Playa Dorada Mall
Playa Dorada Mall
3.5
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58 within 3 miles
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33 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
117 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
31
Average
42
Poor
16
Terrible
7
A G
Ennismore, Canada131 contributions
Mar 2023
My kids and I walked to the Playa Dorada Mall a few times during our stay at the Sunscape. If you are looking for souvenirs, the prices are better than at the resort. You can barter a bit in some, not at all in others. I found the best souvenir shop to be the one on the lower level with the price tags. The other shops do not have price tags and they told me different prices from one day to the next.
My teenage daughter felt very uncomfortable here. Some of the vendors/shop owners are quite aggressive at trying to get you into their store. Really vocal and approaching you. Sometimes “no, gracias” is not enough and you need to ignore them and walk in the other direction.
One day we needed to go to the pharmacy for bandaids. After searching for several minutes, the lady who worked there found one old, dusty box on the back of a shelf. It had been opened already but was just the size we needed for a big cut my daughter had got. (Our resort had a very poor excuse for a first-aid kit). In Canada, this box of bandaids would have cost around $4. This pharmacy wanted $31 US!! We said “no, gracias” and decided to make due with what we could scrounge together at the resort.
Plus side is there is a good variety of souvenirs.
My teenage daughter felt very uncomfortable here. Some of the vendors/shop owners are quite aggressive at trying to get you into their store. Really vocal and approaching you. Sometimes “no, gracias” is not enough and you need to ignore them and walk in the other direction.
One day we needed to go to the pharmacy for bandaids. After searching for several minutes, the lady who worked there found one old, dusty box on the back of a shelf. It had been opened already but was just the size we needed for a big cut my daughter had got. (Our resort had a very poor excuse for a first-aid kit). In Canada, this box of bandaids would have cost around $4. This pharmacy wanted $31 US!! We said “no, gracias” and decided to make due with what we could scrounge together at the resort.
Plus side is there is a good variety of souvenirs.
Written March 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie B
3 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Mall is pretty decrepit. The vendors were a little aggressive in the more trafficked areas facing the sidewalk leading to the resort, but the ones on the second floor were more easygoing. Shops have the same souvenirs that can be found in any tourist district.
However, the reason I'm writing this review is to let everyone know not to use the red ATM machine near the Banreservas bank in the mall. The Banreservas bank itself is perfectly legitimate and their staff was friendly and professional. The ATM next to it is a total fake, though. I was lucky to get my card back but the machine shut off without dispensing any cash. Your bank should refund you if this occurs, but this is obviously a pretty big inconvenience.
See the photos on this review. Stay away!
However, the reason I'm writing this review is to let everyone know not to use the red ATM machine near the Banreservas bank in the mall. The Banreservas bank itself is perfectly legitimate and their staff was friendly and professional. The ATM next to it is a total fake, though. I was lucky to get my card back but the machine shut off without dispensing any cash. Your bank should refund you if this occurs, but this is obviously a pretty big inconvenience.
See the photos on this review. Stay away!
Written March 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WinnipegDude
Winnipeg, Canada36 contributions
Dec 2019
Lots of souvenir and liquor stores so if that's what you're looking for, then this is the place for you. Better prices for souvenirs than the tourist trap places you find elsewhere in Puerto Plata (e.g. Mount Isabel de Torres via the cable car). But lots of empty storefronts gives the feel that this is a dying mall.
But avoid the pharmacy if you can help it! We needed some band-aids and some OTC drugs and thought they would be a cheaper option than the always overpriced resort gift shop. Wrong! This place charges even more so don't come here! Your local shop will be no bargain but don't come here thinking you'll do better.
But avoid the pharmacy if you can help it! We needed some band-aids and some OTC drugs and thought they would be a cheaper option than the always overpriced resort gift shop. Wrong! This place charges even more so don't come here! Your local shop will be no bargain but don't come here thinking you'll do better.
Written December 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margarita
Toronto, Canada661 contributions
Dec 2019
We were wondering what presents to buy from the Dominican Republic when visited the mall. On the second floor we visited the Inlan Shop for paintings where Henry offered us good prices, so, we bought paintings for presents there.
On the first floor we found a market where the vanilla was nicely packed and the price was good, so we bought bottles of vanilla for presents.
The alcohol was expensive.
On the first floor we found a market where the vanilla was nicely packed and the price was good, so we bought bottles of vanilla for presents.
The alcohol was expensive.
Written December 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RydenDirty
New Jersey133 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
Overall, the mall had a lot of stores to buy souvenirs, food, drinks, etc. The shops were generally priced well. However,I would recommend shopping around before you buy something because although a lot of the stores carry the same items but some are priced much better than others.
Written February 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rmbc
Edmonton6 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
We have been to this resort area 12 times and the mall changes every year. There used to be more there, however still a few good stores to shop in. They really need some entertainment in the open areas and a few people running the stores who know what they are doing. Most are too aggressive so you have to learn to say no a lot. However there are a few good stores to buy thing in. The exchange booth in front of the mall in the parking lot is legit and offers the best rate. My advise is to always convert your Money to pesos. They always try to make a little on the conversion in the stores or bars so best to pay in local currency. A very safe area to shop and walk around in. Rick
Written September 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindon-mac
Newtongrange, UK109 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
this was literally 5 minutes walk from our hotel so visited a few times. not at all what we thought it would be. there's several gift shops, tobacco shop, excursion shop, nail and hair stall, cash exchange stall a chemist and a few other ones. there's a kids play area that looks tired and i think there are a few shops upstairs but as i use a wheel chair, these were completely inaccessible i couldn't be sure. the jeweler's has closed down as has a building at the side (i think it was some type of eatery).
the gift shops are full of some cracking stuff - but once you seen one, the rest are generally the same.
on the whole it looks a bit run down now and tired so in my opinion not worth a day trip (as i have seen advertised elsewhere) but if your local, may be worth a wee wander round for gifts.
the gift shops are full of some cracking stuff - but once you seen one, the rest are generally the same.
on the whole it looks a bit run down now and tired so in my opinion not worth a day trip (as i have seen advertised elsewhere) but if your local, may be worth a wee wander round for gifts.
Written October 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill M
Puerto Plata Province, Dominican Republic32 contributions
Feb 2020
Don't believe those who say the Amber Museum has the best prices. This mall has great prices on many things. Among other items, I got an amber pendant for about a quarter of the price at other places. And it is beautiful.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseeo111
Toronto, Canada18 contributions
Nov 2019
Playa Dorada Mall, is very close to some great Playa Dorada Resorts. Just a quick walk over or a simple 3 minutes taxi ride will get you there in a flash.
There are shops on two levels. A movie theatre, a disco, a couple banks, many souvenir shops, clothing shops, cigar shops, liquor shops, a kiosk where you can buy some nice and inexpensive excursions.
I was able to buy a few souvenirs for the family. Easy to bargain with vendors. Prices are well indicated on items, but you can always make a deal.
A great place to go in the afternoon before your dinner.
Most vendors do speak English and some do speak French.
There are shops on two levels. A movie theatre, a disco, a couple banks, many souvenir shops, clothing shops, cigar shops, liquor shops, a kiosk where you can buy some nice and inexpensive excursions.
I was able to buy a few souvenirs for the family. Easy to bargain with vendors. Prices are well indicated on items, but you can always make a deal.
A great place to go in the afternoon before your dinner.
Most vendors do speak English and some do speak French.
Written December 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James M
Stratford, Canada330 contributions
Nov 2019
If you vacation at the Playa Dorada complex you will be pleased to find that there is a shopping mall right within the complex. Very convenient. There are numerous well stocked retail stores and services. Great to have this available. Overall a very relaxed shopping experience - all within the complex. Try to take the time to visit and shop. Prices are good considering you are in a tourist setting. This area depends on customers to remain in business just like any shopping mall so stop by a patronize if at all possible. Also many shops offer free wifi. See you next time.
Written November 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi is there any place which sells sanitary napkins/tampons / women hygiene products?
Written August 4, 2023
Is there a grocery store at this mall that sells bread, fruit, etc?
Written March 7, 2019
Hi we were there last year in March .I don't remember if those items wrte in the store. Itisanall in lusive resort so houcould inquire attje front desk...a wonderful staff there.
Written March 8, 2019
Anyone recently there that can advise me of the exchange rate being offered in the Dominican either c$ to DOP or US $ to DOP?
Thank you
Written January 8, 2019
Hi we were able to buy and bargain even in the mall with US dollars. For Canadian we were getting around 1 to 30.
US about 1 to 44. Rates never in our favor or exactly what banks post due to fees.
The thing is, we dont want to pay multiple exchange rates, as with fees you are on the losing end every time.
We looked at each item and decided was it worth the value and US was easily workable.
I also purchased several items from beach vendors, as annoying as they are, they work really hard in the hot sun for a few bucks. I was able to use US for that as well. Even beach vendors could give change in US.
We tipped at our resort in US singles as Canadian coins dont work we dont have a 1 and they cant change coins back at banks they are asking tourists to change them. If someone gives them a 5 they hold onto it until they have a collection before taking it to the bank.
If needing duty free, the airport had the best prices you can get a 2 pack of the oldest dark dominican rum for 10US, and they take credit card.
Golf they take credit card as do most excursions. We jad a really easy time doing everything in US we never touched a Dominican peso all week. Ask your bank for smaller notes lots of them along with 20's
Written January 8, 2019
I did not use the bank machine while there.
Written March 8, 2018
Are there any fast food restaurants around here like a subway etc? Within walking distance?
Written October 1, 2017
Nothing like the traditional fast food but if you go in town there is a Burger King
Written October 3, 2017
is there a shop selling water cameras and also deodorant. ?
thanks
Written June 21, 2017
Deodorant, yes, there is a pharmacy. Under water camera , not sure, sorry.
Written June 21, 2017
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