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!
Hi all,