Hilton Garden Inn La Romana

The dining room service was painfully slow. Our meals took 30-45 minutes after ordering, and arrived cold. The room key cards stopped working on the second day even though we still had another night, but one trip to the desk got them working again. There’s no beach on the property because the stretch in front is privately owned. Guests can take a free shuttle to a nearby beach, which was adequate but not very appealing to look at. We waited 30 minutes for the return shuttle after calling. Victor checked in by text, which I appreciated, though all he could really do was apologize. I had higher expectations for this brand and found the hotel underwhelming. It was a two-night pre-cruise extension chosen for me, so I had no say. The hotel is well kept, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the room was clean and nice, though it faced an empty lot. As a travel agent and former guest, I can’t recommend this hotel.

The food was poor, and basic things were often out of stock. They didn’t even have Presidente beer, a staple in the Dominican Republic. With no nearby places to get food or drinks, it felt like the hotel was taking advantage of guests being stuck there. Service was hands down the worst I’ve had at a hotel. Staff seemed disengaged, unhelpful, and like they simply didn’t care. The room was comfortable and the hotel itself is nice, but that’s the only positive. It’s in the middle of nowhere, and once you arrive, you’re stuck. We only had to stay one night, thankfully. I couldn’t have put up with another. It may have the Hilton name, but the experience falls far short of what I’d expect from a Hilton. Don’t stay unless you truly have no other option.

The ocean view is gorgeous, and the hotel, rooms, and pool are beautiful. Staff were all very nice, though clearly busy. Food and service were okay. We waited about an hour for dinner, and a couple of friends waited nearly two hours. There was a wedding happening, which may explain the slow service. The pork leg sandwich was delicious.

The pool is lovely, the views are great, and everything was very clean. Food was fine, though service moved slowly. They can drive you by golf cart about five minutes down the road to the local beach, where there are lots of bars and restaurants. A very nice place.