Occidental Allegro Puerta Plata Good? Bad?

[Surfergirl]

I'm planning a trip with my husband in two weeks and we are planning on staying at the Occidental Allegro Puerta Plata. Has anyone stayed there recently? Have read a lot of the notes, good and bad regarding DR on this website and I'm a little leary. We have traveled a lot in Panama, Costa Rico and Mexico but this is my first experience with DR. I'm very excited for the chance at this experience though realize staying in an AI isn't exactly the real world. Any comments regarding this resort good or bad would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :

[vee]

Originally Posted by Surfergirl

I'm planning a trip with my husband in two weeks and we are planning on staying at the Occidental Allegro Puerta Plata. Has anyone stayed there recently? Have read a lot of the notes, good and bad regarding DR on this website and I'm a little leary. We have traveled a lot in Panama, Costa Rico and Mexico but this is my first experience with DR. I'm very excited for the chance at this experience though realize staying in an AI isn't exactly the real world. Any comments regarding this resort good or bad would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :

Is it the Allegro Playa Dorada in the Puerto Plata area that you are wondering about? If so, my husband and I just returned from a two-week vacation at that resort on April 3 this year and had the best vacation ever there. It's close enough to Puerto Plata that you can hire a cab to take you into town to see some sights. Our room was perfect...overlooking the ocean. The food was very good - something for everyone. The resort was immaculate...the staff friendly...and there were activities for those who wanted, and quiet areas for those who didn't.

Hope this helps.

vee

[spike00lee]

Originally Posted by Surfergirl

I'm planning a trip with my husband in two weeks and we are planning on staying at the Occidental Allegro Puerta Plata. Has anyone stayed there recently? Have read a lot of the notes, good and bad regarding DR on this website and I'm a little leary. We have traveled a lot in Panama, Costa Rico and Mexico but this is my first experience with DR. I'm very excited for the chance at this experience though realize staying in an AI isn't exactly the real world. Any comments regarding this resort good or bad would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :

I was just in the playa dorada area this past weekend. I did not stay at Occidental, but it looked like a nice place. I was actually thinking of trying that one next time. I stayed at the "club" resort and will never do that again. Can someone say "attack of the killer bees". In general the playa dorada area is pretty nice and do recommend it.

[tired_boy]

Originally Posted by vee

Is it the Allegro Playa Dorada in the Puerto Plata area that you are wondering about?

Yeah, if you are talking about this hotel...........i have stayed here twice and enjoyed it both times. Last time i was there was May last year.

The hotel is very nice (a 4* i think). Its clean, food is nice, has 2 pools, casino etc etc (i am sure you know most of that).

This hotel is the only one in Playa Dorada that is right on the beach, the others only involve a small walk but this hotels smaller pool is parallel with the beach!

Ignore some of the comments you have read lately about the DR, you will have a good time!

[Juniper]

My daughter-in-law's parents just stayed there one week and they loved it. So much so, that they bought time shares so that they can keep coming back and bring the entire family.

They also loved the tours offered, with the exception of the one to Santiago. There is nothing there to see.

[marliejaneca]

Originally posted by tired_boy:

This hotel is the only one in Playa Dorada that is right on the beach, the others only involve a small walk but this hotels smaller pool is parallel with the beach!

It is not the only hotel located on the beach as Playa Naco is located right on the beach as well, or at least it was when I worked there!!!!! LOL

Marlie

[tired_boy]

Originally Posted by marliejaneca

It is not the only hotel located on the beach as Playa Naco is located right on the beach as well, or at least it was when I worked there!!!!! LOL

Marlie

Is the PLaya Naco literally on the beach? I am not doubting you, i genuinely do not know.

All of the hotels on the east side of the plaza are next to the beach, but the Gran PLaya Dorada's second swimming pool is a few feet away from the sun beds on the beach. When i went to Jack Tar, Grand Flamenco and Villas Doradas there was a tiny walk over a mangrove (30 secs to 1 min). I know its nothing, but i liked that feature that you could choose to be next to the pool or on the beach without even moving any of your things.

[marliejaneca]

Yes, actually there are 2 maybe 3 buildings right on the beach. I have a pic that I scanned and was going to include it in this post, but I can't figure out how to do that !!!!
Marlie

[Escott]

Originally Posted by Surfergirl

I'm planning a trip with my husband in two weeks and we are planning on staying at the Occidental Allegro Puerta Plata. Has anyone stayed there recently? Have read a lot of the notes, good and bad regarding DR on this website and I'm a little leary. We have traveled a lot in Panama, Costa Rico and Mexico but this is my first experience with DR. I'm very excited for the chance at this experience though realize staying in an AI isn't exactly the real world. Any comments regarding this resort good or bad would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :

Just remember it will take you 20 minutes to get to the hotel fromt he airport where in Costa Rica you have 8 hours over a boulder road.

Panama is nice around Bocas and I even like Boquete but again 2 days in and out. There is NOTHING wrong with the DR for your 1 or 2 week all inclusive and it is hands down better than Costa Rica or Panama for that. Been to both and considered both for retirement and chose the DR.

Scott