Last week (Feb 15-22, 2009) I visited the Iberostar Costa Dorada in Puerta Plata. It’s an all inclusive resort that is visited by Canadians, Americans, Brits, Belgians, Germans, etc.

Overall, I give this place a 5/10 based on the 7 other all inclusive resorts I have visited including 2 other Iberostar properties (Bavaro, Veradero).

Detailed Ratings

• Check-In: 6/10. It was quick, but the attendant did not inform me about things like safe rental leaving me to have to pursue that information after I had already gone to my room. They strictly adhered to the 3pm check-in rule, which I think is a bit tired — they were just unwilling to do the work to reallocate rooms.
• Customer Service: 2/10. I emailed the resort 2 weeks in advance and laid out some room preferences based on feedback I saw on dr1.com. They responded promptly telling me they would try to accommodate me the best that they could. When I checked in I was actually given a room that was the polar opposite of what I asked for (right next to the lobby). I probably could have bribed my way into a better room (have done it before), but I was determined on this trip to just go with the flow and de-stress. It turned out that it rained 3/7 days, so being close to the lobby had its advantages. Also, the resort is small — so not a big deal really. They just get an F for effort in this case.
• Room: 6/10. Everything worked, it was clean, but both of us had sore lower backs all week from the bed. We have had much nicer rooms elsewhere for cheaper, and they also came with room service which this resort does not offer.
• Grounds: 7/10. I think they cut back on labor and only have one crew working the grounds. I had dead grass in front of my balcony.
• Lobby Bar: 8/10. Very good service and there are decent brands like Johnny Walker, Tanqueray and Smirnoff. They lose points for not making drinks with fresh ingredients and using bar mix for everything.
• Pool: 5/10. It was freezing, has no built in bar, was filled with children. I like a resort that makes the pool area fun for kids and adults. This reminded me of a pretty municipal pool.
• Beach: 6/10. They struggle to keep it clean, and it is just not as inviting as Punta Cana. Very rough at times. Excellent if you are a proficient wind surfer, however…probably world class.
• Buffets: 5/10. Same things, eevvvveeerrrryy day and the cost cutting is pretty obvious compared to previous stays with this chain.
• WIFI: 9/10. It costs $13/day or $5/30 min…but it works very well but only in the lobby area. You can sometimes get a signal from rooms in building 9 that are closest to the lobby.
• Gym: 8/10. Good quality equipment that is in good repair.
• Spa: 9/10. I had a massage that rivalled anything I have had here in Canada from a registered massage therapist (RMT). We didn’t try anything else there, but they seem very professional.
• Entertainment: 3/10. (kids: 8/10). The entertainment is pretty repetitive and the same that you see at most resorts. They do go out of their way to make the kids have fun though, which may be an important selling point for the parents out there.
• Value for money: 3/10. I paid about $4500 for the package for 2 people through AC Vacations from Montreal, including Business Class seating on the flight. I feel I could have spent ~$3000 elsewhere in the area and had just as good or better experience.

Tips

If you are planning to visit this resort, here are a few tips.

• If you plan to charge or plug in any appliances with 3 prongs on the plug…they won’t work. You need some kind of adapter to go from 2 prong to 3 prong. A modified extension cord would work, or even something fashioned from some wire, a male 2 prong and a female 3 prong from home depot. I think the third prong is a ground. Also note that the plugs are all recessed so you can’t plug in brick chargers like those that come with your Blackberry, RAZR, etc. You’ll need an extension cord. iPhone 3G chargers work.
• TV has AUX input on channel 1. I had my Zune plugged into it all week.
• The maid hordes face cloths, and only willingly leaves them occasionally….so talk to her and she will give you them…but you usually have to go after her daily.
• Get the safe key when you check in. It is $2 a day.
• People reserve chairs very early in the morning… I mean 6 or 7AM!
• Pay for WiFi in the lobby around the corner from reception, right next to the internet room. They will give you an expiring username and password. Many power plugs in the lobby are disabled, so find a plug that has a lamp plugged into it.
• If you are desperate for real food, you can go late to the a la carte restaurants and bribe them to cook you a steak sandwich (I heard this from a British traveller I met there…)
• The hotel store only takes pesos or credit card. You can buy pesos at the front desk (32 for $1 US, 23 for $1 CAD all last week).