Flamenco Beach Resort or Gran Ventana?
 

We are planning a trip to D.R with two small children. How are the beaches near these hotels? How are the rooms, the food etc? If you have been there which hotel would you choose and why? Please give me some information. <BR>Anna

Hello Anna: <BR>I worked in Puerto Plata for two years. And to be honest is not the best beach you can get in D.R. <BR>They're both the best hotels in the complex of playa dorada. One hotel is right next to the other, so they share the same beach, but If you give me the right to choose, I will go to the Flamenco don't ask me why cause they are both very comfortable.I like more the rooms of the Gran Ventana, but the food of the flamenco i think it's better. <BR>Note: The colors and deco of the gran ventana really relaxes you <BR>Personaly I recomend Punta Cana if you want to see beautifull beaches.

We stayed in Grand ventana 10 days in february. Its the best resort in Playa Dorada. Beautiful village with a style. Very good food, very large and beautiful rooms, nice people. I checked other hotels around and i desided G ventana is the best one. Flamenco beach looked little cheezy. pizzateria style restaurants cannot be a match for G. Ventana <BR>

4 of us just came back from Flamenco, after having recommendations about this resort, & were very disappointed. It is no longer a 5*. The rooms are badly in need of renovation, and in fact that was going on while we were there. The food was quite good. One of our group's relatives was at Gran Ventana for a wedding last fall & gave it good reports. Because it is brand new (this is it's second season), I would recommend Gran Ventana. The advantages of being in Playa Dorada, i.e. you can visit other resorts' discos, casinos, etc. is not likely an advantage for you with 2 small children. We've stayed twice at Riu Merengue outside Puerto Plata, and loved it. (It is also only 2 years' old). Definitely a 5 star. 9 of us went 2 years in a row & have sent countless people there.Unfortunately, it has apparently been sold by the Riu chain, and may not be as good. My girlfriend is flying back today, so we're all anxious to find out the situation there. <BR>I don't know the ages of your children, but I personally would not take young children to the Dominican Republic---we've been there three times, & no matter what you do, people in our group always got sick. I would go to a more Americanized/developed island, like Aruba, St. Martin, Barbadoes.If you do go anywhere with young kids, take Immodium Advanced, take a prescription antibiotic for children & adults, & drink & brush your teeth only with bottled water. Don't drink too many fancy drinks containing cocanut milk---it is appartently a natrual laxative & with fruit added---look out.

Anna: <BR>What the latest posting said was absolutely true. <BR>The place has gone downhill fast since the occidental group got its hands on it. My family went here at the end of March, and the whole stay was a collection of poor facilities and service. My advise is to STAY AWAY from the Flamenco. Talking to others during my walks on the beach is that the Ventana is the place to stay. Good luck, and bring plenty of sunscreen!