“The Patrons and the Staff were the best we have ever encountered”

We realized that the reason this vacation was so inexpensive was because was the rainy season (March) so we were prepared to see rain. Saw the sun four days out of the eight days we were there. However it was the best place we have been to in years and are planning to go back next year. The patrons who frequent this resort are mostly from Canada and England. We met three Americans all week. The rain allowed us to meet so many wonderful interesting people. Comparing cultures and life experiences was so very interesting. The staff are so sweet and can not do enough to please you. They do no expect tips and never treated non-tipping patrons differently, but given their small income we did tip. The food is not gourmet, but there is a lot of variety and definately edible. The booze flows freely from 10:00am to 2:00am what more does a person need when it rains for four days.

“Great Place- one of the best, but beware Discotheque”

We have stayed at most of the hotels along the Playa Dorada - This in many ways is in our experience the best. It is also on the most attractive, clean and less crowded area of the beach. Good food, pleasant grounds, nice staff. One warning - they have a building at the back that is over a discotheque. The room pulsates and throbs until 5am every night. Sleep not an option. Insist on rooms at front of the hotel near the beach. Don't expect too much from the staff at the front desk.

“A good budget all inclusive resort with great service.”

First of all I went wth my husband, 5 year old daughter, brother and mother. Also our friends meet up with us 3 days later. I called ahead of time and spoke to someone from the resort who assured me I would have a room facing the beach (we ended up facing a wall and no view of the beach and requested our room to be changed and it was). After being changed we loved our room and it was in Sasoa Section facing the pool (away from the stage - that was a great spot). We ate at all three restaurants and for me I loved the restaurants as follows: (1st) Octopus Gourmet Rest;(2nd) Ocean Grill;and(3rd)Sapore. The service from the workers there was great - they truly work very hard and so well deserved to be tipped well. Juan at the pool was a super bartender as well as the other people at the bar. The front desk people were also good. The rooms, like most people say, are out dated but the bathroom is more updated. We all loved the pool it was great and the beach clean and clear water and so warm; shows were good. The kids club very small but the ladies working in there were so nice and kept the kids busy. The people who did the entertainment were great - worked also so hard to make your say good. All in all, we would go back one day.

“Muy Bueno”

I love it, is very clean, the personel is extremely friendly and always Ready to help and the food was wonderful

“A Home Away from Home”

Only 15 minutes away from the airport! The resort is a very good size - not too big, so you can have a very relaxed walk around, especially when walking from the hotel to the disco/bar CoCoBongo, and back early morning after a few drinks :-) Very clean, beautifully landscaped resort, with sparkling clean warm pool. The beach is clean and not as rocky as I thought it would be...we did not need our beach shoes. The food variety was very good; very healthy choices. Our adult children stayed for more than a month, and for picky eaters like them, they commented that food selection did not seem to have been repeated. Mattress was on the hard side but the pillows were very comfortably soft. Animation team do not force you to join if you just prefer to watch. Most important: the resort personnel - from Room Manager Maria B., to the restaurant waiters/busboys, room cleaners like Naomi - all were extremely helpful, respectful, and lovely!!! We were treated like family. They were all very supportive of our volunteering to teach/play with children in the after-school-program of DOVE MISSIONS Puerto Plata. They gave us anything we needed for the kids - most especially food. Made our volunteer experience in Puerto Plata more memorable. We will definitely ALWAYS go back to our second home - the Gran Ventana to volunteer with DOVE MISSIONS. THANK YOU GRAN VENTANA!!

“Unforgettable Stay”

This was our first trip to Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata it was a beautiful experience as well as enjoyable. The weather was fantastic, the shopping was a blast at the plaza. It was wonderful to see the citzens of Dominican Republic. They were every bit kind and respectful. This is what makes it a beautiful place to visit anytime. And we had a fabulous time at the COCO BONGO! the people truely know how to PARTY!

“Very good resort”

I found that the resort offered everything it promised. The rooms are very nice and the staff is very helpful and friendly. Overall, I was very impressed with my experience.

“The Service is Great!”

This is a very nice hotel and the service is great. The staff there takes the extra time to make your stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. From the time you are greeted at the front desk, the staff is available for your needs.The Dominican people are wonderful and work hard to serve and please. There is always a big smile on their face and a beautiful warmth of friendliness about them. The food is good and plentiful,not everything prepared will be to your liking, but there is something for everyone.This hotel seems to attract a large European crowd, as many of the hotels in Puerto Plata do. I have stayed there many times and I would continue, it's a good bang for the buck, BUT keep in mind it's not the Ritz Carlton !

“Peurto Plata DR, Grande Ventana Hotel”

Exceeded our expectations in every respect. We had never done an "all inclusive" before and honestly expected food, lodging, service, and amenities to be fair to poor. We were willing to do it just to get out of the cold NE. The service was very good and very friendly. You must remember however that you are on "island time" and things just aren't going to happen at the speed of light. The food was surprisingly good. At least 4 options every night including a carving station and a grill station + 3 fine dining restaurants available at no add'l coast.. Rooms more than adequate. Located on a beautiful beach. Also has two lg pools. Demographics from young singles, to families, mid age, older. Nice mix. Canadians, Brits, German,French, Finn, USA. Would stay again in a heartbeat

“I wannna goo back!”

I had a great time at this hotel, I was so sad to leave. It was so relaxing. The beach is just beautiful. There are 3 or 4 bars around the resort including one in the pool. THe food was great. Im not sure why people complaining on the reviews. We went to 2 out of the 3 resturants and loved it! One of our fav part of the resort were the shows every night. THe animation crew were so funny and really brought energy to us. If you like clubing there is one next to resort, 2 min walking. No charge to enter. I do suggust making plans to do things outside of the resort too. There is so much to see and do out there take advantage! I love the people in the Dominican Republic, they are so full of energy and laughter. Everyone in the neighborhood is happy even the poor areas, it really makes you think twice bout things we complain about everyday basis. I speak spanish so i had no problem speaking to the workers but they do speak english as well. For those who complain about that it makes me laugh because you are in a spanish speaking country. They are not going to hire americans there. I think some people complain too much. Relax! and don't be too picky its your vacation. I had fun and would love to go back!