Vacation Rentals by Owner

Gorgeous VIP resort, well appointed villas & great member to rent from!!

Guest: KMO (Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/05/12 Review Submitted: 02/27/12

When I first came across the Crown Villas on the VRBO website I thought it was too good to be true. The pictures were beautiful and the VIP amenities seemed too good for the price. I emailed a few VIP members that had postings on the VRBO website and Patti emailed me back within minutes. Right away she blew me away with her very fast replies and tons of information. I was very nervous booking for 18 people and a wedding party but Patti was there to answer all my emails, give me advice and much appreciated tips. I think we have about 100 emails back and forth! When we arrived at the villas I was very pleased that they were exactly like the pictures. They had well appointed rooms that gave guests privacy. The pool in each villa and the golf carts were extra features that we loved! We ate at the Italian, Gourmet, Brazilian, and Seafood restaurants and all were very good. Usually when I go to the islands I starve because the food is inedible, but not this time. Our housekeeper Maritiza was amazing. She made the best omelets every morning and she was always asked how we liked our eggs. There are so many bars all over the property and the top shelf liquor was a great bonus. The VIP beach was nice and clean and the "cool pools" that they have to cool down with are a great idea. We never had trouble getting a bed on the beach. And I have never been to any resort where you can order lunch from your lounge chair. That was a nice feature. The nachos and chicken wings were our favs. The resort is massive and very well kept and clean. All of our pictures turned out stunning with the vibrant green backgrounds of trees, flowers and blue ocean. Our housekeeper cleaned the villa every day and a pool guy and landscapers also came by- every day! A big perk in booking with Patti is the free tickets to Ocean World next door. We didn't pay any extras for the dolphin swim/swim with sharks etc and we still had a blast. The animals are well trained and the seal show was just amazing. We were all impressed. They also have an aviary where you can feed parrots from your hand. This was my favourite. At Ocean World they also have a beach area with hammocks and lounge chairs and a huge inflatable slide that you climb up and zip down into the ocean. (They provide life jackets). All 18 of us had such a wonderful time and we really felt as if it was a true VIP vacation. We are all talking about when can we go back! Thanks again to Patti, for making this a memorable vacation!!!

Owner response:Kristy It's was a pleasure to deal with someone who is so nice as you. I am glad that I was able to make your vacation a memorable one. I am a very honest person who is up front with my guests because I know I would want to be treated the same. I truly believe what comes around goes around. I thank you for your lovely compliments. Please keep in touch and it would be my pleasure again to make all your arrangements in the future. My regards to your hubby! Take care and stay well. Patti

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful 25th Anniversary!!

Guest: Deborah C.
Date of Stay: 01/06/12 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

Patti was wonderful. Her tips were a great help and all went verysmooth and was effortless on our part. Never being out of the country this meant a lot to me. She could not be more helpful and responds very quickly to your email concerns. Thanks Patti!!! This was the best vacation of my life. Our villa was older and dated but comfortable. We were close to the beach. The maids were there to your every becon call. We only had breakfast cooked two days but it was very nice. People were so friendly and any tip was so appreciated. The food was great and plentiful. We followed Patti's advice to a tee on water and were never bothered with any illness. Beer, water, and soda was plentiful and refreshed daily. Our pool was nice and clean, a little cool, but nice. Ocean World was a lot of fun. I was having trouble with my left foot so did not do the swim with dolphins but cannot wait to go back to do that, among other things we missed. I WILL be going back!!!! The VIP welcome party was Amazing as was the food. Hubby stood in line 3 days for a beach bed but much worth it. Gotta do that! golf cart was a great asset since I was having foot problems. The resort is huge but walking would have been nice and not much of a problem otherwise. This was our 25th wedding Anniversary and I searched for a long time on the perfect vacation and Patti helped that happen.

Owner response:Hi Debbie and Clarence I am so happy that you enjoyed your 25th. Anniversary at LHVC. I try very hard to prepare all my guests for their vacation so they will have good memories that will last a lifetime. I truly appreciated your sincere compliments and I thank you for that. You must come back and visit again so you can experience all that the resort offers to you as my guests and be able to explore this beautiful country. Debbie, you were a pleasure to work with and it would be my honor to assist you again. Please, DO NOT WAIT FOR YOUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY!! Talk to you soon and please stay well. Patti

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IMPRESSIVE!

Guest: Kathy (Delray Beach, Fl)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

Patti I want to say "Thank You" for all of your efforts to make our stay a very pleasant one. You were such a pleasure to work with. Very detailed. Our penthouse was absolutely perfect in every way. The service from the restaurants, pool bar to our penthouse was incredible. When we wanted extra water, coffee or beer it arrived within minutes. We ate in a different restaurant every night, all were amazing! It was wonderful being catered to for seven days. The VIP Pary was sensational as was the Bravisimo Las Vegas Show. Best Regards, Jim and Kathy

Owner response:Hi Kathy & Jim I want to thank you for the lovely compliment. I must say that it was also a pleasure working with such nice people too. I am a detailed person because I want my guests to be well prepared so they have a wonderful vacation with no worries or surprises. I am happy you enjoyed your stay and enjoyed all the VIP privileges as my guests. I hope someday you will return because it would be my pleasure to assist you once again. Thank you again, Patti

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car.

Excellent Holiday

Guest: Davis M. (Hamilton, Bermuda)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/19/11

We went in a group of 3 guys and we had an excellent holiday, from food, our villa, night disco and friendly staff, We were treated more than we expected, when we had golf cart problem, the guys were happy to assist us, the resort is by far much better than l have been before, very luxurious indeed, there wasn't much of beach but am allowed to say this as l come from Bermuda :) but the pool was magnificent, they had own radio station and white lining on pool side beds, perfect place! and not to forget there was a mango tree behind our villa, enjoyed eating fresh mango every morning beside what was provided to us in our breakfast.

Owner response:Hi Davis I am so glad that you and your friends had a great time. It means allot to me that my guests not only enjoyed their vacation but that it also exceeded their expectations. Mangos, Mangos, Mangos they are all over the place and we also enjoy them everyday. I am glad the staff was prompt in responding to the mechanical problems of your golf cart and that you found the staff friendly and helpful. It was my pleasure making all your vacation arrangements and hope to be able to repeat it again in the future. You were a pleasure to work with! Patti

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

A wonderful week of contrasts

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/25/11 Review Submitted: 02/21/11

We spent a sunny week in a beautiful 4 bedroom villa. The place was great as was the service. Patti was extremely helpful. We lived in luxury but also went into the poorest of the poor areas so it was quite the contrast. The villa was great but one bedroom was substandard, being located below the pool and away from the main house. Not a big deal for us, but definitely not the same as the other rooms. The staff was wonderful. The food was wonderful. Julio at the VIP pool is the best! We really had a great time in the resort as well as in the area. We have supported a school there for about 5 years and go to this area every year. This was our first time at this resort. I had my doubts, but it worked out extremely well since everyone could do their own thing and have plenty of food and beverages any time they wished. We will absolutely be back the next time we have a large group. I would encourage visitors to see the area outside of the resorts and to make an effort to see how people actually live in the DR. Also, tipping is such a small thing that can make a huge difference in the lives of those people who work at the resorts. You can go here and live in luxury but it is good to know that you can also easily help others at the same time. The Dominican people are friendly, helpful, and easy with a smile. Enjoy the experience and culture while you are there. If you see Julio, give him a big hug from Julia.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Wonderful place!

Guest: Boyd and Pam (St Louis)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11 Review Submitted: 01/25/11

We had perfect weather the entire week. We were in one of the older villas that could use refurbishing but it was closer to the beach and always kept clean. The housekeeper was so sweet and fixed everything, and more, that we wanted for breakfast. We didn't get the golf cart until the second day but we were close enough to walk to the beach so it was fine. Everyone is so friendly and go out of their way to help you. There were lots of activities but we were couch potatoes this time so can't comment. Patti was wonderful especially with her hint list. The VIP beach was a delight - lining up at 7:15 am was a bit much though but fun talking with everyone. We hope we'll be back soon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

FABULOUS HOLIDAY

Guest: Caroline M. (Kent, UK)
Date of Stay: 08/14/10 Review Submitted: 09/05/10

Absolutely fabulous holiday from start to finish. The villa was beautiful, extremely clean and well maintained. The staff were helpful, and no request was too much trouble for them. The food was great, especially the breakfast that the maid came in and prepared each morning. Golf buggy was delivered on the day of arrival, which we had great fun in. Fabulous beaches, fabulous pools, fabulous food, fabulous location....I can't think of anything to complain about!! Patti has been a great help, and we found her "helpful hints for guests" sheet particularly helpful, as it answered a lot of questions that we hadn't even thought of. I would recommend this holiday to anyone thinking of travelling to the Dominican Republic. Don't be put of by the low price...it really is as good as it sounds

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

WOW WOW WOW

Guest: Saunji (Miami FL USA)
Date of Stay: 06/13/10 Review Submitted: 07/28/10

This was all we could say during our stay in Puerto Plata Dominican Republic. Nine of us decided to take our first family trip and me being the planner I didn't want the stale hotel rooms we have all experienced in the past. We rented a four bedroom Villa w/private pool that was just right for our family. We felt like kings and queens as our coordinator made sure we had everything we needed day by day starting the moment we arrived till we left. We woke up every morning to a hot breakfast made by the maid and had beautiful beaches to go and play or just do nothing. The entertainment was great and some of our family got involved in the activities. The food was delicious, there was a lot of fish meals which is normal for islanders, but there was pizza, pasta and burgers also. The gourmet restaurants were beautiful inside and the food was very pleasing to the palate.The sports bar served up great mixed drinks and good bar snacks too. Make sure you bring snacks in your bag because there are times the kitchens close down and food is being prepared for the next part of the day. When we arrived we where starving and had to wait two hours to eat. We made due with the popcorn and the nachos from the sports bar and yes, I was fully prepared with pretzels and chips from my carry on baggage. The best part for me being a former ballet dancer was one evening at Ocean World seeing the Vegas style performance of "Bravissimo"! it's name says it all and the costumes where just amazing as well as the performances. We gambled and watched the Lakers win the championship! I think I left my mark on the V.I.P. Lounge dance floor, they played everything from salsa and merengue to reggae and top 40's. We made some great friends and had an amazing time while we stayed at the villa. But wait there's more..... we got a tour of the grounds and had an opportunity to see the Penthouse suite WOW WOW WOW is all I can say. It's beautiful!!! Plus we got to visit the seven room villa that came complete with a butler, pool table and a never ending pool!! The people who put this vacation club together sure knew what they where doing we had a blast from day one to day seven and created some great memories all the other family members are jealous about. It's OK they want to go next year and we will be glad to join them. I emailed Pattie midway through the trip thanking her for such an amazing opportunity for my family and I to experience this type of luxury on a family vacation. The kids club A+

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Daphne3 (WISCONSIN)
Date of Stay: 01/05/10 Review Submitted: 01/05/10

Thank you,Patti, for your honesty and integrity and your general concern for our vacation in the Dominican. I actually cried when we left-I wanted to move to there. First night we experienced a poolside party with a wonderful assortment of food, entertainment, and an interactive MC. We resided in a 3 bedroom 4 bath villa with a private pool and an always stock frige (soda, water, Presidente beer). A maid will prepare breakfast each morning or you can dine at the breakfast buffet. Numerous restaurants to chose from-our favorites were the Chinese and VIP. Wonderful tropical drinks. Beautiful VIP beach with lounge beds. AMAZING staff. I have never met such nice people in my life. Very attentive. Visited Ocean World and swam with the dolphins, played with sealions, and snorkeled in a coral and fish packed tank. Inexpensive country side tour-climbed and slide down seven waterfalls, lunch (included in cost of tour), visited a real Dominican family and toured their one bedroom home in which 13 people lived, made coffee with a mortar and pestle (had a sample too), saw city life (WILD drivers), visted a farm and fed cows and was educated on crops. Joined the farming family to taste the fruits of their labor. Went to the VIP party-roasted whole pig, sushi, made to order entress, side dishes, fresh fish, desserts. Entertainment. My son, 5, was called onto the stage and sang two song with the band. Fireworks. Went snorkeling in the bath-like waters of the Dominican. Beautiful people. Wonderful service. Awesome vacation. Patti-thank you for letting us know about Lifestyles!!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 10/16/09 Review Submitted: 10/15/09

Thanks for all. We had a great time. Villa 17 East was lovely and very private. The villa seemed to have all marble floors and was all white. The villa was cleaned each day with lots of extra towels as we requested. The sun was out every day and it only rained those two nights although it was enough to flood the VIP Pool the next day and caused quite a long blackout at night. It was amazing to watch the storm. We used the villa pool every day and the VIP Beach and Pool almost every day as well as the main pool. All were warm and clean. Food at VIP bar, beach and pool was good. Food at Indochine and Gourmet restaurants was very good. Drinks were amazing as was bar and wait staff everywhere. Over all a lovely villa and a great vacation. We will recommend to anyone interested in DR. Thanks for all your help.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 07/02/09 Review Submitted: 07/01/09

Patti We had a wonderful time on our vacation. The resort was beautiful and the staffs were fabulous. We stayed in villa #14a, which was actually a duplex. We really liked the backyard and pool. The golf cart was great and a really wonderful feature for getting around easily. It would have been an entirely different experience without it. We liked the Italian and Chinese restaurant. The Gourmet Restaurant was fun. We certainly enjoyed the Sunday party (went twice!) and the party at the Casino. The casino show was excellent. There was also some fun entertainment each evening at the Coliseum that we enjoyed, too. Overall, the resort was very nice. We went on the waterfall tour where you climb (and slide down) seven water falls...it was great and quite reasonable. We also did the City Tour which was fun, but too rushed. Other than that we just hung out at our villa and relaxed, read, took siestas and enjoyed ourselves. Your descriptions and advice were all very helpful and very accurate. Thank you so much for all your help in making this an enjoyable trip for us. If we decide to visit DR again we will certainly check with you again. Thanks much.

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Guest: Susan129 (Pittsburgh, PA)
Date of Stay: 06/22/09 Review Submitted: 06/22/09

Patti was so helpful in making our 25th wedding anniversay the perfect spot with her membershiop to Lifstyle Crown Villa's. Would like to thank her for all her help. We will tell only our bestfriend's!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 06/09/09 Review Submitted: 06/08/09

Patti, Our vacation was second to none. I appreciated all of your emails. The experience made my husband's 60th birthday truly spectacular. Thank you again, Sharon

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Royal Treatment

Guest: Nadie (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 05/31/09 Review Submitted: 09/29/09

Our vacation was the best royal treatment we have ever had. Thank you Patti for all that you did for us and also answering all our questions. We truly enjoyed our stay. The villa was clean and beautiful and the staff was amazing!!!! We regret not spending 2 weeks. I will tell only my best friends about you and the resort, how fantastic everybody was.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 10/28/08 Review Submitted: 10/27/08

Hi Patti We had a wonderful time on our vacation. Everything was exactly as you told us. The weather was beautiful during the day but it rained every night. The first VIP party was cancelled because of the rain but they had it the next night and it was GREAT! The First villa they gave us did not have a very nice view, the pool was facing the construction going on, as soon as I saw that I asked them if we can get another villa with a better view and they were very understanding and took us to Villa 53 which was very nice. Yes, we did go on some excursions. We went horseback riding, we rented a taxi which took us around town to the Cable car, rum factor, shopping and to a local restaurant. We also went to Ocean World and did the Dolphin Encounter (Very Nice). Went back that night to another VIP party saw the show and went to the Casino. We ate at the VIP Gourmet Restaurant, the food was good there and great wine, just like you said. Banana boating was allot of fun, but we realized we are getting old when we fell off 3 times and couldn't get back up and were very sore the next day. And then there was the sales pitch...trying to sell us a membership...our salesman was actually very nice, came to our villa, gave us allot of information, but did not pressure us. My friends were very impressed with our villa until they took us to the 7 bedroom villa....lol...it was amazing. We had a GREAT time and I want to thank you for being very honest with me about everything. When we want to go back we will definitely call you to rent your villa. Thanks again for a wonderful vacation!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 09/23/08 Review Submitted: 09/22/08

Thank you Patti for asking about our vacation. We have only good thigs to say about our wonderous time in the Dominican Republic. The mountains, good weather, gourmet food, nice people were just the tip of the iceberg. My family and I would like to thank you for giving us this opportunity to stay at your villa. We will share our good times with everyone we meet in the future.

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