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Dominican Republic Hotel, Resort & Villa Reviews Reviews
Ali's SurfCamp 01/22/2005
Reviewers Rating:  Fair
Ali’s Surfcamp is a fly-by-night kind of place, fine for young guys visiting the area who want to wind/kite surf or surf, although it is a trek from all the beaches, but not a good place to stay for someone looking for an enjoyable holiday. In general, I do not recommend Cabarete as a vacation destination, but for those who choose to go and stay at the Surfcamp, beware. The owners will shift your room assignment at whim. We were moved three times, others also were moved three or more times during their stays, and occasionally with just a few minutes notice. We originally reserved a one-bedroom apartment. Our first night was to be in a two bedroom, and we’d move the next day to the one bedroom. We were put in a terrible cabana room on night one, absolutely the worst room I have ever stayed in - it had a strong, unpleasant odor, dirty sheets, very old mattress, was small and dark, and the bathroom was downright unpleasant. Breakfast and dinner at the Surfcamp restaurant were included with the cabana room, but the price of $25 per person for the room was robbery considering the accommodations and quality of the food. The next day we were not moved to a one bedroom, but to a studio - much smaller. They claimed the one-bedroom was not available. I had a problem with that, as it was what I’d reserved and was expecting a third person to join our group and needed the extra bed. After much “discussion” that resulted in my admonition that I would find another place to stay, the one bedroom became available on the day my friend would arrive. Imagine that, all of a sudden, after they had said all apartments were booked throughout my stay! While this room-switching scenario was common among many other guests I spoke to, it was also common that no one was sure what rate they would be paying, as the rooms we were all staying in were so often not what we'd booked. We were all charged different amounts, even for the same type of room. Also, it was unclear as to the inclusion of meals or if that is additional for certain rooms. Nothing is clear or direct, it is all very vague and confusing, and hospitality is absent.
Several guests had rats in their rooms, and rats can often be seen running around the restaurant and grounds. The grounds are actually kept up nicely.
The rooms were generally not very clean, beds not comfortable, sheets and towels needed to be put in the trash bin and replaced. I had to ask for a new pillow in one of the rooms, as the pillowcase on mine smelled strongly of urine.
Those running the place never once inquired as to our comfort, happiness, did we need anything, could they answer questions or help with anything. Once you are there, they forget about you until its time to pay the bill.
One good point about this place is the surf instructor, Caleb. He will wake you with a knock on your door to go surfing. He has boards and gives lessons for beginners at a good price - $35 for a long lesson with board and tranport to Encuentro. It is less, about $20, if you just want the board and the transportation.
If you are contemplating staying at the Surfcamp, I would suggest you keep looking and pay a bit more for a place where you can be comfortable and are treated as a guest, not an after-thought. But still, go the Surfcamp restaurant at dinner around 7:30 p.m. any night and see Calab to arrange some surfing lessons.
Susan
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