 |
Know Before You Go! |
Have you visited Jack Tar Village Puerto Plata? We'd love to know what you think...
Please write a review with as much detail as possible. Tell us about the amenities, facilities and staff.
Click Here to post your review for Jack Tar Village Puerto Plata.
 We found our stay here unsatisfactory. Visited: May 2005 |
| Posted by carlypile |
 |
My husband and I recently spent two weeks at this hotel. The hotel was advertised as four-star. I can assure you that it was closer to a two- to three-star rating.
The hotel allowed local residents in on the weekends for 'cheap deals'. They were extremely noisy, seemed dirty and spoiled our entire weekend.
The reception staff at the hotel were rude and unhelpful to us. Also, our room was missed completely for cleaning at least once a week. We complained when this happened. Twice we were promised a maid immediately, and she never arrived.
The food was repetitve and unedible, unless you like mashed plaintain!
I would not return to this hotel again. |
| 5 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. |
 Total Disrespect Visited: July 2004 |
| Posted by msalas111 |
|
My boyfriend and I agreed that a vacation was well overdue. We booked our vacation trip to Jack Tar, in the Dom Rep. Everything, from our departing flight to our arrival at the resort went well. The bell boy and the receptionist were very helpful, RESPECTFUL (keyword) and courteous. We were hungry when we arrived, so the bell boy held our luggage while we went for a quick bite at the pizzeria. Once we ate we met with the bell boy, which then drove us to our room. The room was very neat, clean and much what we expected. Overall the resort was very well groomed and presentable. On the whole, everything was fine EXCEPT:
The total DISRESPECT I received from the majority of the MALE employees. I had to continuously, insist (deny) that I was NOT Dominican (my father is Dominican-my mother isn't). WHY?... Well, not because I am ashamed of such (to the contrary, very proud), but because Dominican women are treated as if their existence on this earth were for sexual purposes only. For this reason, when they would inquire about my origin (my Spanish dialect differs from theirs), the mention of a Dominican father would automatically give them the "OK" to speak and treat me in a very demeaning and vulgar manner. They would address me as "MAMI, MY LOVE, HEY DOLL" (all in Spanish of course which sounds even worse when they have that smirk on their face and that tone in their voice).
Who gives them the right to treat a tourist of Dominican origin the same way they treat their native women? I was paying for the same service and respect as every other lady guest at the resort that came from a different country (Europe or even the U.S.). Still, even if I were a native of this country, I should be treated with the utmost respect as everyone else. I AM A GUEST.
I should hire an attorney and sue their behinds for HARASSMENT! As an HR specialist I recommend that the HR Director hold a meeting with the employees concerning this matter and make them attend a mandatory seminar on sexual harassment!!!
I do see myself returning to the resort, but I'll make sure to mention my above experience and demand total respect from all employees.
|
| 4 users found this review helpful. 5 found this review unhelpful. |
 A great place with great staff. Visited: October 2003 |
| Posted by coombssr |
|
This was our third annual visit to Jack Tar. Since Occidental has taken over the hotel, it seems to just keep getting better.
The staff was very friendly and they even remembered our names. We were in a great bungalow with plenty of room. The food this year was also very good.
We have traveled to many places in the Caribbean and have never been back twice, anywhere, let alone three times back to the same resort. We just love it.
The grounds were beautiful at Jack Tar - very well manicured and everything was spaced out so guests don't feel cramped.
You can have excitement, or you can have total peace and quiet. Whatever you want, they have it there at your fingertips. We feel that Jack Tar is almost a second home to us now. It just keeps calling us back - and we will keep returning. |
| 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This was our best holiday ever. Visited: September 2003 |
| Posted by ejratcliffe |
|
This was my first trip to the Caribbean and I was a little apprehensive of what I would find. I was completely overwhelmed.
Upon arrival at the hotel, the reception staff was friendly and helpful, although our room was not quite ready. No worries - we had a couple of drinks in the bar while we waited, and we were sheltered from a torrential downpour (which lasted for about 20 minutes).
Then we were off to our room, which was spacious, clean and comfortable. We decided to have a short nap before dinner, and awoke at 5:00 am the following morning. Never mind, we were off to see the sunrise from the beach - it was fantastic and very romantic.
The standard of facilities at the hotel was excellent on the whole, the pools were clean and warm, and we never had a problem getting a sunbed. Beach towels were clean and fresh and we could swap them at any point during the day for fresh ones. Being so close to the beach was fantastic.
The food was good on the whole, although the snacks from the beach bar weren't the best I'd had. The buffet restaurant was excellent and there was something to suit every taste - the breakfasts were excellent.
The staff was friendly and couldn't do enough to ensure we had a good stay (and we didn't tip until we left!). The only down-side were the salesguys from Occidental who were very persistent in trying to get to us to view the other hotels and join some sort of club (I think it was like a timeshare or something). This got a bit annoying at times.
A week into our trip there was an earthquake (don't let this put you off, it was the first one in 50 years). The staff was fantastic, making sure that everyone was safe and that if anyone wanted food or drink it was available while we waited to return to our rooms.
Unfortunately, this did mean that the main two bars were closed for the rest of our holiday, but with a temporary bar area we certainly didn't miss out on any drinks.
The mix of guests was nice, mostly Europeans, but a few Americans and Canadians thrown in for good measure. By far the majority of guests were the Brits and Scots.
Our excursions: The catamaran cruise was excellent with friendly staff and plently to eat and drink. The jeep safari was the most I had laughed in ages, but also gave an excellent insight into the way the Dominicans live - ask for Jessie as your tour guide! Swimming with the dolphins at the Sealife Centre is a must and was by far the best day of our holiday. The trip to the waterfall from Jurassic Park was a little disappointing as it was smaller than we expected, but was still worth the trip.
Overall, this was the best holiday I have ever taken, so much so that I cried when it was time to come home! |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
 We had the time of our lives. Visited: February 2003 |
| Posted by mvalerio9 |
|
My wife and I have been to Jack Tar Village in Puerto Plata three times. The staff was very pleasant, very unique, and at all times, friendly. We are members of the Allegro Vacation Club so we took advantage of the room service which included a full bar with a mini fridge.
The staff was wonderful - especially Reggie, Coco and rest of the gang. The food was good, but the drinks were slamming. You need to try a Sammy Sosa - it will hit you like a home run.
The club was not as good, but the bartender who worked in the club was the best - Cornelio was his name, I think.
We surely named it our home away from home. We will return 2004! |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It could have been better. Visited: December 2002 |
| Posted by trowsiffuk |
|
We arrived at the Jack Tar village in December 2002 instead of Margarita (Ven) due to the trouble there.
Upon first sight, the grounds looked fantastic and they were really well looked after. The rooms were spotlessly clean and all the staff couldn't seem to help enough - especially Maximo and Elvis.
The excursions organized by Manuel (on the beach) were second to none and we would definitely recommend the jeep safari (hiring our own jeep was a lot more fun).
There were two downfalls to this holiday (unfortunately),. The first was that the food for the Christmas dinner had almost run out by the time we arrived at the restaurant, although we were assured by our representative that there was plenty no matter what time we got there.
We ended up having a plate of mash each with a few dodgey looking shrimp which was a bit of a dampner considering it was our Christmas dinner.
The second downfall was the amount of bites that people seemed to be receiving. There were people walking around with legs that looked so sore they were almost on the verge of bleeding. But hey, that's what tropical wildlife can do, and you always know the risks.
Other than that, we had a most enjoyable holiday. But we wouldn't return just because there are so many other places to explore. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It is a decent place with plenty to do. Visited: December 2002 |
| Posted by haschnorr |
|
When we first arrived, the weather couldn't be better. We enjoyed 2 days on the beach with calm waters and no seaweed. Jack Tar is located almost in the center of the cove and seems to have the best strech of beach of all the resorts in the lagoon. The sand is golden - not white - and the ocean is the Atlantic side, so expect some waves especially after a storm.
The rooms are decent and charming. The hotel is bungaloo-style, 4 units to a quad, but none really have a view of the ocean - the dunes and trees are in the way.
The resort as a whole is very clean and the service is great. The key people at the resort are friendly and speak many languages. However, outside the resort, you may want to brush up on a little Spanish to make things easier.
The food is average and gets boring after several days. They don't have as much of a selection as other all-inclusives we have been.
It rained for 2 1/2 days, which was a real bummer. Some said December used to be their rainy season, but others said it was rare to have monsoon rains for that long. There were still pool activities and other things to do in the rain.
All in all, if you are not looking for first rate amenities, Jack Tar is a really nice place to visit for a low price. If you have good weather you will definitely enjoy it and get your money's worth. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| For the stressed - visit the Jack Tar - what lovely people! Visited: September 2002 |
| Posted by Rachel_Hawes |
|
We arrived in thunder and lightning, and our superior room was not quite ready so we had to wait before getting to our room (along with several other people). However, we were taken to a temporary room whilst waiting. Once we finally were taken to our permanent location, we found it spotlessly clean and very comfortable - albeit a bit dark.
The bell boys were very friendly, and I owe respect to anyone who can run up and down stairs with two womens' suitcases!
Once we were in the swing of things, we had a ball - the staff was fantastic. Amauris, my very favorite barman, looked after us superbly for two weeks closely followed by Carlos and Johan. Ramon was also good and mean at Merengue!
Juan, our waiter, was wonderful to us, and Delicious, the egg and omellette man (ok not his real name but I can't remember how it's spelled), was also very cool.
The food overall could have been better, especially in the evenings. It wasn't as good as other Caribbean all-inclusives that I've stayed, at but we didn't go hungry so we shouldn't complain.
The beach was nice, and very close. It was not quite as clean as others, and the sea was a bit seaweedy (a couple of people were stung by jellyfish), but we still enjoyed the time bumming around down there. Maximo, in the beach bar, Coco from watersports and Leonardo in La Yola were all great - and the skinniest little lady I've ever seen with a cigarette constantly hanging out of her mouth walking around offering hair braids was very sweet!
Outback Safari was a great day out and some bargains could be found at the Flea Market in Sosua - all stall holders were very happy to have a friendly barter - no pressure at all.
Slightly negative were the mosquitos (just be sensible and wear insect repellent), and the Rum Runs. But the toilets were spotless, and always close at hand, and you can always give the Rum a miss? NAH!
Overall, we had a fantastic holiday. I came back very tanned, very happy, and exceptionally chilled out and thanks to the Rum Runs and not so great food - a bit thinner! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| A great location and excellent service. Visited: August 2002 |
| Posted by Rob |
|
There are many hotels in Playa Dorada, but Jack Tar offers the most. The beaches are at the door step, tennis facilites on property, golf course across the street, a casino for night-time activity and great entertainment.
For the summer months, the weather is good, with no rain, lots of sun. It is a bit windy at night, but all in all, a great place to chill out, especially since this is an adult-only facility. The kids stay at home. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| A clean resort that offers good value. Visited: July 2002 |
| Posted by alisoncboyd |
|
We wanted an uncrowded, clean beach; good snorkeling and good food; and that was what we got. However, something was definitely up with either the drinks or the food as we suffered with bouts of diarrhea every day (and we weren't alone). We thought the excursions were a bit pricy, considering how little the Dominicans are paid. We booked trips via Manuel (find him on the beach) and saved money - the trips were excellent, but don't do the waterfall climb unless you can swim and are reasonably fit.
Speciality restaurants in the resort offered excellent food, it was a shame they served disgusting wine to accompany it. Branded drinks have also now been discontinued. Evening entertainment was okay, though not terribly varied. All the staff was really friendly and professional.
Overall, it was an enjoyable holiday and we would be happy to go again. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Good Time....But had better Visited: April 2002 |
| Posted by steveand |
|
Firstly I must say, from what other holiday makers have told me, who were staying at other hotels in the Playa Dorada complex, and my opinion too, this is probably the best resort to stay.
Myself and my wife's biggest downfall was going there expecting probably a little too much. I had booked a superior room, and the room we were allocated (in our opinion was definitely not a superior) but the reception and our rep insisted that it was. After winning in the casino on the first night, paid the extra and upgraded to a deluxe (which was OK).
The beach was very nice but compared to other Caribbean beaches we have been too(not that good), the sea was rough for almost the entire two weeks. We could only swim in it on two occasions which meant no snorkeling or water sports for the entire holiday. Very disappointing.
The weather the first week was lovely, but having spent most of it in the toilet I didn't get much of a tan, and it rained quite a lot the second week(apparently this was the worst April weather for 7 yrs).
The food in the main restaurant was adequate and could be improved, that's the moaning over, now the good bits.
Firstly I must say that the entertainment staff (Cristian, Eddie and Reggie) not forgetting all the others are second to none. They were brilliant and gave us a lot of laughs throughout the holiday The Bar staff also fall into this category and always had a smile on there faces. Everybody from the Security Gaurds to the Maids were so friendly and always had a smile on their faces.
The rooms were cleaned on a daily basis and could not fault the cleanliness of the Jack Tar at all.
We only went on one excursion(due to my stomach upset)and this was the Outback Safari which I would recommend to everyone. It was a lovely day out and the guide(Sammy)was brilliant.
All in all, we had a nice holiday, but have certainly had better. We will not be going back to Dominican Republic, because there are too many places in the world to see, but if we did, we would more than likely return to the Jack Tar. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was absolutely fantastic! Visited: April 2002 |
| Posted by juliestreater |
|
We had a great time. It was one week of sun, sand and great people. The hard working staff make you really feel like you don't have to do anything but have fun!
It was everything I expected - and much more! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This was a great place to stay. Visited: March 2002 |
| Posted by bruce |
|
Jack Tar Village was friendly, the food was good, it was right on the beach, and the weather was just right. They also provided good massages, horseback riding, and fun water sports activities.
It was all great, and I hope to return again. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Disappointing. Visited: March 2002 |
| Posted by Celeste476 |
|
After being moved to our third room, the first one was not what we had reserved and the second flooded twice from a broken air-conditioner, nothing like cold wet feet at 3 A.M., we settled in looking forward to good food, etc. It was a holiday week. NEVER go on a holiday week. No one works and activities come to a standstill. The bakery chef was absolutely excellent.........the rest was over cooked and tough. No one speaks or understands English, or so it seemed. I never saw a face cloth until the last day.
The room have no amenities, no kleenex, lotion, etc. You get one bath towel and one hand towel a piece. The quiet pool was very nice. The rooms are out dated and need updating. I would not give this a 5-star. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. |
| What a wonderful resort! Visited: February 2002 |
| Posted by johnsmason |
|
Jack Tar is our favorite resort destination. My husband and I have visited the Dominican Republic eight times and only once stayed somewhere other than Jack Tar (because they were booked!). And I must admit, I complained for two weeks - and we were staying in a newly-opened 5-star resort!
Although the resort is aging - the rooms are very clean, the grounds are immaculate and the setting is by far the best of any of the resorts that make up the Playa Dorada complex. This resort is not a hotel - it truly is a little village and that is what makes it unique. The resort is very secure and one needs to worry about their safety.
I am always amazed when I hear people complaining about the food or the service. Our experiences at both the main buffet and the restaurants (Seafood, Italian and Caribbean), has been first class. The food is of excellent quality and the staff provide wonderful service.
You can choose to sit at the activities pool, the quiet pool, or get your exercise by taking a walk through the streets of Jack Tar or take a walk along the beach! There is always something to do - Spanish lessons, aquasize, beach volleyball, scuba classes in the pool, pool volleyball . . . no excuses for being bored.
We are in the process of making our travel arrangements for 2003 and Jack Tar is our destination! We are looking forward to re-acquainting with some of the long-time staff members - it is like going home! |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| This was a wonderful place, and I can't wait to go back. Visited: December 2001 |
| Posted by dv2112 |
|
I won this trip in a contest on the radio and was a little leery about going. After all, anything for free is usually not too good. However, my husband and I had the most relaxing and wonderful time since our honeymoon.
It was so clean, the food was great every day, and the staff was fantastic. They couldn't do enough for us. They came and fixed things right away. The weather was great, too.
We are looking forward to returning, and paying for it this time. I've told all my friends and family about Jack Tar. I just hope that by the time we return, most of the same staff will still be there. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| It was service with a smile! Visited: December 2001 |
| Posted by annabellaking |
|
There is no doubt that the hotel and grounds are stunning, but what really makes this place exceptional is the staff (more on this later).
The resort makes it possible for you to do as much or as little as you like and there is a lot choose from.
Within the hotel grounds, you can play tennis (table or otherwise); do water aerobics; play volleyball, polo or basketball; swim (two pools: one with swim-up bar); join the daily bike-ride tours or just lounge about by the picturesque poolside.
The beach is just moments away, where you can enjoy non-motorized watersports free of charge. Maximo always has a smile at the beach bar and he makes a wicked Banana Mamma.
Each night, the entertainment staff (plus a talented dance troupe) puts on a show which is very professional. We appreciate the time and effort they put into it. There is also a casino within the hotel grounds which also allows non-residents to play. A disco is located at the rear of the casino and is usually very noisy and very empty. There are a number of other discos and clubs locally (such as Crazy Moon) which are very enjoyable.
Mostly, the food is very good, though it does get a bit redundant after a week or so. What the main Topaz Restaurant lacks in originality, it more than makes up for in service. Eddie and Jose (Blondie) do an outstanding job of always looking after you. There are three speciality restaurants which make a welcome change. I confess to only trying the Italian, and the food was rather good.
The only problem I found with service was when our room flooded (most of them had with the torrential rain for about a week). The reception staff did not seem to appreciate my eagerness to get it sorted and get our room changed as quickly as possible. The more wound up I got, the slower they went. It certainly did not manage to spoil my holiday.
The other negative aspect were the mosquitos, but obviously I do not blame the hotel for this! Rubbing lime juice all over my body seemed to help. I still have the scars today nearly three months later.
A very special mention must go out to Cristian, Eddie, Coco and Reggie - the boys are fantastic and are seriously undervalued. If anyone from Allegro Resorts is reading this: Beware, they could all earn a fortune out of the Dominican Republic with their talents.
Would I go again? OK, so it rained a lot and I got eaten alive and I got gastro enteritis and severe dehydration and ended up on a I.V. drip - but that could happen to any one, right? Seriously, I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to see them all again soon. |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Absolutely excellent. Visited: October 2001 |
| Posted by kim_mckay |
|
There were nine of us who visited in October last year. Two people in our party were getting married and I was one of the bridesmaids. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we could not fault a thing.
The accommodations, food, entertainment were all excellent, the entertainment staff were outstanding (Reggie, Christian, Eddie and Willie) which contributed to a fantastic holiday. Everyone was so helpful and the resort was very clean and tidy.
I would definitely recommend Jack Tar for a relaxing holiday in the sun. It was so good, we were booked the day after we returned. We can't wait! Anybody who faults this resort is talking nonsense! |
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Couldn't have asked for more from a vacation. Visited: October 2001 |
| Posted by my600cc |
|
What a wonderful week we spent at the Jack Tar Village of Puerto Plata. From the moment we got there to the time we left, we felt warmly appreciated by the staff.
1 - Rooms - Clean, modest quarter. Maid service was impeccable. I'd never been to a hotel where I could wake up go for breakfast, go back to my room and it would be made up (Every day)!
2 - Food - Buffets offered enough variety but you could also book at the a la carts. Not open every night so plan accordingly. Lunches provided variety with the buffet as well as a pizza restaurant and oceanview grill (hamburgers, chicken wings, fries). Food was very good overall, and drinks were included all day
3 - Activities and Entertainment - This is where the resort shined. The activities staff (most doubled as nightly entertainment as well) had the most energy I've ever seen. Up early conducting activities for the guests, performing in the nightly shows (and they were first class fun), and at the disco later. Kudos to Eddie, Wilton, Christian, Reggie, Willie.
4 - Food/Beverage Staff - are very accommodating and fun to talk to. They don't speak English as well as the others but you have a good time trying to communicate with them nevertheless.
5 - Ocean/Beach - well taken care of, with plenty to do. NOTE: Once you go to the beach you will be hounded by people selling stuff or wanting you to go parasailing/jet skiing. And worst of all, the guys stopping you to come over to other hotels to "look around for 10 minutes". They are trying to sell time shares on the island or something else so beware. Once you get back behind the security of the resort, they can't bother you.
Warning #2 – Bring bug spray or you will be eaten alive by the mosquitoes (but that is not indicative of the resort, its just something you would have to put up with at any resort there).
Overall, this resort (offered as a 3-1/2 to 4 star) is definitely a strong 4-star resort with plenty to do and eat, or perfect for just relaxing.
|
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
| Excellent standard of service. Visited: September 2001 |
| Posted by paulwbrowning |
|
I could rate Jack Tar Village against my idea of a perfect hotel, but it is probably fairer to review it against my previous experiences of hotels around the world.
The best thing about Jack Tar Village is the small army of staff who ensures the facility is extremely clean and tidy, that you are entertained, regularly fed and watered.
There are a host of things to do at the hotel including golf lessons, scuba diving, going to the gym, horseback riding, water sports, bike rides, an Internet cafe etc. There is a team of beauticians offering a full service of facials and massages at reasonable prices.
You can spend the day relaxing by one of the pools, which have loads of space for the loungers and good shaded areas for when it gets too hot to sunbathe (and it will). Alternatively, you can chill on the private beach that is literally a 30-second walk from the pool.
The entertainment staff is great and each day there are organized pool aerobics, water volleyball contests, Spanish lessons, bike rides etc. If you aren't interested they will leave you alone to relax.
Included in the price is one visit each to the Italian, Seafood and Caribbean restaurants. The first two were brilliant, but the service at the latter was poor—but two out of three ain't bad.
Security is fairly tight at the facility, not because it is a dangerous place, but they keep out anyone who wants to sneak in and use the free facilities. You will have to wear your ID wristband to get in and around the facility.
The only minor letdowns were the air conditioning failed twice and the toilet blocked up twice. But these were repaired within about an hour of being reported, which was great. I did make some comments to the staff about the poor service at the restaurant, but I heard nothing back which was a shame. They also insisted that I made a phone call from the room upon my departure, which I never did. It turned out to be an error by the operator at the hotel.
These are minor points though, as on the whole the facility is the best I have ever stayed at and the level of service was excellent and the location fantastic.
Tips for any visitors are to take a trip on one of the catamarans (Big Papaya was brilliant) and most importantly take some socks. You will look stupid but my wife and I were bitten to pieces by mosquitoes all over, mostly our ankles, which almost spoiled the holiday; they must be insect repellant proof.
|
| 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. |
|
| Every hotel, resort, b&b, and villa. That is our goal. Did we miss your favorite hotel or villa? Do you own a hotel or villa? Please let us know. Click Here! |
| Did you find something offensive on our website? Please let us know. Click Here! |
|
| Jack Tar Village is located 15 minutes away from the airport and only three miles from the charming tourist town of Puerto Plata. A popular favorite, this hotel has undergone extensive renovations and is now an adults-only resort catering to singles, honeymooners and couples alike. Sitting... |
Caribbean Villa Rentals
|
 |
Dominican Republic Lodging
Dominican Republic Travel Guide
Read reviews on YahooAnguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Necker_Island, Anegada, Little_Thatch_Island, Virgin_Gorda, Tortola, Cayman_Islands, Dominica, Dominican_Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis, Puerto_Rico, St_Barts, St_Kitts, St_Lucia, St_Maarten, St_Martin, St_Vincent__the_Grenadines, Trinidad_and_Tobago, Turks_and_Caicos, St_John, St_Thomas, St_Croix, Villa Home Page
|
- Dominican Republic Links
-
|
More Villas
