We stayed here from 14th-28th May after cancelling a holiday somewhere else as Thomson treated us abyssmally, and I am so glad we did.

FLIGHTS OUT
We arrived at Gatwick and went through check in within 5 minutes, slight delay on boarding My Travel flight (Thomas Cook) but found seats better, leg room major improvement, seat back tv good, food average. Disappointed that there were no free beverage with meal, (we went with Monarch to Maldives in Dec and had free soft drinks throughout flight and free wine with main meal and this was throughout the plane, we had not upgraded.) Flight made up some time but still half hour late arriving. Crew seemed happy enough to help. Still makes us laugh you pay $10 entry fee for a ticket that you give back after walking about 20 paces, I know this is a poor country but beware of porters, they try to snatch your bag to carry it to your coach and then demand a tip, if you don't want them to do this, just tell them NO. Free water supplied on coach and journey takes approx 10-15 minutes.

HOTEL
On arrival, the outside of the hotel looks beautiful and we knew we had made a good choice, the reception area was also fantastic. Check in took approx 5 minutes then us and our luggage was boarded onto a golf buggy and transported to our room. Nice room, not a very good view, but we were moved the next day to a room with a fantastic view over the golf course. We were moved because my husband had stayed there approx 6 years ago and we were classed as repeat guests so we had an upgrade to our room and also we were allowed to access the facilities of the Gran Ventana. Rooms cleaned every day, mini bar filled daily, clean towels provided every day. There is a safe in your room, but we didn't use this, you are advised to but we have always locked our passports, phones etc in a small holdall and then locked them in the suitcase. There are 2 pools, a spa, an internet room- but this is so slow, if you take a lap top WiFi area great. 4 bars but two close at approx 5-6, pool bar open from 10.00am -12.00am, not 24 hours, like some hotels, but we were never awake then. Also golf course attached to hotel, which proved popular with hotel guests.

FOOD
Three eating places, buffet restaurant, a la carte restaurant, which has to be booked but you can eat there as often as you like and the beach bar, we had lunch here every day as we loved it..There were theme nights in buffet restaurant, a bit repetive at times as we were there 2 weeks, but we also had choice of Gran Ventana restaurats. But enough choice to satisfy people I would say.

OUT AND ABOUT
We visited the beach which was ok, not the best I have ever seen, but ok, visited the Plaza, again ok, but overly priced as its for us tourists, if you can, get out of the complex and visit Puerto Plata, Sosua etc, where you can barter. Nice bars especially Hemingways and a disco (Coco Bongo), which we said we would visit every night , but never stayed awake long enough. Lots of trips on offer, either through rep or plaza. Money exchange rates better at Plaza than we had back in UK.

STAFF
All friendly, animation team were good, but some times they would ask you to get them drinks, but they put on some good shows and did try to get people to participate, but most people just wanted to sit back and watch. Luis (bar staff) was fantastic, befoer our glass was empty he had a refill lined up for us. Everyone was so happy and they loved to talk about allsorts.
Can't fault the staff, hotel was small in comparison to others, not many sunbeds if hotel was full to capacity, but then it does have two pools.

GOING HOME
Bus transfer, good, still laughing about $20 departure tax as you just get a stamp, beware, they make you pay for excess luggage even if you are 1kg over, lots of people complaining, we weighed ours at hotel prior to departure in the gym so we knew we were ok. Not many gifts apart from cigs, alcohol and perfume. Bar upstairs cheaper than downstairs, flight home left on time and we arrived home 25 minutes early.

OVERALL
Great holiday, relaxed, read lots of books, enjoyed most of the entertainment and most of all enjoyed spending some quality time with other half.

Myself aka J-Lo and my husband aka Sexy Belly returned from Victoria resort on 21st May 2008......... Well so many things to say about our holiday and not a bad comment involved. We had the most fantastic time, hotel and staff amazing, they couldnt do enough for you. Many thanks to entertainment team who made us laugh and and smile everyday. Big thanks to ana at adults pool, cocktails always worth the stop on the way past. Food very good and always a good selection for everyones taste. We will def be returning to this hotel and missing everyone already. To anyone thinking of booking dont think about it just do it.

Just returned again from the excellent Hotel Victoria and Beach Resort Playa Dorada and cannot wait to return.The service and the staff from the manager to the cleaner is of the highest quality and allways with a smile.The food at the hotel and the beach bar contained a selection to meet everyones taste and again prepared to a very high standard.Room and room service excellent with clean linnen and towels every day.Apart from the sun , it was all the hotel staff that helped to make our holliday the best

just got back from the victoria had a wonderful time the weather helped.
food was good beef, chicken turkey and pork all on offer.
must try the tex mex on the beach your never without a glass there the waiters were wonderful.
all the food on offer was fresh and were hot was hot...
not sure about the the fried plaitin or the yuka.
everyone made you welcome from the front desk to the waiters.
nothing was to much trouble.
rooms were a good size but no chest of drawers... so we used the cabinet which housed the tv and fridge. this had shelves. little mini fridge and this was restocked everyday with beer and coke.
try out the adult pool this was better than the large one and say hi to Ana Maria she will always offer you a bright smile with your drinks.
you should enjoy this hotel if you go with an open mind