My husband and I just returned from the Carribean Village Playa Dorada last weekend. We booked last minute through Red Tag.ca and got a good deal. We had searched the reviews on various sites and knew what to ex pect at this resort. It is listed as a 3-star and it is definitely no more than that. We knew to ask for an updated room and were thankful we had. If our room had been updated I would have hated to see one that hadn't been. The bathroom was nice though, all new and very functional. The suite was quite large with a big balcony overlooking the golf course. It was very dark in the room - only 1 bedside lamp and 1 wall sconce - no good to read at anytime of the day. The entry doors could have been broken into very easily - no proper locking mechanisms except a key into the doorknob. Maid service was questionable on a daily basis - we had to ask for towels 3 times during our stay, found our own new soap/toilet tissue on a cleaning cart nearby. However the bathroom was cleaned daily. There were no screens on any of the windows or sliding doors, the air conditioning did not work but the ceiling fan was a lifesaver at night since we had to close the windows to keep out mosquitoes. Minimum mosquitoes though . The food was very good and plentiful, fresh and good variety. Service in the dining room ranged from good to horrible. We started tipping the staff but gave up because it did not improve the serv ice. We had to sometimes ask for cutlerly, napkins, water and the tablecloths seemed never to be changed. Coffee was terrible , from a self-serve pushbutton machine. The a la carte restaurantes were very good and well served. The beach was great, bartenders were great and outside staff very good. Shuttle to beach was wonderful, however, we could also walk quite easily the distance. Beach bar and buffet was really good and a fun place to pass the day. The beach vendors are plentiful but a nice bunch of fellows who know what "no" means. We loved the location in Playa Dorada and walked everywhere daily, checked out the Casino, "great", the mall - Lonely Planet Cafe for , finally, a good cup of coffee and very reasonable shopping for everything you could need. We will not be back to this hotel, we would rather pay a bit more for a better place, but for the buck we paid we had a blast for a week away from the snow of Ontario.

long flight coming from B.C. arrived late at night, didn't get use to the time change. the resort and people all in all were very helpful and friendly the rooms were very big and clean fresh towels everyday the only problem was the food,we're not pasta eaters. and no variety, same thing every day. beach was excellent, hot and clean. could have the shudle service to the beach go more often. we are cruise people, but will try it again soon.

My friend was turning 40 and wanted to go somewhere sunny to remember her big birthday by, so we went searching for a cheap girls trip away.
Our travel agent recommended to caribbean village,so we booked it. After we booked I went on trip advisor and became very nervous about where we booked from the reviews I had seen. But let me tell you, although the rooms were "tired" they were clean and everything worked well- hot showers, air conditioning and ceiling fan all in great working order.
Food was great! No one got sick and there was something for everyone. The staff were friendly and anyone who had problems with their room they either fixed it or gave another room.
They are obviously are trying to fix things up, to possibly bring their ratings up, because rooms were being renovated and building were being painted.
We had a great time. Just remember your at a 3 star!!

on our 3rd trip to the Dominican but first to this resort, we were a bit nervous after reading some reviews, but we were put at ease right away by the wonderful staff, the great room and maid service, location, etc. This resort had been closed for 6 months and just re-opened in Dec. 07 so it has a few minor problems to sort out and it will., I have no doubt as they have great plans for the future. The dining room was lovely, no birds able to get in as in other resorts, and the food was adequate, and tasty, no need to leave hungry, or you are too fussy. The Italian Room was okay, but everyone said the Brazilian room was the best but we had to cancel our reservation for that as we visited with relatives overnight in Jaraboca. We were always able to get fresh towels by evening, and as we had a late flight, they were kind enough to let us shower in another room after coming from the beach that afternoon. The evening entertainment could be much better, but we go mostly for the beach and the heat, and that as usual was terriffic !! We don't mind the beach sellers, they amuse us and it is so easy to say No Thanks, It is a Third World country don't forget and these folks are ambucious enough to try and make a small living. The squggie guys in Halifax annoy me more!!Also we were only asked once about Time Shares, and a polite no thanks, sufficed there. The shuttle was too slow coming and going to the beach, it should run more often. Also the store on site could have more stock, but that too will come I think. So all in all had a great holiday at this resort and would recommend it to others and hope to return again if the prices don't go up!!