"What Was Unique About the Resort — and What I Didn’t Like
This resort has definitely seen better days. We had the misfortune of having to change rooms three times. First, the AC crashed. Then we had issues with the lights, followed by a lack of running water. To their credit, however, the staff did the best they could to accommodate us whenever these problems occurred.
The food at the main buffet was good—as long as you got there early. The on-site restaurants were also quite good. Mind you, this is not a Michelin-rated resort, so if you know food and understand how it should be prepared, you would definitely notice the difference.
Now, the smoking situation is another story. If you are a non-smoker, be prepared for a constant wave of cigarette smoke everywhere, from the pool area to the beach. But if you’re a smoker, heaven awaits.
The nightly entertainment could definitely use a reset button. Dominican Night, however, was very good. One evening, we hung out at the beach for a show. Let’s just say it was a challenge. Between the mangled lyrics and the off-tempo performances of very familiar classic ’50s rock-and-roll songs, we actually felt sorry for the musicians.
The beach, however, still reigns supreme. Playa Dorada was just as delightful as it was the first time I visited in 1987. That beach remains the star of the show.
Despite all the shortcomings, the staff made us feel comfortable and relaxed—just as we would expect at a top resort. Love C and N."