As I said earlier, I did a lot of research before we ended up choosing this resort.  We actually transfered from another resort to this one.  I wanted to make sure that I was getting the most for my hard earned money.  Please review the list below which should answer a lot of the questions you have.  If you have more, please don't hesitate to contact us. 

Q.  How far in advance should I make my reservation?

A.  Okay...If you are interested in anything less than a Villa...1-bedroom, 2 bedroom, Junior suite, except for certain times of the year (X-mas, thanksgiving week, 4th of July) there is availability throughtout the year.  Villas are difficult to get and require some advance planning..sometimes up to one year in advance.  In order to help in some booking problems I've had, I did get some villas set aside for me.  I have openings in the following dates:

A.  I should be able to confirm your reservation within 2 - 4 days after we start communicating.

Q.  Does the Lifestyle Holiday Vacation Club offer transportation back and forth to the airport?

A.  Yes.  Transportation is arranged when you book your reservation for your arrival but you should confirm your departure when you first check into the hotel.  The transportation is free to and from the Puerto Plata Airport and they will provide transportation from Santiago Airport, but there will be a $75 fee/direction for that ride.  If available, you could request a limousine or a helicopter ride back and forth from the airport, but this option is expensive.

Q.  Will I be able to get a golf cart to ride around the resort?

A.  No.  Unfortunately, these are for members/owners only.  Not a crisis, though.  The shuttle service is very easy and depending on where you stay, not having a means of transportation will not be a problem.  You can call for a free shuttle to pick you up and deliver you anywhere around the resort.  It usually takes 5 minutes for the shuttle to arrive.  There are also motor bike and vehicle rentals that you can get through the resort.  I would advise against riding out on the town though.  They are **CRAZY** drivers and there are very little "rules of the road."

Q.  Is the $1200 cost for the Crown Villa per person?

A.  No.  The cost is per Crown Villa, not per person.

Q.  Is there internet service available in the Crown Villas?

A.  Not at this time, but that service is going to be added very shortly in the future.

Q.  How is the food?

A.  The food is very good, but it's like everything else....Some things you will like, some things you won't.  They try very hard to please all the guests of the resort who are coming from around the world.   I tried to have "a little bit of everything" when I first arrived, to find my favorites.  They have huge selections of food to choose from so I am absolutely positive that you will not go hungry during your stay.

Q.  Do you have a refund policy?

A.  In the case of "No Shows", there is no refund.  If you contact me within 30 days of the trip, I can reschedule your trip.  There is a $150 charge for changing the dates.  Unfortunately, the resorts do not offer a refund to me so I cannot pass that on to you.

Q.  Are there any hidden fees?  

A.  Lifestyle Holiday Vacation Club does charge fees for additional services, but I have tried to let you know about them.  Be aware that there is a $10.00 travel tax that you will have to pay when you arrive at the airport and it’s only when you arrive.   If you want to go on an excursion, this will cost extra.  Laundry service does cost extra, but there are laundry facilities that you could use.  If you desire a safe for your valuables, there is also a $20 fee. 

Q.  What drinks are available in the Crown Villas?

A.  The villas come with a full size refrigerator that is filled with Beer, water, sodas, milk, and a few yogurts. 

Q.  Can I have drinks delivered to the Crown Villa?

A.  No unfortunately, you cannot, but you can go to the Cafe and bring back whatever you'd like.

Q.  Do I need a power adapter?

A.  No.  LHVC uses the same electrical outlets as they do in the U.S

Q.  Do I need to bring Dominican Money?

A.  No.  I found most vendors on and off the resort take US Dollars.  If you desire, you can utilize the exchange available in the resort.

Q.  Is the pool in the Crown Villa really private?

A.  Yes, the pool is just for you and your guests staying in your villa.  Someone will come by daily to clean and maintain the pool.

Q.  Should I tip the employees?

A.  Tipping is much appreciated but not mandatory.  If you got particularly good service, please pass on your appreciation with a few dollars. 

Q.  Are they going to pressure me to join the timeshare?

A.  During your stay, you will be given the opportunity to join the same timeshare that I joined.  If you are not interested, simply say "no, thanks."  The excellent service you expect will not change.

Q.  This is the Caribbean, how are the bugs?

A.  Living in the Caribbean, I can tell you that bugs are a fact of life.  I will also tell you that the resort has an excellent pest control program.   We spent a great deal of time outdoors and bugs were very minimal.  In our villa, we did receive a pest control treatment during our stay and except for one beetle, we had no bugs in our place.  I will recommend that you not leave any food or drinks out for any length of time, because this will attract some pesky ants.  Also, you might want to bring a can of "Off" or other repellant just in case.

Q.  Is there a place we can purchase something we may forget to pack?

A.  Yes, the resort does have a convenience store, just in case you forget suntan lotion or other small items. They also have snacks and some souvenirs that you can purchase.  Be aware that this is a resort and you will pay prices slightly higher than you are used to.

Q.  Can I drink the water?

A.  It's not recommended.  I brushed my teeth with the tap water and I had ice in my drinks, but I never filled a glass from the tap and drank it.  I had no problems, but if you find yourself having "difficulties," there is a medical center at the resort.  Be aware that there is a $75 consultation fee.  You might want to bring a few of those over-the-counter remedies, just in case.