Just got back from a week at Grand Paradise, Puerto Plata, DR. Having stayed in the playa Dorado complex at different hotels twice before, we knew what to expect with the beach (beautiful and clean, with miles of sandy beach for walking).
A slight mix up with our rooms, the hotel was quite helpful on day 2 to fix our accomodations, and offered a late check out time on departure day to help compensate for the mix up. The rooms are spacious, and kept very clean. We were in building 18, overlooking the tennis courts...very quiet.

We travelled with our two children aged 17 and 11. We absolutely loved the animation staff, with a special shout out to SuperJoe, Pepe and Chicky! They kept us entertained every day, and we enjoyed participating in the games.

The food was ok...if you're super picky, you might be hungry. Remember, you are in a different country, and things are not like they are at home. If you are a fan of peanut butter, bring a small jar with you as there is none. The Italian a la carte and the Grill a la carte were both good....again, not Canadian Grade A beef, but delightful just the same. If I could offer a suggestion, spend the money before you go and take Dukoral! It's worth it!

We met a great group of 8 fellow Canadians, whom we took most of our meals with, and thoroughly enjoyed their company.

All in all, this resort offers good value for your money. If you want blender drinks, 7 a la carte restaurants, jacuzzi's in your bathroom then this is NOT the place for you...but good luck finding all of that for the price you'll pay for a week at the Grand Paradise.

Beautiful weather, delightful staff, making new friends and a week of fun in the sun with my hubby and daughters....PRICELESS!

We've never been to the Dominican Republic and now have no desire to return. The Grand Paradise was OK, not luxurious by any means but it was adequate. Having only stayed in one 4 star and one 5 star resort in the past I will say that 5 star is the way to go. The front desk staff were not very accomadateing., the maid service was just OK, I don't think they really clean the rooms thorughly, just a light cleaning, we only received 2 towels daily. The food was slightly above average but lacked variety. Same thing every night with maybe 1 new dish to go with the theme of the night. the beach is big but you won't see crystal blue water and white sand, but what you will see is VENDORS, and lots of them and they are RELENTLESS!!!! Overall it wasnt the resort that made me not want to go back, its the area in general. The country is beautiful but we found that the excursions were shopping trips, maybe the economy has affected the area because friends we have talked to who have stayed at Playa Dorada didnt have the same experience we did. The majority of the guests are seniors so if you're looking to party, go to another resort. We didn't use the swimup bar because it is in the shade most of the day. No Presidente beer to be found, even when it is requested. Alot of little negatives add up!

Having been to the D.R. at least 16 times in the last 10 years, my wife and I are rather knowledgable about what to expect. Having stayed at the G.P.(under a previous ownership) and having noted it being refurbished some three years ago while staying at a nearby resort, we wanted to renew with this resort once again. MISTAKE. The great things: beach, some staff. The average: check in and out(no smiles and little feeling of warmth) some wait staff (others if you requested a wine at lunch you would be lucky to receive it by dinner!!). Room a.c. was good, with okay bedding. Room was clean but upper Salvation Army furnishings. POOR: food, not only very basic but rather poor quality( and we KNOW D.R. food)., quality of the drinks(wine possibly a one day old vintage and served from gallon milk type containers!!). While not drinkers, I would think it would be very hard for someone to be drunk with the amount(and quality) of liquor served.. A general statement: it would seem to us that the AMSHA chain is a rather poor example of D. R, resorts. Low price and equally low quality.

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.