We had a group of 29 of us to celebrate birtthdays, Anniversaries and long term friendships! We chose this resort due to the reviews and cost we were able to get for our group. We travelled by AirTransat, and some of us booked priority plus. Definately worth the extra money and no delays at either airport. Our check in was fine, our room 5333 was very nice. Building 5 is all along the right side when you look from the resort to the ocean. If you select poolside and our in buidling 5 you will not get any sunshine on your balcony. Not sure what the other building was across the pool but they had full sun.
Food - Breakfast buffet food was good. Fresh omelettes are in another room along with fresh juices. Lots of section you won't be disspointed. Only improvement would be to have both grills making more then one omelett at a time so you dont need to wait,
Lunch was buffet, fresh pizza at the Italian resturant or the grill by the beach. All options are good. The BBQ chicken at the grill runs out fast. This grill has burgers, hotdogs, chicken, vegetables and fries plus a variety of fresh toppings like guacomole. If you like pizza it is worth drying off and eating at the Italian Thin crust , delicious toppings and made from a pizza oven. Buffet has a good selection and it attached to the Italian so you can sit in the Italian and people can order pizza or eat at the buffet.
Dinner - Oceana was great, however we went 3 nights and although I ordered the same meal it was changed up. Steak I had was fabulous but one night there was 10 of us adn half the table got a good piece of steak and the other not so good. Seaside Grill is by the ocean, again had the steak but not a good cut. It was still ok.
Italian - our party ate here but I did not Mixed reviews one night food was fantastic other night so so. The best was teh Himitsu - we booked 3 different sittings and used this to celebrate the birthdays. The performance by the chefs was amazing and the food fantastic. This by far was the best night just because of food and show
The gym - three different sections, a weight room, a matt room and a cardio room. This was by far the best gym facilities I have seen at a resort and there was always staff available to help you. I didn't get names but I wished I did as they were fantastic
Staff - we have never bonded with so many people at a resort. I cant say enough about the staff at the Grotto Bar and around the pool, Our favourites were Pool Waiters - Elvis, Jefry and at the Grotto Bar Rayphin. This guys worked tirelessly all day long with a smile. They felt like family and the resort needs to make sure they keep them. Yimi at the Veranda Bar was absolutely the best! He was friendly, always smiling and made the best Caipirinha's (get it with the DR rum). He also ran the coffee / tea station by the pool in the morning. Nice way to start your day getting a drink from Yimi!
Entertainment Staff - Again these people were amazing. 911, Mr Wonderful, Coca Cola all entertained us at the pool with games and aquafit. They made our trip. Daloris and Eliza Corezone were also amazing. Eliza ran Karaoke at the sports bar and was so much fun. The World Juniors were playing and we watched both the semi-finals and finals which interupted Karaoke but Eliza ran with it. The night Canada won we had Marc Hervieux famous Canadian singer. He sang the national athem and it was incredible. Eliza always went out of her way to say hello! The entertainment at night was good, and they did do stuff for the kids (can't comment as we had no children with us - but one night they set up popcorn, chairs and a night screen for an outdoor movie for the kids).
The conceige desk - Raquel Torres - I can't say enough about Raquel. She truly made our trip. We reached out to her prior to arriving to discuss golf. She responded quickly and then when we where there two of us from our group connected with her though Whats App. She helped us arrange birthday cakes, anniversary surprise and two dinners. She is truly a miracle worker and I cant say enought about how much she did for us. She went above and beyond even answering our messages on her day off. If you go to this resort you need to connect with Raquel she is absolutey superb!
None of us did the preferred, however in hindsite if we go back we would do it for the upgrade in alcohol alone. You can get upgrded booze (like grey goose vodka) and beer (canned and corona).
The Wifi - you had it for your room and then it switched to a genera one for the resort. Can't say it was the greatest. Often disconnected.
Cafe in front lobby offered snacks and drinks staff very friendly.
If you are looking for a great time, good fun and fun in the sun this is your resort!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.