My husband and I have arranged a trip to the Majestic Colonial in May. We're not new to travel in the DR. This will be our 12th visit to the island. I've read extremely varied reviews of the resort. Tripadvisor is filled with severely negative reviews, while Debbie's Dominican Republic website provides positive reviews. I'm wondering if anyone can give me an honest assessment of this resort. Any feedback would be very much appreciated.

Most DR all-inclusives get mixed reviews because people come to them with varying levels of sometimes misplaced expectations. It's not unlike a cruise, which might be loved by 70% of the people onboard but considered the worst experience in one's life by the other 30%.

This particular resort, where I've never stayed, is in the upper-middle range in terms of pricing, so it's not going to be a luxury experience. It's also fairly large at over 600 rooms. But our forthcoming Dominican Republic book this fall will be giving it a "highly recommended" rating if that matters to you. Hopefully, you'll also get some first-hand reports.

Tripadvisor is a useful but completely unscientific tool. Unlike Zagat, which has editors that take the relative temperature of the totality of reviews they receive for a particular restaurant, Tripadvisor just lists all the post in the order they are posted, which means that the complaints of people visiting during the busiest Spring Break period are just now posting their reviews. So take all the complaints with a grain of salt.

Thanks for responding, and so quickly. After reading your comments, I can breathe a sigh of relief. I do realize that all reviews are subjective. I've stayed in DR resorts with ratings anywhere from 2 stars to 5 stars, and have been pleasantly surprised by most of them. I look forward to your book coming out in the fall, and the ratings you give certainly do matter to me.

Hi, Karin....do a search on Fodor's for Majestic Colonial, and you'll see a few----very few---replies or post-trip comments to others seeking opinions of MC. One of the older posts you'll find is mine.

Doug, of course, is spot on when he states that the wide range of expectations is a huge factor in the mix of reviews you're seeing. The fact that you've made many trips to the DR means you won't have any unrealistic expectations, so you're less likely to be disappointed.

I can give you MY honest assessment: I liked MC better than Riu Bambu and LTI, which are the other PC resorts we've visited. MC's rooms are all suites, compared to fairly small rooms at Bambu. Also preferred MC's pool, since Bambu's was too crowded. (our Bambu visit was Christmas week). Note that MC's pool is only 4 ft deep throughout, but because it winds its way through the resort's center, you can always grab some shoreline for lounging.

Food at AI's, as you may know, is never a reason for going there. By the same token, I don't think food should be the primary focus of travelers' complaints....well, apart from getting sick from it, I suppose. But MC's food was, IMHO, superior to our other PC experiences, and better than what we've encountered in Puerto Plata, Bayahibe and Las Terrenas. We ate strictly from the buffets and never had a complaint. Breakfast was especially good. Lunch for us was always at the beach grill and we loved it. Paella every day was a real treat. The dinner buffet always offered a design-your-own-pasta station, so that kept us happy ! Fresh fruits, avocado, tomatoes were plentiful and excellent. I loved the bruschetta served at dinner.

About the rooms/suites: some guests take issue with the bathrooms, in that there is no main enclosed bathroom space. There is a jetted tub pretty much in the middle of the suite, and the vanity is also open to the rest of the room. The toilet is a tiny WC with frosted glass door, and the same type door leads to the huge walk-in shower. I would say that the make-up of your group will determine how comfy everyone is with that layout. For us, is was not an issue.

We loved the minibar service, restocked daily, and the storage capacity. The balcony was huge and perfect for people watching in the pool below. (we were on 3rd floor--there are elevators)

Some rooms also have outdoor jacuzzis, and these are all on the ground level, so no privacy.

We took in some of the entertainment, which is held in an outdoor theatre with very comfy seating. The magic show was good, and we heard good things about other shows, too.

Since you've traveled there numerous times, you probably share our appreciation for the Dominican people and their ever-present smiles. For us, meeting and trying to communicate with the people can truly enhance the experience. At MC, you'll once again find staff to be friendly, courteous and appreciative of a friendly 'Hola !' and every kind word or gesture.

If you've been to PC before, you know that the beach itself is worth the trip. IMO, you've made a good choice all around. If I can help with any specific questions, just let me know.

l2s,
Thank you for your very thorough review. I'm glad to hear from someone who has been to the DR several times, so you understand what an AI experience is all about. Your opinions are pretty much what I had anticipated (or had hoped for), but it's great to hear it first-hand.

The open room concept will not be a problem, because it will just be my husband and myself. I, also, requested an upper-floor room. Love the people watching idea - it's the greatest show on earth! Because of the location of your room, were you affected by the noise from the disco (or whatever) at night?

Please let me know if you'd like any opinions on other resorts in the DR. I've stayed at quite a few all over the island.

Thanks, again, for your input. I look forward to once again seeing that beautiful beach.

Hi again, Karin ! Glad you found my reply helpful. As for the noise factor, no, not an issue for us, as our room was closer to the beach than to the entertainment areas. Now that I think of it, I seem to remember the disco was so far away as to be almost off the property.But I know all too well why you asked, since we've had several DR-AI stays with the not-so-muffled sounds of reggaeton and bachata in our rooms till 1 or 2 am !

Yes, people-watching is indeed the best. Our favorite time of day was late afternoon, watching the step aerobics class beside the pool.I have to say the MC had some of the fittest, most energetic animation team members we've ever watched !

Thanks, too, for the offer of opinions on the DR resorts you've visited. It's been just about a year since our last trip there, and I believe I'm starting to feel 'homesick.' So we may start to plan something before too long and I'll take you up on that offer.

Please be sure to post a report when you're back from MC !

Mr Stallings-
What is the best AI In the DR? Which one is highest luxury/service with a pretty beach,water and water activities? There are SO MANY in DR I cannot seem to sort them out.

Since it seems many have been to different resorts in the DR what is anyone's expereince with the Paradisus?

I've been to both Paradisus resorts in PC. The Palma Real is hands-down the most luxurious AI I've stayed at. You're treated like royalty from the moment you arrive. The view from the lobby overlooking the sparkling fountains and garden area, with the Grecian columns and vivid blue Caribbean in the background is breathtaking. The specialty restaurants offer incredible food, as does the buffet. The pool is the best I've experienced in the DR. I have no doubt you will absolutely love this resort.