I Will Go for Years to Come!!

I have found a home away from home. I have been to the Paradise Beach twice and am currently planning my third trip within the next month. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, which is why these types of sites exist, but if your "standards" are so high that only Hiltons and Hyatts will do for you, don't go to the Dominican Republic. Yes it is paradise on earth, yes you will meet some of the warmest people you've ever openned up to, but it's also an economically challenged country that essentially lives from tourism!! If you are not open to the experience, then go to BORA BORA and hook up with XXX!

I have to admit up front, I am Spanish speaking, but have met many non-Spaniards that call the Paradise a home away from home regardless of that fact. The resort is made up of tropical styled villas that are clustered surrounding the main pool and bar area. The courtyards between the villas house the most lush and stunning tropical garden paths, that make forgetting your suntan lotion in your room a treat to trot back and get. The Paradise also has the "best and most beautiful" beachfront in Puerto Plata. I have walked it from Playa Benguiat (sp?), just east of the Flamenco to the "little orange huts" by the Jack Tar (about 1.25 hour walk, one way). I feel sorry for some of guests of the other resorts, huddled atop "sand dune" type elevated beaches, with little shelter from the hot sun. The Paradise in fact has TWO fabulous beaches, due to the fact that the resort juts out into the ocean, like an arrowhead. To the east, there is the "quiet beach" where there is no activities, no music, just lush plam trees speckled across a very large and secluded beach and the wonderful tradewinds that specifically hit the island right at that location. This first beach is connected to the "fun beach" by a short walk on a star shaped boardwalk. This second location is where the volleyball, watersports, basketball, music, etc. is contained. If you wanna be in the thick of it, with a marvelous view of the ocean and the awe inspiring "Isabella de Torres" (mountain); this is the spot to be. Hugo at the beach bar is always in top form; and the king of the beach "Gafas" is always eager to assist with any of your watersport needs. The grill gets going at 11 am, with great snacks and lunches, and the Hibiscus buffet rocks. Omlette bar for breakfast, great desserts all the time, and every night is a different theme; they even did a great job with the "sangria and paella" on "spain night" (although I'd never admit to my mother it was as g

The animation team is just THE BOMB. I count many amoungst them (the Kikos Team) as good friends; but for a group of people who work from 9am to 11pm (at least) entertaining the tourists, setting up and rehearsing for various productions, etc., they still have a smile and a kind word for everyone they come across. Michael, Chocolate, Danny, Yudeska, Nina, Winston, Leo, and some other friends that no longer work there; Eddie, Spaghetti, Grey, and Kenya. Also Jesus is greatly missed by all who knew and loved him; he was killed in a motor vehicle accident in Dec. of 2001. These people, along with the hard working bar staff, Alan, Luis, Hugo, and the restaurant staff (hey Raoul!) carry this resort with their charm, warmth and Dominican flair for life.

The Crazy Moon is attached to the Paradise Beach, and is THE HOT SPOT IN PUERTO PLATA. Tourists and locals alike flood to this venue, especially since the renovations; which I understand were stunning!! Is it a meat market? YES! So the nice man, whose review appears on another site, who was outraged at the fact that his 16 year old daughter was being undressed in the mind of every "local" man there; begs the question "Guy? Do you usually let your underage daughter hang out in night clubs?" Since the Paradise is amoungst many other resorts in the Playa Dorada complex, it is a short walk to the other two popular discos "andromeda" and "tops". But both of those pale in comparison to the Crazy Moon - as for the rest of the resorts in the complex, umm do they even HAVE DISCOS? I'm know they do, but nobody goes to them, including the guests on those resorts.

For about 100 pesos (10 canadian dollars ,or , 22 cents american), you can grab a cab into the city. Do it! Mingle with the people. There are many little night spots where you're guarenteed a good time, and where another 10 bucks buys you a full size bottle of the local "Brugal" (rum) and a couple of old style bottles of coke to mix it up. That's the price of a small martini in toronto! I hear the "mountain blue" is the place to go!!

I cried the first time I came back, so I went back 4 months later. It's been 10 months since my return and I'm counting the days til I go back again. Give into the Merengue rhythms - experience, enjoy! peace

The truth!

Okay, so there are mixed reviews on this resort. Everything all depends on what kind of person you are. The hotel wasn't really nice, but it was a funky fun place to relax. I expected a little tackiness, and a lot of fun. This is what I got. This is the Dominican Republic. You are not 'home'. This is a poor country.

Of course, there are certain needs, but didn't we all get that? A decent hotel room, kept nice and clean, the beach 2 steps away, tacky shows, alcohol, people, sun and fun? The rum is known all over the world to be very good, and if you try the 151 Rum (Brugal) with Pina Colada and a dash of Amaretto.. its delicious...

The food is mainly from the DR. Thus, it is different. Not gross, not disgusting, just takes getting used to. Except beef. For some reason, the cows there have tougher meat, and are impossible to cut, chew, whatever. Also, the food was better on the weekdays than the weekends. I'm not quite sure why. Excellent coffee. - Doesn't everyone want to experience something different?

The only problem i had were the children. Especially on the weekend. They brought kids in by the busloads (locals). They were loud, annoying, but who needs the pool when you have a beach? It was always quiet at night. No matter what all the negatives are, one thing is true.. all the best resorts are in Playa Dorada in Puerto Plata. Paradise is one of them, AND its located right on the beach. (not all can boast this). All the other resorts (that are on the beach) are within walking distance, and you can walk all around the shore to get to them. I am 26, went with my boyfriend and had an awesome time. It was extremely cheap, and the best time of my life. (so far) Excursions are a must, but go and search for better prices, many ppl offer the same thing for way different prices!!

Rooms don't really matter (i had the smallest one). Who wants to stay in their room all day? We had the cheapest one, and it had an ocean view.. Absolutely a dream..

Oh.. I asked all the locals which hotel is THE BEST there, and they all said the same thing...La Ventana. But very pricy. So, if this isn't for you, maybe try this place. Anyway, Have fun!

The Armpit of the World

I dont know where the other reviewers where staying but this place is horrible. The food is barely edible. The only thing I ate was breakfast and salads, who can screw up eggs and bacon. Even though I paid for an 'all inclusive' (Doesnt include much), I had most of my dinners off the premises because like I said the food was horrible. Drinks were horrible, you only had one choice, which was their nasty dominican rum which I never heard of before. I didnt even have the option to order anything else. The island is a slum, and everyone has their hand in your pocket, everything is a scam. I would stay as far away from this 'pimple on the a$$ of the world' as possible. Would you believe I had to buy the lock for my safe from the front desk for the week? As for the casino, stay as far away as possible, its filled with thieves. Youve been warned!!!!

Average

This hotel is average. The rooms are quite small but clean. We had an ocean view room on the ground floor which was nice. The food could be better, not much taste and one meal even included a hair. The beach is great however the pool has lots of kids. I would go back to the Dominican but try another place to stay.

Average

Ok but not that great. This place is a kids play park in august. They are everywhere and it's annoying. Also, the animation team do only what they want to do. They schedule all kinds of activities but when you show up, there's nobody...

The beach is very nice, and the food is OK.

Fun in the sun....

Hi , My friend and I just returned from the resort about 2weeks ago and except for a mild case of pneumonia we had a great time. The entertainment was amazing, the food was good, I myself am just a little to picky when it comes to food, the room was cozy and always well cleaned. The drinks were great, when I finally disovered the one I enjoyed on the last day....We would definately go back.....Bye from Canada

Well...I had fun

The people working there were decent at what they did. Food was decent to good. Liquor was severely watered down. After about 60 rum and cokes you should be good to go. The saving grace was the other guests at the hotel. Had a great group with Conquest for 17-24Feb02. If not for them though, this place might not have been worthwhile. I had a great time, but I went for reading week. Any other time might not be so good...

Wow

I`ve been to a lot of hotels all over Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba and more and of all of them Paradise beach resort was the real paradise, the people were nice and very friendly, I will probably go back next year and the next and the next. Food was great people, discotheque was fun Crazy Moon and the water sports were extraordinary, and best of all were the animateur like Eddie, Georgina, Daniel, Chocolate, Steven and all the rest who I forgot to say. Anyways if you are hesitating on where to go go to the actual PARADISE BEACH RESORT & CASINO. ciao

This Hotel Rocks

I stayed at this hotel this summer. I had so much fun and would love to go back.

I've died and gone to heaven

This is the closest you can get to being in heaven without dying. The people are great, the food was excellant all and all it is an experience that will never be forgotten. I've been there twice and would love to go back again to feel it again!!!!