This is the second time we have been to an Iberostar hotel and we cannot fault the hotel for its cleanliness, excellent quality of food and very friendly and helpful staff.

All restaurants there are of a high standard and our favourite was the Mexican.

Downside to the hotel we thought was the entertainment at night which could be repetitive and boring on some occasions we went down to Playa Dorada to the casino which was free to get in and served free drinks to. Had to get taxi there and back which cost $14 in total but it was well worth it.

This was our best holiday yet - considering booking again for next year. We have two girls aged 8 and 5 who loved it. Jesse and Mama Maria who run the kid's club are brilliant - they even take the kids to dinner every night before they do their shows or mini disco. The kids were in a show at least every other night - Grease and The Lion King were excellent - they loved getting dressed up and having their make-up done. The dancers and costumes are amazing - different shows every night of the week - it was like going to the theatre some nights.

We got loads of free time - ate on our own almost every night. I had my birthday whilst I was there and they put a table in the room with a cake and serviettes and they also brought a big cake to the table in the buffet restaurant with drumming, singing waiters which was lovely.

The entertainment is great - we always sat near the pool where they played the water polo and games in the afternoon. The entertainment staff are really funny, especially Tun Tun and Scooby - they think up some brilliant pool games for the adults and children. My husband plays basketball at home and they had a mini tournament for him to play in around every 2 or 3 days which he enjoyed - and you get certificates and hats or t-shirts on stage when you have won something.

The food was excellent - we almost always ate in the buffet restaurant as we found it easier not to have to book a certain time and the food was always varied every night. We both got slightly upset tummies but I think this was also due to the heat as it was very hot and humid.

This was my first experience of the Carribean it will not be the last as it was the best holiday of my life.

The entertainment was excellent every night of the two weeks we were there, there would always be a different show each night. The Lion King show the best out of the lot. Some of the shows included audience participation, but you are never forced to do something you didn't want to. I know this as my boyfriend was asked to join in, although he jumped at the chance.

The star friends like to ask you to dance before and afetr the show but if you would rather not then they will leave you alone.

Food in the buffet section at night was fantastic, something different every night. We enjoyed the food so much that we didn't end up in the restaurants that are on site. the waiters are very helpful and will get you your drinks for you, although you can get your own. if you want to tip the waiter DON'T tip until the end of your holiday as the waiters will be fighting over to serve you.

The pool is huge you always see someone cleaning it in the day and at NIGHT. The star friends are on site to keep you entertained throughout the day by asking you if you would like to play different types of games, but if you would rather not then they will leave you alone.

The room service is brilliant. You always have clean towles every day and minibar stocked frequently.

Great holiday and I will be definatley going back/

We have just returned this morning from the best holiday weve ever had!!!!This hotel is amazing.The rooms and hotel are kept very clean and the cleaners/gardeners/waiters etc do not stop. The food was delicoius and something for all.

You first of all get greeted by the reception staff clapping and welcoming you to their hotel (your vacation home) with a strawberry slush, very tasty. your bags are taken by the porters to your room.

You actually check in at the airport and get your bands there also. All you have to do is go to your room. Your mini bar is restocked daily and you dont need to take towels as they have a towel station by the pool, extra baggage for shoes!

The beach isnt your typical carribean beach but is lovely and the beds are free and have cushions as do the pool sunbeds. Theres never a fight for beds as there are loads.

There is a shopping mall about 15 mins walk down the beach to Playa Dorada but its very dear as is everything there. Its a nice walk along the beach though. There are plenty of watersports to do.

The animation team are something else! Tun Tun is fab as is Spagetti legs (sexy Victor) and Scooby Doo. They work so hard. The shows they put on every night are wonderful and its like going to the theatre some nights. The waiter staff are fab, hello to Domingo, Arismendy, Joel, Carlos in fact it seems unfair to just mention a few as they are all great. They fill your glass and after one sip they top up your glass. Amazing!!

Can everybody take charity bands to give out please as the joy on their faces is lovely. They have so little and appreciate so much. We left clothes there and gave them to the waiters and staff for their children and they overjoyed.

The outback safari trip is good and take colouring books, pencils, deodorants, toiletries etc for the locals as they have nothing. If you dont enjoy a holiday here there is something wrong as everybody bends over backwards to help you.

We have never met such a happy nation of people and they are very humbling. Enjoy you trip xx

After a very long and uncomfortable flight from Newcastle we arrived at the hotel to a wonderful reception from the hotel staff.

Check in was dealt with very quickly and a wonderful refreshing drink was given and greatfully accepted.
Staff throughout the hotel were exceptional and the service here I feel is second to none.

Thanks especially to Ruben and Arismendy the two waiters who took care of us and our 10 year old daughter throughout our stay.

The entertainment was brilliant every night and the performance of the Lion King was fantastic.

We went on many excursions the monster truck (great) take plenty of pens, paper etc for the kids they love them.

For the more adventurous try the white water rafting. Will definately be going back.

We have just returned and had a fab time the weather was fantastic wall to wall sunshine for two weeks 90oc.

The staff were so friendly always smiling.

The kids club was brill, hi to Jessie and Momma Maria the kids put on productions of Grease and the Lion King and lots more they also got to do archery, shooting, football, mini golf and scuba diving in the pool and loads of other stuff.

There was entertainment around the pool look out for scooby!! if you don't want to join in they don't pressure you at all.The evening entertainment was really good and professional they must have a massive team.
We have never stayed in such a nice hotel with such lovely staff ever.

The food was amazing something for everyone basic or extravigant, endless ice cream and pop corn for the kidsand an enormous variety of different cakes.

The only complaint would be that the double beds were on the small side so we had to take it in turns with sleeping with one of the children ( there was 2 small double beds and a single ) It might be worth emailing the hotel before hand and requesting a king size bed. Also dont forget the mozi repellent.

What we were not told was about the DEPARTURE tax of $20.00 (U.S)per person. Take U.S dollars they are excepted all over, the exchange rate is rubbish so take as much cash as poss and invest in a safe key when you check in.

You can get a visa when you land but you have to stand and fill out a form for each person and when your feeling tired and the temperature is 90 in an un air conditioned room its a bit of a drag so if you have got time to send off for one you will sail through imigration, if not don't worry it doesn't take to long.

Hotel: Iberostar Costa Dorada. All-inclusive X 14 nights. X 5 adults (12 years plus)

Having enjoyed the most fantastic holiday last year in the Dominican Republic!!!!
We decided to try the north of the island this year, as there was for the first time, direct flights from Newcastle. We spent a bit of time looking at Dominican Republic holidaymaker review web sites, for example debbie'sdominican.com.

Flew Excel Airways from Newcastle(England) to Dominican Republic (Peurto Plata).
Flight delayed 4 hours out of Newcastle; also an

The hotel itself is absolutely beautiful, however it is has the most room capacities of any hotel we have ever stayed at. This we didn't like, we felt like we were a number and not individuals (that is all but the very nice waiter who served us every meal!)

Breakfast definately the best meal of the day with lots of yummy breads, omlettes made to order and even better waffles with chocolate sauce! Lunchtime don't expect to be able to eat at your sunbed as the food is strictly for restaurants only.

The evening entertainment was very very poor. If you are used to lots of fun and shows - forget it! Extremely repetative. We loved the entertainment staff during the day but the evening was just a bore with the staff hitting on the teenage girls - it was embarrising to watch!

On arrival you are greeted with a gorgeous cocktail and are given maps, entertainment info, etc. In our case we were driven to our rooms by golf buggy but I did see a lot of people walking to there rooms (which is the last thing you want in sweltering heat after an 8 hr flight and 30min bus journey with no air con)

The rooms are pleasant enough and the free minibar was greatly appreciated, however I would reccommend taking a few extra coathangers and don't even bother packing hair straighteners as they will not work !

You can't fault the cleanliness on anything but the pool and that was only because someone had been sick in it on both occasions I ventured in.

I would say the rating of the location is ok because it isn't actually in Costa Dorada centre if you want to go there you can either walk down the beach or get a taxi (which I wouldn't advise, you'll see when you get there!)

The hotel staff are very nice, but expect to find that after the 1st night you will have a particular waiter trailing you & they expect tips. The "Starfriends" are great if you've got kids but if you haven't they can be a bit of a nightmare, imagine dozing off on your sunlounger to have some bloke screaming volleyball right in front of you!

The entertainment was good for kids and there is a club that opens at 10pm for adults and that was wicked, best of all was when it closed you can wonder over to one of the restraunts thats open & get a burger cooked to order.

If you love food then there are plenty of restraunts to choose from, my favourite was the Brazilian and you can't fault the menu.

My favourite thing of all was the massage's on offer, so cheap & so good. I would go back just for one of them.

Also the beach is spotless, the hotel staff are always cleaning it and there are security gaurds around to make sure you don't get hassled by the vendors if your on a lounger, but you are most at risk when trying to make it into the water they will try & sell you anything and the best thing is to just run away or make sure you have a tan before you get there as they seem to only target pale people !

Just got back from a great holiday!!

The hotel is impressive, from the moment you walk in to reception right through the whole complex. Everything is very clean and the gardens are well maintained.

Food was excellent, with many choices and a hello to Ceasarino who was a great waiter.

Staff could not be faulted, everyone was very happy and friendly with a laid back attitude.

The entertainment was very good especially the Lion King and it was nice to find that Elvis Presley is still around (great wig).

We didn't stay by the pool as it could get quite noisy, lots of children and much preferred the beach, although it did get quite windy in the afternoons.

No problem with sunbeds.

All in all a great holiday and one that will not be forgotten in a hurry!!!!