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Dominican Republic
Club Viva Dominicus Palace
The Club Viva Dominicus Palace is one big party,
with lots of opportunities for quiet moments
Whether you want to party all the time or enjoy the tranquil Caribbean atmosphere, the Club Viva Dominicus Palace in La Romana, Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, is sure to deliver. Located only 15 minutes from the new La Romana Airport, this resort and the neighboring Club Viva Dominicus offer entertainment in a variety of ways. While the beaches and pool areas are often packed with people and loud music, there are other places at the resort that allow for some quiet moments or reflection or romance. Guests staying at the Dominicus Palace are allowed to take advantage of the facilities at Club Viva Dominicus, but not vice versa. The following inspection of the Club Viva Dominicus is based upon a visit to the property in March.
Clientele
When one takes a minute to step back from all the excitement that surrounds the Dominicus Palace, it quickly becomes evident just how diverse the clientele is. Many Nationalities and generations are represented here. It is not unusual to see young kids sprinting by, with a middle-age couple and their 21-year-old daughter following close behind. Viva has gone out of its way to make sure everyone feels comfortable, offering activities and amenities to suit different tastes. Guests are provided with colored wristbands to indicate their nationalities and allowing the staff to know which language they speak when addressing them.
Accommodations
Guests can opt for either Superior rooms or junior suites with garden or ocean views. Most of the 330 rooms are decorated in a bright Caribbean style, with vibrant blue and tallow walls accentuating the colors found elsewhere in the room. The spacious bathrooms are complimented by the unique folded towel designs and flower arrangements. All rooms feature air conditioning, satellite TV, a telephone, safe, minibar, hair dryer and balcony; the suites also have a living area. Superior rooms can accommodate up to four people, and have either two queen size beds or one king; the 49 junior suites feature king-size beds.
Public Areas
The sweeping open-air lobby, with its high ceilings and cooling breezes, provides a magnificent first impression of the Dominicus palace. The pool area, which also features the Viva Kids’ Club and a beverage/snack bar, tends to be the hub of activity with music playing, various games being enjoyed in the water and people getting drinks to cool off after spending the day in the warm Dominican sun. There are also two other bars, a theater, an archery area, a disco, diving center, shops and several activity desks sprinkled throughout the resort. Guests at the Dominicus Palace are entitled to take advantage of all that its next-door sister resort, the Dominicus, has to offer. They can use three pools, four bars, a movie theater, tennis courts, a fitness center, and sauna; massage services and a beauty parlor.
Dining
It is unlikely that anyone ever stays hungry for long at the Dominicus Palace, as food is available everywhere. Located off the main lobby is La Yuca, an international buffet that serves a wide variety of cuisine. Between the two resorts are three shared eateries: La Scala, which offers exquisite Italian dinners, Viva Mexico, which features typical Mexican fare; and La pizzeria for pizza dinners and late-night snacks. La Pizzeria can be a spontaneous choice. At the Dominicus, Guests can sample La Roca Grill’s buffer lunches and reservations-only dinners, as well as La Terrazza another international buffet. On the off chance that guests are still hungry, they can head to the bars, many of which offer hamburgers, delicious hot dogs and other light fare to tide them over until their next big meal.
Service
Everyone is genuinely friendly. Most activity coordinators speak multiple languages and can communicate with almost any guest in their native tongue. (Even Bingo is announced in English, Spanish, German, French and Italian.) But perhaps the best part of this service with a smile is that it is not overbearing. Throughout the day, staff members comb the beaches trying to persuade guests to participate in activities, but they do not hassle anyone or cross the line and become obnoxious, which often happens with overzealous staff members at larger resorts. Similarly, the restaurant employees are very attentive yet never a nuisance.
Could Be Improved
With two neighboring resorts that share similar names, it is easy to get confused as to which property one is talking about. In addition, clearly marked maps and signs would be helpful, since the layout of the two resorts often leads guests around in circles.
Strongest Selling Point
The ability to immerse oneself in activities or find a quiet piece of beach to gaze upon the Caribbean Sea are this resort’s strongest lures.
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