Help - which hotel would YOU choose?

I have stayed in the Allegro Playa Dorada twice, '01 and '02.

Private message me if you want more details on this hotel.

This hotel is rated as 4*. It has two pools - one for activities and the other is a large quiet one where the temperature is very high because the room blocks are all around the pool. I have always been happy with the food here. The staff are friendly (as nearly all of the are in most hotels). This hotel has one of Playa Doradas 3 casinos. The activity is parallel to the beach so you can choose either the beach or pool without any fuss. I have always enjoyed my holidays in Playa Dorada (even though AI hotels are not everyones cup of tea). Have you considered the Grand Flamenco in Playa Dorada? I have been there twice also and i am going back in 2 weeks.

Playa Dorada is in a good position for travelling aswell. It is very close to Puerto Plata, Sosua and then a bit further down the north coast is Cabarete. Personally, i think the beach at Sosua is much nicer and its only $100RD ($2US) in a gua gua / taxi from the Playa Dorada gates.

As far as bars and restaurants are concerned........I am not too sure. I have always gone AI so i haven't eaten out much. There is a Plaza in Playa Dorada with 2/3 places to eat.

Bars - again in the Plaza there is Hemmingways, it gets very busy from about 11p.m to 1.30p.m depending on the day it is. Then 1 minute down the road is 'Crazy Moon' disco in the Pardise Hotel. This has a mix of dominicans and tourists, you have to pay to get in at the weekends. Crazy Moon is quite dark and very loud with a mix of music.

I hear that Cabarete has plenty of bars along the beach for a good night out, but i never end up getting chance to go so i can't comment. Puerto Plata obviously has plenty of places for eating and drinking.

PM me if you want to know anything else about the hotel.

- tired_boy

Having looked at a post by Randy E when i asked the same question about the block numbers in May - it looks like block #11 (odd numbers) faces the large pool in the Flamenco.

I don't know about the blocks in the Gran Playa Dorada, request one facing the large pool 2nd or 3rd floor. We ha d anice one on the 3rd flo with a balcony facing the large quiet pool (this is a TOTAL stab int he dark but.......it might have been block #6 ?!?!?!!?)

Gran Ventana

Hi Frizzy1
I haven't stayed at the Occidental or Breezes, but I often stay at the Gran Ventana.

It is rated in the brochures as 4*, it has a large clover shaped pool around which the daytime activities are conducted. One of the "leafs" is deep for swimming, one slopes gradually from the edge to around chest height, and the other, smaller leaf has a net for volley ball. At the point where the two big leafs meet is a swim up bar complete with stools - very nice.

There are plenty of sun loungers all around the pool - I've never had a problem getting one even in the middle of the afternoon. There is also a quiet pool, away from the main buildings - there is no music here, it is an oblong pool, suitable for swimming. It is nice and quiet if you want to read/relax. There is a bar open from 10am till midnight, and again there are loungers all round the pool.

The hotel is right on the beach, there are plenty of loungers and again a beach bar. One of the restaurants is situated on the beach - lunch time they serve chilli, nachos, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, that type of thing. In the evening it becomes one of the a la carte restaurants, serving mainly fish/meat dishes.

There are 2 other a la carte restaurants - one italian and one gourmet. The service in both of these restaurants is outstanding. The main buffet restaurant is pretty standard AI fare, although you can get freshly cooked pasta dishes, pizzas, and grilled meats.

There are numerous bars, but all close on the dot of midnight.

The rooms are in 3 main blocks - 2 near the beach and main pool, one situated on the other side of the road built around the quiet pool. They are very clean, but probably now in need of a bit of a facelift.

There is an internet cafe at the hotel.

As tired boy said, there are a couple of places to eat in the plaza - Hemingways for american style meals, and Pizza Hut, if you want a change. There are several bars - Hemingways is the most expensive, you can expect to pay european/american prices. Amy's Bar - a little place next to Hemingways charges about a quarter of the price!

If you need anymore specifics let me know.

Keep us posted on what you decide.

I really like the Allegro Gran Playa Dorada. I am sure you will have a great time. I am going to the Gran Flamenco in 2 weeks so i will go to the Allegro and take plenty of pictures and E-mail them to you!

PM me if you need to know anything else, as for the New Year Celebrations - I have no idea! Sorry

- tired_boy

frizzy1 said:

Hi,

Planning a trip to DR for 2 weeks just after Xmas and can't decide on a hotel.

The shortlisted ones so far are;

Occidental Allegro Playa Dorada
Gran Ventana Beach Resort
Breezes, Puerto Plata

We want a really nice AI hotel that is in a good location for exploring, preferably where we can walk around at night with some nice bars, restaurants etc. Not keen on kids but none are Adults Only (Jack Tar will not be adults only from November this year).

Definately want to explore around the North Island.

Any thoughts on the above hotels would be great.

Thanks.

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As an agent, I deal with almost all AI resorts and I must say, that the Superclubs, which is Breezes Puerto Plata always had the best reputation in services, accommodation and quility.

Just my 2 cents)
If you need more hlep with any of those, do not hesitate to contact me anytime. Check your PM also.

All the best and have a great time no matter where you saty!!!