Oct 09 vacation @Grand Oasis

Butch Oct 18, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

Loved the pool and the beach. Food was great,especilly Rigaleto Restaurant. Took guided tour of Puerta Plata (not from Coco ... Tours, as they could not accomodate us that day. Went with Hotels/Beds). Guide was very knowledgeable and professional-we really enjoyed the day! Had lots of trouble with Coco Tours, would not use again-all wanted money and told you how much they expected in a tip!

Puerto Plata October

Formula One Oct 10, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

Great Hotel ...

Beautiful Stay!

newlyweds Oct 6, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

We were a little wary of staying at an all inclusive hotel due to the fact that we used to live in the Caribbean and prefer ... the "local" life. But we really enjoyed our stay at the Grand Oasis Marien. The property is beautiful and the staff very friendly and accommodating. We had an ocean view room which was mere steps away from the beach. The pool was very refreshing and relaxing. If the activities got too noisy for us we just went down to the beach. We never wanted for anything...there was always food and drink and shade available. Wilson, the staff photographer took some beautiful photos of us that we will cherish forever (we got married the day before we left at the courthouse, so we wanted some nice wedding photos) We definitly look forward to returning.

Unbelievable 2nd. honey moon

Chuchineh6 Sep 21, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

Amazing, the service, friendly people,they don't know the word bother, always willng to make hapy, secure, they would do ... absolutly everything to make you stay very comfortable and happy.

Fantastic vacation

Sexy Red Sep 9, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

Ww went on the Playa Grande tour, which was fun and adventerous. ...

mostly relaxing except for some hassles

Big City College Student Aug 26, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

I had a very good time at the Grand Oasis Marien. This was my first time in the Dominican Republic and I do not speak any ... spanish at all. But thankfully the staff at the hotel all speak some sort of english. The food was good free, and all you can eat. At Breakfast they serve delicious omelets. There are unlimited free alcoholic drinks and sodas and juices as well. The rooms are spacious and spotless. The staff was mostly nice except for a few guys which seemed a little rude and made some comments abouts tourists in Spanish. I remember the towel guy at the pool refused to let me exchange for a fresh towel after 6 pm even though that was the only towel I used for the day. That annoyed me a little.

I would go back tomorrow

Marilyn - Dance Machine Aug 19, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

I loved that we could either relax & do nothing laying on the beach or by the pool, or we could get up and participate in the ... various activities. There was something for everyone!

not as good as I'd hoped/expected

Blondie29609 Aug 15, 2009

Not nearly as clean as I'd expect at this rating and price. The check in was smooth & that staff was very friendly & ... professional... but the wait staff in the restaurants was not the same. The Pasta Bar was the worst-- actually had ants crawling on my table/ silverware & then was treated to poor service after I asked to be moved to another table. The Tex Mex restaurant was the exception : good food & great service. Outside of that one, good luck getting a glass of water, especially at the Buffet... most of the time we'd finished our meals before getting any service. Also-- good luck getting water to drink anywhere. There are self-serve containers all over, but no water & never a cup to be had. The most ironic problem was getting a clean pool towel. we only received one clean pool towel during the entire stay... and then took a verbal dressing down about it from the towel boy(actually had to get a bit testy to get our way). The Pool Cabana was either out of towels, or closed. But the worst part were the hawkers on the beach-- and in the gift shops. They would literally try to pull you into their shops. Perhaps because I was a woman traveling with two minors, but Still, I don't appreciate being manhandled by the merchants. Final comment: it would have been good to know that it was a clothing optional pool & beach. I brought two teenagers with me & would have chosen a different location had I known. We will not go back.

What a great experience!!!

Dora loves Nemo Aug 5, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

The hotel was great. It really does not get any better. The staff was very friendly and the entertainment was also very ... good. The food was a little low in salt but, it was also good&You don't need too much salt under the sun. This hotel is a must, I had a great time!!!

Great Hotel for a great price

Aharon Aug 3, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

Now anyone that has done any research on resorts in Puerto Plata will know that the Grand Oasis Marien is top 3 among ... Iberostar (which I couldn't find as a package on orbitz so it was too much) and the Riu's (which according to me weren't in an ideal location). One sour point I must point out is that upon checkin the guy [...] refused to check us in without seeing some little printout from Orbitz..which really didn't show anything but generic information. I had called the hotel before and made requests in which they pulled up my reservation, so I don't know why this was such a big deal. The Grand Oasis Marien has good food at the Tex-Mex, Mare, Mango Snack Bar, Rigoleto and at the buffet. As others have said if you want to eat dinner be there right when they open. We found that the Rigoleto Restaurant had great food but was EXTREMELY crowded everyday and you had to put your name on a wait list for sometimes 2 hours later. The beach is nice, there is a weight room, and the pool is huge and gorgeous. They have dance lessons (meringue, bachata, and salsa I think). The entertainment was very nice and we especially liked the tribute to Michael Jackson, although we thought we would see a show with latin music in it, we didn't. The sports bar is nice and is located towards the front of the hotel (its included in your all inclusive package so don't miss out). The area in which the stage is located turns into a nightclub after the shows are finished and it seems that after the nightclub and shows people head to the sports bar. The resort offers tours and in addition to this there is often another tour group right outside the pool that offers cheaper tours. We went on the Outback Jeep Safari Tour (great way to see how the real people live in the city and countryside, boogie boarding was extremely fun in Caberete, food and alcohol included cannot be the price!), Santo Domingo Tour (was canceled as there weren't enough bookings), La Isabela Historica (must see..many tourists don't get to see the actual first church of the Americas location), Paradise Island in Punta Ruisa (snorkeling, gorgeous Island in the middle of the sea, food and of course liquor included), city tour (see the rum factory, jewelry shop, the fort, the lighthouse, etc). We recommend booking the tours that you can through the realdr.com but beware that trips like Santo Domingo which are priced at $65/person, actually require 4 hours of driving and a lot of gas, so if they don't meet their booking quota they will not go but they will refund your money. We were a bit disappointed when we woke up at 5am only to find out that the tour was canceled without having received a message (although they said they left one). Call 24hours before the trip is SCHEDULED to make sure your still on. We booked the other tours through a guy named [...] who is the top contributor on the yahoo travel section for the DR but only has VIP excursions and overcharged us (I would not recommend booking through him..as first off he cannot add as I was overcharged and then he mysteriously disappeared leaving only his driver to take us to the airport without giving the chance to talk about it). If you are going to use the internet at the hotel please be aware that they don't explain the fact that if you purchase just an hour to use in your room..that it must be used IMMEDIATELY and not at your leisure. You also have the option of purchasing 25 hours for $25 that has to be used in 6 days. The laundry service prices are ridiculous (which I imagine may be the case at many other resorts), $1 for a pair of socks to be cleaned, $3 for pajamas, etc. If you speak spanish or are adventurous (like myself) meet a friend (possibly a resort worker) and go to the city and hang out...things are cheap!! Huge beers for $1, entire meals for $3US. The next time you come back you probably won't even stay at the resort once you find out you can get an apartment in Puerto Plata for $400US/month.Other than that enjoy the ...

Better Service

KY Jul 27, 2009

We did the 4 wheeler and ocean world which ocean world was a waste of money Did not find any jet skiing and more water ... activities

Grand Oasis Marien

florida couple Jul 24, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

We do water sports and the water sports crew is awesome. This is our 4th time there and will go back again next year. Food ... is good and now has 4 restaurants to chose from.

Like a Honeymoon!!!

DRQT Jul 24, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

The Grand Oasis Marien was a dream!!! My boyfriend and I shared some of the greatest memories. The room had a balcony with a ... pool view. It was very spacious and clean. The staff was wonderful!!! Very helpful, friendly, and willing to do anything to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Every night, we ate in a different restaurant and enjoyed every meal. The best were the crepes restaurant and the Santa Fe Grill (Mexican food). During breakfast, the Cayuco restaurant has many options, from American to typical Dominican dishes. The entertainment staff performed a tribute to M.J. and it was fantastic!!! The beach is gorgeous!!! Enjoy walking down all of it!!! PLEASE do not miss out on going to Ocean World (both day and night). It was my favorite part!!! Going on tours is a good idea, especially those that take you to see the people's living, rivers, plantations, factories, etc. We decided to go on the "Monster Truck" and we had a blast with [...] the host:). I would def. return!!!

Great family and couple vacation

J&C Jul 21, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

The entertainment was great. The staff was very welcoming, and always wanting to please. There were plenty of activities and ... it was the perfect place to relax with a partner or come with family and friends. The all-inclusive aspect of the resort really surpassed my expectations.

Busy Week in the DR

Jason from GA Jul 21, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

We spent most of the days at the resort on the beach under the trees or playing volleyball. Many other days we left the ... resort to scuba and visit waterfalls. Don't waist a night eating at the Santa Fe restaurant. It takes way too long.

Just as nice the second time around

Happy traveling mom! Jul 17, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

This was my second tome at the hotel, the first time was almost four years ago. The first time we were there it was great and ... we have traveled to at least two other hotels in the same hotel chain but the staff does not compare! Here they are very attentive, helpfun, cheerful and flat out humble people all around! This is the one quality that made my husband and I want to go back to this hotel. The staff was not the same as before but everyone was just as nice. This time around we traveled with my one year old son and everyone was so helpful. They would help during every meal to get what I needed even when my husband was around to help. The best part they didn't spect anything back in exchange for their help. The only problem I had with the hotel was the pool, this time around one of the sides of the pool, (because it's big) wasn't too clean.

Not what we expected!

Mirifran Jul 8, 2009

The Hotel is nice and have all the amenities and the potential to be a 5 star hotel,but I sensed a lack of good management. ... The staff, except the reception one, needs more training and more comitment to the job, starting with the cheff(s) and the housekeeping crew. The food was just all right for the regular buffet, no surprises! Even in the A la Carte restaurants (with the exception of RIGOLETTO)the mediocre variety and taste is notable. On the other hand, the room, on one of the "new buildings" was always damp and humid,with no real clean job,the set of towels was every day incomplete, and the minibar service was almost none. We had to call to have ours refilled.Last year my wife and I went to Melia caribe tropical in Punta Cana, also in Dominican Republic and the experience was totally different: They knew how to do bussiness!

Excellent Customer Service

Erica S Jul 8, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

I just got back from the Grand Oasis Marien on July 7 and it was absolutely wonderful. The staff at the hotel provided ... excellent customer service and were very accomodating. They have to be the hardest working hotel staff I've ever met. The hotel is beautiful and well kept. Beef tenderloin at the Italian restaurant is by far the best and be sure to have a Mamajuana shot while you're there. I will definitely be visiting the Grand Oasis again.

the beach is great

mamha Jun 28, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

the hotel is nice the staff is super, the food is not the greaestt but have a big variety, one thing that I found a major ... inconviniece is for a hotel that big they only have one beach towel exchage location they should have at least two one of then being at the beach.

great, relaxing stay!

the traveling couple Jun 16, 2009

Would recommend to a friend!

The hotel was very nice, beautiful views!! the pool was great and always clean. The staff was friendly and helpful ... (especially if you tip). This is definitly not a "party" resort, but more of a relaxing one which was what we were looking for. Not to say you cant have some wild nights, but the atmosphere is more of a relaxing one that a part one. We enjoyed that for this trip. the only con for me is the bed was very firm... but my boyfriend loved that part. I only mention it becasue it was noticeable. Food was great in all the dining places, even in the buffet! Don't miss Oceanworld- it's a tad expensive but totally worth it. Also we loved Paradise Island! The hotel booked both for us and the excursions were fabulous!