The Gran Ventana is an excellent hotel to stay in, your room was very clean, every day beds changed as well as the towels.

Can't fault the staff they could not do enough for you.

The food was very good even the pickiest eater would never starve and as much to drink as you could manage, the only thing that lets the hotel down is the entertainment they really need to address this.

Just got back and had a really lovely honeymoon.

The thing that makes this hotel so good is the service.

The staff make a real effort to make you feel welcome and cannot do enough for you.

The hotel is not perfect but it is small niggly things that really in the big scheme of things do not matter whatsoever. There is however one big problem. This is the behaviour of the flight crews who stay here. They were extremely rude, running up and down the corridors screaming at night, consistently drunk and on some occasions very aggressive and this nearly kicked of a few times.

I won't go into detail but this is something that the airlines really need to address as it is not fair for your holiday to be ruined by a small minority who get paid to be there. This really did apply to all airlines with the possible exception of Monarch who had a crew that really made an effort to make friends and have a laugh with the rest of us. The thing I enjoyed most of Al was the evenings spent at the Tiki bar by the quiet pool.

You really do get to meet a lot of people here and some really funny times are there to be had. We didn't get off to the best start but that as down to First Choice who whilst giving us a lovely flight with their premium service decided to announce at check in that there would be a stop off in Antigua.

We would be allowed off the plane to have a smoke etc and it would take about an hour. Unfortunately we weren't allowed off the plane and it took two and a half hours. During this time there were no drinks and everybody was getting very grumpy. When the flight did eventually take off he crew refused to open the bar and it was only when a riot was about to happen the decided to pass round water. Anyway enough about that.

We got to the Gran Ventana and all the stress just disappeared. First impressions really are excellent it is so clean and the staff looked after you from the moment you walk into the lobby. We gave the cases to the bellboy and went off to find the room which was in Beata block. This seems to be where they put the couples as we didn't see any families staying here but I might be wrong.

I was worried about the noise from the nearby disco but it really wasn't a problem and we couldn't hear anything from our room which faced it directly.

The rooms have not been refurbished and from what I could see didn't really need it. The only problem was the hobbit sized bath tub and the shower left a bit to be desired. The rooms were very clean and spacious and the beds very comfortable, though unfortunately on wheels and had a tendency to shoot off if you weren't careful.
The air conditioning is excellent and it is quite easy to turn your room into a fridge.

The one thing I wasn't overly impressed with was the food. The buffet could be very good but sometimes was really just like school dinners. The big let down was the Italian. This we found really wasn't that good and the food was really quite bland. However, the octopus was very nice and the Steak with onions at the ocean grill is not to be missed, but don't forget your trousers as anyone not wearing full length trousers was quickly turned away. Make sure you book up your restaurants ASAP as they quickly run out of spaces and I think this is something the hotel might want to look at as while we were fine others we spoke to did miss out.

The entertainment from the point of view of two honeymooners was pretty dreadful but I can see it being pretty good for a family with children.

We didn't really use the main pool as we were keen to avoid the kids running around. however if you are on your honeymoon the extra perks advertised in the brochure were mainly non existent, we did get our dinner at the other hotel which was very nice, however not our junior suite or breakfast in bed, the hotel basically said that these perks didn't exist, and we did feel a bit let down by this.

As I said earlier thought the staff were excellent and I have seen people complain about having to give tips.

Firstly you don't have to but please remember this is a third world country and the staff get paid very little so please don't be stingy with the tips because they really do earn it. Particularly our maid who was a sweetheart and was so friendly. We tipped 5 dollars every couple of days or so and Ramiro at the Tiki bar who worked so hard for us. He always wanted to know about your day and your glass was never empty. We gave hime a good tip before we left. Overall I would very highly recommend the hotel and although there were a few little niggles thats really all they were. The people you meet and he general atmosphere of a hotel that caters for couples and families alike was excellent.

Just returned from the Gran Ventana on Sat 9th Sept It was a holiday booked 6 weeks earlier although I had read the reports previously.

We didnt book premier seats on the flight but boy could we have done with them it was very cramped and uncomfortable but hopefully this will be better next year when Thomsonfly upgrade their standard seats. We arrived 1 hour ealier than expected and as soon as we pulled our cases of the carousel the porters were all over us and wouldnt take no for an answer I suggest that you keep a tight hold of your luggage. It was a 20 min transfer and very quick and easy check in we were allocated a room in the Seona block on the third floor it was filthy with big cobwebs hanging so off we went back to Reception and after looking at a couple more rooms finally settled on one in the Catalina block on the third floor with a very obstructed view of the sea and ours balcony must have been the only one not to get any sun.

First impressions were a bit bleak as it rained for 2 days solid when the sun came out it was alot better but to be honest it felt as if I could have been anywhere as it didnt feel like a Caribbean island.

The Food is the main buffet restaurant seemed ok lots of choice but after a couple of days all four of us got jiffy tummies and nothing we took helped at all so it was a case of not going far from the loo we also spoke to other people and they were the same.
We also tried the A la Carte ones and they were all excellent especially the Octapus

The Entertainment staff really gave it 100% and I loved Enrique (Oh my god) and some of the evening shows had us rolling in the aisles laughing.

All in all we hade a nice holiday and our view of the hotel was good but as there is limited things to do outside the hotel unless you pay for trips my two teenage sons were very bored I feel it appeals to families with smaller children.

I probably would not return and am glad we only paid

Best Hotel I have ever been to.

I Work for Hilton Hotels and there service exceeded my expectations and the service which is standard with Hilton!

The pool area is beutiful with plenty of sunbeds (even in peak season)

Food - out of this world, even on the buffet - there is a grill if you dont fancy something off the hot plates where the chefs cook it for you right infront of you. Then there are 3 a-le-carte restaurants, which u are aloud to visit each one once every week, (So if u visit for 2 weeks, u get 6 a-le-carte meals)

The a-le-carte is also good as its a full inclusive 3/4 course menu

The range of soft and alcoholic drinks is very good, Try there peach snapps and pineapple juice is great!

rooms are lovely and spacious (well we booked 2 rooms both with double beds, so all 4 of us had a double bed each) rooms have air-con, and a big bath/shower and a balcony.

Rooms are cleaned daily, and sheets, towles are changed daily! good idea to leave a small tip for the staff, they work 12-18 hour shifts 6/7 days a week most of them

Entertainment - well like most hotels its ok... I made my own fun at the bar!

on the beach which is beutiful, and clean, but try and venture down the coast a few meters and u will find it a lot quieter

Its on the atlantic coast and theres a lovely cold breeze which is great considering most days where in the 40's!

Id advise you take Dollars, theere a lot more used than there own Pesos.

There are some other bars in the resort but they are very expensive!

Take the dominican outback tour, its a great day out and it shows you the real dominican republic, not the commercialised perfection which u will see in PLaya Dorada which is exlusive to foreign travellers

We visited the Gran Ventana between the 17th July to the 31st July. We arrived at the hotel in the afternoon, and was checked in fairly quick, and your baggage is sent too the room later, by the bellboy, which followed about 5 Min's later. When we got to the room that we were allocated, we had to be asked to be moved, as it was right by the main pool, and this is where the entertainment is, and would have been to loud for the children in the night.

The receptionist, was very accommodating and upgraded us to a junior suite free of charge, as they had no more standard rooms in none of the three buildings. If you are a family of four, I would advise a junior suite, as the standard room are quite small.

The rooms are a bit dated, but this was not a problem for us, as they a kept really really clean, they maids do a very good job, and they work very hard, and work very long hours, they start cleaning about 6.00am, and are still cleaning into the night. The grounds of the hotel is kept really clean as well as the garden areas.

The food in the hotel is OK, at the buffet restaurant, you can always find something to eat, but you may fine it hard if you are a vegetarian, and will get boring for you. Breakfast is very repetitive, but they again always a lot of choice, they cook for you an omelette of your choice, the fresh waffles are great, always a long cue for both of these, as well as the fresh smoothie of your choice was also great. The three other restaurants, was OK nothing special, our favorite was the Ocean Grill, we never really like the Italian, the portions are really small here too, and the Octopus was also OK, but did not have a good choice for vegetarians. Most people do dress up for these restaurants, but you can get in if you are wearing three quarter shorts and a t shirt.

If you are going to book these restaurants I would advise you to do this as soon as you can. One the fist week the only restaurant that was available was the Italian, and for the second week, you have to book on the Friday, booking opens at 8.00, and I would advise everyone to get there at this time, as I was cued for 2 hours to book these restaurants, the reception for is the other building, were the quite pool is, not in the main building.

Hotel Staff, most of the staff are great, loved all the entertainment team, they also work all day and do try their best to include everyone, and to keep you happy. We did have a problem with some of the bar staff, especially by the pool bar, mainly the women bar staff, and there was a lot of complaints about 1 in particular, but the men all great and always smiling. Do be careful not to drink to much of the pina colada, and banana mama, as this does upset the stomach, and you find yourself glued to the toilet. We also found the the big bottled of water left in the fridge in you room, also upset the stomach, but the little bottles seemed to be fine. The staff in all restaurants, really great, always kept you glasses topped up with drink, had no issues with them at all. Not to forget the security staff, great guys, and the gardeners, always friendly.

Hotel Location, I feel that the location of the hotel was to isolated for me, nothing to do outside the hotel, even though the plaza is a few minute walk away, but not much to do there either.

The beach, I did prefer to go to the beach rather that sit round the pool. The beach is great, done alot of snorkeling, and a few water sports, also we had no problems finding a sun lounger, and the shaded huts. The beach vendors are harmless, a simple no thanks, and they will leave you alone, we made friends with quite a few of the beach vendors, and would take them drinks left in the fridge in the room, or get them drinks from the beach bar.

Trips, we booked all our trips from the guys on the beach, as we found the reps to be over priced. We booked with Mike, and he stands at the little stand on the entrance to the beach, we done the following trips

Horse riding, this is for three hours, and they take you into the mountains, a really good experience, as I have never ridden a horse before. Beautiful scenery so remember to take you camera with you. We paid $20 per person, but small children go free.

Jeep safari, is a must, this trip is an eye opener, and you see the beauty of the DR. You visit Fruit plantation, see how coffee is made, and have a chance to by souvenirs, in a gift shop. You are also taken to a waterfall with you can climb, children have to be over the age of 8. If you can do take things for the children, as you see many on the trip, and they will ask you for things. We took sweets, also paper colouring pencils, felts, rubbers, pencils and pens. The children really do appreciate the things that they are given. This trip was $120 for two adults, and two children, food and drink is also included, the food here really nice, much better then the hotel food.

Paradise Island, also another good trip, the bus journey is long, but well worth the wait. You are taken on a speed boat, which is about a 30 minute ride to paradise island. On the Island to are given fruits, coconut, mangos, bananas, and pineapple's, yum yum, and drinks, be careful with the rum, as it is much stronger than what you are given in the hotel. You also go snorkeling and the equipment is included for you, do bring an underwater camera, as you get some really nice pictures, the water is very clear, and this island also has white sand. You stay on the island for 1hr and 30mins, and on the way back you are taken through a national park. When you get off the speed boat, you have lunch, yet again food is really really nice. Food and drink all included in the price can not remember how much this one cost.

Dune Buggy Tours, this trip I really really enjoyed, this was for 3 hours. do take some old clothes with you as you get really dirty, they take you into the mountains, but you passes the villages, take some sweets to throw to the kids, as the do run behind the buddies asking for candy. You stop off at a beach, so do wear your swim wear under your clothes, I would say this is a must. This was $120 for two buggie, if you have children, I would recommend this one rather than the Funny Bikes, both my boys aged 4 and 9 really enjoyed this too.

Catamaran, was a nice relaxing day out, but on this trip me and my two children were sick. I would recommend you take sea sickness tablets, the boat takes you to Sosua Beach, and you have the chance to just out in the sea and snorkel, yet again equipment provided. Food and drink is also provided on this trip too.

Playa Grande Laguna Gri Gri, on this trip it rained all day, so it really spoiled the trip for us. You are taken to a fruit plantation, you get the chance to sample different fruit, also here is a small souvenir shop, if you wish to buy things. We were then taken to Playa Grande beach, this beach is really beautiful and are their for about 1hr, after this you are taken to lunch, yet again food and drink included. This bit we never done a it was raining to heavy, but other on the trip did, you are taken on a boat to shallow caves. We paid $80 for two adults and two children.

Ocean World, we originally paid for the dolphin swim, but this was cancelled on us, as they had over booked, so ended up doing the dolphin encounter. Ocean World was not as good as I thought it would be, other the doing the swim or the encounters, there is not much to do. You are only allowed to have one go through the snorkeling reef, and the only two shows are the sea lion show, which was really good, and the bird show, which we did not see. The dolphin encounter was really good and was enjoyed by the children. This was $240 for the dolphin encounter for two adults and two children, food is included, but you have to pay for the drinks.

We really enjoyed our holiday to the DR, I would go back to DR again, but not straight away, as their are too many other countries to explore. I would not go back to Gran Ventana, simply because its in the Playa Dorada complex, and to me it is very isolated. I would say to anyone, do not stay inside the resort, get out and visit the real DR, as this is a beautiful country, and the people here are so friendly. Feeling the holiday blues already, anyone going have a really good time, we sure did. One a last note take a mixture of US Dollors and Dominican Pesos, you get a much better rate here, than in the DR, and if you need to change money while you are out there, go to the plaza, as you will get a much better rate then in the hotel.

My mother (63) and I (20) stayed at the Gran Ventana (Spanish for Big Window, apparently!) from the 12th June to the 26th June.

We went with First Choice, who are absolutely amazing! They have done so much to make our holiday perfect! We paid extra for their premium flight upgrade

After reading some bad reviews on theis hotel I went with an open mind.
Myself and my partner were going on our honeymoon and took our 3yr old daughter with us.

All I can say is this place is amazing. The staff can not do enough to help you. They are so kind and friendly its unbelievable. We thought the Greeks were friendly, just wait till you meet the Dominicans.

The cleaners were out from 6am right through till about 11 at night. You could not fault the place for cleanliness.

The entertainment team worked so hard to keep everyone occupied. They never repeated the same show the whole time we were there.
There was singing, dancing, comedy the works.

For the kiddies there is a baby pool which was great. The kids club was fantastic and certainly kept Alycia (our little one) entertained. Throughout the day there were different activities going on and then in the evening they had a childrens (mini) disco followed by games. Once a week they had a fashion show and also a childrens lunch.
We felt quite relaxed in the knowledge that she was in safe hands.
The kids club is open from 9-12 and 2-5.

The food was excellent for the kind of place you are in. Remeber they are catering in bulk so do not expect Cordon Bleu catering.

I would certainly reccomend this hotel to anyone.

We just returned form staying at the gran ventana hotel in Puerto Plata, dr. What a fantastic holiday.

The hotel was wonderful extremely clean in beautiful surroundings.

The food was fabulous plenty of choice, and the a la cart restaurants were great, we weren

Hi all,

We visited this hotel in March 2004 and had a fantastic time so we're due back there within 3 days of posting this message!

Food choice was excellent it catered for everyone, rooms were spacious and the location is ideal and has very good security, we found we could wander into other hotels in the area, but the security checked most people who tried to wander in to Gran Ventana both from main entrance and beach.

The staff were very entertaining and would recommend the spanish lessons for 10 mins every morning its fun and useful at the same time!

I would definately recommend this hotel to everyone, it caters for all.

The hotel was fantastic couldnt fault it in any way, it was clean and friendly.

The maids never seemed to go home they were always cleaning something.

The food was great even the kids enjoyed it and there was plenty to choose from, the waiters were all friendly and could not do enough for you.

The beach was only a stone throw away and was clean.