Casa Marina Beach

The grounds were the highlight for me: little courtyards, lush trees, hidden pools, and an oceanfront setting. My room was modern, clean, and well appointed, the AC worked well, and wifi was available throughout, though it could be spotty. Hot water was really only warm, as others have said, while the hot tub was ironically very hot. The gym is awful, plain and simple. If you’re a gym person, there’s a spectacular full-service gym across the street for $12 a day. Food and drinks are all inclusive, with friendly, prompt service. Dinner at the Italian place was sit-down, cruise ship style food: decent, salty, and in smaller portions. Breakfast was a large buffet by the water, with lots of cured meats and fruit. I stayed on the Select side. Keep in mind it’s a mid-level resort in the Dominican Republic and expectations should be set accordingly. It meets Euro travel standards and almost, but not quite, American travel standards. Outside the resort the area seemed fine, and I felt safe at night. There’s a large modern supermarket down the road with everything you’d want, and Hard Rock is just outside.

The room was full of cockroaches. The staff were very helpful and brought me insecticide, but the next morning three more came out from somewhere in the bathroom. It was terrible.

Great food, warm hospitality, and great service made for a really good experience.

The place was beautiful and tranquil, and we loved the kind, attentive Dominican staff. The beach is very close, and there’s a jacuzzi, a pool, and good food.