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Club on the Beach - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: sunset july/august 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : morris family (44,36,13

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

just arrived back from dom rep, when we arrived at the hotel we were offered 2 different rooms 1 with two double beds or 1 fold away and a balcony we opted for the balcony and we think was the better choice as it seemed much bigger. 

staff were very friendly, and the entertainment team were very hard working especially at weekends, that is when the local people arrive for the w/end .they do take over the hotel a little bit, but if you treat them the same way as they treat you they seem to back off a bit!

The hotel was taken over 6 months ago and is just starting renovation work all over as it needs tidying up a bit. Overall we had a great time and we thought the food was very good, it was always piping hot. the only let down were the drinks which were served in plastic cups most of the time and the cups were full of ICE instead of the drink you ordered, so after 5 minutes the drink was totally watered down.If you book any trips go to the beach, you can barter a bit and they're half the price the rep sells them for.  

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Club on the Green (Occidental Caribbean Village) - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: sunmaster -march 2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : katrina,nick,jordan (38,37,10 )

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

this hotel should be condemed,the rooms are damp,filthy and when it rains the rooms leak and sewrage comes overflowing from the toilet, the food is minimal and if you are a none meat eater then you will have to make do with salad and swetty cheese.when it rains unless you have a room near the actuall center of the hotel then tou need wellies and a brolly cause like us we had to wade through mucky water up to our knees to get over to the main part of the hotel to eat and drink. the hotel staff do not give a dam about the brits but will go all out to help the others (americans,canadians) even though these people have no manners, they are loud and they will not que for drinks unlike us civilised brits, they practerly over ran the place, the locals were bad enough but these take some beating.

the entertainment staff worked very hard but didnt manage to come up trumps with a decent show the full 2weeks we were there.dont bother to complain at reception as they will just tell you to come back in the morning to speak to manager who is never there,all in all the place is very run down it is not a 3* in would only just scrape by at being a very basic 2*.tere was a few staff that were friendly the tractor driver to the beach and the bell captain,they allways managed a hola when passing,you will be pesterd every day by time share !! so be ready with the excuses.

so if i were you i would try and go else where ,if it possible as you like us and many others are wasting you money .

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Club on the Green (Occidental Caribbean Village) - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Sunmaster 2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Sonya, Manchester

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This hotel has got to be the worst hotel ever. Firstly, the damp rooms, our clothes absolutley stunk, loads of our things were completeley ruined with mould and we had to throw away our suitcase when we arrived back in Manchester. Unless your willing to tip the maids generously or leave presents every day do not expect a clean room or clean towels. The hotel during our stay got flooded with sewage during the heavy rain fall and we literally had to wade through it in bare feet. The food was a load of rubbish, same stuff every day and you have to search the place for your cuttlerey, salt and pepper and glasses. Dont go to the Brazillian resteraunt if your vegetarian as you will starve, In fact dont go to the main resteraunt if your vegetarian as you may get a dodgy stomach, If your a meat eater opt for the vege dodgy stomachs its better than gum infections from the over cooked, cheap gritty meat.

Got to say one good thing about the hotel, there are a few friendly staff. However after chatting to one member of staff we found out why they are so friendly !!! ( Western women beware) from the horses mouth > some male members of staff we found out that they are searching for western brides so they can get out of the country,the member of staff who told us this was looking for a bride himself even though he was seeing another member of staff. He told us that some guys have girlfriends all over the world who support them financially but believe they are the only one.

Oh by the way, dont expect a kids club, there isnt one, even though Occidental swears there is.
I have written a letter of complaint to Occidental hotels and I received a reply which just brushes over my main points of complaint but they swear there is a kids club, I couldnt find it, my son could'nt and a member of staff said there isnt one.
Seriously, I would not recommend this hotel. Did I mention there is no where to sit at night apart from on a few flea ridden wicker chairs if you get to them early enough, a good tip dont bother, let the Americans have the chairs and their fleas it serves them right for being so rude

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Club on the Green - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My travel/ airtours- june 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Hayley Wheeler- Hampshire (22,20)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Went to the Dominican Republic for a week, lovely country, really pretty, very green.

Shame about the hotel tho! Lets just say that we went to a near by bar in the plaza to get some food!! the food is the same every lunch and evening meal, the meat may change but thats it! The locals from the city came. made their prescence known!!

Do Not use the pool by the bar and the child's pool as the locals had a peeing contest to see how far they could wee in the pool, also they pooed in the pool, nothing was done but on a slight postitve note when a dog went in to the pool, the dog was taken out!

our rep, as soon as he had the money for the trips, he was not be seen, I even left him a note to say that i needed to obtain the form to leave the country, tried to get it many times, he had gone off to the airport with the forms. we had no support at all from him.

the toilet in our room kept leaking and not working properly. as we did not have a balcolny and was not prepared to share a bed to get a balcolny we dried our swimming items in front of the air con.

Please do not go to this hotel it is not worth your hard earned money. i found the entertainers over friendly- one saying to me that he would give me a baby, i said no, but he said it again and again. do not come here. if you really want to make sure you go horse riding, find joyce the horse lady, you can not miss her!! doing this trip was the high light of my holiday, i had never ridden before, and it was the best trip ive ever done in all my holidays!! Good luck finding a good hotel!!

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Club on the Green - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays Sept 05 

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Denise Hancox-Cheshire 50 47

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

just come back,what a fiasco,ripped off at airport charged $10 for carrying cases,then rooms in hotel were disgusting,had damp clothes for two weeks as didnt have a wardrobe,food was also disgusting,limited choice,served drinks in plastic cups,this hotel was sold to us as an upgrade but definately isnt,wouldnt even class it as 2* but what a transformation when a photographer turned up, and after he had gone it reverted back to normal,

I would like to compliment the animation team, they were excellent and really worked hard to entertain everybody.Weekends were an absolute nightmare with the locals taking over the hotel,pushing the guests to the back for food and drinks,even the rep told us to go out at weekends but I didnt realise I had only booked weekdays, in my opinion give this hotel a wide berth!!

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Club on the Green - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - JULY 2005

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : PETER, AMANDA, GRAHAM & LUKE - COUNTY DURHAM (38,38,16,13)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Travelled to this resort with Direct Holidays, not our original booking choice but were told it was better than the hotel we had chosen - how wrong they were!!!

Complained about our room and after much persistance & complaining to rep were eventually moved, can't say that room was any better, but as least the floor didn't flood when it rained like others did - as the accommodation quality is very poor.

Had a quite few days running upto the weekend, entertainment team worked hard kids even started to enjoy activities that were arranged - then friday afternoon we were overrun (and i mean overrun) with about 200 local people who we found out use the hotel from friday-monday as a holiday camp, pay a fixed price and basically doing what they like. Our children and other families could not get into the swimming pool, trying to get to the pool bar was like a boxing match you just had to do to them what they did to you which was queue jump, push and barge your way through, the pool was a complete mess, food, cups, dirty nappies were all floating around!!!

The dining room on an evening was not any better, picking food up and putting it back down, local adults pushing our children out of the way to get to the hot plates, their children coming and sitting at our tables even though we were already sitting there!!!

This happened again the second weekend and by this time all the english people were fed up, complaining to the rep and hotel staff, some people were moved (at a price).

We tried over the second weekend get away from the hotel and go the beach, again not an easy task, they completly took over the courtesy bus, as they like their whole family on at once - tough on anyone else, on one journey they tried to push my youngest son out of his seat to allow someone else to sit in his place, as we had not got on the bus at that point another english family had to stop them, they have no regard for anyone, young, old, black or white, they will basically do what they like their, manners are appauling.

Please don't waste your hard earned cash on this hotel, if like us they wait until you land to tell you, please ask straight away to be moved, hence to say we will not be returning to the Dom Rep, which is a shame, please stay well clear of this hotel!!! 

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Carribean Club On The Green - Playa dorada

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - Date Not Specified

Opinion submitted in Feb 2004 by : marcus,jen,dan,ash,bob(11,15,9,45)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

the flight was ok a bit of tubulance on the way towards the end of the flight.when we arrived in puto plata airport it was raining but still very hot we had rain for the next three days but onley at night.

the hotel staff were very friendly and helpfull.the entertainment was very good they had a kids club and mini disco for young children and then a late night show they also had daily games the entertainment team would organize.there was a sports bar disco for adults that was open from the end of the shows to 02.00 in the morning.trips are very good but nigotiate with the beach sellers who do trips beacuse you can get them cheaper than the hotel trips 

the beach at playa dorada was nice but there was a nicer beach about 20 mins away in a taxi called soussa. the holiday over all was exellent and we would definatly go again in the future.

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Coral Marien (Hilton) Hotel  - Costa Dorada

Operator and Date: Thomson - May 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : The Walker Family - Essex (Ages - 64,60,35,34,14 & 9)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

A fantastic time was had by all. Since returning I have been trying to think of negative things to say (hence the reason for taking so long to post review!!) I can honestly say that everything was excellent. Food, drink, staff - they couldn't be more helpful & entertaining, facilities. The grounds were lovely, well looked after.

Clean beach towels are provided everyday. However, we did have to get up before the birds to put towels on beds! around 6am The pool is lovely, just the right temperature and depth around 5ft deep.

Chocolate friends provide entertainment from 10am to 12am 7 days a week. By the pool, on the beach & in and around the complex (I don't know how they do it!) Evening entertainment was great. The kids club is great too. Ideal if the kids want to get out of the mid-day sun for and hour or so or even all day!! The kids club is setup in one of the rooms close to the pool, by the theatre.

Beach was lovely, we did kayaking, sailing & windsurfing. You have to attend sailing/windsurfing clinic, just so they can show you what to do etc. They do suggest that you pay $5 after the clinic which is your insurance cover if you break the sails etc. Would suggest you do the clinic within a few days of arriving to get the most out of it.

We did a few trips, no matter how great your complex/resort is, cabin fever does start to set in if your doing the same thing day in day out. We took a taxi to the cable car - the taxi ride was an experience in it's self. The cable car takes you up to the 2nd highest mountain on the island - breathe taking. I think the total cost for the taxi & the cable car for 6 was about $40, less than £10 each. Not bad for an afternoon out. Then was did the Monster truck safari - fantastic, a real eye opener. Our guide was Arny and he was great entertainment and very informative. $50(£25)each for the whole day, which includes lunch (which is like a BBQ with salad etc), as much drink including alcohol as you like - value for money. Try to remember to take things like colouring pens/pencils. colouring books, nothing with writing. Toothpaste and brush etc - just little bit to give to the kids. And our other trip was horseriding at this Canadian owned ranch. Well that was another experience. We rod up into the mountains, stopped after about an hour or so for drinks and a little dance!! then we headed back. They run a few trips, we did the morning trip. Make sure you take some old trainers and old light weight trousers. Sandals and certainly shorts shouldn't be worn!! The horses were lovely and it was a great experience. Do give yourself a few days to recover before booking more trips.

Do go out and experience the locals and their surrounding, it's like going out in the wild west! You are probably more safe walking the streets of the Dominican Republic then you are walking around any town in the UK. So don't be afraid.

Our daughter did contract an ear infection whilst we were there. The doctor was great, he arrived at the hotel within 10 mins and her medication was ordered at the local pharmacy and delivered in about 5 mins - Superfast service. Insurance was sorted out with no problems whatsoever. We had to pay for her medication & the excess which was expected. Better service then the UK.

Well, I have tried to give as much info as possible. We all had a fantastic holiday and would definately recommend the Coral Marien.

The only down side to the holiday is that it rained. We had beautiful clear blue skies until about 4pm then the heavens would open and I mean open and it would not stop until probably in the middle of the night. It continued for the first 7 days or so of our holiday. Which did get us down towards the end of it. But it never stopped us doing anything, it just became impossible moving around the complex - however, you are provided with umbrellas!! Anyhow, the weather is totally out of everyones control. The staff etc could not believe it. It's all to do with global warming. It's the chance you take wherever in the world you go. Don't let the last part of my review put you off. We did go before to another resort a few years back and the weather was fantastic.

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Coral Marien (Hilton) Hotel  - Costa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson-july 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : james gardiner 45 43 6

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

what a fantastic holiday everything you could ever wish for in a holiday fantastic food friendly people a truly wonderful experience anyone could ever wish for total luxury of a very high standard at an exceptional low price this holiday is worth every penny i spent on this holiday and more this complex has everything for all ages whatever you require thank you thomsons for an absolutely fantastic time will see you next year there

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Coral Marien (Hilton) Hotel  - Costa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook august 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : 

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

just a quick review to say how disappointed we were with this hotel, the food was poor and it lacked any quality. If you have been to mexico and stayed 5 star dont expect that here, then again as the thomas cook rep said, dominican republic is renowned for being the budget holiday place and you get what you pay for, in my opinion poor holiday choice for people staying 2 weeks or so most of the people here were only staying 3/4 days and in my view thats not long enough to give an accurate review.

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Coral Marien (Hilton) Hotel  - Costa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - 13th september 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : louise and daniel 20, 20

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

a bit worried about going to the domincan as it was hurricane season and hurricanes where around the caribbean when we were due to travel but we spoke to thomson before we travelled and they reassured us that if it was un safe to travel they wouldnt allow us.

when we arrived i was pleasantly suprised as i had pictured it to look like desert land but it wasnt at all, it was very green and loads of mountains and trees.
the only problem with this holiday was when we landed and were on are way to the transfer coach,all the locals crowd around you and try and take your case so you can tip them, dont tip them too much or just take your own case.

when we arrived at the hotel i was amazed at the standard and it was nothing like i imagined eventhough i had seen it in the brochure before hand. staff where very friendly and a porter took all our baggage off us and carried it by himself to the room ( i would save all your tips for hotel staff as he carried two cases and two bags). room was lovely, very spacious with a big bathroom and the air conditioning was a god send. our room was overlooking the pool and was on the highest floor which i would recommended as some views where of the back of the hotel.

main restarant was fine, variety of food but the best was the poolbar in the day as it served pizzas, burgers, chips, salad,cakes, hot dogs and loads more.
we also eat in the caribbean grill one night which was $30 each but was well worth it as you were waited on and it was all freshly cooked.

the hotel had it own private section of the beach which was ok. in the sea were a few rocks and pebbles but there were always staff around keeping it clean by sweeping up any sea weed or rubbish. when on the beach locals we ask you if you want to buy any of there goods etc but if you just ignore them they will go away.

overall the holiday was brillant and i would recommended it to anyone wanting a relaxing holiday in the sun. eventhough we got hit by hurricane jeanne on the 3rd day. it didnt spoil our holiday one bit, it actually made it quite exciting and the hotel were brillant and knew what to do and kept all guest up to date and entertained.

last thing you have to do is swim with the dolphins when your there but take loads of money with you!!!!

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Coral Marien - Costa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook July 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : John 47 Wendy41 and Kate 14

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Like others, I'd read mixed reviews about this hotel. we'd never been "all-inclusive" or been to the Carribean - so weren't sure what to expect. I'm ashamed to say I meant to post this review as soon as we came back, but never quite got round to it. Please read the Will's review as it's absolutely accurate. So I won't duplicate their effort.We absolutely loved our time in the Marien Coral. Even our discerning teenage daughter was truly blown away with the facilities, entertainment AND yes, even the food!

I's also like to defend the Chocolate Friends. They are very hard working and - sorry fellow old bags...but the kids loooove them. They do NOT force themselves on you at all. When we were there, the shows in the evenings were absolutely stunning. the Lion King especially. The leader and choreographer of the Chocopals was a guy from Cuba, and he was the most amazing dancer...

We never had to fight for towels or loungers. everything was very chilled. "Dominican TIme" it's called. Please give it a go.

Finally. I was glad to have visited Debbies Dominican Travels website before we went, and had heard that it's really appreciated if you take some school jotters, pens, pencils etc. Our suitcases were loaded. Many other tourists wished they'd known to do this. If you take a trip into the villages - the poverty is very evident. The government pays for the kids to go to school, but not for their books etc. Honestly, we can all help a little by taking basic stationary and maybe some nice toiletries for the mums! Please don't take sweets though , as dentists are few and far between!!!!

Have a great time

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Coral Marien (Hilton) Hotel  - Costa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - Date Not Specified

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : wills family (40,40,11,6)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we arrived and totally surprised by this hotel, i had read various reviews (some good some bad) but the hotel was brilliant...the entertainment was very good, the food was excellent - never the same meal twice and the choice was brilliant, the drinks were very good also anything you wanted which pleased the husband as only drinks ABSOLUTE vodka or BACARDI rum which they had there for the guests, 

the pool was excellent and very well planned for children in mind, the beach was spotless and so was the whole hotel complex, the were continually cleaning and ALL staff were always very helpful and polite.  We had a fridge in our room as do all rooms, we had air conditioning and the rooms are fumigated weekly so we had NO unexpected visitors on our whole trip.   The maid was brilliant and always cleaning....there was SKY on the TV which kept the kids amused while we showered etc.   

The Chocolate Friends entertainment was very good but NOT in your face, if you wanted to take part in anything you went to them...they did the chocolate song with dance twice a day, first at 10 then again at 4.30 which all the kids and some of the adults took part in...as i say they do not harass you to take part you go to them and there was always something on but as the hotel has seperate volleyball and football pitches, mini golf, giant chess you did not see them a lot anyway as the activities were away from the pool area mostly, only one game in the afternoon was beside the pool. 

The food was excellent and the choice was amazing, you could eat all day and all night if you wanted and if there wasnt something there that took your fancy they would prepare something fresh for you...what more could you ask for.   The evening entertainment was very good also, there is a kids disco from 8.30 - 9.30 with a clown etc then at about 10 the evening entertainment starts...yes he does say things in several languages but remember the brits are not the only people who holiday!!! never the same show twice...each night different, one night audience participation games etc then the next night a show which was sometimes the chocolate friends and sometimes not!!!

we have never been to the same hotel or resort twice as never quite been anywhere that lives up to our expectations but we have booked again for next year and cant wait, met a lot of very nice people here but bear in mind that most of the hotel visitors are either USA or Canadian.....forgot to mention DON'T bring any towels as you will not need them all these are supplied as often as you wish...nice and fresh.

our only complaint about the whole holiday was the flight, i would never go long haul with thomsons again, dreadful service and dreadful flight - spoke to another couple who paid exactly the same price but flew with thomas cook, individual TV sets and didnt have to pay for snacks....very helpful when you have kids with you.

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: cosmos - 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Sharon - Essex  (29 and 32)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we arrived at the club Dorada hotel on the Friday afternoon, the reception staff were very helpful and we made our way to the room it seemed OK but basic. however on our 2nd day we had a wasp nest in the room so we had to call for someone to sort it out and they just sprayed the room with a very good spray that killed about 30 wasps but we wasn't still happy because outside the room we could see a wasp nest had been disturbed and they had been coming in from the bathroom lights, we asked to move rooms so we had to pack up all our stuff and move to a new room it seemed fine at 1st but then we discovered flying ants in the room and in one of the beds so we wasn't happy about that so something else on our list of unhappiness

The next thing was the food oh my god people in prison get better food than us it was very poor and lack of choice. the beach bar was even worse. if we ended up staying at the hotel we would have eaten out the rest of the holiday.

the next thing at weekends the locals use the hotel and we became 2nd best. i got ignored at the bar as all the locals got served before me...what more can i say.
i defiantly wouldn't recommend this hotel to anyone.

i feel the hotel shouldn't be used by any UK tour operator as we deserve a better standard

i definitely would say the hotel is a 2 star and not a 3 star as stated by the tour operator

We moved to Blue bay hotel which was 100% better. Our rep Romy was very helpful and moved us straight away for $80.00 for the remaining 10 days.

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Dorada Club Beach - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Sunset - Oct 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Michael,Jane and` Ashleigh (39,38,13)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

What can i say. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone.In fact we were warned in the airport(during our 8 hour delay)We arrived at the hotel at 10pm dom rep time and`even in the dark we could see how dirty it was. Got shown to our room where the door would not lock.Saw a rat outside the door  while waiting for someone from maintenance(we were on the third floor!)After "speaking" to rep we were advised that we could move the next day.Meals awful,restaurant dirty (dirt ingrained on tables).Beach bar is a joke there is a sort of shack available and it does stand on some sand. on a positive note if youre not put off - rooms huge, staff very friendly and next door to the Plaza.so make your own mind up.

We were transferred (free of charge) to the fun tropicale hotel. very relieved to get out and delighted when we saw the standard. Eventually had an excellant holiday, would def go back.Hope this helps. Good luck

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Thomsn - Oct 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Marts - Bradford (39, 37, 18, 15)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked this holiday as a last minute deal for just one week and had a fabulous time.  Its true that the rooms themselves could do with a little improvement but we spent very little time in them anyway.  The food was good, the weather was good, the bar and restaurant staff and animation team were excellent and made sure we all (even our normally surly teenagers) had a great time.  Nothing seems to be too much trouble, we loved the dominican people.  Did the catarmaran trip which was excellent and a couple of us went scuba diving which was also great.  

Will be returning next year with our extended family and hope to have as good a time.

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson SunSet Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Sunderland Tyne & Wear (24 & 25)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Stopped at the Dorada Club for a week with my boyfriend.  Where to start the room was ok but nothig flash could do with some major redecorating.  The air con was good however very noisey you will need ear plugs to get to sleep.  If you want a hot shower then the Dorada club is not the place the go, the shower was at it's hottest after 6pm however still not very hot.  The food in the hotel was awful not much selection we ate out alot of the time at pizza hut.  However you must go to Hemmingsways it will the best meal you get for the duration of your holiday.

The bar staff was very nice however the drinks selection is that good.  You'll be ok if you like rum and vodka if not your going to struggle for a drink.  Hotel entertainment is really good during the day it is also good on the night time as well they will keep you busy however if your not interested then they wont bother you to do something.  The Al A Carte resturant is nice however when we were there we a stray cat joining us for the meal as well (not what you need when you don't like cats).  Overall in my opinion if your looking a cheap and cheerful holiday then this is the place.

There was one good point of the holiday Fransisco the man at reception is a DIAMOND he was very helpful and spoke excellent english nothing was a bother he would help you any time of the day.

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomsons  2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : a  evans

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: No rating

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

please  be  careful  of  this hotel 

just returned  from two  weeks    it  was dreddful  first  point  which  is  purely cosmetic  rooms  could  do  with  a  paint the  bath  was  chipped pianted with gloss paint  around the  sink  area was  all  chipped  very  dangerous  stepp  into  bathroom floor  vey  slippy and  bath low  lighting only  110  volt animation  team  work  hard but  its a  bit  childish  only  one  bar  can  take while  to  get  served  no  snacks  available  have  to  go  to  beach  for any  snacks  and  that  was  closed  for  two  weeks  which  meant  had  to  get  on  bus  to  go    small  pool    dominicans come to   stay at the weekend   so  very  busy  and  noisy but  the  main  problem is  the food  its  disgusting its  cold not  cooked when i  complained i  was  told  try something  else it  might  be  hot as  for  the stake  bar it  opens  at 12 they leave  you a  few  bottles no beer

and  if  want  something  to  eat its hot  dog or  hamburger and  you  got  to wake the  guy  up  the  rep  never  there but  worst  of  all my  partner  ended  up in  hospital  two  days  with  food  poisining along  with  about another 6 i  was  ill  for  3  days  so  was  about 30  other  people we  had  to  live  on  crisps  and  bread  also  half the complex
had  no  water  to  shower  with this  is  like  a 2 star and  thats being kind  we are  just  ordinary people who were  looking  for  a  fair  relaxing  holiday  it  turned  out  to  be a  survival  of  the  week  i  would  try and avoid  this  hotel i  been  diiferent  places and  this  is  the  worst  hotel  ever  stayed  in  never  before have I seen  so  many  people  releive  to  get out of  this  hotel

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - aug 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : emma ritchie - south shields

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

well we went to the dorada club, this was an allocated on arrival deal so we did not know where we were going. When we got to the hotel we were shattered after our long flight so all we wanted to do was get into our rooms for a shower and a change of clothes before having a look around. It took ages to check in but the staff were very friendly, when we finally got into our room it was huge and really nice. 

But i was sharing a room with my parents and i noticed there was only one bedroom and one bed. Apparently there was a pull out sofa bed so i thought oh well at least i have a bed, my dad pulled it out and i looked at it and thought theres no way that i can lie on here the mattress was very thin and you could feel the springs when you lay on it. So my dad went to reception and asked if they could bring another bed in the room (which they did). 

The holiday was amazing right through the hotel staff were very nice, although there were thefts in peoples rooms, and we told the rep and hotel staff but they didn't seem to be bothered. The animation team where lovely apart from one but i will not name them they were very rude and came onto women whether they wanted it or not. The only thing that i can really complain about in the room is that theres no shower mats in the bath, my mam fell one night and badly bruised her leg and ribs. Again my dad went to see about this and asked for a shower mat but we never got one as thy were bothered. I would really recommend going to the dominican republic as it is a lovely place. 

If i came back again i might stay in this hotel but i think id rather try a different resort.

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - August 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Debbi Dyble - Lincoln (8,23,32,43,45)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just arrived back this morning. The actual holiday was lovely, there was not much to do around the resort but the hotel did everything they could to keep you entertained. The hotel staff are excellent and very friendly. Domingo behind the bar is great. Reny who works at the dive centre is absolutely brilliant, we went out for the day with him to the local bars etc and had the best day. I would definitely recommend Ocean World, as somebody else has mentioned, it is better to do the encounter rather than the swimming as you have more time with the animals. Jeep Safari was a great day as well but unless you like water and swimming then I wouldn't recommend going all the way to the top. It was a great day though and we saw some beautiful scenery.

My husband and mums partner both did their PADI qualification whilst they were there, they did it through the hotel dive centre (Sea Pro). It is worth doing it there, if you have thought of doing it before, as it is much cheaper than in the UK. We all had bad stomachs while we were away but I don't think it was the food as no other guests were badly. I think it was just down to a change of diet.
Overall it was a great holiday though and I would definitely recommend it, and although the hotel has got a couple of dodgy reviews we thought it was fine.

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Cosmos Direct) Cosmos july 19th 06

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : 46,40,12

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

This hotel was dirty ,shabby and run down,the electrics caused us concern as live wires were exsposed on bedside lamps and junction boxes and switches ect,the bed provided for our daughter was disgusting stained and broken, with dirty used sheets,sun beds were filthy and stained ( could give the tourin shroud a run for its money )there was no way of locking our windows or door to the balcony, the bar at the pool was dirty ( the floor where the pipes were was again filthy)i could go on , suffice to say we only stayed 1 night , then asked to be flown home, eventualy they moved us to another hotel,we have photo's to up hold our claims

i will never ever go back to dorada club and feel that a 3 star rating is completley misleading ,i would be pushed to give it a 1 star rating

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Sunset April 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Chris & Claire 38, 44

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Excellent looking reception area, and check-in was quick and efficient

Off to the room, not knowing what to expect - very spacious bedroom and lounge, with air-con working very efficiently if a bit noisy. Room was a bit tired looking, but as it's only a place to sleep, shower and get changed it was of little consequence.

Unpacked, showered, then hit the bar. As it's all-inclusive, any beer is very welcome. The local beer (Presidente) is adequate on tap, but far better from the bottle in one of the local bars.

The local rum (151) is excellent, and very strong - (if you've drank Stroh "80" in Austria, you're about that sort of strength) - and goes into just about all the local cocktails.

Food (all meals) is a buffet style help yourself, and was always great in variety and quality. Plenty of fish, a pasta bar, salad, vegetarian options, burgers/hot dogs, and themed food nights. If you didn't fancy a heavy lunch there was always a huge rice and chicken/fish dish available by the bar.

The guys serving at the bar were very friendly and helpful, especially when I ordered in the limited Spanish that I know - learn a little of it - it shows respect for them that you're at least making the effort!

The main bar shuts at midnight - but there is another bar nearby where you can help yourself to drinks, and it's staffed for burgers, etc.

The pool was clean (would have liked it a bit bigger, but can't have everything) and    refreshing after lying in the sun. It wasn't too busy there, so there was no need to comandeer sunbeds in an early morning raid.

Weather forecast before going predicted storms - it only rained once - the day before we left, and only for about 20 mins - very refreshing it was too!

All the staff are very friendly - sometimes a bit pushy if you didn't feel like joining in the games - but it's their job, and I really can't complain too much about that.

The horse - riding trip is well worth going on. A good oppurtunity to canter up and down the beach. Although it's 30 years since I was last on a horse, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

If you need medicines - take your own - £9 for a box of paracetamol at the local pharmacy - I nearly choked!

When returning, there is a levy of $12 per kg of excess baggage - but this doesn't seem to apply all the time. We had our stuff in 3 bags, and 1 bag was full of stuff that we weren't bothered about, and prepared to say "you have it then". The bags were weighed, but nobody seemed to care about the excess weight - but either travel lighter, or have bag of stuff that you can jettison at the airport.

All told, a good weeks holiday for £400. You try eating out 3 times a day, with as much beer as you can spill, in the UK for a week on that. And get the weather to boot!

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: hotelbeds.com - April 2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Gemma & Jason (24, 37)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had a fantastic time and already wishing we were straight back there (1 week afer!)
The hotel room smelled slightly musty at first but once we had opened the windows we didn't smell it again. After speaking to several other couples we got the impression that there are about 4 different types of rooms; bedroom and bathroom, bedroom, living room and bathroom, 2 bedrooms, living room and 2 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms, living room and 2 bathrooms on 2 floors!!! All the bedrooms are spacious with doubles beds as well. A couple of people got just the standard bedroom and bathroom and asked to be changed and they got changed straight away to a bigger room.

The hotel, beach and pool were lovely and quiet through the week but it seems to be a place where the locals go for a weekend break, we were sunbathing and sleeping on the beach one saturday morning and when i opened my eyes the place was quite full of locals who had even brought their own pans and BBQ's!!!
A bad (good?) point was that they didn't serve food in between meal times at the pool bar but the beach bar is less than 3 minutes walk, if anything it encouraged me not to pig out!

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice jan 1st 2006

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : nicola,terry,ben,karen,rita,ed,ian and jessica 33,33,28,25,55,60,31 and 18 months

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

where do i start....within the first 3 hours of being at this ploace my husband had broken his arm,due to the incomptance of the resturant staff and management who spill grease on the floor and dont clear it up,then when its happened they deny that would happen in their resturant but yet they get the doctor out to see us and the rubbish that comes out of their mouths was amazing they obviously think their the only race on the face of the earth that can speak spanish!

they were all passing the blame to each other and they all said it was a accident waiting to happen!
the doctor got told off by the manager for offering us help and was basicaly threatened with her job!!!!
after this saga we tried to get on with our holiday,but by the 4th day we all started getting bites they were small amounts to start with,then they come to fumigate the rooms and that made the matter 10times worse,by the 10th day we wre all covered one of our party had over 200 bites on each leg! the final straw was when we asked for the beding to be changed and it wasnt as you could recgonise the stains on the outer covers and my baby daughter started getting bitten,

after a long and heated argument the rep who we all felt so sorry for finaly agreed to move us but wanted extra to be moved and we refused due to all we had been through so they agreed but it wasnt down to the useless general services manager who wouldnt admit they were flee bits(there was a welsh nurse on holiday and she confirmed that they were indeed common flee bits!
we along with 2 other families were moved also due to flee bites but 3 of one family was taken to hospital and had to have shots and tablets. to puerto plata village and that 4 days was the holiday this is only the surface of the  problems .
but by all means come here at your own risk and if you want to lose weight the food was dire and were still suffering a week and half  and 7 salmnella tests later...we have all lost weight the only all inclusive hoiliday were you lose weight rather than put it on!
the drinking was a big problem and at times i was ashamed to be english,we will leave it at that.
 if you do go take out the best travel insuranse avaible to you as you will be needing it.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - Dec 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2006 by : janet  south yorkshire

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed at the Fun Tropical/Royal from 12th Dec 2005 for 2 wks. This a hotel that we would not recomend.

The rooms are a disgrace if you want your bedlinen changed take it off and wet it.We were all covered in bites that were trying to be passed off as mosquito bites this is untrue they are flea bites.The resturant is also digusting as i was only eating meat and veg most days I had to send one back as it had gone off.I was taken ill no amount of the medication i took from the uk would work so I went to the dr.As my insurence is worldwide we do not have to pay before being treated. This is not the case there it coat us £120 before the dr would treat me and I was told it was the climate and i had food poisoning.When i complained to the rep she didnt believe me and said it was because i wasnt used to the weather and traverling so I told her I would show her my passport.There were rats seen in the resturant and the heigene is very poor no food is covered only by flies.

Plenty to do swiming with dolphins,quad biking my husband was on them every afternoon we went in the helicopter for 30mins down a canyon and you see how they live outback safari i wouldnt recomend, horseriding half day not a full day

Beware of the currants in the sea it is really strong pulls you under it did myself when we went in the cars.Dont wear your rings my husband lost his wedding ring in the water. Watch the children they will pull your hands off for sweets poor thing. We would go back to the Dominican again but not in that hotel. Personally i would recomand jamacia out off the islands

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Hotels Fun Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: eclipse direct  March 2006

Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : anne, david and beverley hodgson - Leeds 56, 56, 22

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just back from the Fun Royale/Tropical, we stopped in the Fun Royale because of the mini bar included in their rooms, love to go on the balcony and have a drink late afternoons.  There were three of us in the room a little short on drawers to put our belongings, but it was clean if basic.  Bathrooms need to be updated ours had a cracked washbasin with a dodgy plug which we complained about and never saw the plug again.  Plenty of hot water.

Food was good our daughter is a vegan and she managed quite well, just a little short on variety of fresh food with evening meal often only a choice of two and nearly always one was melon which is about the only fruit she is not keen on.  We enjoyed the food there seemed to be a good variety.  Lovely view from the resturant over looking the golf course which was beautiful.

Some of the reviews complained of bites on the beach we spent four days on the beach out of seven and got very little.  We did take insect spray and as advised on other holidays put it on mornings and again late afternoon, as we have been advised on previous holidays.  We all had one or two bites but nothing really to worry about.  Our daughter loved the beach her first time in the domincan republic thought she was in paradise. The new beach bar is great, food not bad either chicken very good. 5minute walk to the beach from the hotel throught the golf course lovely scenery.  You could go via there regular beach bus from the hotel free, but we enjoyed the walk.

The thing which disappointed us was that there was not a nice bar area at night time to go and sit in.  It was outside at either of two bars on plastic patio chairs. For the price we paid we cannot complain to much, but would not pay the full brochure price for this hotel.

The grounds are very nice with peacocks roaming round, saw the male with his tail displayed several times beautiful.

The staff were very friendly and helped out when we needed them.

The jeep safari was great we had a great guide Jessie lots of fun.  The river and the sea boogie boarding was excellent, just nice to see the countryside as well.

Shopping centre 10mins walk away for those that like shopping.
Overall a good holiday for the discounted price we paid. 

First Choice airline was great loads of room, hope other airlines follow suit did not feel cramped at all, as on previous fligts.

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Hotels Fun Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice  Dec 2005

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Kerry Flynn - Birmingham (29,31,6,2)):

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

My family travelled to the fun royale on christmas day.  I have been totally won over by this resort and its loverly staff.

Hotel grounds are immuculate, swimming pools are excellent, a choice for everyone (quiet adults only pool, kids pool and activity pool). 

Main buffet is great loads of choice.  Pizza bar fantastic, there is also a bar on the beach which also serves great food.  You have unlimited bookings at the brazillian and italian, which are both scrumptious.

The entertainment team work so hard and it really show, both the daytime activities and evening shows are great.

The rooms are huge and spotless.  I have read reports of fleas, we never incountered any. the reps advise you there may be sand flies so don't leave towels in the bedroom.  you don't need to as everyday you can collect clean towels from the hotel for the beach and pool.

I had a fantastic time and i have booked for next year for three weeks.  This resort is fantastic a real gem.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice december 2005

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Kath  Huddersfield 44/41/9/7

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Room - very basic, broken ceiling fan, dirty bedding.Many people reported flees in the beds.The cleaning was very basic (one mop wiped about four rooms).The bath was painted over and had started to peel. The air conditioning was very effective but very loud.
Pool - there are 3 pools - one fresh water , one for adults only and one for all.  The main pool is very lively and noisey- the animation team are based around this pool.The childrens pool is based by the kids club - but there are no drinks or food for the kids there.
Food - good - especially the stuff they cooked in front of you ie steak /etc As with most all inclusives the food does get repetative.  wine - awful!!!!

Entertainment - well above average- the animation team worked really hard! although I must say that it was for kids rather than adults. The First Choice rep is married to a local guy - she has no time for your problems and was heard on many occassions to say - "if you dont like it go home!"
excursions - dont book in the hotel they are double the price!! Book at the Plaza - about 5 mins away
Beach - not white golden sands - dirty full of cans/ fag ends and rubbish. 
Sea - not clear crystal - rather murky
Generally - a huge mosquito problem
Markets /Plaza - good value for money
you have to pay 10$ p person to get into the country and 20$ p person to get out

I would not recommend this hotel at all.
But I would recommend first Choice long haul flights - worth every penny and we did not upgrade.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - dec 2005

Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Concerned travel agent - uk

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I read the reports on this website and thought ok it has some bad reports but your holiday is what you make it I have been to 3* hotels in this resort and had the best holidays. As a travel agent I was totally horrified by the service at the fun tropicale/Royale and would never send any of my clients here the place itself was ok but they have a major problem with fleas the rooms get fumagated but the nothing happens with the beds you wake up in the morning covered head to toe in bites the rep and reception try to pass this off as mosquito bites travelling to playa dorada 4 times before to different hotels I know this is not the case went to reception and asked for rooms to be fumagated they said if i was not happy to go home ( customer service) !!!!  I went to guest services the following day were they admitted they had a bad case of fleas they did not know how to deal with . I had to move hotels and pay extra $500 dollars for the rep then to tell other guests the place i changed to was worse for fleas. I asked her if this was true she said yes....

The hotel itself was ok but please please listen i have stayed in 1* apartments and  have never complained you make the most of it but with fleas in you bed gettin bitten every night i would rather pay extra for a good hotel.. everyone in the hotel complained. 

I moved hotel anyway even though the rep said all hotels had fleas and  i moved anyway to find out that this was untrue had to spend $300 dollars for injections for the pain .. this hotel is would be ok if you are not supseptabele tp bits few people were ok but about 80% were covered head to toe. 

If you are looking for a cheap holiday in playa dorada i would reccomend The villas dorada in playa dorada fun and clean also the 4* Jack tar village. this is the honest truth i love playa dorada and have still had a fab time but i just want to warn people as i am a travel agent . there were also another 27 travel agents from my travel staying there who were disgusted and said the same i would never send anybody somewhere i would not stay... and i would stay anywhere but fleas..... i hope you listen to the advice  .until the  problerm is sorted it will be a major problem and believe me you will see more complaints on this.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice- October 2005

Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Laura and Jayne, 23,22

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we'll weve been back nearly 2wks and missing it soo much everyday! everything was just as good, if not better than the last time and it was only in feb we last visited!

from the moment we arrived we were remembered by the entertainers and the hotel staff and felt right back at home. the room was great and as we had been before there was a huge basket of fresh fruit and a letter from the manager welcoming us back.

the pool and all the activites were great and there were some new entertainers there to befriend! the beach party is a must as everyone in the family can get involved.
the trips are well worth doing too, sosua disco tour,the city tour for exploring and shopping, aquapark, casino... theres soo many to do!

all we've got to say is that its a fantastic place, with great comfortable accommodation, friendly staff and good food. most of all its fun fun fun all the way!

thanx to all the entertainers, Alex, Domingo, Andres, Bladimir, Jose (to name a few) and all the dancers and Hector.... we'll be back again to play more bingo!

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Hotels Fun Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - Sept 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : amanda barber33 paul barber 36 charlotte barber 11 emily barber 7

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

on arrival this hotel looks nice a clean reception friendly staff then the nightmare begins. The bellboy took us to our room i opened the door and wanted to go home i have never in my life smelt anything so bad the ceiling tiles had come away from the roof so the stale air coming from the aircon was making its way into our room,the dinning rooms are always full of cats and flies and in sept one of the hotests months the ceiling fans in the dinning room may as well be switched off. 

We went for my daughter charlottes 11th birthday we took her to swim with the dolphins that was the best day we had we got to eat great food and not be bitten the entertainment at the hotel was good just didnt last long enough it would star around 10ish every night then finish at 10.30 every night they would then encourage you to take your children out of the complex to a different bar where for 400 pesos each you can spend some money on drink but  the kids cant go so you would be needing a babysitter not much holiday for the kids if the have a stranger to look after them. I was in bed every night no later than 11pm not much of a holiday. 

Every morning we got up we had more bites thinking it was the mossies my husband went round every night killing them till our room was mossie free, but it wasnt the mossies that was biting us it was the bed fleas. 

The food was that bad the rep had to book me into the italian every night for the last wk as i hadnt eaten for the first week and due to the heat and the bites was in danger of becoming ill. The beach was the dirtest beach i have ever been to no signs to warn of the coral in the sea my husband ran straight in and came out bleedin. THE BEST BIT OF THE HOLIDAY WAS COMING HOME NEVER AGAIN 

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Hotels Fun Tropicale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - aug 2005

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : Louise - Manchester (20, 21)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Overall resort was v good. You find that it's a very active resort & u will always be pestered 2 play games etc whilst in the hotel, the beach is quieter. Pool areas r ok the main pool gets very busy with all the main activities there, there r 2 smaller pools which r quieter (1 4 families & 1 for couples).

The restaurants r excellent (1 buffet, 1 italian &1 brazilian) there is a different theme every night which repeats weekly although the range of food is fantastic. 

As it is all inclusive u cud quite easily eat way too much. There is a pizza bar by the main pool serving throughout the day, a beach bar and a bbq in the restaurant from midnight.

Drinks r well supplied with most tastes catered 4 (although brands r local) be careful if u ask 4 rum as u may b given the local 151 which is vvv strong.

Beach isnt far away a small train goes regularly but is only 10min walk although can be difficult in the heat midday. There is a shopping mall approx 20min walk with shops probably cheaper than hotel. Wud recommend the jungle trip in the 4x4 trucks excellent sightseeing & tour guides also the trip 2 the beach island. is a 3hr coach journey but a gr8 trip on speed boats snorkelling is brill once there.

Beach is fab, rooms r basic but decent. was ants near windows but was easily sorted with mosquito spray & they didnt venture in2 room.

A very good holiday. Hotel isnt a palace but is lovely if u want a bit of everythin 4 a reasonable price

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Hotels Fun Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Med-My Travel flights-August 2005

Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : j. Gordon-co durham, (30,26,62,63, 5 months

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Negatives first-1 miserable guy on reception who would not give us a cot for the baby and said she had to sleep on the bed as they didnt have any and that he'd already given us a fridge-what more did we want?!!
-mosquitos and sand flea bites-i don't believe they are bed bugs as my husband wasn't bitten at all
 
Positives-staff except the above were lovely-always hello to us and the baby
Food was varied and there was definately something for everyone,although i do have to say that the Gran Ventana last year just had that little extra choice and waiters at mealtimes would bring you a drink with your meal whereas here you have to help yourself-no hardship really. To be honest we enjoyed the buffet more than the Italian food-it was a bit rich. The Brazilian was lovely but as it was outside we all spent more time zapping the mozzies! so didnt really enjoy that
There was a late night buffet with jacket potatoes, hot dogs, salad chips etc, coffee and tea available 24 hrs as also
boiling water to make babies bottles.

The beach is golden sand and several reports have said it is dirty, we didnt find this to be the case but you should be aware before you book that the north side of the Dom Rep is the Atlantic side and that if you want whote beaches head to the South coas although this can usually be a bit more expensive.
Entertainment- they really try hard and the staff are there from 8/9am to 11pm and it's really hot on the stage.
We were in the Gran Ventana last year which is 4*+ rated and the entertainment standard is the sam, all the hotels on the complex have similar shows.

The rooms are clean and tidy with 2 king sized beds and satellite t.v
go-enjoy, it's really good value for money but take pesos rather than dollars, last year all the locals wanted dollars but this year they priced and wanted pesos-you lose out if they have to change it over
the plaza is about 10/15 mins walk and they do 3 trips for about £60 which are excellent value for money-try the banana catamaran for a day out-good fun and lunch and drinks included

If you can pls pls take my advice and pay for extra legroom or premium seats if flying with MyTravel as at 5"2 i couldnt even cross my legs the seats were that cramped. OK if you are about 4feet tall which not many of us are unfortunately-:-)

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Hotels Fun Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Complete Travel/Med Hotels - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Jane & Justin - Sutton Coldfield (38,36)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

As a couples holiday this hotel was far from ideal. I was looking for a quiet, romantic restful holiday - which it wasn't. I was woken at least 3 times a night by people returning to their rooms after going to the all night disco/resort entertainment. The music and noise from the activities pool would have been horrendous if our room had been any nearer - I felt very sorry for anyone in the rooms around the pool, forget Siesta! 

The hotel catered mainly for people wanting to use the activity pool and see the nightly entertainment - trying to find someone to open the tennis courts or run the cycle tour (part of the all inclusive package) however was a losing battle! The excursions were very expensive as was the use of the golf course next door - if you want to play, take your own clubs and balls.

Food was acceptable, although the salads and fruit were uninspiring. The Brazilian restaurant was lovely and the waiter was extremely attentive. Make sure you take imodium with you - many of us had very dodgy stomachs, be warned!

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice July 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Clare McCafferty 31, 37,4

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I would not recommended this hotel to anyone, including people i don't like. 

The rooms are really dirty and smelly, this includes the refurbished rooms. The food is poor ,be prepared to eat your meals with CATS, FLEAS AND BIRDS. The main swimming pool has cracked tiles all round and was dangerous for my 4 year old son. we stayed in this hotel 2 days because we had to, before the holiday company could move us to the Grand Vantana. This hotel was a great improvement the food is great, the dining area is spotless, the swimming pool was safe as well. the only down side about this hotel was the entertainment at night, there was none. 

Dominican Republic is a nice country but we as a family will not return.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : J & M - (18, 18)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We came back two days ago and miss it already! The resort of Playa Dorada is big but easy to get around (especially if you borrow the free bikes from the hotel!). The hotel is lovely and well kept. There are three pools; a main one, an adults pool and the kids pool. The main pool has a swim up bar which is very nice! And another bar which is the 'main' one near the pool. All drinks are all included which is great, especially is there is one 24hr bar by the restaurant. Around the main pool, the activities take place. So much goes on and the team are constantly entertaining. Yes, they do try and get you involved but if you don't want to, just say no! They'll leave you alone.

We found the food was fantastic. Buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner had so much variety. For lunch and dinner you could choose from Salad, local dishes, burgers, veg, chips, pastas, rice, grilled meats and fish and so much more. Breakfast consisted of cooked meats and local specialities alongside pancakes, doughnuts (v.good!), toast, bacon, sausages, so many breads and pastries, yoghurts, fruits, cereals etc etc! Plus the snack bar on the beach and the pizza place, you can eat pretty much all day and as its all included, you may as well!

Everyone at the hotel always smiles and is very helpful. We had to change our room due to the air con leaking and no hot water but we managed to get a nicer room in exchange. The rooms are spacious with either balcony or terrace and both are decent size. The maids are very good and we got clean towels every day in our room.

We did 5 excursions (3 not booked through the hotel). As is advised by others who have been there and due to my boyfriend having been to Domincan Rep. last year, we knew to book our trips in town. This really saves you so much money because you can bargin with them and get special deals. We went Quad-biking (highly recommended especially for people who want a bit of fun!), Ocean World where we did the Dolphin encounter and you get to kiss, cuddle, dance and feed the dolphin and they have so many other great things to do its well worth the money. All the trips have their own appeal so you've just got to choose the ones you think you'll enjoy.

The beach is lovely and not far from the hotel so we walked although there is a tractor shuttle that'll take you and it is very frequent. (Playa Dorada isn't clear blue sea and white sands but is still very nice). The one outside this hotel has a bit of coral. You can easily visit places such as Sosua which do have the blue sea / white sands though.

All in all, a fantastic holiday and we would definately go back to the place and the hotel.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: July 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Family of 4 London

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Awful stayed in royale rooms and they were tiny, smelly, flea ridden, damp and just disgusting. Found staff rude and also food was disgraceful were all ill still and 2 of us are having hospital treatment. Would not recommend fun royale/ tropicale

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - June 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Christine Butler - Kevin Butler (42, 48)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Arrived at resort late on the afternoon of 1st June 05. On entering our room we were disgusted to find two tiny single beds with what I presumed to be a bed side locker (I presumed because it was in peices)between the two beds. The bathroom was a disgrace and the whole room smelt damp.  My husband went back to reception and asked for a room change. The second room was a bit better, at least we had a double bed. Unfortunately the room was infested with fleas as were most of the rooms in this hotel, the air conditioning was so loud that it kept you awake most of the night.

The food was disgusting, no presentation and flies/midges landing in or crawling in the salad dressings, the lettuce wasn't washed properly and was also covered in midges and bugs.  There were a couple of bars on site but none of them were under cover so if it rained all you could do was go back to your room, this included the night-time entertainment.

The brochure said a five minute walk to the beach! this turned out to be a ten minute ride in a trailer pulled by a tractor.

In our opinion disregard the brochure information, whatever it say's think the oposite.  We changed hotels on the fourth day and moved to the VILLA DORADAS, on the beach, better food, bars and entertainment undercover, rooms much much nicer and cleaner (NO FLEAS) and to top it all the staff were fantastic and we had a great time.

We have been to the Dom Rep three times, it's a lovely place with lovely people. I would advise anyone that if you want a good holiday without being eaten alive and suffering from bad stomachs AVOID FUN TROPICAL/FUN ROYALE 

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Sunset Discounts) Sunset - May 2005

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Colette - Glasgow (26 & 29)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Just back and looking to book up again for next year! 

Found the hotel very clean and the staff really friendly and helpful! We were put on a ground floor room but requested an upper floor and were moved within a day! We went on the Dominican Discovery Tour which included visiting a school, the local villages and horse riding! It was really good you were really looked after given a great lunch and always plenty to drink! 

My boyfriend plays Golf so he went for a round of Golf one day the course is really nice but we found it quite expensive. We found out that if you play after 4pm its a bit cheaper! Visited the plaza quite a few times didnt find it that expensive but seemingly if you get a taxi to Peurta Plata City everything is much cheaper! We found the hotel food nice always a good variety really enjoyed the omlettes for Breakfast these were made right infront of you fresh! We ate out at Hemmingways in the Plaza on our last night and the food was amazing! 

The hotel offered great entertainment the staff all worked really hard and we found them very friendly! Take a trip on the horse and carriage taxi's we met a really nice man named Mario who showed us round the complex and has invited us for dinner to his house when we go back next year! He never forgot our faces when he seen us out he was always shouting to us and waving at us! 

Although it rained most days on our last week it never spoiled our holiday and cant wait to go back next year!

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - Feb 2005

Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Jayne & Laura (21,22)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we are two holiday reps, so our expectations were very high. on arrival we were met by the friendly hotel staff with a much needed local cocktail (just what we needed!!) then a lovely porter took our very heavy bags up to our room, where we were very impressed with its size and view. (right near the pool and bar!) the tropicale rooms are a fair size and are reccommended for larger parties.

the food and drink was non stop and available all thru the day and night! u  can have a bop in the disco and nip downstairs to the restaurant for a sneaky burger!

all the entertainers are fantastic!!!!!!!!!
alex,saffy,bladimir,renne,johnny just to name a few! they work soo hard to make everyones holiday fun, and enjoyable... not to mention hectors super bingo game!

our holiday was supposed to b a relaxing time but instead we needed another one to recover from all the excitement!

we recommend: sosua disco tour, saona island excursion, the cable car in puerta plata (not for vertigo sufferers!) and the hotel beach party every monday night!

We will see you in October for more sea,sun, and fun fun fun!!!!!

Jayne and Laura xxxxxxxxxxx

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - Feb 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : JanetJones

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Went there 2nd of feb didnt like the tropical rooms but got moved to the royale 3 days later much better, entertainment staff good fun and hard working loved alex he was good with us as my husband is in a wheelchair,he took good care of us.weather was hot and sunny rained in the middle of the night most nights out of 14 days we had 2 days cloudy and 2 half days of rain 

we would go back there again it was all flat good for wheelchairs really enjoyed

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Hotels Fun Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - 2005

Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Alexander Keep

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We went with First Choice for a week. Having upgraded our flight and paid for us to sit together (my wife is a nervous passenger) we were disappointed (to say the least!) to find that "together" according to First Choice (or rather ther ground staff who appear to be worse than useless!) meant one behind the other - not really very useful! The mixed reviews received on cabin crew are bang on - on the way out the crew (particularly Tracie) were very considerate and I cannot recommend them highly enough. On the way back the crew really could not be bothered and it showed - considering we were in the Premium seats I felt sorry for the rest of the plane!

If there was one word to sum up the Fun Royale I would have to say it would be Tired. The rooms have not seen any sort of rennovation since the resort was opened in the 90s so everything is kind of working just bt that is it - do not expect it to be more functional or luxurious than an old holiday camp. Our bed had fleas, bed bugs and a thriving mosquito colony in it and after three days my wife and I counted over a hundred bites each on our legs.

The best thing about the entire experience was that the other guests we met were great (especially Janet & Doug, John & Sue & everyone else at the beach bar!).

All in all I would advise people to think carefully before you book there. The place is nowhere near as good as the other resorts and its cheapness shows with poor rooms and surly hotel staff (we were accused of trying to steal a manky old towel when we said we had not received the card to receive the towel in the first place!).

A place to avoid!

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook/ Sunset - 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Kate Sherwin & Matt Barlow- Staffordshire (19,22)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Firstly a long flight of aobut 9 hours but well worth it!If you are going from july to september its hurricane season so itll rain for an hour everyday-- but the truth is no one cares people still hang around sunbathing or in the pool whilst it is doing this.

we stayed at the fun tropicale a 3.5 star i think it is better as you get a kingsize bed rather than 2 queens.
the entertainment was good caberet style show everynight except monday which was beach party night it was great bonfire on the beach.After you have been to the beach make sure you get all the sand off before going back to your room as there are sand fleas and they can bite-- but thats like everywhere.the food is delicious!there is a niteclub with nitetime snacks!3 resturants but you have to book for 2 of them.

There is lots or little to do dependant on which way you look at it. you can sit and lounge round one of the pools all day the activity,quiet or kids but i cant do that i get bored too easily.

in the hotel you can play crazy golf,shuffelboard,darts,tennis,table tennis, hire a bike-- all for free!also at the beach you get free windsurfing,snorkeling,kayaking and bannaboat (boat bofore 2pm) i was rubbish at windsurfing also the beach was nice and again free dinners and unlimeted drinks as all inc- as everyone has htere section on the beach.
 some of the trips included
*Horse riding-- you already get half hour free as you are staying in the hotel you can go every morning if you want to.
*scuba diving trips-- some of them are expensive but would seem worth it-- you also get a free scuba diving lesson in the swimming pool free too.
*white water rafting- the only off put to that was it took 5 ohurs to get there-- so we didnt do that.
*quad biking/cars- see how real domincan life really is-- go to schools see the poorer parts-- a real eye opener.
*tropical treking- ride wild style on horse back through the jurrassic park jungle stoppnig at a purified lake to cool off.
*katamaran- i get sea sick so didnt do this.
*columbus aqua park - on thursdays and tuesdays- it costs $22 to go to the water park you put your name down in the morning and go at 2pm till 5 pm. its a bargain small but 3 hours is all you need really-- we enjoyed it was a lot of fun!
*ocean world-- This was amazing $300 but worth it-its a park with animals her we swan with dolphins and did the sealion encouter- thats why it was $300 but usually admission is aobut $100 that includes coach trip there and back- you free buffet luch n access to the bird sancuary, tiger grotto, snorkel reef pool, dolphin beach, sealion shows all extra programs come at a cost- i suggest for dolphin swim encounters-- book early as they sell out there was a 6 day in advance booknig when we went but i was really impressed by the sealions more so than the dolphins but a great day out for the family- but it was 48c so take some sun block and a hat!
over all a wicked holiday will be back soon,

so alex and francis dont miss us too much i will come back to see you all again.
I didnt want to come home my boyfriend had to pick me up and drag me on the bus (which is only a transfer time of 15-20 mins) We love oyu all guys and see you soon.
Kate & Matt x x x

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice dec  2004

Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : helen appleby - warwickshire (53, 50, 28, 26, 5, 1, )

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We arrived on boxing day 2004 to spend two weeks in paradise whist celebrating christmas and new year... the accomodation is poor in the tropicale but my parents upgraded to royale which is mush better.  we had lots of pet ants and mosses in our room which bit us all regardless of the candles and repellent.  The beach was very disappointing, sand flees everywhere - a real problem if u are inclined to get bit which i was !!! lots of coral in the sea so be careful.

We had a lot of rain 4 days out of 14 were sunny!! There was no entertainment at all whilst raining either in the day nor the night, most nights in bed by 8.30pm cos nothing to do especially whilst raining.  The food was ok, the italian and brazilian were better than the restaurant.  Lots of drunken people by the pool bar, not a nice environment for small children.

Overall we were all very disappointed with our holiday.... and be aware at the airport on departure to uk they charge you for every kg over 20kg allowance, unfortunately we got charged around 70.00 all together for excess baggage although we brought home less weight than when we left gatwick ( eg; nappies, shampoo's etc)

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Sunset Discounts) Sunset- DECEMBER 2004

Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : RAYMOND SHAW  - MANCHESTER

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

just got back glad to say,weather was bad out of 14 days it rained 8 full days and every night the last 4 full days were the monsoon season but this is quite the norm fot this time of year.

on arrival we where put in musty smelling rooms but when we complained we where givern rooms on the hotel side of the complex which is what we had booked anyway,the evening entertainment was very poor to say the least but we were kept being told that they were only amaturs and you could tell and didnt need to be reminded.

the disco is hiddern away over the main restraunt but that never got busy you were lucky to see more than 12 people in at once and that included bar staff,the one night it gets busy is fridays because its karioka nigth so all the entertaiment staff go for abit of a night out.the best bar by along way was BANANAS BAR the staff,hector,felix and louis made the time spent there brilliant if it wernt for these we would have gone insane.

the main restraunt was clean and the staff o.k it was like any other all inclusive on the whole the food was o.k. as was the italian restraunt.we found the beech small and dirty,the complex grounds were very nice and clean.we went out to the plaza but found it very exspensive in a bar called hemmingways so keep clear.

on the whole this was the worst holliday we have had and it goes to say we wont be going back if the mosses dont get you the ants will it seemed stranged we always woke up badly bitten on the legs take plenty of bite cream...... 

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Kirsty & Anne - Scotland (16, ??)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

My Mum and I went to Fun royale last October and it was BRILLIANT! The fact that it was our dream holiday this hotel made it even better. 

We loved the food, we loved our room it had plenty of space for all our clothes as well! (Which we needed), and what really made it was the staff! Ruddy, Alex, Herman, Leoandro (the pool bartender), Johnny and everyone else that we met, they just worked so hard everyday, wanting to please everyone which they did! They also put on a show every night which was fantastic!

We also loved the 24 hour bar and although the disco could be a bit quiet the staff would come up and show you some dance moves which would always living things up and the music was brilliant, we also met good pals that we were with for the rest of the holiday.

While we were there we went a few excursions. We went to Paradise Island which we would recommend to everyone this was just amazing you go in a speed boat out to the middle of the sea to an island just of sand and they take you snorkelling!

Overall we loved this holiday and are definitely going back and also back to Fun Royale.
WE CANT WAIT!

Anne & Kirsty x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - Oct 2004

Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : Lisa & Tony  (25, 27)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Stayed in the Fun Royale/ Fun Tropical end October 2004.  

The resort is purpose built so found it a little strange at first.  There is not a lot to do outside your hotel other than go to the beach or go to the shopping centre (which is quite expensive).  The hotel itself was fantastic.  The rooms were basic but clean and the staff were fantastic.  We had a problem with the electricity in our room. We went to reception to report it.  By the time we arrived back to our room there were 2 members of staff waiting to fix the problem.  Within half an hour it was all sorted out. 

The entertainment staff do work hard.  They start at around 8 in the morning and work right through until about 1.  Some of the shows were fantastic but be warned they like to drag you up on stage and won't take no for an answer.  (it's a good laugh).  The food was nice but like  most all inclusives it can get very boring.

Try some of the trips.  We went on the Monster truck safari which was amazing.  You are on a massive truck which takes you round to see all the locals and shows you how typical dominicans live.  (quite an eye opener)  On the way back they ply you with Rum or beer.  I don't think anyone arrived back at their hotel sober.  We also went to Paradise island.  I would definately recommend this trip.  You are taken out on a speed boat to a little island in the middle of the sea.  The sand is white and the sea is so clear. Take plenty of sun cream though.

We really enjoyed this holiday.  We had a fantastic time and met up with loads of people who we have stayed in touch with.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays September 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : John Hedley Newcastle upon Tyne (60,58)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Fun Tropical/Fun Royal is an old hotel that is in need of refurbishment, we had cockraoches in the rooms and rats running around the dinning room. The beach area was very good (but lacked any umbrellas, the only shade was under the trees) with a bar and a food bar,the food at the beach bar was very good but the hotel restuarant left a lot to be desired. There was a lot of upset stomachs and diarrhoea at the hotel so be aware.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice -   May 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Steve Bonnick -  Hampshire    ( 38, 20 )

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Our dream holiday, well not quite. The hotel is very clean, but it is a three star, which shows. Our first time, the adult pool lovely, as long as your spaces on the sunbeds are claimed by around 7.30 am. A good tip, take a towel down at breakfast, lay it on the beds of your choice, then come back after breakfast. This applies to the activities pool also.

The food was a disappointment, little variety, but the fruit was good.
If you want trips out, go to the Plaza, 5 mins walk down the road. Same trips, but a lot cheaper than the Hotel, most other guests did this also, and I highly recommend Outback Safari ( Thanks to Lenny the guide )
The rooms aren`t available until 3.00pm, so we had to wait around an hour, good idea to take swimming custume in hand luggage, its hot waitng.

The beach was a big let down!!! sandy, but the coral was over whelming in the sea, and people were coming back from the beach with bites up their legs, apparently from some sort of sand flee.
Would I go again? yes but to a different part of the island, and up the star rating.
One pet hate in the hotel, and as you walk around, was the constant selling of hotel time - share style holidays. Outside grin and bere it, but the hotel could stop it  within their grounds.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - Date Not Specified

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Lisa Giles - Shropshire

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

By day 3 of our holiday we had transfered to another hotel - Occidental Playa Dorada.  Fun Royale would be good if you did not mind constantly being pestered to play games.  We were asked 6 times in less than an hour to play bingo on our first day!!  Not the relaxing holiday we had expected.  We felt more like it was a Butlins resort - no offense to Butlins but we did not travel on a 9 hr flight for this. Around the main pool the music was played extreamly loud all day long.  My youngest son was too scared to use the swimming pool on day 2 because of the drunks swearing whilst in the pool.  When playing crazy golf yet another drunk fell over in front of us and was carried off by his friend and a small child.  I felt ashamed to admit that they were British. This was the last straw. 

Our party consisted of 3 adults and 3 children (15, 14, 7) The grounds were well maintained, we had a quiet located room but were disturbed by noisy neighbours.  Our room was very basic but they did keep it very clean.  The hotel is in need of up dating.  The hot water did not work so we had cold showers. The sofa bed was fine if you were shaped like a banana and unfortunately my son is not.  The did put another mattress on top but the only thing this did was make it very bouncy.

The buffet restaurant served cold food at night although the Italian was very good and you could eat there as often as you liked as long as it was booked at breakfast.

Our rep was very helpful and provided us a list of alternative hotels on day 2 and we were gone on day 3! 

If you like holidays that are loud, full of drunken British people, staying in poor accommodation then this is right up your street.  If not then transfere A.S.A.P.  For our party is only cost an extra £50.00 per person well worth the money.

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Grand Flamenco Beach - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos - Jan 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2004 by : Paul and Christine Musgrave (both 44)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just arrived back from our second stay at the Flamenco Beach.  The first was in January 2002 and now January 2004.  Just to let everyone know that the main restaurant is now fully finished and is lovely.  I heard reports that it was a bomb site and was very worried, but they had just finished it before we arrived.  Cosmos were not taking any bookings over the Christmas period according to our rep.  

It's a lovely hotel with two pools and a swim up bar.  Our only complaint is that the rooms could do with a revamp.  We had been told that some of the rooms have been refurbished, so they may be going through the whole lot!

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Grand Flamenco - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - september 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : macala, mike and lisa boldan 24, 41, 15

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Flight
The flight was very long but comfortable.

Accomodation
was excellent the rooms were fully air conditioned very spacious and comfortable they were cleaned on a daily basis even if you fancied a lay in after a few beers night before they would come back in the afternoon. The hairdryers were excellent.

Restaurants
The restaurants were absolutly fantastic
Breakfast
a wide varity of choice full english cereal u name it they had it all hot and freshly cooked buffet style. The waiters couldnt do enough for you coffee tea any drinks you wanted even beer if you was up 4 it!!

Lunch
was avalable at 3 restaurants there was the beach bar which had a wide selection chicken, chips burgers sausages owt u wanted. then there was the Pool bar same style absolutly lovely. Then there was your main buffet which had a wider choice again excellent.

Evening meals
there was a choice of mexican, steak house, chinese, and italian you had to book at reception in a morning for. all excellent.
then there was the pizza place and your main buffet loved it wide choice could go back for more!!

Supper
was avalable at the beach bar at 11pm till 3-4am still excellent.

Pools
Cleaned all day everyday excellent the main pool had your bar which has very friendly staff great place for meeting people. Free fags whenever you wanted. Lifeguards there all day.

Small pool
All games held in volley ball, water polo excelent fun. you could also swim when games wernt on.
the babys pool was attatched great for the lttle ones
Towels were avalable everyday free of charge.

Entertainment
Daytime
always something going on from darts to balloon darts cards water sports u name it the entertainment staff liked to keep u entertained. all fun club staff were excellent made u laugh if you read this and go please say hi to bombon for me from macarena!! there was shooting, archery, table tennis, basketball all avalable for you if you wanted to relax no problem they left u alone.
Evening
great shows also got holiday makers involved dancing game shows to karaoke. Kids entertainment early doors great laugh.
Main show was at 9.00 dancers were superb and the singers were just as good all different shows. to suit all.
they also put on a late disco down at the beach from 11pm till you drop with all inclusive drinks great night dance till you drop the staff are very friendly.

beach
the beach was lovely watersports on all day all inclusive except banana boat and jet ski which you had to pay for. They did have people selling different items on the beach bikinis, bracelets, t-shirts, pictures barter with them!! they are not pushy when you say no thanks they walk away also very friendly.
Ladies you could get your hair braded for 50 dollors well worth it caus straightners dont work over there very well plus loads complained about there hair being frizzy!! i was ready in 5 mins no hair to do!!

Shops
there was the plaza 2 mins round corner where you could book all your excursions cheeper than your reps and they were excellent not as crowded. we got 3 excursions for 80 dollors with your rep u will pay 80 dollors for 1 trip!!! trust me.
Barter with shop keepers if you buy presants clothes etc they will come down.
There are also cash machines there which only give out paceos(there local currency).

Excursions
Are expensive but well worth it go on the jeep safari they take you to lagoons waterfalls and dominican homes well cool trip. Try em there all great trips. You get to see a bit more of the island everything is cheaper when u leave the complex so buy off the complex when your on your trips. The drivers are craxy will make you laugh its like waky races as they use mopeds as taxis. Good laugh they all smile and wave at you.
Go to ocean world your chance to swim with dolphins watch the sea lion show and see lots of other animals tigers, parrots you can also swim with sharks and sting rays if your brave!! A fantastic day out.

Bars
there were plenty of bars around the complex u will never go thursty all friendly staff cant do enough for you.

I had the best holiday of my life at the Grand Flamenco hotel the staff were so friendly and great entertainers i miss them all so much and cant wait to return i couldnt fault this hotel at all.

Dont forget to say hi to Bombon for me. rember its macarena.
Thankyou

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Grand Flamenco - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Lorna & John McClymont (28 & 29)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just back from a fantastic holiday at the Gran Flemenco people were lovely. We met a great crowd. 

The hotel was superb. I was a bit nervous after reading reviews on other web sites about this hotel. I really couldn't fault it. Food was great ok you have to book for specialised restraunts but the buffet restraunt had such a varied selection I preffered to eat there. The only one thing I would say is beware of the vacation club sellers I found it anoying being chased by then to sell you time share but if you tell them at the begining your not interested you should be ok. The beach bar disco is a great laugh although it states in the brocher you have to pay for your drink we found it was all-inclusive. 

I'm sure you won't be dissapionted if you are going to this hotel.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - April 2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Joanne (41) Natalia (14)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from our two week vacation at this 4* rated hotel (02/04/07-16/04/07) and I can honestly say I was ready for coming home after week one.  This hotel is in great need of repair and modernisation, with standards of a 2* plus.  The rooms are all pretty much the same, having two double beds and basic tired looking furniture.  The tiles were broken and/or in need of a good clean and regrouting.  The curtains and bed linen were covered in undesirable mildew, not an attractive site to any room.  Also if your lucky enough you could have extra guests in your room at no extra cost - COCKROACHES!  We moved rooms on 3 separate occasions, so I can safely say this hotel has seen better days and needs a serious revamp!  Ladies a word of warning, please ensure you place some underwear in the safe as I had 10 pairs missing within 3/4 days of arriving.  Safe to say the hotel was a disappointment to us both.

Food was of poor quality and both my daughter and I like living of foreign local food when abroad.  Although it was a buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner, we struggled to find anything to eat apart from pineapple and melon (when available) and can safely say my daughter returned 7lb lighter.  The meats were always chewy, and undercooked.  The a la carte restaurants had the better of the food, but nothing to write home about.  Also I bit in to a bread roll only to come face to face with the cockroach, which I am convinced was baked in the roll and hadn't found its way in there.

Beach was the place we wanted to spend our lazy days catching the rays, but that was difficult to do.  Obviously you need shade, and the only real form of shade was by having a thatch parasol.  the parasols were sparse in numbers and usually taken by the same greedy crowd, whom crept down around 5.00am to place their towels out.  So you have been warned - be prepared to burn or join the crowd of getting up at some crazy hour then returning to bed.  Things weren't much better round the pool.  There really aren't enough parasols; perhaps the hotel should try chucking the towels in the water if nobody is present, especially at those silly hours.

Entertainment was DIRE... not much else to do at the resort, as you really are confined to the hotel for your duration.  But I do have to give credit to the animation team, who try very hard to keep everyone entertained throughout the day and indeed work long hard hours for little remuneration.

TRIPS we did whilst there were Ocean World and Monster Truck.  Certainyl worth doing as you get to see the real DOm Rep.  Being int he resorts we are too well shielded from reality.

We won't be going back to Gran Ventana and neither recommending it to others.  On the whole really disappointed with the resort and especially the hotel.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - Dec 2006

Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : Simon Green (39,38,9)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Our second visit to Dominican Republic, the first being 10 years ago. The Island has definately improved in this time and it seems much safer as far as security goes but still a complete nightmare on the roads!!

We flew out on 23rd December 2006, spending Christmas and New Year there.

Gran Ventana is an excellent all round hotel, though first impressions were not great. After a long but good flight (2 hour delay) in upgraded seats which I highly recommend we checked in and were given the key to our first room which only had one bed!! bearing in mind there were three of us!! Long walk back to reception, given key for second room which was very noisy and again rejected, back to reception for third room which was at back of hotel and much quieter. People on reception were excellent and couldn't have been more helpful even phoning the room over the next couple of days to ensure everything was ok.

All the staff, without exception were fantastic. Always smiling and whenever asked how they were replied EXCELLENTE!! with a big smile. Animation team tried very hard and put a huge ammount of effort into the evening shows but they were obviously only amateurs. Work ethic and effort were superb though.

Hotel was kept spotless, pool area first class and always loungers available though parasols went early in the morning. Beach again was kept spotless, great for swimming and snorkeling, though wear something on your feet due to sea urchins!

Could not fault the food, restaurant was kept very clean and well organised with an excellent buffet choice of food. Presentation of food wasn't the best, looked a bit like school dinners in trays under heat lamps but quality, choice and how it tasted was beyond fault. I would have happily paid good money in a high quality restaurant such was the quality. We didn't try any of the a la carte restaurants so I can't comment on them, again we never felt the need to.

Went on two trips, Ocean World was superb, we did the swimming with dolphins and the sea lion experience. quite pricey but a never forget day. I still grin like a madman every time I think about it!!

Paradsie Island was a big let down, speedboat ride there was ok but the island itself was a big disappointment and got VERY   overcrowded. I would suggest you give this one a miss, the only real lowpoint of the whole holiday.

Would I return again? Dominican republic yes, in a few years, other places to see first. Gran Ventava? Definatley, I only hope our next holiday accommodation is as good.  

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: First choice Nov 2006

Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : 3 families   (52,46,52,36,48,41,20,17,17,19,16,16,13)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I was one of the families who went for the first time and wow what a fantastic holiday.

First choice was great extra legroom excelent definetley a must for long-haul. A 20 min drive from hotel was good.The hotel was fantastic everybody happy to help. Rooms great kept clean everyday. advise getting safe key,as you can keep passports and ipods in them without worry of theft,about $23. The  food,not much to say except fantastic!!!!!!!! never eating so well in our lifes so much choice. The pool area great lots to do for the teenagers and the beach lovely kept extremely clean. All round the complex was kept clean. The plaza was a 3min walk where you could buy pressys necklaces tee-shirts etc   not bad lots of copys eg ralf loren,polo burberry.Hotel and entertainment staff did as much to please as they could to get you envolved in the entertainment eg salsa lessons and water volleyboy our kids loved it.

Overall cant wait to go back next year as soon as we can.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - September 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Jo, Dave - 23, 26

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hotel - the hotel lived up to our expectations, the staff were unbelievably friendly and could not do enough for you, apart the lady in the exchange shop, who had a face like slapped a***, the cleaning staff were brilliant the hotel was spotless, the rooms were cleaned every day and fresh totels left along with flowers and swans made from the towels, the bar staff were lovely and friendly, the animation team were great especially ronaldinhio, simon was a com plete nuisance was constantly on at you to wither buy a cd from or or a dvd of one of the shows, he was just trying to make some extra money.

Beach - the beach was lovely and had wooden huts instead of umbrella's which were geat if you tend to burn like me, in the 2nd week we were informed of some beach which was due to take to place which one part of the beach was closed, the did leave other half quite crowded, the work took about 4 days but once finsihed you could see the difference.

Excursions - this time we only went on 1 excursion as we visited dom rep last year, this time we went to ocean work we paid $145 which was about £80 for the dolphin swim, we had an excellent say out there, althgouh the food was included in the price and the drinks werent. the swim with the dolhins was amazing and i would recommend this to anyone who goes, you can get the trips slightly cheaper down at the plaza but beacuse of the set price of the park the people in the plaza will only go down to $135, and we felt safer booking it through the rep.

Food - the food was of good standard anf they tried to vary the dinner and tea meals as much as possible, the breakfast wasnt great but they did try to cater for everyone, there are 3 restaurants, the itlian which was lovely, the service is exceptional in all of the reastaurants as soon as you have finished you dring it is topped up immediatley, the pcean bar is ok we only chose to eat there once, and didnt really enjoy it, the octopus was our favourite restaurant and the food was excellent especially the chicken mocca style starter!!!

Friends - on our 2nd day we met a great couple from hartlepool Sharon and Paul and their 2 kids Kian and Keelie, we spent most of our holiday together and with them the holiday was made even better, and may even see them next year!!!so look out for uncle ben.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland - September 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Barnes family - Yorkshire 39, 36 (f) 37(m)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Originally we were booked into the riu bachata but due to adverse recent reports changed to this hotel. returned 16/9/6.
We will try to present as balanced an appraisal as possible.

Flight (TUI).  Both ways no major delays and pretty well catered for all round.

Rooms. Just about enough room for 3 adults but no more. Clean and tidy but decor and fittings a bit tired.

Service.  Maids did their job well in the main but we had to remind them to bring towels, drinks on many occasions. bar staff and waiters were friendly and efficient, particularly those in the a la carte's.

Food and drink.  Best food undoubtedly in a la cartes. Top of tree was the italian, then octopus then ocean grill. Main buffet restaurant has a wide choice of good quality food for even the fussiest of eaters.  Drink is local produce only and served in plastic. Adequate.

Trips.  We thoroughly enjoyed monster truck safari. Quite pricey (around 50 quid pp)but an excellent value all incl. day out. Ocean world also enjoyable and value as was the reps entertainment night.

Hotel entertainment program.  DIRE in the extreme.Repetitive, acts poor club turn standard at best.  featured theme shows all same, eg wild west night was much the same as latin night.

Tipping.  Despite decent early tips to our maids their service never improved. Does help service a little in bars/eateries if you tip a couple of dollars every so often. Service in ala catres warranted generous tipping.

Resort: Purpose built hotel based resort with only a limited scope to adventure out. (Safe though).

Climate. Very hot and sticky all year round apparently. good aircon in room was a godsend. Mosquito repellent a must!!! As is a good medicine kit. these things are pricey out in DR

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: First Choice - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Mark,Jan,Emma,Jonathan,Nathan Andrew (44,43,16,12,11,7)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just got back from the Gran ventana Dom Rep.

Let me start by saying we had $900 (£650) "go missing" from our room on day 2 of our holiday and we did hear of someone who had an i-pod go missing, so make of that what you will.

Now that's out of the way, what about the rest of it?

The hotel is enormous, well kept grounds clean and tidy due to an army of cleaners.

The pool is also enormous; someone did say it is the biggest on the island!!

Has a swim up bar, the barman here ,Joel, is a really top bloke, even filled up your drink without asking, and try as you might you won't get served out of turn.
work your way through the cocktail list on the first day !!!!
The pool does get lots of bits floating about in it but was "swept" every couple of hours to keep things in check.
Two of our party got ear infections towards the end of the holiday, requiring antibiotics from our doctor when we got back.

Food
Choice is excellent, look out for the carvery, changes daily, suckling pig, lamb, turkey, beef and a few fish ones, all carved right off the joint as you ask for it.
The Italian restaurant is worth a mention, highly recommended, book at guest services in the quite part of the hotel.

Breakfast has a good choice, get down quite early though, we got down at 9.45 on a few occasions and the orange and tea had run out!!
Other that that I would have no complaints at all. We were lucky enough to go to Cuba last year, I can say the food is better here.

The day time entertainment your typical pool based games, all good fun and no pressure to join in if you don't want to.
The animation team really are very good and work extremely hard.
The night time shows were ok, if you want west end, go to London!!!!

We had mixed weather while we were there, rained on and off a few days, then due to hurricane Ernesto, whose very edge just passed over us, we had rain all day on the 1st Sunday, the second week was 90 degrees and unbroken sunshine all week.

Hope you get good weather, because there is not a lot to do inside when it rains.

Due our money situation we did not get to go on any trips, we did however go on the helicopter ride, well worth the £40 each.

The beach is a 2 minute walk from the pool, not really off the grounds, and did get quite windy, and as this is the Atlantic side the sea is quite rough.A polite no will sort out the beach sellers.

Overall I would recommend to anyone and would definitely go back.

First choice also need a mention, excellent both ways, loads of room,good in-flight meals and on time.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - August 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Geoff & Jenny Cornwall

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

2 Adults and 3 children 9,8,1.5 YO . Just back from this hotel and we don't have any bad word to say about the whole holiday. From start to finish the Thompson reps were helpful and always had a smile . All the staff at the Grand Ventana were happy and helpful and always had time to talk .The hotel is a 3 rather than a four star but thats ok. The service from the waiters and waitress was great , reception and housekeeping and laundry and bar staff all worked hard to make everyones holiday a good one . The Entertainment was good for kids and adults alike and the Animation team were all a good laugh.
The pool was always clean and warm.
The beach and sea were also clean and tidy , though the river next to the beach does not look to healthy so we kept away from that.

Snorkling is good fun , we went on the Freestlye boat trip which was a great day out for all ,the water was clear and the fish plenty. Again the boat team were great .
Ocean world is quite small but still takes up a day .  The dolphin swim is worth doing for sure ,great experience smiled all the way though out the 30 mins. The seals are fun and the snorkling also worth doing . It was a good day out.
The whole 2 weeks were fun and happy.

Would go back again . But other places to see first

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson August 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Bruce - Dundee, Scotland (44, 43)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We use this site quite often, before booking a holiday, as it usually gives a good indication if the hotel is going to be suitable for us.

However,did we ever get it wrong this time!

We have been to Playa Dorada, in 2004, and thought it was a great resort, fantastic for snorkelling on the beach, etc. So following the advice of other reviews we chose the 4 star Gran Ventana, this time, for our stay.

When we arrived at the hotel, we thought our room  was okay, linen looked clean enough, but the top bed covers were all torn.  Initial opinion of the hotel was that it was obviously passed its best, and parts of the hotel were in dire need of repair.  Definitely not what you would normally expect from a THOMSON 4 STAR HOTEL.  The tiles on the floors of the hotel were broken and chipped, the Bell Boy nearly broke his neck, when he tripped over it! There was a lack of hotel staff, you never saw more than one or two waiters at any one time, it was so obviously struggling to compete with other hotels in the resort.

We visited the pool within the first hour of arriving and were horrified to see dirty napkins and paper cups lying in the pool water, so we decided to give that a miss and go to the beach.

On the glorious beach were clay bins for cigarettes etc, lots of these were broken and left lying around in the sand, any of the kids  playing in the area could easily have had an accident.

The sunbeds were covered in grime and stains, we dont think they had ever been washed, and there was a strong smell of sewage from the sea, not very welcoming if you liked to go in the water for a swim  or  to snorkel!

We will be coming back to the Caribbean again, but will be giving the GRAN VENATANA a miss next time!

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - August 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Gaynor Smith - Solihull (42, 40, 15, 12)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We've just got back from a fantastic 2 weeks holiday. We booked extra legroom on both flights-well worth the extra money. We had 2 meals on each flight which we didn't expect and pillows and blankets for everyone.
Get your Visas BEFORE you go to save time at the airport when you get there, but you still have to complete a questionnaire per person on arrival so make sure everyone has a pen each! (not provided). You also have to pay $10 per person to enter country and another $20 per person to leave!Keep this with your passports on arrival so that you don't spend it all. (not sure what happens if you don't have enough).
At airport don't accept any help from locals-even to direct you to your coach as they expect tips. This is also the same wherever you go outside of the hotel.

The hotel was brilliant from the time we arrived till departure. Bell boys take your cases to/from your room; rooms were large, beds even better, air conditioning/ceiling fan exceptional as was the daily cleaning - fresh towels with fresh flowers every day (I even had my nighty arranged on my bed every day!). The whole hotel was scubbed from top to bottom daily - they just didn't stop cleaning.Check you have right type of plug adaptor as we had to buy one there. Pool towels changed as often as you wanted although we did have to get up earlier and earlier to get sunbeds and parasol (just set alarm on room telephone, put them out and go back to bed!). Main pool had swim up bar but kids abused this-we have recommended that it bar is made 'adults only' to keep pool cleaner. Beach was great and had thatched huts instead of umberellas which were brilliant when it got really hot.
Weather was very mixed; 1st week just very hot but 2nd week a bit cloudy and a couple of rainy days (storms and heavy rain).VERY humid throughout! (we gave up straightening our hair-as soon as we left our air-conditioned room it frizzed up again!!)

We went on 3 excursions as it was my husbands 40th birthday:
MONSTER Truck Safari - excellent fun day with lots of insight into the real lives of local people.Save your daily toiletries left in your room till you go and give them to the little kids as they are hard to come by/very expensive.
PARADISE Island - not as good as we expected. We spent more time on the coach there and back than on the trip itself! And a bumpy ride it was too!. Speed boat I found quite frightening as the sea was a bit rough but my husband and son loved it - very James Bond!The Island itself was lovely but tiny and too many people, but snorkling guided tour was excellent.
OCEAN World - with dolphin swim. Excellent again; lots of shows, no problem getting a seat. No drinks provided so remember to take them from your mini-bar or pay over the top prices!
Food was great.Book your a-la-carte reservations as soon as you arrive as places are limited-we had to queue for ages so we didn't bother for 2nd week.Italian was very posh and kids didn't feel comfortable but food was good. Ocean View was better-more relaxed and excellent food.Our favouite was the Octopus restaurant both for atmosphere and food. Main restaurant food was equally good and fantastic choice.Watch out for the cheeky birds (feathered varity) who pop in to pinch the food-they have nets up but the experienced few sneek in!)

All in all a great holiday-would recommend it to our best friends......hope you like it if you go

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: MyTravel - June 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Nicola, Pamela, Tommy (17,45,52)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just got back from an amazing 2 weeks stay at the Gran Ventana.

The hotel was amazing and the staff worked really hard to keep all the guests happy. The entertainment team were fantastic especially Ruby, Julio, Kojack and Jairo, they were alot f fun to be around.

The maids were fantastic to always greeting you with a smile and they kept the rooms and the hotel spotless. We had clean towels, bed sheets everyday also things like soap and shampoo was provided. they would leave fresh flowers beside your bed which was lovely.

every person i spoke to either inside or outside of the hotel were lovely people.

the pool and beach were brilliant and different activities were on during the day such as water aerobics, snorkeling lessons, merengue lessons, football on the beach, volleyball and lots more.

they also have there very own club dance which looks easier thn it actually is!! the boys really know how to move!!

We went on a few excursions Ocean World was OK not much to do but the dolphin swm was fantastic.

there is not much to do on a night time after the entertainment has finished but for the younger people i would recommend they go to hemmingways and Roadway these are two good clubs that are just outside the hotel (but always stay with a friend)

overall the holiday and the hotel was fantastic and we carnt wait to go back in November!!!

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Thomas Cook - May 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Vicki Hurley - Kevin Neal Stratford Upon Avon(26,23)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is the 2nd time we have stayed at this hotel. The staff ensure you are treated extra special if you have been there before. We were advised of building work taking place prior to us going, however the noise was minimal and only in one block and this block was closed off. We last stayed there in November 2005 it was slightly cooler and there were less children there (which makes a difference). This time we went 16th May for 2 weeks, my partners family also stayed here at the same time. Once again we found the Gran Ventana to be a fanatastic holiday.

The staff are always on hand to help, from the restaurant staff to the cleaning maids to the 24 hour reception.

The food is fantastic, you have a different joint of meat day and night and it is cooked to perfection, There is plenty of choice from Pizza to a roast dinner. The ala carte restaurant are also very good the best by far is the Octopus restaurant, you would expect to pay a large sum in this country for those style of restaurants, however they are all included in the price. We even tried the Lobster this time in the Ocean Grill ala carte restaurant. It cost around $75 for the both, but that is the only addition cost in this hotel.

The excursions are excellent in the Dominican over the two visits our best trips have been Ocean World,White Water Rafting and Hot Wheels.

This time we went with Thomas Cook and we found there to be more excursion than with Thomson who we travelled with two years ago. We also got the benefit of the express check out however the bags did get picked up a bit to early so you couldn't sunbath for your last few hours. But the party we were with, all got charged for excess luggage on the way home and we didn't with the express check out which was one bonus to it.

The wheather was beautiful for the two weeks we were there with probably 1/2 overcast days. It did rain nearly every day around 4pm but by that time your ready for it. If you wanted to go on the beach and wanted an umbrella you would have to put your towel on a sunbed around 6.30-7am, however there were plenty of sunbeds.

The entertainment was quite poor for an all inclusive hotel, however the few nights they had outside acts on was worth watching.

All in all, once again we had a really good holiday at the Gran Ventana, and would definatly go back.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - Apr - May 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : (63,45,34,24,22,13)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just come back from the best holiday we have ever been on, and we have travelled a lot!!  The people in this hotel are fantastic, you will never meet nicer people anywhere in the world! The hotel was brilliant, we saw no cockroaches whatsoever, there was a constant flow of people cleaning and gardening, much cleaner than England!  The rooms were basic and in need of a revamp but were sufficient to sleep in, always clean linen and towels. A mini bar, shampoo, soaps always topped up, great air con and fan and a TV.

Food was excellent, lots of choice no-one would be able to complain, their was pasta, pizza, chips, veg, lots of different meat, dominican dishes, cheeses, fruits and lots of cakes!!!
The only thing was the beef was very chewy, so I would avoid this.  The a'la carte restaurants are definately worth a visit.

The beach was beautiful, lots of umbrellas to gain shade although would recommend putting towels down early.  Beach was cleaned every day.

At this hotel they even give you clean beach towels every day so really all you need to take is your clothes!

I must admit the entertainment isn't great but your in the caribbean its so relaxing! The entertainment staff try their best and are hilarious and the men have a habit of dressing as women!

On the beach are lots of sellers, who are great fun they all have funny sayings and we had a man that sold cuddly toy monkeys who used to sing the same thing everyday, by the end of the holiday everywhere you go people are singing it.

Also, in the hotel is a gardener that will pick coconuts off the tree and cut them so that you can eat or drink it, but he expects a tip.

Some of us went on a jeep safari trip booked by "hector the protector", one of the sellers on the beach we would not recommend bokoking with him as some of the family went on the proper outback safari which was much better.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: First Choice - March 2007

Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : Janette & Martyn (36,38)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from the Gran Ventana. Spent 1 week there and feel you really do need two weeks , due to the amount of trips to go on. Weather was great if not a bit too hot at times, however did rain nearly every day but only for a short time.
The facilities and entertainment team at the hotel are great , the guys work all day long keeping the guests entertained with such as water polo, aerobics, pool matches etc and are still there entertaining on an evening.
The bar service was excellent , never had to wait more than 1 min to be served, food was the usual buffet style and with a lot of choice.The hotel has 3 speciality restaurants , we tried the ocean grill and is was great, brilliant service and brilliant food.
The hotel is set right on the beach and has plenty of sun lonugers both around the pool and on the beach.

The only thing that let this hotel down was the standard of the rooms ,they have a damp feel to them and smell a bit foisty.The first room we were allocated was like a dungeon , really dull and in need of gutting. We asked to be moved and were given another room over looking the sea , which was much better ,however still needed a good clean. 3 days into the holiday and the room above us had a problem with air conditioning that leaked into our romm , so again we had to move to another room , so I can at least say that it wasn't only the first room that needed updating.

All in all good holiday had by us , would we go back ? Yes we would , but would hope the rooms had been updated and would go for two weeks!!

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson- 31/01/07-15/02/07

Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : 25,27

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from a brilliant holiday. We have never done an all inclusive or a long haul before.
The Gran Ventana was brilliant there is so much food to choose from maid service was good and all the animation team were very friendly always trying to keep you entertained especially Ronaldinio, Coca cola, Chocolate and Carlos weather was really good.
Snokelling was amazing water so clear what an experience. We went on the monster truks, this was a really good day and eye opener of the Dominicans Lifestyle but very enjoyable especially the water fights.
We met a few good friends and are staying in touch they all really enjoyed it too
Our thomson rep Bev was extremely friendly and helpful.
very good holiday would reccommend to anyone and looking forward to returning in the near future

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 11th - 26th july 06

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : miss garnett - manchester (16)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

BREAKFAST

was amazing they made such lovley food i am not a big eater in the morning but the food there was so hard to resist in the mornings they did evrything from fruit to waffles made right in front of you eyes!

LUNCH

evrything u need to keep you going! chips, spagetti bolgnaise, sald , fish, meats, pizza.

DINNER

has some of the food from lunch but not chips if they have chips for lunch they never repeated having chips! they had things such as ribs, pig, lamb, curry!

ENTERTAINMENT

also amazing the children we saw was always happy! me being 16 came with my friend and her family and even though it is for younger children we had our giggles! evry morning at 11 water areobics was on and it was funny to watch and also fun to join in with! volleyball was on frequently and sports took place twice a week around the pool it was women/girls vs men/boys!

WEATHER

was lovley but a few days maybe 2 or 3 it rained for around 4 hours but this did not stop most people who thought a little rain wouldnt hurt! afterall its not as if we dont have it back in england!
even though it did rain be warned a tan and sunburn u can still get as i learned from not puttin suncream on during the bad weather!

TRIPS

when we went on the trips we didnt not book through our reps! we went to the  shoppin centre not that far away bout 5/10mins and booked it there besides it being maybe 20-30 pounds cheaper than through the operators the people who took us were very funny and entertaining made the day even more enjoyable!

PARADISE ISLAND- was brilliant  the mini bus picked us up from the gran ventana at half 7 for a 2 hour drive then we came to a nearby beach from which we was on the speed boat which i absoloutley loved for around 15 mins we came to the small island where drink and fruit was served! u have 3 hourd on the beach then on the way back from the speed boat u have a tour into trees in the sea! when u reach the beach (not the one outside of the hotel) u will have  food in a nearby cafe ( dnt expect this to be  no poshy because it is a 3rd world country) this ended the day and was brilliant!

WHITE WATER RAFTING- if you love adrenaline rushes and love action this is the trip to go on! it is very hard work but very good to do! the instructor was funny and there is around 4/5 boats all at once but the instructors arrange it so there is no accidents! we left the hotel at 7 in the mornign and the coach journey was 3 hours but it flies by because u are so tired u  fall asleep for the whole journey! again u are given a meal and there is a small place where you stopp off at which has a pool where you can have a dipp!
i would definetly try the trips because they are wort there money and watch out for sexy black banana he is funny!

BEACH

umm was a bit dissapointed with the beach the sand isnt as white as you expect to see from when u look in the brouchure well... this is what i thought until i walked down the beach towards the water sport area and this is where the beach was lovley! and the water sports there were amazing my friends that we met over there went on the banana boat and me 2 of my friend sat in the speed boat and watched! i also went kayaking on my own and got a bit carried away and went to far out :S luckily  my friend was snorkelling not to far away to come and get me!

NIGHTLIFE/THINGS FOR TEENAGERS

there was 3 cluubs near by which we thought were very good hemmingways, roadways and carzy moon! hemmingways was the favourite along with roadways i didnt really seem to go  or like crazy moon! i warn teenage girls now stay with a lad or in 2's the men over there are like hawks they  try touching in places your wouldnt like and  are very pervy!! after dinner  all the teenagers would gather rounf the pool room upstair and will be there till about 11 from there we would leave to the clubs or  go to the beach party or just all  sit haveing a  relaxing time on the beach!

overall this holiday was amazing! would i go back? absoloutley! it was unforgettable and  nothign except for a few minor things were wrong!

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson July 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Mark, Cheryl, Amy, Laura Homan Liverpool (39,39,12,11

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Just got back from my first visit to dem rep, and I have to say I would go back to this hotel like a shot, food drink excellent, travelled in a group of 14, everyone had a great time, you must visit all the restaurants service superb drinks replaced before you can finish them, and food replaced if you didnt like something, go snorkil on the beach but check your gear before you take it, 11 year old daughter given a broken one and i was charged $25 dollers on return. only complaint would be the entertainment 7 nights excellent 7 night Very Very poor, but no lack of effort. 

If you like water book the jeep safari and go swimming in the waterfalls, go see josua in the plaza and dont pay anymore than $20 dollers per person, oh and make sure you wear good footwear like old trianers etc, otherwise they charge $2 dollers per person not much i know but they wont tell you about this and some people had no money. take some sweets,for local kids. Never pay the asking price and always lock your balcony door,If you are going here soon, your in for a great time, and go to ocen world--- 5 Star.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: eclipse-july 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : trev debs jemma dean <47,44,20,22>

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

just arrived back from DR 18/07/2006.what a fab place.hotel rooms dated but not a problem.we were in sanoa building overlooking pool area.fantastic beach good swimming and snorkelling.did not do pool area till afternoon as very hot and no breeze.also the usual 5.30 dash to get sunbeds.no problem on beach always plenty left even around 10 am.FOOD. what can i say.FANTASTIC!!!!!!! BUFFET and 3 a la carte. all very good but book early for a la carte as they soon get booked up.entertainment so-so.they do try but sorry not for us but the micheal jackson was quite good,and a band was on one night very good.TRIPS we booked with rep.jeep safari and paradise island.both great value and worth doing. you could get trips off vendors cheaper but don t know how good these were.

would definately recommend this holiday to anyone. so go and ENJOY!!!!!!

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook holidays may 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : scott barclay 28

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The hotel has everything that you need for a relaxing and fun caribbean holiday.
We booked a junior suite which was very clean and spacious.All the restaurants had a good selection, food standard very high. Entertainment was ok some very good nights others very boring but could go out of hotel complex and locals very friendly and safe.
drinks like all all-inclusives could have been a bit better.
This property also caterd very well for family holidays many kids there but proprty big enough to have some quiet time.
Playa dorada does not have a golden sand beach but is still good with all watersports.
To sum up this holiday had a fantastic time and would reccomend hotel very highly.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice MAY2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Nicky Wilkes  (23, 44)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just had the best holiday. The staff at the hotel were very friendly. We were checked in quickly,and our luggage delivered to our room, The cleaner left flowers in our room every day,and they never stop cleaning! The pool is well maintained, although we prefered the beach for our sunbathing. Beach vendors leave you alone with a polite no thanks.

The food was very good, and plenty of choice. We tried all three restaurants the Italian was our favourite.
We only did two tours, Ocean World cost 145 dollars so we could swim with the dolphins, an experience we will never forget. We even had a laugh with the driver and man from ocean world that was on the coach. The other tour was the Freestyle Catamaran, cost 89dollars. This was a great day out, the crew were brilliant and a good laugh was had by everyone. Make sure you put plenty of sunscreen on as there were plenty who were red by the time the day was over!! 

I cant wait to return to this hotel for my next holiday! I would recommend flying with first choice for the extra legroom, which is much better for such a long flight.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - May 2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : andrew carson belfast 45

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

my wife and i have just returned from the dom rep the trip was for our 25th wedding anniversary it was the holiday of a life time absoutly fantastic we are going back to the same resort next year god willing with my two daughters the gran vantana resort should have a 5 star rateing absoutly fantastic anyone finding fault with this hotel need their heads looked at. roll on next year.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - Feb 2006

Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : Sue -Darren 40 -39

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We are very well traveled, and having just spent a week in this hotel we were so impressed we want to share our experience.My husband and I had booked this as a 40th birthday presant for me and we stayed a week. (kids stayed at home)The hotel was one of the most cleaned and well scrubbed hotels we have ever stayed in.Every morning there was a team of maids scrubbing the decks and pool areas this continued all day. Be very careful as the floors are very slippy .The pools were chlorine checked twice a day.There are two pools, one with all the loud entertainment and a sunken swim up bar, the kids will love this one. if you like the agadoo or the chicken song(we dont ) this one is ok.
The other pool is a lovley quiet one away from the rabble and noise its near the Tiki Bar.It has its own bar and is perfect for relaxing. .

The room was perfect. again clean,big, 60 channel tv (If thats what you want )clean towels every day with fresh flowers.the bed was so big and comfy. the air con. was fantastic and the ceiling fan a god send at night.Ask for a room away from the disco area as this would keep you awake till the early hours.( its not the hotels disco)
The dining areas are good, smokers  kept well away from non smokers.the food was good.but we prefered the Octopuss this was fantastic.they keep your wine topped up all the time and are really cheerful.the food was wonderful. the Ocean Grill not so good it smelt of sewage and the food was not cooked well,the italian was ok. try to book early as they seem to book up quickly! The beach was nice they could have kept it a bit cleaner. Every beach has seeweed but there was bottles and shoes and rubbish,though they did try to keep it clean. There were beach  vendors but again dont hassle you if you say a polite no.
The hotel coplex is beautiful and well kept. There is secuity all over so you feel totally safe. Take a horse and cart ride we paid 500 peso for 1/2 hr you get to see all the other hotels around they are all beautiful.The shopping complex is nice but no air con and got very hot.

We booked three excursions; Monster Trucking FANTASTICYOU GO RIGHT OUT INTO THE MOUNTAINS AND REALY SEE HOW THEY LIVE UP THERE. YOU GET TO VISIT A LOCAL SCHOOL AND CHEESE FACTORY AND MEET A STINKY STINKY PIG PIG !(joke from the guide) the scenery was breath taking. take your camera on this trip .Take lots of small toys and lots of sweets and any toiletries for the poor!you can throw them off the truck to the children.and there are lots of children.

All this and the guides are throwing you any drinks you want ie, beer, rum and coke,  pepsi or water. A truly wonderful day. We also went deep sea sports fishing.. remember this is the NORTH side and the sea gets very very rough I ended up feeling so awful/sick the whole 5 hours as did 4 others. lots of buckets needed for this one. !!you go 50 miles out we even saw a tanker!We caught one Barracuda.We also booked to go horse trail riding. It was supposed to be for all skills and only walking..DO NOT book this if you cant ride it is VERY difficult about 30 horses all galloping/racing up hills and through rivers for three hours.I loved it as I can ride very well, but my husband was a compleat novice as were many others.including small children. He and others got off after one hour of almost constant galloping and refused to go back.They got a lift on a van. The ride is NOT for the light hearted. Some people the week before had fallen off.The scenary was brilliant but you only see it if your quick!!.We did complain to the rep Sam she was the best rep we have ever had, very efficiant she investigated the ride and saw the stable owner and refunded Darrens money.

The holiday was fantastic, if we were the type of people who go back to the same places then definatly we would come again but the world is to big and there is too much to see.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: first choice

Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : frost family (41,44,17,16)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is our 2nd visit to this hotel and will return again.The rooms are spotless,the staff are great especially stanley daniel from the italian can't do enough for you. The food in the buffet restaurant is lovely so much choice you can't go wrong.The 3 a la cartes are fantastic as well, our favourite was the italian,and the teenagers liked the ocean grill.
The pools are great a lively one and a quiet one.The beach is lovely and it has been improved since our first visit.Plenty of room for everyone and plenty of watersports. take bread and banana into the water and you can feed the fish by hand.
evening entertainment ok they try very hard but ther is also complex 2 min walk which also has bars if you want something different.
Perfect holiday if you just want to relax and get away from it all, but p;enty of excursions if you feel energetic, cant't wait to return later this year.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Eclipse (First Choice) - 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Karrie regardsoe Nottingham (38,38,13,11,8)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Back to this resort for the 5th time and yet again not disappointed. If anything the worst thing was the amount of brits that have found the place and are now returning in their droves try not to do the topless and towel hanging on the balcony if you go or this place is endanger of losing its high standards and culture.

Gran Ventana was a fab a last year lovely rooms, amazing food with a vast choice for everyone 60 dishes a night one guest counted when miffed by the amount of great choice!Try the goat curry its was like a fine irish stew and yummy something i would not normally go for.

Amazing riding at Lorilar we have used this facility for years its safe the people are wonderful and good for your 1st ever ride too, ask for Joyce shes amazing and become a great friend there. The monster truck is still by far one of our favourite trips "a tradition" our daughter says not to be missed every year and the school has come such a long way since our 1st visit the money is obviously being used well.

its perfect and we are well travelled and are drawn back every year its like going home. If we take a trip somewhere else its never quite the same the people here are so wonderful but if you want the best make an effort with pidgeon Spanish and an effort to befriend the people and you will have the best holiday ever.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - December 2005

Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Anita and Chris Grosvenor (39, 33)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Well what more can I say,  this hotel is one of the best hotels we have ever stayed at.

We started our holiday with a fantastic flight with First Choice Airways,  these really were excellent, everything from the extra legroom to the seatback TVs and also the choice of food.  We both thoroughly enjoyed it and would now not go with any other tour operator.

Once we arrived at the hotel, we were checked in very quickly and allocated to our room, we had requested a particular room in a quiet building with an ocean view and this is exactly what we were given.  The room was a little dated, but was extremely clean with fresh towels every day.  We also had the bed decorated with chocolates one day (which was a lovely touch)  This hotel is spotless, everywhere you go there are maids mopping/sweeping/cleaning. 

The food in this place is outstanding,  so much to choose from.  You can eat either at one of the a la carte restaurants or the buffet,  all are really good with excellent service.

The pools and pool areas are cleaned everyday with loads of sunbeds,  there are 2 pools a lively one and quiet one for relaxing.  both are great and both have bars just near to them.

The beach is lovely and clean, with plently of sunbeds,  there are a few beach vendors that approach you, but a polite 'no' is all that is required and they do not hassle you again.

We have had one of the best holidays ever,  we met some really nice people both from England and the Dominican Rep.  This is a superb place and we WILL be going back next year.

This hotel is Fantastic and deserves 5 stars!!!

Go and ENJOY!!!!!

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - December 2005

Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Becca - Yorkshire (18,19)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was the best hotel we have stayed in, no complaints at all! the rooms were cleaned every single day, new towels everyday and fridge in room is restocked everyday with 2 water, 2 beer, 2 pepsi,and 2 7-up.  the rooms are quite big, ours had two double beds, dressing table, table, closet, bathroom with bath and shower, sink an toilet. you also get a beach towel each that can be exchanged everyday for clean ones.

the pool area was cleaned everyday, as was the pool itself. the swim up bar was really nice, as was the other side which is the pool bar. the pool area was too hot for us during the day so we spent our time on the beach instead.  there are plenty of sun loungers on the beach and around the pool.  on the beach there are a lot of people selling things but they are not too pushy and leave you alone when you say no thanks, it gets slightly annoying after two weeks though "leather belt, photo album, hat, maraka" is still going round in my head all the time!
there was such an excellent choice of food in the buffett, for breakfast there was everything you could want, fresh fruit, yoghurts, smoothies, cooked breakfast, cereals, pancakes. at dinner and tea there was such a wide choice, something to suit everyone and drinks were served and refilled all the time.

the italian a la carte restaurant was our favourite and was over on the quiet side of the complex. we also tried the ocean grill restaurant, we recommend the spare ribs!
all the staff are so friendly and do anything they can to help you.
we went on the monster truck excursion, it was a bit expensive at $85 each but it was a full day excursion and included alcholic drinks and dinner. be warned, take bags of sweets to take for the children, you visit a school and little villages and the children are desperate for food! we booked this with the Thomas Cook rep so that we knew they were a trusted company.

Thomas Cook told us before we went that we should take American dollars and no peso's, everything in the shops are in pesos so id take a mix of both in the future. one english pound is about 48 peso and 1 american dollar is about 29 peso.
we thought that drink and cigs would be cheap to bring back but the branded alcohol and golden virginia isnt.the airport is slightly cheaper.

all in all, this was an excellent winter getaway and would definately go back to the gran ventana in the future and recomend it to everyone!

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - Oct 2005

Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : Suzanne 28 and 30

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Well what can i say, havng stayed in this hotel in October 05, i have just booked again for May this year.  As a Mnager of a Travel agent i was most impressed with this hotel.

The rooms were clean and comfortable, and more than adequate. Maid service daiy was great with clean towels every day.

The pool area was great, very amusing at 3 pm when all the entertainment staff do dance by the pool but dont be put off pretty chilld for rest of day.  There is another pool for adults only at the quiet block but i found the main pool to be ok.

Staff in the hotel were great, nothing too much trouble. There is no ironing facility so take a travel iron if you think you will need one and a note for the girls hair straightners are a bit of a nightmare as voltage quite low so they dont heat up very well !!!

The food was great  have never seen such an amazing choice for breakfast from smoothies to full breakfast,fruit to cornflakes and yoghurts it was a great choice.  we tended to go to the ocean grill restaurant at lunch time (only ala carte in evening)  they did salads burgers and chips etc and was right on the beach so handy if you didnt fancy trekking back to the restaurnt.

We did the bufet restaurant a few times in the 2 weeks but we managed to get some extra ala carte vouchers from people who hadnt used them.  what a waste there are 3 ala carte restaurants my favourite by far was the octopus just above reception it was amazing fantastic selection of dishes best starter in the world being garlic prawns !!!!  Wasnt so keen on the Italian but in fairness thats probably down to personal taste as most of people we talked to said it was good.  The ocean grill was good bt only really meat and fish on the menu so no good if you are veggie.

The local shopping centre was good but no air conso very stuffy there is even a pizza hut if you get sick of eating in hotel.  There is also a bar and restaurant called hemingways food very good and always a good idea to get out of hotel for change of scenery.  it was very reasonably priced and the cocktails were amazing.  Some of the Tour operators do quiz nights in here and are a welcome change from the entertainment in the hotel which to honest isnt the best.

Overall i loved this holiday and came back more relaxed than ever cant wait to go back in may !!!!

one thing i would highly recommned is premium seats on the flight.  the extra leg room (even for me and im only 5"4) was well worth the money and it was much quieter than the main cabin which was very welcme especilly on overnight return flight !!

ENJOYMENT GUARANTEED

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - October 2005

Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Turnbull Family - Weston super Mare (39,35,8)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from a fabulous 2 week break staying at the Gran Ventana Beach Resort. 

Having just read some of the reports submitted by previous visitors I felt compelled to submit our review. Firstly I will tackle the subject of cleanliness. I have never been to a hotel where I have seen such constant, vigorous cleaning, from 6.30 in the morning until 7.00 at night. 

Secondly the entertainment was great but you get much more out of it if you are prepared to let your hair down and join in! Lets face it unless you have come with a large party who are you likely to see again when you return home?! The entertainment staff were really good for both adults and children. A special mention for Ramona in the kids club, who our son adored. You have to remember you are there to have good time, you are not talking west end standards here, which the entertainment staff freely admit. They just want everyone to enjoy themselves as we certainly did. Life is too short not to.

Regarding the food, all I can say is I defy anyone, even the fussiest of eaters to not find something they enjoyed eating. The buffet restaurant was superb - every item of food you could possibly think of, including fresh vegetables and seafood most days.

I don't wish to go on for too long, I would just like to say that we enjoyed this resort far more than the Bahamas last year and as a last comment the weather was also superb throughout our 2 week stay. What more could you ask for?

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland - October 2005

Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Helen B - Worcs. (39,40,48,64)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Having read reviews before going we thought this was going to be a fantastic holiday, it wasn't. The hotel although kept spotlessly clean was extremely tired and dated, more like an average well worn 3 star. The food was okay but we did notice food being served for breakfast and lunch that had been on the night before, we made sure we checked all that was available for dinner so that we could avoid it the next day and only had mild occasional upset tummys. The daytime and evening entertainment was appauling!! i'm so glad we packed playing cards or we would have been in bed for 9pm most nights. 

Most of the trips are a rip off, it's all about money, we found local people were only really friendly if you were spending and most stuff was very expensive.We were ripped off by the shop in the hotel, we paid 30 US dollars ( approx £18 )for one two pin plug, so make sure you take the right ones, they were slightly cheaper in the shops at the arcade. 

The beach was okay, not the nice white sand though and you are constantly plagued by beach sellers but they do politely leave you alone if you say no thanks. We watched numerous weddings over our two weeks and like other holidaymakers thought they were very poor, there was no where special for people to go after the ceremony which was conducted in a room overlooking the beach, most couples sat around reception in their wedding clothes looking thoroughly fed up. 

We would not return here and i would not recommend this hotel or resort to others.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice october 2005

Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : pat & john williams  69&71

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we have just returned from gran vantana
hotel, every thing very good, food excellent, service excellent,everyone so helpful, the dine around restruants within
the hotel very good. cleanliness of the hotel was faultless. the only fault that we found, through no fault of the hotel, was of some noise from outside disco.which was heard at the quiet part of the hotel.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - 25th September 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Robbie ,Cheshire 53,49,48,47,16,15,

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Went on 25th september for 2 weeks .4 adults (53,49,48,47, )and 2 lads (15,16). Tavelled with Thomson from Manchester.
No problem with travel ,everything went on time ,although we could have done with extra legroom. Landed on time and whisked away for a 20 min coach journey to our hotel .
HOTEL -- Superb ,met by Friendly staff and given a nice refreshing drink whilst we checked in .In no time at all we had our key and wristbands and off we went to our rooms.We were allocated rooms in the Catalina block which is overlooking the pool and entertainment area .This is NOT what you want if you want a quiet holiday ,however ,it did not bother us as it was not that noisey after midnight .

The rooms are quite good ,however they are looking a bit dated and could do with a little t.l.c. and a coat of paint. They did have mini fridge (which was filled every day) ,t.v.( with a lot of channels including cartoons for kids)safety deposit box (about £10.00 per week) .Rooms were cleaned every day and clean towels every day. Pool towels were provided every day ,so no need to take your own .shampoo ,conditioner ,soap and body lotion supplied in your bathroom so again, no need to take your own .Hairdryer in bathroom plus a bottle opener fixed to wall in bathroom (only found that after buying one ) All in all quite happy with rooms and very happy with maid service (a little tip now and again was met with unbeleivable happiness by the maids).

Pool and pool area cleaned every morning at 6.00 a.m. Plenty of sunbeds both by the pool and on the beach.
FOOD-- EXCELLENT CHOICE .           Anyone who can complain about the food here must be a nut . So much choice of GOOD food ,cooked excellently by wonderfull and attentive staff .I did,nt hear anyone complain about the food or sevice in the main restaurant (buffet ,so you help yourself to as many dishes as you want ). they even had my favourite meal ,--- SECONDS--.
The staff were excellent, especially AUGUSTO , who is a supervisor in the restaurant .Allways smiling and having a laugh with you .He is a manchester united fan but that is his only fault . He even came out of the hotel to a local pub to have a drink with us before we left .
Plenty of cocktails to appease all from morning to night
The A,LA,CARTE restuarants were good but they do persist in topping up your glass with wine before you have even half emptied it ,allthough no-one complained .Next thing you know is you feel a bit unsteady on your feet, ah well ,the red wine went down a treat.

ENTERTAINMENT .---   Not very good but they do try hard. The hotel management could do with spending a bit more money on the entertainment side of things. There is only so many times that you can listen to the Birdie song,Agadoo ,Macho Man etc. .Every night was too much.
Not a lot for the lads to do except play pool ,table tennis ,drink and look around for an available teenage girls for a holiday romance (oh, to be young again). They still enjoyed the holiday though .
LOCATION-- O.K                          Not really a place to go if you like a walk after your meals or to go shopping .The local shopping centre is only 2 mins walk but they do not have much choice and the prices are higher than in the u.k. Even a visit ,with a guide to Peurto Plata for a shopping trip was no good .Same old tacky stuff everywhere and Jewellry shops that are guarded by armed guards selling at ridiculous high prices.

TRIPS OUT-- GOOD
Plenty of trips out but some are expensive .Depending on what you fancy there are a number of trips available from numerous agents including the reps .worth shopping around for the best prices .
We did the white water rafting which was excellent apart from the 2.1/2 hour coach journey both ways .
Ocean world was good where you can swim with the dolphins ,sharks etc. Full day here and well worth it.
The watersports on the beach was o.k. nothing else.  $60 for half hour jet ski ,Kayaking was free .

All in all ,a good place to stay and we would go back in a flash .Lovely people who are genuine in their attempts to make your holiday an enjoyable one . They tell you that they need the tourists for their livelyhood and they go out of their way to assist you and to make you happy. You do get the odd person (outside of the hotel) who would take great delight in ripping you off and conning you but you get them everywhere.
Well worth going for 3 weeks as 2 weeks went so fast . Allready looking to go back next year
Hope this helps
robbie

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice- August 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Howes- Ipswich (40, 38, 17,14)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This has been the best holiday thatwe have ever had. 

Firstly the flight was excellent. No delays. New planes are fantastic, absolutly no problems with any first choice member.

The accommodation was equally fantastic. A family of four could live comfortably in a junior suite. Another good thing about accommodation is that all towels are provided and wardrobes have hangers. Bed linen and bathroom towels were changed everyday. 

The food in all of the restaurants was excellent. No dish was empty. Food always hot. In the buffet restaurant food was constantly checked for temperature. Fantastic service in the a la carte restaurants. Absolutly everybody who wotked in the hotel was so friendly. They couln't do enough for you. Always had smiles on thier faces. The swimming pool was also checked daily for chlorine levels. Local alcohol is fantastic but be warned about sambuca- drink in moderation! 

First choice brochure states that there is occoasional entertainment but there was entertainment every single night. Some was from the entertainmnet staff and some was from outside the hotel. Ther was even entertianment in the day ranging from activities on the beach to activities in the pool, these included water polo and water aerobics. The entertianment staff are extremely helpful and friendly. 

Two trips to seriously consider are the outback safari and swimming with dolphins. Outback safari takes you to the heart of Dominican Republic which is an eye opener in its self. Swimming with dolphins was fantastic an absolute must! A two minute walk from the hotel is a shopping centre which has shops and a couple of clubs. Rodaway is really good especiallly if you like RnB and hip hop music. Hemmingways is also good which plays a bit of everything. This holiday was so fantastic we have booked to go back next year. We have got the same two weeks with the same hotel booked with the saem tour company. 

We would definately reccommend the Dominican Republic as there is something for all ages. Hope this feedback is useful. 

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thompsons - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Mick Baker - Newcastle (42,39,13 & 8)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Have just returned from two weeks at the Gran Ventana. This was a surprise as we were booked to go to the Grand Flamenco but found upon arrival we had been bumped in favour of the locals (apparently this is cheaper for them than the Ventana)
We decided to suck it and see and were determined not to let it spoil the holiday.

Hotel:
Seemed to be getting on a bit in places. The pool area was ok but as in previous reviews the pool is not how it should be.We refused to let the kids in for several days as it was murky and obvious that the filters were not working properly.Our concerns were borne out by the long queue of kids at the doctors with ear and skin infections over the next couple of days.

The beach is where we spent most of our time.Ample number of beds under the shade with a gentle breeze of the sea- paradise.Beach bar/restuarant on hand and no complaints - great food (chicken,pizza,salads, soups etc)
Rooms need updating.Do not expect 4+, more like 3 star. However they were clean and towels changed every day so we were not too concerned.

Restaurants - main buffet offered excellent choice and we had no complaints at all.Staff were friendly and helpful and were quick to get drinks etc.The 3 a la cartes were good, especially the Italian with bottomless wine glasses and liquers and coffee to finish -excellent.

Resort - limited in choice.The shops are VERY expensive for essentals like sun cream (£20 a bottle/£3 at ASDA) and toothpaste.Make sure you take plenty of high factor cream or it will cost you.I play golf but the course looked ok but not worth the cost (£60 ALL IN)

Excursions: we only took 2 trips as they are expensive.Monster truck Safari is excellent day out and was fairly good value.Ocean world cost nearly $550 for the 4 of us, inc the Dolphin encounter.Whilst expensive it was a great day out and the kids took away memories that made it worthwhile.

Overall a good holiday considering.One point to note - if flying by Excell Airways be prepared for the worst experience of your life.30 hours delay returning home on the most cramped plane I have ever been on.If I found I was to fly with this shower again I would definetly choose something else.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook  August 2005Ti

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Tina,Pete & Amy  (47,41,13)Wrexham

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed here for 2 wks flew out 2nd August fantastic flight, would definately fly with Thomas Cook again.
We stayed in the Beata block by the quiet pool ,room very clean mini bar refilled every day nothing was too much trouble for the cleaning staff .

We found the choice of food excellent.Ate at the Italian twice could not find fault with food or the service.The Octopus restaurant i was not fussed on or the steak one by beach ,alright for snack in the day at beach ,plenty of choice especially good for kids as plenty of pizzas,burgers and hot dogs.

If you want a hut on the beach which you will need as it is very hot down there, then you will need to be on the beach before 6 am .We went one morning as we had already spoken to some one about this , at 530 and most of the huts were taken.Also the beach sellers will come and ask you to buy just say no and they will leave,the goods that they sell especially the jewelery is cheaper at the Plaza.

We went on the Monster Truck Safari what a great day out we had ,our guide was called Rivus he was great ,very friendly with the children.Took plenty of sweets ,pencils,notebooks and pens ,the children at the school were you stop are ready with carrier bags waiting for their gifts. The children that live out in the countryside i felt sorry for they have got nothing, i told my daughter that she does not no how lucky she is that they had not got ps2,tv ,cds etc but were still happy.

I would definately go again but i dont think that i would go in August as the heat and humidity was unbearable some days,all i can say is thank god we had fantastic air conditioning in the room.
The Thomas Cook Rep Ruth was really good if you asked for something and did not get it that day ,you just had to speak to her and soon after things would be done.

Hope whoever is going to this Hotel have as good a holiday as we had.   

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - August 2005)

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Elaine & Jason - Halifax ( 37, 32 )

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

When we arrived at the Gran Vantana well what can i say! what a warm welcome.We stayed in the Cantalena block, room 2339, very clean with 2 king size beds, car`nt fault anything about it.The maids clean our room every day and do a very good job.

The food is spot on.You must try the octopus restaurant also the italian.There is something for everybody.
We spent most of our time sun bathing on the beach as there was abit of a breeze.The pool was nice but did get a little bit noisy.And it did get very hot as there wasnt any breeze.

You must go to ocean world, we swam with the dolphins, what an experience.We booked 3 Excursions through the reps, £84 each to swim with the dophines, £49 each monster truck which was also very good and £49 each for the catermaran.You probably would get it cheaper if you booked them down at the plaza but i heard too many bad reports doing it that way.
We would like to thank Tracy & Silvia the Thomson reps for the great show they put on at the Jack Tar casino, what a great night that was.

Watch out for Dominicans selling things on the beach, they will try and rip you off, just barter with them and you will get a bargin. If you say no thank you they do leave you alone. The Dominican people are very friendly.We will be returning next year maybe to the Gran Vantana, or maybe we might try another hotel. 

We recommend this hotel to anyone doesnt matter what age you are.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Kirsty & Liam - Paisley (34 & 33)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was our honeymoon and it turned out to be the best holiday we've ever had.  We met some great people who we've swapped addresses with.  Every member of staff was always cheery and polite.  The cleaners, restuarant staff, bar staff, entertainment staff etc all seemed to work with a smile on their face.  The choice of food was amazing and the Ocean Grill's steak was superb.  

We did 3 excursions: Ocean World which was really good, Monster Truck Safari which was humbling (if you go on this empty the toiletries in your room each day & the maids will fill this up as they know where you're taking them to the locals in the villages) & Saona Island which was a blast and well worth the money.  Only on the last 3/4 days did we get any rain and it was a relief to have the heat turned down a bit.  The only negative part of the holiday was the inbound and outbound flights as the cabin crew on both were the most ignorant people I've ever met & the in-flight entertainment system kept going down on the way there.  We are dying to go over again but wish that Thomson's would select an airline other than My Travel.  

All in all the best holiday I've ever had & I'll never go to Europe again as I you would never receive the same service there or at home for that matter.  The one downside of coming home is that we need to start paying for food and drink now.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Nic and Dan, Northumberland (25,27)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Fantastic holiday! Flights with Excel aside, we can't really fault our time in the Dominican Republic. The hotel was lovely (the free upgrade to the junior suite helped!), the staff were so helpful and friendly and could not do enough for you. The two Thomson reps were excellent. We mentioned to them that our toilet was leaking, and within an hour someone from maintainence had been to fix it, followed by a phone call from reception to check that everything was ok. Now that's service!

The food in the hotel is good, but not fantastic. We tried all 3 a la carte restaurants and all were excellent. The buffets can get a bit repetitive if you don't vary what you go for, but even the most fussy eaters will never be stuck for something to eat. The drinks are all excellent. I developed a bit of a passion for the Cuba Libra. Lovely!

If you want a space by the pool be up early. We saw one crazy woman putting her towles down at quarter to six in the morning. it was still dark! The beach is nice, although not many umbrellas provided, but you can always take shelter under a tree! Beach vendors don't bother you if you just says no thanks, but the sheer volume of them will grind you down eventually!

Plenty of excursions to do if you want to do more than just lie around! The Monster Truck Safari was fab. Take sweets, pencils, hair bobbles etc for the local children. They are so grateful for anything you give them. I stock-piled hotel toiletries and took them with me! The water fight on the truck is great fun, and definitely swim in the river at lunch time to cool down! Almost back to the hotel and the wheel fell off the truck and rolled away up the road (!) but in true Dominican fashion they didn't let it bother them and we got another truck within 10 minutes to come and pick us up! The Dolphin Swim was amazing, and next time I'm going to try the Sea Lion encounter as well. Might be worth booking this trip in advance as we had to wait over a week for the first available swim time. But a fab opportunity not to be missed! Santo Domingo is the capital of the country, but its over 3 hours on the coach. Worth doing if you want to see a bit of culture, but be warned - it is a long, utterly exhausting day! Take lots of change for tipping the various tour guides! And you must do Paradise Island. The ride on the speed boat was great (if not a little scary!!) and the beach is so beautiful. I'm not a great swimmer but even I went snorkelling and it was amazing! So beautiful that my boyfriend propsed to me. Fantastic day out!

Overall, I loved this holiday. We're planning on returning to the Gran Ventana next year for our honeymoon. The only things we could complain about are really minor, and I think that's just being British - heaven forbid we should have nothing to grumble about! I wouldn't like to fly with Excel again, and would consider booking a taxi transfer rather than the tour operator's coach, purely to speed things along - we waited on the coach for about half an hour, and after that long, the air con doesn't feel so cool! Avoid the Dominican Republic if you don't like lots of heat. There is nowhere with air con except your hotel room! Also get organised and buy your tourist card before you travel, just to avoid having to queue up then fill both sections in at the airport - particularly if you have children! And when you leave, they'll say that you have to pay your departure tax at the gate - do this before you are called to board the plane, as it isn't made very clear at the time, but it will save a lot of hassle.

I think that's about everything! If you are going to the Gran Ventana you will have a fab time. Avoid anywhere like this if you like a different bar or restaurant every night, as with All Inclusive you're pretty much stuck with the same unless you want to go out and pay for stuff, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It really was a fantastic holiday, in a lovely hotel, in a beautiful country. Can't wait to go back! Have fun!!

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : andrea, Ian and daniel - scotland 47,42,13

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After reading some of the reviews i was a bit worried. However  i don`t understand any of the bad reviews. It is Dominican Republic not british butlins

Hotel - no problems with our apartment, our mini fridge(stocked daily) was not working , they gave us a full size one.
Maids were in 7 days a week,did lovely fresh flower display on the towels. Always cleaning the pool/complex and realy friendly. Some people did have moans about their rooms but were moved no problem.
Remember no need to take beach towels you get fresh ones whenever you want.

There are two blocks  beside the main pool where the entertainment is, and one block next door with pool and bar. You are free to use both and come and go whenever you want.
DOwn the road in the jack tar hotel is the casino and you are entitled to free drink in there also, just need your gambling money.
Phone home from the phone boxes in the supermarket, it is not that expensive.

The weather was extremly hot and we needed to buy more high factor, now that was really dear a samll 125 nivea was about £12.00
One lady in white coat checked pool water and kitchen temps every day. Yes there were are few fruit flies over the fresh fruit...no problem this is a hot country just don`t eat the top layer!! i had fresh fruit every day and not a single tummy upset the whole two weeks.

Entertainment crew, work hard 12 hours a day 7 day a week, yes a lot of it is audience participation. However plenty to get involved in if you want, or don`t if you don`t want. Really liked the  idea of a member of staff in the games room all the time and people had to book half hour slots on the pool table or table tennis .
My son snorkeled all the time andloved seeing all the differnt fish, the beaches are not busy and you do get a breeze. Yes you will be bothered by beach vendors but just say no thank you and they leave you alone. Walk to the left of the beach for about 15 mins and  you will come across a market, things will be cheaper here.

Food- there was lots and lots to choose from, some things i only ever saw once in the two weeks, and certainly was not repetitive, although obvioulsy there are certain things available every day.
Nice suprise was the waiter service, they always made sure your  water and wine were topped up.
We only ate in the Italian twice both times were good.

Lots of really good trips to do and really recommend the monster truck and catamaran(freestyle). Great for all ages.
I don`t see the point in going 8 and half hours to stay by the pool everyday. Take a trip and  see the real dominican.

There are a few pubs down  from the hotel and are NOT expensive, it is nice to go out an have a drink.
Complex  only serve local drinks but i drank mostly wine and cocktails. It is real pepsi and sprite.

The shops in the plaza are full of the same tack but really dear, even after bartering, and not busy.

Duty free is cheaper .However my son did buy  replica football tops in the sport shop for about £8.00 each.
We had alovely time, and would go back.
chill relax and enjoy

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - July 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2006 by : John & Heather (30,25)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We went to the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon in July 2005 and it was the most fantastic holiday we have ever had.
The resort of Playa Dorada is entirely purpose built and therefore the only things in it are shops, hotels and golf courses - don't expect to see many locals unless they are working in the shops!

1. Weather - brilliant for nearly all of our holiday with approx 2 rainy days and some rain at night - great thunderstorms to watch!
2. Hotel - very nice, if you've booked it, you'll love it and if you are considering it, go!  The cleaners clean day and night and the whole place is spotless - not a single mosquito bite on either of us due to the fact the hotel and its grounds are sprayed daily.  We saw many other people from other hotels covered in bites. Also, Avon skin so soft spray works a treat.
The food was great at the hotel, plenty of it and always a good variety - in fact so much to choose from that some nights I couldn't decide.  My husband is very fussy and he was always pleased with the choice.
The staff are very friendly and can't do enough for you.
The pool and grounds are very clean and if you like the sort of hotel night time entertainment that you get in resorts then you'll be okay!
3. Beach - right outside the hotel, fall over at the pool and you'll land on it!  Always kept clean and hotel security on duty.  Beach sellers are very funny and we bought a wooden carved elephant for 1/5th of the price of the shops. HAGGLE!!! If you don't like the beach sellers pretend to be asleep or politely tell them no and smile and they remember and leave you alone.  Look out for the guy wearing a rangers shirt and selling monkeys.  If by the end of the holiday you aren't singing his monkey song I'll be surprised!
The Jack tar market (think thats what it was called) - orange buildings on the left hand side of the beach is something to do but nothing to buy just the usual tat.  Ladies don't go on your own, I felt uncomfortable going into the little alleyways with the guys following me and I had a 6 foot hubby with me, so be warned.  Probably just being over cautious but then I don't think you can be too careful on holiday.
Watersports on the beach are good - free non motorised ones like pedal boats and windsurfers and snorkle gear always available and we hired a speedboat for an afternoon which was great fun and pleased hubby. (James bond thing I think)
4. Excursions - we booked all ours through Martin from Isaira Tours and he was fantastic - look him up on the internet, we did and we sent him emails before we went over and he came to our hotel and picked us up.  All his vehicles are air conditioned, staff are lovely and martin himself is a great character.  He will show you all (and I mean all) his insurance certificates and take you to his office so you can look at the tour stuff and book. No pressure at all. We booked 6 tours and paid him up front which I was very nervous about, but have no fear he is extremely reliable and when he made a mistake calculating our bill, he left three messages on our answering machine in the hotel before driving over in person to give us the money back.

Trips:
Paradise Island - Cute wee island but very very small and crowded with tourists and no shade to speak of. When I say small I mean 100m across.  Snorkling there is excellent and well worth the trip but DO NOT go on the bus, get the catamaran - the bus took 7 hours there and back which is not nice, the roads are kinda basic.
All Terrain Vehicles - Loved by the hubby, not as much by me bouncing around in the passenger seat needing the loo!  You get very very dirty, the dust stains never did some out of my shorts but you get to see the real dom rep - all the little villages and through the sugar plantations etc.  Not the best trip for a hangover due to bouncing and heat!

Horse-riding - book through martin and you go to stables where the woman flies to germany to buy the best medicines and feed for her horses, book through anyone else and you won't like to see how the horses are treated and the condition they are in. Our stables were beautiful and such lovely horses.  You need to have some riding experience as they are not wee ponies and you can have a good canter up in the hills if the woman sees you can control a horse.
Cable Car and City Tour - was foggy when we went, yet it was a nice trip.  The puerto plata tour was okay, saw a few shops and churches etc - its nice to get away from the beach. 
Ocean World - what can I say, the best trip of the tour.  Book early to avoid missing out.  Its a great place and the staff really love the animals as is evident in the way they interact.  We both swam with dolphins but what I would advise is try to book your swims at different times if you are a couple/family then one can swim and one can take loads of pics.  We did it together and so only got 4 pictures taken by the photographer which were good quality but expensive to buy and I would have liked some more.
The sealion show is so funny - I wish I'd had a video camera I could watch it again and again. They serve lunch at oceanworld but its nothing like hotel food.
Monster Truck Safari - bit squashed up on the open top trucks that the company uses and to be honest while it was enjoyable and nice to see the countryside, don't expect too much from seeing the school and cheese factory, they are just empty huts really.  You can have a nice swim at lunch time and beware on the way back the locals hang out of their windows and soak you with buckets, hoses, anything they can find really while the driver thinks its great fun to slow down so they can get you!  The other monster trucks have water fights with you as well so you will get wet one way or another.  We were soaked to the skin but laughing with it!

Well I have gone on for quite long enough I think, I could write another 10 pages there's so many good things to mention.   haven't a single negative thing to say about the dom rep, its friendly and the standard of accomm is excellent.  The only poor thing we found was our holiday company who, (when our flight was delayed)sent us across the country at night on a bus for 5 hours to another airport and gave us a 12 hour wait on plastic seats because they wouldn't pay for another night in our hotel......Thomas Cook you have been named and shamed!!!!!
Finally, don't forget Isaira Tours for your trips, there are many dodgy guys out there so watch who you pay money to.
Have a great holiday

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook july 05

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : judith, colin (48,46)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Gran ventana was a basic but clean hotel plenty of food, though drinks were sometimes hard to get, the barmen chose who they wanted to serve.
The beach was spotless and very quiet.
the pool area was also very clean.  the sunbeds were VERY close together around the pool area. Also too many children for my liking.
the guys worked very hard on the entertainment during the day, but I felt it was vert sexist. (games were degrading to women I felt)

we did 2 trips, 1 to ocean world to swim with dolphins, this was brilliant, the other was the catamaran trip, which I learnt to snorkle.  BRILLIANT, can't wait to do it next year.

Playa Dorada is quiet, so if you want a noisy, full of life holiday, then this is not the place for you.

Night time entertainment was poor, though the guys did try very hard.

the one show not to miss was Miachael Jackson Show.

There were a number of weddings whilst we were there, and they appeared to go very well.

having been to Mexico & Cuba, we felt the Dom lacked that finesse.

Ou main problem was EXCEL airways. (hope ecxel isn't short for excellent!!!!!!
we had no toilets going after 5 hours on the journey out and were delayed 30+ hrs on our return journey, and had to go to Manchester instead of Newcastle.
will never travel with them again.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland Direct - July 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Allan and Joyce, Ann-Marie and Richard, Tracey and Adam (52, 49, 28, 32, 22, 21)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

First of all I would like to say that this holiday is the best holiday that we have ever been on and we booked to go back to this hotel next year on the day we got back home! If that doesn't say something about the hotel, what does?

We were so worried about all of the negative reviews we read on this website and others such as Trip Advisor because some reviews absolutely slated the resort and the hotel, which is not great saying as you have just spent £1000 per person for your holiday!

Where can I start...
THE HOTEL
On arrival we were greeted warmly by a waitress giving out some lovely refreshing cocktails (after an 8 hour flight, an hour waiting at the airport for your luggage, a half hour transfer and a long line to check in, this was very much appreciated!). We were given 3 rooms by the quiet pool but unfortunately 2 of them smelled a little foisty and the other one was next to a disco that was rather loud well into the early hours of the morning. We were a little unhappy so we asked to be moved. One room got changed straight away and the other 2 couldn't be changed for 2 days because the hotel was so full. Sure enough 2 days later we were moved. One room was in the Saona Building and 2 were in the Catalina building. They were much better rooms with no smell and no noise which suited us down to the ground! One thing I can say about the buildings is that they have a lot of character. They're colourful, colonial and open-air with lots of trees and greenery in the middle of the building!

THE FOOD AND DRINK
Odd reviews that we had read had slated the food in the hotel and all I can say is take those reviews with a pinch of salt because the food was amazing. We thought that the food in the buffet would be of less quality than in the a la carte restaurants because it is more mass-produced but oh my god the food in the buffet is beautiful. We couldn't believe the choice! For breakfast you could choose your own ingredients for a freshly made omlette, have a freshly made waffle with a variety of toppings, croissants, kelloggs cereals, fruit, eggs (fried, boiled or scrambled), bacon, toast, sausages (and plenty more that will not spring to mind). For lunch we ate at the Beach Bar most days which served up hot dogs, pizzas, burgers, toasties, chips, southern fried chicken, pork and salads. While we were there we could only summise that the people who had said that you could only get burgers, hot dogs and chips for lunch ate at the beach bar every day because take a trip over to the buffet restaurant and there was plenty more to choose from such as casseroles, fresh pasta, vegetables, salads and carved meat! The buffet on an evening was fantastic, there was so much available such as a Dominican corner which served local food, mixed grill that cooked meat on demand, pasta, chips, enchiladas, carved meat (lamb, pork, beef, suckling pig!), pork kebabs, soup, rice, seafood etc. In addition to the buffet there are 3 a la carte restaurants to eat in. Our favourite was the Ocean Grill which had an excellent atmosphere.the stone bass is not a meal to miss, it's beautiful. The Octopus restaurant was also great and it is a true taste of the Caribbean! The Italian restaurant was lovely but a bit too formal at times, but again, beautiful food!

The beer apparently is not so good (didn't try it myself) but with a massive cocktail list and with every spirit you can think of I don't think that should bother you too much. Strawberry Daiquiri's are gorgeous, they put 151 rum in them which is 80% proof so watch out they are strong! Measures in all drinks are not small believe me! Soft drinks are national brands such as Pepsi and 7up which are lovely and refreshing! In your mini bar in your room you also get 2 bottles each of Pepsi, 7up, water and beer.   

THE BEACH
Playa Dorada beach is absolutely fantastic. It has a lovely breeze that allows you to stay in the sun for a lot longer than you would be able to by the pool but be careful because the sun is still as strong and you feel it less at the beach! As you step a bit further into the ocean there is a large coral reef where you can find hundreds of tropical fish. Our rep told us that they like to eat mushed banana and bread so we used to take some from breakfast and they actually came and ate it out of our hands. It is truly amazing! All of the snorkeling equipment (snorkel, life jacket and flippers) are included in your all inclusive and you should really take advantage of it! There are plenty of sunbeds too, we once went to the beach at 11am and found some no problem.

THE TRIPS
We did 4 trips: Horse Riding (£28), Dolphin Swim (£84), Monster Truck Safari (£49) and Freestyle Cat (£44). Food and drinks are included and they are all really good fun. Horse riding is half a day and it was only my 2nd time riding a horse and I was galloping! A great experience and lots of fun and we had a chance to see some lovely views. We went through the sugar cane fields too! Dolphin Swim is truly wonderful, there was 8 of us with 2 dolphins and you get your own individual time with them as well as group time. It lasts for about half an hour and the dolphins pull you along with their fins, you feed them a fish, kiss them, dance with them, clap with them, stroke them and then they jump over you! Monster Safari was fantastic and it is a perfect chance to see the real Dominican. You can't sit on a plane for 8 hours and not see the real culture of this country, it is a very humbling experience. Take pens, pencils, crayons, bobbles, toiletries and sweets to pass out to the children along the way! Freestyle Cat was a fantastic day out. The crew takes you to Sosua Bay where the coral is even better than in Playa Dorada! You get 2 chances to snorkel and all food and drink is included and Caribbean style music is played throughout on the catamaran. One of the crew played the steel drums which was such a nice touch. With the clear water and blazing hot sun, this really made you feel like you were in the Caribbean.

THE ENTERTAINMENT
The Animation team worked so hard (as did every single member of staff who worked there by the way!) and although the entertainment wasn't the best it was still watchable. Plus the sun, the alcohol, the swimming and the trips really do tire you out and we were in bed by about 10.30pm every night. The entertainment wasn't the reason we went on this holiday anyway. If you do want to venture out of the hotel, Hemmingways and Any's Bar at the Plaza are good fun and reasonably priced.  

Overall we had such a fantastic holiday. The hotel had everything we could have wished for! The Dominican Republic is a fantastic holiday destination and we can't wait to go back next year. Make up your own minds about this hotel and don't let the bad reviews spoil your holiday because they're the ones that you usually remember! 

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice July 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Elliot & Becky (20, 19)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked this holiday in jan and paid £850 for two weeks. Before going we read all the other reviews here on this hotel and were really looking forward to two weeks relaxing by the pool. First impressions of the hotel were great. It was really clean and the reception area was great. Our rooms were fairly large with two double beds. We were in the Catalina building which is the one we didn't want as we had read it was very noisy at night and it was! 

We were also overlooking the pool which was right by the entertainment so it was even worse! We like lazing by the pool so we were really disappointed after the first couple of days when we realised this wasn't going to happen. The main pool is not deep and the furthest it came was up to my chest. It was also not clean, there were cups floating about, bits of balloons from the games, lots of pieces from the bar roof and lots and lots of bird poo! It was not cleaned throughout the day. There was also nowhere to have a relaxing swim as it was swamped by kids everywhere. The quiet pool was a vast improvement although it also was not deep and not very clean. We also thought some of the bar staff were quite rude(although there were some exceptions). 

The food in the main buffet was excellent and there were only a few evenings when there was not much we liked. The snack bar was good if you like a lot of fried greasy english food. We only went to the beach in the last couple of days but wished we had gone more as it was really quiet and relaxing and the sea was clear and warm. The entertainment in the evenings was dire although the staff did try their best. It seemed to be just dancing every night! We ended up going back to our room and watching tv! The plaza was only about a two minute walk and we went there quite a few times, mainly because there was nothing else to do. It is very expensive apart from the alcohol which was dirt cheap.

Outback safari-Was excellent and we would recommend it. The boogie boarding at the end was amazing.
Paradise island-Wouldn't recommend this for young kids as there is a 2 hour coach ride to get to the boats and a 3 hour coach ride back to the hotel after. However, would recommend this otherwise. The speedboats were excellent and we were lucky enough to have dolphins jumping out along with the boat which was amazing to see. Also the snorkelling was great.

Overall, although the hotel was nice, we felt the pools were a big letdown and so was the night time entertainment. This holiday would be good for families, however not for young couples who like relaxing by a nice quiet pool and having drinks and dancing at night. We would not come back here.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice June 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Phil Marshall Gainsborough Lincs (57 53 19 19)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Well first of all I agree with all the good reports, so nothing to say on those. The people who complain about the long journey and cramped seats should in future travel with First Choice. Plenty of leg room and first class service.
The First Choice rep in the hotel(Martine she is Canadian) was excellent not pushy always said hello and asked if everything was ok.

Ok the rooms are a bit dated but they are comfotable and clean.
As for the daily early morning sun bed and parasol race (0600)If the hotel put more parasols out this would not happen. But none of the hotels in the Dominican has a lot of parasols (why)
We went on a couple of trips one was the Monster Truck Safari. Just great.Just one criticism though. The trip to the school and this business of taking pencils ect. I thought that this was a bit of a set up. How do the chldren get any work done when all these tourists are visiting them every day???
We also swam with the dolphins(awesome) and my two sons also did the swim with the sting rays and sharks they thought that was truly amazing.

As mentioned in the previous reports, food was excellent. I was nice and reassuring to see a woman going round with a thermometer checking the food ect was hot enough and also one thing I found amusing checking the water for the tea/coffee was hot enough.

All in all a great holiday. I would definately go back again amd I never do that normally.
We met some lovely people there all said the same.
Just one last thing, the staff are just great not once did I see them not smiling.

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Grand Ventana  - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - june 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Chan Rowding - Notts Couple in 20's

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Arrived after a 12hour flight delay! Was upgraded to a junior suite thankgod.situated in the quiet part of the hotel which we was grateful for.couldn't really fault the hotel but we didn't really think much to the resort.No real character.We did do a couple of trips but be warned they are EXPENSIVE!definately reccommend the Monster Truck Safari and the Cataram Trip.

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Grand Ventana  - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook June 13th 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Peter & Rosie Smith (47)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hi, I've never commented on any previous holiday before but I felt I should on this occasion.(We've travelled abroad twice a year for the past six years or so)

The Thomas Cook reps are great in this resort especially Ruth, the staff and the animation team couldn't do anymore to make your stay more welcome. 

Well lets start with the hotel. This hotel is very old and this shows in the rooms, they are dark, smelly, well past their sell by dates and no part of all inclusive that a 4+star-rating hotel should have. I must admit after travelling for 9hrs and to given the room that was only just above 2 stars was somewhat of a disappointment to say the least. All of the rooms are the same as a couple that had been there a few days before us showed us. I felt sorry for the couple that had stayed at the Louis Meringue (hope I spelt it right) last year and was booked in there this year,it had been closed down due to some bug. They were seething, as this was nowhere near what they expected compared to last year.

As for the outings we did do the Paradise Island trip, which was fantastic (the photos are v-expensive, no movement from Fidal Castro the cigar smoking vulture in price, he deletes them if you don’t want them!) The white water rafting was great, good value for money and a good day out although the resturant is pretty shabby, We also went to Ocean World this was a long day but worth all the money (don’t worry about swimming with the dolphins just do the encounter, it's just as interactive and possibly more fun) Overall we made the most of this holiday, as we didn't want to travel so far and be unhappy.

Forgot to mention the so-called championship golf course! Ha!! I've seen better municipals that only costs £15 per round not $50 plus $29 for club hire and a power caddy @ $29 plus the caddy himself

We won't be going back to Playa Dorada as it looks and feels like the 1970's. We were advised that the south coast is the best and if we decide to go back that’s where we'll go.

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Grand Ventana  - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - June 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Barbara, Lee - Chelmsford (52,53):

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just come back from 2 wonderful weeks at this Hotel. We could not fault it in anyway. 

Although it was the start of the rain season we only had approx 3 hours of rain all told. The staff in the Hotel could not do enought for you, they were always cheerful and smiling. 

Our maid was wonderful she left flowers in the roon each day and made swans from the towels. Unfortunately she could not speak english but she did appreciate the little gifts that I left (after reading previous reports I bought small items of cosmetics etc). 

The food was excellent such a variety each day. For breakfast you could have a full english, the chef was excellent at omlettes and fried eggs. There were fresh juices - I loved the water melon. Twinnings Tea (all flavours)and coffee served at the table. Kelloges cereals just to name a few other items. It was well worth eating in the 3 al la carte restaurants each week - again faultless with plenty of drinks including liquers after the meal. The resort/hotel was spotless. The beach clean and the sea warm. Well worth taking a snorkelling kit as you get a better view of the different fish (take kit with you as about £20.00 to buy).

We found the staff in the plaza shops quite abrupt and not helpful. If you smoke buy your cigs at the cigar shop Marlborough about 80p per pack, english cigs quite expensive. Try not to forget to take all your toilettries as these were expensive. We took a taxi and a guide to go up the mountain on the cable car, do it this way as it is cheaper than the Thomson excersions. We also hired Monkey (the guide) to take us round Porta Plata well worth seeing. The Monster truck we did book from the rep and this was an excellent day out - plenty to drink - I still don't like rum. Buy your soverners from the shop when you go on the Monstor Truck day as they are cheaper and good value also 40% of profits go to the local schools.Friends that we went with had to use the medical facilities and we they told us that they were clean and staff very helpful, again the hotel staff assisted as well as the rep - excellent service.We would loved to have had a look in the other hotels but security would not let you. Beach sellers will take No and leave you alone. 

The reps night was very good with a lovely night at the casino after with free drinks.You feel very safe and relaxed in the hotel complex as there are so many security but not in your face, you just seem to accept them being there. Duty free in the airport was expensive and food was also, 2 teas and 2 portions of chips £10.00. 

Money - we took American Express Travels cheques - don't forget to hire the safe in the room - although we didnt hear of any thefts.All in all this was an excellent hotel and an excellent holiday. We were even asked to fill in a questionnaire by the hotel as to any faults etc - never come across this before.

Watch the sun - as it was very hot and burnt you easily even with factor 30!!!But then we are english with pale skin.I had previously read reports on this Hotel and one or two people had found fault - If anyone can find a fault I can - but honestly I can only give this Hotel 100%. We didn't know how much to give as tips - 100 dom p's is acceptable.   

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Grand Ventana  - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - June 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Michelle & Alan, Central Scotland 23, 29

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned back from our honeymoon, staying in the Gran Ventana Hotel

The hotel was lovely, the rooms were a good size with air conditioning, tv (with a few british channels), hair dryer, mini bar(which was filled every day), a free newspaper every morning and the cleaners were in every day, clean towels were given every day if required(you have to put them in the bath if clean ones are required)

All of the staff in the hotel were really nice, they all tried their best to chat to you and make you feel welcome. The cleaners were great, they left little flowers and made fancy shapes out of the hand towels.

The buffet resturant was really nice, there was loads to choose from, if you got a bit fed up with the food there is 3 al a carte resturants which you are allowed to eat in each one once a week(they give you vouchers for them on arrival)

The entertainment was....... interesting!! All of the entertainment staff were great, they tried their best to get people involved with the activities - they took "no thankyou" as an answer though and did not persist. The evening entertainment for the kids was very repeatative, it started at about 8.30pm, the main entertainment started at 9.45pm and finished at 11.15pm, - this was also very repeatative. The bars closed at 12.00. If you wanted more entertainment after that you had to go out of the hotel to the casino or to the disco, I think they were open until about 2am - We didn't go to them as we were always ready for our bed after the bar closed!!

One thing I would watch out for is - changing money in the hotel, the exchange rate is not as good as it is in the plaza, but there isn't too much of a difference, I changed money at the hotel reception on the 1st day and was given less than half the money back that I should have been, at this stage I wasn't really sure of the money conversion, and they do not give you a receipt so I didn't really have a hope in hell of getting the rest of the money I was due.

The shopping plaza was 2 minutes down the road, there was a few shops and bars and a cinema, the shops are very expensive. The shop in the hotel is also very expensive, the british newspapers were approx £5

We went to Ocean world which was quite expensive but worth every penny, we did the dolphin encounter which was great, there was lots of different things you could choose to do at ocean world,ie swim with dolphins, shark encounter, sea lion encounter and snorkling

I would recommend that you dont buy a phone card from your rep for $15(eight pound fifty)for 15 mins, a lot of the shops in the plaza sell them for 250 peso(three pounds fifty)for 15 mins - I think thats one of the only things you can get cheap from the plaza!

Sorry, but I feel like I'm going on a bit now, all in all we had a great time and would go back in a minute (just wish the flight wasn't quite as long!-but that can't be helped)

If you decide to go to this hotel, I'm sure you will have a great.

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Grand Ventana Beach Hotel - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Kwik Travel (Thomson) June 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Philip ,Rosemary Sheffield (57  ,56)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were not dissopointed ,good clean hotel comfortable rooms,clean and air conditioned,fridge with soft drinks and beer all free.Good and quick service at the bar,large restaurant plenty of room o waiting for a table.Food was excellent too many choices (could make a pig of yourself).Entertainment was good,comps and games during the day and dancers &singers at night.
Plenty of sunbeds (but get up early if you want a sunbed with a brolly or one on the beach with the thatched covers.)
NO NEED TO TAKE TOWELS FOR THE POOL THEY ARE SUPPLIED.

Lovely beach water clear and shallow ,good snorkling on the coral reefs close to the shore.
Just went on 2 trips "Outback Safari and Helicopter both good value"
When going on the safari take some pencils and books and crayons to give to the school children when you visit.
Don`t take much notice of the weather forcast our said rain and cloudy for the whole time,it rained three times in 11 days the rest of the time it was PHEWWWWWW
HOT HOT HOT.
Would definatley recommend this hotel and would return again.

PS don`t forget it`s $10 to get in Dominican Republic and $20 to get out.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - June 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Karen & Les - Anglesey (42,59)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Have just arrived back after 2 weeks at Gran Ventana. First week weather mixed, rained in afternoon so did most things in morning. Asked to be moved to another room as first one too noisy by road, second one by quietpool, just as noisy.

would not class this hotel as 4 star as first choice state, would class as three star only. definetley seen better days needs refurb soon. Night time entertainment not good, no real shows, kareoke some nights, back at our room by 9pm most nights, not enough to do in the evenings.They have quiet pool but most times it was full of kids and not too quiet, also scrubbed the pool sides while swimmers were in it. Did see them cleaning a lot far play but the rooms and furnishings need replacing. Did go to the casino Tues night that was good won 50$ and lost it.

Did do a good trip to Punta Russia, do the VIP trip boat much nicer, and beaches were excellent, giude excellent and food excellennt, would recommend that. Also did 1/2 day trip to puerto plata not really worth it. So all in all had nice time, but would not go back as caters more for families with children and no were to walk after dinner in evenings. Would be better if the main restaurant was air conditioned not open on the sides so you could have had some restbite from the heat while you had your meals.Best meal was in the Octopus rest. Went all inclusive, but quality of their alcholic drinks was terrible.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - May 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Karen & Sam Carlin - Bristol (46 & 31)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

One overall statement kinda covers this hotel - don't go there!  On arrival, we had a quick and efficient check in to a room that was dingy, with basic furniture some of which was broken, valance sheets on the bed that were covered in mildew, and a poorly repaired sink in the bathroom that was covered in tiny crawling insects.

Entertainment was basic, although the staff were cheery and did their best within the constraints they had...sometimes over by 10.30, and that included the dreaded mini-disco for tiny kids which didn't start until at least 8.30 every evening, and seemed to go on for ever..it drove us nuts, as did the bingo. 

Unfortunately there were some severe tropical storms (one lasting four days) while we were there.  that wouldn't be so bad, except there was nowhere to go in the hotel in this case...no contingency for when guests couldn't sit outside...no space in the bars or reception..it was awful.  Given that tropical storms happen frequently in this part of the world, you would expect to still be able to sit in comfort, but not a bit of it here.  In fact, if you weren't prepared to have eaten your dinner by 7 pm, you could forget about sitting down inside at all!

The main restaurant had plenty of choice at each meal...shame it was virtually the same choice every day..and again, if you're not there early, don't expect there to be very much left or for it to be hot.  The beach snack bar (gourmet (!) restaurant at night)was awful...the food left in warmers, dried out, luke warm, and totally disgusting.  Never managed to get into either of the other gourmet restaurants as there is a pecking order for booking...if you're a VIP guest (someone who's been there a number of times) you get priority over everyone else, which kinda leaves the rest of the guests at a distinct disadvantage (although why anyone would go more than once astounds me).

To be fair to Thomson, they did transfer us when we complained to another hotel in a resort near Sosua, which was ten times better, cleaner, and with absolutely excellent entertainment..a bit strange that it had the same T rating as the Gran Ventana!  Just a shame we had to pay for the privelege of getting there!

Just one more thing on this holiday...if you pay for a flight upgrade to premier class be aware that, unlike other companies, you don't get an extra baggage allowance with Thomson at present, and the quality of the cabin crew varies greatly from one flight to another.  On the way out they were brilliant.  On the way back they were awful...including allowing passengers from the economy section to come through in a constant stream instead of using their buzzers for their own crew to attend.  This disturbed people who were sleeping, including a couple with a young baby.  We paid nearly £400 for the extra comfort etc. this upgrade was supposed to afford us, and felt badly let down on the return flight...we won't be flying Thomson again, and definately won't return to the Gran Ventana, alias Butlins in the bad old days!

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - May 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Heather - Loughborough (23, 24)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We flew with First Choice airlines and had the upgraded seats and it was worth the money for the free drinks, better food on the flight and a free snack, and more choice of films and tv programmes to watch.

We could not fault the staff or the hotel at all. They really look after you.

Our room was in the saona block over looking the beach, it was very quiet, and the views were lovely.

It rained for 2 days solid but it was a nice break from the heat. And the hotel would lend you umbrellas, so you didnt get wet.

The resturants were lovley, the range of food in the buffet was very suprising, tho you can get a little bit bored at breakfast, our favourite resturant was the octopus, the ocean grill was nice as well but there was never a breaze and no air conditioning so you got really hot even in the evening. Didnt like the Italian, the food wasnt very nice and the atmosphere wasnt as good.

We swam with dolphins when we were there. we booked it through the rep $145 each including entry to ocean world. sea lion show which is funny, lunch. And there is a beach, and a swimming pool as well, It is definatly worth the money. And i would do it again.

We have booked to go back next year, because we enjoyed it that much. It is true the entertainment is rubbish, we never went to watch it, we just got told by everyone else. But you get american sky tv, which has lots of films and programmes like ER, CSI etc. We always found something to watch.

Cant wait to go back.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - April 2005

Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Claire and Alan - Peterborough (29,32)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from 2 weeks in the Gran Ventana having got married there on 7th April 2005.  Together with our 27 wedding guests we all have a fantastic time at this hotel.  The food was amazing, the staff very friendly, and the resort exceptionally clean.  The wedding itself was a dream and although there were a few other weddings during the 2 week period of our holiday you are made to feel very special and the staff cannot do enough for you.  The Thomson wedding coordinators Sam and Andrea are lovely and Kety, the resorts' guest service manager and wedding coordinator is one in a million.  

We will definitely return for one of our anniversaries. 

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland DIRECT - April 2005

Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Peter, Tina, Charlie, Paige (37, 35, 13, 9)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Returned today from Gran Ventana.  It was our second trip to Dom Rep.  First time 5 years ago to Playa Naco.

The hotel was very clean - even fumigated the last day we were there.  Maids always busy mopping and wiping.  We had 2 rooms and both were cleaned every day with fresh towels given.  The grouting in the bathrooms could do with a new lot put on but obviously decorated a while ago.

I really can't see how anyone can complain about the food.  The buffet resturant was very good, the list of various combinations endless.  The a'carte resturants were very good.

Activity team were funny and friendly.  Tried hard with a limited budget.

We had 6 trips as follows:
Swimming with dolphins - a great time had by all although very expensive ($555);

City tour - arrived at cable car at 9.30 left at 11.25 which consisted of approx 8 minute journey in cable car 15 minutes walking around at top and then all the rest of the time waiting for cable car. The rest of the trip was a total waste of time;

6 wheelers - a total must you drive yourself and upto 3 others around in a multi terrain buggy going through sugar cane fields, rivers, lots of mud and villages. Warning wear old clothes.

Peter, Charlie and Paige had helicopter trip for 15 minutes all were talking about it for days.

Peter and Charlie went deep sea fishing they didn't catch but 1 man out of 6 of them caught a baraccuda.

Speed boat to Soussa with snorkelling I think an absolute must. 1/2 day trip to some of the best coral reefs I've seen.  Fish feed out of your hands.

The trips did cost us as much as we have spent on a weeks holiday to Greece before now but if you are paying to go to Dom Rep you really must try some of them.

You will notice while you are there that there are a couple of ladies who go round taking samples of swimming pool water and food along with temperatures to check everything is okay.

To some it all up a great hotel, staff all friendly and very helpful, food and drink great, swimming pools very clean.  The only thing I hated was the long flights in uncomfortable seats and rubbish in flight food.

The staff were even out every morning getting rid of seaweed and mopping the pool areas.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Manos Discounts) Manos - March 2005

Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Amy - Essex (21)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I have worked in the travel industry for 5 years so have been to many places, but can honestly say that this is by far the best holiday I've had!! So good infact, we've booked to go there again next year.

The weather was fantastic, and in the 2 weeks we were there we had one really overcast day, but not one drop of rain!

The hotel was great, it was constantly being cleaned. The staff were ever so friendly and helpful, would do anything for you. Food was nice, something for everyone (even the fussiest of eaters-I should know bcos I went away with one!!)

There was alot of daytime activities taking place around the pool, sometimes quite noisy but this didnt bother us too much. The beach was a quieter option, lovely as the beach was, it got quite windy and a few times we had to leave as sand was blowing everywhere. The only other thing that got on our nerves a bit were the beach sellers, but if you just said "no thankyou" they would leave you alone.

Evening entertainment was erm....interesting!?! Sometimes so bad it was funny! The best one was the Michael Jackson night. But bless them you can't say they didn't try!!

Excursions: the best one in my opinion was the river rafting, a long day but well worth it. We also did the dolphin encounter, this was good but I did get bored quite quickly-but you can catch an earlier bus back to your hotel if you just ask at reception. And the catamaran, a really good day out, but did get burnt. If you enjoy snorkelling I would advise you to buy a waterproof camera (approx £8) we've just had our photos back and they're excellent!

Room was basic, but clean and spacious. We were located in the Catalina block, but towards the back so we didn't really hear much of the noise from the entertainment going on. We tipped the maids in pesos every few days. We mainly took US$ to pay for the excursions, but in the plaza they preferred pesos. But there were exchange facilities at the hotel and at the plaza. The hotel shop prices are VERY expensive, about £4 for a magazine and about £5 for a big bag of crisps.

I was a bit reluctant to leave the hotel grounds, but wasn't aware that Playa Dorada is a purpose built resort only for tourists. It was security guarded, and the only locals you would see out and about were the shop workers and hotel staff if they'd finished a shift. So that might reassure some of you  who were worried about leaving the hotel.

Think thats about it, but to all of you that are booked to go, happy holidays!!

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - February 2005

Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Sarah & Murray 21 + 21

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just got back from a fantastic holiday at the Gran Ventana, it was one of my best holiday experiences (and working in travel, ive had a few!)

The hotel should be a 5* as they cannot do enough for you and the standards of the hotel are very high. The flight over was excellent with Thomson, the staff were really friendly and efficient. We were kept well entertained with the latest films. 

Really smooth arrival, airport wasnt very busy at all but be careful when you go to your bus as there are a lot of guys waiting around and you think that they are just helping you locate your coach but they take your bags and load them on and then expect a tip, they are very persistant. 

When we arrived at the hotel after a very short transfer time, we were greeted by a friendly face and offered a drink straight away. Your luggage was taken by the Bell boy and the next you saw of it was when ya got to your room. Weather was excellent, we had a few rainy days and there is little to do if your a sun lover like me but if your a bit more active then you can definitely find something to do. 

We were in the la saona block and our room overlooked the pool, the hotel is set in separate blocks and some rooms can get the full impact of the evening entertainment but it wasnt a problem  for us, we didnt go on holiday to have early nights! The entertainment staff were excellent and became good friends with us. They put on some excellent shows during day and night. 

The food was excellent, yes it does get repetative but thats what you get with all inclusives. We did the Monster Truck safari and Ocean World and they were well worth every penny. Be careful of the prices of things in the hotel shop and also in the plaza as it is exceptionally expensive.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook -January 10 - 25 2005

Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : Sandra,Don Bain     - Braemar Scotland (40, 50)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We Arrived about 7pm their time.Was dealt with most effiantley at reception,We were in the 3rd Block (Beata) which was the quiet one , the rooms were great we had 2 queen sized beds and it was more than spacious.The cleanliness was unbelievable they just cleaned and swept and scrubbed all day.
We spent most of our days at the quiet pool  or at the beach.
The weatrher was a bit mixed but you can't blame anyone for that all though plenty tried.
Jaqui who worked 8-4 in the tiki bar was an absolute scream, FANTASTIC, what an atmosphere she created.

FOOD
Well what can we say!!!! this was my only reservation about doing all inclusive but boy how they proved us wrong all meals were fantastic. We only used 3 of our alacarte vouchers as we enjoyed the huge variety in the buffet SUSHI OYSTERS PARTRIDGE CHINESE INDIAN THAI ITALLIAN DOMINICAN !!!!! .Every night the chefs produced carvings out of pumpkins, melons etc, out of this world.
All the staff could not do more for you.

TRIPS
We only did the one which was the Monster Truck and it was excellant,great to see the real island and it's locals, all so freindly, take sweets or paper and pencils if we go out again we would go to Makro etc and buy there as sweets are on the expensive side.

MARKET
Down the beach to your left about a 20 minute walk great for bargains can do some great haggaling.
I got 2 sun dresses made as i couldn't find one to fit, the old lady came out with the tape measure and then told me to choose material then told me to come back the following morning at 10  which we did and there she was sewing away and within minutes i had 2 dreses which cost me $20US
Brilliant.... now thats what i call service

Our Rep was excellent SIMON LINDSAY the best rep we've ever had , even off duty he was willing to help if you had ant quieries.

BEASTIES

Mossies are bad as are sand flys but what we used and found to be great was AVON SKIN SO SOFT i only had 2 bites the whole time we were there.

OVERALL WE HAD A FANTASTIC TIME MET SO MANY NICE PEOPLE FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD, CAME BACK HOME WITH SOME VERY HAPPY MEMORIES.THANK YOU GRAN VENTANA.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomsons - 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : diane cox stephen   43 43

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

I had the hoilday of alife time the hotel was excellent the food was great abit fatter on the second week.

we used the beach has the pool was being used by families that what hoildays are for and you have the choice.made some great new friends even went to a wedding.the trips were great paradise island and safari jeeps please take a hat.we travelled with thomosons the planes where a bite naff but didnt mind it after having such agreat hoilday.weather was a bit of a worry what with hurricans and rain but we only had one stormand some great lighting storms but when you can sit on a deckchair and watch it on the beach thats great.

just to say hello to our new friends faith john jordon sue and bob.mark and kate who got married we went to their reception when we got home.andy and chan were  going to cyprus with these next year they get married there and we only meet them through our great hoilday in  gran ventana please do not moan just make the most of the hoilday they are along time to wait for. 

I know i would go back any time

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland direct - 2004 / 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Nicola   South Wales (37,37,15,12,9)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was the first time that we had been on an all inclusive holiday, and the first long haul flight,, We had a fantastic holidays and my three children all want to go back asap.
Food: excellant a large variety, with something for everyone
I would recommend staying at this hotel for everyone, especially families, the complex is small enough that you are able to keep an eye on the children, entertainment good, pleny of trips available.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook- Dec 2004

Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Kerry james 18,16,21,44,42

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Ok before i start this review i should state that for the first four days we had turential rain, the sun did not show at all, this made the begging of the holiday feel very negative. Due to the rain it proved that there is nothing to do in the dominican republic and you feel you are inprisoned in your resort. We did feel like flying home however the sun soon came out and we started a good holiday of sunning our selves eating, drinking and walking along the beach, towards the end of the holiday i must state that we felt that there was only so much eating and drinking and sunbathing we could do, we would have loved to have had a beach promanard to walk along or a few bars and restuants to visit, but there was nothing. Now i think it is important that i state we did have a great holiday after paying £1400 each for a holiday we wanted to make the most of it.

The hotel was probly the best in playa dorada, the food had a large selection, the bedroom was lovly (1322) with sea view, and the people there would treat you like royalty. I know people read these to find what people moan about and i can honestly say i dont understand what people moan about as the items mentioned were not big deals, but if i was being really picky this is what i could say!!!
 1. The grouting around the tiles in the bathroom needs redoeing as it is dirty due to age.
 2. The children entertainment goes on untill 9.30 and is really loud and repetitive.
 3.The beach is horrible.
I dont consider the planes and hellicoptors flying over the hotel to be a problem as this happens in most holiday resorts and is not loud and only during the day.

The beach is really dirty, this could have been due to the bad weather, however the sewage seems to be emtyed into the sea at both ends, i should tell you the best parts of the beach are outside our hotel and left to the hotel past the paradise beach.

We went on a trip to the south of the island and to Saona the island of the dom rep, this trip included a flight and was fantastic, the sand here is white however not that different from the north.

i spoke to the family that own the gran ventana as they are there over christmas and new year every year from New York, they told me that the water in the restruant is from the tap and that is why some people may get ill, so if you want bottled mineral water you should ask for it and not let the waiters pore the water for you.
We had a lovly stay at the gran ventana and would like to say that to everyone who has stated bad views, that i can see where they are comming from but i dont see the problems as being big problems the hotel is amazing for where it is situated and the food and rooms are lovly afterall all you can do in the dom rep is eat, drink, sunbathe and pay alot of money to travel companies to go on tours outside your resort.

i think that the dominican republic is being conned by travel companies as it is not letting tourists out of there resorts to see the real dom rep, surly after being a popular destination for 30 years the travel industry should have got together with the people living in the dom rep to produce the country more money and make it a more enjoyable experience, i think the people and the dom rep is lovly and i would have loved to have met them and experienced there culture however i was unable to, due to being told it is unsafe.

I hope this does not appear to be to negative, the gran ventana is lovly and the people are lovly and i had an excelent holiday, however the country is very poor we are unable to experience the real dominican
republic, and help produce money for such a poor country.

If all you enjoy on holiday is sunbathing (when it is not raining) and eating this is the holiday for you, if you enjoy meeting the locals and experiencing the real culture, you may be dissapointed. I think i will return in about 20-30 years to see if it has changed. I hope this makes sense as i am very tired after a long flight home last night.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - Dec 2004

Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Sue and Dave Parkin - Manchester ( 48,42)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned from our second trip to the Gran Ventana Beach, see review oct 2003.
Everything is just as good as before, wonderfully clean, wonderful food, the italian restaurant is our favourite, wonderful beach.
All the entertainment staff are new to us, and sorry to the old staff, the new staff are a lot better.
The weather was a bit of a lottery while we were there, but i still came back with a lovely tan, we were only there a week.

Re did the ocean world trip, but just to go and see what it is like now it is fully open, and is worth a trip, 55 dollers but transport and lunch(no drinks) included, If you have seen all you want to see and do and your bus is not due, just go to the main enterance tell them what bus you should be on and ask if they have an earlier bus, they will get you on one.

Nothing seems to be too much trouble for the dominican people, a friendly wave as you pass by on the bus, an aolha, they are lovely people.
Will try the south of the island next time, yes next time, but will be back at the Gran Ventana some time in the future.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - Nov 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Sarah Phillips-London

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Was worried about going as it was our last choice of hotel.

But was really nice

Excellent food, good selection, and beach grill was really good.

Beach was clean, water was clear

Loads to do, excellend excursions were available.

Our Thomson rep was really lovely and she lived at the hotel so that says how good it is!

Would go back if i hadnt already done everything there!

Go white water rafting-even if you are scared....its brilliant!

I went november 2004 for 2 weeks. Fab weather!

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice-October 2004

Opinion submitted in Dec 2004 by : Ron and Val-Warrington

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The best holiday we have ever had, which beats cruises throughout the world, food and entertainment accomendation second to none.  We are going back for a thurthor 3 weeks as from the 17/1/05 to 8/2/05 to the same brilliant hotel.  Services were brilliant accomadation brilliant cleanliness magnificent above all could not spend any money! (only in tips)

Ron & Val

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (JMC Discounts) JMC - oct 2004

Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Rachel Brown, Andrew Brown (29,34)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Very enjoyable holiday,tours were expensive so we made the most of the all inclusive and stayed round the hotel.  Overall very relaxing, great weather, even when there's a storm it clears within minutes. Hotel was kept immaculately clean,staff were very friendly. Food was good plenty of choice.  Guests were of all nationalities mainly couples although there were a few children.

Entertainment is great after a few strawberry daquiris lol. Although the flight is tiring the crew do their best to make you comfortable. We would go back again.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland Direct - Oct 2004

Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : J Chesterton - Essex (36,36,13,8)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Have just returned from The Dominican Republic and had absolutely lovely time.

The Gran Ventana was lovely, had read previous reviews and was not sure what to expect. Am quite fussy but this place was spotlessly clean. The staff were extremely helpful. The setting was lovely. The food was very good, and the kids ate most foods (two extremely fussy kids) The a la carte restaurants were lovely and sometimes you felt embarrassed by the amount you get waited on. Didn't get hassled by creature's and no fly's. (Found out hotel treated daily so fly's did not cause problem). 

Had absolutely lovely, relaxing, holiday, and the weather was fantastic.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice- October 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Jackie-  Surrey

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was our second trip to the Gran Ventana and although the hotel was alot busier second time round, it didn't affect the enjoyment of our holiday one bit

The hotel has a great location, set right on the beach and close to the shopping plaza and gold course.

The beach is really long and you can walk along safely although the sea can be quite rough and the sand does get alot of sea weed washed up on it, which is cleaned up during the day, but the hotel provide plenty of sunbeds and there is also a beach bar to provide much needed refreshments. There are beach vendors selling various souveniers and gifts, if you don't wish to buy anything from them them the best thing to do is to avoid making eye contact with them and just forget they're there, if you do like the look of what they're selling haggle with them and you might get a good deal

The hotel has two pools, the main pool is fantastic and has a swim up bar, there are loads of sunbeds, but you may have to get up quite early to get one in a good spot or with a parasol if the hotel is busy

The rooms are quite basic, but are very comfortable and clean, you have a tv with mainly american and spanish channels.
A mini bar is provided with soft drinks and beer and is re stocked every day. As returning guests we had e mailed the hotel in advance to request a king size bed and were given a junior suite which is larger than the standard rooms and has a seating area. We also had a lovely sea view from the balcony and the room was very peaceful as we were in the Saona block which is further away from the entertainment than the other block.

The air con is great and the room also has a ceiling fan
The maids do an excellent job of cleaning your room, we did tip them 100 pesos every couple of days which we were advised to leave on the pillows, if you left your own beach towels lying about these would be turned into swans by the maids,very cute!

The food is really good , you must be a really fussy eater if you can't anything you like at this hotel especially at the
buffet restaurant.
Breakfast you can choose from cereal, fruit, smoothies, omelettes, pancakes. waffles or the dominican version of a full english
Lunch there is more choice at the buffet restaurant, but you can choose to eat at the beach bar which serves pizza, burgers, nachos and other snack type food
we ate at the buffet restaurant most days as the choice is better and it is nearer the pool which we spent most of our time at.
Dinner at the buffet again there is a huge choice and some days I was stuck on what to choose! If you have a sweet tooth you'll love the desserts and the rum and raison ice cream is delicious

The al a carte restaurants have less choice, but we enjoyed all the meals we had at all three of the restaurants and the service is brilliant, look out for Joan in the Italian, he is a real sweetie and very funny and made our evening when we visited the Italian.

The entertainment team try hard and you have to give them 10 out of 10 for effort , the daytime entertainment consists of water aerobics, water polo/ volley ball, and pool or table tennis tournaments with some games thrown in
The night time entertainment is dancing, games and music shows, it's not the greatest but what do you expect you're not going to get some las vegas standard act in the dom rep!
The cocktails are really strong, so if you want to take it easy on the alcohol ask the bar tenders to put less alcohol in

The only thing that lets this hotel down is some of the people who stay there who I found a little selfish and rude.
Things like ordering drinks without please or thankyou ,staying on the
free pool tables all day not letting other guests use them and jumping in the dinner queues.

The hotel and staff are excellent and I would recommend anyone looking for a good value break away to chill out and relax for a few weeks to stay at the Gran Ventana, overall the Dom Rep is a very beautiful but very poor developing country, so don't expect the Ritz, be friendly and polite to the locals and staff, tip where you can and you'll have a wonderful time

A word of advice about the flight if the premium seats are available when you book your holiday I would strongly recommend upgrading to them, its a long flight to suffer in economy, We have upgraded on both trips and were very grateful we did!More leg room, drinks included, wider seats, mini screens, and priority check in are the main benefits but there are others!

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Thomsom-Sept/Oct 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Anita- Chesterfield

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hi, my boyfriend, Sister and brother in law visited the Gran Vantana end of Sept/Beginning Oct, Our initial thoughts were 'hope the hotel is nice' as we had booked this holiday in February and obviously for the money we'd spent we expected very good accomodation and the rest.

Upon arrival at resort we were checked in, the staff were very polite and handed us a key for the catalina building.Well we were in for a shock.The  rooms smelf very musty and damp, our room smelt of smoke when we'd asked for non smoking, the room itself didn't appear very clean and the sheets on the bed dirty.I immediately went to the reception and asked to be moved.We were moved into the next building Soana.Again the room, although a little better smelt damp. we accepted this and went to the local supermarket for air freshner and scented candles.(which we really shouldn't have to do.)The original room was basically ontop of the stage and my sister had two sleepless nights due to the entertainment going on, there is no sound proofing so if you get to be in the catalina facing the pool you are in for a shock.
My sister moved to our building and although it appeared o.k she woke to find the toilet blocked and the bathroom sink and loo covereed in ants.

We all asked to view the Junior suites and were told we would have to pay £500 should we change. we viewed it and they were the same as the rooms we were in, i would definately not recommend spending money on those suites, they were as bad as the rest.The only thing you got extra was a bowl of fruit.
We were all movbed again, as were were experiencing problems with our toilet.We moved to the "quiet"area another building, sorry forgot the name of this actual building. My sister got a very large room and didn't have to pay any extra.room 3209. my boyfriend and i had 3207 which had large double bed, the room still smelt but they were alot better then the previous ones and so we were quite happy to remain there.

Most of the rooms are being re decorated nad everyone we spoke to agreed this wasn't worth the money we'd spent.they too had asked to move.even the manager of the hotel agreed that the rooms were not in good state and that they were refurbishing.

The hotel was very noisy, people slammed doors shut, you heard people walking above you, not very sound proof, there was also a disco nrby which you could hear music thumping until the early ours. we jsut shut off to it as the holiday went on.

The food in the restaurant was very good, we couldn't fault it, the animation team were brilliant, they worked very hard throughout the day, the people there are the friendliest people we'd ever met.They got you included in all the beach/pool games and you did have a laugh.

The night entertaint was basically the animation team, they were good and you would get the odd shows for other artists.Bit repetative and because there isn't much to do at night it became a little boring. Playa Dorada complex has 14 hotels on it and it was at your own risk if you ventured off.
The three themed restaurants are very nice, an italian, the octupuss bar and the ocean grill, all very nice, like i said before, food was excellent.

Must do trips, Swim with the dolphins. this worked out to be £81.oo each, the monstor truck is an eye opener, we visited the poor area and saw how the poor dominicans lived.take lots of paper, pencils,pens sweets as you throw them out the truck to them, you should see the kids faces.
Overall we were disappointed with this hotel.I had read the reviewes and they had been all good, i wouldn't believe them!!The room and the noisyness let it down.It was more like a butlins holiday camp, then a relaxing hotel.
The beach was a walk away so we ventured there everyday.

A big no no should you wish to get married over in this hotel.
It was horrendous.The poor bride had to walk amongst the pool sunbathers to get to the little marquee where she would be married.after the ceremonu they hung around the poolbar, there was no meal or anywhere the wedding party could go. Not my idea of a wedding.
If your gonna do it and you have several quests then do what a group of americans did, they had chairs (which others didn't have)they got married at 5pm and following this they had hired a room above the restaurant and had a proper wedding meal and later disco.That is how it should be organised. I had thought about getting married over there and was very glad that we hadn't. It wouldn't be something i would have cherised. A bit let down to say the least.

Overall i can say it wasn't worth the money we paid, it was not a 4* hotel more like a 3*.
The only good thing were the staff who were very nice. The cleaners did their bit also and were always cleaning.

If you choose this i hope you finf a nice room and make the most of it as we had to.
Dont always believe the 'sparking'reviews. as we had to find out, then again this may be the best holiday you have.I will not be going there again.  

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 14-28 September 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Angie -Tamworth (47,45,19,20

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We arrived at the Gran Ventana and were more than pleased with our accommodation.  

It was comfortable and quiet, since we were not facing the pool. It was very clean and the staff seemed to be working 24 hours to keep it that way.  My husband and I thought the food was good but the two younger members of the party did not always find such a good selection for themselves.  There was always plenty of it.  Hurricane Jeanne was due to arrive a couple of days after us, but the hotel staff dealt with it and luckily we did not get the full brunt of the storm, although trees had been uprooted in the grounds. It took the hotel about 3 days to fully recover from it. The beach is clean and we had no problem finding some shade every day. 

The only downside of the holiday was the fact that you were confined to the hotel complex really for night entertainment (unless you wanted to pay money to go to the shopping complex for a meal), and the entertainment is the only thing I have criticism about.  A disco would have been nice or a vocalist with a guitar, instead of the staff dancing each night, and the children's disco could be varied, it was the same songs each evening and you felt yourself cringeing each time it started. The daytime entertainment was good for younger people who enjoy playing games, and you were in no way forced to take part if you didn't want to which was nice. 

We went on two trips which I would thoroughly recommend, one was to interact with dolphins and sealions at Ocean World and the other was a 20 minutes helicopter ride.  They were brilliant.

I just feel I should warn anyone going to this resort that you feel very safe and secure on the beach, but my daughter had her mobile phone taken from the middle of her bag whilst she was swimming in the sea, so make sure you dont take any valuables to the beach unless you are staying with them.

It is definitely a winding down holiday and, unless you do watersports, there is little to do except laze in the sun all day.  So if you are a beach bum like we are you will enjoy it.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos - September 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Mel Harris - Oswestry(shropshire)  (20,20)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

When we arrived at the Gran Ventana we went straight to reception where we checked in within 5 minutes. We then went straight to our room where the porters brought our luggage to us. There are three blocks we were in the Souna i think thats how you spell it. It was by the main pool and where all the entertainment was. 

The food was really good, alot of choice, there were chips, pizza, salad, pasta, fruit etc. The al a carte restaurants were good aswell our favourite was the ocean grill. We didn't try the Octopus as we don't eat fish but people we spoke to told us that it was good. The entertainment team were lovely always playing fun games around the pool, like vollyball, water aerobics and water polo. The entertainment was good at night as they were always trying to get you involved. They make friends with you very quickly and its amazing how they remember everybodies name. Pedro, manwell and eddie were my favourite.

The room was cleaned twice a day. We had to queen sized beds which were very spacious, bathroom had a shower and bath and a hairdryer. We took towels and wished we never in the end as you have plenty in the bathroom which are changed daily and you get them free down at the pool and beach.
The beach was lovely always clean and tidy. It had a lovely breeze down by the beach as by the pool can get really hot.

We took US dollars with us which was fine for all the excursions but if you can take some dominican pesos as everything outside the hotel was in pesos.

The are plenty of excursions you can do, we swam with the dolphins which is brilliant it cost us $145 dollars each which is roughly about £75. We did paridise island which you travel to an island on a speed boat and then snorkel in the coral reef, white powder sand and clear blue waters a nice day out but very long.

I would definately return to the Gran Ventana. We are going back in a couple years as we liked it so much.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland Direct - Sept 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Claire & Darren (23,25)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I am going to keep this as short and sweet as i can altho it may be hard as there are so many good things to say.

We have just returned from a week at the Gran Ventana and only arrived back this morning.

This hotel is fantastic, a well deserved 4 star rating, i have never seen such a clean hotel ever.

All the staff work incredibly hard from the maids to the waiters and bartenders, they always have a smile on their face.

If i was really picking faults here i would have to agree with most of these reviews about the evening entertainment, it is quite repetitive, but the games and tournaments during the day are great fun and the fun team try their very hardest to entertain everyone. They do try and get you to join in, but they do not pester you if you do not want to.

The weather wasnt the best when we were there either as there was a hurricane/tropical storm, but the staff did an extremely good job of keeping everyone entertained with games and shows which ensured that our holiday was still thoroughly enjoyable. We did have a few days of sun though so cant complain at all.

Again, agreeing with a few people, the food can get a bit repetitive but only if you choose the same food every night, if you try different things then it would be impossible to get bored.

Overall i would defintately recommend this hotel to anyone of any age and would definately return if it wasnt for the fact we like to try different places each time.

Its fantastic and definately seemed the best in this resort.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Michelle & Steve  33,29

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

First time to the Carribean - definately not our last!!

WEATHER
We had 2 fantastic HOT weeks (2 hrs rain!!), although it did cloud over daily during the afternoons.

ROOMS
Very clean, Fridge stocked up daily, and the little special touches the maids add are very welcoming. Sky TV, Hairdryer (which came in very useful,as due to the voltage difference there was little power coming thru my hairdryer, and no power to my straighteners - nightmare!!)this was common in other rooms too!

ENTERTAINMENT
The guys and girls work very hard throughout the day and evening to ensure you have a great time, they will always try to involve you (although not too pushy!) they are very friendly too.

POOL
We were happy with the pool, some people complain it is dirty, but the only fault we found was the odd plastic cups (from the pool bar) floating around! We spent an awful lot of our holiday on the beach where it was breezy (There is very little breeze around the pool!)

BEACH
Very clean, tractors came daily to drag the seawead away. Much quieter than around the pool, there is a beach bar down there providing burgers, pizza, chips, salad etc..

FOOD
The buffet restaurant had something for everyone, the only fault we had was the heat! there seemed to be no air.  We personally never tried the "a la cartes" but friends told us they were very nice (AND air-conditioned)

HEALTH
Make sure you take the basics.. immodium, Gavisgon, prickly heat cream, painkillers etc.. we found these things extremely expensive (i.e approx £28 for prickly heat ointment and 10 tablets).

DUTY FREE CIGS
If your fussy what u smoke, get your cigarettes at the airport going out, or on the plane (approx £22 for 200). The plaza in playa dorada charge over £30 for 200 branded, but you can buy there own brands for about £4.00 for 200 (this does include marlboro/lights.. but they are not like ours, worth a try for the money!), on return you can buy 200 branded for about £19.00 at Dominican airport! (pretty much same story for rolling tobacco!).

TRIPS
We went to waterworld, I did the dolphin encounter (if you want the dolphin swim make sure you book early!)it was a fantastic day.  A couple in our group went White Water Rafting, this wasnt as exiting as made out to be! The boat trips are worth a day out (cheeper to book on the beach!), and a day out to see how the Dominicans live is worth the trip (TAKE PLENTY SWEETS FOR THE KIDS!!)

We will definately go back but will try the south side.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - August 1st 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Brian Bennett - Kent (35,35)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

*** Newsflash *** this is a poor country. But what they do for you as a holidaymaker, WOW.

REP

Our rep was excellent, and was over 25. Shock horror an older rep. It showed as she was brilliant. Take note tour operators, older than teeny bopper reps=happy customers.

BREAKFAST

Breakfast WAS the same everyday, but maybe by laying on every conceivable way that I know that breakfast can be served, would make it repetitive.
i.e. fresh fruit, waffles, pancakes, numerous rolls, croissants, ham, cheese, bagels, bacon, fried egg, scrambled egg, boiled egg, fruit juices, toast toasted sandwiches, tea+coffee, water or if you prefer - nothing. The only critisicsm would be the bacon is crispy. I like crispy, but not everyone will.

LUNCH

food excellant, even tho' its AI it would be difficult to become bored of the selection of food prepared at every mealtime. pasta, salad, prepared dishes (chicked, beef or pork), burgers, fish, chips etc

DINNER

Same as fare as lunch BUT, its a new menu. And speciality dishes, local, chinese and some authentic tasting Indian, along with fresh griddled chicken and fresh cooked pizza.

ENTERTAINMENT

petty low key, no disco, and one for the 1-14's age group. But on a plus side, no disco, which means you can sleep in absolute silence. There is a disco and bars close by, so don`t be disheartened.
Beer in hotel is, well, pants, but the rum WOW.

TRIPS

Read all the ones below to see which one is for you, then read this one. Saona Island. It`s App. £130.00pp, but that includes: Coach to airport, 50min plane ride across Dom Rep to South side, coach to a village called Altos De Chavon (type it into google to see more), then a ride to a hotel for breakfast (its only 10.30am by now), then a fast boat ride to a shelf beach 1mile app offshore to swim and take pix, then carry on to the Island with its talcum powder white sand. Have dinner,  then back to last hotel by a 2hr catmaran ride then coach-plane-coach back to Puerto Plata arrivig back at 6/6.30pm. A long day and a lot of money, but worth every penny. P.s. pay In US dollars as exchange rate for usd is better Here in UK than out there.
This trip may or may not be available to other groups other than First choice, as we were the only ones from our hotel on that day to go so can`t confirm.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Cosmos Discounts) Cosmos-august 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : nick-tracey mason [35-40]

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

All i can say about the resort hotel and all the staff at the hotel was how hard they worked to entertain and keep everything so spotless.Arrived at manchester on tuesday 31-08-2004 and by 8pm that night had booked for next year along with 7 friends that we meet whilst there.weather was red hot.

One of the best holidays ever go and enjoy  

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Mabbs and Angela (35,32) - Leicester

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We've just got back from our honeymoon at the Gran Ventana and have to say it's been two of the most relaxing weeks of our lives.  I'm not going to waffle on about how fantastic everything is (90 degrees everyday / spotless hotel / endless good food and drink / friendly and energetic fun crew) - just read some of the best reviews and I'll second them, but here's a few tips to make your holiday as trouble free as possible.

The first point if you smoke any Marlboro brand is NOT to buy duty free at the airport.  You can buy them at the Plaza (2 minutes walk from the hotel) for $7 (£4) for 200.  Yes, 40 pence per packet!

We flew with First Choice from Manchester and arrived at 3pm local time.  Getting through the airport is OK but you do have to fill in a two part form and pay an arrival tax of $10 each (including children) to enter the country, so keep a pen handy.  Once you've picked up your luggage be aware that the locals will offer to push your trolley for you, but will expect a tip.  If you're not interested just say no and walk on - they'll ask somebody else.  By the way, keep $20 per person safe for your departure tax as well!

As far as money is concerned it is best to take US dollars.  The reason is that when you pay with dollars you get pesos as change, and paying with pesos can put you at the mercy of the exchange rate which fluctuates between 40 - 50 to the dollar.  For example, the exchange rate in many of the shops is 40 pesos/dollar, but at the airport it's 45/$ and in one of the tobacconists in the Plaza it's 48/$. 

I'm not sure whether you can change pesos back to dollars but I do know that the banks charge a whopping 8% interest to change travellers cheques to dollars whereas they charge nothing to convert to pesos.  For this reason I wouldn't recommend taking individual travellers cheques of greater than $50 because you don't want too many pesos in your wallet or purse.  One good thing is that you can use your travellers cheques as payment for certain things such as excursions and possibly the airport tax - just sign them and hand them over.  It's handy because it saves you having to take too much many dollars in cash with you.

Talking of excursions, before booking any I would suggest asking around to see what people recommend.  We booked ours through the reps and may or may not have paid over the odds.  It's a personal choice thing.  You can book trips at several places in the Plaza for less, but the trade off is the potential problems with insurance or refunds.  We paid $79 each for a trip to Punta Rusia so we could go snorkelling and feed fish from our hands in the coral reef, but unfortunately I got bad earache from too much swimming (it may be worth taking waterproof earplugs).  We got a full refund, no questions asked.  For the record though, we went on the Outback safari ($69 each) and to Ocean World for the dolphin encounter ($100 each) and thought both trips were brilliant and well worth the money.

During the day, if you go to the beach, you will get attention from the beach traders.  If you're not interested just smile and say 'no-thanks' until they get the message.  They didn't hassle us.  The only thing that annoyed us was the time we turned left on the beach and went for a walk.  As we got to the Jack Tar Village resort a local, in trousers and a shirt, beckoned us over and asked us if we'd like to have a look around the hotel, should we want to go there in the future.  We agreed but ended up being duped into getting taken to the Flamenco hotel, where they then tried to flog us timeshare.  Within a minute of another man starting, we'd stopped him and left.  We also found on a couple of occasions that men were laying in wait between the Gran Ventana and the Plaza, trying to do the same thing.  They are polite but fairly insistent.  Just keep walking and say no - unless you're interested of course.  No matter who tried to tempt us though, we never at any time felt intimidated.

One minor point is to make sure you take insect repellent spray, especially if you relax in the reception area during your stay.  For some reason it seems to be a haven for biting insects and both our legs got ravaged (6 - 7 bites each) on more than one occasion.  To be fair though, we didn't get bitten anywhere else at any other time.

When you come back, be wary.  The rep may tell you at the welcome meeting that only your suitcases are weighed at the airport and advice you to pack as much as possible into your hand luggage to avoid excess baggage charges.  That may not be true.  When we checked in on the way home none of our luggage was weighed, yet in another queue every piece of luggage was weighed, and I think a few people were in shock at how much money they were having to hand over after being caught out at $10/kilo.

That's about all I can think of but I will say that when you go, try to go with the flow and relax and you'll get the best from this amazing country and the warm hearted locals.  If you're a bit up yourself and spend all your time looking for faults you'll never enjoy yourself on any holiday.  We had a fantastic time and of all the countries we've ever been to (maybe a dozen), this was the one we struggled to leave most, and would most like to come back to again.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice  July 12th - 26th 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Reg, Becky, Tony, Kerry, Butch, B, Brian, Faye, Danny, Kingy, Malley, Tongy, Gary and Shelly.

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hotel, Always being cleaned, everyone really friendly, and a good location.
Golf course really nice, you can hier everything there, for about sixty quid.

Food & Drink, we all got pretty bored of the food after a week, all they seemed to change was the roast meat the rest was pretty predictable. The beer wasn't very tasty so it was cocktails for 2 weeks. We did go to the carribean red bar just outside the hotel 4 or 5 times for a few bottles of Bud at 90 peso, wich was nice !

We also frequented the casino in the Paradise Island hotel next door, we had a laugh all playing roulette, but watchout what the croupier gives you evey win as they often shirt you, by accident of course. The Jade Garden chinese out of the gate and turn left is ok but the menu is very limited, and even worse is they don't sell prawn crackers !

Entertainment, try and do as much as possible in the day so that you are really tired at night, because most of the evening entertainment was not very good, but the some of the day entertainment is quite a laugh. I would definately recommend the helicopter ride, it's excellant, 10mins $60.00, well worth it. Also the dolphin encounter is really worth a go, but the only thing is, if you are designated a morning encounter like we were at 10.00, then after about 13.00 you are ready to go back to the hotel as you have seen all there is to see, but the bus back doesn't leave till 16.00 - 16.30.

Phoning home, DONT buy a phone card off your rep for $15 = eight pound fifty for 15 mins, if you go to the plaza you can get a 250 peso three pounds fifty for 15 mins phone card from plenty of shops there. 

On one night in Hemmingways, four of our lads were having a really good night and when the went to leave, the doormen said that they had ran up a tab at the bar for a long list of items including, champagne, cigarettes and cigars and they are all non smokers, pizzas and beers, some of the items were bought before they were even on the premises. They wanted 7000 peso = hundered quid, when the lads refused, then one of the doormen produced a gun, so without hesitation the lads payed in full and bailed. The rep said she would sort it but we never heard from her.

The wedding was absolutely brilliant, the best wedding ive ever been to, just so chilled out.
All in all we made our own fun and entertainment and all had a great time, the hotel staff are really helpful. 

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Judith Woodend - Lancashire (41,39,15,12)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned after a 2 week stay at this hotel and it was excellent.  The rooms we had were lovely and cleaned everyday with fresh towels as well.  The staff were also helpful and friendly.  We also had a mini fridge in the room which was stocked up every day with fresh drinks.

The food in the buffet restaurant was good with lots of choice both for adults and children, no one need starve.  We did go to the italian restaurant twice it was ok, but i would rather go to the buffet.

The pool area was kept clean and there was always plenty of sunbeds, but they could do with more umbrellas.  Pool was clean, and it was great to swim up to the bar to get drinks.  The kids thought this was cool.

Went to the beach a couple of times just to keep cool as the weather was very hot 90 most days (thank god for air conditioning). 

There were a wide variety of trips that you could go on.  We chose to do the catamaran, but be warned if you are not good on water because the journey to Sosua bay was quite a way you could end up being sea sick.  The children enjoyed the snorkelling and the staff on the boat were really good with everyone even the ones who were ill.

We also went to Ocean World where we swam with the Dolphins which was excellent they are so gentle.  We also saw sea lions and sharks.  It was a nice relaxing day out.

The only thing that lets this hotel down is the entertainment.  It did become a little tedious with the same songs every night, but to be honest by the time evening came and we had eaten we were all ready for bed because of the heat.

I would definitely go back to this hotel, and have no hesitation in recommending it to other people.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland Direct-July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : M.Lewis (36,31,6,4)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We only landed about an hour ago so everything is still so fresh in our memories,What a holiday my family and I have just had!!!The Dom Rep is a poor country quite new to the tourism market but it's learning fast.

THE RESORT: Truly beautiful and very well maintained we didn't get around it all but what we did see was perfect!
THE HOTEL: Possibly the cleanest place on EARTH! The cleaners start at about 6.30 a.m. and finish well after dark,This hotel is polished like a new pin 24/7, our room was fully serviced every day our free mini bar was filled everyday our beds stripped and new bedding placed everyday the maid even placed flowers on the sculptures she maid with the towels TRULY 5 STAR!

THE FOOD/DRINK:The food was superb with a great variety,Breakfast was basic but all the essentials were there(and I mean all the essentials!)Lunch and Dinner were very good with about 8 diferrent main's and specialty corners(Local cuisine,Chinese ect.)The Sweet section was as big as my living room,Good food well cooked no upset tums in my book A1.
Now the Dominicans call it 'Dominican Diesel' and before I went I personally didn't like it but after a fortnight I'm completely addicted to it we call it RUM,the make everything with it and they do it very,very well as my old man says 'nuff said'!
The A'La Carte restaurants we found very good but as the menu's are specialised I will let you make your own mind up

FUN TEAM:These guys are dedicated to giving you the beat holiday you want,join in or dont the choice is yours to make just say no and they dont bother you but if you join in you want regret it,great fun,All were superb with the kids and my two will miss them very much!

TRIPS:I'm not usually one for trips but when you go half way around the world you want to see a bit of it we did.
1.Monster Trucks. A really great day worth every penny even my 4 year old understood how lucky she is,But for all the poverty some families are in you only see these people smile,A good fun day and a full experience 10/10
2.Paradise Island.A strange one good fun going to the island on the spped boat,Great snorkeling strange little Island 7/10
3.City tour/Cable car self explanitory really but the cable car is a must!9/10
4.Ocean World.Great attrction with some really cool interactive stuuf(dolphin swim,sealion encounter)maybe just a bit to long half day would have been better 8/10

GENERAL:A truly great place, good people and a great hotel take some money dont stay around the pool for 14 days explore. I read alot of the reviews befor we went and giggle a bit at what alot of people finished off with but now I now why so I'll do it to 'going back next year' and I wouldn't miss for the World

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Eclipse Direct - June 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Lisa  - London (20,20,20,19)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Gran Ventana Beach Resort was a fabulous place to stay and is suitable for all age ranges. The Dom Rep is a beautiful place and the people are lovely and friendly, especially the cleaners who pick pink flowers from the gardens outside and put them on your towels!!

We had great weather every day so the only thing to spoil our holiday was England getting knocked out of Euro 2004! But after a few cocktails we soon cheered up. Local alcohol is STRONG so be careful.

The team come round and haggle you into doing poolside games, some are fun but others are boring so be careful what you sign up to! They also have a club dance which will drive you crazy by the end of the holiday but it is guaranteed that you will know the moves and laugh about it when you get home.

Food is out of this world and there is a good variety in the buffet restuarant. I loved the local dishes such as fried plantain and rice and beans but they cook all kinds of food; pasta, mixed grill, fish, fajitas, chow mein, salad, burgers, pizzas, king prawn...the list goes on. The a-la-cartes are GORGEOUS and all were equally tasty. If you go to the Ocean Grill take a few dollars and get the lobster but the steaks and ribs are all included and are cooked to perfection!

We booked 2 tours with the rep but there are many in the plaza which are cheaper and I think do the same things. Paradise Island and the Outback safari were some of the most amazing experiences in my life. The first really lived up to it's name, stunning scenery and the most colourful fish and coral I have ever encountered on a snorkelling trip. Outback Safari was a great laugh, a chance to see the real Dominican and to try out 'boogie boarding'. Our guide, Kenny, made the trip for us...raised in America and Europe but with Dominican parentage. Both trips were all inclusive and the rum just flows...my boyfriend and I were a little tipsy when we arrived back!

Nightlife at the hotel varies, occasionally it is quite boring but there is a great bar in the plaza called Hemmingways where locals and tourists mix without any problems at all. Alot of the team from the hotel go there after 12 & are great fun.

I could go on but all I will say is that you need to see it for yourselves and we will definately be going back! 

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson June 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Eve Brooks Devon (66, 61, 60,55

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is the 3rd time we have been to the Dominican Republic we stayed at superclubs Breezes twice it is far superior to The Gran Ventana all of us had diarrhoea and sickness we have never been ill on holiday before and we travel at least twice a year. 

The hotel was cleaned all the time the maids were very good they never stopped there were plenty of sunbeds but not enough umbrellas the pool was nice and the swim up bar was nice all the bar staff are friendly. Our rooms were ok but smelled a bit musty we had a lot of Canadian teenagers who were loud and drank far to much, not a pretty sight some afternoons. 

We went on the monster trucks great day out also we swam with the dolphins what an experience also we went on the catamaran which is good fun.The food gets boring after the first week but lots of all inclusive hotels are like this at least you have four restaurants to choose from. 

We will go back to Dominican again but somewhere else.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: june 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : ray and julie  (48, 46)       wakefield

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The hotel itself is really clean and the staff cannot do enough for you nothing is too much trouble.  the reception area is really spacious and open (there are no doors) but then again you dont need doors when the weather is so warm.
 
the brochures say 4 star even seen 5 star in one brochure but we wouldnt go that far the rooms are clean and have a large balcony and a free mini bar which was stocked up every day.

its the first time we have done all inclusive but wont be in a rush to do it again, the meals were fine plenty of choice but did get fed up of food by the end of the 2 weeks, the water in the restraunts is fine to drink you never have an empty glass, also had no problem with ice cubes either in the drinks.

if you like to get out and about on your hols like we do you may get a bit bored of going on the beach everyday as there is no where to go, we did make use of the canoes on the beach and the snorkeling, the fish near the reef are really colourful and will eat from you if you take some bread.

we did go on a couple of trips the dolphin swim and the monster trucks safari.

the doplhin swim is quite expensive for what you get but if you like dolphins you will enjoy.   the monster truck is brill, we had a wonderful day, really good to get out of the complex and see how the locals live, the swim in the river is great just watch the current as can soon pull you down river.  on the way back free drinks for all spiked with the local rum they do ask if you want the rum in the coke or the 7 up  if its the only trip you go on i would advise this one.

the evening entertainment not for us very butlins mr and mrs, mr gran ventana and the dreaded karoke, when we were there it was like little england all the english sat there it could have been any club on a friday night but outside.

cannot fault the staff at the hotel never stopped always had a smile and time of day. for you, but dont thing we would go back in a hurry.

coming home we paid $15 for the vip lounge wat the airport, gives you unlimited hot and cold drinks, also snacks in comfy air condition room well worth it for us as our flight was delayed for 2 hours.

we did enjoy the holiday the hotel is ok would recommend it especially if all you want to do is nothing for 2 weeks.  it just wasnt our kind of holiday.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson- June 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Rhonda  and John Roberts (45,50)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have been to the Dominican 3 times now ( both 4 and 4 stars). This hotel was the biggest shocker of all.   Reception looked OK when we checked in. We were given rooms at the "quiet pool" which were very basic but clean.

Heade to the bar for a drink and was given a dirty glass. No problem , the barman replaced it and we went to look at the beach. By the time we got there, there was a thick layer of white grease had formed on the top.
When we went to eat there were kids running all over the place picking up the food and putting it back in the platters on one occasion there was a food fight and noone bothered to check them!
We had to find our own clean cutlery , plates , cups etc. We even had to get our own coffee,. Food was very basic and sometimes not very nice...The italian is a joke, tinned tomato soup with pasta is minestrone.

Beach bar was vastly overcrowded and hard to get a drink again kids handling the food and its not clean there at all . The plstic wicker round the tables is engrained with dirt.
Entertainment consisted of a game , someone learning the samba and then watching more kids running over the stage.

All in all if you are booked for this hotel think about cancelling ITS dIRE we asked to go home after a week and the rep. was surprised, When we asked if no-one left the hotel she said Yes but usually the next day!!  
This is the dirtiest most awful hotel I have been to. Be warned!

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook May 29 - June 12 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Sandra, Pez, Sam Lisa and Jack Barnes - Leeds (35, 38, 14, 13 , 3)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from a two week stay at this fantastic hotel (29 May 04 - 12 June 04), the only complaint is the weight we put on during our stay, even our teenage daughters!

The hotel was kept spotless, by an army of workers, washing the paths, sweeping leaves and even lining the sun beds exactly straight on an evening with a straw in order to create such perfection.  The rooms were kept extremely tidy, the nice little touches by the maids with the flowers and swan creations with the towels were appreciated and made things just that little bit more special.

The beach was lovely, the coral wasn't the best I've seen as people had probably damaged it over a period of time, but this didn't effect the snorkelling too much, my two teenage daughters spent countless hours enjoying the variety of tropical fish, and as was mentioned on here previously we took the odd banana and egg to feed the fish out of our hands.  The beach is north facing so on the rare occasion we were unable to find a bed with shade, we just layed under the countless palm trees. 

The wind did pick up on a couple of occasions in the afternoon making it uncomfortable to sit
on the beach, we enjoyed the pools, so this was no hardship.

The guys on the beach (Wellington, Negro and Merlin) in charge of the water sports equipment were so helpful and a big hit with the girls, my daughters used the facilities to the full, the banana boat was 7 US dollars and the jet ski 26 dollars for 15 mins. 

The pools were great, the large one was pretty well used, water volleyball was a laugh and water aerobics weren't too strenuous, for those who want to participate in the games at the side of the pool or just chill at the pool bar there were no pressure either way.  With having a toddler I appreciated the shade from the pool bar, which also covered a small percentage of the pool, I found this a benefit during the hottest time of the day.

Food.. What can I say but "food glorious food", I am having trouble reducing the old calories whilst back in the UK.

The main buffet - breakfast time:

Omelettes and fried eggs made to order just choose the ingredients, waffles cooked fresh, crispy bacon, sausages, rolls, bread for toast, cereals, fruit juices, coffee and tea, the list goes on.

The main buffet - lunch: we didn't use this too much through the day, due to spending most of the day in the water and didn't have time to change into dry clothes to use the restaurant.

Lunch: we tended to eat at the beach bar, which was a pleasure with the sea breeze, the view and none healthy food on offer!! Hence the extra weight we returned with.  Selection on offer: Chilli, rice, chips, Barbie chicken, burgers, hotdogs, pizza, salad and a selection of cakes.

The main buffet - Evening: Always a large roasted joint (my little boy enjoyed the pig complete with ears and face), the chops and chicken cooked fresh on the Barbie were my favourite, I couldn't get enough of them, chips, potato, veg, salad, fish, muscles, rice dish, pizza, Chinese corner, the list goes on. I read on here the sweets were not sweet enough, boy were they wrong, I have the pounds to prove it

a la carte restaurants

My favourite was the beach grill in the evening, with the top meal being the grilled tuna steaks (three of them), enough feed the family.

The Italian was a good experience for the children the way they cooked the meat in front of you creating plenty of flames for my little boy to enjoy, the veal was succulent and the best choice by far.

The octopus restaurant was one that many people enjoyed the best, but the selection was not great for a young family, which was not a problem as the children went downstairs after for a buffet meal.

Drinks... we are not great drinkers, I'll rephrase that we weren't great drinkers, until our stay at the Gran ventana, but that soon changed, the rum was lovely, I tried all the cocktails quite a few times over and did get pretty drunk on several occasions, but this was part of the package.

Entertainment - I'd give this an Ok, 9.30 a mini disco consisting of songs from the birdie song to "I am the music man" and a few classic Spanish songs thrown in for good measure and a little kids game to finish off with, a hit with my toddler, but a bit boring for the teenagers, then there was either dancers or games for the adults, then later a few songs to dance to, so the entertainments wasn't such a big hit, but the staff did their best.

The girls enjoyed the games room upstairs with table football, table tennis and 2 pool tables, these were free of charge.

The kids looked like they were having fun in the kids club. although the girls were too old, they did take younger children 3yrs if they were happy to stay.

The plaza was a stones throw away, we did watch a couple of films, in English with subtitles, only £1 a right bargain and made a change from the entertainment, quite a few went along to Hemingway's pub in the evening.

STAFF; I have never been to a hotel where staff worked as hard as they do at the gran ventana, we never wanted for anything during our two weeks stay, they couldn't do enough for you.

We feel that we made the right choice and it was worth every penny, best holiday ever and we will be back.  People just need to remember how poor this country is on a whole and enjoy it, we did have a power cut for 2 minutes before the hotel generator kicked in, but so what.  We also had a water problem on one evening for 2 or so hours, but that meant I had to spend longer at the bar before getting ready for dinner and end up with one big hangover!!  I was well aware the beach didn't have white sand, it sometimes got windy in the afternoon and the entertainment wasn't up to much so there were no big surprises.  

Just chill out and you'll love this hotel.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson June 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Siobhan  & Rob - Leicester (24,25)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just got back and will most definitely be going again!  I would recommend the hotel and resort to anyone - it appeals to all.  Weather was absolutely amazing, hotel was amazing, food was amazing and the Dominican people are the nicest people I have ever met.  There is so much variety of food on offer and so much of it as well!!

Food
There are 3 speciality restuarants within the hotel, Italian, Seafood and Caribbean Cuisine. We only got the chance to eat in the Italian (which was delicious) because they were booked up.  You are given a voucher for each restuarant on arrival and I recommend you book early to make sure you get a table.

Drinks
Every cocktail you can imagine!  Non-alcoholic cocktails available for the kids!Service at the bar was excellent. 

Entertainment
The friendliest entertainment team ever! Always something to do and see, day and night. 

Trips
There are loads of trips available to do and I wish we had time to do more but we were only there for a week.  I wanted to swim with dolphins but never got the chance as it was booked up right up to our last day!  We did go out on the Freestyle Cat which was brilliant. You get the chance to snorkel in Sosua and have your photo taken underwater feeding the tropical fish which is an amazing experience!

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thompson- April 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Paul and Kirsti (35,32)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We arrived on a Tuesday for the start of our honeymoon. Sun was shining and did so for the next day, then on Thursday afternoon the heavy rain started and continued for the next 4 days, the rain came a month early. The sun came out in fits and starts until the last 3 days of our holiday.

We stayed in the annexe near the quiet pool with an upgraded room (nothing special). The staff are very friendly but sometimes struggle to understanding simple requests, ie; Diet drinks for diabetics.
The food gets very boring from breakfast to dinner so try to get as many al a carte tickets as you can for the restaurants.

Service is very good and a small tip about 100 pesos(£1.27) goes down very well.
It is well worth going to Hemingways next door to the hotel in the plaza and a couple of courses and a few drinks for about £20 for 2 people.

Beach sellers try hard to get a sale but if you say no then they will go away.
Take something to do if it rains-cards or travel games to keep you busy as there is not much else to do at the hotel apart from drink and that's not that good.
Would we go again!! Not in a hurry!

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook march 2004

Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : matt + leanne 22 wigan. lancs

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

we went in march 2004 and the weather was very hot all day every day. the hotel was the best we have ever stayed in. there was a big emphasis on cleanliness in the rooms and the whole hotel. All the staff were extremely friendly and spoke quite good english. There is 2 pools, the main one and the quite 1 which we stayed round most of the time apart from the odd occasion to the beach. 

The entertainment was quite butlins style but still managed to pull big crowds. 2 of the 3 resteraunts were excellent. the itallian was probably the best. The buffet was quite good but became quite boring after 2 weeks so we visited hemmingways bar + grill at the plaza which was quite cheap to eat in. we went on a couple of excursions. dolphin swim and the monster truck safari. both were excellent. If you go to dom rep try the 151 rum. it will blow your socks off. 

we will certainly be going back to dom rep in 2005.

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Gran Ventana Beach Resort - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson March 2004

Opinion submitted in Mar 2004 by : Nancy Coulson - Drain - Wittering (37, 32)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Gran Ventana is a great hotel, the staff are wonderful, they always have a smile for you, the food is excellent (in fact by the end of two weeks we were actually fed up with eating!!!)  We were on our honeymoon so they up graded us to a suite by the quiet pool, the hotel is divided into two parts the main complex near the beach (which can get quite noisy has alot of the rooms are around the main pool, and the pool is usually full by 0830hrs!! or a slighly smaller complex down a side road where there is another pool and bar area though this is alot quieter and in my opinion alot nicer.  Because from here you have a 3 mins!! walk you actually feel if you are going out to eat rather than just using the restuarants on site.

The hotel is very clean, in fact the day we left they were steam cleaning the sun beds.  The resort is very safe we had no problems walking around at night outside of the hotel.

The fun team work extremeley hard 12 hours every day they are doing something saying this I did think they lacked something at nightime, maybe as the hotel was geared predominately towards an American and Canadian audience, they obviously want less sophiscated entertainment in the evening, but there is only so many times I can watch them teaching people to dance, many a night we were in bed by 2230hrs.  They also get up very early here usually at 0700hrs.

If you want to go to a casino go to the one in the Jack Tar complex, the staff are friendly and you get free drinks if you are playing the tables, the one in the Paradise next door is very shabby and reminded me of an amusement arcade at the end of the pier.

We went whale watching, this is ok, but involved a 4 hour bus ride each way starting at 0500hrs in the morning, we did see a whale but only after chasing her for 2 hours (thinking about it maybe abit cruel as she couldn't dive as she had her calf with her and all the boats were just rounding her up).  The dolphin swim and encounter are very good expensive but worth it as is the paradise island trip, the island gets smaller as the day goes on, you get to snorkel on a fantastic coral.

A great holiday in fact we have only been back 2 days are a looking at booking to go back next year.

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook tv - 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Zac and Kelly

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This holiday was amazing, the hotel was out of this world.
There is no point in paying £249 to upgrade seats with thomas cook airlines as you have your own tv in every seat with 50 channels!

The hotel was clean, the food was great, what do people mean the rooms are basic, what do they want in their rooms on holiday a fluffy carpet and a thrown? the rooms are decorated dom rep style they are clean and large, i wouldnt say they were basic they had a full bathroom a seating area a balcony, fridge, little carpet, loads of wardrope space and a large bed! what else do you need?

if you have booked this hotel you have nothing to worry about except how much weight you need to loose before you go as you will put on alot of weight while your there.

Dont worry bout weather as it is great all year round.
keep smiling and have a great time you will love it here. Adios Amigos xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : C Holt - Lancashire (39, 15,15)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

First time away on my own with kids. A little bit aprehensive!!  no need the hotel was excellent and the staff were brilliant we were made very welcome. Daily maid service with clean towels and a fridge with coke beer and water which was filled every day. Buffet style food which was excellent and had a good choice for all taste buds. Recommend that you do try all the restaurants with your tickets that are given to you at reception when you check in.  When booking excursions it is recommended that you book with your tour operator, if you go to the Plaza a lot are offered there but there are no guarantees.

The otback safari is a good day out, you are taken to a local school and are shown how the locals live, take with you some paper and pencils to give to the school as it is much appreciated as this is a third world country and poverty is very apparant.
The evening entertainment was a bit basic but the fun team are really friendly and beware they will get you to join in so be on your guard!!

the beach is a nice sandy beach which is very clean and the security is very reassuring, plenty of sunlounges, which can not be said for around the pool, you will need to be up early to reserve a good spot, beware that if you are using the hotels towels and leave them unatended they may go walkies and you will have to pay a fine, i used my own towels and found that i could leave them on lounges quite safely.

No measures for drinks, you will need to indicate your measure getting drunk otherwise will be very quick!! good fun though.
I would recomend this hotel and resort to all, and I would consider rebooking in the future.   

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Gran Ventana - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - Date Not Specified

Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : 27,30,50 something

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After a long journey on the plane we arrived at the hotel. The first problem was the room given to us had one king size bed for three male adults.

back to reception- we saw the funny said and they got us another room in 10 mins.

The hotel has porters so no need to carry ur suitcases.

The hotel is clean, brigth and open planned. There are no doors on the main building, its all very open. The same applys to where u eat, all open and not closed in= This was nice- Apart from the odd feather bird coming in to join you for your meal.

The hotel room was clean and looked nice to the eye.

Hotel had two swimming pools-both offered easy access

Bars- Easy to jey a drink-rum is strong-trust me

Weather-good-Three days of rain towards end-

Resort- You are not advised to leave resort unless you on a coach as a trip.

beach-Joins onto the hotel- Clean and well looked after-there was no seaweed-Just coral reefs around the bay.

I would return some day-Nice fora lazy holiday.

Lots of trips are there out of resort.

Spending the day at ocean world was the best

Holidays have improved in the DR.

Hotel is good, friendly staff and good food, You could not really ask for more better

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