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Playa Dorada Hotels and Apartments A - G

The hotel shop is overpriced, we spoke to one couple who bought a tube of Pringles and a bag of crisps and it came to about £7.00! As a resort its quite expensive but if you go All Inclusive you don't really need that much money.

Overall the holiday was great and we would definately recommend it to anyone

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook april 2006

Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : dawn campbell wiltshire

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

an excellent family holiday.

acommodation was basic but clean and tidy.we had a 2 bedroom apartment with 2 bathrooms and a huge living area.the entertainment staff we exceptional donkey,james bond and charlie brown kept us entertained the whole 2 weeks and we got to know them really well.they played mad crazy games every day and the great thing was if you didn't want to do them they wouldn't hassle you.had a few day trips,ocean world was amazing if you decide to go there i wouldn't advise to do dolphin swim do the encounter,you get much more interaction with them.went on the domincan discovery,our kids were amazed by the way people live .fantastic experiance for the kids (mine are 9 & 7).ate at pizza hut a few times really cheap,don't buy from the hotel shop buy from the plaza much cheaper .food in the hotel was really good .bar staff domingo and enrique were very friendly and made you feel very welcome.

fantastic weather make sure you take high factor suncream.

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Independant - March 006

Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : 39,39

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returnded from 2 weeks, and had an excellent holiday.We were a bit worried after reading some of the reviews for here,but had nothing to worry about.

We flew with First Choice on there new planes they were excellent 34 inch leg room and choice of meals dont pay to upgrade its not worth it, only difference is china plates and free drink.After a great flight arrived at hotel and was shown to our room, which did smell a bit musty and in need of redecorating, but once we had aircon on and balcony doors open smell soon went, clean towels and bedding everyday, and for all that we spent in the room anyway.

Food was excellent different themed nights in restaurant, there was a weekly pool party and beach party with bonfire and merenge dancing and live band.They have another restaurant that you get to eat in once a week, which you have to book.

Bar staff are great especially Domingo he makes a point of getting to know your name and remebers it each time you are in the bar. (which its quite a lot)
The staff our excellent they keep you entertained from morning till late at night and beyond we went to the disco(Roadway)across in the plaza with them a
few times. they are Donkey, James Bond, Charlie Brown and Jerry. Some of the shows are really funny and worth a watch.
There is a plaza across from the hotel which has Pizza Hut, shops restaurants & bars.If your booking any trips dont book with the reps go to Alva in plaza and he'll do you a deal if your doing a few. A must is the Jeep Safari where you go up the waterfalls best trip i have ever been on and the Funny Bikes, but make sure you wear old clothes as you go of road and get filthy but great fun, take sweets for the kids as you pass through the villages.

This Hotel really does try very hard and is great fun we had a brilliant holiday met some great people . We normally stay in 5 star but this was such a good deal. You definately won't get bored here.and we would go back to this Hotel.

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 2005 / 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Tracy Williams - Warrington (52,40,4)

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked Thomas Cook allocation on arrival 3* and above.  What we received was dreadful - I wouldnt give it a 2*.  Our room was near the play area, that didnt bother us.  What did bother us was no bed for my son.  Our feet were filthy within seconds - we dont know when the floor was last cleaned.

There was an unmarked "step" into the bathroom which my son fell into the bathroom a few times, i twisted my ankle on it.

In the brochures it is classed as a basic hotel. Your not kidding!  The bed i requested for my son never did turn up. At 9pm I complained to reception and finally got extra bedding so that my husband could sleep on the sofa bed in the lounge.  My 4 year old would have fell into the mechanism of the bed as there was large gaps each side of the sofa-bed and the head of it. For Health and Safety reasons and the substandard accommodation we complained.the floors were slippy and unmarked steps which were dangerous. We met a couple who had stayed the 2 weeks at Club Doradao - their 4 year old bumped his head in the pool and had 4 stitches! - says it all. Oh! and a man had a wheelchair - he had a puncture.

After complaining, we were transferred (at a fee) to a gorgeous Hotel,which was 3 star - Casa Marina Reef and had a fantastic time.

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Dorada Beach Club - Playa Dorada

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

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : sharon walsh 36,darren williamson 32.

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Juat a few lines about our recent holiday to Dorada Beach Club Resort,dom rep...We went on the 19th nov till 4 dec05,the first 5 days the weather was not fantastic,very cloudy and it rained on and off,but we didn't let the weather get the better of us.

We did quite a few trips on these daya rather than just getting hammered by the the poolside bar.We went on the Helicopter trip,which absolutely amazing,and a must for everyone.The Helicopter Pad is right at the side of the Hotel,its not cheap but we thought the lifetime experience was worth every penny.We also visited Paradise Island,but i wasn't that impressed!! i had been to the Dom Rep last year with my friend and we went to the south of the island,a place called Juan Dolio,which was perfect...and we went to the island of Saona,which is just what i had imagined the Caribbean to be like.. and it was..When your staying in Playa Dorada you can get a flight to Saona,which i would definetley recommend to anyone,because its much much nicer than Paradise Island... so i would advise you to spend a few more quid and go see the proper caribbean...We also went on the Beach Buggy's,which was really great fun and goood value for money,about 40quid for a morning for the both of us..in 1 buggy between us.You go and visit the local Dominican people,a bit of advice take sweets with you EVERYWHERE you go,because theres children everywhere,and im a sucker for people that aren't as fortunate as we are..and when you buy sweets from them,they charge an arm and a leg!!!! so take some from home with you..

We got friendly with one of the "looky looky men" on the beach called Franklin,he was such a nice genuine guy.He can get you whatever you want,just ask him,but be carefull as there are security men on the beach,but Franklin is sound...if you know what i mean.....darren and i even spent a night out with Frankin and his wife in Pueta Plata,and what a night we had!! it was fantastic..they took us to a couple of their local bars,and what a different life style they have compered to us..nobody gives a damm about what your wearing or anything,the local people are so nice and they love the Brits.....go see him and give him a few quid for his time and enjoy a really top night...we spent 25quid that night,paying for the booze for all 4 of us,all night and including a tenner tip for Franklin!! how goods that!! well worth it id say...

We spent quite a lot time down on the beach,when the sun was shining,coz thats what the holiday was about for us.The sea is quite rough in the north,so becareful if your not a strong swimmer!!!the current is very strong,it ripped my bikini bottoms down a few times!!!! lol....much to the onlookers delight!! Theres loads to do on the beach,or you can just lay there and catch the rays.If you want to walk along the beach theres a small market along the way which was worth  a toot.
We also went to Ocean World,quite expensive but it was another dream trip for us.We both loved it... we both did the Dolphin and Sealion encounters,amazing!!!!!!!! how cute are these wonderful creatures...this was a favourite of mine..

All in all we had a wonderful two weeks holiday in the Dom Rep,the hotel was not the best that iv visited but you only get what you pay for..Charlie Brown,one of the reps,is a really good laugh,and the rest of the staff are nice people to,but just remember that they are on really really low wages so they think that we are all millionairs!!!!!!!!!!!! at the end of your holiday they all EXPECT a big tip!!!!!!! The food in the hotel is a bit repetative come the 2nd week,but its ediable,and the drinks flow night and day!!! the rooms are very spacious and comfortable,but there a bit damp!!!

Anyway,thats all from us,just go and have a great time!!! Adios Amegos........

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

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

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Joe Buchanan - Kilmarnock (44,33)):

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was the best value for money holiday that I have ever had. Rooms basic but very clean, pool areas and restaurant where great and the food was good. Big plus was the staff,they were fantastic, very friendly and helpful. This included bar staff, restaurant staff and the entertainment crew were great fun but you have to help them and join in the games etc, It helps make the holiday better for everyone.

Only one downside the shop within the hotel was really bad for over charging, to the extent of three or four times what we should have paid. Many of the other guests were caught out as well. We were only caught out once and then went to the plazza across the road from then on.
Excursions were expensive from the reps, we were quoted $640 for four trips, we went across to the plazza and we got the same four trips for $360.

Fanatastic holiday and the excursions were great value for money too, white water rafting and the jeep safari that included the waterfall visit being my favourites

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - June 05

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Neill, Jo, Michael & Ben (36,34,9,5)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just spent two weeks at the Dorado Club and had a great time (and thanks to Chris, Jo, Josh and Holly for some of that).

First I will get the bad things out of the way - apparently there was an accident there some months ago and the lifeguards and staff management are paranoid about the swimming pool.  This is despite the pool being relatively small.  My 9 year old was constantly told not to swim in the 'deep' end of the pool, despite it only being 7 foot deep and him being an excellent swimmer.  Also either my wife or I had to be in the pool when my 5 year old was in, even when he was just in the shallow end with armbands and a ring.  Oh, and you can't wear any t-shirts in the pool either.  Only when the hotel manager made me sign a waiver of the hotel's responsibility for the pool were my kids allowed in.

At the time of year we went (June) the hotel was only about a 5th full which meant plenty of room around the pool and no need to put towels on the very comfy loungers at unearthly hours of the morning.  Unfortunately this also meant that there were virtually no other kids about.  So if you go with only one child then they could get bored pretty quickly.

The food was varied, plenty of it and always cooked well.  My kids are very fussy eaters and so as there is no separate kid's menu, they lived on hot dogs, bread and chips for two weeks, so all in all my advice with kids my age would be to do to another hotel at this time of the year.

Now the good points!...The rooms are very large and cleaned daily (we had a kitchette, dining area, lounge, two bathrooms and two double bedrooms) but a bit on the dark side.  The staff are very friendly, as are all Domincans we met and the entertainment team did their very best to get everyone involved throughout the days and evenings (hello to Donkey and Elvis!).  The poolside bar will do you virtually any drink you want (including cocktails) although it does not do any snacks or food.  For this you have to leave the hotel and take the two minute walk to the beach along a dirt track.

The beach is fantastic with the hotel snack bar also there.  The sea was like bath water, once you were in, was gently shelving and just what you would expect of a beach in this part of the world.  It is also a nice walk up and down it and like the pool, it was uncrowded and an ideal place to spend the day - even the sellers are pleasant and don't bother you too much (great fun to haggle though!).

We went on two trips, booked through the rep, which was Monster Truck Safari and the Catamaran.  They are both good for kids but the Monster Trusk was definately the best trip - a real 'must-do' if you are able with great views, friendly staff, unlimited drinks and a brilliant two hour lunch break by a shallow jungle river.

For 3 days of the holiday we paid £27 and used the facilities of the sister hotel, the Villas Dorado (some 5 minutes walk away) which was much more busy, had three pools, one with a poolside bar and a more pleasant walk to the beach (dorado Club take note!)  Well worth the money for a change of scene.

Best to change the money at one of the banks at the Plaza as well which is literally right across the road and has loads of touristy shops, a 3 screen cinema and even a Pizza Hut.  The rest of the resort is situated around what looks like a top-rate golf course and is extremely safe, I feel more threatened walking around Manchester in daylight than Playa Dorada.  Other than the plaza and gold course, the only other thing in the resort is other hotels.

So all in all we had a really great time and I would recommend the hotel (unless you have kids the same age as mine), and we would certainly go back again to the same resort.  The weather was also fantastic and sunny for our two weeks despite it being the 'rainy' season, though we may just have been very lucky!

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

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

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Moragh McDonald 36

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just got back from 2 weeks a the Dorada Club, the accomodation was very good, large rooms, noisy air con, basic, no fridge. Comfortable and clean. Although I got bitten by something in bed every night!
The food was also very good plenty to choose from, got a bit fed up with it after 2 weeks. The staff were great very friendly and helpful.

It rained quite a few days and nights and the sea was quite rough but nice and warm.
We went on alot of trips, 3 for $85 which I though was great value. Paradise island a must.
Ocean World alot more expensive if you go for the dolphin encounter $100, which I was a bit disapointed with as it was just a photo shoot, the photo's I bought were great but it was all a bit plastic. Lovely place though well worth a visit.
An extra $30 dollars each to get in and out of the country and be very aware of excess bagadge which they have started charging for $12 per kilo.

The major dissapointment for me was the atlantic ocean, no carribean aqua clear sea here!!!
I did really enjoy the relaxing break I had there and would reccomend it, If I went back though I would not go to Playa Dorada, I would go South to the proper carribean.

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

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

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by : R. Mann, West Yorkshire

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This holiday must have been one of the best I have been on in a long time. I went with my boyfriend and his parents. From the minute we arrived we had an excellent service from the hotel. Check in was quick and efficient we were taken to our rooms which were luckily on the 1st floor as the poor guy had to carry four heavy bags up the stairs as there are no lifts. 

The rooms are absolutely huge. They are clean and nicely furnished. The maid comes in several times a day to change towels and clean the rooms. Although it stated in the brochure there was no hairdryer in our room but when we asked at the reception we were given one immediately. On our first day by the pool we were made to join in with games and such. The entertainment team is quite persistant in making you join in but after a few days they let us just sunbath. The day time entertainment was great. The pool bar was great and I even went to the hotel hairdresser to get my hair braided as it was much cheaper than on the beach. 

Certainly take a trip to the beach it is beautiful. Its true that sellers do approach you but if you say no they quickly move on. The beach bar is great for snacks and drinks. We went on loads of trips, my favourite is ocean world. It is expensive but its such a brilliant day out and a true once in a lifetime experience. We also went on the catamarang which is a must. A fabulous day of sun bathing, dancing drinking even snorkelling. 

Overall this holiday was excellent the only thing is the evening entertainment at the hotel. They seem to be limited to what they can do and we often had karaoke and bingo. There were one or two good nights but take my advice and take a trip to the plaza across the street there are some great bars and clubs to visit and you are sure to have a good time. Hope this helps.
Ruthxxxxx

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Dorada Club - Playa Dorada

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

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Steve  and Sandra -  Durham 48 & 54

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

A small and not too crowded 3 star friendly hotel which is well positioned for the beach and the shopping plaza. The facilities at the hotel were as described within the brochure. On arrival we discovered there was no fridge or hair dryer but a quick word with reception soon remedied this.

The hotel staff are very friendly and go out of their way to please. The quality of the food was good with a varied menu from Dominican, Italian and Chinese food so there's always something to choose from. 
Fried mashed potatoes and fried bananas for breakfast was interesting but some days we did get bacon.
The pool bar serves drinks until midnight then the steakhouse opens serving drinks and meals until 07:00am. During the day the Hotels beach bar provides you with food,drinks and free sun beds.

Evening entertainment is best described as amateurish but the animation team made up of Angelo, Gregory, Sofia and Shaggy keep you entertained both day and night.
Make sure you join in with the silly daytime games, the animation team need your support as the boss is normally watching them. Prizes for winning the games normally consist of half a bottle of local rum or a tee shirt. Be aware of the bum bum drinking game. Sometimes if the weather is poor the animation team run a game which involves several volunteers sat around tables joined together. Each person has to shout out a number if they get it wrong the punishment is to drink a large neat cup of rum with the rest of the participants clapping loudly. We played the game once and in 30 mins 4 bottles of rum was consumed resulting with some players being sick and some falling over. Be warned !!

We went on a couple of tours which we booked in the shopping Plaza. The Jeep safari was good but beware it involves swimming then climbing up 7 vertical  waterfalls (with the aid of your water guide). Once you've reached pool 7 the only way down is the same as the way up so plenty of splashing into plunge pools.
We took sweets and pens for the local children we met when touring the countryside.
Seeing how these people live is unbelievable, be prepared to be shocked. The Hotel complex is a different world to what's outside the complex gates but you've got to get out and see for yourself. You will get approached to buy things irrespective if you're on the beach, on the complex or in the towns.
We bought things just to help the people not really wanting the goods.

Hurricane Jeanne tried to spoil the holiday by smashing down a few trees and tearing up some of the tarmac paths, but within 24 hours the hotel staff cleared everything away and it was back to normal.
This was our first visit to the Dominican Republic and would have no problem retuning. If we were to return we would probably go back to this hotel.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: august 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Diane Young - Runcorn (43, 40, 15, 13)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Before you go remember to put aside 30 dollars for each of you - 10 dollars each to get into the country and 20 dollars each to get out.

Arrived at hotel where the bus driver demanded a tip to take our suitcases off the bus and then he wasn't pleased when we had no change ( nor did we understand the currency at that point) so we had to get our own cases!!

Check in was really quick and you are greeted with an non alcoholic cocktail and then taken to your room by a bell boy who we did tip.

The room was extremely disappointing.(1612, 1614) It was shabby and damp smelling and in much need of refurbishment. However it was cleanish but still it was a disappointing start to the holiday. The only reason we didn't demand to be moved was because it was near the pool and bar and entertainment which on any other holiday would have been a negative but it actually turned out to be a positive on this holiday, especially as it took 4 attempts to get the air con fixed. Then in the second week we had niagra falls in the bathroom which i think was due to a leak upstairs but the maid said or indicated it was normal.

We never had to que at the bar or in the restuarant and for a busy hotel there were always plenty of tables. The food was ok but fussy eaters like us might struggle. Breakfast was good with fresh pancakes and omelettes and fried or boiled eggs and plenty of variety. The snacks in the day were freshly made pizza so we never ate lunch in the restuarant because the pizza was good. At night again a lot of choice with food hot and freshly prepared but everything had been flavoured so not to my taste and the meat was tough and at times inedible but the meat on the carvery was good. We mainly ate from the childrens menu so I came back looking like a chip!

The entertainment team worked really hard and if you wanted to join in you could and if you didn't, they didn't bother you.
At night it goes dark at 8pm and at the entertainment they sit you in rows which is a pain so we sat on the patio and moved our seats for the main show which was good but also a bit bad but again they worked really hard.

The only other down side was stray cats and being a cat lover i hated it. We only had the snacks at night (burger and hot dogs) to feed the cats which i think the hotel should take responsibility for but dont.
One other problem was time share touts who are at the hotel and they do bother you, but overall we had a great holiday and i would go back to the dominican republic but not to this hotel. 

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Thomas Cook - July 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Bev Turton - Rotherham (36,45,12,10)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After reading some of the reviews regarding this hotel we were a little aprehensive.  On arriving we was given 2 rooms, one for us and one for the kids, which was great. It was daily stocked with Beer, Water and Soft Drinks.
The only thing with the rooms is that they could do with a refurb, but they were clean, the maid (Maritka) was great and we got clean towels everyday. Never had any bed bugs!!! (Tip though if you are going to the beach get towels from the hotel, which are free, cos of the sand flies)

The food was great, a choice for everyone. Try the Brazilian and Italian, the food and service is very good.
The staff and animation team were friendly and work very hard. Activities going on from 10am-5pm everyday (mini golf, darts, table tennis, football, volleyball, water aerobics) They have a kids disco 8.30 every night and then a show on at 9.30.  Entertainment ends at 10.45 but one of the bars is open 24hrs.
They have a tractor that takes you to the beach every ten minutes, the beach has a bar and food and drink are free.

If you are planning on any trips Ocean World and Discovery Mega Trucks are a must, we had encounter with the Dolphins and Sea Lions which was brill, the discovey trips show you some of the island and you go horse riding too!
This was our 1st time in the Dominican and will definately return one day! This hotel is lovely, just need a little updating!

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: Firstchoice  -  April   2007

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : Steve Loosemore - Honiton (35,33,6,4)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The First Choice long haul flight was great with the children. After debating whether it would be too long for them to spend on a plane we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of in-flight entertainment available on the tv. The hotel was basic in the fact that the rooms could do with a refurb, but they were kept spotlessly clean and towels and sheet changed regularly. Meals were excellent, lots of choice even for the kids.
The staff at the kids club were really good with the children, not only finding them plenty to do but putting up with kids hassling them when they were trying to grab 5 minutes for their lunch and tea breaks!
Staff in general were very friendly, helpful and tried to get everyone involved with activities.
It's only 3 star and don't go expecting the Hilton, but we found it incredible value for money and wouldn't hesitate to go back again.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) MyTravel - March 2007

Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : Justin Foss - Derby (27,21,21,19)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

When we arrived at the hotel we ere welcomed with a Fruit Punch drink which was needed after travelling for 10 hours.

We checked in and the porters took our cases to our room (make sure you take some 1 dollar notes as they do expect a tip).

Our room was very spacious but did look very dated and need of refurbishment. Our room was situated next to a linen store room which also housed the boiler for our block of rooms, this meant our room was constantly very hot, this was not helped by the fact the air conditioning unit was very loud so at night it was difficult to sleep as it was either too hot or the air conditioner was too loud.

The rooms were cleaned daily and towels are changed everyday, I think bed sheets were changed twice during our 2 weeks.

The hotel runs a tractor that takes you down to the beach (we never used it as it was only 5-10 minutes walk from the hotel) where the hotel has its own area which includes a bar and a snack bar.

The hotel has 3 swimming pools (1 childrens, 1 adults and 1 where all the activities take place during the day). If you want a peaceful holiday stay around the adult pool or the childrens pool as the main activity pool is quite loud and the entertainment team are always coming round asking if you want to join in the activities.

The hotel has 3 restaurants (1 buffet, 1 Italian and 1 Brazilian). You are allowed to eat in the Italian and Brazilian restaurants once a week during your stay, we went to the Italian twice and the food was fantastic (you have to book to eat in these restaurants in the morning and they do get booked up fast). The main buffet restaurant always had plenty of choices, in the morning they do freshly cooked omelette's, fried eggs, pancakes and doughnuts. At night they have a pasta bar where you can get pasta with a sauce made of ingredients that you choose.

If you like pizza head to the snack bar by the main pool in the early afternoon, the pizzas they make there are lovely.

The drinks at the hotel are served in hard plastic beakers, until they run out and are then served in flimsy thin plastic beakers (the ones you normally get with water dispensers). The drinks are of the usual All Inclusive standard (weak beer and large measures of spirits).

There are various activities going on throughout the day around the pool area but the main let down really was the evening entertainment. This was split into 3 parts, 8pm to 9pm is kids entertainment, 9.15pm to 9.30pm is "Ice Breaker" they drag 3 or 4 holiday makers up and have drinking or dancing competitions, then 9.45pm to 10.15pm is the main show. The main show at first is quite good it involves the entertainment team dancing and miming to various songs depending on the theme for that night but, this is the same every night same dancing just to different songs, very repetitive. For saying the hotel is All Inclusive the entertainment finishes far too early at 10.15pm and then the entertainment director tries to tempt you down to "The Plaza" to a big party, we never went as we didn't see the point in buying drinks in a bar when you've paid to go All Inclusive.

The hotel disco opens at 11pm and we had a laugh in there but the entertainment team come in later in the night and take over, they start choosing the music so that when we would leave.

The entertainment team are quite funny at first but the men entertainers are far too enthusiastic and can become quite a nuisance constantly pretending to hump everybody in sight (males and females).

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: december 2006

Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : jns lancshire

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:  

after a 20 minute transfer we arrived in the fun royale to be greeted with warm friendly smiles and a cocktail drink. after sorting are suitcases we went and sat by the pool went for something to eat and had an early night. the next morning we woke to find my mum had been bitten all over. after a day she went to the hotel doctor and she perscribed my mum with antibiotics soap shower gel and so on which cost £200. everyone one we spoke to couldnt beleive how much had had been bitten when we had only been here 2 days. 

that night my mum was tidyin the room when she said she seen something jumpin from the bed she took all the blankets of the beds then noticed more things jumping i did not see these. that night we went to the reception and said we wanted the room fumigated they said they could only do it the next  morning so the next night after the room being fumigated my mum seen these things jumping again so we went into the recpetion and saidd we wanted changing rooms they took u 2 5 different rooms and she seen the same things again and so did a security man he was pikin them up with his fingeres he aslo told us they was bedbugs we said we wnated new matresses but they said they couldnt do ewt till the next day so we said we wasnt moving frm the reception and slept there in the morning the manager came and was going mad at my litlle sister for havin her feet up while she was asleep we told him she had an earinfection from the pool and was bleedin from her ear and needed proper sleep not in a reception in a hotel and he stil insisted on her gettin up even thou she was cryin with pain. 

they agreed to giving us new matress's so we went 2 a room where a maid and the first choice rep came  and the maid turned the matress upside down and tried sayin it was a new one when we all sene her flip it upside down she was making us out to be liars so i went mad at her and said i didnt want her in are room no more. they moved us to the best room in the hotel and we cheked and didnt find any so said we would stay in this room. that night we cheked again n found bedbugs jumping around we knew the reception staff wouldnt do anything so we had to pay sopme little boys a fiver to carry sun loungers in are room and we had to sleep on them. the next day we said we wanted to move hotels and tehy said we couldnt so we said we would stay in reception al day and tell everyone about wht had happened they finally agreed and we moved to gran ventana

ANIMATION TEAM
seriously thee guys work their a's off and it really shows. during the day they try an dget everyone involved with all the activities lke football darts bowling volleyball bingo snooker bike rides badmington tennis. they also do big games round the pool they pulled me up 2 join in with the beer drinking competition and i won amagine tht a nrly 18 yr old against all men and i won. i got to say a shout out 2 andreaos johnny caramella and lewis.
FOOD
The food was nice ecpecially the puddings yummy. and the pizza was to die for i dont even like pizaa but tried it nad loved it it proper melted in your mouth hmm.
DRINK
people say if you go all inclusive expect the drink t be watered down if it was at this hotel then you couldnt tel the fruit punch was the niest drink i have ever tasted and the 151 rum it lethel i had 3 shots and wer gone hehe
BEACH
the beach was really nice the waves was mental and really fun if your into water sports then come ea theres loads to do and all free.
NIGHTLIFE
really good nightlife roadways and hemingways to mention a few also mangos thats the most crazyest place i have been to theres chains hangin from celing holding cages with women dancing in them its full of the locals in here who are all really freindly but they look scary hehe.

WHEN WE MOVED TO THE NEW HOTEL THE MAN AT RECEPTION CAME OVER AND ASKED ME MY NAME AND TLD ME THERE WAS A CAL I WENT AND IT WAS JOHNY HE ASKED ME TO MEET UPO WITH HIM AND I HAD THE BEST LAST WEEK EVER. we did soo many things i held a police mans gun with him and tehy let me shoot in the sky like couldnt you beleive that? holding a police mans gun and shooting it. we went on the motorbikes but you are warned not to but heyy i was on holiday the girls from fun royale didnt like me and johnny hangin rnd together and got really bitchy i noticed 

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: FIRST CHOICE - Dec 2006

Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : DAVIES FAMILY (58,38.14.100)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

On arriving looked clean and the christmas tree in the foyer was lovely room smelt a bit musty but otherwise clean and spacious, unpacked and hit the pool all seemed ok went for a shower no hot water this continued on and off for 4 days, staff were helpful but didn't seem to understand the problems until rep stepped in all sorted out.

animation team who were there to help make holiday fun seemed more intent on touching up and fondling anyone in a bikini.  
our 14 year old daughter could not be left on her own at all,not all of them but the majority of them didn't care how old these kids were we spent the next week warning them off, until finally snapping and retreating to the beach, xmas eve one of them actually pinned her down and tried to kiss her and give her a love bite on her neck all reported to reps and travel companies, PLEASE BEWARE WHEN CHOOSING THIS HOTEL IF YOU HAVE YOUNG TEENAGE GIRLS !!!!!! you need to keep an eye on them at all times.

Loved the Dominican Paradise Island beautiful snorkelling out of this world,would not go near this hotel with a barge pole, and only because of a few individuals gives this such a bad name. the maids and all restaurant staff were really freindly and always seemed happy to see you, made friends with some lovely guys on the beach and the lucky lucky men although pestered you a bit soon came just for a chat and not to sell you anything. Maybe try somewhere else next year, not the paradise holiday we were expecting.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: First Choice - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : Lisa (Manchester) 19

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

When I arrived with my family in The dominican I was a little sceptical about the whole holiday.  We were ushered onto a coach by the rep and arrived at our hotel after about 20 mins.  We received quite alot of info from the tour guide on the coach about drinks and food ect and had a few comical moments.  We arrived at the hotel and where given our wristbands we were then helped to the room with our bags by a member of staff which was a great help as you will find that the weather is scorching in september.  The rooms are very spacious and have air con wwhich is a blessing.  The restraunts are great with a good selection of food and the ala carte is brilliant but be warned you have to book in advance.  I dont recomened the italian one though the food is not appealing at all.

The entertainment is great and we didnt step foot out of the hotel once.
The bars are stocked with enough alcohol to last a lifetime and there is a large selection of cocktails dont drink to many else you wontbe leaving your room for a day or two as they are made with 100% friut juice lol!!!

The day trips are really appealing and there is a disco on the site which it ok to go to.
I have to say it was one of the best holidays i have ever been on I would certainly go again and considering my dad got married while we were there is was an even better holiday I would advise it to anyone with kids teenagers couples and for weddings as i thought the service was really nice.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

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

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Jackie, Alison, Jacquie, Janet (35, 42, 32, 30)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was our second year at this hotel and it just gets better.  The staff recognised us from the year before which was lovely.  Even the bell boy recognised us!  You don't get much friendlier than that.  Last year was good but it just got better.  We were lazy on this holiday and only took a trip into Puerto Plata to see the fortress built by Christopher Columbus.  We spent most of our time at the beach and the adult only pool.  4pm was cocktail hour and this is when we caught up with each other and the friends we made. 

We had our daily dance lesson and took part in darts or skittles or whatever was going on.  The entertainment staff worked all the time making your holiday the best it could be: Jose, Domingo, Picachu, Andre, Johnny - great guys all of them!  The kids just love the staff as well.  It was so lovely to see.  The dancers were amazing as well,  I wish I could move like them!  Make sure you see the shows each evening, they are good fun and set you up for the night.  Clap hard though, some people don't show their appreciation, go crazy you are on holiday and the guys deserve it! 

For fun after the show:  Mangu is great on a Friday and Saturday night, packed to the rafters.  The music isn't like at home but the locals will show you how to dance don't worry!  Roadway and Hemingways are good at the weekends too.  They are quieter during the week but still good fun.  There are free taxis laid on so we just hopped in one of them every night.

We first went to the Dominican Republic because we'd had enough of the really young mediterranean resorts.  It was a great move.  We love it here and have already booked for next year.

We recommend this hotel to all.  The food is good, try the Brazilian and Italian at least once each.  The main restaurant caters for many tastes.  You can't beat a slice of afternoon pizza.  The rooms are very clean as is the whole complex. 

Fun Royale / Tropical does what it says on the tin.  Everyone can enjoy this place, couples, families and singles.  We spoke to people who had been to other hotels and they said this was better.  Now that I have a room the rest of you should just go for it and enjoy  the Dominican way!!  

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: First Choice - July 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : 

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

When we arrived in the Dominican Republic there were a few problems resulting in a move of hotels. After the first hotel we were a bit unsure about what to expect. As soon as we entered the lobby in Fun Tropicale we knew we were going to like it. The atmoshphere was great with varoius activities going on. The accomodation was perfect and so were all the staff, especially the animation team, they made the holiday. There was a wide choice of foods each night, the only downside was that some of it was repetative. We went on two trips: the outback safari which i cannot fault and the northern highlights which wasnt that interesting. The evening entertainment was amazing and had a different theme everynight. 

All in all it was a great holiday and we will be going back sometime soon. I recomend it to anyone.

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours- June/July 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : AHindSTolley

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hi everyone,

Well it was our first trip to the dominican rep and we were very anxious after reading all the horrible reviews, especially about this hotel!  Upon our arrival we were taken to our room and were waiting to see all the dust, rats etc etc, but Nothing! We were greeted by a lovely spacious apartment that had been cleaned to a very high standard.  All bed linen etc was changed each day and fresh water was brought in so we didn't have to keep going back and forth for it.

The food choice at the hotel is amazing and if you have said it was horrible and you couldn't find anything, all i can say is Bullsh*t!  The choice and quality was great, whether you want meat, grilled things, veg, pasta, salad, chips, local dishes, breakfast etc It is all there for you.  The only people who seemed to complain were the americans as they couldn't get their daily KG's of pure lard that they're so used to eating back home! 

The brazilian and italian restaurants were fantastic and the food was delicious.

The complex itself was amazing too, with an adults pool for quiet bathing and two other pools so plenty of room to do things.

We did not get biten at all from sand fleas even though we went on the beach most days, so to assume that you'll definately get bit is stupid!  Just make sure you take plenty of DEET repellent (not deet free) as it works a treat!  We did get biten about 4 times but this is a tropicale country for gods sake, if you don't want to be bit at all stay in the UK.  Even though you can get bit by midges here etc lol.

The nightime was good too.  The staff put a show on each night and make a real effort to entertain.

The trips we did were ocean world dolphin swim!This was spectacular and also paradise island, which was heaven.  Both trips were great and we'd recommend them to all.  The dolphin swim isn't appropriate for too younger children and the encounter is better for not so strong swimmers or younger children.

All in all this was a fantastic holiday.  We'd definately go back again and a BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE STAFF AND PEOPLE!

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Hotels Fun Tropicale / Royale - Playa Dorada

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

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Hanna & Claire - Bolton, (25 & 23)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from a relaxing 2 weeks at Fun Tropical. We booked the holiday only a few weeks before we went and got a really good deal. Our opinions were open for when we arrived. Had slight problems at the airport with my luggage being damaged but that wasnt anything to do with the hotel!!

The hotel itself was very clean and well maintained with large lawned areas - even a few peacocks wandering around. The staff are always tidying up or cutting the lawns! Our room had 2 double beds, fridge, wardrobes, drawers and a bathroom. No complaints on any of this, maid service every day with fresh towels and sheets.

Food in the main restaurant is varied, meat, salads, pasta, fish, and they had a few themed nights while we were there, the Mexican one being a favourite of ours. There is also an Italian restaurant and a Brazilian, but both of these need booking and you have to do it in the morning around 7am as