I arrived at Dreams Wednesday May 2nd for a 5 night trip, leaving May 7th. I'm in my late 20s from NYC and was traveling with 13 members of my family- ranging from age 60+ to 2!

Arrving/Room: we were greeted with towels and champagne, it was a nice touch. check-in was a breeze and the hotel was busy but not at all full. Me and parents had connecting rooms in the low-rise tower. It's a little bit of a walk to the beach, pool etc, but the rooms and view were great. The rooms are beautiful, very tropical, spacious, the mini bar with sodas etc was GREAT! we used that all the time. The room was spotless, we loved the shower. Yes, we did notice that when showering, water kinda gets everywhere, but the pressure was great and overall the bathroom was immaculate and huge. Anyway, the room is huge and nicely decorated and the view was amazing. we faced the pool area but were also close the beach, so we had both views. we sat on the balcony for hours in the evening. Only drawback was that i would have loved a lounge chair to relax and read in during the late afternoon but there were only two stiff chairs. because i read the reviews before my trip, we tipped the cleaning women a few dollars a day and they were so appreciative. Also go to the concierge and get your free internet vouchers everyday. They dont tell you about it when checking in, which i guess why it was empty but they have 4 nice computers to use etc. Every night the housekeepers come for turn down service, it was great. They give you a little chocolate and a sheet of activites for the next day with tomorrow's temperature etc, all that good stuff. Some reviewers complained about the smell, but we didnt have any odor issues... The dophin area was all set up and running, so maybe that is why? but everything on our end was great.

Outdoor Area: The beach is great and was basically empty. We woke up early to reserve seats (we are a big group) but if you're a smaller group, it probably wasnt necessary. There are tons of huts and the sand is great. The beach is seaweeedy, but its not a big deal. There are servers on the beach that are literally at your beck and call for food and beverages. Just be sure to tip them well because they are running all over and they really appreciate it. The pool area is horrible- its SO SMALL. its nice to look at, but there are hardly any seats and they are all taken right away. it worked out for us because the pool seemed really rowdy, a lot of very drunk people so we preferred the beach, but if you are the type of people like that like to hang around a pool, this hotel is not for you. the dolphin area, which was great for kids etc, was huge and took up most of the space.

Food: The breakfast buffet is GREAT! we loved it- it was some mexican fare and some american food. we really loved it. Lunch was great, we always got hamburgers and hot dogs from either of the two grills and they were delicious. we never had a sit down lunch, just brought it back to the beach, which was ideal. we really liked breakfast and lunch. Dinner- not so much. The first night we went to the steak house, that was really delicious BUT when our cousins met up the next day, eating there again was out of the question because that restaurant bizarrely doesnt allow children. it was also very windy at the restaurant... bring something to tie your hair back! The next night we went to the seafood restaurant on the beach, everybody hated it. The service was so slow, and i know we're on vacation, but how long can you sit at a meal... after three hours were bored stiff and the food was horrible. My father had to return his meal 2x. The next night was the Caribean Buffet on the beach. We were all looking forward to it and they were placing tables on the little beach and setting up the music etc and then it drizzled and they brought up all the table inside. it was such a shame and really poor management because it was beautiful the rest of the night besides those one or two minutes of light rain. so they moved it into the buffet room and it was ok, but not that much different than the normal everyday buffet so that was disappointing. The next night we ate the buffett again and were really over it. but we didnt know where else to go and didnt feel like leaving the hotel and spending money on a mediocore meal. The next night, (our last) we went to Paloma Bonita, the mexican restaurant. It is next door the hotel but not included in the all inclusive. we LOVED it! the food was great, the view and decor were amazing, it was so fun, all the men are dressed up and they come over and sing and dance with you. My little cousin fell asleep and they made him a little bed. it was a great time and not that pricey. We fully recommend it- it was a great send off.

The people: The staff was amazing. We joked that they all must have learned the same line: "it's a pleasure!" Everybody was so attentive, so nice, so friendly, it really made the trip. they are also so appreciative of tips etc. We didnt meet that many other guest, we kind kept to ourselves, but everybody we did talk to was very nice etc. Not that many teenagers and people in their 20s, so i wouldnt rocommend coming here as singles looking to party and meet people. The whole hotel was either families or couples.

Children: This is a perfect place for children- there are tons of activities for them. There is a kids camp that could literally keep your children occcupied from 10-10! my little cousins didnt participate, but we knew they were going on and seemed really well run. Dreams also great for kids because its all inclusive- they can eat whenever and as much as they want.

Nightlife: There isnt any really at the hotel. There is a lounge area with live music that is relaxing and nice. if you want to go out, the hotel is in walking distance to many clubs etc. Some of my family went out and had a great time and others went to bed after dinner, you could do both at Dreams. The hotel's location is great.

Overall, i would definitely come back. it was very relaxing. i think they need more food options. We only stayed 5 nights and were getting so sick of the food so i can't imagine having to eat at Dreams for longer than that. The pool really sucks and i dont see them changing that, so thats a consideration. The staff was amazing and really made the trip enjoyable and there is nothing better than an all-inclusive, especially for young children.

email me if you have more questions bsa580@gmail.com