Background: We visited the property with our two teenage children (girl/boy) as part of an RCI exchange. We had a Blue RCI wrist band. Black bands are tops, gold bands second, Blue RCI and Blue VIP bands third, then the rest of the guests. What it means is that if you are an RCI member, you can go anywhere you like other than two of the quieter beach-bed areas, and a few restaurants and bars. Don't fret it, there is plenty of sand and beach bedcloth to go around for everyone, and more restaurants and bars than you can possibly try in a week.

The Presidential Suites are part of the larger LHVC complex and, other than the private villas, the newest of the sections. We stayed in Room 10-12 (two bedroom suite, with three full baths). Room was lovely, furniture and appointments were tastefully done. A/C was so good, we were cold some days. View of the ocean off to the right of our balcony was sufficient, and the mountain breeze from our left made for good evening lounging on the many pieces of deck furniture we had. This is a large complex (Tropical, Cofresi Palms, Royal Villas, etc.) and there is a considerable amount of walking involved (hills, steps, pathways). Owners get a golf cart, the rest of us hoof it. Don't fret, its good exercise, especially after all the food and drink you'll consume. BTW, avoid the wine if it is being served in a carafe.

The best thing about the complex is the wonderful staff. We didn't find a grumpy employee anywhere, and when they couldn't help, they genuinely appeared disappointed. Bring lots of $1 and $5 bills. You’ll want to tip the bartenders and buffet waiters a few dollars, and leave a $5 or more for your servers at the ala carte restaurants. The towel stewards were friendly, the bartenders were happy to let us try any combination of drinks we liked (we didn’t find an watered-down drinks at any of the bars), the waiters gladly brought seconds or let us order two appetizers and all the desserts that were offered.

The food at the buffets for breakfast and lunch was exceptionally good. We've learned over the years to go easy at resort buffets--the food repeats every day, with some exceptions. You cannot go wrong with eating the local fare--the flavors of the island spices are worth sampling, and then diving in for more. As for the many on-site ala carte restaurants, tops was Moomtaz (Indian). Order the tandoori chicken. Next in line was Blue Lagoon (seafood), followed closely by Rodizio (Brazillian bbq--really flavorful turkey). Bellini and VIP Gourmet were disappointing. We were treated to a meal at Azul (the owner's only restaurant) because the Sunday night welcome gala was cancelled due to rain (we attended the gala years ago on a day pass--sorry to have missed it, but Azul was very good nonetheless (but not worth the $140 per person price if we had to pay for our meal)).

Bars: Rue de Bourbon at the Presidential Suites was our night spot for afternoon virgin daiquiris and pre-dinner drinks. The evening bartender, Ricardo, made everyone at his bar his friend, especially our kids who were just happy to be included in all the chatter. You must try the Ron Barcelo Imperial rum (on ice). It was fantastic ($29 at duty free shop on the way out of the country). The other pool bars were good, had a variety of specialty drinks (some good, some bad, but all included....) Presidente was the only beer offered and at some bars, it was good, at others, it had a funky taste. Not sure if they cleaned the lines enough. This was most notable at the Sports Bar (adjacent to VIP World Pool). As for the Sports Bar, it is the only place you can get a salty snack in the afternoon (fresh popcorn and corn chips (w/melted cheese of course)). You can carry it back to your room, and you will want to because despite all the food spots, none have snacks (you can always buy them at the marketplace at the other properties within the complex, but hey, isn't this an all inclusive!!).

Pools: Go to VIP world pool (assuming you have Black/Gold/Blue wristband). Great location to relax, fast service from the bar or the very attentive wandering staff, and you can get those chips with cheese from the Sports Bar quickly. Cofresi Palm's rooftop pool was also a great place to lounge---mountain views and a good view of the ocean. Also, it is close to the Pearl buffet for lunch, and the shortest walk back to the Presidential Suites property.

Beaches: Avoid VIP Beach if you want to relax. It is over-run with everyone who wants to be a VIP. If you do go, head over after 3 pm when all the big shots have left. The beach itself is visibly attractive, but the sand is coarse, and the water is murky. Snorkeling is a waste, and the water burned our eyes (likely from the effluent that is pumped into the bay from neighboring properties). If you want to snorkel/SCUBA, take an excursion to Sosua Bay (we did—they have a dive shop at the complex that provided some dive instruction to our kids, and then handled the excursion for us).

Time share staff: In a word, respectful. Yes, we were asked every day if we had taken the tour (which we did in 2008 when we had our day pass), and were professionals when we said "no thank you." Treat them well, and they will do the same.

Repeat? Sure. Bring friends, absolutely

WOW, I've had the best time EVER!!!!! First of all I’m Dominican and I was thoroughly impressed with the accommodations at Presidential Suites by Lifestyle. So let me give you the rundown. The room was always clean and if great condition. We stayed on the first floor room 34 and it was great. Close to the Presidential Lobby, pool, bar and 2 restaurants. If you want peace and quiet stay by the Presidential Suites as this is the mellow crowd and I shouldn’t say crowd as is was never crowded, The Cofresi and Tropical area are more for the party goers and it’s full of life. I prefer more R&R. The definite places to go eat are Blue’s for breakfast (although smaller and not a buffet the service is great), Jazz (don’t be fooled by this Kosher restaurant) this place has some great Creole cuisine. Blue Lagoon is great and Anja’s if you can enter (since you need to be V.I.P) is awesome for lunch. El Pilon of course has some authentic Dominican food. Do stay away from Bellini and Simply Gourmet which are not great at all. Now to the pool / beach areas. For some nice peace and quiet and if you like to tan but your mate loves the shade, go to SERENITY BEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has the best beach of the entire resort, less waves and they are constantly cleaning the seaweed. Harmony Beach is great as it has a small pool to cool off and the service is great. The VIP party on Sunday was awesome. On the Presidential Suite side go to the Bourbon Street Bar because RICARDO does the best drinks and is the best bartender EVER. Booking through Carol Oster was a breeze and we were treated so nicely that my boyfriend and I became VIP members. This place is wonderful and if you’re social, like I am, others will tell you the same. If you speak with someone at LHVC tower speak with David De Leon he was great and will answer any questions you have.

This was the first time we visited this part of the world. The facility was clean and well kept. The staff were very nice and friendly. They each had a limited responsibility and were helpful within that job but had no authority to go beyond that and would pass you on to others if problems had to be solved. This is a great place if you get the VIP bracelets or higher. Each bracelet gives you access to different parts of the resort and different restaurants. It is difficult to change dinner reservations since there are two settings each evening. There is an advantage to being at a resort where everything is prepaid. There are lots of shuttles to take you to and from restaurants, beaches, etc. Just outside is Ocean World with interaction with dolphins, sea lions, sting rays, etc. Next door is a small casino for those who like to gamble. I would recommend this resort to those who have a reunion, large family group, etc. who want to spend vacations together.