Coral Hamaca, DR
Feb 18th, 1999, 01:00 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
A friend and I are going to the DR (Coral Hamaca also) April 2 - 9. I have not been there before but this website has good reviews of the resort:
http://www.computan.on.ca/~pdowney/travel.html
http://www.computan.on.ca/~pdowney/travel.html
Apr 12th, 1999, 06:33 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Just returned on 4/9/99 from my trip. Overall, it was a very nice resort. Most people were very anxious to please you. As I'm sure you've read, although it claims to be "all-inclusive" the tips were definitely appreciated.
I'd definitely recommend trying to get reservations at the restaurants. The buffet was average. Be aware that you may run into inconsistencies as to the number of reservations per restaurant per week.
Also, we took a catamaran to Saona Island and a Santo Domingo day-trip with Turinter (has desk in hotel lobby). We found both outings to be very worth the money. Especially the Saona Island trip. What a beautiful place!!!
Feel free to email me with more questions.
I'd definitely recommend trying to get reservations at the restaurants. The buffet was average. Be aware that you may run into inconsistencies as to the number of reservations per restaurant per week.
Also, we took a catamaran to Saona Island and a Santo Domingo day-trip with Turinter (has desk in hotel lobby). We found both outings to be very worth the money. Especially the Saona Island trip. What a beautiful place!!!
Feel free to email me with more questions.
Apr 13th, 1999, 09:11 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Here is a review I wrote for another website.
My friend and I spent a week in the Dominican Republic at the Coral Hamaca Resort &
Casino in Boca Chica. It was the first time for both of us in the Dominican Republic. Many
people asked us before we went, why we had chosen the Dominican Republic. We replied
that it seemed as though it was a good deal for your money. This turned out to be the case!
The Airport
We flew TWA (which we will NEVER do again!). Upon arrival in the airport, be prepared
(whether you request it or not) that as soon as your bags come off of the conveyor belts, a
Dominican skycap will put them on his dolly and take you outside to meet your hotel
transfers. He will expect a tip. My skycap kept saying, "Algo bueno, lady [Something good,
lady]." From there, another swarm of people will take your bags to the van or bus, and
again, expect a tip. If you do not want them to take your bags, you have to be aggressive in
telling them you'd like to carry them yourself.
Be prepared for the same thing to happen when you arrive at the airport for your departure.
The Hotel
Upon arrival at our hotel, I was immediately impressed with how pretty and well maintained it
is. Everything from the lobby, casino, pools and landscaping was in mint condition. Other
than a few broken trees, barely any evidence of a hurricane.
Be sure to specify what, if any, special requests that you have for your room. Because my
friend and I were two single women (not a couple) traveling together, we requested two beds
on the second or higher floor. When we asked the man that checked us in, he replied that all
rooms have two beds. When we went to our room, there was one bed. We went through
quite an ordeal to get a room with two beds. In addition, when you check in, I recommend
requesting the safe key ($14/week), towel cards, restaurant booklet, remote control for TV,
and if needed, credit for long distance phone calls to be charged to the room.
We tipped our maid a few pesos every other day. Generally, they were fairly good about
providing water and ice and making our beds. We did hear of a case where a guest's 11
year old returned to her room to find the maid sleeping on her bed! Remember you are in a
very poor country!
If you need to change money, there is a bank branch in the hotel. Be sure to bring a driver's
license or a passport for identification purposes.
The Buffets
There are buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast buffet consisted of eggs
(made to order) or omelettes. French toast, pancakes, fruit, cereal, pastry and bread,
breakfast meats, juices, etc. The lunch buffets varied according to location, but overall,
served pizza, bbq, hamburgers, hot dogs, soups, pasta, deli selections and french fries. The
dinner buffets had a different theme nightly (Dominican, BBQ, American, Carribean,
Mexican, Chef's Choice). Overall, they were ok. We managed to find something edible on
each night.
The Restaurants
There were four a la carte restaurants: Italian, Mexican, Chinese and Seafood. Each fairly
good. The service in each restaurant was exceptional. We generally tipped them something
nominal.
Be aware that you need to make reservations at least a day in advance and bring your book
that is provided during check-in. We found that each hostess had a different set of rules as
to the # of reservations per restaurant per person and whether you could make same day
reservations.
The Bars
There were several bars in the resort. The pool in the Gardens area of the resort was a large
free-form with a combination swim up and dry bar. In addition, there was a pool bar at the
beach, as well as another bar right off of the beach. We enjoyed the Baccarat bar inside the
hotel. There you will meet a very nice gentlemen, Jancer. We also spent one evening in the
nightclub. They played fairly good music. We went on a week night and it wasn't very
crowded.
We would tip the bartenders occasionally. In addition, you should make sure the bartender
understands that you want a pina colada WITH RUM. Several times we had to ask them to
add it after the fact!
The Casino
The casino was a lot of fun. We played only the slot machines. Neither myself or my friend
really won, but we did see plenty of people that did!
Day Trips
We took two day trips through Turinter (desk in hotel lobby). Our favorite was a day trip on
a catamaran to Saona Island. You leave early in the morning and take a fairly long ride to
Bayahibe, a small fishing village. The tour guide points out areas of interest along the way.
Once we arrived, we took small boats out to the catamaran. Immediately, we were offered
rum and cokes. Once underway, the merengue music came on. Unfortunately, our boat's
motor didn't work well, so we were combination of towed and sailed the whole way. It
didn't bother me because the winds felt great. The island is surrounded by the most beautiful
emerald green waters. We danced the merengue and relaxed. Upon arrival, we took small
boats into shore. We were served lunch and drinks and had time to swim and explore a bit.
Then we took speed boats to a shallow part of the island where we swam for a bit more and
then went back to port.
Our day trip to Santo Domingo was also very well done. Although, in retrospect, I think that
a half day would have been sufficient. We saw the Tres Ojos caves, the aquarium, drove
around the city, toured the old city, an amber museum and then went shopping.
Safety
As two single women travelling alone, we felt completely safe the entire trip. The resort is
literally surrounded by guards (some with shotguns). I think the scariest part was in the
market in Santo Domingo. The vendors there are very aggressive about selling to you. That
is an advantage when it comes to bargaining with them on prices!
Miscellaneous
When we were selecting our resort, we wanted a place where we could possibly meet some
people our age. In that particular area, we were kind of disappointed. If you are single
people looking to meet other singles, it may not be the place for you. It is primarily families
and couples. We still had a wonderful time and would recommend the resort to others.
My friend and I spent a week in the Dominican Republic at the Coral Hamaca Resort &
Casino in Boca Chica. It was the first time for both of us in the Dominican Republic. Many
people asked us before we went, why we had chosen the Dominican Republic. We replied
that it seemed as though it was a good deal for your money. This turned out to be the case!
The Airport
We flew TWA (which we will NEVER do again!). Upon arrival in the airport, be prepared
(whether you request it or not) that as soon as your bags come off of the conveyor belts, a
Dominican skycap will put them on his dolly and take you outside to meet your hotel
transfers. He will expect a tip. My skycap kept saying, "Algo bueno, lady [Something good,
lady]." From there, another swarm of people will take your bags to the van or bus, and
again, expect a tip. If you do not want them to take your bags, you have to be aggressive in
telling them you'd like to carry them yourself.
Be prepared for the same thing to happen when you arrive at the airport for your departure.
The Hotel
Upon arrival at our hotel, I was immediately impressed with how pretty and well maintained it
is. Everything from the lobby, casino, pools and landscaping was in mint condition. Other
than a few broken trees, barely any evidence of a hurricane.
Be sure to specify what, if any, special requests that you have for your room. Because my
friend and I were two single women (not a couple) traveling together, we requested two beds
on the second or higher floor. When we asked the man that checked us in, he replied that all
rooms have two beds. When we went to our room, there was one bed. We went through
quite an ordeal to get a room with two beds. In addition, when you check in, I recommend
requesting the safe key ($14/week), towel cards, restaurant booklet, remote control for TV,
and if needed, credit for long distance phone calls to be charged to the room.
We tipped our maid a few pesos every other day. Generally, they were fairly good about
providing water and ice and making our beds. We did hear of a case where a guest's 11
year old returned to her room to find the maid sleeping on her bed! Remember you are in a
very poor country!
If you need to change money, there is a bank branch in the hotel. Be sure to bring a driver's
license or a passport for identification purposes.
The Buffets
There are buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast buffet consisted of eggs
(made to order) or omelettes. French toast, pancakes, fruit, cereal, pastry and bread,
breakfast meats, juices, etc. The lunch buffets varied according to location, but overall,
served pizza, bbq, hamburgers, hot dogs, soups, pasta, deli selections and french fries. The
dinner buffets had a different theme nightly (Dominican, BBQ, American, Carribean,
Mexican, Chef's Choice). Overall, they were ok. We managed to find something edible on
each night.
The Restaurants
There were four a la carte restaurants: Italian, Mexican, Chinese and Seafood. Each fairly
good. The service in each restaurant was exceptional. We generally tipped them something
nominal.
Be aware that you need to make reservations at least a day in advance and bring your book
that is provided during check-in. We found that each hostess had a different set of rules as
to the # of reservations per restaurant per person and whether you could make same day
reservations.
The Bars
There were several bars in the resort. The pool in the Gardens area of the resort was a large
free-form with a combination swim up and dry bar. In addition, there was a pool bar at the
beach, as well as another bar right off of the beach. We enjoyed the Baccarat bar inside the
hotel. There you will meet a very nice gentlemen, Jancer. We also spent one evening in the
nightclub. They played fairly good music. We went on a week night and it wasn't very
crowded.
We would tip the bartenders occasionally. In addition, you should make sure the bartender
understands that you want a pina colada WITH RUM. Several times we had to ask them to
add it after the fact!
The Casino
The casino was a lot of fun. We played only the slot machines. Neither myself or my friend
really won, but we did see plenty of people that did!
Day Trips
We took two day trips through Turinter (desk in hotel lobby). Our favorite was a day trip on
a catamaran to Saona Island. You leave early in the morning and take a fairly long ride to
Bayahibe, a small fishing village. The tour guide points out areas of interest along the way.
Once we arrived, we took small boats out to the catamaran. Immediately, we were offered
rum and cokes. Once underway, the merengue music came on. Unfortunately, our boat's
motor didn't work well, so we were combination of towed and sailed the whole way. It
didn't bother me because the winds felt great. The island is surrounded by the most beautiful
emerald green waters. We danced the merengue and relaxed. Upon arrival, we took small
boats into shore. We were served lunch and drinks and had time to swim and explore a bit.
Then we took speed boats to a shallow part of the island where we swam for a bit more and
then went back to port.
Our day trip to Santo Domingo was also very well done. Although, in retrospect, I think that
a half day would have been sufficient. We saw the Tres Ojos caves, the aquarium, drove
around the city, toured the old city, an amber museum and then went shopping.
Safety
As two single women travelling alone, we felt completely safe the entire trip. The resort is
literally surrounded by guards (some with shotguns). I think the scariest part was in the
market in Santo Domingo. The vendors there are very aggressive about selling to you. That
is an advantage when it comes to bargaining with them on prices!
Miscellaneous
When we were selecting our resort, we wanted a place where we could possibly meet some
people our age. In that particular area, we were kind of disappointed. If you are single
people looking to meet other singles, it may not be the place for you. It is primarily families
and couples. We still had a wonderful time and would recommend the resort to others.
Apr 20th, 1999, 04:40 PM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Kara, or anyone else that's been to Boca Chica. I am getting married this weekend and we're honeymooning in Boca Chica for one week at the Hamaca Vacation Club Resort. Is this the same as the Coral Hamaca? A few questions ... does the resort have a shuttle or do you take public transporation to/from the airport, and what should we expect to pay for transporation? How is the scuba diving? Any other sites/activities you would recommend while we're there? Any input would be MUCH appreciated. 
May 10th, 1999, 06:40 AM
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
I apologize to those who have asked me questions and I haven't replied. I have been travelling A LOT for business. The Coral Hamaca does have a website. http://www.coralhotels.com.do/english/hamaca.htm
Jun 10th, 1999, 07:38 AM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
ANNA, WE VACATIONED IN D.R.,CORAL HAMACA RESORT IN APRIL. IT WAS A WONDERFUL VACATION , JUST AS KARA HAD REPORTED. THE ROOM, SERVICE, GROUNDS WERE PERFECT. EVERYTHING WAS GROOMED AND CLEANED CONSTANTLY. WE HAD AN OCEAN VIEW WHICH WAS A WONDERFUL SIGHT. A SLIGHT LANGUAGE BARRIER, BUT THAT WAS EASY ENOUGH TO OVERCOME. WE TOOK A 1/2 DAY TOUR OF SANTO DOMINGO WHICH WAS INTERESTING, OUR GUIDE WAS VERY INFORMATIVE.
DON'T EXPECT TO GET CHEAP SOUVENIERS, EVEN THOUGH OUR DOLLAR IS 15/1, THEY HAVE THE PRICES UP ACCORDINGLY, WE HAD FUN IN THE CASINO, ENJOYED THE SUN, PLENTY OF ROOM ON THE BEACH, THE MEALS WERE EXCELLENT, WE TRIED ALL RESTAURANTS, ENJOYED THE ITALIAN THE MOST, BE SURE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR ENTIRE STAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
WE CERTAINLY HAD A GREAT TRIP FOR THE MONEY, WOULD GO BACK AND EVEN STAY LONGER.
THE POOL WAS BEING REDONE AND SHOULD BE READY NOW. BUT THE OCEAN WAS BEAUTIFUL.
MANY EUROPEAN GUESTS, FRENCH, ENGLISH, GERMAN, ALL LANGUAGES WERE BEING SPOKEN.
WOULD NOT HESITATE TO RECOMMEND THIS TRIP.
DON'T EXPECT TO GET CHEAP SOUVENIERS, EVEN THOUGH OUR DOLLAR IS 15/1, THEY HAVE THE PRICES UP ACCORDINGLY, WE HAD FUN IN THE CASINO, ENJOYED THE SUN, PLENTY OF ROOM ON THE BEACH, THE MEALS WERE EXCELLENT, WE TRIED ALL RESTAURANTS, ENJOYED THE ITALIAN THE MOST, BE SURE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR ENTIRE STAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
WE CERTAINLY HAD A GREAT TRIP FOR THE MONEY, WOULD GO BACK AND EVEN STAY LONGER.
THE POOL WAS BEING REDONE AND SHOULD BE READY NOW. BUT THE OCEAN WAS BEAUTIFUL.
MANY EUROPEAN GUESTS, FRENCH, ENGLISH, GERMAN, ALL LANGUAGES WERE BEING SPOKEN.
WOULD NOT HESITATE TO RECOMMEND THIS TRIP.
Oct 11th, 1999, 10:13 AM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
We went to the Coral Hamaca in March 99 for 7 days/8 nights. The airplane trip was a little a scary (we almost missed our connector, they lost our luggage) but once we got to the Hamaca, we forgot the problems. I was wonderful! We had a garden side room, which was great, although next time I'll choose ocean side. The buffet food was ok, the restaurants great (expecially the Italian one). The Mexican restaurant had the best staff-they obviously like their jobs, and deserve good tips. I think some post-hurricane renovating had been done recently, so everything was in perfect condition. I'll definitely go back to DR, maybe to a place that costs a little more, just to experience some luxury. But the Coral Hamaca was an excellent value!
