I didn't expect much after reading the reviews so I was pleasantly surprised.
Went on a package tour at $900 including taxes from Toronto which is a great deal for flight, hotel and meals.
A week isn't long enough. Most everyone I met there was a repeat customer who were spending 3 to 4 weeks at a time there.
Food was good. Prices at nearby restaurants and grocery store were comparable to prices in Toronto.
Animation dance team was fun to watch each night. Don't expect high production values.
Excellent bar tenders, I was impressed with how well they remembered names.
Walking into Cabarete Kite Beach takes about an hour along the beach. Taxi ride into town should not be more than $5, watch out for those that will charge you more.
Hair shampoo is not supplied.

holes in floor boards, public seat areas waterlogged and filthy, shower too hot to stand under, toilet flush faulty, sink taps clogged and slow flowing, tap top missing, plug missing, food bland and lukewarm - I've been home a week and still running for the loo, toaster caught fire in my wifes face, plug socket simply blew up next to where we were eating, ran out of red wine, restaurant has holes in roof, aircon packed up, karaoke machine packed up, film night dvd wouldnt work, fire extinguishers out of pressure, outside and common area lighting faulty in too many areas, hedges need cutting back away from paths. Only about 15 people in the place, big hotel next door closed down, security warned us it was a bad area to go out in. Couldnt wait to leave but had to take immodium to be able to travel. We have travelled all over the world including many times in the Dominican and this is the WORST we have experienced

I went for the first time in july and within 2 days I was so relaxed, the staff are top quality and make you feel a million dollars, the rooms are not fantastic but your only sleeping in them they clean and tidy and sufficient for your needs, theres so much going on, the animation team are out of this world and if you join in your holiday will be one in a life time, all the staff just cant do enough for you. And if anything breaks down they are quick to fix it. Foods good and they put alot of effort into providing a variety not a vast amount but enough choice. I've been 4 and 5 stars hotels but I have never at the end of my holiday felt so relax and fulfilled then when I have been on this one, when it was time to come home normally I'm ready and willing to come home not this one I'm back at christmas and will go many more times god willing. GOOD ON YOU HOTEL CELIUSMA CABARETE YOUR THE BEST

We stayed for two weeks Sept/Oct. The hotel is a little way outside of Cabarete but there is a shuttle bus which runs every morning. It's well worth going as it is a busy bustling place with lots to see. Regarding the hotel, we would agree with the other good reviews which this hotel has been given. Ok it's a little tired and could be done with a spruce up but it is spotlessly clean, our pretty room and bathroom were thoroughly cleaned every day and the public areas are all very clean. Because it was quiet when we were there, we counted around 30 guests in total, the pools and beach are lovely and peaceful - no fighting for sun loungers here ! A special mention must be given to the animation team - they do a fabulous job without being pushy. The only downside for us was the food - we had upset tummys which, it can be argued, could be due to the heat, a little more alcohol than usual ! and different ways of cooking. However, having said that the food was never hot enough for our liking and we ate several times in Cabarete where there are lots of reasonably priced restaurants. All in all though, we had a lovely relaxing holiday. Look beyond the peeling paint and hopefully you will see how lovely this place is. Go on - I dare you - you'll have a fabulous time.