Senator Puerto Plata Hotel

We really loved the management at this resort. The staff were incredibly nice and super hardworking, constantly cleaning the resort, washrooms, and dining area to keep everything spotless. The events were awesome! The event company, "Drinky Drinky Happy Happy", is the best, and our friend Skinny was absolutely fantastic. We also really enjoyed the volleyball court; it was a nice addition to the many things to do on-site. If you want to venture out, there are waterfalls, islands, and sports activities all within a two-hour radius.

Most staff seem to understand mediocre hospitality, with some going way out of their way to provide excellent hospitality (and they’re to be commended). The location is beautiful but the all-inclusive element is in the end a negative—I’d rather be given a choice and pay for better food. Even the food and service on the Club side is lacking. Just not quite up to par to eat a lot of the same food day in and day out, and the “Platinum” blah blah blah is essentially all the same ingredients and didn’t seem to be premium in any way (definitely not worth the upcharge). Probably makes most sense for families who don’t want to pay to dine out etc but not a place I’d recommend for anything but the beach. TV would not pair with our phones and the remotes have buttons for streaming services but you can’t access them. And why no bath mat or wash cloths? Why did we have to ask to even get hand towels for our room? And the “security” “guards” at the front gate wouldn’t let our friend in to pick us up because she told them her name is Ana and we had given her name as Annie. Hassled her unnecessarily, lacking all common sense, requiring a call from the front desk. Then upon departure had to hand them a piece of paper before they’d open the gate—for what? We’re just trying to leave the property and you have to hassle us at every step?

In a little over an hour drive from the airport in Santiago, this resort is in a great location next to Amber Cove in Puerto Plata. We stayed in a building overlooking where Carnival docks when they pull in to Amber Cove. It was really cool watching the cruise leave in the evening from our pool in the back. The property was large with plenty to see and do, including a coffee/ice cream shop, cigar bar, sportsbar, and beach shop. The buffet was hit or miss but had plenty of options. The steakhouse and Asian restaurants required reservations but were very good. The burgers at the 24 hr sportsbar were delicious. Obviously the alcohol is all inclusive but as you would expect, a bit weak. You can get bottled beer for a price. Next to the sportsbar, is concrete stadium seating overlooking a stage with nightly entertainment. Overall, a really nice resort with music and dancing poolside.

I stayed in building 9 from December 8-15. I booked a last-minute solo trip (no single supplement!) not knowing a thing about this place and had never heard the Senator name. I don’t understand where many of the negative reviews came from, I had a fantastic time! The food was good every day, I was never without a full plate, and the dining room staff were amazing. I also loved the café and visited every morning. It was also great to be able to grab a burger, slice of pizza or ice cream from the shops or snack bar for a quick bite. I heard nothing but good things about the onsite restaurants, especially the steakhouse, though I did not try it myself so I can't comment. I had no issues with AC in my room. If anything, I turned it down. They do need to update their showers. I had plenty of water pressure and hot water, but the shower itself was very narrow, and the handheld showerhead made for awkward showers. Housekeeping was on point every day, they definitely work hard! The entertainment team absolutely knocked it outta the park. My favorites were Monkey and Blacky Boy. The club on the resort is now closed, which is unfortunate, but they do have entertainment and events every evening. The foam party, silent disco, and beach party were so fun, OMG! I noticed no difference in crowd size when the ships were docked. I spoke with many regulars and was told that the resort had recently added many more beach umbrellas and chairs. I can attest to this positive change, as I had no issues finding either and I never once went out of my way to reserve a spot early in the morning. Overall, my only recommendation would be to start playing popular music at the pool earlier in the day. Right now, they start it about 3pm when they start afternoon activities, but the swim up bar gets going at about 1-2pm, so good music would really elevate the pool vibe before the afternoon activities start. There are 2 pools, and the deck is so big that it would be easy to get away from the music if you didn’t want that. The beach is nice, there are a lot of trees for shade, but if you are looking for clear, crystal blue water with powder sand where you can walk forever on, this is not it. I think I’d also recommend using the sports bar as a bit of a disco at night after the entertainment is finished. Nothing crazy, just turn on some music to liven the place up. I absolutely will return. Thank you, Senator for an amazing week!

The service is incredible! Everyone goes above and beyond to please guests. From the staff in the restaurants, the commercials, the cleaners in the rooms, and even people working to clean the beach, we see you! everyone was amazing! A special shout-out to Pedro and Martin (from the commercial and welcoming team) , who were so friendly and helpful, and to the person in the restaurant who is “very very very very very” good, he was always singing. Also, Claudio and Pedro (from the tours team) put together a great tour package, and the two personal trainers I did Pilates and stretching with were fantastic. The room was OK. The bathtub definitely needs to be replaced, but the room itself was clean. I had seen many comments saying the rooms were outdated, and during my stay I even heard someone say they had to change rooms twice. I guess I was lucky because mine was fine, don't get me wrong, nothing luxurious, but better than I expected based on the comments and definitely acceptable (and I am usually a picky person). Aside from the bathtub, no issues at all. There are plenty of restaurants, the buffet has a lot of variety, and there are several other dining options as well. Many activities were offered too, beach parties, shows, dancing, and more. Overall, the stay was great! I definitely recommend this place!!

We had a great time at this resort! The animation team was great and we really appreciated Skinny. He was a great animator and very fun to talk to. If you go to the public beach, you will have great drinks made by Brito. He was very sweet and would refill our drinks without needing to ask. At the pool bar, we we’re well taken care of by Carlos and Franciel. They were fun to talk to and took good care of us. Always with a smile when they came to see us and to take our orders both directly at the bar or by the pool. Carlos worked at multiple places in the resort and his service anywhere was 100%. If you go to the Sports Bar, make sure to look for Christie or Claudia or Manuel for a good service. Overall, the staff at the resort was very nice and polite. The food and à la carte restaurants were good. However, the rooms would need an update.

Checked in to the hotel. We booked a Junior suite with one king bed. When we got to our room it had two queens went back to the front lobby and they fixed it right away. No questions asked and sent a bell boy to move our luggage to the new room. Only complaints about the new room was the gecko running across the ceiling one night. Yes we did manage to catch it and get it outside of the room. Other than that no problems. AC worked wonderfully water pressure could use a little work but the bed was super comfy. English sports channel on the TV would have been nice. The food in the buffet was typical buffet hotel food. It was very tasty but could have been hotter. The service in the buffet part of the resort was second to none. Absolutely fantastic friendly staff. Shout out to Marcelino and Julian. The Americanized sports bar also had great service and decent food too many great servers in this place to name. The pool could use a little work but was clean and a good temperature. Lots of chairs to choose from and places to sit. Pool bar service was generally good. The snack bar by by the pool not so much. Don't eat there. Just get drinks and run. Main Beach was really nice. The side Beach closer to Amber Cove was better, shade under the trees and sun when you go out swimming in the ocean. Walkerlin the concierge the taking complaints guy standing on the path every morning was amazing. Taught me a bit of Spanish everyday and how to pronounce it properly .Super friendly, Loved the fist bump every morning. Will go back.

Cristileidy in the sports bar is the best! Really welcoming and fun, made sure me and my partner had the best time!!! Highly recommend!! Everyday we had so much fun and she always greeted us and made us feel special! Also at the pool bar Jose Abel is super fun and made our time with my whole family so much better. He’s so fun he’s so hilarious really above and beyond.