First of all, i would like to point out that my girlfriend and I are a young couple ages 22-23, enjoying our first vacation to the DR. We have previously visited Aruba and Bahamas, and are no strangers to 5 star resorts. Now, coming to the DR we expected the 3.5 star rating the resort was given. Based on previous reviews, people seemed to expect 5 star service and quality. This resort is not terrible by any means. The staff is accommodating and friendly. Our room is nice and clean, and freshly refurbished. The food at the buffet hibiscus was decent and satisfying, considering they serve for quantity over quality. The beach has the best view of the nearby mountains. There are, however, many vendors on the beach who pester you to buy their goods, but they can easily be dismissed. Although, if you want to buy something from the beach vendors or the nearby orange "flea" market, HAGGLE the price down!!!!!!!! Many of the other guests are 40+, so not a young crowd at all, and perhaps harder to please. There are activities for everyone to enjoy. We got a GREAT deal on two excursions from one of the beach vendors to the waterfall tour and horseback riding. BOTH are recommended.
Overall, our stay here so far has been fun and relaxing. The previous reviews are a bit too harsh considering you get what you pay for. This place is a great VALUE.

It wasn't my cup of tea...but everyone looked like they were having fun and it is an inexpensive place to go. I thought the food was better than other reviews and a great place if you're looking for a place to party. The rooms are reasonably clean but the smell of mildew is pretty bad everywhere...it's old and on the water...The only really weird part was you were only given one key per room. I thought that was bizarre when you have two in a room. They do it to control the power as the key is used to turn on the air conditioner and lights...but many travelling found it to really be hard to take a nap through the day since they couldn't find their partner with the key...make sure to bring tip money as you will get better treatment...but that goes without thought :)

We did not start this trip off in the best fashion. After flying in after 10pm we got to the hotel around 11. There were approx 50 of us on the bus and only 2 people working the desk. We were not checked in until after midnight. They then expected us to find our own room in the dark with no directions or map of the resort.
We took a deep breath and were determined to have a good time.
The next day we came to realise that our room was a party room. Any room that overlooks the pool also has to deal with the speakers and entertainment that come with it. The speake’s boom through your room making you feel as though you are on the "stage". This was esp. awful on karaoke night!!!!! The noise continues well after the 11:30 last call as everyone stockpiles drinks and carries on all hours of the night. I felt sorry for anyone with children.
We asked the front desk daily to be moved. I offered to pay for an upgrade it that would help. We were told nothing was available and to come back daily at 9am. We were finally moved on our 4th day to a very nice Jr suite in the 7 block. IT IS FAR QUIETER THERE AND WORTH ANY AMOUNT OF UPGRADE $!!!!!!!
The food was awful. The buffet was a waste of time for all three meals. The Italian a la carte I found to be not bad but my husband had a plain pizza and could not eat it.
THANKFULLY there is a Pizza Hut (that tasted like home) 5 mins from the resort in the plaza which is why we made it through the trip alive. I am not a greasy PH fan but it sure beats the slop they were serving.
The rooms are only serviced once daily. This would normally not bother me in the least however when you are not allowed to flush toilet paper, maybe they could have a few more shifts. The smell was not pleasant to say the least.
The beach was lovely. The hustlers on the beach were not a bother. They are trying to sell their wares so of course they will ask you to look, but a simple no was all that is required to have them leave you alone. The waves were very strong however so snorkelling was not an option.
The pool was FREEZING cold except near the pool bar for obvious reasons :s
On a brighter note the staff was lovely. Jose Pilar at the bar made up for all the crap we had to deal with which made our stay upgraded to a 2* review.
We have been to the Dominican many times usually staying in Boca Chica or Puna Cana. I would never go back to Puerto Plata again as a result of this resort. That is really saying something.

Went to the Grand Paradise from January 13-20 and had a great time.
Food was good and there was always lots to eat. Alacarts were extremely good, especially the Steak House. Buffet was good with a variety of food.
Beach-Excellent (No need to say more)
Pool and swim up bar were nice.
Entertainment staff was good at getting people involved.
Met some great people from all over the world.