There have been a lot of reviews about Secrets and I thank everyone for ALL the details and those that provided me with extra e-mailed information. Dates of our travel October 8, 2005 thru October 12, 2005.
I will try to provide the reader with some of the differences at the resort from other reviews and also what to expect upon arrival. Airport is beautiful.
My wife and I arrived PUJ airport on Saturday to a rainy day, you are first greeted by some guys playing music, these same guys will be there when you depart, they are looking for $$$ donations. You are then placed into a couple or group setting for pictures with the DR girls, optional purchase upon your departure, and then the famous $10.US pp tourist card purchase desk. Bring a pen & don't lose the stub part of card. Then quickly rushed through customs, get your bags or the porters can get them for you.
Once you leave with your bags people with signs and or taxis trying for your business rush you. I pre-arranged via Amstar DMC a private van with driver, :classic: who was waiting with a sign with our name on it for our trip to Secrets. MAKE SURE YOU VERIFY YOUR RIDE OR BUS BEFORE YOU GET IN, especially if you are using a transfer coupon, before I saw our driver, someone :surprised tried to ?STEAL? me from our Amstar booking claiming he handled their transportation but I gave him a phony name and he claimed we were on his list, so I knew right away he was trying to hustle me. I booked the trip on my own but suggest you use a Travel Agent or company.
Our trip there was nothing like I read; our driver was great, friendly and gave us a tour. The road he chose to Secrets was a back way to the hotel not to bumpy and no stops as we requested via AMSTAR DMC. Our return ride was the same but parts of the road were washed out from the rain no fault of the driver but we did hit one or two bumps only still nothing like has been mentioned on these boards.
Now for Secrets ?:classic:
We were greeted upon arrival and brought to the Front Desk, our room was ready no waiting at the desk and no waiting to gain entrance to our room 7008. Jr. Suite Swim up pool, which was beautiful, but we would have rather been in a 2nd or 3rd floor room with a view. We did ask for a room change and was told we could get one without a problem Sunday but we decided that since you are not in the room a lot not worth re-packing and moving.
Maid Service ? The daygirl was OK, we left the daily tip with pens etc but obtained basic service which was fine with us. The room was very clean, our towels were replaced no problems at all. TURN DOWN ? Saturday night we received turn-down service but were in the arrival-travel daze so we did not leave a tip but Sun & Mon we left tip money, pens etc. and NO SERVICE. Tuesday evening we arrived back to our room to see turn down. Trust me our vacation was not ruined because of lack of turn down service.
Bugs- Once in a while you would see a few ants on the bathroom sink area but nothing like has been posted. I got one small bite on my foot the whole trip and my wife got one bite on her back. No spray was used we did bring some with us but never needed it. Some sand fleas at the beach.
Ocean & Pool ? Was a lot of fun in spite of the wet weather, I did get a tan and we enjoyed the Ocean being from the East Coast the water was not rough and my wife who is not a big Ocean person had a blast. The main pool was great, lots of towels, chairs etc. We even had bar service with a waitress checking on others and us.
Overall Service ? Restaurant staff was Excellent, if you requested something and they did not have it I noticed that they brought you an alternative with an explanation of why they could not provide the requested item or service. Bar staff was friendly and provided great service even if you did not have tip money.
Favorite Drink ? Sammy Sosa and Banana drinks. My wife also drank wine and enjoyed the selections. The fist day I had them add 151 proof rum to the top of my drinks, which they all happily did. Try the Mamma Juana. I know it sounds like Marijuana but it's a shot. The 'dominican viagra'. Enjoy a few shots they go down very, very smooth. Have Jenny or Mario at the bar to the right of Bordeaux restaurant (show room area left of Casino) give you a few shots and make sure Jenny teaches you the dance that goes with the drink! Tell her Andy says Hola and he misses his Mamma Juana.
Restaurants ? note name changes ? not sure why they are changed.
Sea Side Grill ? Formally Texas Steak House ? Great food here ? had the Flank steak and it was great some of the best I have had. We ate there several times including lunch. Service was good.
Oceana Restaurant ? Formally Mediterranean- if you continue through the Sea Side Grill you will be in this restaurant ? Seafood did not eat here.
World Caf? ? Da Mario Restaurant ? Formally Higuey & Bella Italia - Great buffet breakfast & lunches at the World Caf?, met the Internet famous Felix and he is just as written. My wife and I are not buffet people but we enjoyed the buffets at Secrets. Best part the breads & desserts ice creams, cakes etc. We would eat in one restaurant and have dessert in another. Da Mario ? Italian ? Pasta & pizza was great Chicken in General was not good ? Chicken Parm was not good but other buffet items were enjoyable.
Bordeaux ? Worst one for us ? service was fair, food was terrible. Interesting though everyone else loved it. We had the Spicy beef, Mahi Mahi & Salmon - Beef had no taste, Mahi had no taste and was tough and Salmon tasted like tuna. Pumpkin soup was great. Waiter never asked why we left over or if there were any problems when our plates were taken back full of food. Dress code was relaxed men just needed long pants. Any type of shoes or sandals ? ripped blue jeans, t-shirt etc was allowed. No big deal on dress code as we were there for vacation.
El Patio ? Formally Maria Bonita (Mexican) ? our favorite food & service was excellent - We enjoyed the shrimp dish and pork dish. The shrimp dish had a chili pepper on it and the wait staff found out I loved HOT PEPPERS, a plate was brought out for me with more shrimp to enjoy. ?JESUS? great waiter ? at hotel for 1.5 years so was taking a vacation ? 1 week. Rice was great. Dress code was relaxed men just needed long pants.
Himitsu ? Formally Madame Butterfly (Asian) ? connected to World Caf? ? Da Mario Restaurants - The Asian had limited days open, we never ate here but heard great things about it. We did go there just for desserts and enjoyed what they had to offer.
Entertainment: The nightly entertainment was just OK. It wasn?t bad, but it wasn?t great. We watched a magic act and laughed at the pre-show - guests were used as part of the show. We just hit the one show. Casino is very, very small and limited don?t plan to spend a lot of time or money here. Disco had Toga & PJ night we missed out on both.
Club Excellence ? At check in they try to push you to upgrade but we felt it was not worth it, I used the Internet Caf? $4US for 15 min or $5US for 30min and had no problems with checking my e-mail etc. The CE is not worth the extra money esp since the restaurants were not accepting reservations and side trips can be booked very easy.
SPA - The Spa is beautiful; you may want to consider paying the $25.pp fee to use their facilities during your stay or $10.pp daily. Day use is included with services. We did not get a chance to use the SPA but wish we made the time.
Shopping - They have stores on the side towards the main entrance and spa area nothing great. Make sure you bring anything you think you will need. Most drug store type items cost $16US very expensive vs. $4 in the US. Camera Batteries bring extra someone bought them for $16.US. There are places to purchase gifts to the left (looking at the water) of the resort off property. Cuban cigars were $2. Each someone bought Polo (golf) Shirts not sure what they paid for them. T-Shirts were cheap. Note: The people are friendly they will give you an Hola and try to get you in their booth. If you are not interested just say no and they will leave you alone. They will give you their business card with their name on it.
Lots of Honeymooners and couples getting married or renewing their vows. It appeared the hotel did a wonderful job handling their arrangements.
Side trips ? Suggest you go to the tour desk area see the guys in Flowered shirts Apple Vacations - AMSTAR DNC desk. They will treat you very well. Because of weather excursions were canceled and refunds were gladly and easily made. ScubaCaribe cancelled the Wednesday dive to Catalina Tuesday evening because of bad weather.
Extra items to bring ? Extension cord to plug your cell phone charger or other chargers in. Room voltage is 110 ac same as the USA. Brought our own large bar of soap for the shower. Their amenities in the room were great included #8 sun lotion. Bring a Beach bag.
Guests - Everyone we met were friendly - Ages varied from 18 to 60+, getting married, to married to celebrating everyone was there to have a great time. My wife and I met some great people. The crowd was a fun group. Mixed USA & International.
Regards and congratulations to Frank (LIRR) and his lovely new bride our next door neighbors, the Jones renewed their vows (10 YO anniv.) and hello to Kent & Donna and the gang from Indy that left Tuesday, if you read this feel free to send us an e-mail and we hope we left everyone with enhanced sunshine!
Other then a bad cold from the airplane, none of us got sick and we ate everything, salads etc. Brush your teeth with bottled water. Overall I would rate Secrets a 4 out of 5 stars. Staff was great and friendly, would we go back you bet, would we suggest you go and enjoy yourself you bet and feel free to e-mail us at marandassoc@hotmail.com Andy & Margaret in Upstate NY
I will try to provide the reader with some of the differences at the resort from other reviews and also what to expect upon arrival. Airport is beautiful.
My wife and I arrived PUJ airport on Saturday to a rainy day, you are first greeted by some guys playing music, these same guys will be there when you depart, they are looking for $$$ donations. You are then placed into a couple or group setting for pictures with the DR girls, optional purchase upon your departure, and then the famous $10.US pp tourist card purchase desk. Bring a pen & don't lose the stub part of card. Then quickly rushed through customs, get your bags or the porters can get them for you.
Once you leave with your bags people with signs and or taxis trying for your business rush you. I pre-arranged via Amstar DMC a private van with driver, :classic: who was waiting with a sign with our name on it for our trip to Secrets. MAKE SURE YOU VERIFY YOUR RIDE OR BUS BEFORE YOU GET IN, especially if you are using a transfer coupon, before I saw our driver, someone :surprised tried to ?STEAL? me from our Amstar booking claiming he handled their transportation but I gave him a phony name and he claimed we were on his list, so I knew right away he was trying to hustle me. I booked the trip on my own but suggest you use a Travel Agent or company.
Our trip there was nothing like I read; our driver was great, friendly and gave us a tour. The road he chose to Secrets was a back way to the hotel not to bumpy and no stops as we requested via AMSTAR DMC. Our return ride was the same but parts of the road were washed out from the rain no fault of the driver but we did hit one or two bumps only still nothing like has been mentioned on these boards.
Now for Secrets ?:classic:
We were greeted upon arrival and brought to the Front Desk, our room was ready no waiting at the desk and no waiting to gain entrance to our room 7008. Jr. Suite Swim up pool, which was beautiful, but we would have rather been in a 2nd or 3rd floor room with a view. We did ask for a room change and was told we could get one without a problem Sunday but we decided that since you are not in the room a lot not worth re-packing and moving.
Maid Service ? The daygirl was OK, we left the daily tip with pens etc but obtained basic service which was fine with us. The room was very clean, our towels were replaced no problems at all. TURN DOWN ? Saturday night we received turn-down service but were in the arrival-travel daze so we did not leave a tip but Sun & Mon we left tip money, pens etc. and NO SERVICE. Tuesday evening we arrived back to our room to see turn down. Trust me our vacation was not ruined because of lack of turn down service.
Bugs- Once in a while you would see a few ants on the bathroom sink area but nothing like has been posted. I got one small bite on my foot the whole trip and my wife got one bite on her back. No spray was used we did bring some with us but never needed it. Some sand fleas at the beach.
Ocean & Pool ? Was a lot of fun in spite of the wet weather, I did get a tan and we enjoyed the Ocean being from the East Coast the water was not rough and my wife who is not a big Ocean person had a blast. The main pool was great, lots of towels, chairs etc. We even had bar service with a waitress checking on others and us.
Overall Service ? Restaurant staff was Excellent, if you requested something and they did not have it I noticed that they brought you an alternative with an explanation of why they could not provide the requested item or service. Bar staff was friendly and provided great service even if you did not have tip money.
Favorite Drink ? Sammy Sosa and Banana drinks. My wife also drank wine and enjoyed the selections. The fist day I had them add 151 proof rum to the top of my drinks, which they all happily did. Try the Mamma Juana. I know it sounds like Marijuana but it's a shot. The 'dominican viagra'. Enjoy a few shots they go down very, very smooth. Have Jenny or Mario at the bar to the right of Bordeaux restaurant (show room area left of Casino) give you a few shots and make sure Jenny teaches you the dance that goes with the drink! Tell her Andy says Hola and he misses his Mamma Juana.
Restaurants ? note name changes ? not sure why they are changed.
Sea Side Grill ? Formally Texas Steak House ? Great food here ? had the Flank steak and it was great some of the best I have had. We ate there several times including lunch. Service was good.
Oceana Restaurant ? Formally Mediterranean- if you continue through the Sea Side Grill you will be in this restaurant ? Seafood did not eat here.
World Caf? ? Da Mario Restaurant ? Formally Higuey & Bella Italia - Great buffet breakfast & lunches at the World Caf?, met the Internet famous Felix and he is just as written. My wife and I are not buffet people but we enjoyed the buffets at Secrets. Best part the breads & desserts ice creams, cakes etc. We would eat in one restaurant and have dessert in another. Da Mario ? Italian ? Pasta & pizza was great Chicken in General was not good ? Chicken Parm was not good but other buffet items were enjoyable.
Bordeaux ? Worst one for us ? service was fair, food was terrible. Interesting though everyone else loved it. We had the Spicy beef, Mahi Mahi & Salmon - Beef had no taste, Mahi had no taste and was tough and Salmon tasted like tuna. Pumpkin soup was great. Waiter never asked why we left over or if there were any problems when our plates were taken back full of food. Dress code was relaxed men just needed long pants. Any type of shoes or sandals ? ripped blue jeans, t-shirt etc was allowed. No big deal on dress code as we were there for vacation.
El Patio ? Formally Maria Bonita (Mexican) ? our favorite food & service was excellent - We enjoyed the shrimp dish and pork dish. The shrimp dish had a chili pepper on it and the wait staff found out I loved HOT PEPPERS, a plate was brought out for me with more shrimp to enjoy. ?JESUS? great waiter ? at hotel for 1.5 years so was taking a vacation ? 1 week. Rice was great. Dress code was relaxed men just needed long pants.
Himitsu ? Formally Madame Butterfly (Asian) ? connected to World Caf? ? Da Mario Restaurants - The Asian had limited days open, we never ate here but heard great things about it. We did go there just for desserts and enjoyed what they had to offer.
Entertainment: The nightly entertainment was just OK. It wasn?t bad, but it wasn?t great. We watched a magic act and laughed at the pre-show - guests were used as part of the show. We just hit the one show. Casino is very, very small and limited don?t plan to spend a lot of time or money here. Disco had Toga & PJ night we missed out on both.
Club Excellence ? At check in they try to push you to upgrade but we felt it was not worth it, I used the Internet Caf? $4US for 15 min or $5US for 30min and had no problems with checking my e-mail etc. The CE is not worth the extra money esp since the restaurants were not accepting reservations and side trips can be booked very easy.
SPA - The Spa is beautiful; you may want to consider paying the $25.pp fee to use their facilities during your stay or $10.pp daily. Day use is included with services. We did not get a chance to use the SPA but wish we made the time.
Shopping - They have stores on the side towards the main entrance and spa area nothing great. Make sure you bring anything you think you will need. Most drug store type items cost $16US very expensive vs. $4 in the US. Camera Batteries bring extra someone bought them for $16.US. There are places to purchase gifts to the left (looking at the water) of the resort off property. Cuban cigars were $2. Each someone bought Polo (golf) Shirts not sure what they paid for them. T-Shirts were cheap. Note: The people are friendly they will give you an Hola and try to get you in their booth. If you are not interested just say no and they will leave you alone. They will give you their business card with their name on it.
Lots of Honeymooners and couples getting married or renewing their vows. It appeared the hotel did a wonderful job handling their arrangements.
Side trips ? Suggest you go to the tour desk area see the guys in Flowered shirts Apple Vacations - AMSTAR DNC desk. They will treat you very well. Because of weather excursions were canceled and refunds were gladly and easily made. ScubaCaribe cancelled the Wednesday dive to Catalina Tuesday evening because of bad weather.
Extra items to bring ? Extension cord to plug your cell phone charger or other chargers in. Room voltage is 110 ac same as the USA. Brought our own large bar of soap for the shower. Their amenities in the room were great included #8 sun lotion. Bring a Beach bag.
Guests - Everyone we met were friendly - Ages varied from 18 to 60+, getting married, to married to celebrating everyone was there to have a great time. My wife and I met some great people. The crowd was a fun group. Mixed USA & International.
Regards and congratulations to Frank (LIRR) and his lovely new bride our next door neighbors, the Jones renewed their vows (10 YO anniv.) and hello to Kent & Donna and the gang from Indy that left Tuesday, if you read this feel free to send us an e-mail and we hope we left everyone with enhanced sunshine!
Other then a bad cold from the airplane, none of us got sick and we ate everything, salads etc. Brush your teeth with bottled water. Overall I would rate Secrets a 4 out of 5 stars. Staff was great and friendly, would we go back you bet, would we suggest you go and enjoy yourself you bet and feel free to e-mail us at marandassoc@hotmail.com Andy & Margaret in Upstate NY
for using their name in my reviews, they provided me with exceptional service and I wanted people to know about it.Similar to a TRIP REPORT about the resort or hotel. The hotel/resort i.e. Secrets doesn't pay me for a good or poor report.