After reading reviews of this hotel we insisted on being in building 5 or 6. We were put in Bldg.6 without any questions. There were a total of 13 in our group (6 rooms).
Check in was swift and friendly. The room and the grounds were clean. The pools were colder than the Ocean but clean. Always plenty of chairs at the beach and/or pools.
People were friendly and usually helpful. Food was good for DR standards. Selection of side dishes was monotinous but main courses were good. We went to 2 of the 3 al a cartes. Italian was nice but the Grill was excellent. Steaks were huge and very good. We skipped the Mexican due to hearsay. Golfed 3 times across the street at Paya Dorada. Very nice but the greens were suspect in places.
Tips definitely increased level of service received at various areas including the bars.
This facility definitely lacked in late night after hours eating selection (boiled hot dogs nightly). Also, they would not give us 2 room keys which caused some frustration if we were not always together. In room remote control for TV are available if you ask.
Night time entertainment was typical with the Karioke being the most popular. Not much to do at night outside of this or the Lounge area with a Piano player.
The hawkers on the beach were not that bad and accepted a quick " no gracias" and moved on. Enviroment was safe and clean.
Overall, it was a good experience. Not great, but we got what we paid for....a 3.5 star resort.

We loved it. 2 friends for a week away and what a time!! Food was delicious and more than plentiful. Beach was exotic to say the least and the snack bar and drinks on the beach was very convenient. We were waited on and catered to like celebrities. The swimming pool area was the same way. All kinds of wait staff, men and women alike were more than happy to accomodate. Housekeeping staff did a wonderful job of our room and were left a small tip or gift each day. We never left the resort, just beach, pool, restaurant and bar, thats all working moms need for a week away.

Before I start I should warn that we were diverted to this resort because of an over booking at the one we were to stay at, but I will attempt to remain objective. The resort on a whole is very nice- clean, wonderful pool, incredible golf and cliff views to the ocean that must be seen to describe. While we 'lay over' at this resort we discovered that it was almost booked by a large group of a Jewish community that because of their religion had to take over the kitchen. The resort did best they could for our group and should be commended especially after taking the abuse of many from our group. The room was pretty good, perhaps above average for the area and included a wonderful balcony where you can hear the ocean. The pool was fantastic and the staff outstanding given the whole situation. We never got to the beach because we did not stay long enough to find it - apparently across the road and down a cliff. However, given the situation that we were in, the resort was fantastic and the staff was more than courteous and helpful - I would go again if I had a golf partner.

My husband and I took our 3 children, 13,11 and 9 on our first family vacation on Jun 3 -07. The weather was amazing!!
The resort was great for families, the kids club worked hard at making the stay enjoyable ....the sports counter was great for our son. The kids really enjoyed being there, the staff were friendly, the food was great however, was ready to come home to eat by the end of the week. The a la cartes were good, recomend the steak at both italian and the grill for sure!
Our only complaint was the sellers on the beach they were really overwhelming, too many hanging around this end of the beach.
Every experience is different however if you try to remember that these people are working hard to make your stay enjoyable, and that you are not in your own country so dont expect it to be classed as it would be here, you will have a great time!
Tips: bring 30 plus sunscreen (expensive there) advil, ear plugs if needed, bug spray ( they were bad in the evening)

Dont Go For the Tour they offer you of the Flaminco it is a waste of your vacation time!!!

To snorkel go left on the beach follow up past the stream that runs to the ocean, cross, and in front of the Grand Ventanna you will find coral, bring a bananna and some bread and you will be amazed at the beauty!!

ENJOY!