Hi I'm going to gran ventana in October I picked it because of hopefully having somewhere to go outside at night if we get bored of the entertainment.

First ever time going longhaul and somewhere that isn't icmeler turkey. I'm going to take a travel kettle in case . Reviews seem fine that I've read.

Bev

Hi

We stayed at gran ventana in 2008 and had an amazing time. Just before we were due to go we read reviews and almost cancelled as they were so bad so glad we didnt The food was fab so much choice at the buffet resturant, we didnt even eat at the a la carte. The entertainment staff did a great job and worked really hard to make sure every enjoyed. The rooms were spacious and clean, ours had 2 double beds in it. The beach was white sand and clear water. Maybe someone will be able to give you more up-to-date information but i would have no problems in giving it a positive review.

Hope that helps.

Lily.

Can't comment on the Gran Ventana as we stayed at a different hotel in Playa Dorada however the beach was lovely

Thats a great beach

What I'm most bothered about is that
1. the food is good
2. the beach & sea are lovely
3. would like the room to be "nice" - very clean, good shower, comfortable bed & just a bit "nice hotely".

Thats it really.
I think the VH for the food & the Cayacoa for the rooms & maybe the beach & sea is better there too, but not so sure after that picture

Also up for concideration could be:

Puerto Plata
ClubHotel Riu Bachata
Be Live Grand Marien
ClubHotel Riu Mambo
Blue Bay Villas Doradas

Punta Cana
Caribe Club Princess
ClubHotel Riu Bambu

La Romana
Gran Bahia Principe La Romana

Any of them great?
Any better than my two (Gran Bahia Principe Cayacoa or VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort)?

Punta Cana has stunning beaches.
Are you interested in tours etc as the North is better...however if you just want a chill out on the beach etc I'd pick Punta Cana.

Kiltman

I remember those beaches so well-i want to be back there The gran ventana does have a beach bar that serves food and drinks all day. We sat for ages just people watching and gazing out to sea.

Lily.

Hi rachie-m

Mainly relaxing, I didn't think there was an awful lot to see in the DomRep?
Nothing historical anyway is there?

Wow those are the best piccies of those beaches i' ve seen. Can't wait. That's if I ever get it paid for.

Bev

Kimevans - we stayed at the Gran Ventana in July 2009 with our teenage son; he loved it!!! We are at the moment looking to book it again for summer 2012; we also like the look of the Iberostar but the Ventana is in a better part of the peninsular; there is a small shopping mall to walk to and you can also wander around the other hotels quite safely.

You are never going to please everybody with regard to food and hotel/bed standards - we are all different. But the Ventana is extremely good value for money and nothing is too much trouble for the staff. We had two horrendous thunderstorms whilst we were there which caused all the public areas to flood - the staff were like a group of worker ants! They tried their upmost to clear the water and to make sure holidaymakers were safe. We had no complaints with our room or the cleanliness of it. Likewise, we tended to eat in the buffet restaurant as trying to book the other restaurants was a bit hit and miss but there was always something suitable to be had. They do the normal cooking to order at all mealtimes and the milkshakes at breakfast are lovely

The beach is very clean - they are out around 7 every morning cleaning it - and there was always a bed and brolley to be had when we were there. There are beach hawkers permanently wandering up and down trying to sell you their wares but a firm "no thank you" is all that is needed.

Any other questions, just ask

Just an update really - we have booked Gran Ventana for Summer 2012 Bring it on!!

I hope you have a great time.

Try and go up the cable car in Puerto Plata well worth it for the views

mitchy

sooooooo jealous of you going back. Hope you have a fab time and come and let us know how you get on.

Lily. x