When my wife and I finally arrived at Victorian House after being 4.5 hrs late on arrival, it was truly a welcome sight. We knew before going on our first visit to DR that the 4* rating might not be the same as in the US, so we were under expecting. But we truly enjoyed everything about Victorian House, even with the few annoyances such as electric going out briefly and no hot water a couple times. But the view, the food, the personell and the relaxation was more than we were expecting. No, it's not like the Mariott Marquee in New York, but the surrounding countryside has it beat completely. We traveled to Caberete a few times and enjoyed the Starz affiliate there and were able to enjoy the ocean instead of the Bay. We dined at a couple of the themed restaurants, but I felt the buffet was more than adequate and being a food lover, really enjoyed it all. There are a few things that could definitely be improved upon,but overall, we were thoroughly satisfied and look forward to going back again next year.

We just returned from the lovely Victorian House at Sosua Bay. We were lucky to have perfect weather, hot and sunny every day with rain only twice and only during the nighttime. It is very humid there, but you have the option of 2 pools or the ocean to cool off in. The atmosphere was very nice and the resort was a nice size, not too big, not too small. The food was excellent, both in the buffet as well as in the restaurants. We made reservations ahead for dinners in the Italian, Tex/Mex, and Asian restaurants, and we were delighted with all of them. They are a little bit more upscale than the buffet. I was a little bit tentative to drink the water but did learn from the staff that the water is supposedly purified and not to worry. However, my stomach hasn't been right since day 3, even until now, but not too bad. The activities were limited, but I had fun snorkeling and kayaking and I got certified to be an open-water scuba diver after taking a 4-dive certification class. The bike tour using the bicycles at the resort was pathetic. The bicycles were in terrible condition, most had no brakes, rusty chains, wheels not lined up properly...the chain fell off one of the bikes as we rode around town. Most of the shows in the evening were enjoyable. I especially liked the Lion King and the Afro-Carribean show. Going into town to shop or walking along the beach gets very annoying and overwhelming because the natives constantly hound you to browse in their shop. If you do shop, make sure to barter. If you so desire, you can bring things to give them as they are very poor, which breaks my heart. The Haitian woman who braided my hair asked if I had any extra shampoo. On my last day, I gathered up the toiletries I had and brought them to her and she was extremely appreciative. Most of the resort staff were pleasant and helpful, but speak limited English. Our room in the Victorian House was very nice and quite large. We had a suite with several rooms, a balcony, a sun room, and a beautiful view. There was a large jacuzzi in the bathroom but it leaked. There were a couple times where there was no hot water. The power went out several times daily, but only for a few seconds as the resort has a generator. The lights, where there are lights, are extremely dim, to the point where you can barely see i.e. in the bathroom. There are different levels throughout the resort and you are constantly going up and down stairs that are often spiraling and sometimes slippery, with no lighting (even at night) which is very dangerous and my biggest beef with the place. Even with all of these little oddities, I really enjoyed this resort and would return. Next time I will bring a flashlight and more items to give to the natives.

We just returned one week ago after staying at the Victorian House. The resort area is very beautiful with a gorgeous view of Sosua Bay from the open air dining room and all of the beautiful decks and levels with a very Spanish design. Lots of terracotta tile. It was more than 2 hours before we could get into a room and relax. Our reservations were for a 2 bedroom suite and we were told they didn't have one available. We were put into a one bedroom with furniture that was really ratty. We requested a change and were given a better room. (one bedroom still). Bed was very comfortable. Lots of times there was no hot water in the shower. This room was very clean and we were taken care off very well by room service staff. Hot tub on our deck was so dirty we didn't use it. All inclusive was delicious but I became very sick the day I returned home. My stomach still is not right. I was careful to drink only bottled water and I am a phanatic about washing my hands. It is so hot and the meals are served for 3 hour periods. The stir-fry meats are out on the counter all that time with no refidgeration, as well as creme filled pastries, milk etc.The milk really has a terrible taste. Otherwise the rest of the food was fantastic. Just be careful what you eat.There was never any silverware or napkins on the tables. We had to get our own for every meal at the all-inclusive. Big variety of food, many stations at the buffet. You couldn't walk away hungry. There was a different theme each night at the buffet.
We were told upon check-in that we should register one day in advance to eat at 4 different restaurants on-site. When we tried to make reservations the first morning we were told all were booked all week. I asked for a manager at the desk and was told there wasn't one available. I asked again the next day. Same deal. I finally found the manager and told her our issues and she got reservations for 2 nights out. When we ate out the restaurants were practically empty. But the food was fabulous. A note was left under our door for a meeting to share activity information with guests but it was a day late. Most reception staff were very polite. Carla was very rude and lied to us about many things, ie:accomodations, reservations at restaurants, etc.
The beach has a lot of coral just off shore so it really isn't a good area to swim. The pools are very nice. Pool bar was never open. We didn't drink much at all. Just a beer or wine with dinner because the mixed drinks were so bad.
If you leave the resort get ready for the mosquito attack. I am talking about the vendors. They chase you and harass you to buy their merchandise. They are relentess to the point that you can't wait to get back to the resort.
One man put his hands across the door of his shop because he didn't want me to leave until I paid 23 US dollars for a beach towel. I told him I would get the police if he didn't let me out. He moved.
We got tickets to a jazz festival and it was great. $10. Also, we went on the Monster Truck tour. It was really fantastic. They are amphibious US army vehicles that cross rivers and can go anywhere on the mountianside. If you want to see how dominicans really live take this tour. It's $75.00 and well worth it. 40% of the tour fee goes to the schools. They feed you and give you a tour of the mountainside, sugar cane fields and processing plants, and the schools. You see people who live with no electrictiy, running water, and live in deplorable shacks. They have no healthcare, no transportation except maybe a donkey. But they are all happy. Some eat only one meal a day. It is an eye opener. We got a very good history lesson about Dominican Republic and Haiti. Our tour guide was excellent.If you have a human side to you and you don't mind leaving your luxurious suite with an ocean view and all the food you can eat for one day to check out the other side of the fence, then this is right for you. And you can bring items with you to give to these people. They are so poor. Items such as sugar-free gum, clothing, soap, shampoo, school supplies, condoms,underwear, socks, and footwear are appreciated. We had a lot of fun and had a water fight at the end. It is dreadfully humid in Dominican Republic. If you like to eat and lay around all day doing nothing it's a good place for that. We would like to have been able to explore a little more but didn't feel safe leaving the resort. All in all we had a good time after the first two days of trying to get what we were promised by the resort and RCI. But we won't be staying at this resort again. It's definitely not a 5 star resort. Maybe a 3

My husband and I stayed at the Victorian House/Sousa (exchanged RCI) during the 1st week of November 2005.

The Good: The weather was beautiful. However it may be too muggy for some. It was very hot and muggy and you need at least a couple of showers a day. The hotel staff kept the room pretty nice and clean. The staff was also very friendly. It is a real plus if you know Spanish and tip them a few dollars to keep your fridge really stocked with everything! The live band at night is great! Enjoy their true DR style. The water was great! The beach by the Hotel was ok..the Azzuro Hotel has a cleaner beach!
Piergorgio Hotel Resturant -- make a left out the hotel at the end of the road and make a left again. See the hotel on the right. Great for food and drinks -- ROMANTIC!! DR is great for relaxation and serious sunning.

The Bad: The buffet was average to poor. Do not eat somethings such as cream sauces and raw fish. Make reservations when you 1st get there and book your days at the restaurants as the buffet gets real old and tired.

The Real Ugly: The night shows are horrible and I mean horrible. I doubt the dancers had one lesson in their lives. Don't waste your time watching the shows.
The mosquitos will kill your legs here in DR! If you do not drench yourself in OFF at night you will be eaten!!! The hotel is not up to USA standards on being clean at ALL -- so if you are picky like us you will HATE the stained white comforter covers and Hospital Quality Sheets. The water was shut off after 1:00 am and the lights will go out once in awhile. We will try DR again but not here!