I introduced a colleague to this part of the DR on a long holiday weekend. For only two people, this large condo is spacious and comfortable. The lovely grounds are well-maintained. We enjoyed the pool and the beach close by. The entire complex was quiet and relaxing. However, the following issues were significant enough that neither of us would choose to stay in this particular unit again.
1) Upon booking through VRBO, there was a minor miscommunication regarding local taxes (18%!), from which we are exempt due to our employment status in the DR. We contacted the owner, who refused to make any adjustment, claiming his hands were tied -- which we have since determined is untrue; an owner can arrange partial or full refunds of payments made through VRBO. Moreover, he almost became irate when this came up (and we were being polite and positive, excited about coming). This was an awkward first encounter, but we decided to continue and absorbed the loss. It did, however, leave an unfortunate taste in our mouth before we even arrived.
2) NO HOT WATER! Throughout, it was tepid at best (it wouldn't even melt butter off a knife my friend tried to rinse in the kitchen; she ended up heating water in the microwave just in order to wash our few dishes). In the unit, the owner has a list of "Condo Rules" which indicate the lack of hot water is to be expected on a Caribbean island. This is a flimsy excuse and simply not true. We both live full-time in the Dominican Republic, travel extensively, and have stayed in all kinds of accommodations. There is hot water everywhere!
3) The listing advertises a fitness center on site, which was a big draw for us. But it does not explain the access hours are quite limited (i.e., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. only, Sundays and holidays). So much for getting in one's early morning workout before heading out for the day.
4) The WiFi was completely OUT for nearly two of our three-day stay. We called the property manager on Friday afternoon upon arrival, but there didn't appear to be any urgency on her part to fix the issue. We had to wait for a tech twice, and were eventually online by Sunday around noon. This meant no movie watching for a rainy night or even checking email No partial refund or even apology was offered for this lack of service.
5) Loud, banging "house" music from nearby marina *every* night.
6) Lots of mosquitoes and no screens meant lovely large patio was virtually unusable. No screens on sliding doors meant no breezes.
