All are open air, except for 2. We didn’t eat at those, because when we go on vacation we want the night air and atmosphere, we can eat at closed in places at home. All the food was good, lots of variety, fresh produce and seafood, steak, pizza, Mexican, Japanese, buffet etc. etc. On all of our other DR trips, by the 4th day, we needed Immodium, but here we had no problems at all. The drinks were top notch, lots of choices, good mixed drinks, made fresh , not from mixes. The bartenders at this resort really hump their butts. They work for their paycheque. They were polite and efficient (we found that a tip at the first of the week made service even better!) Bars and washrooms were everywhere, you didn’t have to walk very far for either. We ate at the burger bar on the beach for lunch, fresh grilled hamburgers with large soft buns, and all the fixings. They also make their own pizzas at the main pool area every day, they were very good also. I have to say something here about the staff at this resort. ALL the staff, regardless of position was courteous, polite and very good at their jobs. "my pleasure" "no problem" "yes, yes" They made you feel like royalty. Your wish is their command.
Beach/Pools/Grounds:
Beach was white beautiful sand. Not very long, but clean. Snorkelling was good a few days, then the wind picked up and the sand was stirred up . Water was warm, went in every day. Had our own beach area with Preferred Club. That was nice. Didn’t have to do the towel saving thing ,The lounges were comfortable and plentiful. Had a bar and 2 washrooms nearby. The grounds were well kept up. Lots of landscaping, tropical plants etc. In the Preferred section, they had soft music coming out of those speakers that look like rocks, so you could just hear it as you walked by. Very nice. We had no encounter with bugs of any kind, just your resident crabs and little lizards. Many of the walkways are covered so you could get from the Preferred area to the main lobby, pool, buffet area with out getting wet if it rains (It did once) The beach is on a bay, and there was security at the end of the hotel property, so there was no being pestered by dominican salespersons.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel:
Lots to do if you want to. Scheduled activities, shows at night, a disco, games, whole area for kids and teenagers. We selected to eat, drink and be merry only (we did catch a very good magic show one evening)! Also, lots of weddings. There was at least one per day, and once there was two. They didn’t interfere with our holiday. They were nice to watch (and feel sorry for some of the grooms who were dressed WAY to warm!) There were stores to shop in and tour desk places to book excursions, a spa, tennis courts, exercise room…. All your wants were taken care of. Every day they printed an itinerary, so you could see all available.
Other Comments:
The grounds were all flat with minimal stairs and lots of ramps..People with wheelchairs were getting around quite nicely. Distance from one end of the resort to the other was not excessive. Some DR resorts you have to walk forever to get anywhere. The only thing we could suggest is that elevators would be nice in the buildings.. The 3rd floor was pretty high some nights! We would go back to Dreams La Romana again.