Marien Puerto Plata — Hotel in Puerto Plata

Our stay was Christmas eve to NYE, 2018. Transat. Overall: nice resort, walkable, not great for teens, not great for food sensitivities/labeling but you won't get sick from the food or water, very LGBTQ friendly, primarily Canadians and some Europeans (Sweden, NL, Germany).

Meals: A la cartes were all amazing! Especially loved the Brazilian, followed by Mexican. Mediterainian was more Italian than Greek, and the apps and desert were great but chicken and salmon mains weren’t great. Buffett was a bit repetitive and tired. Not very easy to eat there with food allergies and sensitivities, but enough not to starve and some neat local things at times. Service is great. Wines are great that are included, and you can buy great prices bottles on site too at the restaurants, wine bar or duty free. Disappointed that the snack bar that was open from 10 pm to 6 am only ever had fries. The burger patties had gluten in them. Water in the restaurants as well as coffee were excellent. Ice was completely safe. Disappointed that the site and map showed a lobster house that seems to no longer exist. Disappointed with the quality of the shrimp and lobster at the buffet. Really great pork, chicken and beef options. Fresh bread looked amazing but we’re gluten free. Pizza seemed popular. Disappointed by the lack of cleanliness at the morning omelette station. Great hard boiled eggs. Drinks were super disappointing. Had better at 4 star resorts in Cuba. Maybe should have switched to VIP for better drinks alone.

Entertainment: no foam party the week we were there, apparently this is every other week The shows featured incredible dancers Disco on site was excellent but closed just before or around 1:30, pretty early especially when the last bar after closes at 2. A disco outside of the resort gate included a casino and was very popular with the locals Burger and pizza joint at more $ as well as gift shops all at the hotel entrance/near the gym

Rooms maids were amazing and very accommodating, providing us with an extra stocked mini bar and fresh flowers every day for a small pesos tip Upon arrival we were told ground floor, but we gave the front desk manager a Christmas tip and got a ground floor, VIP room in block 8 facing the ravine, where there were local people fishing (harmless and quiet). At 4 am we returned to our room one morning to find our AC flooding our entrance, which was fixed for about 10 min before breaking again. We set up an ice bucket on a coffee table and it was full by 8 am. It took 2 service staff 1.5 hours to fix and we couldn’t leave the room, meaning we were up all night and missed breakfast that morning. Front desk staff said they would send a gift but they did not. Nice bath products and had no other issues. Tons of water pressure in our room. The first night the room was so humid and damp we sweat through lots of clothes and had to make the room freezing to dry out the humidity.

Pool: lots going on during the day but very hard to get a nice spot if you aren’t out by 9 am. People reserve seats the night before despite there being signs not to (typical, but annoying) Probably the best bar, and our block was nice and close to it Great music playing very clean and chemically treated nightly Lots of nice lights at night both in the pool and on the bridges

Beach: lots of chairs to choose from and very spread out Haggled lots on the first day to get braids or purchase weed or alch, but we declined and were left alone after that Really nice sand beaches and well maintained despite super high winds and yellow flags up during the whole trip on the beach. Red flags on one of the days meant no access Nice vip cabana area that could be used in the evening by anyone when the bar closed Closet bar was the snack bar, which had lots of nice seating a view of the busy beach volleyball court and the water Nice to have 2 a la cartes by the water Ocean was super warm and fun to swim in the huge waves Nice walk either way leads you to sand...

Marien Puerto Plata: My Unmatched Escape

After visiting Marien Puerto Plata more than five times, I can confidently say that it’s not just a hotel; it’s the destination for me. Each stay has been nothing short of perfect, and it’s the one place I always return to when I want to relax, recharge, and experience the best the Caribbean has to offer.

What truly sets Marien Puerto Plata apart, and what makes me come back year after year, is the exceptional service and the warmth of the staff. The team here is truly the heart of the hotel. From the moment I arrive, I’m greeted like family, and their genuine hospitality makes every visit feel personal. Whether it’s the front desk staff remembering my name, the waiters greeting me like an old friend, or the housekeeping team ensuring my room is spotless and welcoming, the staff here go above and beyond to make my stay unforgettable. Their attention to detail and their commitment to providing outstanding service are what keep me coming back.

One of the aspects that makes Marien Puerto Plata stand out even more is the sense of safety and security. As a frequent visitor, it’s incredibly important to me that I feel safe and comfortable throughout my stay, and the resort excels in this area. The security team is top-notch and works tirelessly to ensure guests feel secure without being intrusive. From the well-lit, monitored entrances to the vigilant staff patrolling the grounds, I always feel at ease knowing that my safety is a priority. The presence of the security team is discreet yet reassuring, and their professionalism gives me peace of mind whether I’m dining, exploring the resort, or relaxing by the pool.

The resort itself is a paradise. I’ve stayed in various room categories over the years, and each one has been spacious, impeccably clean, and thoughtfully designed for maximum comfort.

The culinary offerings at Marien Puerto Plata are another reason I keep returning. From the impressive buffet selection to the à la carte restaurants, the food is always fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I especially love the local Dominican dishes, which give me the authentic taste of the island every time. The variety is exceptional, and I never get tired of exploring the different options—from seafood delicacies to grilled meats and fresh tropical fruits.

One of the highlights of every stay at Marien Puerto Plata is the entertainment. The resort's dancers and singers bring the evenings to life with vibrant performances that never fail to impress. From the energetic dance shows to the live music, the entertainment team truly knows how to engage the audience and create an unforgettable atmosphere. I’ve spent many nights watching the dazzling performances under the stars, and it always adds that extra touch of magic to the experience. The variety of shows ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for a lively dance performance, a themed party, or live musical acts.

Beyond the physical beauty of the resort, it’s the overall atmosphere that keeps me coming back. Marien Puerto Plata offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Whether it’s taking part in a themed dinner, enjoying a sunset cocktail at the beach bar, or just taking in the stunning views, there’s always something to enjoy. The friendly, professional team is always ready to help, ensuring every moment is stress-free and memorable. It’s this incredible service, combined with the beautiful surroundings and entertainment, that makes the resort feel like a second home.

Over the years, I’ve made memories here that I’ll cherish forever, from special family vacations to peaceful solo getaways. Marien Puerto Plata has never disappointed, and I know it will always be my go-to destination. If you’re looking for a place where service, beauty, comfort, entertainment, and security meet in perfect harmony, look no further. For me, it’s the only...

If you’re staying in the next few weeks and want to know what to bring and expect, you can skip to the end of the review