Everything exceeding our expectations at this resort.
Our Air Canada rep Guy was one of the reason our vacation turned out to be our best vacation so far. He was full of information and recommended our best trips we have ever been on. The trips we went on were Rincon Beach Safari, Limon Falls and Ziplining which was the best of the three. Also Guy gives you all the information you need on the bus to the resort which was nice not to have to attend a meeting the next day. This was the first time i have flown Air Canada and i was very impressed.
Pros
Beach was beautiful.
Food Excellent.
It is not a large resort therefore everything was close by. You have a view of the ocean from dining room
Service was good with or without tips
People are very friendly here.
Air Canada rep was very helpful
We upgraded to a suite which was much nicer than standard room
They were overbooked on Saturday therefore we were offered to spend our last night a Cayo Lavendato

Cons:
Standard room fridge didnt' work when we arrived but was fixed right away.

Returned last night after a wonderful week. The hotel grounds are very spacious and clean. The Beach was great for long walks. Snorkling off the beach was wonderful - lots to see. We usually spent the day at the beach and then moved to small pool by Building 10/11 for games, drinks. The buffet offered a great variety and was very good. We did not enjoy the Seafood Restaurant but the Italian more than made up for it. The Specialty restaurant was also very good. I agree with previous comments about the extra charge for the safe key - $28.00. We have never had to pay for this separately before!! Staff was most pleasant. There sometimes was a problem with dishes - no wineglasses, cups, spoons - but it really was not a big deal. Also, you had to pay for some "specialty" drinks. Unfortunately scotch (good) was one of these - but we all managed and did not come away thirsty. We had booked a Whale Watching trip with Kim Biddell (Whale Samana) before we left. Our travel rep at the hotel tried to discourage us because it was not hotel sanctioned. After all the reviews we had read about her trips - we would not be discouraged. We had to get our own transportation into Samana. No problem - bell boy got us a taxi ($120.00 for 10 people - return) The whale excursion was well worth every penny. I learned more about whales before I even saw one. We saw several whales - they were putting on a show for us. Kim explained what they were doing, habits, etc. GREAT EXCURSION. The next day we did an ATV trip with Terry (Tours by Terry) Once again, this was a great trip. We saw so much - off the beaten track and learned a great deal about the culture. The day was great, transportation provided from outside the resort. GREAT EXCUSION. The drive to and from the airport is very scenic - make sure you have cameras ready. This was a great vacation and I would certainly recommend the hotel and the tours to everyone. Wonderful vacation with old and new friends.

Let me start by saying that I loved this resort and will probably return. The drive from the airport is spectacular and your greeted with singing and a welcome cocktail...very nice.
The Beach is amazing, hardly anyone on it once you leave the resort, and the water is warm calm and very blue. The ocean is full of fish and people said it was like diving into an aquarium, you didn't even need a mask to see the fish, just stand neer the coral. Lota of chairs and Palappas on the beach too.
The pool is small but I din't care because the beach was great.
I have a very sensitive stomach and am always tired of resort food after a couple days, but here the food was great, I had no problems at all and enjoyed every meal.
Our problem was with the room, obviously very old and not well maintained. The mini fridge and ceiling fan did not work and were not repaired even after we complained. The room safe was difficult to operate and had no instructions, it took two trips to the front desk to figure it out and for this agrevation, we were charged an extra $28.
The front desk kept telling us things like beach towels and an umbrella would be in our rooms and they never were, resulting in chasing down maids who didn't speak english.
Having said this, I'm still willing to go back because everything else was great. If it wasn't for the problems with the room, I would give it 4 1/2 stars.

Got back Sat from 2 weeks at this wonderful resort. If your looking for a beautiful beach that goes for miles and an extremely clean, friendly resort with great food, then stay here :) We have been to the D.R. 12 times, this was our first time to Samana and we would go back. Beach is the best we've been to with coral reefs right in front for excellent snorkeling. Staff is very friendly, service is very good. We would rate this in our top 3. Enjoy