We have just returned from The Grand Oasis Marien - Dominican Republic- 15.07.08 - and we have got to say what a fantastic place this is. Last year when booking the vacation we were told NOT to go in July (thanks Thomson's Taunton) due to the weather as it always chucked it down. Research said it usually rained about 2pm for about half an hour - well in 14 days it rained for less than 10 minutes - most stayed in the pool, half hour later you wouldn't have known it had rained. Weather therfore fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!! The hotel - complex. Picturesque, fantastic. Arrived at 3.30pm, our room(s) weren't quite finished - reception perssonell were most apologetic, but lets face it who wants to go and sit in the room the day you arrive when its 36 degrees and there are 3 bars open with ice cold full strengh beer & wine. Yes - ignore the comments from the bloke from NY USA, you'll find his review further down. At this point I have got to ask, are all people from there (USA) so loud, rude, ignorant, brash, aggresive and well, embarassing? - hope not! Anyway lets not take anything away from TGOM. Oh sorry I have to i'm sorry but - I have to. The people trying so hard to get you to spend your valuable vacation time sitting in a room for upto 4 hours (so I was told) to get you to buy into the Oasis Vacation Club (cough - TIMESHARE). Whilst they were polite and actually really lovely, except one, they were TOO persistent. They gather outside the main resteraunt after breakfast and approach you on the way out usually. There doing their jobs and are quite nice really, so unless youre interested dont give them any indication you might be, they'll leave you- be polite they were! I'm moving on as our holiday wasnt about timeshare sellers. The Amigo & Amigas at this place are very hard working from 6am until very late. From the guys cleaning around the pool(s) in the morning to the Entertainment Personnel who still managed to shake hands, embrace and laugh with you at 02.00am the next day. Thanks to Pool Man "No problemo" "Shaggy", "Cheeky Monkey" who i did the Merangue dance with whilst totally inhebrated with (on the watered down beer, wine, rum etc) whilst in the Sports bar on my last night - apparently! "Chucky De Lion" this guy is fantastic and hosted a fantastic show on our last night which my wife was dragged on stage - wonderful. Well done to all the Entertainers - Lion King & Grease shows were excellent. The rooms were kept superbly clean, I (after reading an earlier review) couldnt resist a look under the bed to see if it had been cleaned, Sad I know but - I have been in Mcdonalds in Rome, Rugby and I aint going in them again. Thanks to Claribell our room(s) in block 3 immaculate. Food: Pesonnally I feel like Homer Simpson 'cos I was drooling at the choice. Fish, Mexican (by the beach) & Pasta (above the pool bar) restaurants are available here, but like others have said - get out of the pool early, spruce yourself up and get in early or you,ll have to queue (or tip the people on the door you might get an early table) there is also a Crepery (didnt go there as its also the place they sell timeshare during the day) so cant comment. Also by the beach is a Snack bar that between 12pm and 6pm serve burgers, hot dogs and stuff like that. The main restaurant servefrom 07.00 in the morning Fresh Fruit - pineapple, melon, guave, passion friut, watermelon yoghurts, bread (can be toasted) cereal, omelettes (made in front of your eyes with fillings to your taste, bacon, sausage (usually german - but great) eggs (usually scambled but the omlette guy will do you fried if you ask) tomotoes, ?stewed beans? yeah stewed- work well though!!! and more smothing for everyone even 2 breadsticks! Lunch Fresh Fruit, bread, soups, fish, pork, beef, moussles, squid, goat -and loads more Elodorado fish was OUT OF this World (so was the Sea Bass in fish restaurant) Evening - Go and find out your selves. They change menus daily and have theme nights Restaurant personnel were lovely and also full strengh wine or beer (or drink to your taste with your meal) A must: The Monster Truck Safari - but go with the flow - usually (RUM & COKE) Hi to Mani's family 11.07.08 - wicked! Seriously my kids 15 & 12 enjoyed themselves, could have done more Kiaking etc but mannna.........anyway the action in the pool was excellent Go, keep an open mind (you aint at home in your front room any more) experience different cultures, be polite, be friendly ENJOY 'cos its lovely.

one of the best hotels ever.clean tidy ,food very good.but room was robed by members of staff,who freely walk in and out of rooms without knocking.camera .jewelry,phones,i.pod and clothes,gone and all before 9.30 in the morning.the management were very unhelpfull and not keen too contact police.thomas cook not much better.