I have decided to write an opinion about this hotel complex as, to date, it is the most fantastic place I have ever stayed. I stayed at this complex in 1996 just after it had been built - back then it was immaculate. I have recently seen it on a holiday programme and it doesn't appeared to have changed much so I feel I am still able to give a very reliable opinion (or as reliable as my opinions get!).
The complex itself is situated in the Playa Dorada in the north of the Dominican Republic - it is rated as a four star all-inclusive resort. The first thing that struck me when I arrived was the bright vibrant colours - the accommodation is no more than 3 storeys high and bright yellow with blue decoration. The accommodation is situated around a massive pool, graduated depth where you can just
sit in the pool and watch the world go by. There seemed to be flowers everywhere, I don't know if it was just the time of the year we visited, but they really made the place seem like the Caribbean (huge red blooms everywhere).
The pool has a swim up bar in the middle - where, considering the booze is free flowing....you don't very often swim up to it (perhaps it should be called a stumble-to bar?). As expected, there are sunbeds surrounding the pool - but what is unusual is that we didn't have to actually fight for a sunbed (nor did we have to come down from our room at 4am to fight other nationalities for one....very unusual!!) - they were in generous supply (and the hotel was full at the time!). Sunbeds are also provided on the beach. The beach itself (due to being situated on the north coast) is sandy (and is covered in seaweed!) but can be quite breezy - although this is actually quite nice with some of the high temperatures you get in the Caribbean.
The lounge and reception area was light and airy - quite a large and welcoming place for an evening drink. The bedrooms were of decent size, each having 2 double beds (I guess it always comes in handy after an arguement!!), a tv (cable channels for those who miss home comforts!) and a decent sized bathroom. The decor was also colourful but quite tasteful. There was also a small fitness room (too much like hard work on holiday!), hairdressers and beauty salon.
In terms of location it is situated at the end of the Playa Dorada complex (with many hotels encased in a secure resort) and only a 2 minute walk from several bars and shops. We didn't venture out that often as the actual complex had virtually everything we could ask for. The evening entertainment (every night) was either laid on by the extremely capable and friendly staff or was brought in from outside - one of the hightlights of my holiday was seeing one of the male bar staff dressed in nothing but a red bikini (on loan from myself!). The staff were extremely helpful and were always trying to get you to do the local dance (a great deal of hip wiggling!).
As the Gran Ventana offers all-inclusive, you also get free watersports on the nearby beach. This ranges from snorkelling to windsurfing. Other 'freebies' include beach volleyball and aqua-aerobics so at least you have the opportunity to burn all those excess calories consumed from the 'eat as much as you want' buffet. This leads nicely onto my next point....
The food. I dread going on holiday for fear of the food - my stomach is not very good with foreign cuisine! However, I was surprised at the fact that I wasn't ill once whilst staying at this resort. The food was amazing; extremely fresh, some prepared to order and they really made the extra effort with presentation. They had made ice and fruit statues and everything was kept in chilled areas. This was self-service (buffet style) but was totally unlike anything I had seen before - and the vegetarian choice was fantastic - much better than in the UK! You could eat at the a la carte restaurant once a week which was also of high quality but I much preferred the buffet!
During my stay several couples got married - ceremonies held both in the hotel grounds and on the beach. But there were also groups of single people as well as couples so this complex really does have something for everyone. I am glad I went when I did, I paid £500 for a last minute holiday for 2 weeks in May with First Choice. I have since discovered that the same holiday now costs over £1000 - maybe due to its increasing popularity? If you are tempted by the Dominican Republic, want a totally relaxing time but don't know where to stay....give this place some consideration - I came home thoroughly satisfied (and that is very unusual for me!!).
Bump! I just fell back down to reality again.....I've been in holiday mode which was fun while it lasted.....back down to grey Norwich!!!
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Excellent op. This was one destination my husband and I looked at for our honeymoon, and we were on the verge of booking this hotel when we got a fantastic deal on the Couples hotels in Jamaica instead (have written a review), so went there, but really fancy trying the Gran Ventana at some point in the future - though now we have an 8-month-old baby, it might be quite a while before we make it! :-) Sam
offy 24.02.2001 01:09
I stayed here too in February 1998 for my friend's wedding. Great place, great food, great atmosphere, brilliant wedding. We did venture out of the complex (took a guided taxi) and had a great time. For anyone considering going out here, the tours we went on were excellent too, particularly the waterfalls one.
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Feb 19th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
