November 17, 2004

Iberostar Message Board

We just returned from a week at this resort. (11-7 to 11-15). Overall we had a very nice time (although the weather was bad, we only had one sunny day). First of all, the grounds are very nice and well maintained. We would constantly see people cleaning and repairing things throughout the resort.

They have three pools sitting right next to one another. The first pool is small round pool that was basically used for scuba lessons. The second is a very large pool that includes a cold water whirlpool in the middle and a swim up pool bar. The last pool is an activities pool where they had basketball hoops and water-polo nets set up. This was a nice set up. No chance of being splashed by people playing water polo when you're trying to relax by the pool. The beach was very large and the water was very calm. There is a small beach bar, but it closes early. One thing that stands out about the Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus is the amount of chairs around the pool and at the beach. They had plenty of spots both in the sun and in the shade for pretty much everyone (as long as if you want shade, you don't need to be directly pool-side). We never had a problem finding a spot to hang out at... and the resort was full. There really wasn't any pool/beach service to speak of. Out of the 7 days we were there, I had a waiter come by twice.

When we arrived, we at dinner at the buffet which was one of the better buffet meals I have had a resort. However, the breakfast and lunch buffets were not that good. As a matter of fact, the breakfast buffets were usually pretty bad, although there was a lot to choose from. You could usually find something eatable.

We ate at all of the restaurants except the Colonial (gourmet). The steak restaurant was actually better than I had thought it would be. It doesn't compare to a good steakhouse in the US, but it was probably the best steak I have had outside of the US. The Japanese restaurant is very good as well. Again, probably not as good as the US... and they don't do much of a show when cooking your food... but overall it was very good. The Mexican restaurant was my favorite. They have an appetizer buffet that was outstanding. You could easily make a full meal just from the appetizers. They had everything ranging from nachos, to jalapeno poppers, to chicken chimmi's. The dinners were very good too... but I actually preferred the appetizers.

The resort has plenty of bars. They have a nice lobby bar that is always very busy. They have a good selection of drinks. Their selection of top-shelf alcohol is a little limited, but you should be able to find something you like. The beer is Presidente on tap, but the lobby bar has some bottled beer available as well. (Just ask). I thought the Presidente on tap was better than the bottled beer. Their rum is actually pretty good. They also have a bar next the theater, which is a pretty good size. They have a pool bar, which does not have a blender for frozen drinks (very odd). They also have a disco. We went in one night, but left right away. I smelled so bad (very musty) that we couldn't stand it. As a matter of fact, when they open the doors at night... you can almost smell it from the lobby.

As with most resorts, the nightly shows are bad. However, these shows were really really bad. But, there isn't much to do at night around the resort... so feel free to take in a couple of them. Sometimes it is fun seeing how bad some of the shows were.

The rooms were nice. We asked initially for a king bed, but got two doubles. I would recommend e-mailing them before you leave to make sure you get a room with the right bed configuration. The double beds were pretty small. You would not be able to sleep two adults comfortably. The only real problems with the room that their power outlets are recessed, so you cannot plug in anything that has a large plug (like you might find on a hair dryer). The gift shop does have adapters you can buy if you need to. (About 35 pesos). Also, the resort charges for their in-room safe. $2 per day. No way an all-inclusive place should be charging for a room safe. Also, just and FYI but the room power is hooked up to a motion sensor. So, if you leave the room the power goes out completely after a few minutes. Not a problem unless you bring a clock (there isn't one in the room) or are trying to charge some batteries. The air-conditioning seemed fine, but it was cool and rainy when I was there. Not sure how it would keep up if it was hot.

The people at the resort are mostly European. I would say mostly German and French. I think because of this, there is a little more of a language problem with the staff... but it was never much of a problem. I only occasionally got the wrong drink. One thing I noticed is that compared to other resorts I have stayed at, the people at this resort actually take advantage of the facilities. There were always people at the bars, doing the activities... basically taking advantage of what is there. It was kind of nice to see.

Summary:

Pros:
Large Pool and beach area. Plenty of sun and shade spots
Very nice grounds. Many fountains and plants/flowers
Good sit-down restaurants, dinner buffet

Cons:
Bad breakfast/lunch buffets
Must pay for room safe
Need adapter for electrical outlets

Overall, I was just a little disappointed by the resort. It was my first time staying at an Iberostar, and I guess I expected it to blow me away. which it didn't. I think I still prefer resorts like the Occidental Xcaret which are a little less expensive, but provide just as good or maybe a little bit better overall experience.... or pay a little more and go to somewhere like Grand Lido Braco where the rooms and the pool are not quite as nice, but the food and alcohol selection is outstanding. However, I would come back to this resort if I could get a good travel deal.

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Iberostar-Reviews.com user and not of Iberostar-Reviews.com.