OK, how do you rate a 3 star property? We got what we paid for (and more) and had a very pleasant experience. Hence, 5 star rating …. Now, if I had booked and paid for 5 star ……
It’s now a two and a half star property and it does that very well. Food and service were beyond expectations. They served Presidente beer on tap and the liquors served were all local. The wine served with dinner was not bad at all. Some days they had Brugal rum and other days Normandy. They don’t use fountain mix and all mix was bottled pop. They do have diet Coke (called Coke Light there). Our room was clean and comfortable. Rightly or wrongly, we felt safe and had no issues with electronic ‘toys’ left out on the charger. The restaurants and bars were clean and service was very good. The resort facilities are ‘older’ but well maintained. We had a very enjoyable two weeks there and would return again without hesitation. The resort is very good value for the money and I’m surprised the place isn’t full.
Room Number:
1214
Room Block:
1200
Arrival:
We arrived at the beginning of a Dominican holiday weekend and the check in desk was packed. Not only that, we had an early flight and our room wasn’t ready yet. They got us banded and off to the bar and lunch. When we returned a few hours later, all was ready and we got our room keys, towel cards and remote for the TV. Desk staff seemed proficient in English, German and French.
Rooms: This year we had a superior room, not a suite. I was a little disappointed because I’d requested the same room as last year, a suite, but that was just a request. However, the room grew on me and after a few days I liked it. A little dated but everything worked. Clean and comfortable. Linens and towels were changed frequently (daily would be my best guess) but there was a period of time between removing the used ones and replacing them with clean ones. One had to plan around this. Unlike last year, washcloths were not provided. Maybe you only get them with a suite.
Restaurants and Bars: One buffet restaurant, one snack bar, one beach club, four specialty restaurants (Italian, Dominican, Creole and Mexican). The specialty restaurants were open one at a time, about three or four days per week. Dress code in effect; reservations required but easy to get. Pool bar, pool swim up bar, lobby bar (not open much), beach club, limited bar in the buffet restaurant. The food was exceptionally good for this star level. I had no complaints.
Beach/Pools/Grounds: The grounds were clean, well groomed and maintained. There were a few storms the second week we were there and a fair bit of seaweed got stirred up on the beach. This was quickly raked and collected when it finally washed ashore. There are two pools (main and children’s pool). These seemed pretty clean and were a pleasant blue colour. The ‘daily’ cleaning appeared to be done early mornings and late afternoons.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel: Didn’t do any this year. Well, we got together with friends who winter over in the city and did a few day trips up to Costambar.
Other Comments: Internet access is free this year. However, the wifi only covers the lobby and pool bar areas. There is some leakage to a few of the guest rooms but I wouldn’t count on it.
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