Puerto Plata, Breezes Puerto Plata Resort Spa and Casino

As with all holidays check-in to the Breezes Puerto Plata Resort Spa and Casino took a while, although cool drinks were brought round. Our baggage was delivered to our room, so no lugging heavy cases up stairs. We had requested a quiet room on the second floor (there are only two floors) and that is exactly what we got.

However, the room was disappointing - it was definitely not four-star - I would say nearer two-three stars. The bathrooms are in urgent need of renovation - on the one occasion I had a bath instead of a shower the chap from the room below came up to tell us that our bath was leaking through his ceiling :-(

All that said - the rooms are kept extremely clean with a supply of tea, coffee and cold soft drinks and water in the fridge - all of which are included in the all inclusive price. If you needed more of anything the maids were happy to provide it.

We did request to change rooms - just in case we were unlucky - but the room we were offered near the pool was smaller and the bathroom just as bad, so we stayed put - working on the thought that you only sleep in the room and although disappointing it was fine for that purpose.

The rest of the resort is fantastic - the restaurants are amazing with high quality food and great service. The cocktails are also great and although service can be somewhat manyana - the Dominican's are of Spanish descent after all - you can get round that by always ordering one drink ahead, or ordering double rounds, or - and this may shock some people - going to the bar yourself :-)

The pool is great, with plenty of sun beds and space. The lazy river is relaxing and the main pool fun. The Jacuzzis are great too and the beach is great. The surf on the beach is rough however and not suitable for young children. It is a the Atlantic ocean and a steeply shelving beach which has a strong riptide on occasions - great fun as long as you don't go out too deep. There are lifeguards on the beach and large flags are flown indicating the safety of the water.

There is plenty to do - from a climbing wall to a circus trampoline to scuba lessons, but I must admit my husband and I just lay by the pool or on the beach. You are never harassed by staff - if you say you don't want to join in they happily leave you in peace and there are plenty of places where you can chill out away from the action.

Overall - I would recommend a holiday here, as long as you go prepared for a slight disappointment in the rooms. My husband and I would definitely go again.