I have just got back from 2 weeks at the Casa Marina Reef Hotel (21st May-4th June 08) and I had an amazing time and would love to still be there!

As a 23 year old female I went with a friend and the hotel beat are exceptations as we were a bit dubious that we had got it for so cheap and that it was being advertised on so many different sites but we were pleasantly surprised and so glad that we went.

The grounds are big with the two hotels combined (Reef and Beach) together meaning you can use all 3 pools and other facilities. The food was very impressive as well. Having not done an all inclusive package before I was worried about it being bad but it was far from it with a huge variety and well presented.

I have never stayed at a place with such hardworking and happy staff. They really do look after you and always have a smile on their faces!

The entertainment team are fantastic! (Especially Mosquito!!) There are lots of activities to tak part in each day and the shows of a night time are good and varied. You will get pestered to take part in the activities but if you don't fancy it then that's fine.

There are plently of sun loungers and you get a clean beach towel each day. The beaches were lovely with clear blue water. There are even security guards on the beach which is reassuring. I didn't take part in the water sports activities but there is a lot to chose from which is included in the all inclusive package inclding snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing and a scuba diving lesson in the pool.

The bedrooms were nothing amazing but we didn't go on holiday for the decoration in the rooms! They are kept very clean though with maid service every day. It had everything you needed (apart from hairdryers) and clean towels were provided each day. We did have a small leak in the wardrobe when there was heavy rain but to be honest it didn't bother me.

It is safe to go outside of the hotel into Sosua and I don't know why people say it isn't! it's nice to see outside of the hotel and there is Sosua public beach 5 mins walk from the hotel with lots of gift shops and restaurants etc. Just be prepared to get hassled when walking past! Make sure you barter with them as some shop owners like to charge you 2-3 times more than what they should. Generally speaking I thought it is quite expensive for a Latin American country but I think it's because it is a very touristy area and taxis can be pricey. A good alternative is the bus of local taxis which you can share with other Dominicans (just be prepared to be squeezed in!)

My only criticsm is that when you arrive, it is hard to work out where abouts your room is as there are so many rooms so better signage would be good but apart from that, that was my only complaint!

I would definately say it was more of a hotel for families and couples opposed to young singles but if you like chilling by the pool and beach, taking part in the activities and just generally chilling out you will have a good time. Sosua has lots of restaurants and bars etc if you don't want to stay in the hotel every night. The Calypso Disco at the hotel was surprisngly not too bad! It's air conditioned; not overly big but good for a dance if enough people are in there and they play mainly reggaeton, RnB, hip hop and merenge music.

Overall a great holiday and would definately reccommend.

Have a great time!

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Casa Marina Reef for 17 nights after booking a last minute holiday just a couple of days before.
I have to say it was by far the best holiday I have ever been on, we both had an amazing time.
The rooms were very clean and comfortable and we had a lovely view of the pool.
There was so much to do in the hotel that we didn't get bored easily. There's a choice of 3 pools, the beach and the jacuzzis (loved them), loads of watersports and daytime activities.
The evening entertainment was fantastic, the only downfall was that it started a little late for me and I struggled to stay awake until it started (mainly due to jetlag)
The food was lovely, especially the fish restaurant, you must try the seabass in there, it's delicious.
The staff and entertainment team were very helpful and friendly.
The only thing I would suggest is to take plenty of sun protection with you as the choice of lotions in the shops are very limited. I could only seem to find a very low factor or a very high factor, no in between

I stayed at Casa Marina Reef from 7th May till 22 May
How I wish it was longer. This was our 4th trip to the Reef and
we are returning Next year for our 25th wedding anniversary.
To me it offers everything I need. The staff are very good, hardworking and always ready with a smile. The food is really good. You can be as relaxed as you wish or as active as you like.
I can go on more but feel free to ask me any ?????s
Teen...

Just returned from 1 week stay in the Casa Marina Reef hotel. I would advise getting your own taxi (air conditioned) from the airport instead of transfers as it only costs $20.00 (£10.00) and we got to the hotel and hour and a half before others on the bus the taxi ride is approx 10/15 mins. Reception staff very professional our room had been overlooked and they had a room ready (seaview) within 40 minutes. Rooms clean fresh and in good condition. The grounds are so well kept the staff are forever sweeping leaves up, washing and bleaching floors etc.. this is such a clean resort!! Staff friendly, food great, the drink a little weak but when your drinking all day its probably for the better. Plenty of activities during the day if you want to get involved but if you like me and just want to chill u can lounge around in the jacuzzies on the sea front whilst getting waited on by your partner :0). I found the locals very friendly and they do not 'take over' the resort on weekends as others have stated, in fact i did'nt notice any change in clientel at all, i was slightly worried with some previous reports of 'local hookers' coming in at weekends but i did'nt see anything and believe me if they did i would be the first to notice!! On the return journey i would advise booking into the sky lounge $25.00 (£12.50 pp) but it's airconditioned (unlike the rest of the airport) and you get 4 drink's each and snacks (crisps and sandwiches). limited places available so u have to book early.