Casa Marina Reef Resort

Hotel is a good location walking distance to Sosua Beach and other shops and restaurants. Room was standard nothing fancy housekeeping was readily available for towels and/or cleaning room. Our patio door room 2317 didn't close properly so wouldn't lock we didn't care. Tub barely drained, great water pressure. Our door handle to the hall fell off we just put it back in place and it locked we didn't report it. The lighting in the room was dim at night when we were getting ready for dinner, in the morning we opened the curtain...bright and sunny. There was entertainment by the main pool everyday if you wanted to participate, we had couples massage over Valentines week good massage but overpriced. Tried to get snorkeling gear from the hut and got the runaround to go see the guy in the white shirt..lol went to the beach on select side and needed a cash deposit for snorkeling gear which was time sensitive...don't be late $20usd we had no money on us but apparently lots of fish to see there. We had 2 red flag 2 yellow flag and 1 green flag during our stay so beach was not always available but lots of pools to accommodate. Plunge pools were great, soft water no chlorine smell YEAH. Buffet was great lots to choose from, yes repetitive but large variety. Had one bad meal Valentines Day at the Buffet but the King Fish cooked one eve was DELICIOUS. Breakfast large variety, lunch the same. Afternoon you could get burgers, fries and the most delicious chicken in one restaurants by the pool. Bartenders were friendly and no long waits for drinks the mixed drinks were strong and worth it. Beer is on tap. Check in check out was good. Sometimes you had to wait for beach towel exchange no big deal. Dinner reservations you line up at 10am can only book one restaurant per day seafood books fast and it is slow process, one girl and slow wifi. No wifi you can buy it. Entertainment every night in the theatre and a pool table to play on if you'd like. Met 3 couples that had all been there before it is a 3star but not a bad 3star we booked last minute and would go again on a sell off. We like to walk a long stretch of beach which this property does not have but for a last minute booking we made the most of it. When we arrived there at night we were not on the list for transfers found out a few people were not. idk who's error it was do not pay for a cab, it was an error and they got another van to take us. We went to book a snorkeling tour with our rep there were 2 to choose from we booked the one that has 2 beaches and a lobster lunch and a cold cave to snorkel in DO NOT book this tour for snorkeling the cold cave is dark could not see fish over crowded and they did not have enough gear we were supposed to be back at 5 got back at 7 book the other option, I believe it is the Tip Top.
Over all had a great week [Details]

During our stay at the hotel, we were treated very well, had a nice room garden view.
Hotel is within walking distance to downtown. Pools were very busy due to school being out. Food was very good and served hot friendly chef. Entertainment in the evening great shows. [Details]

The resort is nice, my room wasn't one of the newly upgraded ones, but was still ok,
I liked the views and the two beaches are very spacious. Nice quick access too town that I felt very safe in with my two kids under the age 12.
The pools were very nice and the food was good. I'd go back and met a lot of people that were on their 2nd, 3rd, time back. [Details]

I've travelled several times and although this resort was beautiful and clean it was lacking several things that warrant my reason for not returning. The bars are opened at various times and very spread out which made it difficult to find a drink at any given time. The staff was friendly IF I addressed them first (never experienced this before). It was hard to find someone for a drink in the buffet and clearing of tables was awful. On a good note: the food was good and beds were super comfy. [Details]

This was our first trip ever to the Dominican Republic. The resort was nice and close to the airport. Once we arrived at the resort and I saw the place with my own eyes... it is beyond breathtaking. Pictures do not do this place justice at all. You were staying in a renovated room which was simple and lovely. Everything was clean and comfortable. [Details]

Front desk staff seemed confused and not very helpful at check in and during stay. After that all was amazing. Room clean cleaned daily and room maids worked around your siesta! Renovated room was bright. Walk in shower nice but leaked into bathroom big time! Grounds beautiful and always being maintained including 2 large pools, 1 kiddie pool and 3 adult only small pools. Buffet had decent food lots of fresh fruit and veggies. Supper had a couple of special nights of BBQ lobster and another of roast beef. 3 al-a-carte were great. Lunch in the snack shop easy to get to and quick. Beaches located down steps but were open all 10 days and very clean and clear water. Can not wait to do 2 weeks next time. [Details]

I return to this place because this is the only option in the town of Sosua - where you can find the small town friendly atmosphere with the busy night life...
The hotel is OK generally, but for the whole week they were unable to repair my TV... i have complained every day and i got lot of promises. The last was that after my travel they will replace it... so be careful with room #145 :) [Details]

My wife and I booked a two week vacation - after looking for this resort as we had been here 12 years ago. We booked a deluxe garden view room back in July. When we first arrived - we were informed that our room had been upgraded and that to experience all the amenities (VIP) it would cost another $200.00 - we accepted. We arrived on a Wednesday - the resort was being renovated and our building had just been re-opened - The room was brand new! I did notice mold on the bathroom fan and later realized that it is because they have their air conditioning set for 20degrees causing the room to be moist all the time - the sheets always felt moist. The resort itself is beautiful - many pools, choice of restaurants and a theatre. We ate at the buffet for our first three days- it's all bottled water - the eggs ,meat, and vegetables were not kept to temperature in the steamers and hot plates on each meal occasion (my wife's background is Food and Beverage) which was concerning. On our first Saturday there my wife and I both came down with what she thinks was e-coli infection. We were bed ridden for three days and still continued to be near washrooms after that as the diarrhea was uncontrollable. The staff were very accommodating and tried to help us as much they could. I recuperated while there but my wife continued to feel ill and didn't start to eat until January 5th when we were home! Her experience caused her to stop eating and she lost a total of 10 pounds. I would hesitate to visit there and think that in a couple of years when they have all the restorations completed and the operations are more organized I may try it again. [Details]

This was our 12th visit to Casa Marina and it didn't disappoint. Renovations are great. Good food, lots of variety ~ Good drinks (but only until 11pm unless you go to the disco) ~ Rooms are basic but clean and roomy. As this is low season the a la carte restaurants were all done in 2 restaurants but all were open. Two red flag days out of 14 days for the beach. A great place to relax and see some of the Dominican culture. We will be back. [Details]

Casa Marina is a wonderful resort. This was our 2nd trip to the resort and are planning on coming back in April again. The staff are wonderful, the resort is clean and the food and drinks are great. We had an upgraded room with a king bed. Comfortable bed and nice balcony. The one minus this trip was only 1 pool open due to renovations. We made due. [Details]

The hotel has many pretty views of the ocean. the resort is a up hill climb so not great for elderly or anyone with leg issues. the maids are amazing the entertainment staff most friendly and fun but a few that dont really want to be there. the front desk staff very rude and unfriendly. been going to Dominican for over 10 years and finding the people not as happy to see you like they use to. a lot of Russian guest here more than 70 % and they drink a lot and dont wait in lines they go right in front of you. I would go back to try again but if find something else this would not be an option. [Details]

I like to see more service after hours like early morning tea and coffee [Details]

Second time at this resort. Rooms were great ground level pool side. Buffet food was quite good something for everyone and more. Beaches were a little too wavey due to weather but when calm they are lovely. Close to local shops and restaurants walking distance or a short cab drive. Would recommend and return myself. [Details]

this hotel was very nice . the newer section looked 4-5 stars.The reservation restaurants are all at the same location ,nothing special about the food,best to eat at cafeteria.Night shows are held outside with limited seating. There is no gym and no main great lobby area to sit in. [Details]

This is our second time at resort. Had a little difficulty with reception getting a decent room. Food, beaches, resort are excellent value. Staff are absolutely wonderful. [Details]

good value for the money [Details]

Hotel was clean. Stayed in a garden view room, non renovated. They are doing a lot of renovations with in the hotels. Food was very good , alot of variety, pools down by the reefs were excellent, staff friendly and efficient. First time ever staying at a all inclusive resort. Would return to this resort in a minute. There is a sister resort right beside each other so you can use there facilities. Very close bus ride from airport to resort.

Entertainment was very bad, basically none, everything was done by staff or people staying at the resort, no swim up bar nd nothing open 24 hours.

Very close to downtown about a 2 minute walk. [Details]

Its was a plesant trip.
All was good.
Only thing was some of the bartenders didnt seem they wanted to be there.
No warm smile . Slow.
Other than that it was plesent place. Good lodging. And really quiet at night.
Surprising for a big resort.
Would recommend it highly.
Going back knext year....
Doug. Ontario. Canada0 [Details]

Adequate vacation for the money. [Details]

Very clean!! Had a great time. [Details]

I will never go back to this place again. I ask for no kids and there was. It's no fun by your self [Details]

PROS

* Beach very good
* Food good
* Maid who made our room was very nice
* Staff at restaurants were friendly
* Lots of places to sit/lie down in sun and shade
* Room was clean and everything worked
* Good value for the money
* Pool never crowded/very nice
* Lots of pools
* Little jacuzzi pools along shore were nice
* Lots of security kept guest safe
* Very nice BBQ dinner at Sea Scape restaurant
* Free wifi - it works best first thing in the morning when most people are sleeping. During the day, there are too many people using the wifi so very slow or no more ip address. However, it is free. Saw that some people were able to make calls over wifi.
* The place seem to be wheelchair and stroller accessible

CONS

* Smokers paradise - everyone smokes and you get to enjoy second hand smoke, no matter where you went in resort
* Very noisy - you can hear everything happening in the hallway
* The entertainment was very very bad
* Coffee and beer were weak
* Bartenders were very unfriendly
* Front desk staff were also unfriendly
* Sosua - did not feel safe
* Very poor signs on resort - it took us forever to find our rooms
* Saw a huge cockroach at the omelette station. If you see one during the day, that mean there are many many at the resort. Obviously they are aware of the problem because on Dec 28, they asked us to leave the room for 2 hours to fumigate the rooms. [Details]

This is our 3rd stay at the Casa Marina Reef. A request for rooms on the ground floor/pool view and close to each other was confirmed. We were very happy with our stay. The quality of the food has improved since our visit last year and we did not leave the resort to eat elsewhere. The bar tenders were very liberal with the alcohol and the drinks were tasty! [Details]

The rooms at Casa Marine Beach Resort at very bad, rooms have not had any up grades since we were there in 2000. It was our 8th time at this resort. Everything else is about an 8 on the scale. The grounds and the staff are great. [Details]

If you want a relaxing vacation with not a whole lot to do then this is the place. Check in and restaurant staff were very nice. There is nothing for kids to do at this resort. Excursions cost a lot. One thing I was not impressed with was the beach towel staff. I had my towels for 2 days and when I went to exchange them I got a hard time from him and he was very rude. Food was okay but repetitive. 5 days would have been long enough. On our last day there my sun glasses were stolen and when I asked people if they had seen anyone near our chair they just said staff from the resort. So keep your stuff locked up. [Details]

Rooms need updating, staff seem overworked (one bartender and very long lineups make guests and staff irritable). Why not have entertainment at 8 or 8.30 so everyone can attend? Wifi too weak to log in, even in hot spots. No refill of water or pop in rooms. Tiny lobby gets extremely crowded and hot when groups are checking in and out. People arguing over beach umbrellas because thete is no shade and not enough umbrellas. [Details]

The good:
Food was good
Pools and beach are great and very accessible
There was some confusion over if the bike tour was running on Good Friday or not, and when we talked to the manager he reinstated it that day just for a small group of us, so that was appreciated

Free wifi in the (small) lobby with a code they give you at the front desk, but pick quiet times to even attempt getting on.

10-15 min drive to/from airport, so not far at all

The not good:
One of our party saw cockroaches at night in the bathroom, but the rest of us did not (though, we weren't looking for them..)

They fumigated the rooms once during the week

Travel representative at the hotel forgot/did not warn me that we would need to pay an additional fee for transit when arriving at one of the day-trips. Make sure you ask if what you're paying covers everything.

Make sure you have correct change for ANYTHING you want to buy. Everyone (except the hotel store) will tell you they have change until they get your money in hand, THEN they will say, 'I don't have change, I'll just give you more instead-- ie another braid (happened to us offsite), or an additional picture with the parrot (happened to us ONSITE at the hotel, which I think is WORSE).

Rooms are generic, and could use some drawers etc to put away your clothes.. but we weren't there for fancy rooms, so was ok.

Some of the vendors that set up shop a couple times a week at the hotel are VERY aggressive.

Can't drink the tap water (in DR in general) but they have lots of places to refill your bottles.

The bartenders seem overworked and there are often lines.

Overall, a good trip though, the weather was beautiful.

I would go somewhere else next time for a change though. [Details]

The resort itself is awesome, but the staff need to learn to smile(other than the maids, who were always friendly). Front desk staff and waiters and bar staff are not friendly or helpful. The room we were in (gardenview) needs alot of updating. Overall ,this could be a great resort, they just need some staff shakeup and some updates on the rooms. [Details]

The reefs with the majestic waves crashing against it was music to my ears as was the beach's surf! The room was bright and clean... The food, so nutritious especially the breakfast-yummy. We enjoyed all that this resort had to offer! We were there last April for the first time and is now our FAVORITE [Details]

Good value for the money .. could use upgrading /new linens and beds. Reception not well organized, need more control over lines /cutting in etc. Staff did seem overwhelmed not in control of procedure. Check in required 3 returns to front desk check was cumbersome and over complicated. However a good holiday and satisfied with value would consider returning to this property for the same money. [Details]