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 Plato Airport we sailed through customs and were soon on the coach to our destination. Unfortunately it was Sunday and there was some celebrations on the island so the 30 minute journey took twice as long due to the traffic build up on the roads.
**** Arrival ****
On arrival at the Playa Dorado Complex we were second to get off the coach and, as it was still daylight, we had a good first impression of Victoria Golf Resort. Check in was swift with a welcoming fruit drink, and after attaching a wrist band to us (to say we were All Inclusive visitors and which resort we were staying at) we were taken to our rooms by a courtesy golf trolley and trailer.
We weren’t sure what to expect as some “reviews” of this hotel had not always been favourable when we had looked on the internet. However, according to the brochure, Victoria Golf had been refurbished recently and we were not disappointed with any of the rooms. They were all clean and tidy; did not look at all shabby (like some reviews had said) with clean bedding, a fridge that was stocked daily with drinks, and coffee making facilities. Each one had a balcony which either overlooked the golf course or garden. On the balcony were plastic chairs and a table.
After we had unpacked and freshened ourselves we went to explore and eat. Near to our rooms was a swimming pool which was for adults only. This pool had a waterfall and also a bar. As we carried on exploring we found an air conditioned gym which was adequately equipped for anyone feeling the need. Just past the reception area was the buffet style restaurant and another, bigger pool. There was also an entertainment area, a pizza restaurant, an upstairs bar and an a la carte restaurant.
Victoria Golf Resort is situated in the middle of a golf course, which envelopes all of the Playa Dorado Complex. It is a great 18 hole golf course (according to my husband) with it’s own restaurant/bar etc. If anyone is thinking of visiting this complex be sure to take your Golf Clubs with you!
**** Holiday ****
We spent 2 weeks at the Victoria Golf Resort and enjoyed every minute of it. There is a shuttle bus which takes you down to the beach. Each “resort” has its own part of the beach which sweeps round a large bay. Also each “resort” has its own drink and snack bar. As most of them are All Inclusive there is no need to carry any money to the beach with you. Whilst there beach traders come around trying to sell you their wears but a pleasant “No Thank You” usually is sufficient to send them on their way. We did buy our excursions from a man called “Eddie” on the beach. This proved to be much cheaper than the reps and every one we went on was value for money. I would recommend this way of buying your excursions. One day we went on a Catamaran, another Quad Bikes and Horse Riding. There were many other trips to go on all at very reasonable prices; if you’re at all wary by all means go through your rep but we were pleased with everything Eddie arranged for us (you can also haggle the price with him!)
The food was very good and the staff serving us were all polite and very helpful. We made friends with most of the staff, especially the ones serving in the beach bar. Entertainment was spasmodic but we did go “out of season” so not many people were around to be entertained. However, some evening’s entertainment was very good while others hardly had anything happening. There were “games” arranged during the day, such as table tennis tournaments and beach games, but with not many holiday makers they were not always a success. One of our group played most games going and at the end of the holiday had collected quite a few prizes, mainly small bottles of the local rum.
We visited the a la Carte Restaurant several times during our stay. Here you could have a four course meal of your own choice and the food was excellent with lovely presentation.
Whilst at the Complex there are several places to go. It has a shopping mall with clothes, souvenirs, bars, jewellery, internet cafes and a bank; a casino and several alternate places to eat. You can walk all around the complex; have bikes out to ride around or take a leisurely ride in a horse & cart. It is a safe environment with security guards situated all around.
**** Conclusion: ****
I would highly recommend the Victoria Golf Resort, Playa Dorado, Dominican Republic as a superb, reasonably priced (£643 per person for 14 nights, All Inclusive) Caribbean holiday to anyone.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Dec 20th, 2006
very helpful by (100%):
