Hotel-Hotel Karibia

Not really sure why people find reasons to complain about this resort-- I thought it was wonderful!! HUGE, and gorgeous!! I went on a girls trip with a friend, and we felt very safe on the resort and loved our stay. Our room was clean and nice, the staff was super friendly, and there was so much to do on the resort there really wasn't a reason to leave. A very relaxing environment as soon as you arrive, and lots of options for food and drinks at all hours. The beach and water was picturesque (I loved the hammocks they had nearby), they has shows every night, and the staff at the front is always available to help you. This resort is really a great pick! Some things I wish I had known prior: 1) they accept US dollars everywhere - no need to exchange for pesos at the airport when you arrive 2) you will be charged $10 arriving fee once you step off the plane - CASH only 3) excursions always take 2+ hours longer than advertised (in hindsight I wish we had just spent more time relaxing on the resort-- if you pick one though my favorite was horseback riding! amazing! the ziplining and chocolate making i would not recommend because they took forever and were not that great) Other tips: 1) they do have free wifi around the catalina resort - so if you need to make a phone call home you can via skype, etc. 2) this is kind of common sense, but don't be adventurous and leave the resort after dark-- the country is poorer and not entirely safe outside of the resorts

Staff is amazing and will help with the drop of a hat from anything to towels to a broken TV remote and houskeeping.

I would recommend this hotel to any of my relatives, friends or acquitanxes without hesitation. Nice location, far from other resorts but close enough to some commercial areas and pintoeesque villages. My first stay in a Catalonia hotel and for sure wont be the last one. Despite the fact that is obvious that the facilities need some work (especially gardens), it was really easy to adopt the relased pace of the local staff and forgive some mistakes done when ordering food or drink. Pleasantly surprised by the qualiry of the food (special mention for the restautant located next to the beach). The beach would be considered by some on the small size, but attending to the number of tourists lying in the sun enjoying the drinks and a quiet reading I would say it is more than enough. Clean beach, I was missing some staff taking orders in the peak hours of the day though. Nice beach to walk and get some tan. As conclusion, first experience in the Dominican Republic and very satisfied with our choice.

Nothing was too much trouble for this establishment. How pleasing it was that all of the staff would pass the time of day with you, and always with a smile. Good menu selection for lunch and generous portions too. Dive facilities excellent - full valet service meant that you never had to carry anything to the boat or on the boat - you sat on the rear step and your gear was fitted on to you, and after the dive it was taken off you as soon as you got out of the water. Boats not jammed with clients, unlike other places and facilities, the resort preferring to use an extra boat rather than mar the experience. Will definitely return and would certainly recommend to divers in particular.