Playa Dorada (Dominican Republic)

Advantages: see op
Disadvantages: see op

...one of my friends recommended Playa Naco which is part of the Playa Dorada complex, he had been there the year before and is going back in October to get married there. I thought that would be a good recommendation, I mean he liked it enough to want to have his wedding there. The brochures showed that a good range of water sports (and other sports) were included and I was keen to try them out. My friends pictures also showed a lovely pool with a ...
...ended up in the "Miss Playa Naco" contest. They didn't tell you what you were doing till I got up there so there I was in my size 22 swimsuit feeling a total prat! In the evening there was entertainment by the pool. To get a chair though you had to get there early as it got packed. Again there was a variety of silly games, live music and a couple of karaoke sessions. We found that we preferred to spend our evenings in the "VIP lounge" which was air ... Read review

Advantages: All inclusive , Beaches and People
Disadvantages: Annoying beach sellers

...many beach side resorts in Playa Dorada along the atlantic sea front ; Don't let this put you off as sea was warm and calm every day ( well it was august) AIRLINE: Travelled on an AIR 2000 plane and this was the only let down of the whole holiday as stewartdesess were very un helpful and seemed to positively un-friendly .Not what you want on an 10 hour flight! The return trip was much better though food was awful ! Anyone for egg and brown sauce ...
...in the Domincan Republic we were very relieved to be met by our transfer bus and on to our destination very smartly. Keep taking the travel sickness pills if you don't like bumpy journeys though as the roads are like being on a roller coaster ride! Once arriving at our hotel we were offered a drink and checked in very quickly with a porter showing us too our room . All other British guests on our transfer bus were located in the same building! ... Read review

Advantages: Hot but quite breezy, All you need in Playa Dorada complex
Disadvantages: You get quite fed up of being hassled

...stayed in the resort of Playa Dorada in the Dominican Republic for two weeks. What a excellent place to have a relaxing holiday. The complex itself consists of a number of hotels, bars, shops and clubs and is constantly guarded (although don't let this put you off it was actually quite reasuring). The resort is a purpose built complex but not far from towns where you can do a bit of shopping. We didn't venture out of the resort much as you get hassled ...
...Most of the packages to Playa Dorada are all inclusive which is excellent value and the food was of a really high standard in our hotel. My advice is not to hire a car in the Dominican Republic as we actually witnessed a fatal accident involving tourists while we were there. The locals do not stick to their side of the road and overtake constantly. Overall, I had an excellent time. This really is a holiday to get spoilt and take it easy. ... Read review

Advantages: All inclusive
Disadvantages: Sea was rough and choppy, not suitable for swimming really

...Dominican Republic, staying in the Playa Dorada resort. I travelled alone and really didn't know what to expect. The flight and transfer went smoothly and I was pleasantly suprised when arriving at the resort. All the surroundings are very lush and tropical and there's a superb golf course contained within it - if golf is your thing of course. The resort consists of hotels, various shops and a shopping plaza. The hotels are on an all-inclusive basis. ...
...basic but nonetheless clean and comfortable. I was worried about how I would cope being a female on my own. Fortunately I soon met plenty of people at my hotel who befriended me so I was able to spend my time with them as opposed to wandering about on my own. I never felt unsafe when I was walking about on my own, but of course I was hassled by the local males - not in a sinister way, more flirtacious banter. I found a smile, a wave and a "hello ... Read review

Advantages: Good food, good weather, excellent staff,
Disadvantages: entertainment repeditive

just back from a 2 week stay in this hotel and must say had a wonderful holiday.We got married their in our second week.This ceremony was a wonderful experience and thanks to Ambiores our wedding co ordinator and the hotel guest services manager it was a day to remember and one which went totally problem free from start to finish.I am lost for words to find to praise this man.The wedding package he put together was fantastic not to mention an upgraded ...
...good as any 4 star apartment with separate living area, fridge, microwave and tea making facilities. The list goes on. The hotel staff were remarkable, friendly and very obliging, the rooms were cleaned daily. The food was of a high standard, the breakfasts in particular were better than i ever experienced abroad before. All tastes are catered for here.The a la carte restaurants are a must so book on arrival. Mexican, italian and the grill. The entertainment ... Read review

Advantages: Thoroughly relaxing, clean, excellent food, friendly staff
Disadvantages: Getting expensive

...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... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Friendly, clean, own beach, All Inclusive
Disadvantages: Entertainment Sparse

...** Victoria Golf Resort – Playa Dorada – Dominican Republic ** Having visited the Playa Dorado Complex before we knew what to expect but we hadn’t been to the Victoria Golf Resort. Playa Dorado Complex consists of around 14 different “Resorts” situated on a complex shaped like a horseshoe. A road goes all around the complex and each “resort” has its own security, bars, restaurants, beach, entertainment etc, etc. My husband & I plus 4 friends booked the holiday through First Choice. **** Journey **** We flew from Gatwick with First Choice Airways and the plane was a delight. The extra leg room was ideal and with screens on the back of seats and a choice of films to watch, programmes to choose from and games to play the journey didn’t seem as long as 9 hours. On arrival at Puerto... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Climate, Scenery, Value for Money Holiday,
Disadvantages: None

...My recent holiday bought through Lunn Poly’s web site (a Thomson Holiday), was to a place called Playa Dorada on the Northern (Amber) Coast of República Dominicana (Dominican Republic to us English!) I bought this holiday from Lunn Poly (Thomson) because of their reputation in the holiday industry and I must say that they were as good as they claimed in the adverts! The rep was extremely helpful and informative and she was very pleasant too. This part of the island is called the Amber Coast because of the abundance of amber found there, you will find a huge amount of amber jewellery to buy, along with black jade and the gem that is unique to the Dominican Republic, larimar, which is a gorgeous sea-blue stone. Beware though, larimar jewellery can be quite expensive but, if you are getting engaged as a couple did whilst I was there... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful