This was my first time ever in the Dominican Republic and I was not disappointed. The Lifestyles Crown Residence Suites was a fabulous resort. Their logo is "Tell it only to your Best Friends" and I can see why - if you told everyone there would never be any rooms left! The service was impeccable and immediate. My every need and whim was attended to by enthusiastic, cheerful staff, always with a smile on their faces. I would definitely go here again and recommend it even to my worst enemies! What a great place. The food was excellent, the VIP pool and beach areas were very comfortable with both sunny and shady beds to be had. Staff were constantly cleaning the beach front and worked so hard to change the beach and pool areas from day use to night use, quick to fill an empty glass or ask if you would like something to eat, and yet they were very unobtrusive. The entire resort is like a small village, where you walk to the beach, walk out to a restaurant in the evening for dinner, walk to the bar for an after dinner drink, walk home - I actually managed to lose weight on this trip thanks to all the walking. It was just great!! You can really eat all you want of all the great food in the various restaurants and work it all off just walking back to your hotel/suite/villa! I have read some other reviews that were not very kind - I do not know why. I guess different people have different needs and each and every day of the year is going to be a bad day for someone. However, I encountered nothing but pleasant people (staff and other vacationers), great food, incredible weather and all reasonably priced. What's to complain about? Thank you very much for a very restful vacation Lifestyles. I'll definitely be back for another vacation!

We just returned from our vacation this weekend at this resort for the 4th year. Each year, we are so amazed at the improvements and changes. I am really not sure what the issues are regarding the negative reviews, as we have never had anything but positive wonderful experiences at this resort. They are constantly working very hard, especially when setting up the outdoor Sunday beach party, cleaning the beach, setting up outdoor beds.. Last year we had a 3 bedr villa and this year we stayed in the Crown Suites, in both 1 & 2 bedroom suites. Quick airport pick up, smiling helpful check-in staff (even found my friend's cell phone after they placed much effort to locate it), quick and easy dinner reservations (Food a plenty, and even the improved Buffet at Tropical), clean and safe accommodations (Rosa looked after us very well with full stock of water in fridge, towels), comfortable sun beds at the VIP pool and beach area (even on March break there was always a bed available at one of the many choices to soak up the sun or shade), very attentive service at all pool and beach areas and restaurants. We also once again met many interesting people from all over, who were always willing to share a joke or light conversation. At any time that you need something all you have to do is ask, and they did everything to help (we turned off the water heater by error, so couldn't understand why we did have hot water anymore, and our maid quickly showed us how to turn back on). Even though it was March break for many colleges, it was a refreshing change to see so many younger crowds also having fun. A small tip ($5) at the start of the week or every now and then ($1) or little gifts (candies, toys, makeup etc.) are very much appreciated by the staff, however not obviously expected. Many do not tip at all, however it is a very poor growing country, let's face it many Canadian service staff at home expect much more!
We will definitely return, and love the Dominican people/ staff/country. As always, you will get back what you give, so smile, try speaking a bit of Spanish, have patience (RELAX!), and it will be returned full force. Looking forward to seeing what's new next year (never boring!)
Pls. contact me if you have any questions

We transferred to this resort from a truly bad resort. With a last minute reservation and check-in they greeted us like old friends. The language barrier is difficult at times but we went to their country, they didn't come to ours. VIP treatment is prevalent thought the resort. There was a smell of sewerage in one small area where improvements were being made but it was minimal and construction was not an inconvenience at all. The food was not the standard USA buffet but was very good with allot of options. The specialty restaurants required reservations the day prior and did fill up quickly. We had just as good meals at the main buffet with the VIP gourmet restaurant being the only exception.

The grounds were very well groomed and as an early riser I noticed the staff on the beach and grounds grooming daily. There guest services did an outstanding job at booking our excursions and directing us to the different services were available.

We have just arrived back from a 1 week stay in a 1 Bedroom Suite.
Suite:
The room was clean and kept clean throughout our stay.
The bed was a Mattress only on a wooden platform.
Fridge was stocked with Pepsi & 7up and Presidente (National Beer). Kitchen had one sink, two burners, beer type fridge and breakfast bar with three stools.
Eating area was good. Nice four piece set. Living room: TV with two couches, also pillows on wooden platforms. Covered Balcony was nice, 4 lounge chairs and a small table.

Facilities used:
Gym: Not busy, many styles of equipment. Free weights were old and starting to rust, but otherwise worked. One treadmill and three old bikes. No one really used the gym.

Beach: Beach was ok, but not as advertised. Just went down once to see it. Many "salesmen".

Restaurants:
Indocine (Chinese): Best a la carte at the Resort. Spring rolls and the Chinese Rice pasta with Chicken (had it twice).
Bellini (Italian): Great Pizza. Had one every day for lunch (it's located at the Suites).
Lagoon: Sea bass was the only good seafood. Meat is ok, but stick to the chicken at this resort. It was the most consistent.
EL Zorro (Mexican): I think this is the name. Fajitas were really good. Of course had the chicken and enjoyed it.

Casa Blanca (Buffet at Tropical): Lots to choose from. Carmen always gave me a great fruit shake in the am after the Gym. Breakfast was good, always had the Chef make me fresh eggs or omelets

Rain forest Café (Buffet at Garden): Smaller than the Casa Blanca and not as well “stocked”. This is the only buffet you can eat from if you stay in the Garden. You can’t use the Casa Blanca. They do have a good pool bar and it’s full of friendly Brits.


TIPS:
1) If reserving through RCI, the RCI rep will not receive your request for airport pickup until the resort has confirmed the exchange. They will confirm the pickup the Monday after your confirmation is received at the resort. We had no issues with the pickup other than Sky service breaking our Luggage wheels.
2) There is a great VIP/RCI/TAN party on the Sunday night on the beach. The result of this is “salesmen” all over the place. So book offsite trips Monday for sure and maybe Tuesday to avoid the salesmen. They will do anything to get you into the sales office and will not leave you alone.
3) Tipping does not make a difference in most services. So don’t bother because it does not enhance anything. Of course I tipped the 1 or 2 staff that were helpful during our stay. I would compare the staff as being a stereotypical teenager (one who knows everything, has an attitude with no experience and is offended if asked to do something).
4) There is a “red” button with a switch in the bathroom. This is your hot water tank on/off if you’re staying in the suites.

Would I go again- no. Is it terrible- no. It would be a 3 ½ star trying to present as a 5 star. I was looking for an actual 4-5 star.