Dominican Republic Holiday Reviews

Only drove through but would not visit.LOOKS VERY POOR.We only went for a relaxing week all inclusive in the hotel.

We didn't venture out the hotel, but did walk along the see front which was lovely.

Lovely calm sea, beaches cleaned every morning.

Did not venture out of hotel grounds other than on a safari so have no comments on Bavaro as a resort other than the roads are poor.

no real improvements in 13 years possibly worse public beach areas between hotels filthy and strewn with rubbish......roads still dangerous, trying to charge high prices for everything and rip off / rubbish goods are pushed at tourists with a really hard sell........the people seem to have become very materialistic tourists are targets and everyone is trying to flog something or hit you with a hard luck story.....taxi drivers claim never to have change etc but if you just want to laze about a hotel it is fine

We were all inclusive and you need to be in this resort as the hotels are not within walking distance of restuarants and bars. There are lots of trips you can do, we went on the outback safari and the Paradise Island trips- defintely worthwhile! The weather was wetter than we thought it would be at this time of year, we had 3 days out 7 where it rianed pretty much all day.

just not enough to do at the resort for any one with young teenagers entertainment was the same every day and not enough things to do. but the girls and boys that run the entertainment were great fun and made the holiday they did thier best and gave a hundred and ten percent. on a night there were shows but they ranged from good to bad and only lasted one hour. Before hand you have very young kids of between 2 and 10 years of age on the stage dancing and having fun. But boring for every one else until the show started which was over to early. The drinks were watered down and you had no real choice if it did not have rum in it or do not like beer then forget it. Also the place was full of canadains that were like a bunch of larger louts. They were rude for the most part and thought that they should not have to wait for any thing. The rooms smelt of dampness and the air con was not worth having on. The beaches were ok but not the greatest i have been too. And for a poor country things were way to expensive on average you would pay 80 US Dollars each for an excursion some things were even more and not worth the money for the most part people were friendly but on the hole as a vacation destanation i would give it a miss

The only thing here are the 3 Riu hotels and the beach, there is nothing else, it is not safe to venture through the armed gate at the start of the complex. If you like to go outside of your hotel environment do not go here.

Most travellers do not venture outside of the large all inclusive hotel complex's unless they are on organised excursions, so this is not a wander down the street and through the shops type of resort, but the hotels seem to provide all the facilities needed. Beaches are lovely, weather is awesome, clear blue skies and turquoise clear waters.

Stayed in an all inclusive resort and so did not eat out. We did recieve promotional leaflets for a local nightclub and various days out so the option was available. Although the beaches were very nice, they were far too busy. We walked along the beach everyday and it was like walking down the m4!

a great resort with very friendly locals if a little pushy in trying to sell their wares, also v keen to be tipped, must be the american influence. I went for the windsurfing, but found that the wind didn't pick up until late in the day NOT 12 o/c as you'll be told, subsequently I had a go at kitesurfing and truly got the BUG....

Really loved Playa Dorada. The beach is really nice, sea is clear blue and really warm! Lots fo great cocktails from the beach bars, fresh pineapple and other tropic fruits, yum yum. Best holiday ever, definately!!!!!

We didnt see much of the resort as this was all inclusive it looked very nice from the coach

being all inclusive all activities were included so we didnt leave the hotel

We wouldn't hesitate to return. The Dominican Republic was really really good, lovely beach and it was really cheap too. Weather was glorious, and the hotel was brilliant!

Gran Ventana Hotel is located in Playa Dorada. The sister hotel, Victoria Golf resort and leisure Club is located a short buggy ride away. This is great for returnees to the Gran Ventana as we have the use of the facilities at the Victoria, good if you want a change of scenery or a game of golf. Also we can visit (once a week) the A la carte restaurant which serves excellent food and wine. The resort has its own shopping plaza which has great little stores to buy momentoes of your holiday and a great choice of banks to change your currency from pounds into peso's (always good to haggle your rate of exchange as well) At night, the Plaza closes at 10pm then the local bars in the plaza vacinity open. The area has improved over the years since i visited. It is more welcoming for the visiting holidaymakers and not so much for the locals. We felt very safe as the local police and security officers pace the plaza to make sure there is no trouble. Live bands play in one of the bars. Excellent music and very enjoyable evening was had by all. Definitely recommend a visit to the plaza at night. If you want to catch a taxi ride into the city of Puerto Plata barter for a good price and the local drivers are great in taking you for a tour to the Rum Factory, the Fort and to the museums in Puerto Plata. Worth the money to see how the locals live from day to day and to see the Dominican way of life.

All in one compond so did not go out of it as no need. Can use the other Iberostar's in the compound. The trips that are on sale are well run and gets you out to see the country. very friendly and relaxed place to stay.