- Thread starter CC@Langham
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Holiday Village Resort
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Just back from HV...
Hello everyone,
We just got back from a week at HV, and wanted to pass along my observations. First of all, we had a great, relaxing time. The staff is amazing, accommodating and friendly. This was our second time in Puerto Plata, and we have travelled every year for the last 13 yrs to resort destinations in NA, MX and the Carib ranging from 3-5 star, so this is based on those comparisons, not our local Hilton. IMHO the resort did perhaps open about a month too early. They are still scrambing to get things done, but if you are laid back, and going in the next week or so, it should be fine.
The food is good, lots for everyone. Pasta station, fish, chicken, beef, salads, soup, bread, lots of fresh fruit, local items, kid friendly stuff (hotdogs, fries). The buffet has tons of choice and varies everyday. The restaurants that you need reservations for are fine too (mexican, asian, italian), but they take approx. 10 tables at 630pm and 830pm with 2 waiters, so service can be pretty slow. Caribbean restaurant is still being built. Maybe open in a couple of weeks?
Spa, gym, playground weren't open this week, but should be any day.
Entertainment staff, kids club, swim and soccer instructors are all from Canada or UK. My son did the swim lessons (MUCH cheaper to book before you go than pay locally) and his teacher was amazing!! Waiters, bartenders, front desk, maids, chefs are locals. All the staff really went above and beyond. Very impressed with staffing.
We stayed in a Family Room. Very dark and very small. The room was the disappointment of the trip. The bathroom is 7x5 (including tub, toilet, sink), the main bedroom is 10x13 (including closet, desk, king bed, 2 night tables, tall dresser and mini fridge) Coffee maker, iron and blowdryers are in the rooms. The kids room has a wall partition and swinging "bar doors" into it. It is 6x9 with a bunkbed and a wall mounted TV. They didn't have a gaming system yet, but I think it's supposed to be in there at some point. We were lucky and only had 1 day with no hot water, but it wasn't uncommon to hear of families going 3 days without. Our power would go out frequently in the afternoon, but I think it was with the construction going on during the day they would pop a breaker. We didn't spend much time in the room so it was ok. Tip: to keep mosquitos out of your room, put a towel infront of the outside door.
The rooms have bottled water when you arrive. I would suggest hanging onto the bottles and refilling them at the bars. They would sporadically have small bottled water available at the bar, but it was hit and miss. They don't have the 5 gallon jugs outside of the rooms, but who knows, they might soon. Every day we saw more things get finished (signs put up, fire extinguishers hung up, clocks placed in the rooms)
There is a cinema that has a movie on each night, and a kids movie in the afternooon. Seats about 20. You can also rent a movie in the main office for about $5USD if you bring a DVD player or laptop.
Evening shows start at 8pm with an interactive one for the kids (great for under 10), bingo at 9, main show at 930, more entertainment at 1030.
Beach is beautiful. Pools are fun! The wave pool is pretty slippery, so water shoes would be a good choice to bring. Water slides are fun.
Bring the mosquito spray! My husband got no bites, my son got 1, I got about 50. Some people they just love more than others.
Internet cafe has 4 stations available for $6/hr. Apparently WiFi is coming soon.
Zip line was way too high for me to try, but looked fun.
Teen room and kids club rooms are great.
Aquannox bar is pretty smoky, as it's inside, but looked really great.
Fresh popcorn at main bar in the afternoons was a nice treat.
This was a nice family holiday. I would like to see the resort in another couple of months, once everything is finished and running smoothly.
You will need long pants/dresses for the "reservation restaurants".
Hotel is pretty accessible for strollers/wheelchairs.
Have fun and enjoy your trips!
Hello everyone,
We just got back from a week at HV, and wanted to pass along my observations. First of all, we had a great, relaxing time. The staff is amazing, accommodating and friendly. This was our second time in Puerto Plata, and we have travelled every year for the last 13 yrs to resort destinations in NA, MX and the Carib ranging from 3-5 star, so this is based on those comparisons, not our local Hilton. IMHO the resort did perhaps open about a month too early. They are still scrambing to get things done, but if you are laid back, and going in the next week or so, it should be fine.
The food is good, lots for everyone. Pasta station, fish, chicken, beef, salads, soup, bread, lots of fresh fruit, local items, kid friendly stuff (hotdogs, fries). The buffet has tons of choice and varies everyday. The restaurants that you need reservations for are fine too (mexican, asian, italian), but they take approx. 10 tables at 630pm and 830pm with 2 waiters, so service can be pretty slow. Caribbean restaurant is still being built. Maybe open in a couple of weeks?
Spa, gym, playground weren't open this week, but should be any day.
Entertainment staff, kids club, swim and soccer instructors are all from Canada or UK. My son did the swim lessons (MUCH cheaper to book before you go than pay locally) and his teacher was amazing!! Waiters, bartenders, front desk, maids, chefs are locals. All the staff really went above and beyond. Very impressed with staffing.
We stayed in a Family Room. Very dark and very small. The room was the disappointment of the trip. The bathroom is 7x5 (including tub, toilet, sink), the main bedroom is 10x13 (including closet, desk, king bed, 2 night tables, tall dresser and mini fridge) Coffee maker, iron and blowdryers are in the rooms. The kids room has a wall partition and swinging "bar doors" into it. It is 6x9 with a bunkbed and a wall mounted TV. They didn't have a gaming system yet, but I think it's supposed to be in there at some point. We were lucky and only had 1 day with no hot water, but it wasn't uncommon to hear of families going 3 days without. Our power would go out frequently in the afternoon, but I think it was with the construction going on during the day they would pop a breaker. We didn't spend much time in the room so it was ok. Tip: to keep mosquitos out of your room, put a towel infront of the outside door.
The rooms have bottled water when you arrive. I would suggest hanging onto the bottles and refilling them at the bars. They would sporadically have small bottled water available at the bar, but it was hit and miss. They don't have the 5 gallon jugs outside of the rooms, but who knows, they might soon. Every day we saw more things get finished (signs put up, fire extinguishers hung up, clocks placed in the rooms)
There is a cinema that has a movie on each night, and a kids movie in the afternooon. Seats about 20. You can also rent a movie in the main office for about $5USD if you bring a DVD player or laptop.
Evening shows start at 8pm with an interactive one for the kids (great for under 10), bingo at 9, main show at 930, more entertainment at 1030.
Beach is beautiful. Pools are fun! The wave pool is pretty slippery, so water shoes would be a good choice to bring. Water slides are fun.
Bring the mosquito spray! My husband got no bites, my son got 1, I got about 50. Some people they just love more than others.
Internet cafe has 4 stations available for $6/hr. Apparently WiFi is coming soon.
Zip line was way too high for me to try, but looked fun.
Teen room and kids club rooms are great.
Aquannox bar is pretty smoky, as it's inside, but looked really great.
Fresh popcorn at main bar in the afternoons was a nice treat.
This was a nice family holiday. I would like to see the resort in another couple of months, once everything is finished and running smoothly.
You will need long pants/dresses for the "reservation restaurants".
Hotel is pretty accessible for strollers/wheelchairs.
Have fun and enjoy your trips!
Adults Only Area
Hi everyone. I'm new here and I just want to thank everyone for all the great information, especially Planner. You are super!!
My husband and I, along with another couple are going to the resort in February (anyone else going on Feb 7-14 from Edmonton?) Since I have heard conflicting reports about the general population of the resort being able to use the adults only pool I phoned Signature Vacations yesterday. The informed me that ONLY adults who are staying in the adults only section of the resort are allowed to use the adults only pool and beach area :angry: They say that this is not mentioned in their published information on the resort in error (the lady I spoke to said there are MANY errors in thier new brochure)
I am awaiting a reply from Selloffvacations.com which is who we booked with about this. I will let you know what they say.
Hi everyone. I'm new here and I just want to thank everyone for all the great information, especially Planner. You are super!!
My husband and I, along with another couple are going to the resort in February (anyone else going on Feb 7-14 from Edmonton?) Since I have heard conflicting reports about the general population of the resort being able to use the adults only pool I phoned Signature Vacations yesterday. The informed me that ONLY adults who are staying in the adults only section of the resort are allowed to use the adults only pool and beach area :angry: They say that this is not mentioned in their published information on the resort in error (the lady I spoke to said there are MANY errors in thier new brochure)
I am awaiting a reply from Selloffvacations.com which is who we booked with about this. I will let you know what they say.
I was under the premise that you were allowed in this section no matter what, so long as you are staying at the hotel.
This was not mentioned that we couldn't go in there.
So my question is: Will the hotel allow people to go in the adults section due to an error which isn't the customers fault. Thats one reason why we booked there was to be able to goto the adult areas.
Planner, are you able to check into this for us?
OttawaSens.
This was not mentioned that we couldn't go in there.
So my question is: Will the hotel allow people to go in the adults section due to an error which isn't the customers fault. Thats one reason why we booked there was to be able to goto the adult areas.
Planner, are you able to check into this for us?
OttawaSens.
G
gary short
Guest
Thanks Monica for your great review of the resort. We are going on the 19th of December for one week. We are taking our family so happy to hear that most things are up and running. We were getting anxious for a review as you get very used to being able to search and find info on the internet. How was the weather when you were there? Much rain?
Upgrade
Hi All
I have just booked to got oholiday village for two weeks form 10th feb, as like many other people, like the sound of the adult only pool etc, if only adults staying in the Adult area are allowed to use them does anyone have an email address for Holiday village or details of how I can upgrade. Looking for a nice relaxing holiday! Photos look fab, can't wait to go.
Hi All
I have just booked to got oholiday village for two weeks form 10th feb, as like many other people, like the sound of the adult only pool etc, if only adults staying in the Adult area are allowed to use them does anyone have an email address for Holiday village or details of how I can upgrade. Looking for a nice relaxing holiday! Photos look fab, can't wait to go.
Going to Holiday Village 17.02.07. Two adults, and our 13 year old well behaved daughter. I will be most disappointed, having paid full adult prices for the holiday, if there is some restriction on myself and my wife using the adult pool and/or adult beach area should we choose to.
I am trying to get an answer to the adults only pool questions. Hang in there everyone.....LOL
The ONLY way to upgrade is via the travel agent or tour operator you booked thru. Go to their website for information. The hotel tells me you cannot do it thru them.
Just to let you know, the weather here is fabulous!!!!
The ONLY way to upgrade is via the travel agent or tour operator you booked thru. Go to their website for information. The hotel tells me you cannot do it thru them.
Just to let you know, the weather here is fabulous!!!!
There was one evening with rain and one afternoon shower. It is such warm rain though that no one got out of the pool. Two times you could hear it raining during the night. Weather was really beautiful for us! I did bring a small umbrella and used it once. Have a great time next week!
Thanks Monica s for your review, at long last we can hear some good comments from someone who has actually stayed there.
With regards to the people asking about the adult only areas - First Choice told me that you can only go to the Adult only pool if you are staying in the adult only rooms (Royal VIP suites) but people staying in all other rooms can use the adult only restaurant and bar.
I have a wedding booked at the HV and would love to hear from someone who has had a wedding or witnessed one.
With regards to the people asking about the adult only areas - First Choice told me that you can only go to the Adult only pool if you are staying in the adult only rooms (Royal VIP suites) but people staying in all other rooms can use the adult only restaurant and bar.
I have a wedding booked at the HV and would love to hear from someone who has had a wedding or witnessed one.
The website for signature only says that it includes an adult pool, adult area. No Mention that you have to pay more. Nor did our travel agent say anything (selloffvacations.com). I would be MOST upset (lol I used a "nice" word) if I was told I couldn't get into that area.
So even if the word from the resort is a no go unless you pay more, I will hold issue with that.
Anyone watch the movie "boat trip" with Cuba Gooding Jr (sp?) ? When he was in the travel agents office he said the most classic line of all time :
"Watch out, I am a letter writer!" hahahaha that cracks me up everytime.
In all seriousness (sp?) lol man I am tired. I want to be able to go to the adult only section sometimes. We are not taking the kids, and would like to have some time away from the little critters. Love children, but would like to get some drinks into me and fall alseep by the pool / beach etc.
BTW - You say Sens suck, but who do you cheer for? Toronto ? lol laughing stock for numerous years. We are only getting laughed at this year
So even if the word from the resort is a no go unless you pay more, I will hold issue with that.
Anyone watch the movie "boat trip" with Cuba Gooding Jr (sp?) ? When he was in the travel agents office he said the most classic line of all time :
"Watch out, I am a letter writer!" hahahaha that cracks me up everytime.
In all seriousness (sp?) lol man I am tired. I want to be able to go to the adult only section sometimes. We are not taking the kids, and would like to have some time away from the little critters. Love children, but would like to get some drinks into me and fall alseep by the pool / beach etc.
BTW - You say Sens suck, but who do you cheer for? Toronto ? lol laughing stock for numerous years. We are only getting laughed at this year
new visitor
We are booked to go to the HV in March 2007.We have booked because it is our anniversary. We have booked Royal Suite and paid a large supplement on our booking for the use of the Adult only areas. We booked through First Choice and it was clear in the brochure that the Adult only pool was in the VIP area. The brochure describes it as a private area of the HV,only for adults.Perhaps those who are complaining about adult only areas should go back to their holiday company and pay for an upgrade if they are still available!
We are booked to go to the HV in March 2007.We have booked because it is our anniversary. We have booked Royal Suite and paid a large supplement on our booking for the use of the Adult only areas. We booked through First Choice and it was clear in the brochure that the Adult only pool was in the VIP area. The brochure describes it as a private area of the HV,only for adults.Perhaps those who are complaining about adult only areas should go back to their holiday company and pay for an upgrade if they are still available!
Hi Margee and Pargee. I think you may have missed the point. We booked at this resort because the brochures and published information from Signature Vacations does NOT say that you have to be a VIP to use the adults only area. The issue is that we should not have to pay extra now for something which is not clear in the brochure.
Hi everyone ,thanks margee,and pargee i thought we were the only ones who read the brochure that way.We are arriving there on the 20 of Dec. and that is why we book our Holiday with the upgrade.And yes we did pay alot of extra money to have the holiday exactly like we were looking for.There seems to be a lot of questions or complaining about the HV so far.But you have to remember you get what you pay for and anyways you are going on Vacation relax .You will have a good time if you want to it is all what you make it.
I can't help but think that these comments were directed at me. Well let me explain a further in depth and show some proof.
I am assuming since you booked though First Choice that you are based in the UK. The website might state your upgrade very clearly but Signiture does not.
Quoted from the Brouchure:
Website to further my point:
Holiday Village Golden Beach - Puerto Plata - Dining & Entertainment - Signature Vacations
Please explain to me where I would assume that I would have to pay more!
I am not looking for an upgraded room. I didn't pay for that.
But like the person I quoted 2nd - You get what you pay for.
I agree with this. So if you look at my situation, I think I deserve what I paid for. An adults area with a pool. Is that so much to ask?
So I wanted to clear this up. I am not complaining. It's a vacation and we are going to have a blast anyways. I want to be able to swim in the adults area. I'm sorry for those that are paying more, but think about this way,You'll have a mini fridge stocked while we will have nothing.
Ottawa Senators.
holiday village golden beach
we are going to hvg on feb 5 does any one knows what the weather is like then.
we are going to hvg on feb 5 does any one knows what the weather is like then.
Ottawa is right folks. I feel exactly the same way. ALL adults should be able to use the adults only area. The brochure, website and all literature say NOTHING to the contrary.
Moreover, as I understand it the Adults Only upgrade is for a nicer room with a jacuzzi plus the use of the Adults Only area of the resort among some other perks such as priority reservations at restaurants and checkin. I'm not expecting all that... I didn't pay for that. I, like Ottawa, just want what the brochure said I would get.... and no we are not wining!!
Moreover, as I understand it the Adults Only upgrade is for a nicer room with a jacuzzi plus the use of the Adults Only area of the resort among some other perks such as priority reservations at restaurants and checkin. I'm not expecting all that... I didn't pay for that. I, like Ottawa, just want what the brochure said I would get.... and no we are not wining!!
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